[Mitchell County Press
Dec. 8, 1898]

  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 inquest last 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.

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  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 3, 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, AIt 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, Coroner.

  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: AMy 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, Abut 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.

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[Mitchell County Press
Thursday, April 6, 1899]

SENTENCED TO THE PEN

  There were only a few present in the courtroom Wednesday afternoon about five o'clock when DeForest Fairbanks, Albert Andrew and George Carpenter were brought in and given their sentences by Judge Kelley. As he pronounced the life sentence at hard labor in the prison at Anamosa on Fairbanks, and asked the prisoner if he had any reason why judgment should not be pronounced, Mr. Fairbanks replied that one reason was he had just been informed that one of the jurors, John Runkle, had tormed and expressed his opinion on the case. The court noted the exception but pronounced the sentence.