Murder and Mayhem in Crawford County
The following articles were transcribed and
donated by Fran Warren
May 18, 1876
Van Buren Argus (News paper)
Crawford County, Arkansas
THE BORDER HEROINE
Some years ago, before the State of Arkansas was so densely populated
as now, and when the mails from Little Rock to the Western Borders
were carried on horseback, there lived some miles above Horsehead
a stout pioneer named Jacob BURNAP. His wife Polly and one child
nine years old made up his family. His chief business was hunting,
and his unerring rifle never failed to supply his board and something
over. His nearest neighbor lived fifteen miles off, so he was
little troubled with prying visitors.
It was in the early spring that Jacob started down the river with
a boat load of furs and skins. He left Polly in charge of the
premises; and he left with her, too, a light rifle and a brace
of pistols. She knew how to use the rifle, for never was she happier
than when her husband patted her on the shoulder and said "Nobly
done, Polly, my dear; I could not have made a better shot myself."
And he had occasion to say this with truth too.
Jacob BURNAP had been gone four days, when in the evening a horseman
rode up to the hunter's door. He was a small, muscular man, some
forty years of age, and seem inured to all hardships. As he sprang
from his saddle, Polly made her appearance.
"Ah, Polly, once more here, " the new comer said, as
he pulled a well-fitted pair of saddle-bags from the back of his
fatigued beast.
"Yes, and I am glad to see you. Jacob has been gone four
days, and time is getting heavy."
"Jacob gone? Where?"
"Down the river with a load of furs."
"Oh, yes. Well, you shall have the company of Lant MORTON
for one night, at least; so for the next twelve hours you'll be
safe."
"Oh, I feel safe enough," returned the woman- "only
a little lonesome."
Thus speaking, Morton threw his saddle bags into the cabin and
lead his horse around to the shed, where he made the animal fast,
and fed him.
After this he returned to the house and entered and was soon discussing
the events of the time over an ample supper. His hostess told
him all that had transpired in the neighborhood since his last
visit; and the visitor gave her all the news of the eastern valley.
Lant MORTON had been the mail carrier on that route for several
years, and not once had he passed to and fro without spending
a night at Jacob BURNAP'S. In fact, he was about the only regular
visitor at the hunter's cabin; and although the intervals between
his visits were long, yet he seemed almost a fixture to the place.
Polly Burnap, just in the bloom of womanhood, knew his gentle,
generous, noble character, so she felt perfectly free and at home
in his presence.
"It is not known on the route that your load is valuable?"
asked Polly.
"I think not- though it may be. Still I am well armed, and
I fancy it would be a very tough job for any one to tackle old
MORTON.:
"A man was robbed on the creek some days ago."
"And the robbers have fled," added MORTON, carelessly.
MORTON went to bed at 9 o'clock, as he was tired from his long
ride. Polly had work to do, having neglected it while talking
to her guest; so after she had seen him safe at rest, she brought
her basket to the little table, and began work upon some clothing
for her child, who was soundly sleeping in a corner.
The old German clock upon the wall had struck ten ere Polly rose
from the table. She had just pushed the basket beneath the table
when the front door opened, and two men entered. They were in
their stockings, their shoes having been left on the outside.
"Hush!" uttered the foremost intruder. "Speak but
one word above a whisper, and you die in a moment."
Polly recovered from her quick terror, and looked up. She saw
two stout, ugly looking men, one of whom held a cocked pistol
at her. With a quickness of perception natural to her, she knew
the pistol would not be fired if she held her peace, as that would
make more noise than she could make, and further, she recognized
in the foremost a notorious villian that bore the name of Dick
GALLUS. She had never seen him before, but the description her
husband had given of the man led her to know him- and positively
too, for one big scar on the left cheek was mark enough.
"What do you want?" asked Polly, betraying the least
fear.
"We have come to see the mail carrier," one replied
in a hoarse voice; "where is he? Don't speak too loud."
"He is long since asleep. Would it not do as well to see
him in the morning? We can find you and room and lodging."
The fair hostess had said this for the purpose of gaining time.
She knew very well that these men had come to rob the carrier,
and was equally sure that they would murder him if they could,
and would in all probability put her out of the way as well. They
had evidently learned of the valuable load he carried, and meant
to carry it in his stead.
