Iowa
Old Press
Osage News
Osage, Mitchell Co., Iowa
December 7, 1898
Around Mitchell County
MCINTIRE
Geo. Munsgn made a business trip to Minnesota last week,
returning Monday.
Webster Peavy was in town Monday.
Matt Thelen and wife have welcomed a baby boy to their home.
Earnest Fairbrother and Gus Grisdale accompanied the constable to
David Saturday evening to assist in bringing Fairbanks to
justice.
All the churches have begun making preparations for Christmas.
The Gazett office has turned out a neat pamphlet of the
laws of the McIntire public school, that is not only a credit to
the printer but also speaks well for the principal of the
schools, in more ways than one.
Mr Shepherd living east of town is on the sick list.
The Lyceum Theater company showed every night last week in the
opera house. They left a good impression on our people, being
ladies and gentlemen off the stage and good actors.
The Christian Endeavors will hold a fair, Saturday of this week,
to secure money for the purchase of a bell.
Mr. Stevens commences a series of special meetings in the
Methodist church this week.
The school puplis were treated to a sleigh ride Friday evening.
F. W. McCloud, was a Riceville visitor Monday.
Elsie Federman is staying town with her sister.
Mrs Doolittle of Elma is visiting her son, Freem.
Mrs McCloud and Hazel, drove to Charles City Thursday to visit L.
E. Powel, and family, returning Friday. Mrs. Powel is somewhat
better.
STACYVILLE
Dr. Robertson Presiding Elder of the Decorah District, held the
Quartley Conference of the M. E. Church Saturday evening. On
Sunday morning he gave us a grand sermon and held communion
services. He went to Little Cedar for afternoon service.
Prof. C. H. Bronson the blind phernolojist and physiciolojist
wiil deliver a course of five lectures in the M. E. church
beginning Monday evening Dec. 5th.
On Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 o'clock, the Congregationalists
will serve a pan cake supper at the Kelley House. Proceeds to be
used in repairing the church.
The social held at Mrs. C. Rolf's last week was a success in
every way.
The Ladies Aid Society of the M. E. church will hold their annual
fair and literary entertainment at the school house Friday Dec.
16th. An oyster supper will be served, also every other kind of
supper in demand.
Rev. A. B. Calder arrived safely at the home of his parents in
New Brunswick, Canada, a week ago Friday. He went to Boston and
took a streamer to Eastport, Maine, which place is five miles
distant from his childhoods home. We congratulate him on being
one day to early for embarkation on the steamer City of
Portland, which in attempting to make the same trip in the
storm on Saturday night Nov. 16, was wrecked and all on board
perished.
Many of the Stacyville people purpose attending the organ recital
and the dedicatory services of the M. E. church at Osage.
Mr. Bronson and wife are among the guests at the French home.
Mr. James Penney is sick and was unable to be at church on
Sunday.
Mrs. Stephen Bywater of Kalispell, Montana, a niece of Mrs. S. B.
French is visiting with Mrs. French.
CEDAR
Will Busch of Heron Lake, Minn. will spend the winter at D.
Lombard's.
Fred Troge and family visited at Wm. Hasting's last Friday.
Pearle Kildee spent Sunday at home.
Will Carter of Rudd, is visiting relatives in this vicinity, he
leaves this week for Tracy, Minn., where he and his brother will
start a Racket store.
Carrie Pegg is visiting her sister near Otranto.
Fred Schersach and Frank Evans have returned home from Minn.
Ed Leighton and Will McGrath are cutting wood in Struben's grove.
Al Klidee visited friends near Brownville the fore part of last
week.
Leona Hart of Osage spent Sunday at Ed. Leighton's.
The chicken pie sociable at J. Burtch's last Friday evening was
well attended, the proceeds went to the Weinberger Sunday School.
B. Leighton went to New Hampton, Thursday.
Myrtle Carter has been on the sick list for the past week.
There was a pleasant surprise party at the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Geo. Smalley last Friday evening, the occasion being their
twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.
WEST MITCHELL
Mr. and Mrs S. C. Stiles departed on Saturday for a visit with
relatives at Columbus, Wis.
Mrs. C. E. Grant visited her sister, Mrs. W. Chinn, last week.
One of those fine steel ranges had found its way from our
hardware to Mrs. O Tebling's kitchen.
Wm. Robinson was called away to Plymouth on business last
Thursday.
Frank White is making his home at L. Strous's this winter.
Some of our young people took a sleigh ride to Pleasant Valley on
Saturday evening to attend the "Milkmaid's Convention"
which was presented to the people of that place by the
Endeavorers of the Mitchell Cong. church.
Mrs. M. Blackburn has returned from her visit to Minneapolis but
will remain with us only a short time as she, and her brother, M.
N. Duncan, are making preparations to go to California.
Mrs. Jessie LeBarton of Lyle, visited relatives here last week.
NEW HAVEN
Mrs. Reeding from Stacyville is visiting her daughter, Mrs. John
Griffin.
Miss Rilla Elliott and brother John expect to leave for a visit
with friends in Wisconsin.
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Carrol are rejoicing over a new baby girl.
Miss Kate Eschweiler returned home Saturday after spending the
summer with Mrs. D. Sewright in Lincoln.
Miss Mary Ginsterblume left Sunday for her home at Stacyville
after spending a three months visit with her aunt Mrs. Griffin.
Jacob Adams and Bertha Mattson were married last Tuesday, Rev.
Father Berry officiating.
Miss Lizzie Webber from Stacyville attended church at Newhaven
Sunday.
Rev. Father Berry lost one of his horses, which was quite a lost
to him.
The dance and oyster supper given by the Forester's Thanksgiving
evening was a grand success.
