Desperado Captured

VASSER, BABCOCK

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 11/26/2014 at 14:19:20

Maquoketa Excelsior, January 18, 1879

John Vasser, Desperado from Dakota Territory, Captured in Maquoketa

One of the most thrilling incidents that has taken place in our city for years occurred last Saturday morning. It was the arrest of John Vasser, who with six others took part in robbing a train on the Union Pacific Railroad at Medicine Bend, Dakota Territory, last October. In addition to this offense, he is charged with killing two officers who afterwards attempted to capture him. Vasser was raised in Jones County, not many miles from Onslow, and doubtless returned there thinking it was far away from the scenes of his crimes. Vasser lived his younger years near Canton and is known to a good many old residents who give him the reputation of being a hard case, even in his younger years.

A United States detective who had been on Vasser's track since last fall ascertained enough of his whereabouts to be convinced he was in Jones County at the home of a brother-in-law. A bogus dispatch purporting to be sent by one of his pals in Sioux City, was sent to him stating that there was a letter and money order for him at the Post Office in Maquoketa. The detective came to Maquoketa to be ready in case Vasser should call for the letter. He called for the letter Saturday morning and was arrested without any trouble.

Vasser was immediately bound over to the Court House. The detective and Sheriff Babcock took charge of him and left for Anamosa on the noon train. From there he will be taken west, where his trial will take place. If all the reports are true he will be hung for the many crimes he has committed.