Scott Co, Iowa Crime Files - 1870

Contributed by Cathy Labath

Daily Davenport Democrat
Davenport, Scott, Iowa

Monday, January 17, 1870:

     A young man named Peter Myer was before Justice Peters today for
maliciously breaking out one of the large lights of glass in the front door
of Sickles & Prestons store. He was held to bail in the sum of $200, to
appear at the District Court and not producing that amount, "went up".

     Providing for himself. One William Woodward was described by the police
on Saturday night with a carpet bag full of geese and duck, and they knowing
him to be a vagrant, arrested him. He couldn't account for the reason "mit
de geese" satisfactorily and was fined $10 and costs today at Justice Peters
office, on the ground of being a vagrant with no apparent means of
sustaining himself. He went up to the stone yard.

     Police Court. Lisha Fordham, who figured at Justice Dowd's the other
day, got into trouble again in a very short time after his trial and release
there. He meditated on the fickleness of his wife for leaving him and going
back to the Schoenings, and the more he thought about it the more he didn't
like it, and he cussed inwardly and out loud called her some ugly names.
These things coming to her knowledge, she had Lisha before Justice Peters
this morning and he was there fined $3.00 and costs.

Saturday January 22, 1870:

    Sent Up. One George Foster for being a persistent and determined
vagrant, was today arraigned before Justice Peters. His character was fully
shown and in default of $7 fine and costs, the stone yard kindly receives
him for 3 weeks recreation.

The Moore-Vanderzee Matter
     In the Democrat a few weeks ago was an item regarding an alleged
swindle by a colored man named William Vanderzee, well known in this city,
upon Mrs. Moore, who keeps a boarding house on Ripley street; she alleging
that Vanderzee, a carpenter by trade, had obtained under false pretenses a
mortgage of some $275.00 upon her house-pretending that it was for $50.00
only. The accused party, who has been absent for awhile, informs us to-day
that the transaction was a straight forward one, perfectly understood by
Mrs. Moore: that the money was justly due him, and that she signed the note
and the mortgage with a perfect understanding of their contents and import;
that he turned the securities over to Mr. Renwick in exchange for lumber.
This is the other side of the case. What  the re-buttal will show remains to
be seen.



Arrest of Three Alleged Dealers in Counterfeit Money.
     Yesterday afternoon, Marshal Kauffman came down upon a gang of three
citizens of Davenport, charged with handling and dealing in counterfeit
money. The accused are Joseph Shannon, an elderly man, of the firm of
Shannon & Trefts, butchers, in Forrest's Block, Perry Street, John Shannon,
his son, and Frederick Trefts-his partner.
     It appears, as the Marshal informs us, that the elder Shannon has been
engaged for some time past in purchasing stock through the country round
about Davenport, on both sides of the river. In the country he has
represented himself as Smith, a drover from DeWitt and by other fictitious
names. Marshall Kauffman has been on the watch for him for several months
past. He is known to have passed bogus money on several farmers in Scott
county, and also in Clinton and Rock Island counties. Farmers Clark, Russels
and Park, of Liberty township, have been bogused in this way, but most of
the money has been redeemed again upon being found out. A short time since
he passed two 20 dollar bills upon farmer Clark, of Liberty, who came in
soon after and got the stuff changed for good money. The young man, John
Shannon, it is said, was also engaged with his father more or less in the
same criminal practice.
     About half-past three yesterday afternoon the arrests were made, and
the accused taken before Squire Peters, and held to appear in the sum of
$500 each-excepting young Shannon, who was released on his won recognizance.
The elder Shannon was bailed by Robt. Porter and Trefts by Geo M. Matthes.
     Along in the night Mr. Porter got word that his bailee might possibly
take leg bail, and upon investigation it was found that he had already done
so-and was nowhere to be found. Mr. Matthes also became uneasy about his
man, and with the Marshal proceeded to Treft's house, in East Davenport,
about 2 o'clock in the morning, and had him re-arrested and lodged in Jail,
and he thinks not a moment too soon. Thinking that young Shannon might be up
to the same game, the Marshal went round to the meat shop about 3 o'clock
and found him sitting by the stove. He was arrested also and put in jail. A
saddled horse was found in the alley by Fulton's Block, where the Shannons
live, which was pretty good evidence that the young man was not long for
this county.
     Shannon, the elder, is said to be a tough character. The Marshal learns
that he has served one term in Slates Prison in New York for counterfeiting,
and one in Michigan for handling stolen goods. It is a pity that he is at
large.-Strenuous efforts are being made for his capture by Mr. Porter, who
is likely to be out about $500, in case the criminal is not forthcoming.
The case of Jos. Shannon was called before Justice Peters this afternoon at
2 o'clock. After waiting half an hour, and the defendant not appearing the
bail was declared forfeited.
     John Shannon and Fred Trefts were then called. O.B. Clark, of Clinton
county, appeared against them, testifying that, yesterday morning, Trefts
and Shannon redeemed two $20 bills they had passed to him-paying him
therefor $40 in good money, except $2, which was bogus. He received the
bogus bills on the 24th of December last.
The trial continues as we go to press.

