CASH SHOT FROM REFEREE
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CHAMPIONSHIP DOG FIGHT AT BLUE ISLAND ENDS IN A ROW.
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Joseph Farmer Objects to William Delihant’s Decision Against White Brandy and Sends a Bullet Into Latter’s Hand, Scattering Money, Which Farmer Then Seizes—Young Duke, Owned by Pat Conroy, Declared to Have Best of Contest
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Because he was not satisfied with the referee’s decision of a dogfight at Blue Island yesterday afternoon, Joseph Farmer, whose dog was held to be the loser, shot the stake money out of Referee William I. Delihant’s hand, took it, and drove away with his brother, William. A lot of disgusted men then returned to Chicago, having lost the money they had wagered on the contest.
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| Chicago Dogfighter and Industrialist William T. Delihant (1859-1929) |
After the trouble began, Al Fisk, 3643 South Maplewood avenue, who at one time fought Peter Jackson under the name of Jack King, tried to protect Delihant, and Joseph Farmer, with two revolvers in his hands, fired at Fisk.
One bullet entered Fisk’s left leg and was extracted later by Dr. Seim of Blue Island. The other bullet passed through Fisk’s clothes and grazed the thigh. Neither Delihant’s nor Fisks injuries are considered serious.
The entire affair was characterized as a “holdup” by the men who witnessed it.
Arrive in Blue Island Early
Shortly after noon delegations of Chicago sports arrived in Blue Island and were taken to Bruno’s place. The fight was for the championship of the world. The twelve-foot-pit had been pitched on the second floor and the hall was filled with men. Spectators were evenly divided as to the merits of the dogs, and $750 had been wagered on the outcome.  |
| The dogfighter William T. Delihant served as referee for this fight and was shot in the hand |
The owners of the dogs had placed $200 a side on the result, and this money, in addition to part of the side bets, had been placed in the keeping of Delihant, who resides at 3006 South Forty-first avenue.
Among those who were in the hall were Al Fisk, Tom Kerwin, Alderman McCormick, Tom Gleason, Thomas Dunne, Dave Roach, James Worley, and N.S. Sire. Time was called at 3:05.
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| William T. Delihant was the president of a coal company and a Chicago City Alderman attended the event. |
It was a revolting sight which followed. In the pit the two dogs bit and tore each other. The growls and bites seemed to elate the spectators, who urged them on.
“Go it, Duke,” “Tear him, Brandy,” “Kill him,” were cries heard in the hall. Finally even the brute natures of the antagonists began to fall.
Delihant, who refereed the fight, gave it to young Duke. Then the trouble began. Joseph Farmer sprang toward him and covere him with a revolver.
“I want that money,” he exclaimed. “That kind of decision don’t go with me.”
Delihant hesitated and reached for his own revolver. Before he had a chance to draw it, Farmer pulled the trigger. The bullet passed through Delihant’s hand. The money fell to the floor, and Joseph Farmer and his brother gathered up in the scramble which followed.
“Go it, Duke,” “Tear him, Brandy,” “Kill him,” were cries heard in the hall. Finally even the brute natures of the antagonists began to fall.
Delihant, who refereed the fight, gave it to young Duke. Then the trouble began. Joseph Farmer sprang toward him and covere him with a revolver.
“I want that money,” he exclaimed. “That kind of decision don’t go with me.”
Delihant hesitated and reached for his own revolver. Before he had a chance to draw it, Farmer pulled the trigger. The bullet passed through Delihant’s hand. The money fell to the floor, and Joseph Farmer and his brother gathered up in the scramble which followed.
Panic in the Hall
The men who were in the room were panic-stricken. some of them jumped from the windows, while others rushed to the door.
In the meantime, Fisk had reached Delihant’s side and struck William Farmer in the face. Joseph Farmer wrested Delihant’s revolver from his hand, and with a gun in each hand, began to shoot Fisk. Fisk ran out of the rear door and as he reached the yard was struck by one of the balls.
The Farmer brothers jumped into a buggy and drove away. The two injured men were taken to Blue Island avenue, where Dr. Glim dressed their wounds. Then the entire contingent returned home.
The Chicago police have been asked to look for Joseph Farmer
Chicago Sunday Tribune, September 23, 1900, p.1
The article refers to "William I. Delihant" instead of "William T. Delihant." The doctors' names at the beginning and at the end of the article are different. It is not clear whether the reporter is referring to two different doctors or if one of the names is a typo.
Read more:
Sep 08, 1895 The Farmer Brothers' Dogfight- Phil Whips Dandy
Dec 24, 1888 Chicago Dogfighters Lose Fingers and Nose in Fight With Each Other
Sep 24, 1888 Chicago The Farmer Brothers Dogfighting Saloon Keepers
