On July 3rd on the picnic grounds at Desloge, and during a debate on the subject of Local Option between Congressman Jacob Meeker of St. Louis, representing the liquor side, and Judge G. O. Nations of Farmington, representing the Dry side of the issue, Otto Huitt, who had just appeared on the grounds from Elvins, is reported to have made some vile remark about Judge Nations, and Sam Doss, not knowing who it was, asked that they keep quiet, and turned his head to listen to the debate, was attacked from the back by Huitt who had a knife. Huitt, it seems, grabbed Doss around the neck and cut him twice before they could be separated. When they were separated Doss found his neck cut and right eye and right cheek slashed, with the blood flowing very profusely. Huitt attempted to get at Doss again and was shot by the latter. It all occurred in about a minute or less time.
Doss is laid up in bed most of the time with his head almost entirely bandaged. It is said that if it had not been for someone grabbing Huitt's arm he would have killed Doss before the latter could have gotten loose. Huitt was shot five times. We understand that the arm and hand Huitt had around Doss also may have saved Doss' life, as Huitt cut his hand and finger badly in the mix-up.
Huitt and Doss had been enemies for several years and the people who knew both men had been expecting serious trouble between them on their first mix-up. They were both powerful men and threats, it seems, had been made and communicated.
Doss is married and lives in Desloge. He joined the church some three years ago and has taken a very active part in church affairs and also the dry side of the liquor traffic since his reform.
Huitt was a single man and lived in Desloge. The body was shipped to Lesterville last Sunday evening for burial. The deceased leaves a mother, two brothers, and other friends and relatives who reside near Sabula of this state.