ST. ANSGAR
Mrs Preston of St. Paul is the guest of her sister Mrs. H. M.
Alexander. She arrived on Saturday.
The young ladies of the Norwegian Lutheran church held a fair on
Saturday at which all manner of fancy and useful articles were
sold. We did not learn the amount realized.
The Patrons Meeting held at the Public School building on
Saturday evening was well attended. These meetings can hardly
fail to be beneficial to all concerned.
Miss Emma Lane is attending school at Cedar Falls.
Dr. Stewerwald was here to attend the funeral of Mrs. Luberns. He
returned the day following to Longmont Cal.
We are informed that the P. O. question has been settled by the
reappointment of A. Lund as postmaster.
Miss Emma Rennebohm of Kenyon, Minn., is visiting with her
relatives in town.
Miss Phelps of Canada spoke in the M. E. church on Monday evening
of last week and organized a W. C. T. U. of seven members.
Our new depot is finished and agent Bartoo has moved into it.
Mrs. Erickson returned to Gunder last Saturday after a visit of
several weeks at the home of her mother Mrs. Stafford.
Mr. and Mrs. T. Veblen of Blooming Prarie Minn., visited in town
last week. Mr. Veblen returned home on Monday but his wife will
visit for a time with her parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander spent Friday of last week visiting with
Mr. J. Alexander's family.
Rev. Smith and wife have spent the week at Meltonville. Mr. Smith
is engaged in special meetings there, Rev. Hodges of Kensett is
assisting him.
Miss Mable Hildebrand of Ripley Minn., is visiting with her young
friends in town.
Mrs. Henry Lubeins died at her home on Saturday morning Nov. 26th
and was buried on the following Tuesday. Rev. Cummings of Burr
Oak conducted the services assisted by Rev. Smith of Osage. Three
of the grandchildren of the deceased were baptized at the
beginning of the services. Mrs. Lubeins has suffered intensly
from cancer in the face for many months in spite of all that love
could devise for her relief. Death was welcomed as a release by
her. The family have the sympathy of all in their bereavement.
The friends of Miss Sarah Stafford will be glad to know that she
is recovering from her recent serious illness. It will however be
sometime before she will be able to come home.
LOOK HERE.
I am in the ice cream business as usual; the celebrated Blanchard
ice cream for parties, socials and weddings a specially. If you
want a good dish of ice cream soda, call on Starr Bros. If I
can't make as many thousand gallons as our neighbors I make it up
in quality, as you all know. O. Blanchard.
DAVID
Words cannot express the extreme sorrow that is felt over the
terrible affair that occurred here last Saturday, the sympathy of
entire community goes out to the breaved wife and children.
Miss Blair of Charles City spent last week here with her uncle
and wife, Mr. and Mrs. E. Chapman.
The entertainment and supper given last week Tuesday evening,
drew a large crowd over fourteen dollars was taken in.
Rev. and Mrs. Wilson were called to Blue Earth City last
Thursday,by the severe illness of his brother, they returned in
time for services Sunday.
Litte Baby Hocum is again able to be brought to church, after his
sick spell, of lung fever.
Ben Foote has accepted a position on a paper in Forest City. The
Winnebago Summit, to which place he went last week.
The young people's Bible class are preparing for a Christmas
tree, to be held the evening of the 24th.
Miss Della Pingry visited her brother A. Pingry and family last
Saturday.
Mr. and Mrs. N. J. Moss returned from the Black Hills last week
to spend the winter with their son, J. A. Moss and wife.
Mr. Bronston and wife are among the guests at the French home.
Mr. James Penney is sick and was unable to be at church on
Sunday.
Mrs. Stephen Bywater of Kalispell, Montana, a niece of Mrs. S. B.
French is visiting with Mrs. French.
Mr. Nelson Chamberlain's wife and babe from Saratoga, Howard Co.
are visiting relatives in Stacyville.
MONA
Miss Julia Nelson is again with her friends in and around Mona
after a short stay in Osage.
Chas. Berg purchased a fine driving horse of Christ Johnson last
week.
Jonnie Johnson came up from Osage last Friday night to attend the
party at W. C. Woodward's.
Mr. Penney went to Chicago, Monday morning on business. Miss Amy
Penny teaches in his absence.
Carl Johnson spent last Saturday in Osage with his brother
Johnnie.
John Larson was in Osage last Saturday on important business-very
important-ask him and see.
Miss Daisy Rustad came up to attend the party last Friday night
returning to Osage Saturday on the clipper.
A large crowd was pleasantly entertained at the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Woodward last Friday evening.
Miss Berde Bronson went down to her home last Saturday morning on
the Clipper, but returned as far as St.Ansgar, in the afternoon
to attend the Teacher;s meeting at that place.
LONG STREET
Fine sleighing for grain haulers.
Parties are in style again.
The oyster season is hear this year again, and the greatest place
in the world for canning them is at Baltimore, Maryland.
Mr. Graper of Dixie was in this neighborhood Monday selling buck-
(missing).
Johnnie Knisel was on the street Tuesday.
Ole Torblaa has rented his farm the coming year to Lars Berge.
Mr. Torblaa and family moved to Osage the middle of last week
where they will live.
Miss Amelia Hegerstad writes from Dakota that she does not like
the wide rolling prairie and will to return to Iowa in the
spring.
Rev. Westenberger's congregation went together one day last week
and gave him three sacks of oats each, nine families in all
making 27 sacks. John Buckman took the load Wednesday to his home
in Rockford.
Charlie Frost was up from Nora Springs, Friday and Saturday and
visited at Ole Dailey's.
Mr. and Mrs. J. Mogk of Floyd Co., Sundayed at H. Gast, Giles
Gulbrand and son and Wm. Boeck were around buying hogs a short
time ago.
