KinSource - Tale of the Week - Took Several Shots At Auto's Occupants

KinSource

Minnesota Tales

The New Richland Star, September 1, 1916, p. 1

TOOK SEVERAL SHOTS AT AUTO'S OCCUPANTS

J. H. DISCHER THOUGHT YOUNG PEOPLE WERE CHICKEN THIEVES AND FIRED.

Suspicious on account of the numerous acts of chicken thieving that have been perpretrated in this vicinity of late, J. H. Discher, a well known and respected farmer residing a few miles northwest of New Richland, allowed his enthusiasm to get the better of his judgement last Monday night with the result that he took several shots at an auto load of innocent persons. Mr. Discher took it for granted that the young people were chicken thieves and blazed away.

The car which was made a target for Mr. Discher's broadsides belonged to Mrs. Chas. Olson, who with several of her sons and daughters resides on her farm several miles northeast of New Richland. The passengers were Louis and Ellen Olson, Clara Ruth, Edward, Alfred and Lettie Larson. The young people had been to Waseca and on their return were caught in the rain. They stopped at the side of the road near the Discher dwelling to fasten the mud chains on the car.

It is evident that the party made enough disturbance to arouse Mr. Discher from his slumbers, and that gentleman partially dressed himself and grabbing his trusty shotgun made for the open, convinced in his own mind that at last he had a chance at the hen-house marauders. At about that time the young people were ready to proceed on their journey, but their car worked badly and they were slow in getting away. The Star is informed that Mr. Discher called to them to stop, and when they did not do so he opened fire and sent several shots in the direction of the fleeing auto.

At least one or more of the charges was effective for not only was the body of the car pretty well plastered with shot marks but there were holes through the top. The girls ducked down in the seat and escaped being hit but their male companions each received his portion. Edward Larson exhibited a scar on his neck where one of the shots grazed the cuficle and he also received a shot in the back of the head. Alfred was hit in the back of the head and Louis Olson had a shot buried in his back.

Mr. Discher is a peacable citizen and regrets very much the occurrence with its accompanying notoriety. He met Wednesday afternoon with the parties fired upon in an endeavor to effect a settlement. While the terms, if any were agreed upon, have not been made public. It is quite certain that a settlement will be made out of court.

The negotiations for settlement are held up for the time being awaiting the action of the guardian of two of the Larsons, who are minors. Their home is at Eagle Grove, Iowa, and their guardian lives at that place.