"Never mind his being asleep. Show us where he is at once,"
roughly answered GALLUS in answer to Polly's last remark.
"But I can call him, good sirs," reasoned the woman
calmly, though there was alarm in her soul.
"Call him! Call! Growled the villain with a fierce oath.
"You call him and you will be called to another world. Quick!
Show us the way."
The mild eye that could aim an unerring bullet at the forest beast
did not even betray the thoughts of a woman's soul, nor did a
look tell her meaning. She was very pale but did not tremble.
"This way, sirs," she whispered.
And as she spoke she turned toward a side door. She did not open
it till both the men were close behind her.
"Don't you hear him breathe?"
"Yes," returned the villains.
And they did hear a breathing, but it was of a child close at
hand.
As they thus answered her she threw the door open- it opened inward.
The men saw a dark void, but they pressed forward. In an instant
Polly BURNAP leaped back. GALLUS was in front. With all her power
the noble woman threw herself against the rear man, and the next
moment the robbers lay sprawling on the cellar bottom.
This has been the door opening to the deep excavation, and the
only means of egress was by a perpendicular ladder. Could this
have been moved, Polly would have pulled it immediately, but it
was spiked to its place, and she must let it remain. To close
the door would be useless, for she had not ready means to fasten
it. She did what she had resolved upon from the first- she sprang
to the fireplace, and caught the trusty rifle, and cocking it,
she moved toward the open door. She heard the curses of the villains
as they reached the ladder, and she soon knew that one of them
had found it.
"Back!" she cried, as she saw a head above the threshold.
The candle upon the table threw but a dim light upon the spot,
but was sufficient. She saw the robber raise a pistol. She had
a husband, a child, and had set herself to save the carrier. With
these thoughts dashing through her mind she pulled the trigger.
A sharp report went ringing through the house, and its echo was
a deep groan from the cellar bottom.
Ere the second robber could show himself MORTON came rushing into
the room with a pistol in each hand.
"What is it?" he cried.
"There! There!" gasped Polly, pointing to the doorway,
where a savage looking face had just presented itself.
Lant MORTON had been too much used to danger to waste time in
conjecture, and immediately shot the villain dead, who fell with
a heavy sound upon the cellar floor.
In the morning just as the carrier was dressed, there was a rap
at the door, accompanied by a voice he knew full well. He hastened
to open the door, and gave entrance to Jacob BURNAP. The hunter
had met a party of traders at Lewisburg and disposed of all his
skins to them, thus finishing his journey six days earlier than
he had anticipated.
Polly was soon upon her husband's bosom, and when he had told
them his own story, MORTON gave him the adventure. Jacob was at
first incredulous, but when he had seen the bodies he was satisfied.
"Polly, my jewel", he said, placing his arm around her
neck, I am proud of you. I love you more and more, for every day
I find more to love. And then, turning to Morton, he added, "What
do you think of such a wife?"
"Ah!" returned the guest, with deep feeling, "if
poor Lant MORTON had such a wife he wouldn't be a mail carrier."
When MORTON left he was directed to stop at the first settlement
and state to the officers what had happened, and he promised to
do so. He once more blessed the brave woman who had saved his
life, and then set out. Late in the afternoon two officers arrived
at the cabin and when they were shown the dead bodies, at once
proceeded to remove them. And ere a week had passed the whole
settlement blessed the border heroine for the work she had done.
Van Buren Argus
Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas
September 7, 1876
"WILD BILL"
Wm HICKOCK, otherwise known as Wild Bill, a scout of considerable
renown in the west, was shot and instantly killed at Deadwood,
on the 2nd of August. The murderer's name was Bill SOUTHERLAND.
HICKOCK was playing cards in a saloon, when SOUTHERLAND came up
behind and fired, the ball entering just behind the right ear
and passing clear through the head, perforating the brain. The
assassin attempted to escape, but was captured. He says, in justification
of his deed that Wild Bill killed his brother at Fort Hays, Kansas
some years ago. Others, who claim to know the antecedents of both
parties, say the story is false, and the real cause of the murder
is found in the fact that HICKOCK outgambled SOUTHERLAND during
the previous week. When I left Deadwood the trial was in progress
at the theater, with a strong possibility of the acquittal of
SOUTHERLAND. Bill's friends, however, say that the assassin will
not leave town alive. The murdered man was taken charge of, and
his funeral expenses paid by Charley UTTER, known here as Colorado
Charley. There is much excitement in Deadwood and Custer over
the affair, as Bill was generally liked and his superb personal
courage admired. Chicago Times.
