Scott Co, Iowa USGenWeb Project
Scott Co, Iowa Crime Files - 1871
Contributed by Cathy Labath
Davenport Democrat
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
July 5, 1871
Police Court
Yesterday, the drinking club were out in full force, and
the following is the result of the spree of some of the more unfortunates.
Michael Haney, W.J. Oakes, Frank White and John Nash, were
up before justice Peters for intoxication and were fined $1.00 each and costs
and sent up.
Thomas Ryan, Thomas Farlay, and James Graham were up for
disturbing the public peace, were fined $5.00 each and costs. The latter paid
and the others were committed. Martin Dower for resisting officer Purcell, was
fined $10.00 and costs and paid.
Monday, July 10, 1871
Police Court
Three inebriate individuals were up before Justice Peters
this morning charged with drunkenness, who gave their names of Diedrich Resser,
Julius Harrison, and James Courtney. The were each fined $1.00 and costs. The
two first named were sent up and the latter paid.
This morning at the hour set for the continuance of he case
of he State of Iowa vs. T.K. Fluke, the prosecuting witness, Mamie Lambert, came
into Court and made known to Justice Peters that she wished the case dismissed.
Accordingly, the Justice, after consulting with the County Attorney, J.H. Leake
in the matter of dismissal and regarding the subjection made thereto by the
prosecuting attorney, Mr. Herron ,forthwith declared the defendant discharged
and the case dismissed-charging the costs, amounting to some $22 to the
prosecuting witness.
The Lamberts*******
July 12, 1871
Police Court
Three “drunks” were up before Justice Peters this
morning. The victims were Wm Roy, Wm. Thompson, and Patrick Kehoe, being found
guilty and fined $1.00 each and costs, which they all paid.
An individual styling himself a namesake of that immortal
millionaire, John Jacob Astor, was arrested for disturbing the public peace, for
which he was fined $3.00 and costs. Fortunately being in funds, he paid.
July 13, 1871
Probable Suicide
Just before dark last evening, the dead body of Michael
McNerney, a man well known in this city for many years, was found floating in
the Mississippi at the lower end of Rock Island. He was known to be at home in
this city on Tuesday morning, and was seen in Rock Island about noon of that
day. As there were no signs of violence upon his person, and it being a fact
that he was somewhat involved in difficulties, it is presumed that he took his
own life. The deceased was about 45 years old; has been known in Davenport as a
hard working mechanic-a blacksmith-for many years. Unfortunately he was addicted
to the free and constant use of intoxication drink, which undoubtedly laid the
foundation of his troubles, and led him into the difficulties which terminated
his existence. He leaves a wife and family of children, who are entitled to deep
sympathy. The funeral took place at 2 o’clock this afternoon.
Held to Bail.
In Tuesday evening’s Democrat,
we gave an account of a robbery of the U.S. Express Company by one of its
messengers, and of his subsequent arrest. The messenger’s name is Otis S.
Skinner, and since his arrest on Monday last another missing package containing
$100 has been traced to him. This package was recovered by the express company
at LaPorte, Ind., and addressed to Hiram Andrews, Adel, Iowa. The discovery of
this last robbery decided the authorities to hold the trial in this city,
instead of Chicago as at first proposed, and yesterday afternoon Skinner was
brought b3efore Justice Thorington on the new charges. The defendant waived an
examination and was held to bail in the sum of $1000 for his appearance at the
next term of the District Court. Messrs. White & Ackley appeared for the
prosecution, and John W. Green, Esq., for the defendant.
When first taken by the detectives, he affected
innocence, but his crimes becoming too evident, he at last confessed to the
robberies, though still declaring he had not a cent left. He was searched and
the sum of $28 was found upon him also $100 more secured.
Monday, July 17, 1871
A Bigamy Case.
On yesterday afternoon a case of bigamy was up before
Justice Thorington. The man charged with the crime is named Cutberth, who
formerly resided in Missouri, where he married is first wife named Clark, with
whom he lived but a short time, when by some act of misdemeanor he was thrown
into the Penitentiary. On his release it is asserted by him that he made efforts
to recover his wife, but without avail. Soon after he claims that her death was
made known to him. A short time since he married Miss Pauline Baker, and the
charge of bigamy was at once preferred against him. He was held to bail.