Monday, January 24, 1870

     Held to bail. Fred TREFTS and John SHANNON, the alleged confederates of
Joseph SHANNON, in the bogus money business were held to bail by Justice
Peters on Saturday and are now in jail.

Thursday, January 27, 1870

     SHANNON, the counterfeiter, was reported at Morrison, Wheatland County,
Illinois, this week. Sheriff Schnitger was telegraphed for, went there in
haste, but the villain had made his escape, and is unfortunately still at
large. This is altogether too bad and it is hoped that justice will yet
overtake and bring him to merited punishment.

     Another Libel Suit-Sheriff Schnitger has very courteously invited us to
a prominent position inside the bar of the District Court, some time in
February next. He has also alluded to certain monetary considerations
amounting to some $5000 said to be claimed in consideration of damages
accruing to the character of Mr. Wm Vanderzee, of African descent, formerly
of this city, and now resident of Clinton county. The most that we have to
complain of in these libel suits in which we are called upon to play a
leading part, is the unjust discrimination practiced upon us. Within our
knowledge, outside of Davenort , there has not been a newspaper man sued
during the past ten years for a less amount than $25,000, and ranging from
that to $100,000, while we are continually subjected to libel claims in much
smaller sums. This, in a great measure, is damaging to the financial credit
of the Democrat, and we are much afraid, is really intended to disparage our
commercial standing among our creditors. In future cases of the kind, we
earnestly protest against any such unjust usage, and if our protest is not
heeded, we shall be compelled to have our wrongs redressed through the
medium of the anti-discrimination tariff bill now before the General
Assembly.

Monday, January 31, 1870

     Divorce Case. The noted Sinnett Divorce Case, one of the seven wonders
of Rock Island, comes up for hearing in that place, in District Court this
week. The matter is said to embrace some very interesting features which
will be anxiously watched for by the inquiring minds of that corporation.



Wednesday, February 2, 1870:

Police Court. One Hans Sievers felt that the occasion demanded it and he
just howled and yelled as if his life depended on it. The police didn't view
his amusements as peaceable and he was fined therefore $1.00 and costs at
Justice Peters today.

Didn't Like White Folks.
Sandy Foster, the insane Negro, who it will be remembered, was taken to the
hospital about a week since, did not like the associations of his residence,
it appears. He remarked that he didn't like to live with white folks at all,
referring to his fellow lunatics, and accordingly when an opportunity
presented he scaled the ten foot board fence and struck a rapid gate for
town. He must have come in "a tearing" for as soon as his escape was known,
a horse was harnessed and driven rapidly to the city, but Sandy had arrived
there first. He was taken back today and measures will be taken to keep him
at home hereafter. He isn't pleased at all to associate with the rest of the
boarders, and he growls terribly about it.

Thursday, February 3, 1870:

Money  Stolen. The dwelling of Judge Wilson of Coal Valley was plundered of
about eighty dollars last night-$75 being taken from the coat of a hired man
named Coffee and four of five from the pockets of the Judge's son. A young
man named Eagan who was at the house and who was mysteriously absent in the
morning is in suspicion and the case is in the hands of Rock Island police.

Referee's Decision. The report of Judge Bennett, as Referee, in setion of
the County of Scott vs. Thomas K. Fluke, ex treasurer, for alleged
embezzlement of county funds, was made this day to Judge Rickman of the
district court. The Referee finds that Mr. Fluke is indebted to the county
in the sum of $2321.04, in excess of the $1000 paid by the defendant last
summer.

Monday, February 7, 1870:

D & D. - A wholesale drunk and disorderly case came before the Peters
sessions this morning, in which it appeared that there was a pretty
extensive "sound of revelry" at Oft's saloon, corner of 2nd street and
Western Avenue, yesterday forenoon. It further appeared that policeman Seims
was around in good time and took a hand in the little game himself, on the
part of the city. The uproarious crowd surrendered at discretion, and this
morning paid their respects to Justice Peters, who furnished them with
reserved seats at a moderate advance on usual prices. S. Ewers and Wm Hassen
forked over $7.00 each, H. Buhmann paid $6, J. Diercks $5, and John Luckland
$4, to all of which was added the usual advance in the way of costs. The
boys paid up promptly, and were well satisfied to get off without further
trouble. Let this be a wholesome warning that they take heed and mind their
ways.

One Samuel Loog, for the privilege of getting on a spree yesterday, walked
up to Captain Peter's office this morning and deposited $10 and costs.