May 12, 1878
$200 REWARD
Proclamation by the Governor
Whereas, It has come to the knowledge of the Executive that Jack
Jones is
charged with he murder of Peter BEAM, in the county of Scott,
in this State,
and that the said Jack JONES is now at large; Therefore, I, W.
R. MILLER,
Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority
as vested in
me by the Constitution and laws of said State, do hereby offer
a reward of
two hundred dollars for the arrest and delivery of the said Jack
Jones to
the Sheriff of Scott County.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the
Seal of the
State of to be affixed, at Little Rock, on this, the 12th day
of April,
1878. W. R. MILLER.
JACK JONES is about 45 years old, 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high,
square built,
full face; generally clean shaved; light hair, blue eyes and light
complexion; will weigh 180 or 190 pounds; when sober is very quiet;
but when
drinking is fond of singing, and has a clear, strong voice. His
favorite
song, when he is drunk, is "Sallie is the Gal for Me".
A hard and long
laughter, when drinking.
May 12, 1878
$200 REWARD
Proclamation by the Governor
Whereas, it has come to the knowledge of the Executive that Lorenzo
Dow
GILBREATH is charged with the murder of J. Hazard NICHOLS, and
with being
accessory tot he murder of Case HART, in the county of Scott,
in this State;
and that the said Lorenzo Dow GILBREATH is now at large:
Therefore, I, W. R. MILLER, Governor of the State of Arkansas,
by virtue of
the authority as vested in my by the Constitution and laws of
said State, do
hereby offer a reward of two hundred dollars for the arrest and
delivery of
the said Lorenzo Dow GILBREATH to the sheriff of Scott County.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the
seal of the
State to be affixed, at Little Rock, on this, the 12th day of
April, 1878.
W. R. MILLER
LORENZO DOW GILBREATH is about 50 years of age, 5 feet, 8 or 9
inches high,
square built, a little inclined to be round, or stooped shouldered,
and some
what corpulent, light or florid complexion, blue eyes, light auburn
hair,
whiskers gray; generally wears whiskers all over his face, and
keeps them
cropped with shears; will weigh 175 or 180 pounds.
Van Buren Press
Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas
June 28, 1879
THE KIND OF COUNTY JUDGE PULASKI COUNTY HAS
It was a most commendable act on the part of W H NAULTY, President
of the
Arkansas Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals in the
arrest of
county Judge WALL and his wife, for the inhumane treatment of
an adopted
child. There should not have been any compromise, but the low
creatures help
up to the scorn of the people of the state. The Little Rock Democrat
says:
In yesterday's Gazette, Judge WALL published a communication giving
his side
of the recent sensational reports concerning the cruelty practiced
upon the
orphan girl.
This morning we interviewed President NAULTY, of the Society for
the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and he said the Society caused
warrants to
be issued for the arrest of both. They had evidence enough to
convict her,
but held the judge morally responsible, because he was present
and did not
attempt to prevent the acts of cruelty.
Saturday morning Messrs. WILSHIRE and BOYD, and other friends
of Judge WALL
approached Mr. NAULTY, complained that the matter looked like
political
warfare, and asked if Mrs. WALL entered a plea of guilty, paid
the fine, and
turned the girl over to the society, the prosecution would be
satisfied. Mr.
NAULTY answered in the affirmative, and Mrs. WALL carried out
her part of
the agreement.
The judge in his letter says: "The girl referred to I have
raised and
supported, thus far, under the solemn contract between her father
and
myself, made in 1866, etc." but says nothing about being
paid $1,700 in
cash, and several milch cows.
Mr. NAULTY says the society has evidence to prove that the girl
was beaten
unmercifully, scalded with boiling water, beaten with a rod of
iron, and
also with a cowhide, and that she was compelled to wear an iron
clamp on one
of her ears.
The girl, who is almost entirely uneducated, is seventeen years
of age, and
has a bright, pleasing face. She is at the residence of Mr. NAULTY.
The
society will care for her hereafter.