July 18, 1871
Justice Court
Today the case of the State of Iowa vs Bryant Tucker has
been before Justice Thorington. The defendant is charged with the crime of
vagrancy and is a character well known to the police as one of the worst in the
city. He was arrested and placed in jail, about a month ago, charged with
stealing his comrade’s pocketbook, while asleep, but was released by buying up
the said “apl”. Marshal Kaufmann has now brought the charge of vagrancy
against him, he being a dissolute as well as a desperate fellow. The case was
adjourned and the defendant committed until tomorrow.
Police Court.
On yesterday, at the commencement of the case of the State
vs Flynn, it was ordered to have a “secret session,” and in consequence none
but those connected with the trial could remain in the room. Constable Theo.
Martens being engaged in writing at the table did not leave. This being objected
to by Attorney Cook, the Justice ordered Martens to leave the room. Martens
refused, and he was again ordered out when upon his refusal the second time, he
was promptly fined $10 and costs for contempt of court and to be committed until
said fine was paid. A mittams was issued to officer Underlich, in the case.
The case of the State vs. Michael Flynn was concluded this
afternoon, the defendant being bound over in the sum of $2,000 bail for his
appearance at the District Court in November, there to answer to the charge of
seduction before the Grand Jury. The attorneys for prosecution are W.T. Disttoe
and J.W. Green. For the defense, Martin & Murphy, and Cook & Bruning.
July 22, 1871
Police Court
Two boys were arrested last evening by Marshal Kauffmann
and Officer Wunderlich, on suspicion of their being the thieves who robbed the
money drawer in the millinery store of Mrs. M.B. Moore, on Main street. They at
first denied it stoutly, but on being taken to jail, and interviewed by the
Marshal, they finally acknowledged their guilt, and this morning, when brought
before Justice Peters, plead guilty to the charge. The money, amounting to
$11.60, was found upon them, and some of it identified by Mrs. Moore. W.T.
Dittoe, Esq, appeared in behalf of the boys, who claimed to be from Chicago;
that they were put off from the train near Rock Island, on yesterday, for want
of fare. One of them was about 13 years old and the other 16. On account of
their youth they were lightly dealt with, and Marshal Kauffmann intending
sending them home.
A Missing Horse and Buggy.
Mr. J.A. High, who keeps a livery stable on Harrison
street, near the Scott House, let a horse and buggy to a man, on Wednesday
last, to go to Long Grove. The man was apparently a stranger, but seemed to be
respectable, so that not until night had fallen did the owner of the team begin
to be nervous. On Thursday afternoon it was learned from parties who had come
over the Dubuque road that a man answering the description of the missing one
was seen lying drunk under a tree in a grove, with the horse tied to a tree. Mr.
High started for the quarter mentioned, but did not find him. Finally, however,
he got word of him in DeWitt, and the pursuit was kept up in good earnest. At
latest accounts it has been in vain, although it is confidently expected the
customer will be overhauled ere long.
THE HABEAS CORPUS CASE
What is a Notorious Thief?
On the second of May last, one
William Sperry was arrested and brought before Justice Peters on the charge of
petit larceny, preferred by Henry Rickert. He was found guilty of stealing the
amount of $1.50; was fined $4.50 and committed. The next day, however, the fine
was paid and the prisoner released. On the 7th of July he was again arraigned
before the Magistrate for stealing flowers of Charles Westphal, and was found
guilty to the amount of $2.10. It was then ordered that an information be filed
against him for being "a common and notorious thief," under Sec. 4247
of the State Revision of 1860, which is as follows: "If any person, having
been convicted of larceny, afterward commit another larceny, and he be thereof
convicted; or if any person at the same term of court is convicted as principal
or accessory after the fact in three distinct larcenies, he is deemed a common
and notorious thief and shall be punished by imprisonment in the penitentiary
for not less than five years."
Under this provision of the statue Sperry was remanded
to jail, in default of $1,000 bail, to answer to said charge at the next term of
the District Court. On Thursday afternoon last the case was brought before Judge
Benson, of the Circuit Court, at the office Cook and Bruning, attorneys for
Sperry, and the Judge decided that the said section had reference only to a
grand larceny, and that the prisoner was consequently discharged from custody.
A "notorious thief," then is a man who may
have stolen the sum of $20.01 at two separate times, while a man who may have
stolen $19.99 a thousand times over, is not a notorious thief, and does not come
under the provisions of the statute. The said statute, however, does not specify
whether it is in the case of grand larceny, of petit larceny, or both which it
applies, and on this ground the action of Magistrate Peters was based.
July 23, 1871
Justice Court.
