A Bainbridge Boy in Trouble
Bainbridge Republican, September 12, 1879
We learn from the Utica Herald that George Shapely, an old man residing just north of Hamilton village [Madison Co., NY], was accidentally shot and killed on Monday afternoon at the hop yard of George Brownell in that town, by a young man named George Evans of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]. Evans is a hop picker, a good looking young man of 28 years, and a carpenter by occupation. Shapely was a kind, inoffensive old gentleman. He was telling the fortunes of the hop pickers. He was considerably deaf, and the boy got up behind him and fired this pistol to see him jump. Young Evans had discharged his pistol several times and while standing in front of Shapely cocked it and pointed it, as he thought, over the old man's shoulder, not thinking that there were any more cartridges in it. He held it too low and it went off, the ball penetrating the lung. Shapely died in a few moments. Evans has been arrested and is confined awaiting the arrival of the coroner. The shooting was in the presence of a number of persons and all agree as to the circumstances of the sad affair. Under the law all who are engaged in the business are liable to severe punishment both for carrying concealed weapons and for pointing a weapon at another whether loaded or not. Oscar Evans of this village is the father of George, and the family are esteemed as quiet and inoffensive people, and this sad accident will be a terrible blow to them. George has been away from home most of the summer at work.
Bainbridge Republican, October 17, 1879
George P. Evans of this village, who was arrested for the unfortunate accidental killing of an old man in the hop yard, near Hamilton, a few weeks ago, has been discharged, the Grand Jury having refused to find a bill against him. We congratulate him upon his fortunate escape, and believe he will be more careful how he shoots for fun hereafter.
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