The Ladies Aid Society have a silk quilt which they are taking
numbers on. Anybody wishing to take a number, the price is 15
cents a number. They money for it will go to the Orphans Home at
Lake Park, Minn.
Clarence Boeck was a visitor at school Thanksgiving day.
Ole Daildy hauled some hay for Ole Torblaa Friday.
The meat-man of Nora Springs bought some sheep in this
neighborhood Thursday.
Peterson Bros. are buying chickens this year. Price paid 4 cts.
Miss Mary Mogk has been greatly missed at school by her
classmates on account of sickness since school commenced, but at
present writing we are glad to note that Miss Mary is on the
gain.
There was a men's meeting at the Lutheran church today.
(Saturday) another a week from Monday.
John Mogk and daughter Mary were down to the great city of Nora
Springs, on Thursday.
Iver Jensen built a new corn crib for M. Jules.
[transcribed by M.O., June 2007]
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Mitchell County Press
Osage,Michell County, Iowa
December 8, 1898
Most Brutal Murder
The little village of David located on the Winona & Western
Ry. 12 miles northeast of Osage in Mitchell county, was the scene
of a most brutal and horrible murder last Saturday afternoon,
Dec. 3, at 3 o’clock. The shooting took place at the hotel
of Henry Meiers, at which place Fairbanks was raising a
disturbance in the family, and when the neighbors came to the
rescue Fairbanks deliberately attempts to shoot them down, firing
first at Dave McLaughlin and then at George Robbins, whereupon
the others flee for their lives.
In order to give an idea of the motive that could have prompted
such dastardly deed, it is necessary to go back a little and give
an account of what had been taking place between Fairbanks and
Meiers that it may be understood in what condition of mind the
murder was at the time of the shooting.
For several years Henry Meiers and his wife, Mary have run a
hotel in David. Their house has had a reputation for its
quietness and order, and was a favorite resort for young people,
with whom Mrs. Meiers has always been very popular. This has been
true until recently at least, when rumors crept out regarding her
intimacy with Fairbanks, who had for some time, and up to two
months ago, been a boarder at their hotel from which he was
discharged by Meiers; since which time he has made Little Cedar
his headquarters. Meiers has not always enjoyed the best
reputation and has been known to drink freely at times, and it
has been reported that he sometimes treated his wife with
cruelty, though he has the appearance of a gentleman and would
likely not be the victim of such criticism were it not for the
unfortunate occurrence that has made public his domestic affairs.
Besides Mr. and Mrs. Meiers, the family consists of two boys and
a little girl, the oldest of the children being nine years old.
The relations between Meiers and his wife had become so strained
on account of rumors and Meiers own behavior that they had
several times come near obtaining separation papers, but on
account of family ties had become reconciled, and during the last
few weeks there had been no trouble and they seemed to be living
quite happily together. They were making preparations to move
from David to Milwaukee Wis., supposedly to rid themselves of
this man Fairbanks and had their goods partly packed.
Fairbank’s visits at this time were to try to induce
Meiers’ wife not to leave with him, and he had threatened
that she should not leave David alive, this threat was made on
Wednesday preceding the shooting at the time of his first
“farewell” call.
An account of that visit on Wednesday Nov. 30, shows the
character of the murderer as well as does the shooting itself. On
that day he approached Meiers house armed with a rifle, revolver
and two pockets full of cartridges. He came to the kitchen door
and demanded admission. Meiers, observing that he was armed as he
approached the house, obtained a gun himself and went up stairs
where he thought he would have a better chance to defend himself,
should Fairbanks attempt to molest him. Fairbanks was finally
admitted on condition that both parties should lay down their
arms, but unknown to Meiers, Fairbanks retained his revolver, and
at the first opportunity he made Meiers, at the point of the
revolver, take a chair in the corner of the room where, with
revolver aimed into Meiers face, he forced him to make some
ridiculous confessions, promises and admissions, all of which,
Meiers, under the pressure of circumstances readily did. Meiers
was kept in that position for several hours, during which time he
was hardly allowed to make a move, not even being permitted to go
after his pipe and tobacco, though his little girl was permitted
to bring them to him and he was allowed to enjoy the pipe of
(well perhaps not exactly the proverbial pipe of peace.)
Shortly before dinner Meiers was released by Fairbanks and
friendly relations were once more established, presumably.
Fairbanks remained to dinner with the family and seemed quite
repentant for his acts of the morning, and acknowledged that he
had done wrong. When he left, all parties seemed quite friendly
to each other. This occurrence was kept very quiet and was
unknown to the citizens until it developed at the inquestlast
Monday morning. Meiers constantly living in dread for fear of
being shot until the following Saturday.
On Saturday Fairbanks called at the hotel again and asked Meiers
if he might be permitted to converse with Mrs. Meiers, Meiers
consented on condition that he be present during the
conversation. This Fairbanks agreed to, but when they were
brought together, they did not converse except when Meiers who
was busy packing his goods, would absent himself from the room,
at which times they conversed freely, Fairbanks insisting that
Mrs. Meiers should not leave with her husband, but she insisted
that she would. This brought about another disturbance between
Fairbanks and Meiers, in which Fairbanks became so enraged that
he again drew his revolver on Meiers and forced him into a chair
in the kitchen where he grew quite desperate in his threats to
kill Meiers who was begging for his life, while Mrs. Meiers and
the children screamed and cried wildly, begging Fairbanks not to
shoot, little Ella Meiers with a stick was beating Fairbanks and
crying, “Don’t kill my papa”.
Meiers’ little nine-year old boy Eddie, finally escaped to
the office of David McLaughlin across the street and gave the
alarm for assistance. Dave soon gathered a few men, and made his
way to the kitchen door. Meiers was sitting near the window when
asked if they should break in, indicated for them to do so.