One John Kilfeather is up before Justice Thorington this
afternoon on a charge of burglary, brought by Mr. W.H. Carter, for breaking into
his residence last night. Nothing was taken, fortunately, from the house, and
the defendant did not damage, with the exception of breaking the bolt to the
door. The case is in progress as we go to press.
One James Miller was up for intoxication and was fined to
the full limit of the law, $10 and costs, in default of which he was committed.
James Kelley, arrested for being drunk and raising a muss on Front street, last
evening, was fined one dollar and costs and paid. Charles Ryan was arrested for
disturbing the public peace by breaking in the windows of the house of Mrs.
Wilson, on Harrison. He was found guilty and fined $15 and costs, and committed
to the custody of the police for the present until he pays the fine.
Team Recovered.
The horse and buggy which was hired of Mr. J.A. High by a
stranger to go to Long Grove was recovered by Mr. High, near DeWitt. The chap
had put up at the house of a farmer on Saturday night in a drunken condition. On
getting up in the morning he asked for a drink of whisky, and on being refused,
inquired the way to the nearest German farmer. He was directed to one near by,
and started leaving the team, when it was discovered by the owner. The stranger
has not been seen or heard from since, and Mr. High considers him self lucky in
finding his property as he did, without money and without price.
Tuesday, July 25, 1871
The housebreaking case.
The case of John Kilfather, who was brought before Justice
Thorington, yesterday afternoon, on the charge of breaking into the house of Mr.
W.H. Carter, was continued over until this morning.-He was then fined to the
amount of $5.30, and let off by his father paying the fine, and with the
understanding that he would leave the community within sixty days, otherwise the
process would be continued against him. It seems that Kilfather is somewhat of a
monomaniac on the girl question and was at the time of his breaking into Mr.
Carter’s house on a “mission of love” to a servant girl there. Being
somewhat intoxicated, he was not particular about the means of entrance,
provided he only got into the house. Mr. Carter being awakened by the servant
who said there was a “man in the house”, immediately jumped up and arming
himself with a revolver, proceeded down stairs. On reaching the dining room, he
then found the fellow lying on the floor, apparently sound asleep. Laying down
his revolver, he took hold of the man and forcibly excommunicated him outside
the door, where he first showed signs of life by taking to his heels and making
good his escape. As he had been a visitor at the house before, Mr. Carter knew
him and next morning had him arrested. He therefore evidently had no intention
of housebreaking with a view to plunder, but merely to see his “lady love.”
The defense of John by his father which was made in court was a good argument,
worthy of attention, and full of sound Irish pathos and good sense.
Wednesday, July 26, 1871
Police Court.
Two chaps named Thomas Gilbert and W.C. Smith were up this
morning before Justice Peters for intoxication. They were found guilty and fined
$1 each and costs, which they paid.
Michael Kilfather's Defense of his Son Charged with the
Crime of Burglary Before Justice Thorington
"Your Honor has asked if my boy has a defense, and
whether he desires a lawyer. This boy is charged with the crime of burglary. It
is true he entered Mr. Carter's house in the night time, and at that hour of the
night, when all decent boys should be at home; but that he committed the
crime charged against him, I deny. He is an honest lad, and never entered a
house in his life with the intention of taking a farthing belonging to any
living creature-not his own. The crime, your Honor, that this lad is guilty of,
is that of getting drunk; he is a fool, as others are fools who drink whisky. On
Saturday this boy had $12 of his own money, earned by his hard labor, to-day he
has not a dollar, and he has passed a night in jail, by order of your honor;
that he may appear decent, and have a civil tongue in his head this morning.
This was right, we appear before you to tell a true story, and leave the
consequences to your honor, after hearing what Mr. Carter has to say, I told the
man on Brady street, that sold my son whisky, not to do so; that he was a
fool when the worse of whisky; that in selling him and the such like of him
whisky he was destroying the best part of his countrymen, that the young men of
my native land were of more value to America than an old man like me. But he
took no notice of my warning. My son had a little money, and he sold him five
glasses of whisky that morning-whisky that would make an honest man steal from
the drinking of it. Your honor has known me for twenty years and more, and ye
have never known me to commit crime, or even to be in jail. My advice has been
good to my children, and the example of the father would have been better for
the boy to have followed -to-day he makes the father's heart sad by reasons of
the disgrace he is likely to bring upon his family be reasons of drink-if he
continues in this course. I know, your Honor has no feeling, other that justice
may be done-the weakness of a young man, you may in early life have experienced,
but your Honor has no cause to complain on that account. The case is in your
hands for the trial of and to do with the boy as the law shall direct. Mr.
