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Story
May 23, 1892
The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer
Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia
What is this article about?
John A. Poisel, a bartender and former policeman in Martinsburg, W.Va., was shot and killed by Timothy Desmond, a Pittsburgh bridge worker, during a drunken street fight near the B&O depot on the night of May 21. Desmond and companions were arrested.
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TRAGEDY AT MARTINSBURG.
An Ex-Policeman Killed in a Drunken Street Row.
Special Dispatch to the Intelligencer.
MARTINSBURG, W. VA., May 22.—John A. Poisel, a bartender in this city and formerly on the police force, was shot and killed instantly near the B. & O. depot last night about 12 o'clock by Timothy Desmond, of Pittsburgh, Pa. Desmond, with James Hunter, Martin Sheehan, and Lawrence Doran, all employed by the Pittsburgh Bridge Company at Cherry Run, building the new railroad bridge over the Potomac at that place, came to this city yesterday, and after drinking heavily and getting a good supply of liquor were on their way to the depot to go to Cherry Run, and when passing the saloon where Poisel was employed became very boisterous, and Poisel attempted to drive them away, when a fight began, Poisel being assisted by his brother. The Poisels were powerful men and were severely punishing the bridge builders. Poisel and Desmond separated about seventy-five feet, when Desmond shot Poisel through the heart. The police arrived and arrested the bridge builders, all of whom are now in jail. Poisel's funeral will take place to-morrow morning.
An Ex-Policeman Killed in a Drunken Street Row.
Special Dispatch to the Intelligencer.
MARTINSBURG, W. VA., May 22.—John A. Poisel, a bartender in this city and formerly on the police force, was shot and killed instantly near the B. & O. depot last night about 12 o'clock by Timothy Desmond, of Pittsburgh, Pa. Desmond, with James Hunter, Martin Sheehan, and Lawrence Doran, all employed by the Pittsburgh Bridge Company at Cherry Run, building the new railroad bridge over the Potomac at that place, came to this city yesterday, and after drinking heavily and getting a good supply of liquor were on their way to the depot to go to Cherry Run, and when passing the saloon where Poisel was employed became very boisterous, and Poisel attempted to drive them away, when a fight began, Poisel being assisted by his brother. The Poisels were powerful men and were severely punishing the bridge builders. Poisel and Desmond separated about seventy-five feet, when Desmond shot Poisel through the heart. The police arrived and arrested the bridge builders, all of whom are now in jail. Poisel's funeral will take place to-morrow morning.
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Story
Tragedy
What themes does it cover?
Crime Punishment
Misfortune
Tragedy
What keywords are associated?
Shooting
Drunken Fight
Ex Policeman
Bridge Workers
Arrest
Martinsburg
What entities or persons were involved?
John A. Poisel
Timothy Desmond
James Hunter
Martin Sheehan
Lawrence Doran
Where did it happen?
Martinsburg, W. Va., Near The B. & O. Depot
Story Details
Key Persons
John A. Poisel
Timothy Desmond
James Hunter
Martin Sheehan
Lawrence Doran
Location
Martinsburg, W. Va., Near The B. & O. Depot
Event Date
Last Night About 12 O'clock (May 21)
Story Details
John A. Poisel, assisted by his brother, fought with drunken bridge workers including Timothy Desmond outside his saloon; after separating, Desmond shot Poisel through the heart, killing him instantly; the workers were arrested.