Whereupon McLaughlin kicked in the door, closely followed by
Robbins, Poorte, Smith, McNutly and others. It was at this
time that the shooting occurred. The first shot was fired at Dave
McLaughlin who was the first to enter the room. The ball struck
him just left of the center of the breast, the bullet being
deflected by clothing and the heavy seam on the pocket of his
shirt, to which fortunate occurrence he owns his life. The wound
was very slight though he supposed himself to be shot and came
running out of the house with his hands over his breast crying
“ Boys, I am shot.” and going across to the office on
examination he found the ball, not in his breast but in his boot.
Just behind McLaughlin, George Robbins was pushing forward into
the house just as McLaughlin turned and fled he left Robbins face
to face with Fairbanks, who aimed at him and shot, the ball
entering his left leg, nine inches above the knee and eight and
one-half inches behind the hip joint. Robbins them turned from
the door and staggered to the end of the porch, where he fell
backward upon one knee, grabbing the edge of a barrel, thus
leaving his breast in full view of Fairbanks, who took deliberate
aim and fired, the ball taking effect three and one-half inches
above the point of the breast bone and four inches from each
nipple, the ball supposedly entering his heart which caused his
death.
After being shot he raised up and staggered along for some
distance, passing the barn and out into the alley, where he fell.
The only thing he was heard to say was as he passed John Smith
with hand upon his breast he cried: Boys I’m shot and done
for.” The bystanders bathed his face and body in snow trying
to revive him. Fairbanks fired this shot with his left hand, and
holding his right hand on the casing of the door, the ball
passing right in front of John McNutly.
Robbins, the deceased, was 38 years of age, he was a renter, and
was doing some blacksmithing at David during the winter months.
He was a quiet law abiding citizen, conscientious worker, kind
husband and father highly respected in the neighborhood. He
leaves a wife and five little boys, ranging in age from two to
fourteen years. The mother is grief stricken and the fact that
she is nearing confinement makes her condition precarious.
The family is in destitute circumstances having no visible means
of support. Through the kindness of friends and sympathizers a
subscription is being taken for them. The funeral was held
yesterday at 9:30 a.m. under the auspices of the Odd Fellows
lodge of which Mr. Robbins was a member. The death of Mr.
Robbins, an innocent man at the hand of a cruel monster, is
doubly sad when it is remembered that just ten months ago from
the date of the burial of Robbins, his brother was buried and
left seven children, who he has helped to support. These, with
his own five children, make twelve little ones who are thus
deprived of their support. No wonder the good people of David are
wrought up over the deed, and its almost remarkable that lynching
was not resorted to.
After the shooting of Robbins, Fairbanks turned back into the
house not knowing whether or not any of his shots had proven
fatal, but remarked to Meiers that he thought he had got some of
them good and hard, anyway he hoped to God he had; and that if he
hadn’t killed them already there were three men in that town
whom he would down. They were Poorte, Robbins and McLaughlin.
After this he deliberately put on his fur coat, gloves and
stepped out onto the street, where he was surrounded by the
citizens armed with shot guns and other weapons and after fierce
struggle in the snow during which Fairbanks revolver was
discharged in the snow so close to Poorte’s face that powder
marks were plainly seen, he was overpowered and bound securely
and his weapons taken from him, after which he was placed in the
office of Dave McLaughlin, there to await the arrival of Sheriff
Knowlton who soon arrived and took him in charge, bringing him to
Osage where he is now lodged in the county jail. Strong threats
of lynching were freely expressed, and but for the timely warning
by telephone messenger from County Attorney Lovejoy this
unpleasant circumstance likely would have happened.
Attorney W. L. Eaton has been retained for the defense and the
prosecution will be by County Attorney Lovejoy.
The preliminary hearing was before Justice Humbert in Osage
Tuesday morning. The prisoner is to be retained in the county
jail awaiting trial. This is the first murder that has taken
place in the county in many years, in fact many of the oldest
inhabitants have no recollection of there having ever been a
murder in the county before. The people are naturally aroused and
especially in the neighborhood of David great excitement exists.
THE MURDER
George Robbins Meets His Death At David Last Saturday at the
Hands of Foss Fairbanks
The Most Horrible Tragedy in the History of Mitchell County, In
which the Life Blood of an Innocent Man is Shed for the Wrongs of
Others.
FAIRBANKS HELD FOR MURDER.
Fairbanks Waives Examination and Held to Appear In District
Court– The Coroner’s Inquest– Whole Story in
Detail
Murder, cold blooded and terrible was the announcement that came
to the people of Osage last Saturday evening from the usually
quiet and peaceful little village of David. The call by telephone
for officers, coupled with the excitedly told story of a most
horrible shooting affair in which one man had lost his life and
others narrowly escaped death, with the guilty man still at large
and defying capture, was the message received about four
o’clock by sheriff Knowlton. The man who had been killed was
George Robbins and the man who committed the deed was DeForest
Fairbanks, or “Foss” as he is commonly called.
David is a little town of from fifty to a hundred people,
situated on the Winona road about twelve miles north of Osage. It
was founded by David McLaughlin, well known to all the old
settlers of the county, a prosperous farmer, and now a dealer in
machinery, coal, etc., in the village. A more peaceful and law
abiding community would be hard to find than the people who make
up the inhabitants of David, and it is hard, indeed to comprehend
how a crime so terrible and cold blooded could have been
committed there. The whole circumstances are so terrible and the
deed so unreasonable that as one ponders over the matter he finds
himself wondering if it is not all a night-mare. Alas, if it only
were! But the cold hard facts remain that it is not, and the
generally quiet and peaceful little town of David has been the
scene of a tragedy that will be recorded as one of the darkest
and one of the saddest in the history of the state of Iowa. If
ever there was a clear case of the shedding of innocent blood as
a result of the sins and misdeeds of others, this is that case.
