Charles Theis
Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 March 1880, page 4
THE GREEN EYED MONSTER
Another page was added to the voluminous bloody history of
Newport yesterday morning by the killing of Charles Theis, jun. by Joseph
Ritter. Theis, in company with Peter Betz, Ritter, Robert Brown, H Meyers, Jacob
Gugle and others attended a ball at Eclipse Hall, in Newport, given by the
National Dancing Circle. The entire party was in the sitting room, enjoying a
glass of beer, when a discussion arose between them about taking a girl home.
Meyers claimed that he was going to take her home an Theis also claimed the distinguished honor. The quarrel led to blows and beer glasses, chairs etc. were thrown in a lively manner until Policeman Hays interfered and separated the party. Betz, Theis and Gugle left the saloon and were followed in a few minutes by Brown, Myers and Ritter, in company with two girls named Lizzie Manning and Louisa Fox.
Down Monmouth to the corner of Jefferson, the quarrel was again resumed. Gugle says he was struck and knocked insensible and when he recovered he saw Theis lying on the sidewalk about ten feet from him and apparently dead, and Ritter was standing near him drawing his revolver and firing. Two shots in rapid succession were fired by Ritter. Theis called Gugle to him and when Gugle lifted him up the blood was oozing out of his nostrils and mouth.
He was trying to speak but strangulation from the blood made it impossible. Mr. Gugle lifted the body and carried it to Deitz's steps and leaned it against the door. The body of young Theis was removed to his uncle's saloon on the corner of York and Jefferson and Dr. Davis was summoned. The doctor, after a hasty but careful examination pronounced the man dead and gave instructions to removed the body to the parents residence on Madison street.
Mr. and Mrs. Theis, who had heard of the shooting, arrived at the saloon, just as the body was being removed and followed it back to their home, weeping bitterly on the way at the fate of their son, who was the pride of their happy household. Theis is the son of Charles Theis, the hatter and bore a most excellent reputation. His kind ways and companionable disposition had won him many friends. He was twenty-three years of age. His remains will probably no be interred before Thursday.