BRAINERD MEN IN QUARREL; ONE SHOT
___________
BRAINERD, Minn., Dec. 26.—A. L [sic]. Hagadorn, a stationary engineer, was fatally shot yesterday by Henry Towers, foreman painter in the Northern Pacific shops. The men had been quarreling and Towers went home, got a shotgun and shot Hagadorn in the lung.
Towers is in jail. Hagadorn is at the St. Joseph hospital and will die. (Minneapolis Tribune, 26 December 1906, p. 8)
SHOOTING AFFAIR
YESTERDAY
_____
Henry Towers Probably Fatally
Shot Al Hagadorn Yesterday
About Noon
_____
USED 10-GAUGE SHOT GUN
_____
Charge Took Effect in Hagadorn's
Side and His Condition is
Critical
What might easily have been murder took place yesterday shortly after noon when Henry Towers discharged a 10-gauge shot gun point blank at Al Hagadorn just at the corner of Kindred street and Second avenue. The shot took effect in Hagadorn's left side and the wound was thought to be necessarily fatal but he is reported today to have a chance for life.
The events which led up to the shooting as near as could be learned, were these. Hagadorn, together with his brother had previously had some trouble and when they met yesterday the quarrel was resumed. Hagadorn, according to Towers' story, knocked him down and Snell kicked him. Towers, who is an old man and small of stature became furious with rage and went home and got a 10-gauge shot gun and returned to Kindred street. Hagadorn was just going into McLean's saloon when Tower arrived on the scene and he fired at Hagadorn, the shot tearing through the storm door, shattering the latch and tearing away a good sized circle of the door. Hagadorn started down the street and got as far as Mrs. Hattie Walker's candy store when he staggered against the building and fell. He was taken into the store and a doctor and ambulance summoned, and he was taken to St. Joseph's hospital.
Towers walked to Hughes' saloon where he still was when Chief of Police McGivern arrived and took him into custody. Towers, who has been a resident of Brainerd for about 20 years is said to be usually of a peaceable disposition, but according to some he is of a high temper when he has had a drink or two. It is said that he had been drinking but was not noticeably under the influence of liquor. The Hagadorns, together with Geo. Snell and Frank Sturgeon, according to reports of people who had seen them on their way over from town, shortly before were noticeably under the influence of liquor and were quite noisy.
As Towers tells the story he was saying nothing to them when he was attacked. He does not yet seem to realize the enormity of his crime and besought friends who went to see him to get him out of the jail at once. Mr. Fleming, who has been retained as his attorney, states that he was struck on the head about ten days prior to the encounter and had been considered flighty ever since. Mr. Towers has a wife and grandson in East Brainerd and a son who is said to be in California and a daughter in Europe.
The stories of the encounter are said to be very conflicting and it is said that Miss Hazel Jones, who happened to be passing at the time was the only witness to the shooting outside of the three who were in Hagadorn's company.
While deploring the tragedy there was much sympathy expressed on the street for Mr. Towers, who has heretofore borne a first class reputation for industry and economy and was well liked by his employers. Those who saw him yesterday afternoon said that he did not appear at all natural and seemed not to realize that he had done anything other than he should. His wife has been sick for some time and it is only recently that she has been so as to be around and fears are felt that the worry and strain of the this affair will prove too great a strain for her health and that she will break down again. A small grandson, the son of their daughter who is traveling in Europe, is with her.
Fred Hagadorn, a brother of Al, who was one of the party and an eye witness of the affair, was seen by a DISPATCH reporter this morning. His story differs in some material points from Mr. Towers' version of the affair. He states that he and his brother with George Snell and Frank Sturgeon had been over town having a little Christmas celebration. Some weeks before he, Fred, and Towers had some trouble and Towers had pounded Fred. When the crowd met Towers on Kindred street Al wanted Fred to "smash" Towers. He refused and Al struck Towers and knocked him down but did not hurt him much. Towers got up and left. When asked as to Towers, statement that Snell kicked him when he was down, Fred said he did not see Snell kick him but he might have done it while he was trying to keep Al from hitting Towers again. Fred says they were walking up the street and right at the corner of McLean's saloon met Towers with the shot gun. They scattered, Al making for the saloon for shelter. According to Fred, Towers fired two shots, the first missing Al and the second striking him just as he was going into the door of the saloon.
Hagadorn is well known around town and is considered a good fellow except that he is sometimes quarrelsome when in liquor. He is a single man and has his mother, a brother and two sisters here, one brother in Moline and one in the west. The family have the sympathy of all.
Dr. Camp was seen this forenoon and stated that Hagadorn was in a precarious condition. There are 28 distinct shot wounds and how many, if any, of the shot penetrated the abdominal walls and what organs if any were struck is as yet uncertain. The reports that Hagadorn was spitting blood are denied by Dr. Camp, but says that his condition was apparently not good prior to the shooting, which lessens his chances.
LATER—Just as we go to press word is received that Hagadorn died at 1 o'clock. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch,26 December 1906, p. 3, c's. 1 & 2)
AL. HAGADORN
DIED WEDNESDAY
_____
Death Came at 4 O'clock that Af-
ternoon—Autopsy Held
That Evening
_____
TOWERS CHARGED WITH DEATH
_____
Inquest on Body of Hagadorn
Held at Morgue Thursday
Afternoon
As mentioned in Wednesday's DAILY DISPATCH, Al. Hagadorn, the man who was shot Christmas day by Henry Towers died from the effects of his wounds Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock. An autopsy was held by Dr. J. A. Thabes assisted by Dr. J. L. Camp and Dr. A. T. Batcheller Wednesday evening. The result showed that the right lobe of the liver was badly lacerated and one shot had perforated the intestines. The wounds were, according to the statement of one of the physicians, necessarily fatal and nothing could have been done in any way to avert death. An inquest is being held over the remains this afternoon by Coroner Gibson.
The charge of assault in the first degree against Towers was dismissed this morning and he was rearrested on the charge of murder in the first degree. The date of his hearing was set at 10 o'clock Saturday morning, and he was remanded to jail without bail. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 December 1906, p. 3, c. 1)
INQUEST HELD
THURSDAY P. M.
_____
Coroner Gibson Held Inquest
Over the Remains of Haga-
dorn Thursday
_____
DEATH AT HANDS OF TOWERS
_____
Such is the Verdict of the Jurors
In the Case—Grist of
Testimony
"We the jury find that the said A. Hagadorn came to his death on the 26th day of December, 1906, by reason of a gunshot wound inflicted on the body of him the said A. Hagadorn by Henry Towers, at the city of Brainerd, Crow Wing County, Minn., on the 25th day of December, 1906."
The inquest over the remains of Albert Hagadorn, the victim of Henry Towers' shot gun, was held at D. M. Clark & Co's. morgue Thursday afternoon. A jury was impanelled composed of John McCarthy, F. E. Kenney, John Cochran, T. Dwyer, Gus Raymond and Adam Brown. The first witness sworn was George Snell, one of the companions of Hagadorn. His evidence was substantially as follows:
I saw the trouble between Albert Hagadorn and Henry Towers on December 25th. I was with Hagadorn at East Brainerd in John Hughes' saloon. Hagadorn and Towers had some trouble. Mr. Towers left and we started to go home for dinner. On the corner by McLean's saloon Tower shot Hagadorn.