Carter may prosecute him if he thinks it best but I will say to your Honor, and
it is the honest expression of my heart; that I have made arrangements for my
son to go back into the State, even into O'Brien county. It is not the name that
influences me, alone, but it is a good county for honest labor-and for a young
man to be in-commencing the world, and if the Court can so arrange the case with
the consent of Mr. Carter, and the lawyer who the State has brought here to
prosecute my son, that he may go to this county of which I speak, he shall go,
and I shall pledge you my word that no more charges of this kind shall be
brought against him in this city. I am the owner of a $10 bill, the last of the
earnings of my own hard labor. I will decide with my son to pay the costs of
this suit, that the county may not be the worse off for his bad conduct. Will
your honor so dispose of this matter, with the consent of Mr. Carter and
General Leake, that we may go." The court-"The State is represented by
Gen. Leake; probably, after consulting with Mr. Carter, the case can be so
disposed of that your son can go." Gen Leake-I will say to the court that
if the defendant pays the costs, I will consent that this case be continued for
60 days, on the defendant's own recognizance, and in the meantime if he conducts
himself properly while in Scott county, and shall before the expiration of 60
days, go to O'Brien county, as his father says he will do, I will cause this
case then to be dismissed." The court-the costs of the arrest of the
defendant and the proceedings before me amount to $5.30, which you can pay, and
the case will stand continued for 60 days from to-day. The costs were paid, and
father and son departed.
July 27, 1871
Police Court
One Edward Mitchell was arrested for being found asleep,
and without any place of lodging. He was fined $1.00 and costs, and committed
.The Marshal concluded to release him from custody, provided he would leave this
community.
Aug 2, 1871
Justice’s Court
Rockingham has broke loose, or at least a part of it,
judging from the scene at Justice Thorington’s office, this afternoon. John
Harms and Levi Bolstorff, of that place, have go up another suit. This time it
is for malicious trespass, the latter charging the former with shooting his dog
near his house. G.E. Hubbell, Esq. For the prosecution the defendant pro sc. The
important matter is being examined into as we go to press.
Aug 3, 1871
Justice Court
John Harms, accused of malicious trespass by Levi Bolstorff, of Rockingham,
which case was up before Justice Thorington on yesterday, was put under bonds of
$500 to appear at the District Court on the next term.
A case of petit larceny was up yesterday, the defendant,
John Dunker, being charged with stealing the pocket-book of one Charles Johnson,
containing about eleven dollars, while the latter was laying dead drunk in a
barn in the neighborhood of John L Davies saw mill. The case was clear against
the accused as the money was found where he had concealed it. The case was
continued over until today. This afternoon the parties to the suit settled It by
agreement, the man Dunker paying the costs, $14.35 and $5.00 to Johnson and the
latter getting back his pocketbook intact. Dunker lives in the west part of the
city, and has a hard character for thieving. Johnson is from St. Louis, has been
here harvesting in the country, came to town Monday with $50 in his pocket, and
has the sum stolen from him and the $5.00 left of the amount
One John Kuhn was up this morning for disturbing the
private peace of his wife by abuse and ill-treatment. He was bound over in the
sum of $100 to keep the peace.
Aug 5, 1871
Desperado Caught
A noted burglar and hard character generally, named Joseph
McCune, was arrested by Marshall Kauffmann, last night, in this city. He has
been long known as one of the worst desperadoes in the Mississippi Valley, is
the man who shot another in the Sigel House here some three years ago. About two
years ago he was jailed in Morrison, Whiteside county, Ill., for burglary, and
broke jail, since which time he has been at large. He was seen here a few days
ago by the Marshal, who sent word to the Sheriff at Morrison. The Sheriff
telegraphed Mr. Kauffmann to arrest him and bring him there. In accordance with
this he was found in a Front street saloon, and in a twinkling was in Scott
county jail. Today he has been transferred in care of the able Kauffmann to his
old quarters at Whiteside county jail, where it is to be hoped he may be kept
secure for a while.
Justice Court.
The man Dunker who was up for stealing the pocket book of Charles Johnson, the other day, before Justice Thorington, it seems, was not satisfied with the glory gained by the settlement of the case. He yesterday entered complaint against Friedrich Meckelsburg, who keeps a saloon up Second, opposite Davies’ mill, for keeping a gambling saloon, and against the man Johnson for gambling. At about the same time a complaint was made out by City Attorney Green against Dunker on the old charge of thiefing. Both cases were set before Justice Thorington for yesterday afternoon, at which time Meckelsburg appeared. Dunker, however, it seemed, had heard of the “counter case,” and that the officers were after him, and thinking wisely that his won safety was more important than the good of the community at large, took leg bail out of this city and has not been found. Meckelsburg and Johnston appeared for trial, but in the absence of the prosecution, were dismissed.
