Iowa Old Press

Daily Davenport Democrat
Davenport, Scott, Iowa

Monday, May 2, 1870
Almost a Murder, A Man Nearly Pounded to Death
A murderous affair occurred last night in Rock Island, which nearly reslted
in the death of a man. The following  are the particulars as collected by
our reporter. A shoemaker, named Henry Schmidt, in the employment of R.
Trenneman, was paid off Saturday and proceeded forth with that evening on a
bender. He remained in that condition nearly all day Sunday. Last evening
while walking about the city he accosted a colored woman, one of the baser
sort, and was entered into an alley near John George's malt house. A woman
named Mrs. Herman, living nearby, was sitting at an open window when she
heard the dull "thud" of a blow struck apparently with a club. This was
immediately followed by a cry, and a moment later another blow, then the
person fell to the ground. Groans were heard and blows apparently showered
on the prostrate body. Mrs. Herman rushed out and down the alley just in
time to see a woman in a white dress running away. A little further on she
discovered the body of a man lying in a pool of blood. She raised the alarm
and in a few moments a crowd collected. The man Schmidt was taken up and
carried to his boarding house and the police ran for the ferry where, on
examination, they found a negress in the cabin dressed in white, whom they
immediately arrested. Shcmidt's pocket-book was found near him, turned
inside out and contents gone. The story of the Negro woman was that she went
into the alley with two white men and they began to quarrel and one knocked
the other down whereupon she ran, but as there was blood upon her dress that
didn't wash. This morning the sounded man presented frightful appearance.
His head is a mass of ghastly looking flesh and bone smashed cut and broken.
Strange to say, the doctors say he will recover. The instrument used was an
iron dray pin. No clue has yet been found of the other party to this
transacton and nothing can be gained in way of information from  the negro
woman.

May 3, 1870
District Court-May term
Cases of James Peters and E. Forden, charged with breaking the peace,
discharged.

In the matter of State of Iowa vs Claus Offt indicted last term for
disorderly conduct and charged for keeping a disorderly saloon. A plea of
guilty was made and it appears that the nuisance has been promptly abated
and that the defendant was now earning his living by the sweat of his brow,
the court fined him in the moderate sum of $5 and costs.

State of Iowa vs James Gortland with passing forged check-rehearing from
February term in which a verdict of "guilty" was set aside. Jury empaneled
after  considerable skirmishing.

May 4, 1870.
In Limbo.
A colored party, bearing the name of Harry Williams, was arrested at Clinton
and brought  to Rock Island this morning. This Williams has figured
extensively in our police courts and is well known as a thorough going
rascal. He confesses that he is the man who struck Henry Schmidt the other
day in Rock Island. He is now in jail, awaiting trial. No preliminary
examination can be held until the proecuting witness is able to appear in
court and it is very doubtful whether Schmidt will be able to do so. He lies
in a comatose state and is still suffering from his terrible wounds.
Meanwhile Williams remains in jail until Schmidt either dies or makes his
appearance.

District Court-May Term
The case of State of Iowa vs James Gartland was continued from yesterdays
session and the defendant was discharged.

The case of Vanderzee, for alleged swindling of a widow lady by the name of
Susanna Moore, and the case was set for 2 o'clock.
First witness called, Miss Susanna Moore testified as follows: Know
defendant; employed him to fix my house; I gave him my note for $50, Mr.
Ackley called with him; I was surprised to see a lawyer; I signed the note,
a small piece of paper; nothing was said about a mortgage; the first I knew
of it when Mr. Renwick presented it. He wanted the note to raise money with
which to get lumber. He contracted to build my house for $583 and $50 for
extra work. I paid him $831. Here witness produced receipts. No one was
present except Mr. Ackley and defendant when I signed the note; nothing was
said about mortgage; I did not sign any mortgage; knew nothing about any
mortgage until Mr. Renwick presented a note to me for $907.75. I would not
give a mortgage to him if I had been asked. The cross examination only
showed that though the conract price was $583, Vanderzee managed to get most
of the work in under the head of "extra work" and hence probably the $881.
Mr. Vanderzee still claimed more money for extra work.
Second witness was Johann Moore, testimony about as preceding witness.
Third witness called was Henry E Evans, a boarder with Mrs. Moore about the
same line of testimony.

