The Scranton Republican – February 17, 1902
Horrible Tragedy in Minooka
Constable Michael Davis [of Moosic] Shoots Peter King
Upon his Refusal to Quarrel with Him
Murderer in County Jail
“Peter King, 22, of
Minooka, was shot by Michael Davis, 33, in the speakeasy of Patrick Sullivan,
in that place, soon after 1 o’clock yesterday, and died a few minutes
afterwards.
“The
murder was cold blooded and has aroused most bitter feelings in that section.
But for the prompt action of special officers who arrived a few moments after
the affray. Lynching, it is said, would undoubtedly have been resorted to.
Davis is now in the county jail. Sullivan’s speakeasy is but one mile from the
city line on Main street, Minooka. The barroom is on the ground floor and at
the time of the murder 14 men were present. All evening King had been in the
place playing cards, but had not, it is said, taken a drop of liquor.
“From
stories told by many eyewitnesses, the murder was precipitated by Davis’
remarks, which revived a feud of long standing. Two months ago, Davis
subpoenaed King to appear as a witness in a case wherein Charles Deimuth was
arrested on information of George Fassold, charged with selling liquor without
a license.
“Davis’s
reputation in that locality is bad, and King was a reluctant witness, knowing
that Davis had investigated the case indirectly against Deimuth. The hearing
was held before Alderman O’Neill of Minooka, and when King finally appeared, he
refused to testify against Deimuth. The case was dismissed and the matter
dropped.
“Davis,
however, boasted of the manner in which he had forced King to accompany him to
the alderman’s office. The boast was one of which he was evidently proud, as
King is a man of remarkable physique, being 6 feet 3 inches in height and
weighing 200 pounds. His strength was something unusual and he could easily
have overcome the constable. Hence the proud boast of the latter.
“Saturday
night, Davis, accompanied by a fellow officer, Harvey Decker of Moosic, visited
this city and made the rounds of the saloons. According to Decker, Davis was
not drunk when they left on an 11:40 D&H train for Minooka. Leaving the
train, they proceeded to Sullivan’s place after stopping in two speakeasies on
the way.”
Looking for Trouble
“Arriving at Sullivan’s
place, they stood and chatted with several men in the barroom. King sat to one
side quietly playing cards with a few friends.
“That
Davis was looking for trouble was soon evident. Spying King, he remarked: ‘There’s
that son _ _ ______ I arrested.’ King heard the remark, but made no reply.
Advancing nearer, he repeated the sentence, adding other vile epithets.
“I could
arrest him again if I had to,” said Davis.
“You or
any other man wouldn’t arrest me, Davis, if I didn’t want to be,” said King, provoked
at his insolence.
“The men
became angrier. King remained in his chair while Davis swung his fist,
threatening to attack John Ruane, who was standing at the bar… Sullivan, who
stood behind the bar, told Davis to be quiet or he would put him out. This,
however, added to the constable’s wrath.
“King,
you’re a brute. You son _ _ ______. I could kill you. I’d blow your brains
out,” shouted Davis as he placed his hand on his hip pocket. His move was a
signal for an advance by the other men who rushed at him. Leaping aside and
pulling his gun in a wild-west fashion, he backed to a corner and covered the
crowd.