If ever there was a case where an innocent man laid down his life
in the simple discharge of what appeared to him a duty, this is
the case. If ever there was a case where a kind husband and
loving father was cruelly taken from a home that needed his
presence, this is that case. A wife and five boys, the eldest
thirteen and the youngest two years of age, are left almost
penniless, and a gloom and sadness has filled a home that knew
naught but love and contentment. It’s at best a sad picture,
and one not soon to be forgotten by those who have had an
opportunity to see and know the conditions and facts as they are.
None but He who has promised to care for the widow and the
orphans can fully know the anguish of that home, and let us trust
that the needed assistance and the earnest and sincere sympathy
of our people may be freely bestowed.
It is not our intention to moralize in beginning this article,
but it seems hard to stop the pen in giving expression to
feelings that through all the sad and awful incidents of this
case force them to the top and crowd out for the time all
thoughts of the mere facts of the crime. Such facts, however, are
what we presume people most want, and the facts so far as we have
been able to gather them are what The Press shall aim to
give. We fully realize that fairness is due to all men and to all
women and that there are many things which do not always look
well in print, yet we know, too, that to do full justice there
are also times when a newspaper, true to its convictions of
right, and true to its mission, must speak out and publish plain
facts as it finds them. That is our style, and this is a case
which we purpose handing along these lines.
The mere facts of the murder as evidence would show, are about
this: On Saturday, December 3d, 1898, DeForest Fairbanks entered
the hotel of Henry Meier at David, Iowa, where Mr. and Mrs. Meier
were packing their goods preparatory to leaving, and became
engaged in a quarrel with, or rather in abuse on his part of, Mr.
Meier. During the time little nine-year old Eddie Meier left the
house and went to David McLaughlin for help, saying the Fairbanks
was threatening to kill his father. Mr. McLaughlin immediately
went to the hotel, entered the front door, passed through the
office and the two other rooms to the kitchen and opened the
kitchen door. Fairbanks, with revolver in hand, ordered him out,
telling him he was not wanted there at all. Mr. McLaughlin went
out and up to the store of C. Poorte, where a number of men were
and told them there was trouble down at the hotel and that Meier
needed help. With that he started back down there and those in
the store followed him. George Robbins at the time was at this
blacksmith shop directly across the street from the hotel and
seeing the men going, joined them or followed them. They went to
the back door of the hotel and tried the knob but it was locked.
They then asked for admittance, but were refused by Fairbanks. At
the time Meier sat or stood by the window about two feet from the
door crying, and in evident distress. Some of the party asked him
if he wanted them to come in, and he replied yes. With this Dave
McLaughlin and some one else kicked the door in, breaking the
lock and splintering the door quite badly. Fairbanks immediately
fired from within, the ball striking McLaughlin on the left side
just over the heart. By this time the little town was led with
excitement and confusion. The wound of David McLaughlin was
examined by the physician and found not serious. Men ran to their
homes and their places of business in search of guns. A strange
condition of affairs was that no gun could be found that could be
depended upon to work. One was examined which was rusty, another
had no shells to use, another something else was wrong with it,
and so on until it seemed that not a single gun in the town of
any description could be found that was trustworthy and fit for
use, and someone was dispatched to the home of a farmer living
near by, who was known to have a good gun. David McLaughlin
resurrected an old side-hammer shot gun and placed it beside him
in his office, which he intended to use if occasion and necessity
demanded.
In the meantime Mr. C. Poorte, the young man who conducts a
general merchandise store, is assistant postmaster, and in whose
place of business the telephone stations is located, telephoned
to Osage for Sheriff Knoulton, giving him the circumstances up to
that time and telling him Fairbanks was still at large. Mr.
Knoulton answered by deputizing Mr. Poorte to take him in custody
and to call upon as many men as he needed for assistance. He also
cautioned him that after the man was captured to take good care
of him and protect him from any violence. During this time which
occupied from thirty minutes to an hour, Fairbanks had remained
in the hotel.
At this time it may be well to give those of our readers who have
never been in David something of an idea of the general lay of
the town. The town is on the east side of the railroad track,
Main street running east and west. The Meier hotel is on the
south side of Main street, in about the center of the second
block east of the depot, and was, we believe, the first building
from the depot on that side of the street to be occupied by a
business of any kind. It is a good looking two-story building,
well finished and of sufficient size for the accommodation of the
hotel trade of a town of this size. About a block further east on
the same side of the street is the postoffice and store of C.
Poorte. Directly across Main street from the hotel is the
blacksmith shop in which George Robbins worked and east of this a
short distance is the office and machinery and implement
establishment of David McLaughlin. Though there are of course
other buildings in the place, these and their locations are
sufficient for the needs of this article.
Fairbanks finally came out of the hotel and started east and
across the street in the direction of McLaughlin’s office.
Mr. McLaughlin saw him coming and warned him not to come there.