May 5, 1870
District Court.
     The criminal case of State of Iowa vs Vanderzee occupied the attention
of the court for the entire day. But a few witnesses were examined this
morning - one or two on the part of the defense in way of proving up the
general good reputation of the defendant and two or three in way of the
rebuttal.
     The testimony of John Ackley, Esq. yesterday evening on the part of the
defendant was entriely contradictory of that given by Mrs. Moore yesterday
morning on the part of the prosecution. He stated positively that he read
both note and mortgage to Mrs. M. and that she signed them both in his
presence. As to furnishing Mr. Drake, the reporter for the Democrat, with
certain items of informaton in December last, derogatory to the character of
Vanderzee, the testimony was of an evasive character-positive in neither
direction, though admitting that he furnished certain facts in the alleged
libelous article-"provided they were facts".
     In the rebuttal Mr .Hubbell said that Mrs. Moore had applied to him for
counsel; that they had met Mr. Ackley upon the street and asked him whether
he read the mortgage to Mrs. Moore, and he replied he did not know whether
he told her the substance of it or not, but that he thought he did that
being his usual rule of business.
     The testimony of Mr. Drake was to the effect that Mr. Ackley had
informed him as city editor of the Democrat, that he had a "good item" for
him, and gave him (Drake) the particulars of the manner in which Vanderzee
had obtained a note and mortgage from  Mrs. Moore under false pretenses,
that he told  him of the enormity of the outrage and at the same time asked
as a special favor that his name (Ackley's) be not mentioned in connection
therewith. The testimony also went to show that Mr. Ackley also offered to
write up the item setting forth with his own pen and ink the precious
rascality of Vanderzee; and after it had been written and published assented
to the truthfulness of same.
     The case went into the hands of the lawyers for argument at ten o'clock
when Mr. Bills addressed the Jury for an hour; was followed by Mr. White on
the part of the defence-then by Mr. Campbell-The case is in progress as we
go to press.

May 6, 1870
District Court
     The Case of Mr. Vanderzee, charged in the indictment with swindling
Mrs. Moore, by making use of false pretenses, went to the Jury last evening
at half past five, that body being instructed, providing there should be an
agreement, to seal their verdict, and hand it to the Judge in the morning.
Court was adjourned until 9 o'clock this morming.
     Upon opening court this morning, the verdict of guilty was announced.
It appears the jury was out but a short time. The first ballot, it is said,
stood 11 to 1 for a verdict of guilty and that one withheld his assent that
he might read the instructions of the Court once more for a perfect
understanding.
     Upon announcement of the verdict, Mr. Campbell, attorney for defendant,
proved to set it aside. Upon this motion, no action has, as yet, been
taken - the court proceeding to take up the civil docket. Though the case
was ably conducted on both sides, yet that "mystery" that was declared by
the chief witness to exist in the matter was not unravelled.
     Those conversant with the case in its several aspects will find no
difficulty in solving the question to their own satisfaction and some day
the press may have in its possession sufficient data to give the actual
reasons that induced Wm Vanderzee to commit the crime of which he stands,
this day, convicted.

May 7, 1870
The Case of Mena Johnson
     The coroner's jury today returned a verdict of guilty of the charge of
infanticide. A warrant was issued to the Sheriff to arrest the young woman
and bring her before Justice Peters, but owing to her weak state is unable
to be moved. This verdict will bring the case before the Grand Jury at its
present session.

District Court.
     The suit of Wm Vanderzee vs Richardson Bros, proprietors of the
Democrat, brought some time in January last for libel, was this day
withdrawn.

Reconsidered It.
     Sometime in January last, Wm Vanderzee (colored) brought suit against
us for libel-alleging that we had in some way banged up, bruised and
lacerated his character to such an extent that it would require greenback
poultice of some $5,000 to restore it to its usual health. Since that time
he has been making a more critical exmination into the article supposed to
be damaged, and now informs us through our attorneys in the case, Messrs.
Parker and Twomey, that it was all a mistake, and that he withdraws his
claim. He has done well.

May 9, 1870
Police Court.
     Monday being the favorite day for callers, Justice Peters has been
honored with numerous visitations. Thomas Walker was found in an unprotected
condition on the street. He subscribed $1.00 and costs.
     Mollie Hill didn't belong anywhere principally and was therefore a
vagrant. She deposited $4 and costs. Carl Moss was like unto her, but as he
left his cheque book at home, he went to stay with Major Schnitger for a
season.
     Harry Kohl had benzined too much. He took stock to the amount of $4 and
costs.
     H. Fleming and Jennie Wright, for sundry derelictions, were required to
contribute $5 worth, but they preferred to retire to the stone house.

District Court
     The Grand Jury has issued a true bill against Thos. Grady charged with
stealing a pocket-book containing $80 in money, of one Ergen Dieringer on
the 28th of April last at the Sigel house. Also the true bill against James
and John Owens of the Buffalo coal mines, for assaulting Lawrence Kearns,
with the intent to commit great bodily injury on the 27th day of April last.