Almost a Suicide.
Many of our readers well remember Capt. Jno D. Burgh, formerly in the
revenue business of this city. Five or six years since he went to Chicago
and for a year two was very successful, making quite a fortune. He returned
and settled in Rock Island, about four years ago, bought a farm, and
seemingly prepared to settle down and enjoy life. But the demon of drink had
too firm a hold upon him and he squandered nearly all his property. On
Saturday, he called on his wife for all her money, jewels and valuables and
getting them in possession destroyed them. He then went on a regular drunk
and would up late at night by going into a saloon and taking a big drink of
whisky, and immediately after swallowing laudanum. He was taken to jail and
emetics administered. He afterwards tried to stab himself and succeeded in
inflicting slight wound. He now lies in a critical condition.

Tuesday, February 8, 1870:

Arrested. Jim Gartland, who has been reported by the sheriff as "not found"
since a little forgery transaction that occurred last fall, wherein the name
of Thomas W McClelland was surreptitiously used for the purpose of raising
money, made his appearance at the courthouse yesterday afternoon and was
duly arrested and placed in jail. Gartland suddenly turned up here to attend
to some matters in court. He is under indictment for forgery or passing
forged papers and the trial will probably come on this term.

Tuesday,February 9, 1870:

Police Court. One Barney Monahan was brought before Justice Peters today on
a charge of assault and battery. He was fined two dollars and costs.
Catherine Gattring was up on a charge of larceny, but the case was
dismissed.

A Bothersome Subject.
Sandy Foster, the insane Negro, has been taking on "successes high" ever
since he came back from the Hospital in a hurry one day, and has not been
good humored ever since. He raised the very ancient hurry in the jail and
to-day a straight jacket was ordered for his especial benefit. If he can be
made to behave himself in this piece of furniture he will again be sent out
to the Sister's hospital, although he has such an aversion to white folks.

Friday, February 12, 1870:

The Fluke Trial.
Important Testimony by Judge Linderman
The Prosecuting Attorney retires from the Case
Verdict of "Not Guilty" by the Jury without Leaving the Box.
The celebrated trial of the State vs Thos K Fluke, ex county treasurer, of
embezzlement of county funds, closed this afternoon very summarily.
The testimony of Judge Linderman, as reported in another column, having been
given before the jury, there was an immediate consultation of the counsel on
both sides, and Mr. Ellis, prosecuting attorney arose and addressing the
Court, said his reply to Judge Richman who asked of the prosecution if they
had any rebatling testimony, "I have nothing to be but Judge with Linderman'
s statement your honor"
"I entered into this trial determined to develop every point; but after the
statement just made by Judge Linderman I have neither the heart nor the
disposition to argue the case or to ask of this jury a verdict of guilty".
"While there was one many engaged in the Treasurer's office who, by his own
confession stole money and confessed to having "doctored" the books to cover
his steps, I can take the prosecution no further ; if the jury wish to give
a verdict, I have nothing to say."
The case being then abandoned, Judge Richman handed the jury a form of
verdict of "not guilty" to which unanimous assent was promptly given, and
that body was discharged from further duty in the case.
There was a profound sensation in the court room, the defendant thus
summarily declared guiltless, bowed his head upon the table and wept like a
child, as also did his wife and son present, and the attorneys were also
visibly affected. Mr. Lane shedding copious tears and we dare say that all
present whether upon on side or the other, after hearing the statement of
Judge Linderman, were convinced of the innocence of Mr. Fluke and felt like
most heartily congratulating him upon his deliverance from the danger that
had so thickly beset him and hedged him in . The statement of Judge
Linderman must be to all fair thinking minds a full and complete vindication
of Mr. Fluke from the charges brought against him, and should be so
considered by the public everywhere. Unfortunately he had a villain in his
employ whom he considered an honest and upright man, and he it was who by
constant purloining of monies making false entries and deftly defacing the
books of the office brought his employer into untold troubles.
Such being the case and the naked truth of it, Mr. Fluke should not only
exonerated to the fullest extent but in the matters that stand against him
upon the finding in the civil suit, he should, by the county, be remembered
in great mercy. True he may be in one sense indebted to the county, through
the dishonesty of Mr. Brotherlin, yet the load should be eased from his
shoulders, as far as it is possible.
We have watched the progress of the case most attentively for nearly forty
days of the civil and criminal being somewhat interested in it ourselves and
can most fully say that we believe the villain in the Treasurer's office to
be the man who took his own life in LeClaire in June last.
With the public, therefore we congratulate the accused upon his safe
deliverance from his troubles-and may he never see the likes again.

Tuesday, February 16, 1870:
     Sent to the Island. Mike Kelley who was arraigned before Squire Peters
yesterday for stealing his father's mules, and afterwards released and
arrested as a deserter from the U.S. Army, has been returned to the Island,
where it is presumed he will come under such rigid discipline as will keep
him out of mischief for awhile. This is probably the best disposition that
could be made of this youth for the next ten years.
     William Babe, the fellow who rode the other mule, is geologizing on
Davenport limestone under the careful tuition of Prof. Schnitger, in
preference to paying $125 bond money to appear at next term of court.
     The queer thing about the whole proceedings is how the mules happened
to be stolen,when upon testimony of the owner they were taken by his leave.