At the same time Ed. Chapman, who was also in the office picked
up the old shotgun lying near and went out in front. McLaughlin
came out and took it from him and they both went back into the
office. At. Mr. McLaughlin’s orders Fairbanks changed his
course and McNutly advanced to meet him and conservation between
them ensued from a short distance. Fairbanks was on the sidewalk
and had advanced to within two or three rods of the corner of the
store upon the porch of which the crowd was gathered. Mr. Poorte
at this time came from across the street, where he had gone to
get a revolver, and walked up to within about four feet of
Fairbanks, when he pointed his gun at him and ordered him to
throw up his hand. Fairbanks replied “Not by a d–d
sight,” and started to raise his revolver. Poorte was
fearful lest the revolver he had would not work, and instead of
trying to shoot, made a jump at Fairbanks’ grabbing his hand
that held the gun and at the same time catching Fairbanks’
head under his arm. By the force of the jump and a quick trip
Fairbanks went off the sidewalk into the snow with Poorte on top
of him. In an instant that whole crowd was piled up there in the
snow with Fairbanks the under man. At the time that the two men
went down, or an instant later, Fairbank’s revolver
discharged, and though the ball did not take effect, the heat and
the powder burned Mr. Poorte’s face. The revolver was soon
taken from him, a rope was brought and he was securely bound hand
and foot. He was searched and E. Chapman took a pair of brass
knuckles from his coat pocket. He was then taken across to
McLaughlin’s office, and with his feet bound together and
his hands tied behind his back, he was bound to a chair, and the
whole securely fastened to the huge and historical safe which at
the top bears the words “National Republican
Headquarters.” After he had been bound he was told that he
had killed George Robbins, to which he replied, “ Is that
so?” He had not known until he came out what the results of
his shooting were.
Lynching was quite freely talked about, and the crowd seemed to
be in about the necessary frame of mind to do such a deed, but
County Attorney Lovejoy warned them by telephone that any
violence shown the prisoner would be vigorously punished, and
through the coolness and wise counsel of those who had the
prisoner in charge, such a calamity was averted.
About six o’clock Sheriff Knoulton arrived and took the
prisoner in charge, bringing him to Osage on the train which came
along a few minutes later and landing him that night in the
county jail.
The foregoing are the substantial facts of the murder and arrest,
as learned by a Press reporter who spent Monday in the little
town of David, attending the coroner’s inquest and
interviewing those who were witnesses and in position to know.
Much other information bearing upon the case and of deep interest
at this time was also gained. It is the same old story of a woman
in the case, and the whole tragic affair is the outcome of the
generally supposed and openly talked of too intimate relations
between DeForest Fairbanks and Mrs. Henry Meier. Actions which
have been considered disgraceful by the community have for some
time been practiced by them, and much trouble had of late
occurred between Mr. and Mrs. Meier over the matter. They are
German people, he coming from Wisconsin, and she was formerly
Mary Baldner, whose parents live in Union township. They have
three children, two boys and a girl aged respectively nine, seven
and five years. They have kept hotel in David for about five
years. In June 1897, DeForest Fairbanks commenced boarding with
them and remained there until about six weeks ago. Mr. Meier had
evidently been getting tired of playing second fiddle in his own
house, and summoning all the courage at his command, announced
that Fairbanks would have to go. The record is not clear on the
manner in which Fairbanks was told that he could not remain and
partake of the hospitality of the Meier hotel, but from all
appearances it is safe to presume that Meier got on his knees to
Fairbanks and in his most polite manner asked him to “please
go away.” Now there was another steady boarder at the hotel
at this time, a Mr. Mooney, who though a fine gentleman to meet
and a good paying boarder, was evidently lacking in the
requisites of a first-class masher. Mrs. Meier thereupon issued
an ultimatum to the effect that if Fairbanks could not stay,
Mooney would have to go-and Mooney went.
This left Meier as the sole man occupant of the house and like
Robinson Crusoe on the island in the sea, he imagined he was
“monarch of all he surveyed.” But strange as it may
seem, still all was not lovely. The white-winged angel of peace
and happiness did not hover about as one might have supposed it
would. There were beings, however, who did hover about. Scraps
and trouble are reported to have continued between man and wife,
and it is said that two or three weeks ago an agreement was
reached to divide the property and part. For the sake of the
children, however, they changed these plans and decided to leave
here and go to the old Meier home near Milwaukee and try to live
right. This seems to have been the settled determination of both
at the time this trouble occurred, as is still their intention.
They had rented their hotel and were packing their goods. The
evidence before the coroner’s inquest and the statements of
others how that on Wednesday preceding the murder Fairbanks came
to town and forced his way into the hotel at the point of a gun
about ten o’clock in the forenoon. From that time until
about four in the afternoon he had Meier at times sitting on his
proper stool, begging, or crying, as the fancy struck him, and
then before leaving had made an agreement with Meier that if he
would not complain of him for what he had done that day, he would
go away and bother them no more. This was a promise which Meier
should never have kept. If he had made complaint at once and
caused Fairbank’s arrest, the terrible tragedy of Saturday
would not have occurred. But his he did not do, and it’s too
late to speculate on what might have been.
The writer visited the home of the Robbins family and learned a
few particulars which may be of interest. George Robbins, the
murdered man, was a son of Wm. Robbins of Bailey. He was 37 years
old July 23, 1898, was 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed 159
pounds. He had brown hair, blue eyes and a sandy mustache. About
two years ago he came there from a farm near LeRoy, where he had
been burned out, living about one-half mile west of David for a
term of three years, and had worked the place but one year. He
had moved to David for the winter and rented the blacksmith shop
from Henry Meier. He was of a quiet pleasant disposition, highly
respected by all who knew him. He was hard working and honest,
and his death casts a gloom over the entire community. He was a
member of the Odd Fellows lodge and his funeral was in charge of
that order. It was held Tuesday morning at the Free Will Baptist
church of David and the remains taken to Riceville for interment.
We next sought some information from Mr. Meier, but were met with
the words, “I am a man of few words, and have nothing
whatever to say.” He did say, however, that he had passed
through experiences recently under the gun of “Foss”
Fairbanks when minutes seemed like hours, and when he was willing
and anxious to say or promise anything. He had hoped to get
started for Wisconsin yesterday, but now would be unable to go
until after this trial.
Mrs Meier was very reticent and did not care to talk. She seemed
to feel badly over the terrible out come of things. She is a
woman of a little above medium height, has dark complexion, dark
brown hair and large blue eyes.