May 10, 1870
District Court
     The Grand Jury still remains in session. Prosecuting attorney Elles
returned this afternoon  after a few days absence and has resumed labors.
The loss of a pocket book or an article that had every outward appearance of
being one - and well filled at that - at one of our leading hotels last
evening is a matter that will probably figure pretty extensively before this
secret jury. Mr. Elles has already taken cognizance of the case, and it is
due time the whole affair, which now ranks among matters strictly private,
will be properly ventilated. Let justice be done, Mr. Attorney, regardless
of the consequences.

May 11, 1870
District Court.
     Schluenz vs Schluenz - Divorce Decree of divorce as prayed for.
     Stringham vs Stringham- action for divorce on account of barbarous
treatment, knocking down, throwing wood, neglect to provide for the wants of
the family, cross demeanor, cursing, threatening to take the life of
plaintiff. Decree for divorce.
     Grand Jury afternoon reported a true bill against Christiana Winzer
accused of the crime of being a party to a charge and lien on personal
property with intent to defraud.

Attempted Robbery.
     This morning about 4 o'clock, Mr. Henry Krack, who keeps a store in
Hamburg, West Davenport and was aroused by hearing a noise in the front part
of the house, jumping out of bed, he went thither, and opening the door as
it swung around found someone behind it. He took a good hold on the would be
robber and in return got a pretty hard rap on the head, probably from a
"billy" and an admonition, "if he didn't let go he would get killed". Being
unarmed, Mr. K had no other chance and did so, whereupon the ruffian sprung
through the window and disappeared. The cut is a painful one but nothing
serious. It is a great pity he was not prepared to hold on when once made
fast.

May 12, 1870
The Case of Rohm vs Humphrey
     This case which has been several days before Justice Peters and Dowd,
came to a close yesterday afternoon. Inasmuch as no mention has been made of
the particulars, we herewith present a statement of the facts in the case,
as presented by the preliminary examination and subsequent trials.
On the night of the 5th instant, a young woman, employed in the saloon under
Metropolitan Hall, was walking up street accompanied by a man. These two
officer Rohm arrested, and straightway took them to jail, where he turned
them over to the turnkey, with instructions to keep them all night. They of
course did not wish to remain. Word was sent to Wm Humphrey, an attache of
the saloon, and he made his apparance, asking what amount was necessary for
bail. Rohm told him $100 and that to be paid with his own hands. This he
refused to do, but said he would leave it with the turnkey. In the meantime
the girl gave Rohm $10 and the parties were discharged. Some of the
witnesses swear that Rohm was intoxicated at the time. The party then left
the jail. Humphrey was followed by Rohm, who presented a pistol and said, "I
arrest you." H. Jumped out of the way, then struck Rohm and threw his pistol
into the street. On the next day Humphrey filed an information against Rohm
for assault with intent to kill, and R. filing the same charge against him.
Rohm was found guilty of an assault with intent to kill, and R. filing the
same charge against him. Rohm was found guilty of an assault, and Justice
Peters ordered an information to be filed before Justice Dowd, and the trial
accordingly took place there.-Humphrey was found guilty of resisting an
officer, and held to bail for the sum of $300. Rohm made his appearance at
Justice Dowd's Court, and did not wait for the trial to come on but went
away contrary to the order of the court, and for the contempt of which he
was fined $3 and costs.  The trial come on, and he was found guilty and
fined $10 and costs. He gave notice of appeal.
     This morning three cases of the State against Rohm, two for false
imprisonment, and one for extortion, came up for hearing. The defendant
waived an examination in each of the cases, and was held to bail in the sum
of $150 on each charge.

     The grand jury have presented an indictment against Spence and Humphry
of the crime of nuisance, and the court has held them to bail to answer at
the November term in the sum of $300 each.

District Court
     Schmidt vs Lahendorf. Action growing out of dispute as to boundary line
between the lands of the parties-the plaintif claiming that defendant had
his line over on plaintiffs land, thus depriving him of some seven or eight
acres. Trial by court; judgement for plaintiff, exceptions taken. Davison &
True for plff. H, R. & E. Claussen for defense.
     On motion of J.H. Murphy a committee was appointed to examine Dennis
Donovan, a candidate for admission to the bar.
     Case of Christine Fejervary vs. Wm. Renwick called action for
slander-it being charged that defendant at a particular time gave currency
to certain false and malicious statements derogatory to plaintiffs good name
and fame, for which she claims damages in the sum of $20,000, trial by Jury
Geo. E. Hubbell and Abner Davison for plaintiff; Grant & Smith and Jas. T.
Lane for defense.
     After arguing several motions relative to answers to plaintiffs
petition a jury was examined as follow Lucas Ruhe, J.W. Drummond, John
McNeeley, John M. Steen, J.G. Condit; D.C. Kelly, H.Z. Higley, Adolph
Brenke, S.H. Baker, J.H. Houghton, D.H. Stevens. J.H. Page.

