Archibald Logan

LOGAN, KENT

Posted By: Debbie Truitt (email)
Date: 4/7/2015 at 20:27:09

From “Ottumwa tri-weekly courier,” Thursday December 15, 1910:

INDICATIONS SHOW FOUL PLAY

SHOOTING OF ARCHIBALD LOGAN NEAR BILLINGS, MONT. IS A MYSTERY

ARE INVESTIGATING

Father and Brother Sparing no Pains to Throw Light on Cause of Young Man’s Death–Think Robbery Motive.

Some further light on the death of Archibald Logan the 20 year son of A.L. Logan, a former Ottumwan, whose burial in the Shaul Cemetery took place yesterday afternoon after a funeral service at the home of a relative, Mrs. Rose Kent, 112 South Moore street, will be sought by the father and brother of the dead man. His death was surrounded by mystery and all indications point to foul play. The stricken father, A.L. Logan with the brother of the deceased, have been making an exhaustive investigation of the sad affair. In relating the sorrowful incident, A.L. Logan had the following to say:

Father Makes Statement.

“It is a good many years since the boys were in Ottumwa, for after I left here, we lived in Missouri for eleven years and then moved to Garden City, Kan. I originally lived for many years a short distance south of Ottumwa. Archibald, who was younger than his brother Floyd, left with his brother for the west three years ago. Together they rode the plains in the sheep work and also on a horse ranch. The boys spent most of this time in Wyoming where Floyd Logan has charge of an outfit for a big sheep raiser at Woolton. The boys separated last July when Archibald left Woolton for Rothwell, Wyo. and later went to Thermopolis in the same state. November 8 he made up his mind to go to Montana and sold his horse before beginning the journey which was made by stage. He was well supplied with money and arrived in Billings, Mont. by November 10. The rooming place where he put up in Billings was last visited by him November 16 although he had paid his rent some days in advance. He also sold his colt’s 41 caliber gun in Billings. The next known of the young man was the finding of his dead body two miles out from Billings with a bullet hole in his head, and all his money gone. This took place November 25, and coroner estimated that the body had lain three days unfound.

Will Investigate Cause.

“I was immediately informed of the death as soon as the Billings officials could get in touch with me at Garden City, and I wired Floyd in Woolton, Wyo., to arrange for the remains and make the investigation of the causes leading up to the mysterious death. Everything obtainable in the way of evidence, points to a foul murder with robbery the motive as it was easily apparent the boy had plenty of money and did not drink or gamble. I have secured the services of an excellent attorney in Helena and the sheriff at Billings is making a thorough search, for if possible I intend that we shall know the cause of the boy’s untimely end.

Greatful [sic] to Friends.

“I am very grateful to the many Ottumwans, among whom I have still many friends, who tendered us all the kindness and consideration possible in our breavement. I feel especially indebted to Pickwick lodge I.O.O.F. No. 128, of which I was a former member, for the service the members rendered me.”

Mr. Logan will be remembered as Lincoln Logan a former police officer under B.W. Van der Veer and is well acquainted in and about Ottumwa. Since going to Garden City, Kan. He has held the post of marshal for some time.