I first saw Hagadorn that day at home. We went down town together. We went to the postoffice and met his brother Fred and we went over to the Earl hotel and drank there. I first saw Towers at John Hughes' saloon in East Brainerd. Albert and Fred Hagdorn, Wm. Smith and myself were together. Went there about 11 o'clock. Albert Hagadorn and Towers had some trouble I don't know what words they had. Hagadorn talked some. I heard Towers and him say something and then Al. and Towers were fighting in the saloon. Not much was said. I believe Al. hit him and he fell on the floor, and Fred took Al. and Towers went out of doors. Did not hear conversation. Could not say where Hagadorn hit him. Fred took hold of Albert and Towers went out of doors. Fred took Albert off. He only struck him once that I saw. I did not strike or kick Towers after Hagadorn knocked him down. Did not participate in the fight. I said to Fred, "Let him (Albert) alone." Towers remained on the floor about a minute. Towers did not say anything during the quarrel that I heard. Said something while down but don't remember what. Towers went out, but do not know which door. Did not hear him say anything; did not pay any attention. The only persons there were Fred and Albert Hagadorn, Smith and myself. I did not see Albert drink anything. Smith and I drank a glass of beer each. Had drank a glass of beer in each place visited, but none were under the influence of liquor so far as I could see.
I said "come on boys, we will go home and have a good dinner and afterwards if we want to we will go out some more." This was about twenty or thirty minutes after Towers left. We did not drink anything more. We went out of the front door and went east on the north side of Kindred street. We went to McLean's saloon at the corner of the block. After we got there Towers came around the corner and said, "i've got you," and shot. He came from home I suppose. When I first saw him he came around the corner of the saloon. When he came around the corner we four were between Ebinger's shoe store and the saloon. Smith and I were partly ahead, Fred an Al. were behind three or four feet, about ten feet from the corner. Smith and I were in front. Towers said, "I've got you now," I don't know who he was taking to. He was looking toward Al. Al. was not in front of the saloon about on the side.
Towers had a shot gun in his hand. Could not say if it was single or double barreled shot gun. Knew it was a shot gun because I saw it. Could not say how he held it; partly to his shoulder. I started to go around the saloon. Albert started to go into the saloon when Towers shot. Towers held gun to shoulder pointing toward Albert. He shot just once. The shot struck Albert. Towers stood close to telephone post just off the sidewalk The sidewalk was about the same width as here (in front of Clark & Co's.). Albert just turned to go in the door when he was shot. We went down to Hattie Walker's store, Fred and I, to Walker's store. Al. went before we did, after he was shot. We went two or three minutes after him. I was not in sight of him. Did not know then that he had been shot. There were no one present in view of shooting except those mentioned. I saw Al. go down toward candy store. Saw him go down street and Fred went down and he was there. Did not see him go in. One of the boys came out and called us. I think it was Frank Halladay.
Albert was on a cot in the back of the candy store. Can't say who called doctors and ambulance. Doctors Thabes and Camp were called. They came in about a half an hour. They made an examination. Stayed about ten minutes. Al. was removed in the ambulance. I was there and the doctors were there when he was removed in the ambulance. I did not help put him in the ambulance.
I came from his home with Al. and was with him all the time until he was shot. Nothing occurred to injure him in any way before the shooting. I heard Towers say nothing. Had trouble in Hughes' saloon. Quarrel was not settled and they had not talked friendly before Towers left.
Attorney Fleming took the witness over practically the same ground and he told the same story. Fleming tried to to get Snell to admit that he struck or kicked Towers, but without success. Snell admitted drinking a glass of beer in each place, but was not intoxicated.
ANTON CLAUS
Anton Claus was next sworn. He testified as follows:
Am a bartender in McLean's saloon. Was on duty there December 25th. Heard a crash that sounded like somebody fell through a window. It was a few minutes after 12. Went to the door and pushed open the storm door. Saw Fred Hagadorn and Towers standing on the sidewalk between the saloon and the shoe store. They were talking—were a little west of the saloon. Towers had a gun in his hand. Could not say whether it was a shotgun or a rifle. Did not see Albert.
It was a minute or a minute and a half after I heard the crash that I went to the door. Towers did not say or do anything and I did not know anyone had been shot.
FRED HAGADORN
Fred Hagadorn, a brother of the deceased was then sworn and testified as follows:
Heard the evidence of George Snell. Was with him. Went the rounds with him and Albert, went down town and to East Brainerd. First place in East Brainerd we went to was John Hughes' saloon. Towers was there. Al., Snell, Wm. Smith and a man named George Horn, a farmer living near Rabbit lake, were there. He was with us—we met him. I think the bartender was Henry Betzold. My brother saw Towers and said, "There he is, go after him." Al. spoke to me. This was the first thing Al. said in the presence of Towers. He and Al. got into a scuffle. Al. went after him first thing. I said, "Let him go." When I said, "Let him go," Al. went after him himself. Towers fell; I saw him fall on the floor. I caught hold of Al. and pulled him off. Something was said between Al. and Towers, but I can't tell what. As soon as they both spoke they came together. I pulled Al. off. Al. did not hit him but once. Towers remained on the floor ten or fifteen seconds. He looked up when he was down. I said, "Don't hit him," and pulled my brother off. Sometimes he was close to him. I had a scuffle with my brother to get him away. Was in sight of Towers all the time. Don't know if anyone else struck or kicked him. Did not see him get up. Was holding my brother and when I looked around he was gone. Did not know which way he went.
That was the first time that day I had seen Towers. Had had some trouble with him before, about the last of October. He talked with Al. about that trouble. After Towers went we talked it over. We stayed in Hughes' saloon about ten or fifteen minutes. Then we went away out of the front door. Horn went out before Towers left. We four went out after Towers left. We went east toward the corner. Might have been two by two or part of the time all in a row. Encountered Towers when we came to the corner. Saw Towers standing by the telephone pole at the corner of Kindred street and Second avenue. He was by the pole. That was first I saw of him. Don't know where he came from. He had a gun in his hands this way (indicating) in front of him. Was not ten feet from him when I saw him. He was moving when I first saw him and took a position by the telegraph pole. Did not say anything. I said, "Al., run." I said to him "Don't." Just then he fired. Al. was at McLean's door. Gun was pointed at Al. He fired. Don't know whether he said anything or not. Did not see other two, only Towers and Al. Others had scattered. After shot was fired Towers took aim at somebody in the alley west of McLean's saloon. Towers had gone 20 or 30 feet west. Had gun at the shoulder. I started for Towers and said, "For God sake don't shoot again." Then I went into McLean's saloon and was there for a minute and came out. Went to Hattie Sturgeon's [sic] store. Thought Al. had been shot but did not know. Two or three went along. Someone said Al. was there. Doctors Camp and Thabes were there. He was taken to the hospital probably 20 minutes or half an hour after he went in.
Attorney Fleming took the witness over the same ground without materially changing his story.
J. J. NOLAN
J. J. Nolan was sworn and testified that he was delivering mail that day. He saw someone that resembled Towers going toward Towers' home shortly after noon. A few minutes afterwards Towers passed him going toward the place of shooting with his gun in his hand. He passed the time of day with Towers. The man he saw going toward Towers' home looked like Towers and he believed it was he but could not swear to it. It was about five minutes from the time he saw the man going towards Towers' residence until Towers passed him.
JOHN WALLACE
John Wallace was sworn and testified that he saw Towers go past the Wallace residence on his way home and saw him go back with the gun. He heard the report and went down to the candy store where A. was. His home was two blocks from the saloon.
DR. THABES
Dr. Thabes, who conducted the autopsy, was sworn and testified that death was caused by the gun shot wound, the liver being badly lacerated and one shot penetrating the intestines.
The jury then returned a verdict as above. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 December 1906, p. 3, c's. 3-5) [Contributed by John Van Essen]
Henry Towers was sentenced to 25 years at hard labor on the 21st day of January, 1907. Towers' crime was the shooting of Albert Hagadorn on Christmas day, 1906, after a saloon row in which Towers was assaulted by Hagadorn. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 December 1907, p. 3, c. 4)
HAGADORN, ALBERT
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth: NY
Date of Death: 26 DEC 1906
County of Death: CROW WING
Mother Maiden Name: GRIGS [sic] [GRIGGS]
CERTID# 1906-45A-2682
___________
BRAINERD, Minn., Dec. 26.—A. L [sic]. Hagadorn, a stationary engineer, was fatally shot yesterday by Henry Towers, foreman painter in the Northern Pacific shops. The men had been quarreling and Towers went home, got a shotgun and shot Hagadorn in the lung.
