Iowa Old Press
Davenport Daily Leader
May 25, 1892
Justice Eagel's court was the scene of a trial at 2 o'clock today which arose out of a friendly shooting match at the Foresters park the other day. The pigeons not killed have a habit of fluttering over the fence when the neighboring boys use them as a target. Now the land directly north of the park belongs to J. LeClaire, whose renter had given Mr. Buergel of the Forester Park, instructions to keep the boys off his ground. This Mr. Buergel did as best he could using his strong right arm for the purpose. But the boys took offense at his unfriendly overtures and proceeded to wallp Mr. Buergel, succeeding fairly well. He had the two young men, by name Orris and Webb, arrested and taken before Justice LeClaire. That gentleman advised them to take a change of venue, the case coming off at 2 o'clock in Eagel's court.
Davenport Daily Leader
May 26, 1892
Turned the Tables
Prosecutor Becomes Prosecuted in the Shooting Case
The case against young Oris and Webb as given in yesterday's Leader resulted in their being bound over by Justice Eagel to appear before the next grand jury. Mr. Buergel the watchman of the Forrester's park during the shooting matches, was the prosecuting witness, while Mr. Kurtz who played the part of peacemaker was also implicated.
No sooner had the Justice given his decision than the young men caused the arrest of Buergel and Mr. Kurtz on the charge of assault and battery. The trial came off this morning again before Justice Eagel. A.P. McGuirk appearing for the state, with E.H. Hubbell for the defense. Mr. Kurtz who simply played the part of looker on and whose intentions were of the best, that of peacemaker, was dismissed after his testimony was taken. Hereafter Mr. Kurtz says they can fight to the finish before he will interfere with them. The dismissal did not apply to Buergel however for it was shown to the satisfaction of the Justice that he had been too officious in the discharge of duty. For this zeal he was given the fine of $1 and costs, a victory for the two boys or the state. They in the meantime will languish in Scott county's jail till bonds are furnished.
Submitted by C.J.L., Oct 2005