Thursday, Feb 17, 1870:
District Court.
     The case of State vs Robinson and McGarrey was closed yesterday evening
and a verdict of guilty returned by the jury. The Highway fenced up by the
parties has to be reopened again.
     The case of State vs Middleton-the defense charged with willful
shooting of cattle was closed today and the jury returned a verdict of not
guilty.
     This afternoon the case of State vs William Sutton, charged with
burgariously entering the house of policeman Rohm, in November last, was
being tried this afternoon.
     The divorce case of Zierdt vs Zierdt. Mrs. Z was absolved from further
matrimonial obligations with Mr. Z., he having been proven guilty of
adultery.

Grand Jury
     True Bill announced against Chas. Fowler, William Foster and Keilerfor
breaking into Cigar Store on Main street, below second a few months ago.
     A true bill was also found against William Trefts (formerly a partner
in the butcher shop of Shannon and Trefts), charged with payment of
counterfeit money in payment for beef cattle.

Friday, February 18, 1870:
District Court.
     William Sutten, charged with burglary-tried yesterday- Jury returned
verdict of guilty this morning.
     Case of State vs Ch. Furst, for seduction, called this forenoon, Jury
empaneled, case pending.

Saturday, February 19, 1870:
District Court.
     The seduction case of State vs Furst was determined yesterday
evening -the judge rendering a verdict of "not guilty".
     Christiana Orum was granted a divorce from Charles Orum, it being shown
that defendant was a bigamist, by report of H. Beach, referee.
     Matilda Sievers seeks a divorce from her husband, Hans, because Hans is
said to be a habitual drunkard. Referred to W.T. Diltoe.

Determined to Die
A Second Attempt at Suicide- A Sad Case.

     Readers of the Democrat will remember an item on "Attempted Suicide"
under date of December 22nd, 1869. The party was a woman calling herself
Catherine Harrigan, represented to be a widow with one child. She committed
the act while in the employ of Mr. J.F. Curtis. The reason alleged was that
she was tired of her life; her family, who reside near Andalusia, were said
to have treated her unkindly, and she would not live with them. They wanted
her to marry again,&c. She was taken to the City Hospital and in a few days
recovered.
    Since this time she has been living in various families about the city,
latterly at Burr Andrews. Her health is not good and she has had to give up
doing work several times.
     She left Mr. Andrews' about two weeks since, and applied to Mrs.  Rowe,
Milliner, on Perry street, for lodging one day. She represented that she was
out of employment, was too ill to do much work, and wanted some place to
sleep. Mrs. R., although possessing but scanty accommodations, made room for
her, and from that time she tried to earn her board by being of such service
in the house as became needful. She gave her name as Kate Herron. The city
was hunted over for work, but none was to be found and yesterday noon she
came to her temporary home in tears, saying "she couldn't find anything to
do." She appeared to be very down cast for the rest of the day.
     About 7 1-2 o'clock she requested leave to go to the postoffice. She
went straight to Starks & Bro., and purchased half an ounce of laudanum,
returned to the shop, and going into the kitchen, swallowed nearly every
drop of it. It was soon discovered, and the crime acknowledged.-Drs. French
and Bell were immediately sent for, and strong antidotes applied, but it was
not until nearly midnight that she was thought to be out of danger.-When
questioned as to the reason for the attempt she would not answer but said
that it "wasn't over yet" implying a further attempt. The real cause of the
rash act could probably be better explained by others than her present
friends. It is thought that a broken faith may have something to do with it,
and suspicion founded on her declaration, points to a man who has been most
in her company. She was removed to the infirmary.

Monday, February 20, 1870:
District Court.
    Court opened at half past two o'clock p.m. and jury empaneled in case of
State vs James Gartland-defendant charged with passing forged checks of $100
purporting to have been signed by Thos W. McClelland, but in reality forged
by one Knapp, and passed by Gartland to one James Turner, grocer, on an
advance of $5.

Wednesday, February 22, 1870:
District Court.
    The usual evening session upon the Saving Bank case was held last
evening and the affidavits of E. Smith, Thos Scott, James Thompson, W H
Decker, Geo E French, Jno P Cook, and James Grant were read by messrs.
Hubbell, Cook, and Bills, which occupied the time until 10 o'clock, and then
adjourned until 9 o'clock this morning.

     In the case of State vs Gartland, the jury returned a verdict this
morning of "guilty".Counsel for the defense gave notice of a motion for a
new trial. In case the motion is overruled the defendant will be sent to the
State Penitentiary.

     State vs. Ed. Paasch, called to-day-defendant charged with stealing
gold chains and other goods from one Neuman, some time last fall. Case
pending.