Towers is in jail. Hagadorn is at the St. Joseph hospital and will die. (Minneapolis Tribune, 26 December 1906, p. 8)
SHOOTING AFFAIR
YESTERDAY
_____
Henry Towers Probably Fatally
Shot Al Hagadorn Yesterday
About Noon
_____
USED 10-GAUGE SHOT GUN
_____
Charge Took Effect in Hagadorn's
Side and His Condition is
Critical
What might easily have been murder took place yesterday shortly after noon when Henry Towers discharged a 10-gauge shot gun point blank at Al Hagadorn just at the corner of Kindred street and Second avenue. The shot took effect in Hagadorn's left side and the wound was thought to be necessarily fatal but he is reported today to have a chance for life.
The events which led up to the shooting as near as could be learned, were these. Hagadorn, together with his brother had previously had some trouble and when they met yesterday the quarrel was resumed. Hagadorn, according to Towers' story, knocked him down and Snell kicked him. Towers, who is an old man and small of stature became furious with rage and went home and got a 10-gauge shot gun and returned to Kindred street. Hagadorn was just going into McLean's saloon when Tower arrived on the scene and he fired at Hagadorn, the shot tearing through the storm door, shattering the latch and tearing away a good sized circle of the door. Hagadorn started down the street and got as far as Mrs. Hattie Walker's candy store when he staggered against the building and fell. He was taken into the store and a doctor and ambulance summoned, and he was taken to St. Joseph's hospital.
Towers walked to Hughes' saloon where he still was when Chief of Police McGivern arrived and took him into custody. Towers, who has been a resident of Brainerd for about 20 years is said to be usually of a peaceable disposition, but according to some he is of a high temper when he has had a drink or two. It is said that he had been drinking but was not noticeably under the influence of liquor. The Hagadorns, together with Geo. Snell and Frank Sturgeon, according to reports of people who had seen them on their way over from town, shortly before were noticeably under the influence of liquor and were quite noisy.
As Towers tells the story he was saying nothing to them when he was attacked. He does not yet seem to realize the enormity of his crime and besought friends who went to see him to get him out of the jail at once. Mr. Fleming, who has been retained as his attorney, states that he was struck on the head about ten days prior to the encounter and had been considered flighty ever since. Mr. Towers has a wife and grandson in East Brainerd and a son who is said to be in California and a daughter in Europe.
The stories of the encounter are said to be very conflicting and it is said that Miss Hazel Jones, who happened to be passing at the time was the only witness to the shooting outside of the three who were in Hagadorn's company.
While deploring the tragedy there was much sympathy expressed on the street for Mr. Towers, who has heretofore borne a first class reputation for industry and economy and was well liked by his employers. Those who saw him yesterday afternoon said that he did not appear at all natural and seemed not to realize that he had done anything other than he should. His wife has been sick for some time and it is only recently that she has been so as to be around and fears are felt that the worry and strain of the this affair will prove too great a strain for her health and that she will break down again. A small grandson, the son of their daughter who is traveling in Europe, is with her.
Fred Hagadorn, a brother of Al, who was one of the party and an eye witness of the affair, was seen by a DISPATCH reporter this morning. His story differs in some material points from Mr. Towers' version of the affair. He states that he and his brother with George Snell and Frank Sturgeon had been over town having a little Christmas celebration. Some weeks before he, Fred, and Towers had some trouble and Towers had pounded Fred. When the crowd met Towers on Kindred street Al wanted Fred to "smash" Towers. He refused and Al struck Towers and knocked him down but did not hurt him much. Towers got up and left. When asked as to Towers, statement that Snell kicked him when he was down, Fred said he did not see Snell kick him but he might have done it while he was trying to keep Al from hitting Towers again. Fred says they were walking up the street and right at the corner of McLean's saloon met Towers with the shot gun. They scattered, Al making for the saloon for shelter. According to Fred, Towers fired two shots, the first missing Al and the second striking him just as he was going into the door of the saloon.
Hagadorn is well known around town and is considered a good fellow except that he is sometimes quarrelsome when in liquor. He is a single man and has his mother, a brother and two sisters here, one brother in Moline and one in the west. The family have the sympathy of all.
Dr. Camp was seen this forenoon and stated that Hagadorn was in a precarious condition. There are 28 distinct shot wounds and how many, if any, of the shot penetrated the abdominal walls and what organs if any were struck is as yet uncertain. The reports that Hagadorn was spitting blood are denied by Dr. Camp, but says that his condition was apparently not good prior to the shooting, which lessens his chances.
LATER—Just as we go to press word is received that Hagadorn died at 1 o'clock. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch,26 December 1906, p. 3, c's. 1 & 2)
AL. HAGADORN
DIED WEDNESDAY
_____
Death Came at 4 O'clock that Af-
ternoon—Autopsy Held
That Evening
_____
TOWERS CHARGED WITH DEATH
_____
Inquest on Body of Hagadorn
Held at Morgue Thursday
Afternoon
As mentioned in Wednesday's DAILY DISPATCH, Al. Hagadorn, the man who was shot Christmas day by Henry Towers died from the effects of his wounds Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock. An autopsy was held by Dr. J. A. Thabes assisted by Dr. J. L. Camp and Dr. A. T. Batcheller Wednesday evening. The result showed that the right lobe of the liver was badly lacerated and one shot had perforated the intestines. The wounds were, according to the statement of one of the physicians, necessarily fatal and nothing could have been done in any way to avert death. An inquest is being held over the remains this afternoon by Coroner Gibson.
The charge of assault in the first degree against Towers was dismissed this morning and he was rearrested on the charge of murder in the first degree. The date of his hearing was set at 10 o'clock Saturday morning, and he was remanded to jail without bail. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 December 1906, p. 3, c. 1)
INQUEST HELD
THURSDAY P. M.
_____
Coroner Gibson Held Inquest
Over the Remains of Haga-
dorn Thursday
_____
DEATH AT HANDS OF TOWERS
_____
Such is the Verdict of the Jurors
In the Case—Grist of
Testimony
"We the jury find that the said A. Hagadorn came to his death on the 26th day of December, 1906, by reason of a gunshot wound inflicted on the body of him the said A. Hagadorn by Henry Towers, at the city of Brainerd, Crow Wing County, Minn., on the 25th day of December, 1906."
The inquest over the remains of Albert Hagadorn, the victim of Henry Towers' shot gun, was held at D. M. Clark & Co's. morgue Thursday afternoon. A jury was impanelled composed of John McCarthy, F. E. Kenney, John Cochran, T. Dwyer, Gus Raymond and Adam Brown. The first witness sworn was George Snell, one of the companions of Hagadorn. His evidence was substantially as follows:
I saw the trouble between Albert Hagadorn and Henry Towers on December 25th. I was with Hagadorn at East Brainerd in John Hughes' saloon. Hagadorn and Towers had some trouble. Mr. Towers left and we started to go home for dinner. On the corner by McLean's saloon Tower shot Hagadorn.