May 13, 1870
Taken Home.
Miss Lydia E. Fisher whose case has excited much sympathy, since her mental
disrangement, has been an inmate of the Sisters of Mercy Hospital where she
has been slowly gathering health and strength. At this time she is nearly
recovered and no doubt will eventually become perfectly cured. Yesterday her
brother, Samuel Fisher, came for her and left today with her in charge for
his home in Kansas where she will hereafter live.

Infanticide.
An inquest ws held this afternoon by Coroner Tomson, on the body of a male
infant, which it was alleged its mother, Lena Knopp, a German servant girl,
destroyed. She came to this country about 7 months ago and has been working
for a German family on the corner of 8th and Main streets. The testimony
showed that there was no intention on the parts of the mother to kill the
infant and the jury brought in a verdict that the child came to its death
accidentally.

May 14, 1870
Same Verdict.
The Coroner's Jury in the case of Lena Knopp for destroying her infant, met
again this morning for the hearing of additional testimony, but no other
facts than those already given were elicited and a verdict was returned as
before - "accidental death".

Police Court.
Two raftsmen named G. W. Lytner and D. Gren were arrested about 2 o'clock
last night in the St. Louis Star Saloon, under Metropolitan Hall. They were
making Rome howl by smashing windows and indulging in gymnastics with
bottles and beer glasses. The sum assessed to each was $4 ,which Lytner
paid, but Gren went to the tombs.

Geo. Schofeld and Thomas Clancy, for not knowing where they belonged and no
visible means of support, were fined $5 and costs and sent up.

Ule Erickson, for being very drunk, was sent to jail in default of $3.

Fejervary Trial
     At about ten o'clock Judge Richman received a communication from the
Jury stating that they had been unable to agree upon a verdict, and seeing
no possibility of arriving at one, asked leave to be discharged from further
consideration of the case.
     ...It appears the Jury disagreed from the start. Upon taking a vote
immediately after returning from the Court room at six o'clock last evening,
the sense of the body was seven for finding in favor of the defendant, and
five for finding in favor of the plaintiff. All through the night, and up to
noon to-day, the same conviction prevailed, neither side yielding a hair-
nor was there any probability that either would do so.
     Thus for the present term, ends this much talked of trial. Steps will
be taken however, by the prosecution, to prepare for a new trial, which will
probably come up for hearing at the November term of Court.

May 16, 1870
District Court
The case of McCausland vs Driscoll, on a note of $90 given for a horse in
1860. Defense- the want of consideration in that the horse was unsound and
worthless. Jury treats the verdict for the plaintiff for the amount of the
note and interest up to date-$176.72.

Chicken Stealing.
Some scalawag took quite a fancy to Judge Grants game fowls the other night
and went off with a few under his coat. The Judge does not believe it
strictly legal and puts an injunction upon the proceeding as follows:
"The chicken thief who stole 5 chickens from my barn did not probably know
he was guilty of burglary. I will thank him to return the survivors and when
he wants chickens again, to come and ask for them. I have enough to give
away to prevent any bird fancier from going to the penitentiary." Jas.
Grant.

May 17, 1870
Bold Burglary
On Friday after about 5 o'clock, during the absence of the family, the
private residence of Wm. Nesbit, the photographers, situated on 6th and
Ripley, was entered by expert burglars and ransacked from roof to basement.
Bureaus and drawers were opened and ransacked and the furniture thrown
about. A small sum of money, the hoardings of a deceased son of Mr. Nesbitt'
s, and which are preserved in memory of the child, escaped their reach.
Nothing was taken except an overcoat and a large pie, showing that the
marauders were both cold and hungry, but the condition of the house plainly
showed that an extended search after valuables had been instituted.

Threatening Case.
J.B. Watson, a farmer living in Lincoln township has brought suit before
Justice Dowd against J. Foster for seduction of his daughter. A few weeks
ago, she gave birth to a child. Foster was sent to jail in default of bail.

May 18, 1870
Police Court.
Claus Offt was arrested for disturbing the public peace and quiet of the
city by unearthly yells and screeches. He was fined $3 and costs, amounting
to $22, and as he didn't think it was a fair shake, gave notice of appeal.