August 7, 1871
Justice Court
The State of Iowa vs. F.H.
Williamson, “The defendant is accused of the crime of uttering and publishing
as true a promissory note or instrument of writing , knowing the same to be
false, with intent to defraud”.
This was a prosecution before Justice Thorington, where
the defendant had made and put out a promissory note of $27, in May 30, 1871,
purporting to have been executed by one Barnhart Barnholtz, when in fact the
defendant made the note and delivered it to payee, Henry Brockett, and accounted
to him for the face of the note, so made and uttered by him, the said defendant.
White and Ackley for the State, Martin & Murphy for the defendant.
The defendant, by his attorneys, filed a demurrer,
alleging that the cause was incomplete, and to constitute the offense of forgery
it was necessary to annex and cancel a United States revenue stamp, which had
not been done in this case. The demurrer was ably argued by Mr. Martin for he
defendant and by Mr. White on behalf of the state.
The court held “that where the validity of the
instrument is of the essence of the offence for which an indictment is found
that the want of a stamp will prevent its use as evidence.” See 3 Parsons,
page 346, where also, it is held, “It is not a felony for a person employed in
the post office to purloin an unstamped check form a letter, the check being of
not value without a stamp, and therefore there is no felony committed until a
stamp is annexed and cancelled. It is too late to so annex and cancel a stamp at
this time. The defendant was therefore discharged.
August 8, 1871
Police Court
Miles Buck was arrested for resisting Officer Finch while engaged in his duty of arresting Edward Buck. Miles, the father, was held to bail in the sum of $500, to appear on Thursday next, and gave bond for amount.
Four cases of intoxication were up today. John Allen, Manuel Fisher, George Williams and Wm. Eckert, were fined $1 each and costs. The first named paid, the others were committed.
August Wiflock was up for bathing before sundown, was fined
$5 and costs and sent up.
Case of Insanity
Mrs John Tichenor, who resided with her husband, on Front
street, near Mill, has , within the past two weeks, become insane, so much so
that it is necessary to keep a strict watch over her actions at all times. She
has conceived a great antipathy for black eyed persons, and will fly into a
violent passion whenever a person with black eyes enters her room. Other persons
can talk with her without the difficulty. It is a singular as well as a very sad
disease.
Aug 9, 1871
Two chaps from Rock Island named Gottfried Koeber, and
George Etzel, were arrested for larceny of four loads of broom corn, worth $100
on complaint of Jacob Kuhn. His wife, it appeared, had sent them over here to
sell the broom corn without her husband’s knowledge. The case was dismissed,
the prosecuting witness paying the costs.
Aug 10, 1871
Police Court.
Miles Buck, who was arrested for resisting Policeman Finch
while in the act of arresting the boy Edward Buck, was brought up before Justice
Peters this morning . J.W. Green appeared for Finch; M.W. Martin for defense.
The man Buck, who is a colored barber of over sixty years of age, was held to
bail in the sum of $300 to appear at the District Court next term.
Aug 11, 1871
Police Court
H. Pryme was up before Justice Peters for an assault and
battery, was found guilty, and agreed to leave the city in case the prosecution
was withdrawn, which was so ordered.
The examination of a servant girl at the Washington House
on Front street, formerly called the Sigel House, was had this afternoon. The
defendant is charged with an assault upon the person of Mrs. Ruckert, the
landlady, cutting her with a knife in the face. Ernst Claussen for prosecution;
W.H. Gabbert for the defendant. The defense has filed a counter information of
assault against the prosecuting witness. The case is before the Court as we go
to press.
Aug 11, 1871 (Paper mislabeled 11th it was really the
12th)
Police Court
The case of assault on the person of Mrs. Ruckert by her
servant girl, Louise Buckholz, which was before Justice Peters, yesterday
afternoon, continued over until today, when it resulted in the finding of the
defendant guilty. She gave bonds to the amount of $300 for her appearance at the
next term of the District Court. The counter-case of assault between the same
parties is adjourned until Thursday next.
Aug 14, 1871
Police Court
Two immoral specimens of humanity of opposite sexes were up
before Justice Peters this morning, charged with leading an improper life. Their
names are Tom Forbush and Mary Binde, alias Lazer. They were fined $5 each.