I first saw Hagadorn that day at home. We went down town together. We went to the postoffice and met his brother Fred and we went over to the Earl hotel and drank there. I first saw Towers at John Hughes' saloon in East Brainerd. Albert and Fred Hagdorn, Wm. Smith and myself were together. Went there about 11 o'clock. Albert Hagadorn and Towers had some trouble I don't know what words they had. Hagadorn talked some. I heard Towers and him say something and then Al. and Towers were fighting in the saloon. Not much was said. I believe Al. hit him and he fell on the floor, and Fred took Al. and Towers went out of doors. Did not hear conversation. Could not say where Hagadorn hit him. Fred took hold of Albert and Towers went out of doors. Fred took Albert off. He only struck him once that I saw. I did not strike or kick Towers after Hagadorn knocked him down. Did not participate in the fight. I said to Fred, "Let him (Albert) alone." Towers remained on the floor about a minute. Towers did not say anything during the quarrel that I heard. Said something while down but don't remember what. Towers went out, but do not know which door. Did not hear him say anything; did not pay any attention. The only persons there were Fred and Albert Hagadorn, Smith and myself. I did not see Albert drink anything. Smith and I drank a glass of beer each. Had drank a glass of beer in each place visited, but none were under the influence of liquor so far as I could see.
I said "come on boys, we will go home and have a good dinner and afterwards if we want to we will go out some more." This was about twenty or thirty minutes after Towers left. We did not drink anything more. We went out of the front door and went east on the north side of Kindred street. We went to McLean's saloon at the corner of the block. After we got there Towers came around the corner and said, "i've got you," and shot. He came from home I suppose. When I first saw him he came around the corner of the saloon. When he came around the corner we four were between Ebinger's shoe store and the saloon. Smith and I were partly ahead, Fred an Al. were behind three or four feet, about ten feet from the corner. Smith and I were in front. Towers said, "I've got you now," I don't know who he was taking to. He was looking toward Al. Al. was not in front of the saloon about on the side.
Towers had a shot gun in his hand. Could not say if it was single or double barreled shot gun. Knew it was a shot gun because I saw it. Could not say how he held it; partly to his shoulder. I started to go around the saloon. Albert started to go into the saloon when Towers shot. Towers held gun to shoulder pointing toward Albert. He shot just once. The shot struck Albert. Towers stood close to telephone post just off the sidewalk The sidewalk was about the same width as here (in front of Clark & Co's.). Albert just turned to go in the door when he was shot. We went down to Hattie Walker's store, Fred and I, to Walker's store. Al. went before we did, after he was shot. We went two or three minutes after him. I was not in sight of him. Did not know then that he had been shot. There were no one present in view of shooting except those mentioned. I saw Al. go down toward candy store. Saw him go down street and Fred went down and he was there. Did not see him go in. One of the boys came out and called us. I think it was Frank Halladay.
Albert was on a cot in the back of the candy store. Can't say who called doctors and ambulance. Doctors Thabes and Camp were called. They came in about a half an hour. They made an examination. Stayed about ten minutes. Al. was removed in the ambulance. I was there and the doctors were there when he was removed in the ambulance. I did not help put him in the ambulance.
I came from his home with Al. and was with him all the time until he was shot. Nothing occurred to injure him in any way before the shooting. I heard Towers say nothing. Had trouble in Hughes' saloon. Quarrel was not settled and they had not talked friendly before Towers left.
Attorney Fleming took the witness over practically the same ground and he told the same story. Fleming tried to to get Snell to admit that he struck or kicked Towers, but without success. Snell admitted drinking a glass of beer in each place, but was not intoxicated.
ANTON CLAUS
Anton Claus was next sworn. He testified as follows:
Am a bartender in McLean's saloon. Was on duty there December 25th. Heard a crash that sounded like somebody fell through a window. It was a few minutes after 12. Went to the door and pushed open the storm door. Saw Fred Hagadorn and Towers standing on the sidewalk between the saloon and the shoe store. They were talking—were a little west of the saloon. Towers had a gun in his hand. Could not say whether it was a shotgun or a rifle. Did not see Albert.
It was a minute or a minute and a half after I heard the crash that I went to the door. Towers did not say or do anything and I did not know anyone had been shot.
FRED HAGADORN
Fred Hagadorn, a brother of the deceased was then sworn and testified as follows:
Heard the evidence of George Snell. Was with him. Went the rounds with him and Albert, went down town and to East Brainerd. First place in East Brainerd we went to was John Hughes' saloon. Towers was there. Al., Snell, Wm. Smith and a man named George Horn, a farmer living near Rabbit lake, were there. He was with us—we met him. I think the bartender was Henry Betzold. My brother saw Towers and said, "There he is, go after him." Al. spoke to me. This was the first thing Al. said in the presence of Towers. He and Al. got into a scuffle. Al. went after him first thing. I said, "Let him go." When I said, "Let him go," Al. went after him himself. Towers fell; I saw him fall on the floor. I caught hold of Al. and pulled him off. Something was said between Al. and Towers, but I can't tell what. As soon as they both spoke they came together. I pulled Al. off. Al. did not hit him but once. Towers remained on the floor ten or fifteen seconds. He looked up when he was down. I said, "Don't hit him," and pulled my brother off. Sometimes he was close to him. I had a scuffle with my brother to get him away. Was in sight of Towers all the time. Don't know if anyone else struck or kicked him. Did not see him get up. Was holding my brother and when I looked around he was gone. Did not know which way he went.
That was the first time that day I had seen Towers. Had had some trouble with him before, about the last of October. He talked with Al. about that trouble. After Towers went we talked it over. We stayed in Hughes' saloon about ten or fifteen minutes. Then we went away out of the front door. Horn went out before Towers left. We four went out after Towers left. We went east toward the corner. Might have been two by two or part of the time all in a row. Encountered Towers when we came to the corner. Saw Towers standing by the telephone pole at the corner of Kindred street and Second avenue. He was by the pole. That was first I saw of him. Don't know where he came from. He had a gun in his hands this way (indicating) in front of him. Was not ten feet from him when I saw him. He was moving when I first saw him and took a position by the telegraph pole. Did not say anything. I said, "Al., run." I said to him "Don't." Just then he fired. Al. was at McLean's door. Gun was pointed at Al. He fired. Don't know whether he said anything or not. Did not see other two, only Towers and Al. Others had scattered. After shot was fired Towers took aim at somebody in the alley west of McLean's saloon. Towers had gone 20 or 30 feet west. Had gun at the shoulder. I started for Towers and said, "For God sake don't shoot again." Then I went into McLean's saloon and was there for a minute and came out. Went to Hattie Sturgeon's [sic] store. Thought Al. had been shot but did not know. Two or three went along. Someone said Al. was there. Doctors Camp and Thabes were there. He was taken to the hospital probably 20 minutes or half an hour after he went in.
Attorney Fleming took the witness over the same ground without materially changing his story.
J. J. NOLAN
J. J. Nolan was sworn and testified that he was delivering mail that day. He saw someone that resembled Towers going toward Towers' home shortly after noon. A few minutes afterwards Towers passed him going toward the place of shooting with his gun in his hand. He passed the time of day with Towers. The man he saw going toward Towers' home looked like Towers and he believed it was he but could not swear to it. It was about five minutes from the time he saw the man going towards Towers' residence until Towers passed him.
JOHN WALLACE
John Wallace was sworn and testified that he saw Towers go past the Wallace residence on his way home and saw him go back with the gun. He heard the report and went down to the candy store where A. was. His home was two blocks from the saloon.
DR. THABES
Dr. Thabes, who conducted the autopsy, was sworn and testified that death was caused by the gun shot wound, the liver being badly lacerated and one shot penetrating the intestines.
The jury then returned a verdict as above. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 December 1906, p. 3, c's. 3-5) [Contributed by John Van Essen]
Henry Towers was sentenced to 25 years at hard labor on the 21st day of January, 1907. Towers' crime was the shooting of Albert Hagadorn on Christmas day, 1906, after a saloon row in which Towers was assaulted by Hagadorn. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 December 1907, p. 3, c. 4)
HAGADORN, ALBERT
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth: NY
Date of Death: 26 DEC 1906
County of Death: CROW WING
Mother Maiden Name: GRIGS [sic] [GRIGGS]
CERTID# 1906-45A-2682
BRAINERD MEN IN QUARREL; ONE SHOT
___________
BRAINERD, Minn., Dec. 26.—A. L [sic]. Hagadorn, a stationary engineer, was fatally shot yesterday by Henry Towers, foreman painter in the Northern Pacific shops. The men had been quarreling and Towers went home, got a shotgun and shot Hagadorn in the lung.