Jos. Bally was found asleep, snoozing softly as an infant, for which he was
fined $1 and costs and repaired to Schnitger's hotel.

District Court.
Grand Jury closed its labors last Saturday and adjourned and bill was found
against W.P. Humphrey for resisting a public officer and also for assaulting
said officer. Also against same and C.F. Spence for nuisance and also bill
against J.H. Watson for seduction. [previous article had J.B. Watson]

May 20, 1870
Police Court.
Several cases before Justice Peters this afternoon. E. Burr for using
abusive language was twice hauled up and fined $3 and costs. Chas Voght for
being drunk, sent to jail. Louis Bulstooff disturbed the private peace, $3
worth and intoxicated himself $3 more, also costs.

May 23, 1870
The Murder Market.
After a few days of depression, the murder market has again become
moderately active and closed firm yesterday. Outright killings were not in
much demand, but the trade in lively shooting was good. Quotations remain
unchanged.

Incendiary Failed.
An attempt was made last night to fire the residence of Mr. Rommelsburg on
Harrison Street between 6th and 7th. Mrs. R. being ill, her husband was up
watching with her, and a window in the back part of the house was left open.
About two o'clock he heard a man come through the alley, light a match on
side of house, go to the window apparently throw it in. The villain didn't
get the chance however for a faithful pointer dog, who was sleeping in that
room, made a jump for him and came very near "making fast". The rascal
disappeared in haste.

Police Court.
P. Hago, for fullness of liquor, was fined $4.00 and costs.

Mollie Hill, intoxicated, $1 and costs.

J. Wilke and wife were arrested and brought before Justice Peters for cruel
treatment toward their daughter, who is about 39 years old. They were put
under $400 bonds to appear at next term of District Court.

Chas. Baker and Ben Allbright were brought up before Justice Peters charged
with robbing a man on Saturday. The testimony shows that the twain came up
on the Dubuque a few days ago, met an old friend day before yesterday, and
while he was embracing one of the two, that person relieved him of his
pocket book and handed it to his partner. They were detected and brought
into court today. Justice Peters held them to bond in the sum of $800 to
appear at the next term of District Court. They could not find bail and were
sent up.

May 27, 1870

Police Court.
John Rice was fined $1 and costs for being drunk which assessment he paid
and departed.

Johannes Smithianus wanted to sleep all night on the sidewalk and persisted
in it until he was kindly cared for by a policeman. He was asked to pay $5
and costs lodging money which amount was not concealed about his person and
he was requested to twine his way to the stone heap.

May 28, 1870
Police Court
There has been trouble in the domestic camp of the Powells and they seek the
private publicity of J. Dowd for an adjustment of grievances. All the
parties concerned in the action are nearly related to the XV agreement.
Their melancholy story whizzes this way: R Powell, colored, had departed
from his wife and farm, girded himself and took a front position on the
Sucker State as a carrier of burdens. His wife was lonesome and took a
boarder, Mr. B F Suthwell, also colored, and he strove with his daily bread
at this house. Now R.P. like another Enoch Arden, left the raging river and
came home on a visit, and when he saw the gentleman, Suthwell, he didn't go
off and lay down near Diederich's wood yard and say "behold the jig is up
and let me die", far from it. He acted much otherwisely. He reached a claw
after S. and said to him "if I porcure you, chile, I'll wear you out now you
bet kill you dead" and he made very free with him for a boarder that paid
every week and didn't growl at the hash. In short,  Mr. P conducted himself
with marked impropriety, and he made it very wam for Mr. Stillwell so much
so that that gentleman fled for his life and went his way hurriedly unto
Justice Dowd and swore out an information against the dark fiend party and
had him arrested. He was brought up, breathing threatenings, and held to
bond in the sum of $200, to keep the peace and as he couldn't get anyone to
go bond for him, and he is now persuing the elegant apts. presided over by
Sheriff Schnitger at the Stone Yard Hotel. His ire will have a chance to
cool. The other party breathes freer and eats his hash unmolested.

May 31, 1870
Dead.
The murderous affair on the Dubuque, Friday morning, has resulted in the
death of the colored deck hand, William Johnson. A post mortem examination
by Drs. Powers and Craig of  Rock Island revealed the fact that the
intestines were cut in two places, the knife also penetrating the liver. On
Saturday Johnson was buried at county expense. The white man who murdered
him is yet at large and cannot be found. He was last seen on this side, but
nothing is known of the present whereabouts. It is to be hoped he will be
approached and brought to justice.

Submitted by: #000525