Clark-co. recently furnished an example of how booze and gambling are almost sure to prove the undoing of those who tamper with them. The following item was printed in last Sunday's Wichita Eagle:

"Ashland, Kansas, Feb. 28 - During a quarrel following an all night poker game, John Swanson, 50, trapper, shot and killed Fred Simmons, 38, well known farmer, in Swanson's shack, near her, early today.

Swanson, who surrendered himself to the sheriff, admitted his guilt and said the shooting was in self defense. He claimed both had been drinking and that Simmons had attacked him with a hand ax.

"According to Swanson's story to the sheriff, he, Simmons and several others had been playing poker and drinking. All except he and Simmons had quit the game and gone home. Suddenly Simmons accused him of cheating and, reaching for the ax struck at him. Swanson claimed he dodged the blow and grabbed his .32 caliber rifle from the wall, shooting Simmons through the head. The body was found by the sheriff after he had been told of the shooting by Swanson.

"Simmons is survived by a wife and three small children. He has lived near here practically all his life. Swanson came here from Kentucky about three years ago. He is in jail awaiting preliminary hearing, which will be held next week.

---

Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!

This website is being created by HTML Guy Jerry Ferrin with the able assistance of many Contributors. Your comments, suggestions and contributions of historical information and photographs to this site are welcome. Please sign the Guest Book. This page was last updated 21 April 2005.