Towers is in jail. Hagadorn is at the St. Joseph hospital and will die. (Minneapolis Tribune, 26 December 1906, p. 8)
SHOOTING AFFAIR
YESTERDAY
_____
Henry Towers Probably Fatally
Shot Al Hagadorn Yesterday
About Noon
_____
USED 10-GAUGE SHOT GUN
_____
Charge Took Effect in Hagadorn's
Side and His Condition is
Critical
What might easily have been murder took place yesterday shortly after noon when Henry Towers discharged a 10-gauge shot gun point blank at Al Hagadorn just at the corner of Kindred street and Second avenue. The shot took effect in Hagadorn's left side and the wound was thought to be necessarily fatal but he is reported today to have a chance for life.
The events which led up to the shooting as near as could be learned, were these. Hagadorn, together with his brother had previously had some trouble and when they met yesterday the quarrel was resumed. Hagadorn, according to Towers' story, knocked him down and Snell kicked him. Towers, who is an old man and small of stature became furious with rage and went home and got a 10-gauge shot gun and returned to Kindred street. Hagadorn was just going into McLean's saloon when Tower arrived on the scene and he fired at Hagadorn, the shot tearing through the storm door, shattering the latch and tearing away a good sized circle of the door. Hagadorn started down the street and got as far as Mrs. Hattie Walker's candy store when he staggered against the building and fell. He was taken into the store and a doctor and ambulance summoned, and he was taken to St. Joseph's hospital.
Towers walked to Hughes' saloon where he still was when Chief of Police McGivern arrived and took him into custody. Towers, who has been a resident of Brainerd for about 20 years is said to be usually of a peaceable disposition, but according to some he is of a high temper when he has had a drink or two. It is said that he had been drinking but was not noticeably under the influence of liquor. The Hagadorns, together with Geo. Snell and Frank Sturgeon, according to reports of people who had seen them on their way over from town, shortly before were noticeably under the influence of liquor and were quite noisy.
As Towers tells the story he was saying nothing to them when he was attacked. He does not yet seem to realize the enormity of his crime and besought friends who went to see him to get him out of the jail at once. Mr. Fleming, who has been retained as his attorney, states that he was struck on the head about ten days prior to the encounter and had been considered flighty ever since. Mr. Towers has a wife and grandson in East Brainerd and a son who is said to be in California and a daughter in Europe.
The stories of the encounter are said to be very conflicting and it is said that Miss Hazel Jones, who happened to be passing at the time was the only witness to the shooting outside of the three who were in Hagadorn's company.
While deploring the tragedy there was much sympathy expressed on the street for Mr. Towers, who has heretofore borne a first class reputation for industry and economy and was well liked by his employers. Those who saw him yesterday afternoon said that he did not appear at all natural and seemed not to realize that he had done anything other than he should. His wife has been sick for some time and it is only recently that she has been so as to be around and fears are felt that the worry and strain of the this affair will prove too great a strain for her health and that she will break down again. A small grandson, the son of their daughter who is traveling in Europe, is with her.
Fred Hagadorn, a brother of Al, who was one of the party and an eye witness of the affair, was seen by a DISPATCH reporter this morning. His story differs in some material points from Mr. Towers' version of the affair. He states that he and his brother with George Snell and Frank Sturgeon had been over town having a little Christmas celebration. Some weeks before he, Fred, and Towers had some trouble and Towers had pounded Fred. When the crowd met Towers on Kindred street Al wanted Fred to "smash" Towers. He refused and Al struck Towers and knocked him down but did not hurt him much. Towers got up and left. When asked as to Towers, statement that Snell kicked him when he was down, Fred said he did not see Snell kick him but he might have done it while he was trying to keep Al from hitting Towers again. Fred says they were walking up the street and right at the corner of McLean's saloon met Towers with the shot gun. They scattered, Al making for the saloon for shelter. According to Fred, Towers fired two shots, the first missing Al and the second striking him just as he was going into the door of the saloon.
Hagadorn is well known around town and is considered a good fellow except that he is sometimes quarrelsome when in liquor. He is a single man and has his mother, a brother and two sisters here, one brother in Moline and one in the west. The family have the sympathy of all.
Dr. Camp was seen this forenoon and stated that Hagadorn was in a precarious condition. There are 28 distinct shot wounds and how many, if any, of the shot penetrated the abdominal walls and what organs if any were struck is as yet uncertain. The reports that Hagadorn was spitting blood are denied by Dr. Camp, but says that his condition was apparently not good prior to the shooting, which lessens his chances.
LATER—Just as we go to press word is received that Hagadorn died at 1 o'clock. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch,26 December 1906, p. 3, c's. 1 & 2)
AL. HAGADORN
DIED WEDNESDAY
_____
Death Came at 4 O'clock that Af-
ternoon—Autopsy Held
That Evening
_____
TOWERS CHARGED WITH DEATH
_____
Inquest on Body of Hagadorn
Held at Morgue Thursday
Afternoon
As mentioned in Wednesday's DAILY DISPATCH, Al. Hagadorn, the man who was shot Christmas day by Henry Towers died from the effects of his wounds Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock. An autopsy was held by Dr. J. A. Thabes assisted by Dr. J. L. Camp and Dr. A. T. Batcheller Wednesday evening. The result showed that the right lobe of the liver was badly lacerated and one shot had perforated the intestines. The wounds were, according to the statement of one of the physicians, necessarily fatal and nothing could have been done in any way to avert death. An inquest is being held over the remains this afternoon by Coroner Gibson.
The charge of assault in the first degree against Towers was dismissed this morning and he was rearrested on the charge of murder in the first degree. The date of his hearing was set at 10 o'clock Saturday morning, and he was remanded to jail without bail. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 December 1906, p. 3, c. 1)
INQUEST HELD
THURSDAY P. M.
_____
Coroner Gibson Held Inquest
Over the Remains of Haga-
dorn Thursday
_____
DEATH AT HANDS OF TOWERS
_____
Such is the Verdict of the Jurors
In the Case—Grist of
Testimony
"We the jury find that the said A. Hagadorn came to his death on the 26th day of December, 1906, by reason of a gunshot wound inflicted on the body of him the said A. Hagadorn by Henry Towers, at the city of Brainerd, Crow Wing County, Minn., on the 25th day of December, 1906."
The inquest over the remains of Albert Hagadorn, the victim of Henry Towers' shot gun, was held at D. M. Clark & Co's. morgue Thursday afternoon. A jury was impanelled composed of John McCarthy, F. E. Kenney, John Cochran, T. Dwyer, Gus Raymond and Adam Brown. The first witness sworn was George Snell, one of the companions of Hagadorn. His evidence was substantially as follows:
I saw the trouble between Albert Hagadorn and Henry Towers on December 25th. I was with Hagadorn at East Brainerd in John Hughes' saloon. Hagadorn and Towers had some trouble. Mr. Towers left and we started to go home for dinner. On the corner by McLean's saloon Tower shot Hagadorn.
