News: Fairchild (26 Jul 1906)

Contact: Michelle Melcher
Email: michelle@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Harman, Carlson, Follette, Brockway, Arnold, Dauffenbach, Pflueger

----Source: Fairchild Observer (Fairchild, Wis.) 7/26/1906

Disgraceful Fight End in Death

Fred Harman, Emil Carlson and Bob Follette Engage in Fight Which Results in the Latter Fatally Wounding Harman’s Seven Year Old Child.

A most shocking affair took place on Tuesday P.M. just on the outskirts of the village, in the home occupied jointly by Fred Harman and family, Emil Carlson and Bob Follette. An altercation had occurred on the previous day causing ill feeling which grew in intensity until Tuesday afternoon about 12:30 it resulted in a “free for all” fight during which Bob Follette drew a revolver, in an attempt to defend himself, he alleges, when the weapon was discharged hitting the seven year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Harman in the head, just above the forehead. The child was brought to town in an unconscious condition and all that was possible done for its relief, but she died about 5:30 without regaining consciousness. Marshall Brockway promptly arrested the three men implicated, and they are now in jail, awaiting the disposal of the case at the preliminary examination to be held under District Attorney Arnold who came from Eau Claire, Tuesday evening, accompanied by Sheriff Dauffenbach.

A post-mortem was held by Dr. J.H. Pflueger of this place and the bullet found imbedded in the brain. At the time of going to press an inquest is being held. The funeral will take place today.