SHOOTING AT ROSEVILLE
The town of Roseville was in a state of excitement on the 27th
ult., over
the shooting of Mr. MANSFIELD by Col. W S O'KANE. Colonel O'KANE
is a
prominent merchant, while the man he shot was employed by him
as manager of
his farm in Franklin County. It is said they have not been getting
along
very well for some time past. Two shots from a revolver were fired,
one of
which took effect. O'KANE was arrested by the marshal of the town,
and held
in custody till the next day, when he made his escape. Five Hundred
dollars
is offered for his arrest- two hundred by the state and three
hundred by the
citizens of Roseville. He was formerly a St. Louis drummer, but
since 1867
has lived in Logan County where he married.
ARREST OF AN ARKANSAS MURDERER AT LEADVILLE
The Denver Tribune, of the 31st ult., says:
Robert J DEERY was arrested in Leadville, last Sunday on the charge
of
murdering William H DAVIS. The murder was committed at Pine Bluff,
Arkansas,
in February, and was the result of a quarrel over forty cents,
stakes in a
game of cards. The murder had no sooner been committed than DEERY
fled. He
went to Leadville, and there obtained employment as the engineer
of a mine,
where he has worked steadily ever since; and where he has kept
very quiet,
seldom going out of his cabin. He was, however, hunted down and
at this
writing is doubtless far on the way from the scene of his crime.
DEERY is
said to be of a good family, and is a man of good education and
pleasant
manners. He is only twenty-four yeas of age.
Van Buren Press
Crawford County, Arkansas
August 3, 1875
MORE SHOOTING
B J FARMER, the wide awake constable of Vine Prairie Township,
was in town
Friday evening on the trial of Sam MEYER, who shot Chad EARLY,
on Thursday
night last n the Colonel J P KING place in that township, both
of whom had
been employed on Colonel KING's farm. MEYER, however, had been
settled up
with, and was preparing to leave. It seems that bad feelings had
existed
between MEYER and EARLY for some time. On Thursday last, MEYER
had been up
to Alma and got pretty drunk. In coming home, he let down the
fence on the
KING place, to get to the house by a short cut, and failed to
put it back up
again. Early, sometime after, passed by, and discovered the fence
down,
placed it up without knowing how it came down, and went to the
house and
reported to Captain P H SANDERS, who has charge of the place,
the fact; upon
which MEYERS acknowledged that he came in, denied that he left
the fence
down but replaced it. The lie passed back and forth when MEYER
took from
under his pillow a pistol, and secreting it about him, went and
sat down in
the yard, where SANDERS and EARLY both were, and deliberately
aimed not over
four feet from EARLY, and shot him through the left shoulder,
the ball
ranging round, and coming out on the opposite shoulder from where
it went
in. After the shooting, MEYER jumped on a mule, belonging to the
place, and
went to the SHAW place where he turned the mule loose in the field
and took
his chance on foot.
Constable FARMER is on MEYER's track, and if persevering energy
will bring
him to justice, MEYER will repent the day he committed this act.
January 5, 1889
BROTHERS IN LAW FIGHT A DUEL
Parties from Craighead County bring particulars of a shocking
tragedy near
Marked Tree. Some time ago the wife of William WEST, who is a
desperate
character left him and returned to the home of her mother, Mrs.
Mary DAIREY,
and announce her intention of getting a divorce. WEST called to
see his
wife, but she would not receive him, and his mother in law, Mrs.
DAIREY,
went out on the porch, carrying the year-old child of the couple.
WEST began
to upbraid her, saying she had caused the trouble between his
wife and
himself. Stephen DAIREY, aged about 40 years, was attracted to
the porch by
the dispute, and ordered West to leave the premises. West responded
by
drawing a six-shooter and firing twice, one ball passing through
Mrs.
DAIREY'S hand and the other striking Stephen DAIREY in the face.
DAIREY got
a repeating rifle and returning to the porch, leveled it at WEST
who faced
him with his revolver poised in the air. The men fired twice in
rapid
succession. WEST was shot through the heart and died in a few
minutes. DAIRY
was struck in the right eye, the ball ranging upward to the brain.
He lived
several hours. Mrs. DAIREY'S wound is not fatal.
