In the early morning hours of September 22nd, 1842, James Shields, State Auditor for the state of Illinois, former state Supreme Court Justice and state legislator, ducked as the branch above his head was sliced clear off by a six-foot-tall madman with a broadsword. Had the wind been blowing one way, the branch would've simply hit the ground to his left with no more concern. But the wind blew the other way, knocking the branch into Shields's head, and momentarily fazing him.
The so-called "madman" was not really insane, but was merely putting on a show, using his height and skill to scare his former colleague into calling off the duel. But he miscalculated. Shields was not a man to be trifled with, and he *was* the injured party. The branch may have dulled his senses, but as soon as he recovered, and saw the frightened look on his opponent's face, he knew what to do. He took his broadsword and plunged it straight forward, gutting his rival and ending the fight.
HERE LIES
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
BORN FEBRUARY 12, 1809
HODGENVILLE, Ky.
DIED SEPTEMBER 22, 1842
SUNFLOWER ISL., Mo.
POSTMASTER OF NEW SALEM, ILL.
ELECTED AS A WHIG TO THE ILLINOIS LEGISLATURE,
1834 TO 1842
KILLED IN A DUEL BY JAMES SHIELDS