I first saw Hagadorn that day at home. We went down town together. We went to the postoffice and met his brother Fred and we went over to the Earl hotel and drank there. I first saw Towers at John Hughes' saloon in East Brainerd. Albert and Fred Hagdorn, Wm. Smith and myself were together. Went there about 11 o'clock. Albert Hagadorn and Towers had some trouble I don't know what words they had. Hagadorn talked some. I heard Towers and him say something and then Al. and Towers were fighting in the saloon. Not much was said. I believe Al. hit him and he fell on the floor, and Fred took Al. and Towers went out of doors. Did not hear conversation. Could not say where Hagadorn hit him. Fred took hold of Albert and Towers went out of doors. Fred took Albert off. He only struck him once that I saw. I did not strike or kick Towers after Hagadorn knocked him down. Did not participate in the fight. I said to Fred, "Let him (Albert) alone." Towers remained on the floor about a minute. Towers did not say anything during the quarrel that I heard. Said something while down but don't remember what. Towers went out, but do not know which door. Did not hear him say anything; did not pay any attention. The only persons there were Fred and Albert Hagadorn, Smith and myself. I did not see Albert drink anything. Smith and I drank a glass of beer each. Had drank a glass of beer in each place visited, but none were under the influence of liquor so far as I could see.
I said "come on boys, we will go home and have a good dinner and afterwards if we want to we will go out some more." This was about twenty or thirty minutes after Towers left. We did not drink anything more. We went out of the front door and went east on the north side of Kindred street. We went to McLean's saloon at the corner of the block. After we got there Towers came around the corner and said, "i've got you," and shot. He came from home I suppose. When I first saw him he came around the corner of the saloon. When he came around the corner we four were between Ebinger's shoe store and the saloon. Smith and I were partly ahead, Fred an Al. were behind three or four feet, about ten feet from the corner. Smith and I were in front. Towers said, "I've got you now," I don't know who he was taking to. He was looking toward Al. Al. was not in front of the saloon about on the side.
Towers had a shot gun in his hand. Could not say if it was single or double barreled shot gun. Knew it was a shot gun because I saw it. Could not say how he held it; partly to his shoulder. I started to go around the saloon. Albert started to go into the saloon when Towers shot. Towers held gun to shoulder pointing toward Albert. He shot just once. The shot struck Albert. Towers stood close to telephone post just off the sidewalk The sidewalk was about the same width as here (in front of Clark & Co's.). Albert just turned to go in the door when he was shot. We went down to Hattie Walker's store, Fred and I, to Walker's store. Al. went before we did, after he was shot. We went two or three minutes after him. I was not in sight of him. Did not know then that he had been shot. There were no one present in view of shooting except those mentioned. I saw Al. go down toward candy store. Saw him go down street and Fred went down and he was there. Did not see him go in. One of the boys came out and called us. I think it was Frank Halladay.
Albert was on a cot in the back of the candy store. Can't say who called doctors and ambulance. Doctors Thabes and Camp were called. They came in about a half an hour. They made an examination. Stayed about ten minutes. Al. was removed in the ambulance. I was there and the doctors were there when he was removed in the ambulance. I did not help put him in the ambulance.
I came from his home with Al. and was with him all the time until he was shot. Nothing occurred to injure him in any way before the shooting. I heard Towers say nothing. Had trouble in Hughes' saloon. Quarrel was not settled and they had not talked friendly before Towers left.
Attorney Fleming took the witness over practically the same ground and he told the same story. Fleming tried to to get Snell to admit that he struck or kicked Towers, but without success. Snell admitted drinking a glass of beer in each place, but was not intoxicated.
ANTON CLAUS
Anton Claus was next sworn. He testified as follows:
Am a bartender in McLean's saloon. Was on duty there December 25th. Heard a crash that sounded like somebody fell through a window. It was a few minutes after 12. Went to the door and pushed open the storm door. Saw Fred Hagadorn and Towers standing on the sidewalk between the saloon and the shoe store. They were talking—were a little west of the saloon. Towers had a gun in his hand. Could not say whether it was a shotgun or a rifle. Did not see Albert.
It was a minute or a minute and a half after I heard the crash that I went to the door. Towers did not say or do anything and I did not know anyone had been shot.
FRED HAGADORN
Fred Hagadorn, a brother of the deceased was then sworn and testified as follows:
Heard the evidence of George Snell. Was with him. Went the rounds with him and Albert, went down town and to East Brainerd. First place in East Brainerd we went to was John Hughes' saloon. Towers was there. Al., Snell, Wm. Smith and a man named George Horn, a farmer living near Rabbit lake, were there. He was with us—we met him. I think the bartender was Henry Betzold. My brother saw Towers and said, "There he is, go after him." Al. spoke to me. This was the first thing Al. said in the presence of Towers. He and Al. got into a scuffle. Al. went after him first thing. I said, "Let him go." When I said, "Let him go," Al. went after him himself. Towers fell; I saw him fall on the floor. I caught hold of Al. and pulled him off. Something was said between Al. and Towers, but I can't tell what. As soon as they both spoke they came together. I pulled Al. off. Al. did not hit him but once. Towers remained on the floor ten or fifteen seconds. He looked up when he was down. I said, "Don't hit him," and pulled my brother off. Sometimes he was close to him. I had a scuffle with my brother to get him away. Was in sight of Towers all the time. Don't know if anyone else struck or kicked him. Did not see him get up. Was holding my brother and when I looked around he was gone. Did not know which way he went.
That was the first time that day I had seen Towers. Had had some trouble with him before, about the last of October. He talked with Al. about that trouble. After Towers went we talked it over. We stayed in Hughes' saloon about ten or fifteen minutes. Then we went away out of the front door. Horn went out before Towers left. We four went out after Towers left. We went east toward the corner. Might have been two by two or part of the time all in a row. Encountered Towers when we came to the corner. Saw Towers standing by the telephone pole at the corner of Kindred street and Second avenue. He was by the pole. That was first I saw of him. Don't know where he came from. He had a gun in his hands this way (indicating) in front of him. Was not ten feet from him when I saw him. He was moving when I first saw him and took a position by the telegraph pole. Did not say anything. I said, "Al., run." I said to him "Don't." Just then he fired. Al. was at McLean's door. Gun was pointed at Al. He fired. Don't know whether he said anything or not. Did not see other two, only Towers and Al. Others had scattered. After shot was fired Towers took aim at somebody in the alley west of McLean's saloon. Towers had gone 20 or 30 feet west. Had gun at the shoulder. I started for Towers and said, "For God sake don't shoot again." Then I went into McLean's saloon and was there for a minute and came out. Went to Hattie Sturgeon's [sic] store. Thought Al. had been shot but did not know. Two or three went along. Someone said Al. was there. Doctors Camp and Thabes were there. He was taken to the hospital probably 20 minutes or half an hour after he went in.
Attorney Fleming took the witness over the same ground without materially changing his story.
J. J. NOLAN
J. J. Nolan was sworn and testified that he was delivering mail that day. He saw someone that resembled Towers going toward Towers' home shortly after noon. A few minutes afterwards Towers passed him going toward the place of shooting with his gun in his hand. He passed the time of day with Towers. The man he saw going toward Towers' home looked like Towers and he believed it was he but could not swear to it. It was about five minutes from the time he saw the man going towards Towers' residence until Towers passed him.
JOHN WALLACE
John Wallace was sworn and testified that he saw Towers go past the Wallace residence on his way home and saw him go back with the gun. He heard the report and went down to the candy store where A. was. His home was two blocks from the saloon.
DR. THABES
Dr. Thabes, who conducted the autopsy, was sworn and testified that death was caused by the gun shot wound, the liver being badly lacerated and one shot penetrating the intestines.
The jury then returned a verdict as above. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 December 1906, p. 3, c's. 3-5) [Contributed by John Van Essen]
Henry Towers was sentenced to 25 years at hard labor on the 21st day of January, 1907. Towers' crime was the shooting of Albert Hagadorn on Christmas day, 1906, after a saloon row in which Towers was assaulted by Hagadorn. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 December 1907, p. 3, c. 4)
HAGADORN, ALBERT
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth: NY
Date of Death: 26 DEC 1906
County of Death: CROW WING
Mother Maiden Name: GRIGS [sic] [GRIGGS]
CERTID# 1906-45A-2682
___________
BRAINERD, Minn., Dec. 26.—A. L [sic]. Hagadorn, a stationary engineer, was fatally shot yesterday by Henry Towers, foreman painter in the Northern Pacific shops. The men had been quarreling and Towers went home, got a shotgun and shot Hagadorn in the lung.
