Fatal Prize Fight

September 27, 1888

A brutal fight in which George Fulljames is killed. Terminated Fatally.

A Prize fight was arranged Friday night between George Fulljames, of Winnipeg and an unknown, who was backed by local sporting men. At 2 o’clock Sunday morning a large crowd went to a barn, in which a ring was pitched to witness the battle.

The contestants shook hands and the fight began. Almost instantly after the unknown struck Fulljames a blow on the temple, which knocked him to the floor. He soon recovered, and staggering to his feet started to continue to fight. The men went at each other viciously, and Fulljames received several hand blows on the face.

The fight was a brutal one throughout and the unknown finally landed a blow over Fulljames’ heart that laid him flat. He was left unattended on the barn floor until 7 o’clock in the morning. At that time a doctor called and had him removed, but it was too late to save his life. He gradually grew worse, and died during the afternoon.

The police commenced an investigation and soon arrested a man who gave his name as Barrett. He declared his innocence, and said he knew nothing of the fight.

Sunday afternoon, while the police were down town, some one broke the lock on the station-house door and allowed Barrett and several other prisoners to escape. Diligent search had failed to find Barrett and it is generally believed that he is the man who killed Fullijames. A coroner’s inquest was held Sunday night, but there was great difficulty in securing witnesses.

source: Sioux County Herald
location: Orange City, Iowa