Peter DAVIS arrested for murder of Sam FLETCHER (1902)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, July 17, 1902 - page 1, column 6:

A MURDER
Southern Hendricks the Scene of a Fatal Stabbing
Hendricks County was the scene of another murder yesterday. Peter Davis stabbed Sam Fletcher to the heart, the latter dying instantly. The affray was about 100 yards north of the Center Valley school house and was the result of an old feud.

Fletcher was at Comp Johnson's store at Center Valley talking with a party of young people. Davis went by riding on a hayrake. Fletcher followed him and words passed between them. Fletcher left his buggy and with his whip in his hand ran after Davis who had dismounted from the hayrake. Davis drew his knife and when Fletcher came near, Davis struck at him, the blade penetrating Fletcher's heart. He died in the road. Both were about 21 years old. The affray occurred at 4:30 p.m.

Great excitement was caused in the community and some of Fletcher's friends breathed vengeance against Davis. He became alarmed and hitched up his buggy and started to Danville, bringing Emory Johnson along for company. They reached Danville near ten o'clock and finding Watchman Bryant, David asked him to lock him up. Sheriff Figg and Deputy Sears had gone to Center Valley after Davis. Mr. Bryant took Davis to jail, searched him and found nothing, and then put him behind the bars.

Mr. Johnson, who came with Davis, said that Fletcher struck Davis several times with the whip before Davis used his knife.