Thursday, February 23, 1870
     The case of State vs Paasch, for grand larceny, was closed to-day at
noon. Verdict of guilty of stealing to the amount of $15., which narrows the
offense down to petit larceny.
     Case of State vs Voss, came up this afternoon. Defense charged with
stabbing one Buckwalter, in July last at Headquarters saloon on Sunday. Voss
has been in jail ever since. If the parties had all been at Sunday school
that morning they would have saved the county considerable expense.

Friday, February 24, 1870:

The Chas Wiese Murder.
Suspicion and Arrests.
     It will be remembered that the Democrat of the 15th November contained
an account of the horrible murder of Chas. Wiese, a German farmer residing
about 5 miles from town, on the upper road to Buffalo, and about one-half
mile south of Ashbury Chapel.
     The report was at the time that at about 3 o'clock that morning Mr.
Wiese was aroused by a noise proceeding from his barn; that he dressed in
haste, hurried to this stable and immediately after his wife heard the
report of a gun, and after waiting a few moments, and finding that her
husband did not return rushed to a neighbor for assistance, who coming upon
the scene found the dead body of Mr. W. in the stable where a fat cow was
kept, the cow was found out in the field hampered with a rope. The
impression was that some thief was in the act of stealing the cow and that
he shot Mr. W. on his approach to the barn. A butcher of this city, named
Schonthal was subsequently arrested on suspicion, examined and discharged.
     The matter has rested since that time until recently. The widow and a
man named Fritz, who was employed in the place at the time of the murder,
and who has remained there since, and another man were arrested yesterday as
they were packing up to move away and today Sheriff Schnitger has been
summoning several neighbors thereabouts to appear in Court, that the case
may be more fully examined into.
     It appears, as we learn from one of the neighbors, that the people of
the vicinity have never been fully satisfied at the result of the original
investigation. They claim that when the neighbors were called in by Mrs.
Weise, the body of the dead man was found to be fully dressed, with a
comforter about his neck, all indicating to them that he had not got up and
got to the stable in great haste. They further claim that while the neighbor
called in lived not more than three-fourths of a mile away, and the trip
could have been made in half an hour at least, yet when they go there the
body was cold and stiff, though warmly dressed. They cannot see how it could
have stiffened in so short a time.
     These things, together with neighborhood suspicions, growing out of the
unhappy domestic relations between Wiese and his wife-threats made by her
that she would run away if Wiese didn't die; the alleged unwarrantable
attentions of Fritz to her; the talk and actions of both parties, bore
before and since the murder have caused much talk, and now comes the
investigation.
     These neighbors claim that there is strong, circumstantial evidence
pointing to foul play among the inmates of the house, but we hear nothing
but circumstantial evidence in the case, and this may be shown to be
entirely worthless.

     In State vs Jesse Voss, arraigned for assault with intent to commit
murder, tried yesterday. Verdict rendered this morning, "guilty of common
assault", fined $25 and costs.
     In case of State vs Geo. Robinson and G.A. McGarvey, of Blue Grass,
found guilty fencing up "Pious Lane" near Asbury Chapel. The defendants were
this day sentenced by the court to pay fine of $25 each and be imprisoned in
the county jail for the full term of 5 minutes.
     This morning the case of State vs W.F. Keeler, defendant, charged with
stealing a trunk, was called. Defendant pleaded guilty of petty larceny and
was fined $33.33 ½ and sent to jail to work it out-in default of having the
change.
     State vs Chas. Smith, Wm. Fowler, and Ed Simpson called this p.m.
Defendant charged with burglary and larceny. Trial first for larceny.
     Divorce granted Mary Vanderburg from Geo. Vanderburg for willful
desertion, on rept of Geo. E Hubbell , Referee.

February 25, 1870:
The Weise Murder Arrests
     The parties arrested by Marshal Kauffman, on suspicion of having some
hand in the murder of Chas. Wiese, on the 15th day of November last, and
attluded to in the Democrat yesterday, are Fritz Nausbaum and Henry J. Link.
The former and Mrs. Wiese are considered the leading characters in the
tragedy, as the theory now runs.
     It appears that Fritz was intimated with Mrs. Wiese before the murder.
He was a farm hand in the employ of Davis Dutcher, who lived near by.
Immediately after the murder he went away to St. Louis, but soon returned
and took up his abode with the widow, and has remained there ever since. It
is a well known fact that Wiese and his wife lived very unhappily together;
that noise was purposely made at the cow-shed to get Wiese out; that the
body when first found had every appearance of having been dead several hours
instead of but a few moments; that Fritz officiated at the funeral in
procuring the coffin and burying the body; that the widow did not attend the
corpse to the grave, and the neighbors feel confident that since the murder,
for nearly all the time, Fritz and the widow have lived together as man and
wife.
     Recently Fritz and Link have been out to Homestead, in Iowa county, and
rented a farm, and were packing up the goods belonging to Mrs. Weise to move
away there, when Marshal Kauffman intercepted them with a warrant.
     The case is in the hands of the Grand Jury and there seem to be no
doubt  but that one or both of the men will be held for trial. Mrs. Wiese
being confined in child-bed, has not yet been arrested, but will be in due
season should the persons now arrested, or either of them be inflicted.
     The matter creates a good deal of excitement in the neighborhood, and
the Marshall spent a good deal of time and careful investigation upon the
case before making the arrests. The murder was one of the most atrocious in
the history of the county and whether the suspicioned parties be the guilty
ones or not, circumstances are clearly against them.

