Irvin Creek "Hoe-Down"

Article taken from the Newark Daily Advocate May 13, 1889.

Portsmouth, O., May 13.-- Saturday night there was a hoe-down on Irvin creek, about twelve miles below this city. Several rough characters were in attendance among them Wilson and Amos Cooper, brothers, and Henry Nickels. The latter had had several quarrels with the Cooper boys and had warned tehm to keep their distance. At teh dance they picked on Nichols. Hot words passed followed by two revolver shots in quick succession and the falling of Wilson and Amos Cooper to the floor. An examination showed that Wilson Cooper had been shot through the heart and Amos through the left temple. Nickels, who did the shooting, is a Virginian. he made no attempt to escape and as yet has not been arrested.

Two Brothers Killed

Article taken from The Massillion Independent, May 16, 1889

Last night there was a "hoe down" on Twin Creek, about twelve miles below this city. Several rough characters were in attendance, among them Wilson and Amos Cooper, brothers, and Henry Nickels. The latter had several quarrels with the Cooper boys and had warned them to keep their distance. At the dance they picked on Nickels. Hot words passed, followed by two revolver shots in quick succession and the falling of Wilson and Amos Cooper to the floor. An examination showed that Wilson Cooper hat been shot through the heart and Amos through the left temple. Nickels, who did the shooting, is a Virginian. He made no attempt to escape and as yet has not been arrested.