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.

 The Fluke Case

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.

 Police Court.

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.