Dingus, William Henry

He is listed in the 1917 Chandler City Directory as a farmer. He also appears in the 1918 and 1919 directories. The 1920 and 1921 directories list him as a rancher.

-Mr. Dingus, an unmarried rancher in Chandler, has a ten acre ranch south of town.  He is about 30 years old, and has been helping P.A. Yarbrough with his cotton fields.

Last Thursday, after an argument with Mr. Yarbrough over wages, he was shot through his right arm near the elbow.  He was rushed to the offices of Drs. Gilbert and Jordan in G.L. Gollands car.  After an examination, they decided he need to be rushed to the hospital in Mesa.  The injury was serious enough for the arm to be amputated.

He was shot seven to eight times according to Dr. Gilbert.  He is expected to live unless there is blood poisoning or other complications.

After a stay in the hospital, he has returned to Chandler and lives in a tent of the Chandler Improvement Company.

The doctors are donating their services to the recovery, but he is not recovered enough to tell his side of the story.  (Chandler Arizonan 6/13/1913)

-Mr. Dingus is making a good recovery from losing his arm last week.  His arm is nearly healed, and he is up and about.  He wants to express thanks to all who've helped with his farm.  G.R. Johnson, L.S. Parke, and G.T. Peabody have gone to help cultivate his cotton.  A full 25 people have volunteered to help with his crop.  He has four acres in cotton and six acres in black-eye beans.  Mr. Dingus is unsure if he will stay here or return to Texas where his mother and brothers live.  He does say he will stay until the case is prosecuted, since he says the plea of self-defense is wrong.

Mr. Dingus' version of the story is that morning at breakfast, he told Mr. Yarbrough that he was quitting.  He told him his reasons which made Mr. Yarbrough angry, and they had an argument.  Mr. Yarbrough grabbed a chair, and so did Mr. Dingus but didn't raise it.

Mr. Yarbrough grabbed his gun, and ordered him out of the house.  Mr. Dingus grabbed his clothes and headed for the front door.  Mr. Yarbrough raised the gun menancingly, and they continued to argue.  Mr. Dingus went out and got about 25 feet when he was shot.  His injuries had parts of the screen in them.

At first, Mr. Dingus was going to the Gordon's place, but realized it was too far.  After getting close to the McCally's, he called for help, and was helped to the house by Mr. and Mrs. McCally.

The story hasn't changed with repetition.  (Chandler Arizonan 6/20/1913)

-Mr. Dingus has exchanged his contract with the Chandler Improvement Company for a deed to his land.  (Chandler Arizonan 6/27/1913)

-Mr. Dingus has improved from his being shot enough to return home to his ranch south of town.  (Chandler Arizonan 6/27/1913)

-Mr. Dingus has six acres of black-eyed beans, and they are already forming.  He may be the only one in town farming them.  The beans are used mostly for powder, and they get about 20 sacks per acre.  He plans to pick them while still tender, and believes there is good labor in Native Americans.  (Chandler Arizonan 7/4/1913) 

-Assistant County Attorney Clyde M. Gandy and Constable James T. Murphy were in Chandler last week to gather evidence in the Yarbrough case where he shot Mr. Dingus.  They interviewed Chandler citizens to gather information.

Mr. Yarbrough is being charged with assault with attempt to kill Mr. Dingus.  (Chandler Arizonan 8/8/1913)