District Court
     In the case State vs Charles Smith, Ed. Simson and Wm. Fowler, the Jury
returned a verdict of guilty. The value of goods stolen was shown to be
$100. Prisoners remanded to await final sentence. These are three young men
in their prime. Bad company and worse habits have brought them into serious
difficulty.
     Case of State vs James Gartland-one for Mischief, another for Assault,
and one for uttering forged check. Plea of guilty as to first and second
charges. Fine of $100 each and costs and committed till paid. Found guilty
on third charge; motion for new trial.
     State vs. David Davis. Defendant charged with stealing goods from the
store of Leonard Biller. Plead guilty and was fined $100 and costs. Remanded
to jail until paid.
     State vs. Fred Trefts. Three indictments for passing counterfeit money.
Dicharged as to the first and second without trial. Jury in third charge
today returned a verdict of not guilty. This was the case growing out of the
alleged misdemeanors of Shannon & Trefts, butchers Shannon made good his
escape. No efficient evidence was found to implicate Treft's in the crime.
Young Shannon, who was also mixed up in the offense, was likewise
discharged, there being no evidence against him.
State vs. Wm. Babe. Defendant was implicated in the Kelly mule stealing
affair,and imprisoned on charge of vagrancy. His mother, who resides in
Illinois, came for him and took him away. It is to be hoped she will keep
him away.

February 26, 1870
     Motion to grant new trial in case of James Gartland, for passing forged
check, sustained; new trial granted provided defendant pays cost of recent
trial by next term of court.
     Chas. Foster (alias Smith), Wm Foster and Simpson, for grand jury, were
sent to hard labor in the Penitentiary-their first two for three years, the
latter for one year. The young men have been beating up and down the
Mississippi for some time, making their living by theft. They have now an
opportunity presented for industry and usefulness. Simpson was sentenced to
serve one year in the penitentiary.
     Sutton, whose right name is Bauer, for breaking into policeman Rohm's
house, was sent to serve the State three years. This was his first offense
in this locality and his last time for some time to come.

OUTRAGEOUS
Knepper & Schlapp's Beer Vaults entered and 1180 barrels of Beer destroyed.

     A most outrageous proceeding took place at the Brewery of Knepper &
Schlapp, in East Davenport, last night, the long and short of which is the
beer vaults of that concern were entered by one or more villains, and the
entire stock of lager, new beer and fermenting beer was let loose upon the
floors.
     The entry was made by forcing in the outer door that leads to the lager
vaults at the rear of the building. Here were stored away 400 barrels of
choice lager, ready for the market. The plugs were all knocked out, and the
fluid left to run upon the floor, which, after filling the drain, which was
choked up at the river end, flooded the floor of the spacious apartment to
the depth of several inches.
     The strong door leading to the fermentation room was next forced open.
This room is occupied by large casks of new beer around the walls and in the
centre the large fermentation tanks. The casks contained 600 barrels of
beer, and the part of these had the plugs knocked out, and where that could
not be done the head of the cask was bored close down to the chime so that
the fluid all ran out.
     The fermentation casks contained 180 barrels of fermenting beer. The
plugs were either knocked down from these or the slaves bored close down to
the chimes. The aggregate loss stands at 1180 barrels of 31 gallons each,
valued at ten thousand dollars. A very severe loss, and an exceedingly
aggravating one.
     Nor is this the first outrage of the same character, though it is the
most severe one. About this time last year an attempt was made by unknown
parties to destroy the large stock on hand- All at once they discovered that
their beer had a very unusual taste, that went through the entire
department, tanks, casks, &c.- After several efforts to ascertain the cause
of the trouble, they drew off a cask and at the bottom small pieces of
ordinary bar soap. Some one had entered the premises by night, and doctored
every barrel of beer in the establishment by dropping small pieces of soap
through the bungs, and by throwing it into the fermenting tanks. The vessels
were all drawn off,and the trouble in a measure remedied but the loss
amounted to a considerable amount.
     Shortly after last Christmas they discovered that some one had been
tampering with their fermenting vats. All at once the contents became
inactive, and the trouble was ascertained in time to effect a remedy. Finding
that their designs were not entirely successful, the scoundrels determined
to make a sure thing of it last night, and did it most effectively.- It is
thought that more than one must have had the work in hand last night, though
Messrs. K & S have not the least idea as to who their persecutors are.
     The loss is a heavy one, yet they are not discouraged, but will proceed
at once to re-stock their cellars. The matter has been placed in the hands
of the police, and no pains will be spared to ferret out the villainous
scoundrels who thus make malicious waste of people's property.