Towers is in jail. Hagadorn is at the St. Joseph hospital and will die. (Minneapolis Tribune, 26 December 1906, p. 8)
SHOOTING AFFAIR
YESTERDAY
_____
Henry Towers Probably Fatally
Shot Al Hagadorn Yesterday
About Noon
_____
USED 10-GAUGE SHOT GUN
_____
Charge Took Effect in Hagadorn's
Side and His Condition is
Critical
What might easily have been murder took place yesterday shortly after noon when Henry Towers discharged a 10-gauge shot gun point blank at Al Hagadorn just at the corner of Kindred street and Second avenue. The shot took effect in Hagadorn's left side and the wound was thought to be necessarily fatal but he is reported today to have a chance for life.
The events which led up to the shooting as near as could be learned, were these. Hagadorn, together with his brother had previously had some trouble and when they met yesterday the quarrel was resumed. Hagadorn, according to Towers' story, knocked him down and Snell kicked him. Towers, who is an old man and small of stature became furious with rage and went home and got a 10-gauge shot gun and returned to Kindred street. Hagadorn was just going into McLean's saloon when Tower arrived on the scene and he fired at Hagadorn, the shot tearing through the storm door, shattering the latch and tearing away a good sized circle of the door. Hagadorn started down the street and got as far as Mrs. Hattie Walker's candy store when he staggered against the building and fell. He was taken into the store and a doctor and ambulance summoned, and he was taken to St. Joseph's hospital.
Towers walked to Hughes' saloon where he still was when Chief of Police McGivern arrived and took him into custody. Towers, who has been a resident of Brainerd for about 20 years is said to be usually of a peaceable disposition, but according to some he is of a high temper when he has had a drink or two. It is said that he had been drinking but was not noticeably under the influence of liquor. The Hagadorns, together with Geo. Snell and Frank Sturgeon, according to reports of people who had seen them on their way over from town, shortly before were noticeably under the influence of liquor and were quite noisy.
As Towers tells the story he was saying nothing to them when he was attacked. He does not yet seem to realize the enormity of his crime and besought friends who went to see him to get him out of the jail at once. Mr. Fleming, who has been retained as his attorney, states that he was struck on the head about ten days prior to the encounter and had been considered flighty ever since. Mr. Towers has a wife and grandson in East Brainerd and a son who is said to be in California and a daughter in Europe.
The stories of the encounter are said to be very conflicting and it is said that Miss Hazel Jones, who happened to be passing at the time was the only witness to the shooting outside of the three who were in Hagadorn's company.
While deploring the tragedy there was much sympathy expressed on the street for Mr. Towers, who has heretofore borne a first class reputation for industry and economy and was well liked by his employers. Those who saw him yesterday afternoon said that he did not appear at all natural and seemed not to realize that he had done anything other than he should. His wife has been sick for some time and it is only recently that she has been so as to be around and fears are felt that the worry and strain of the this affair will prove too great a strain for her health and that she will break down again. A small grandson, the son of their daughter who is traveling in Europe, is with her.
Fred Hagadorn, a brother of Al, who was one of the party and an eye witness of the affair, was seen by a DISPATCH reporter this morning. His story differs in some material points from Mr. Towers' version of the affair. He states that he and his brother with George Snell and Frank Sturgeon had been over town having a little Christmas celebration. Some weeks before he, Fred, and Towers had some trouble and Towers had pounded Fred. When the crowd met Towers on Kindred street Al wanted Fred to "smash" Towers. He refused and Al struck Towers and knocked him down but did not hurt him much. Towers got up and left. When asked as to Towers, statement that Snell kicked him when he was down, Fred said he did not see Snell kick him but he might have done it while he was trying to keep Al from hitting Towers again. Fred says they were walking up the street and right at the corner of McLean's saloon met Towers with the shot gun. They scattered, Al making for the saloon for shelter. According to Fred, Towers fired two shots, the first missing Al and the second striking him just as he was going into the door of the saloon.
Hagadorn is well known around town and is considered a good fellow except that he is sometimes quarrelsome when in liquor. He is a single man and has his mother, a brother and two sisters here, one brother in Moline and one in the west. The family have the sympathy of all.
Dr. Camp was seen this forenoon and stated that Hagadorn was in a precarious condition. There are 28 distinct shot wounds and how many, if any, of the shot penetrated the abdominal walls and what organs if any were struck is as yet uncertain. The reports that Hagadorn was spitting blood are denied by Dr. Camp, but says that his condition was apparently not good prior to the shooting, which lessens his chances.
LATER—Just as we go to press word is received that Hagadorn died at 1 o'clock. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch,26 December 1906, p. 3, c's. 1 & 2)
AL. HAGADORN
DIED WEDNESDAY
_____
Death Came at 4 O'clock that Af-
ternoon—Autopsy Held
That Evening
_____
TOWERS CHARGED WITH DEATH
_____
Inquest on Body of Hagadorn
Held at Morgue Thursday
Afternoon
As mentioned in Wednesday's DAILY DISPATCH, Al. Hagadorn, the man who was shot Christmas day by Henry Towers died from the effects of his wounds Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock. An autopsy was held by Dr. J. A. Thabes assisted by Dr. J. L. Camp and Dr. A. T. Batcheller Wednesday evening. The result showed that the right lobe of the liver was badly lacerated and one shot had perforated the intestines. The wounds were, according to the statement of one of the physicians, necessarily fatal and nothing could have been done in any way to avert death. An inquest is being held over the remains this afternoon by Coroner Gibson.
The charge of assault in the first degree against Towers was dismissed this morning and he was rearrested on the charge of murder in the first degree. The date of his hearing was set at 10 o'clock Saturday morning, and he was remanded to jail without bail. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 December 1906, p. 3, c. 1)
INQUEST HELD
THURSDAY P. M.
_____
Coroner Gibson Held Inquest
Over the Remains of Haga-
dorn Thursday
_____
DEATH AT HANDS OF TOWERS
_____
Such is the Verdict of the Jurors
In the Case—Grist of
Testimony
"We the jury find that the said A. Hagadorn came to his death on the 26th day of December, 1906, by reason of a gunshot wound inflicted on the body of him the said A. Hagadorn by Henry Towers, at the city of Brainerd, Crow Wing County, Minn., on the 25th day of December, 1906."
The inquest over the remains of Albert Hagadorn, the victim of Henry Towers' shot gun, was held at D. M. Clark & Co's. morgue Thursday afternoon. A jury was impanelled composed of John McCarthy, F. E. Kenney, John Cochran, T. Dwyer, Gus Raymond and Adam Brown. The first witness sworn was George Snell, one of the companions of Hagadorn. His evidence was substantially as follows:
I saw the trouble between Albert Hagadorn and Henry Towers on December 25th. I was with Hagadorn at East Brainerd in John Hughes' saloon. Hagadorn and Towers had some trouble. Mr. Towers left and we started to go home for dinner. On the corner by McLean's saloon Tower shot Hagadorn.
