The Decatur County Journal Leon, Decatur County, Iowa July 16, 1891 SAM VANDAL, a young man about twenty, a veritable Sullivan in size, got on a tear Friday at Crofford's and proceeded to take the town "a la" cowboy style. He commenced with Crofford's clerk and made him dance pretty lively for some time. He then went into HATCHER's new house where several were at work and made them think their time had come sure. IVAN BEACH and JAKE BICKNELL were the next held up, at the livery stable. JIM ESTES' little boy came and told him how matters stood and he went to try and pacify VANDAL. But he likewise was held at the point of a loaded and cocked six shooter. ESTES was unarmed, but his wife finally secured a revolver and gave it to him. ESTES then pointed it at VANDAL and told him to drop his weapon, but instead of doing so he fired point blank at him. ESTES then commenced firing and shot five times in rapid succession. VANDAL was hit on his right arm, the bullet entering below the elbow and ranging upward came out in the arm. DRS. MACY and LOVETT extracted the bullet. VANDAL was placed under arrest, waived examination and gave bond to appear at the next term of court. His bond is $750 and his bondsmen, F.E. WALKER, J.N. PAINTER and DR. MACY. So far as we know, SAM VANDAL has heretofore borne a good character and in all probability, he would not have acted so if he had not drank the poison dealt out across the line. If we had a son or sons that frequented such a place, we would prosecute the party who sold them the vile stuff to the fullest extent of the law. Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert

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