Monday August 10, 1874 Rutland Herald

The inhabitants of one part of West Rutland enjoyed themselves very much yesterday. In fact they had a real nice lively enjoyable time, such as come only once in a long time in this community where the popular idea of Irish enjoyment is rather discouraged.

The affair to which we refer took place in that part of the West side known as Rebel Hill, a settlement back of the Catholic church and reached from the main highway by the worst road ever traveled by man (my note- Pleasant St).

The first cause of the little party was a small quarrel between two children, about 10 a.m. In the course of the dispute, John Dorsey, the father of one of the boys, stepped out of his house and took a hand in, his

only action being to shake or slap the child of James Gallagher, who was the other party to the dispute. The youngster ran to his father and the latter came out and asked Dorsey what was the reason of his conduct. Dorsey did not apologize or justify his act, but rather wanted to know what Gallagher was going to do about it. The latter did not explain; in fact he did not get a

chance to because a very disconcerting stone came in contact with his head and felled him to the ground.

At once all was confusion; Mrs. Gallagher rushed out to help her husband and most of the other inhabitants of the houses near by joined in the enjoyment.

The result being anything but pleasant to a quiet individual. A crowd was, of course, collected at once, and an extended riot was imminent. Not content with sticks and stones, pistols were produced but not used except in one case where a too enthusiastic boy had his taken away from him and fired in the air by an older member of the party.

After some time most of the party had become satisfied with the enjoyment and had made up their minds to quit just about that time Dr. Lorenzo Sheldon, Grand Juror and Harley G. Sheldon, Deputy Sheriff made their

appearances on the scene. By the efforts of these two the impending riot was averted and the fighting which had been pretty fierce, was closed up or degenerated into a mere war of words.

In the counting up of damage which was entered into it was found that comparatively a few had suffered severe injuries, but several were slightly bruised or wounded. Mr. Gallagher was found to have received several severe

scalp wounds and some other smaller injuries. Mrs. Gallagher was found to have been bruised considerably. She also received a cut on her head and a wound in the back. Dr. Hanrahan was called and under his skilful treatment she was partially recovered last evening and will probably get well.

August 11, 1874 Rutland Herald

On yesterday Dr. Sheldon, Grand Juror, caused the arrest of the principal parties to Sunday's fight on Rebel Hill and five persons were brought before J. E. Leonard at the school house near the Catholic Church. These were John Dorsey, William Gallagher, and his son of the same name, Barney Conlan and his wife (my great great grandfather and grandmother Ann Radigan Conlan) and John Raleigh, the latter charged with conveying some liquor.

It is concluded to postpone the trials until this morning.

The row proves, on investigation, to have been even more serious an affair than was indicated in our report of yesterday. William Gallagher was found to have five cuts on his head, any one of which would have been a dangerous wound. Barney Conlan, another participant, received a large triangular cut on his scalp which was a reasonable cause for laying by; his wife was also

scratched and bruised and his son considerably cut. Several others were also injured. but in less degree.

Dr. Hanrahan was pretty busy all day patching, sewing and plastering and he may fairly be said to be the only man who profited by the affray. Taken altogether it was a nice affair, but the participants will not fully

appreciate the whole beautify of it until they get through with the law proceedings.

The last scene of Sunday night's row on Rebel Hill was enacted on yesterday before Mr. J. E. Leonard, Justice of the Peace. It consisted in fining the three principal parties to the row $20, each and costs for a breach of

peace. The sufferers under the legal act were John Dorsey, James Gallagher and Barney Conlan. The wives and children of each were not considered in the award of premiums. beside the fines each of the three named were put under bonds of $200 to keep the peace.

We learn that all of the injured parties to the affray are nearly recovered and that all the men were able to go to work yesterday excepting Gallagher who will be laid by for a day or two yet.

This is the end of the Rutland Herald article. The Rutland town report for the year of 1874 reflects the following:

8-10-1874

Barney Conlin Jr. fined $3.00 Costs $12.56, charge of Assault, plea guilty,

eventually paid $10

Ann Conlin fined $3.00, costs $4.80, plea guilty

John Conlin, fined $3.00, $3.29 costs, plea guilty

According to the city records, Barney Conlin "Sr" was not charged, nor did he pay a fine as listed in the last part of the article above.

4-26-1875 , another fight on Rebel Hill, this time Barney, Ann and Barney Jr

all charged with Assault, charges dropped against Barney the father, cost $5.52 for him, plea "nolle pros" for Ann and Barney Jr., fees $4.10 and $5.27

paid in court