website watertownhistory.org
ebook History of Watertown,
Wisconsin
William Bittner
William
Bittner, butcher and proprietor of meat market; born in the town of Milwaukee,
Wis.,
On
Mr.
Bittner was a member of the Hook and Ladder Company for seven years; he was
also a member of the Sack Company.
Watertown
Republican, 08 16 1876
A
terrible affray took place last Saturday afternoon on the Milford Road, about 3
miles south of the city, between two citizens of this place, August Neitzel proprietor of a grocery and saloon on Third Street,
2d ward, and William Bittner, proprietor of the butcher shop on Main Street,
1st ward.
Both
were riding in a wagon on their way for a hunt, considerably under the
influence of beer. A difficulty arose between the two men regarding a breech
loading gun which Neitzel carried. From high tempered
language blows ensued, Neitzel attacking Bittner in a
most savage manner with the gun, striking him on the head and knocking him out
of the wagon. After Bittner had fallen to the ground, Neitzel
continued the ferocious assault, dealing his victim terrible blows on the head
and body. He finally desisted from his cruel work and leaving Bittner more dead
than alive, started for home.
Mr. F.
Lempke, happening along soon after, recognized
Bittner lying on the side of the road. Bittner was taken to his residence and
Dr. W. C. Spalding was summoned to the assistance of the wounded man. His skull
was found to be badly fractured, besides having a number of serious wounds on
different parts of his body. At first his case was deemed hopeless, but he is
now in a fair way of recovering.
Neitzel was
taken before Justice Krebs on Monday. The examination of the case was adjourned
for 10 days, Neitzel meanwhile being placed under $2,
000 bail for his appearance.