Forbush paid and the woman was committed.
August 15, 1871
Police Court
This morning was the time to examine the counter case of
assault brought by the servant girl, Buckholz, against the landlady of he
Washington House. Witnesses by the dozen were called, and the forenoon was
entirely consumed in hearing the case which resulted in finding he defendant not
guilty and dismissing the case.
On yesterday about noon, a party of nine boys went in
bathing in the river, nearly in front Dahms & Co’s factory, contrary to
the ordinance of the city. Policeman Niles promptly arrested the whole crew, and
this morning they were brought up to answer the charge. Their names are Wm.
McKogue, John Lawlor, H. Graet, Wm. Black, Henry Hyre, John Mooney, Michael
Mooney. A. Anabell, and John Devlin, their ages ranging from eleven to sixteen
years. They all plead guilty to the act, but protested they knew nothing of the
law forbidding it. Justice Peters fined them each $5.00, according to law, but
on the demurrer of some of the parents, let them off until next Monday, giving
them opportunity to bring up their case before the City Council tomorrow night.
The practice for which these boys have been brought up as
good examples, is one which should be stopped in some way and at once, if not by
mild measures then by harsh ones, as it is becoming a public nuisance in our
city.
August 21, 1871
Troubles in the “Patch”
Family troubles have long been brewing between the two
houses of James Naven and Bartholomew Heffron, both of whom reside in East
Davenport in the locality known as the “Patch”. It began some years ago in a
suit of Murphy vs Naven. Mrs. Heffron was a daughter of the said Murphy, who
also resides in that part of town. In this case, Naven, as a witness, testified
to things reflecting upon the character of Mrs. Heffron. Thereupon, suit No. 2,
of Heffron vs Naven, for defamation of character was instituted. This however,
only served in the results to stir the wrath of the parties to a still higher
pitch. On Saturday evening about six o’clock as Naven was passing on foot by
the houses of Heffron, Mr. Heffron took very deliberate aim at the head of Naven
and discharged the pistol she held in her hand. Fortunately for both parties,
the aim was not well taken, and the ball whistled harmlessly past its intended
victim. The report in the neighborhood is that Mr. H. stood behind his wife,
urging her to fire, which, we understand, he denies, saying he was out of the
house. The result of this shooting will doubtless lead to a suit upon which will
be founded on a firmer foundation than those which have previously been brought
by these parties.
Aug 22, 1871
Police Court
Jurgen Dominic who lives in a cellar on Brown street
between 4th and 5th was up this morning before Justice Peters on the charge of
intoxication and abuse of his wife. He was found guilty, fined $3.00 and costs
and committed.
Justice Court
The woman Heffron was bound over by Justice Thorington this
morning in the sum of $500 on the charge of shooting James Naven with malicious
intent.
A Case of Poisoning.
A man about thirty-five or forty years of age was found
lying on the road near Duck Creek this morning by a man passing by, who seemed
to be in much agony and repeatedly called for water. The man who was a butcher
on Harrison street, kindly took him into his wagon and brought him to town. Dr.
Middleton was immediately called who found the man had been taking arsenic and
was in a bad way. The Doctor sent him to Mercy Hospital and will see to his
wants. His name has not been learned, neither his nationality, but he
undoubtedly endeavored to commit suicide from the appearance of the case.
Police Court.
Two young girls, Sarah Robedee, and Sarah Collers were up
before Justice Peters this afternoon, on the charge of being drunk and
disorderly on the streets. They were found guilty and the first fined $5 and
costs. Both were committed. The girl Collers is a daughter of the notorious
woman by that name, who was formerly one of the worst women of the town which
Davenport ever was cursed.
Tuesday, Aug 24, 1871
Reform School.
Mary Alexandria Arnold, a vagrant girl of 13, was brought
up before Judge Benson at Chambers, and a hearing was at Justice Thorington’s
office this afternoon. The father was the complainant, the case was a clear one,
and the girl was sent to the Reform School. Justice Thorington conducted the
case for the parents.
Death of the Suicide
The man who was found poisoned on the Harrison street road
yesterday, an account of which appeared in our last issue, died last night about
9 o’clock. It seems his name was Samuel Baum, and that he came here from Cedar
Rapids last Tuesday evening. He has a family of children, but no wife. A letter
was found upon his person, written in German, which gave as the reason for his
suicide that of family troubles. Coroner Tomson held an inquest this morning and
a verdict of suicide was returned. The body of the unfortunate man was buried
to-day. The post mortem revealed considerable congestion of the stomach, with
positive destruction of the mucous membrane from arsenic; the contents emitted a
strong odor of garlic which caused much medical discussion. The man showed no
signs of sorrow for the act previous to his decease.