January 5, 1889 Van Buren Press
Coroner SYKES of Johnson County dreamed one night last week that
the dead
body of a woman had been found near Lamar and got up the next
morning,
summoned a jury and went out to hold an inquest before the delusion
was
dispelled. - Little Rock Gazette
Van Buren Press
Van Buren, Arkansas (Crawford County)
July 20, 1889
KILLED EACH OTHER
Topeka, Kansas, July 15.- Information was received at the office
of the
United States Attorney this morning of the killing of Robert DALTON,
a
deputy United States Marshal in Oklahoma yesterday afternoon.
DALTON was in
the act of arresting Lee WEST, a notorious criminal for being
a 'moonshiner'
or whiskey peddler. WEST drew a Winchester and shot DALTON fatally,
but
before he expired the latter shot WEST, killing him instantly.
The fatal
affray occurred near the Arkansas River and near the border of
the Osage
Indian Reservation. West had notified the officers that he would
not submit
to arrest alive and he kept his threat. This is the third affray
in which a
United States deputy marshal has been killed in the Oklahoma in
the last two
weeks
1890 Van Buren Press
February 1, 1890
Jim STARR, the notorious horse thief and desperado, who was shot
nine miles
from Ardmore, I. T., last Tuesday week by a posse of Deputy United
States
Marshal Heck THOMAS, died in the United States jail at Fort Smith
Monday
night of his wounds. Jim sprang into prominence as a criminal
and desperado
about two years ago, when he became the third husband of the notorious
Belle
STARR, and has since made quite a record as a horse thief and
all-around
criminal.
April 5, 1890
POISONED HIS WIFE
Prairie Grove, March 28, -- Ben HEATH, colored, passed through
this place
today in chains, on his way to the county jail in Fayetteville,
having been
committed by Justice Thomas Campbell at Boonesboro, for poisoning
his wife
with strychnine, resulting in her death at that place last Saturday.
The
evidence seems conclusive, and his actions after the death of
his wife seem
to confirm the case against him. He requested the druggist from
whom he
obtained the drug not to tell anyone of his purchase; he tried
to prevent a
post mortem examination, claiming as a reason that the deceased
was his
wife. Failing in his purpose he attempted to make his escape.
He had tired
of his wife and had become enamored of another colored girl, which
seems to
have been the incentive to the commission of the crime. His wife
would soon
have become a mother.
Van Buren Press
Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas
March 7, 1891
The total number of convicts in the penitentiary December 31sth
1890 was
691, eleven of whom are female and 446 negroes.
It is unlawful to kill game in Arkansas between the following
dates: Deer
from April 1 to August 1, wild turkey from May 1 to September
1, prairie
chicken from February 1 to September 1, and quail from March 1
to October 1.
Van Buren Argus
Crawford County, Arkansas
August 17, 1892
Sheriff John STEWARD received, last Saturday, the following letter,
which is
presumably from Bob DALTON, leader of the famous gang of robbers
who are
supposed to be in the Indian Territory:
McAlister, I T, August 12, 1892
Mr. John STEWARD, Van Buren, Ark.
I see in the St. Louis Republic that your deputy went to Winslow
to meet the
DALTON Boys. You need not Bee a frade of having no trouble with
us. I Met a
Man at Coffeville, he told me about you as sheriff. Bud SHEPPARD
is a true
old Rebbel a Brave man too I seen him tried at Harrison, Boone
Co., Ark.
With Uncle Cole in '65. I wont Bother enny thing in Ark.
Truly yours,
R D.
Van Buren Press
Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas
May 6, 1893
WATER SPOUTS DID IT
Destruction all Along the Line-
Two water spouts struck this county Saturday night and the great
damage
done, at this time cannot be estimated. The first was in a northerly
direction from Van Buren up Frog Bayou and the Frisco Railroad.
At Chester,
the end of the division, the roundhouse and many dwellings were
washed away.
There is nothing definite obtainable about the loss of life, if
any, but the
reports say some were drowned. The farms were reported from 5
to 20 feet
under water.
The second water spout was west of the first about nine miles,
on Lee's
Creek. How far up it struck cannot be learned at present but the
stream rose
20 feet in three hours and washed bridge, houses, fences and crops
before it
in a mad rush. A new iron bridge was taken away as though it was
mere chaff,
not even the piers remaining. The north-bound passenger train,
which left
here Saturday night, returned Sunday having been unable to go
beyond
Mountainburg, while the southbound train was halted at Greenland.
