St. Clair County
Remnants Of The Past

Osceola Sun
4 March 1880

Affray in Chalk Level Township

The startling news came to town last Monday morning that Dan B. Kidd, an old and well-known citizen and one of the largest landowners of St. Clair County, had shot and mortally wounded a gentleman living upon one of his farms. A Sun reporter immediately repaired to the scene of the reported difficulty, distant about ten miles northwest of Osceola, and in Chalk Level Township. The first man visited was Flanders, the man who was shot. He was found in bed, suffering from three wounds – one in the back portion of his head, caused by a blow with a club; one pistol shot through the left arm, between the wrist and elbow; and a more serious pistol shot in the side just above the hip bone and below the lower rib, ranging back and downward. Flanders shot at Kidd, but without effect. The shooting occurred just outside of the yard fence at Kidd’s residence about half a mile north of Flanders’ home. We have the statement of both principals in the affair, but as the affray will be investigated by the authorities almost immediately we refrain from publishing statements or comments, in order that no injustice may be done either Flanders or Kidd.
Soon after the occurrence of the shooting Kidd came to town and delivered himself up. Judge Parkinson placed him under a $2500 bond to await the action of the grand jury. Kidd easily gave the required bail.
Monday afternoon, at the solicitation of Dr. Wright, of Lowry City, Dr. D.C. McNeil visited Flanders and examined his wounds. Both doctors state that the wounds are serious, but with proper care Flanders will recover.

Osceola Sun
11 March 1880

The grand jury found an indictment against Daniel B. Kidd for felonious assault upon the person of Lyman Flanders. The court fixed Kidd’s bond at $2,500. His bondsmen are Daniel Dillman, Jas. McH. Ledbetter and Jos. P. Landes. The trial of the case will not occur this term of court.