The coroner’s inquest was held in the office of D. E.
McLaughlin, beginning at 9 o’clock Monday morning. Coroner
C. N. Sliter of West Mitchell, presided and County Attorney A. B.
Lovejoy conducted the examination. Sheriff Knoulton was present
and Merle A. Thompson acted as stenographer. W. L. Eaton,
attorney for Fairbanks, was there, and E. J. Schofield took the
testimony in short hand for him. E. D. Chapman, W. J. Graves and
Wm. Moran were sworn in as jurors, and the examination of
witnesses proceeded at once.
D. E. McLaughlin was the first witness,. He testified that while
in the store Saturday afternoon little Eddie Meier came in and
said his papa wanted him. After getting outside the boy said Foss
Fairbanks was going to shoot his father. McLaughlin hurried down,
but was ordered from the house by Fairbanks. He went back to
Poorte’s store, got Poorte, McNulty and Smith and returned
to the hotel. His further testimony is to the effect that Meier
asked them in and that he kicked the door open, receiving the
first shot. He immediately retreated and saw nothing farther of
the shooting.
Henry Meier was next sworn. He said he met Fairbanks on the
sidewalk Saturday afternoon and exchanged greetings. Fairbanks
asked, “Have you any objections to me talking with your wife
a little?” Replied, “No, if you talk in my
presence.” They went in the house, Fairbanks sat down but
said nothing as long as Meier was there. They were packing their
goods, and as Meier went out to carry goods, he noticed they
would talk. When returned all would be quiet again. He finally
went to the barn and was gone nearly half an hour. When he
returned, Fairbanks drew his revolver and said: “Meier, I
came here to do business, and I am going to settle things before
I leave.” “What do you mean?” I mean that you are
a dead man before I leave this house.” When asked the reason
he said: “You have talked enough about me.” Meier
further testified that he begged and cried and plead with him.
Fairbanks told him he was too big a coward for him to kill
without giving him a show for his life, but to go and get his gun
and they would see which was the best man. This, Meier refused to
do telling Fairbanks he might kill him first but he could not be
guilty of killing anyone. Meier said “If you kill me, Foss,
what will become of this little family of children?” and
Fairbanks replied, “Never mind about the children. I will
take care of them,” and he tossed one of them a silver
dollar to stop its crying. The children begged of him not to kill
their father, and Mrs. Meier finally cried and tried to stop him.
During the excitement the little boy left the room and ran for
help. Meier further testified that he asked the men outside to
come in, and describes the shooting substantially as the others
died, only he was unable to see who was shot. He states that
after the shooting Fairbanks came in, put his back to the door
and said: “They should attend to their own business. I think
I hit a few of them. There is George Robbins, that______ traitor,
I think I fixed him, and if I didn’t I will before I leave
town.” He also said he wanted to kill Poorte and McLaughlin.
When asked how long Fairbanks remained after the shooting, Meier
said, “It seemed like 48 hours, though perhaps about
three-quarters of an hour.”
John McNulty, C. Poorte, Dr. L. E. Evens, W. S. McMaster and John
Smith were in turn examined and gave testimony corroborating the
story as given above of the various scenes and details of the
tragedy. Their testimony was all important and very much the
same.
Mrs. Meier was the last witness. By request the room was cleared
of spectators and no one remained but the officers of the court
and the reporters. She was reluctant about talking and at times
would hesitate a long time before answering. At one time her
husband told her to “tell just what she knew.” Her
testimony corroborated all that of her husband. When asked what
Fairbanks said to her in the house Saturday after her husband
went out she replied that he told her she could not go away with
such a man as Meier. She said she would, and he told her he would
kill Meier first. The Robbin’s home was then visited and
jury examined the dead body, after which the following verdict
was rendered.
State of Iowa. SS.
Mitchell Co.
An inquisition held at David, Mitchell Co., on the 5th day of
Dec. A. D. 1898, before C. N Silter, coroner of the said county,
upon the body of George Robbins there lying dead, by the jurors
whose names are hereto subscribed. The jurors upon their oaths do
say, that the said Geo. Robbins came to his death on Dec. 3, A.D.
1898, at 3:30 p.m. of said day by means of a 32 caliber revolver
fired by DeForest Fairbanks with murderous intent upon the said
Geo. Robbins, signed
E. D. Chapman
W. J. Graves
Wm. Moran
Attest; C. N. Sliter, Corner.
We visited Fairbanks at the jail Monday evening after supper. He
arose, greeted us with a smile and appeared natural and
unconcerned. After spending the day hearing the testimony in the
case it was hard to realize that this was really the man who had
committed the crime. He impressed us as a man of more than
ordinary intelligence and as one having the appearance of
anything but a villain. He has dark hair, blue eyes and a heavy
sandy mustache. Sheriff Knoulton introduced us and told him that
of course he need not say anything he did not want to. He laughed
and said, “ Oh, I understand that.” In answer to
questions of his life he said: “My name is DeForest
Fairbanks, I am 37 years of age and have lived in Mitchell county
for 25 years. For nine years I have been running a threshing
machine of my own. My parents are both dead. I have a brother, A.
W. Fairbanks who is a farmer living northwest of New Haven, M.A.
Fairbanks of this city is my uncle. I boarded at Meier’s
hotel in David from June ‘97, until about two months ago.
Since then I have lived at Little Cedar and McIntire.” He is
tall, well built and husky looking. When asked his weight, he
said: “ I did weigh 192 and laughingly added, “but I
suppose I have lost about ten pounds since I came in here.”