It is 37
miles between these stations and so far as known all track is
gone, though
some parts may be left. The Frisco management wired that all delayed
passengers be cared for at the road's expense. Wednesday the Frisco
sent out
a passenger train over the K & A V to Wagner and thence over
the M K & T to
Monette to their own track in St. Louis.
Van Buren
Press
Crawford County, Arkansas
October 5, 1895
Miss Eva GOE, a young woman about town in Hot Springs, was arrested
Monday
afternoon at Wynne, Arkansas, on a telegram from Sheriff HAUPT.
The telegram
was sent at the instance of State's Attorney Teague, who desires
that the
young woman shall tell the grand jury what she knows about the
criminal
operation performed on Maggie RYAN, who died last Friday, and
also to
explain what happened with the dead woman's diamonds. It is whispered
that
sensational developments will follow if Miss GOE can be induced
to tell all
she knows about the case.
Van Buren Press
Crawford County, Arkansas
June 8, 1907
FATHER AND SON KILLED
Isaac WRIGHT and his son Marcus, were shot and killed at Cisco,
a small
station four miles west of Green Forest, by A H SHORT. The shooting
was the
result of a family feud, which had existed for some time.
Van Buren Press
Crawford County, Arkansas
March 5, 1910
Mrs. Mary CORNEY, who has gained so much notoriety through chasing
her
husband all over the state and having set aside two divorces he
obtained,
has returned to Fort Smith. She disappeared some time ago and,
failing to
show up when a suit against her husband was called, it was thought
she had
met with foul play. She went to Tulsa to secure evidence against
her
husband, and while there lunacy proceedings were instituted against
her, and
she was locked up. On gaining her release she filed a suit for
$5,000
damages for false pretenses.
March 23, 1912 Van Buren Press
Camden, Ark.- Tom James, a second cousin of the famous Frank and
Jesse
JAMES, is in jail on a charge of killing John KNOTZ, a German
mill man. The
shooting occurred at the sawmill of O C BURKE, one mile from Obear,
a small
town eight miles from this city. JAMES claims self defense. He
fired three
shots, two taking effect. The quarrel is said to have resulted
from a
discussion over some logs taken from the property of JAMES.
The Van Buren Argus
Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas
April 22, 1891
April 22, 1891
Arkansas State News
A CARNIVAL OF BLOODSHED
A bloody affray occurred at Alf Skinner’s lumber camp
near Ryno, in Randolph County, several days since. The fight occurred
at Jack Cassidy’s boarding house. Cassidy came home drunk
and began abusing his wife, and finally struck her. William Smith,
a boarder, interfered, which so enraged Cassidy that he drew a
large pocket knife, cutting Smith in the shoulder and stabbing
him in the abdomen, the latter wound proving fatal. Cassidy ran
out of the house, and in the yard met Alf Skinner, who told him
he had killed Smith. "Well, if I have killed him," said
Cassidy, "I’ll have to leave the country, but before
I go away I’ll kill someone else." Cassidy then plunged
the knife into Skinner’s shoulder. The later drew a revolver
and fired at Cassidy, the ball entering his bowels. Cassidy was
taken into the house and died in a few hours afterward. Skinner
was stabbed in the lung, and it is expected he will die.
KILLED BY A WIND-MILL
A fatal accident occurred on the Gleason’s Farm, southwest
of Little Rock the other day, James Sumpter being the victim.
Sumpter, with a boy, had climbed to the top of a wind-mill for
the purpose of repairing it, but neglected to fasten it. When
they had ascended, a gust of wind sprung up, causing the wheel
to turn. Sumpter was thrown to the ground, sixty-five feet, and
was instantly killed. The boy saved himself by catching and holding
on to the wheel. The deceased was an employee of Mr. Gleason,
and was about 25 years of age.
SENTENCED TO HANG
Robert Williams, who, in November last, shot and instantly
killed A B Hayes while the latter was drawing a bucket of water
from a well, has been sentenced to hang at Pine Bluff on Wednesday,
June 3. The doomed man took the sentence stoically.
"DEAD SHOT COX" DEAD
Deputy Sheriff Wiley Cox, of Fort Smith, known as "Dead
Shot Cox", died the other day from wounds received last October
during fair week. Jim McNally, the man who shot him, is still
at large.