February 28,1870
Attempted Escape
Prisoners Prefer not to go Where the Woodblue Twineth
     This morning Sheriff Schnitger arranged the clothing and ornaments of
four of his prisoners- Foster, Fowler, Keeler and Sutton, for a short trip
sunny southward. He had paired them off, uniting the couples with
substantial wristlets, and before removing them from the jail took a good
look at the shackles that had been placed upon their ankles the Saturday
previous by a competent blacksmith, when behold the chains that connected
each pair were found to be severed close to the ankle rins, and a bit of
shoe string inserted in lieu thereof.
     This discovery was the source of great rage and profane language on the
part of the jail birds, who cursed the luck, the judge who had sentenced
them, and the whole concern generally. The Sheriff had the damages carefully
repaired and in company with Deputies Freid and Schnitger the prisoners
started for Fort Madison Penitentiary via the new Burlington route at which
place they probably arrived at five o'clock this afternoon.
     Upon subsequent investigation the Sheriff ascertained that the prisoners
were sawing at their chains on Saturday evening, and on searching about the
premises fund a stout old  single bladed jack knife with the edge cut into
fine saw-teeth. The blade being too thick to cut the links directly
through, they sawed clear around and took the cut link entirely out and
tied a string as above stated. But for this timely discovery it is very
probably that they would have watched their opportunity to leap from the
rain and disconnecting themselves, endeavor to make good their escape. But
the sheriff was one too many for the villains, this time, and for the next
three years and very little will they know of public affairs of the outer
world. They are about as wiry a set of villains as have been contributed to
the Penitentiary by any county recently.


Wednesday, March 9, 1870
Police Court.
But two cases before the tribunal today. One, Robert Mathews, was arranged
[sic] before Judge Peters for intoxication and disturbing the public
peace, was fined $6.60 and costs and sent to breaking stone in the Davenport
Stone Quarry. John Peterson was arrested for loitering about the streets at
a late hour of the night with no apparent object, was fined $5.00 and costs
and sent to jail by default.

Thursday, March 10, 1870
Police Court
James Meyers was arrested for intoxication, arraigned before Justice Peters
and fined $1.00 and costs and was sent to jail in default.

Three young girls, named Sarah Collars, Emma Collars, and Susie Gosch, were
arrested for loitering about the streets and charged with vagrancy, were
brought before the police court this morning and found guilty, fined $5.00
and costs and sent to jail where we hope they will remain until they reform.

James Messwenger and Milton Howard were arrested for fighting, fined $2.00
and costs and sent to breaking stone in default.

March 14, 1870
Sad Sight
The sensibilities of those who are accustomed to scenes of vice were shocked
the other day on seeing three young girls arranged [sic] at the Police Court
on a charge of street walking. The youth of these poor creatures, only 16
the oldest, seemed to plead for them and their sentence was made light, but
their hardness and utter depravity was pitiful to see.
But what shall we say when gray hairs put to shame young tresses in deeds of
wickedness and vice. We are told by one of our citizens that yesterday
evening he saw an elderly woman, apparently quite advanced in years, on one
of the principal streets in a beastly state of intoxication. Twice while he
watched her did she stagger and fall down and still rise again to pursue her
devious way. For so large a city we have but few of such characters and we
are duly thankful. But the sight of such degradation in a gray-haired woman
calls for pity from the most stoical.

March 17, 1870
Police court.
After a long wait, the patient much suffering ministers of peace at the
police court have had something on their hands. One Lizzie Bunker was
arrested for vagrancy; bound over in $300; didn't have any money, and being
well known in police circles as a common street walker was sent to the
boarding house of Major Schnitger.

March 19, 1870
Scalped in cold Blood

Fifteenth Amendment Jerked Baldheaded
     A cold blooded affair occurred last night in one of our conspicuous
stores which well illustrates ""Man's inhumanity to man." The common
charities and amenities of life have been forgotten in an attack upon the
tender feelings of a man and brother which have been lacerated in a cruel
manner. The tune of this distressing melody waileth as follows:
     A colored man named Henry Williams, entered a well known boot and shoe
store on Second Street, at half past seven last evening, and intimated that
he wanted a pair of shoes.- While scrutinizing the goods the clerk observed
Henry slyly put a pair of shoes under his coat, and after saying the style
didn't suit, made for the door. The proprietor caught him by the collar, but
he broke away and ran, when somebody made a grab for , and reached him in
the crown of his manly beauty, the hair. Now this head of hair should have
before been described. The wool, instead of being allowed to flow loose and
unconfined, was braided into some twelve or fifteen tails, after the high
Chinese fashion, and allowed to hang about his brow. This was the lace where
the profane hand of opposition dared to transgress. This was the crowning
shame of the diabolical deed. With a terrific yank the trespasser jerked one
of these tails sheer from the head of the devoted Henry, and held it aloft
as an implied trophy of victory. Slow music for the wounded man.
     The police had him in charge, and he was sadly led away to "Squire
Peters, who fined him $22 and costs. Another robbery was found against him,
and it came to light that he was a tough case generally, and was sent up to
work out his won redemption at the stone yard. His punishment by the court
was just, but this fiendish outrage on the finer feelings of a man and
brother, is not to be tolerated. Let us have no more such pieces.