Police Court.
Andrew Nilsen was arrested last night for sleeping in the
Depot grounds, was brought before Justice Peters this morning and fined $1.00
and costs and committed.
Wednesday, Aug 25, 1871
Police Court.
Frank Martin and John Donelly were up this morning for
being found sleeping on the sidewalk. They were fined $1.00 each and costs.
Martin paid and Donelly was sent up.
Tuesday, August 29, 1871
Kinne Forgery
It was well known upon the streets last Saturday that A.G. Kinne, a well known
resident of this city, and a member of the School Board, was declared guilty of
forgery, and yet we made no editorial allusion to it, lest it should shortly
appear, as all good men hoped it would, that the charge was groundless. There
seems to be, however, no chance for question about it; he forged the name of
Benj. Painter to a $500 note, and on the strength of the supposed regular
endorsement, got it discounted at the Citizens’ National Bank. Stringent
measures being taken, however, the paper was met, and no one appears against the
party who has thus blasted his reputation as a good citizen. Nor do we know that
any one has any desire to do so. It is a sad case indeed; one that we would fain
cover with the mantle of charity, were such a cloak broad enough for the
purpose.
Aug 30, 1871
Justice Court
The notorious Jim Gartland was up
this morning before Justice Thorington, on two charges, one for assault and
battery on the proprietoress of a saloon near the Railroad depot, kept by Mrs.
Frey; the other charge was for resisting an officer, Chief of police John
Kauffman.
It seems Gartland was on one of his terrible sprees
yesterday. In the neighborhood of the C.R.I.&P.R.R. depot; going from saloon
to saloon, as he was kicked out of one, going to the other until arriving at the
latter, where the assault was committed. In this one, the husband of the woman
assaulted being a cripple, his victim offered but little resistance to his
outrageous conduct. Chief of Police in endeavoring to arrest Gartland got
roughly handled, and though master of the situation, he displayed manly
forbearance toward the prisoner, and only used such force as was necessary to
overcome his prisoner.
The court fined him to the extent of the law-$100
imprisonment in the county jail. On the charge of resisting an officer, the
court sent Gartland to jail to await the action of the Grand Jury.
August 31, 1871
Dead Body Found.
This morning the dead body of a man was found floating in
the river at Buffalo, on the north side of the river, which from appearance
showed he has been in the water for some time. The description given is as
follows: Medium height, fair complexion, sandy hair; wore brown pants, short
black coat and patent leather boots. A patent lover silver watch was found on
the body, also one dollar in change, and envelope addressed to Augustus Macomb,
inside of which was a card with name of Miss Cora Grinnell; a plat of part of
the city of Moline, Ill.; a leather pocket-book and knife, a rubber tobacco
pouch, and a handkerchief. An inquest was held by Justice Bain and the body was
buried this afternoon.
Police Court
Hank Oltenburg was up before Justice Peters this morning
charged with assault and battery on the person of Hans Monweiler, was found
guilty and fined $6.00 and costs which he paid. Also gave bail for $200 to keep
the peace.
Friday, September 1, 1871
Police Court
Neighbors’ quarrels were exemplified at Justice Peers’
to day. Mrs. Weve, who resides in the western part of the city, charges her
neighbor, Henry Ruge, both Germans, with assault with intent to inflict great
bodily injury. The testimony of the prosecuting witness shows that Ruge threw
rocks in at the window, with the purpose of hitting her, which rocks she saved
and produced in court. The case is going on as we go to press.
Sept 2, 1871
Police Court.
The case reported on yesterday of an assault in which Mrs.
Weve was the prosecuting witness, resulted in the defendant, Henry Ruge, being
bound over in the sum of $200 bail. He was “let loose” on his own
recognizance, by request of prosecution. This morning Molle Hill alias Wilson,
was up on he charge of vagrancy and habitual drunkenness, brought by her
husband. She was found guilty to the fullest extent and held to bail in the sum
of $150.
Identified.
The body of the man found in the river near Buffalo, has
been identified from the description given in the Democrat as that of a soldier
named Zeuh, from the Island. Zeuh obtained a permit on Sunday last to be gone 24
hours, dressed himself in citizens clothes and the last seen of him was in
Davenport, in an intoxicated condition. He is supposed to have fallen from the
bridge while crossing over late at night. Col. Flagler has sent to Buffalo for
the remains, and they will be buried in the Island Cemetery.