Van Buren Argus
Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas
July 29, 1891
State News
A HORRIBLE DISCOVERY
Robert Dempsey and wife returned from a picnic last at night,
and on entering their house in the mountains, six miles from Conway,
found the front door spattered with blood and the dead body of
an unknown man lying across the bed. He had been riddled with
bullets. In another place the dead body of a young man was found.
He had also been shot. The interior of the house showed that a
terrible fight had taken place. It is supposed the slain men were
criminals from the Indian Territory, who, being overtaken by pursuers,
hid in the house, where they perished miserably.
ACQUITTED OF MURDER
Joseph Wright, of Jefferson County, on trial for the murder
of a negro tenant, has been acquitted. The killing caused considerable
excitement.
A TEACHER KILLED
At Monticello, the other day, Professor F K Haynes, a school
teacher, was stabbed and instantly killed by Bob Baker, one of
his pupils.
AN ASSASSIN LYNCHED
John Farmer, colored, was lynched in Chico County, for the
wanton murder of Dr. C C Buckner. It is said that Farmer confessed.
HE WHIPPED HIS MOTHER
It is reported that white caps of Cleveland County flogged
Filmore McCoy a few nights since for having whipped his mother.
Van Buren Argus
Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas
November 11, 1891
WHITE CAPS IN FORT SMITH
A Memphis Commercial special from Fort Smith, November 8th,
says:
In this city for months past a dirty, frowsy, unkempt woman
could be seen on one of the principal business corners of this
city grinding a hand organ. She was always accompanied by an old
man more dirty and filthy, if possible, than the woman. The general
supposition was that he was her husband. His part toward gaining
a livelihood seemed to be in nursing a puny looking baby dirtier
than the father or mother; but the fourth member of the party
was a frail looking girl aged 12 years. The citizens of this city,
long accustomed to seeing these people on the street everyday,
paid no more than a passing glance at them, but an event happened
one day last week that brought the whole miserable, execrable
outfit into notoriety.
The cause of this was the marriage of this sickly child of
12 years to a big burly fellow named Alexander Rice, aged 56.
The mother, so it seems, was a willing participant in the affair
and even went so far as to go with Rice to the clerk’s office
and ask for a license. She stated that the girl was 14 years of
age and this being the age of consent under the law, a license
was granted. A minister was found who performed the ceremony,
and the brutish old man took the little more than a babe to his
den.
But the more the people thought the matter over the more incensed
they became at the outrage upon decency. This feeling culminated
this morning about 2 o’clock when a body of about 100 men,
each wearing a white cap, went to Rice’s home and took and
his son out to near the National Cemetery, where the old man was
stripped to the waist and 100 lashes given on his bare back. The
White Caps then told Rice he would be given one hour in which
to leave town, which he did, going in the direction of Van Buren.
No clew has been found which will lead to the identification of
the regulators. The action of the White Caps is generally approved
by the better class of citizens, as the whole affair was a shame
and disgrace not to be tolerated in any civilized community.
October 21, 1896
HELD UP THE TOWN
Guthrie, Oklahoma Territory, Oct. 18.- Further particulars
were received here today of the raid of the little town of Carney,
about 20 miles east of here last night. About 9 o'clock at night
six masked and heavily armed outlaws, supposed to have been headed
by the notorious "Dynamite Dick", one of the associates
of the DALTON's and Bill DOOLIN, rode into the place and literally
held up the town.
Carney is a town of about 300 people. The robbers entered
the village from the north. Two of them entered the store of B
FOUTS and compelled him and his son to open the safe. After securing
about $800 they bound both father and son, threw them upon their
horses and carried them about 2 miles out of town, where they
tied them to trees. In the meantime the rest of the gang had entered
the post office, but failing to secure anything of value, they
raided the hotel, compelling the proprietor and several traveling
men, who were stopping there, to turn over their money, watches
and jewelry. Several smaller stores were also raided. Before entering
Carney the outlaws had taken the precaution to cut the telephone
wires leading to Chandler, so that there might be no chance of
failure.
During the raid the bandits kept up the fusilade of bullets
in all directions, terrorizing the inhabitants so that very little
effort was made to resist the raiders. It was some time after
the bandits had left before order could be restored and an organized
pursuit began. Finally about 100 armed men began the chase. At
dark tonight the bandits had not been overtaken.