I first saw Hagadorn that day at home. We went down town together. We went to the postoffice and met his brother Fred and we went over to the Earl hotel and drank there. I first saw Towers at John Hughes' saloon in East Brainerd. Albert and Fred Hagdorn, Wm. Smith and myself were together. Went there about 11 o'clock. Albert Hagadorn and Towers had some trouble I don't know what words they had. Hagadorn talked some. I heard Towers and him say something and then Al. and Towers were fighting in the saloon. Not much was said. I believe Al. hit him and he fell on the floor, and Fred took Al. and Towers went out of doors. Did not hear conversation. Could not say where Hagadorn hit him. Fred took hold of Albert and Towers went out of doors. Fred took Albert off. He only struck him once that I saw. I did not strike or kick Towers after Hagadorn knocked him down. Did not participate in the fight. I said to Fred, "Let him (Albert) alone." Towers remained on the floor about a minute. Towers did not say anything during the quarrel that I heard. Said something while down but don't remember what. Towers went out, but do not know which door. Did not hear him say anything; did not pay any attention. The only persons there were Fred and Albert Hagadorn, Smith and myself. I did not see Albert drink anything. Smith and I drank a glass of beer each. Had drank a glass of beer in each place visited, but none were under the influence of liquor so far as I could see.
I said "come on boys, we will go home and have a good dinner and afterwards if we want to we will go out some more." This was about twenty or thirty minutes after Towers left. We did not drink anything more. We went out of the front door and went east on the north side of Kindred street. We went to McLean's saloon at the corner of the block. After we got there Towers came around the corner and said, "i've got you," and shot. He came from home I suppose. When I first saw him he came around the corner of the saloon. When he came around the corner we four were between Ebinger's shoe store and the saloon. Smith and I were partly ahead, Fred an Al. were behind three or four feet, about ten feet from the corner. Smith and I were in front. Towers said, "I've got you now," I don't know who he was taking to. He was looking toward Al. Al. was not in front of the saloon about on the side.
Towers had a shot gun in his hand. Could not say if it was single or double barreled shot gun. Knew it was a shot gun because I saw it. Could not say how he held it; partly to his shoulder. I started to go around the saloon. Albert started to go into the saloon when Towers shot. Towers held gun to shoulder pointing toward Albert. He shot just once. The shot struck Albert. Towers stood close to telephone post just off the sidewalk The sidewalk was about the same width as here (in front of Clark & Co's.). Albert just turned to go in the door when he was shot. We went down to Hattie Walker's store, Fred and I, to Walker's store. Al. went before we did, after he was shot. We went two or three minutes after him. I was not in sight of him. Did not know then that he had been shot. There were no one present in view of shooting except those mentioned. I saw Al. go down toward candy store. Saw him go down street and Fred went down and he was there. Did not see him go in. One of the boys came out and called us. I think it was Frank Halladay.
Albert was on a cot in the back of the candy store. Can't say who called doctors and ambulance. Doctors Thabes and Camp were called. They came in about a half an hour. They made an examination. Stayed about ten minutes. Al. was removed in the ambulance. I was there and the doctors were there when he was removed in the ambulance. I did not help put him in the ambulance.
I came from his home with Al. and was with him all the time until he was shot. Nothing occurred to injure him in any way before the shooting. I heard Towers say nothing. Had trouble in Hughes' saloon. Quarrel was not settled and they had not talked friendly before Towers left.
Attorney Fleming took the witness over practically the same ground and he told the same story. Fleming tried to to get Snell to admit that he struck or kicked Towers, but without success. Snell admitted drinking a glass of beer in each place, but was not intoxicated.
ANTON CLAUS
Anton Claus was next sworn. He testified as follows:
Am a bartender in McLean's saloon. Was on duty there December 25th. Heard a crash that sounded like somebody fell through a window. It was a few minutes after 12. Went to the door and pushed open the storm door. Saw Fred Hagadorn and Towers standing on the sidewalk between the saloon and the shoe store. They were talking—were a little west of the saloon. Towers had a gun in his hand. Could not say whether it was a shotgun or a rifle. Did not see Albert.
It was a minute or a minute and a half after I heard the crash that I went to the door. Towers did not say or do anything and I did not know anyone had been shot.
FRED HAGADORN
Fred Hagadorn, a brother of the deceased was then sworn and testified as follows:
Heard the evidence of George Snell. Was with him. Went the rounds with him and Albert, went down town and to East Brainerd. First place in East Brainerd we went to was John Hughes' saloon. Towers was there. Al., Snell, Wm. Smith and a man named George Horn, a farmer living near Rabbit lake, were there. He was with us—we met him. I think the bartender was Henry Betzold. My brother saw Towers and said, "There he is, go after him." Al. spoke to me. This was the first thing Al. said in the presence of Towers. He and Al. got into a scuffle. Al. went after him first thing. I said, "Let him go." When I said, "Let him go," Al. went after him himself. Towers fell; I saw him fall on the floor. I caught hold of Al. and pulled him off. Something was said between Al. and Towers, but I can't tell what. As soon as they both spoke they came together. I pulled Al. off. Al. did not hit him but once. Towers remained on the floor ten or fifteen seconds. He looked up when he was down. I said, "Don't hit him," and pulled my brother off. Sometimes he was close to him. I had a scuffle with my brother to get him away. Was in sight of Towers all the time. Don't know if anyone else struck or kicked him. Did not see him get up. Was holding my brother and when I looked around he was gone. Did not know which way he went.
That was the first time that day I had seen Towers. Had had some trouble with him before, about the last of October. He talked with Al. about that trouble. After Towers went we talked it over. We stayed in Hughes' saloon about ten or fifteen minutes. Then we went away out of the front door. Horn went out before Towers left. We four went out after Towers left. We went east toward the corner. Might have been two by two or part of the time all in a row. Encountered Towers when we came to the corner. Saw Towers standing by the telephone pole at the corner of Kindred street and Second avenue. He was by the pole. That was first I saw of him. Don't know where he came from. He had a gun in his hands this way (indicating) in front of him. Was not ten feet from him when I saw him. He was moving when I first saw him and took a position by the telegraph pole. Did not say anything. I said, "Al., run." I said to him "Don't." Just then he fired. Al. was at McLean's door. Gun was pointed at Al. He fired. Don't know whether he said anything or not. Did not see other two, only Towers and Al. Others had scattered. After shot was fired Towers took aim at somebody in the alley west of McLean's saloon. Towers had gone 20 or 30 feet west. Had gun at the shoulder. I started for Towers and said, "For God sake don't shoot again." Then I went into McLean's saloon and was there for a minute and came out. Went to Hattie Sturgeon's [sic] store. Thought Al. had been shot but did not know. Two or three went along. Someone said Al. was there. Doctors Camp and Thabes were there. He was taken to the hospital probably 20 minutes or half an hour after he went in.
Attorney Fleming took the witness over the same ground without materially changing his story.
J. J. NOLAN
J. J. Nolan was sworn and testified that he was delivering mail that day. He saw someone that resembled Towers going toward Towers' home shortly after noon. A few minutes afterwards Towers passed him going toward the place of shooting with his gun in his hand. He passed the time of day with Towers. The man he saw going toward Towers' home looked like Towers and he believed it was he but could not swear to it. It was about five minutes from the time he saw the man going towards Towers' residence until Towers passed him.
JOHN WALLACE
John Wallace was sworn and testified that he saw Towers go past the Wallace residence on his way home and saw him go back with the gun. He heard the report and went down to the candy store where A. was. His home was two blocks from the saloon.
DR. THABES
Dr. Thabes, who conducted the autopsy, was sworn and testified that death was caused by the gun shot wound, the liver being badly lacerated and one shot penetrating the intestines.
The jury then returned a verdict as above. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 December 1906, p. 3, c's. 3-5) [Contributed by John Van Essen]
Henry Towers was sentenced to 25 years at hard labor on the 21st day of January, 1907. Towers' crime was the shooting of Albert Hagadorn on Christmas day, 1906, after a saloon row in which Towers was assaulted by Hagadorn. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 December 1907, p. 3, c. 4)
HAGADORN, ALBERT
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth: NY
Date of Death: 26 DEC 1906
County of Death: CROW WING
Mother Maiden Name: GRIGS [sic] [GRIGGS]
CERTID# 1906-45A-2682
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