September 8, 1871
Police Court
John Dutton was arrested yesterday for disturbing the
public peace on the Fair Grounds, was arraigned before Justice Peters, found
guilty and fined $3.00 and costs which he paid.
Frank Smith was up this morning for disturbing peace by
abusive language was fined $3.00 and costs and paid.
Joseph Walker for intoxication was fined $1.00 and costs
and paid.
Richard Kelly and Pat Tafferty for intoxication was fined
$1.00 each and costs for which a mittamus was issued.
September 9, 1871
Police News
Richard Roe, who has figured
extensively I the police record heretofore, was up this morning for larceny,
charged with stealing a coat and three shirts from the Perry House, on Front
street. He was found guilty and returned part of the goods, and was fined $35
and costs, which he paid.
Patrick Boyle, Samuel Long and Robert Fitzgerald-up for
intoxication-were fined $1 each and costs; the two first paid, the other sent
out of the city.
September 12, 1871
Police Court.
The three pickpockets, George Hendricks, Ed. McCulloch and Wm. Smith, who were brought before Justice Peters yesterday, for stealing a watch and chain from John Brough, were found guilty and each fined $5 and costs and sent up.
Peter Warren for intoxication, was fined $1 and costs and committed.
September 14, 1871
Police Court.
James Gartland, who gave Marshall
Kauffman so a hard a “tussle” a few weeks ago, was this morning brought
before Justice Peters on the charge of being a common vagrant and habitual
drunkard; preferred by the Chief of Police. He was held to bail in the sum of
$300, and will work it out at the stone pile.
Mrs. E.L. Webb was up on the charge of being a common
prostitute and an inmate of a bagnio, corner of Sixth and Iowa streets, she was
sent up in default of $200 bail.
Charley Mack, was arrested while in company with the
said woman for leading an immoral life, was fined $10 and costs and paid.
John McGinnis, for intoxication was fined $1 and costs
and committed.
John Connar, for being found sleeping in the streets,
was fined $1 and costs, and sent up.
Sep 15, 1871
Police Court
The delinquents before Justice Peters this morning were numerous. Mary Schraeder, for intoxication, was fined $1.00 and costs and sent up. John Shine on the same charge and fined the same paid. Harrison Murray, George Williams and John Wilson, arrested for being found asleep in the streets, were each fined $5.00 and costs and sent up. George Jones for vagrancy, was fined $10.00 and costs and committed. Emma Wallace and George Cogan, for leading an immoral life, were fined $5.00 and costs each and sent up..
In Trouble.
The “Indian Doctor", who hangs his sign on Third street and whose name is John Welch, was taken up before Justice Thorington this morning on the charge of threatening the life of C.W. Stillwell, the owner of the house whree the “Doc” stays. The testimony in the case failed to substantiate any “blood thirstiness” on the part of this would be savage and he was let loose.
Saturday Sept 23, 1871
Reform School.
A boy named John Break, whose parents reside on Iowa street, was arrested for
tapping the till in the store of Frank Rohm, on that street yesterday. He
entered the store during the temporary absence of Mrs. Rohm, and extracted the
sum of three or four dollars from the drawer. He was seen by Mrs. Rohm, who gave
the alarm, and Mr. R. at once gave chase and caught the young rascal. This
morning he was brought before Justice Peters and bound over to the District
Court as a fit candidate for the Reform School.
Tues. Sept 26, 1871
Police Court.
Pat Doyle, an irresistible Irishman of police notoriety, was up again for drunkenness and fined $5 and costs and sent up. John Kennedy, a follower of the circus, was brought up for disturbing the public peace, fined $3 and costs, which he paid.
Thurs, Sept 28, 1871
Sentenced.
The scoundrel James McIntosh, who attempted to commit rape upon a young lady in
Moline some months ago, an account of which was given in our columns, was
sentenced by Judge Pleasants in the Circuit Court at Rock Island yesterday, to
one year’s imprisonment in the penitentiary.
Sept 30, 1871
Caught at Last.
It will be remembered that some time last winter a warrant was issued for the
arrest of Francis LeClaire, charged with an assault to commit murder on the
person of Wm. Cook, while engaged in a dispute about a horse trade. LeClaire
absconded and no trace of him has been found until a few days ago, when he was
seen in the city and promptly “jugged”. His examination will come up before
Justice Peters on Monday morning. Messrs. Foster & Gabbart for the State,
J.W. Green for defendant.