District Court.
     In the case State vs. Charles Smith, Ed Simson and Wm. Fowler, the Jury
returned a verdict of guilty. The value of goods stolen was shown to be
$100. Prisoners remanded to await sentence. These are three young men in
their prime. Bad company and worse habits have brought them into serious
difficulty.
     Cases of State vs James Gartland-one for Mischief, another for Assault,
and one for uttering forged check. Plea of guilty as to first and second
charges. Fine of $100 each and cost, and committed till paid. Found guilty
on third charge; motion for new trial.
     State vs David Davis, Defendant charged with stealing goods from the
store of Lenonard Biller. Plead guilty and was fined $100 and costs.
Remanded to jail until paid.
     State vs Fred Trefts. Three indictments for passing counterfeit money.
Discharged as to the first and second, without trial. Jury in third charge
to-day returned a verdict of not guilty. This was the case growing out of
the alleged misdemeanors of Shannon and Trefts, butchers. Shannon made good
his escape. No sufficient evidence was found to implicate Trefts in the
crime. Young Shannon, who was also mixed up in the offense, was likewise
discharged, there being no evidence against him.
    State vs Wm Babe. Defendant was implicated in the Kelly mule stealing
affair, and imprisoned on charge of vagrancy. His mother, who resides in
Illinois, came for him and took him away. It is to be hoped that she will
keep him away.

March 21, 1870

     Police Court.The notorious Floreta Collars was arrested and brought
before Justice Peters today, for being found in a beastly state of
intoxication. She was fined one dollar and costs and sent to jail in default
of payment. She is the mother of the two depraved young girls who were
arrested for being common street walkers a day of two since. A more utterly
depraved family has not come under the cognizance of the police force for
many years.

March 22, 1870
     Police Court. One William Pillings was arrested for assault and
battery, and brought up before Justice Dowd, where he was fined $10 and
costs which he paid and departed to his tent.
      James Daley arrested for intoxication and arraigned before Justice
Peters, was assessed $5.55 and departed to join the assembly of the elect at
Schnitger's stoneyard.

Tocor Boy. A lad named Bruehn, it will be remembered was arrested for
burglary  about a week ago, and sent to jail. He is only 15 years old, but
outranks any other youngster of that age in hardness that can be found in
the city. He was brought into court this morning and examined. If his father
does not take him in hand, and endeavor to correct his bad habits, the youth
will be sent to the reform school where he will be forced to behave himself.

Circuit Court. The case of Schroder vs Siberlin, suit for payment of wages
resulted in verdict for plaintiff, for $45.75. Several default cases were
disposed of.

March 23,1870
     Police Court. Quite a large concourse of imbibers put in an appearance
today at Squire Peters. W Harvey had surrounded a large quantity of 'budge"
and couldn't contain himself. He paid there for $5.55 and went up. After the
same fashion was J. Barrett who had also pleaded at the bar until he was
confused. He untied a like amount and retired sorrowful.

Circuit Court. Case of Zimmerman and Diedrich vs. Paper; suit to recover
certain mules which plaintiffs allege were got from there by an unfair
trade. The case has occupied the attention of the court during all of today,
no other business being transacted.

March 24,1870
     Circuit Court. The case of Zimmerman and Dietrich vs. Paper was decided
yesterday evening in favor of the defendant. The attention of the Court was
taken up today with the case of Hoyer vs. Jacobsen. It appears that Jacobsen
was acting as agent for a piece of land. He was instructed to sell it for
$100. He sold it for $25 and reported that he had acted according to
original orders. Nothing else was done today.

March 29, 1870
     Circuit Court. Schocker vs Wiese suit to recover damages sustained by
collision of teams on the highway. Two farmers ran into one another ,and one
horse was damaged rather severely.

March 30, 1870
     Circuit Court. The case of Schoker vs. Wiese was given to the jury
yesterday and a verdict was returned last evening of $50 for the defendant.
     Case of E.M. Dodge vs John Miller alledged fraud in the matter of
certain patent rights. Decided in favor of plaintiff.
     Sally vs Crooks. Suit on promissory note. In progress this afternoon.