He was guarded in his conservation about the shooting. Said he
had no idea he had killed anyone until he got out on the street,
but was told he had killed Robbins before he was captured. Said
it was his intention when he left the hotel to come to Osage that
night on the train and give himself up. When asked if he ever had
anything against Robbins replied: “No I have never had any
trouble with him, and had no more hard feelings toward him than I
have towards you.” We asked, Why did you shoot him, then?
and he promptly replied, “In self defense.” He would
explain no further. When asked if he wished to make any statement
for publication he said: “ There would be no harm in saying
that my shooting was all done in self defense.” That’s
all he would say about the matter. He complained of his beard
being long and told the sheriff he wished he had brought his
razor down so he could shave. The sheriff told him he would have
a barber come down in the morning and shave him and he said:
“ Thank you, that will be better still.
Fairbank’s preliminary trial was held before Judge Humbert
Tuesday forenoon at eleven o’clock. The room was well filled
with curious people before the trial was called. The prisoner was
brought in promptly on time by Sheriff Knoulton. He was neatly
dressed in a gray suit, a starched shirt and a nobby necktie of
red and green. He had a clean shave and had more the appearance
of a gentleman than a criminal. His face, however had changed
from that careless smiling look to an expression of the deepest
seriousness. His eyes were bloodshot, and he appeared not to see
or recognize anyone.
Mr and Mrs. Meier sat near the door as he entered. He merely
glanced at them. Mrs. Meier’s face flushed and she dropped
her head and covered her face with her hand. She sat in this
position during most of the time. Attorney Eaton, for the
prisoner, waived reading of information and also waived any
preliminary examination. County Attorney Lovejoy said he would
submit some evidence, and had Mr. And Mrs. Meier sworn.
They each gave substantially the same evidence as at the
coroner’s inquest. Little nine-year old Eddie Meier was then
put on the stand. He is a bright, honest looking child and told
the story of how he ran for help, fearing that Fairbanks was
going to shoot his father.
The counsel for defense did not care to cross-question any of the
witnesses. Judge Humbert held the prisoner without bail to appear
at the next term of district court, which convenes in this city
next Monday. He also placed Mr. and Mrs. Meier under bonds to
appear as witnesses.
[See also, April 1899 for the article on sentencing Mr. Fairbanks. Transcribed by M.O., November 2007]
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Osage News
Osage, Mitchell co. Iowa
December 15, 1898
Stacyville
Mrs. Frank Offerman died Thursday morning after a long
illness. The funeral took place Saturday at the Catholic church.
She leaves a husband and a little boy (sic: girl) who have the
sympathy of all.
[transcribed by M.J.P., June 2008]
-----
Mitchell County Press
Osage, Mitchell County, Iowa
December 29, 1898
WEST MITCHELL
Many families were re-united last week by the home-coming of
absent ones for the holidays.
Wm. Robinson and children combined business and pleasure in a
trip to Osage last week.
At the union services Sunday evening Rev. Lapham spoke to a large
attentive audience.
Lester Coon and Orrin Faville left Thursday for northern
Minnesota where they will engage in wood chopping.
Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Smith and Miss Carrie Button went to Austin
last Saturday for a week's visit among relatives.
The residence of Frank Stokes, which was recently damaged by
fire, has been again repaired and is again occupied.
Dr. Sliter went to Gray Eagle Monday on a business trip. He will
see the clearing of some land which he recently purchased.
Mrs. W. G. Smith and daughter of Minneapolis, D. J. Strouse of
Garner, E.Greig of Sioux Falls, Miss Jessie Greig of Minneapolis,
and Miss Minnie Williams, who is attending school at Cedar Falls,
are among those who enjoyed the Christmas festivities here.
While attempting to kill a chicken last Thursday morning Frank
Coates brought a sharp hatchet down smartly upon the end of his
middle finger on his right hand, cutting it completely off just
below the nail. He was very much surprised when saw what he had
done and has not suffered much pain from it since. Dr. Sliter
dressed it.
NEWBURG.
Ole Eidal purchased a fine new cutter recently.
Happy New Year to all the readers of The Press.
Mr. C. F. Billings and family of Kensett spent Christmas with
relatives
here.
Mable Thomas of Osage, were callers at Mrs. S. R. McKinley's
Friday while on their way to Northwood to spend Christmas with
relatives.
STAR STREET.
Katie Heal visited her sister Mrs. Rogers.
W. Whalen and family Sundayed at Will Loney's.
Earnerst Council and friend visited at John Rice's.
D. Gilchrist and family spent Christmas at L. Coonradt's.
Ed Leighton and wife also Carrie Pegg went to Otranto Saturday.
Augusta Knoulton of Osage has been visiting her friend Laura
Lombard.
The Baptists are holding revival meetings in the Douglas school
house.
Mrs. Darling Josephine and Truman of Osage spent Christmas with
her sister Mrs. E. Otis.
Edith Rapp is home from McIntire for a two weeks vacation after a
pleasant and successful term of school.
There was a large crowd at the Douglas school house Friday
evening. It was under the management of Maggie McGrath.
Over five dollars was raised at the Christmas tree at the Tubbs
school house Friday evening for the benefit of the Robbins
family.
WILLOW AVENUE.
Frank Leemon and family spent Christmas at S.S. McGhan's.
Frank Fish is up from Osage to spend Christmas with friends.
Mr. W.R. Nicol and family spent Tuesday at G. Wheeler's near
Mitchell.
Mrs. Harry Wardell returned home from her visit in Minnesota
Sunday.
Mr. Wheeler and family also Addie Clayton their niece, Sundayed
at S. S. McGhan's.
Miss Belle Morse and Martha Rogers came up Sunday to see their
mother and Grandma.
Albert Nicol came home from Dickinson county Thursday. Ray Nicol
accompanied him.
[transcribed by M.O., November 2007]