Scott Co, Iowa USGenWeb Project
Scott Co, Iowa Crime Files - 1871
Contributed by Cathy Labath
Davenport Democrat
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Saturday, April 1, 1871
Police Court
This morning Policeman Dodd brought information of the keeping of a house of ill
fame at a certain saloon on Brady, between Second and Third streets, and the
keeper of said bagaio, named Henry Donlin, was brought before Justice Peters. He
plead guilty and was fined $10 and costs. Much credit is due to the police force
for hunting down and bringing to justice such a disgrace to this city, and we
have hopes that the vigilance thus shown will be continued in this particular
line with the utmost rigor.
Thursday, April 6, 1871
Police Court
Business had been lively at Justice Peters’ office to-day, more so than for
many days. First cometh one Hugo Richline, of Buffalo, and files information
against Adam Friedley, for shooting at said Richlien with intent to kill.
Thereupon Marshal Kauffmann starts for Buffalo to catch the Friedley. Also two
cases of beastly intoxication have been up one party calling himself Adam
Poston, and the other a bashful individual whose name appeareth not. Each fined
$1.50 and costs. Lastly, a youthful vagrant named Michael Kerster, who has
before been arrested for vagrancy, was found sleeping in a barn, and with no
means of support, was committed to jail under bonds of $150 for his appearance
at the District Court.
Friday, April 7, 1871
Police Court
One case of intoxication was up before justice Peters this morning, the party,
named Clark, being fined $1.00 and costs, which he cheerfully paid.
Marshal Kauffmann had a fruitless errand to Buffalo, in
attempting to catch the man Friedly, who was charged with shooting at a Mr.
Richly. Friedly left those parts immediately, and cannot be found, neither can
any trace of his whereabouts be ascertained.
Saturday, April 8, 1871
Larceny case
The man Campbell, charged with stealing the pocketbook of James T Lane Esq. Was
brought up before Justice Thorington again this noon. J.H. Murphy Esq appearing
for the defense. At the request of the defendant the trial was postponed to
Monday afternoon for he purposes of giving him time to prepare for trial, secure
witnesses.
Police Court
The man Clark, who was arrested for intoxication yesterday morning was again up
before Justice Peers this morning for the same offence. This time he was fined
$2.00 and costs, which he paid. He is a “bummer” mechanic from Boston, and
is on a big spree. The police expect to find him drunk again before morning.
Monday, April 10, 1871
Police Court
The champion “drinkist”, the irrepressible Clark, was again up before
Justice Peters this morning, it being the third drunk in that number of days. He
was found on Saturday night, and had an excellent opportunity during the quiet
hours of Sunday to reflect upon the error of his ways, while in the lockup. He
was fined $5.00 and costs this time and informed that the next drunk he indulged
in while here he would be turned over to the Grand Jury. His finances being
somewhat diminished by repeated fines, he paid $4.00 and a mitimus was issued
against him for the remainder of the bill.
Wednesday, April 12, 1871
Discharged
The man Campbell, who has been lying in jail for some days on the charge of
stealing the pocket book of James T Lane, Esq, on the steamer Northwestern, was
brought up before Justice Thorington this afternoon for the final trial. For
want of proof, the prosecution fell to the ground and the prisoner was let
loose. The trial has been delayed for a number of days, both sides hoping that
something would turn up which might help them at the trial. The prisoner seemed
glad to be left off, to say the least, and showed no signs of retaliating for
his imprisonment. On the whole we consider it rather a blind case, with no light
shed either side. Mr. Lane is out $75 and Campbell has had several days lodging
at the expense of the State. This is “whats the matter”.
Thursday, April 13, 1871
Police Court
Two parties, of Swedish origin, were arrested and brought
before Justice Peters this morning, charged with the larceny of a coat belonging
to a colored man named White. The theft was committed in the steamboat saloon on
Front street, kept by a negro named Wilson. They were seen making off with the
coat, and a clear case was proven against them. The thieves were named Andresen
and Ohlsen. The Magistrate fined them $45 each and costs in default of which
they were committed to hard labor in the county jail for term of thirty
days.
Tuesday, April 19, 1871
Arrested
A boy about fourteen, named George Stewart, was arrested
for assault and battery for driving into the wagon of John Gillighan on Harrison
st. Damages laid at $12.00. The case will come up before Justice Peters on
Saturday next. Mr. Gillighan who was in the wagon at the time, escaped injury,
while the vehicle was badly smashed.
April 22, 1871
Police Court
A case of some little magnitude has been in progress before
Justice Peters all day, of the State vs. Scharder & Heuer, dealers in rags
and old metal, on Gaines street. The party who brings the suit is W.G. Haun, of
Lyons, Clinton county, who charges the defendants with receiving stolen goods,
consisting of a beer pump valued at $56, and several articles of copper &c,
in all amounting in value to $125, and some of which property was found in the
possession of the defendants. They claim to have purchased the goods of two
parties who represented themselves from Muscatine, and that they got it from a
steamboat there, and they did not know said parties or have any suspicion that
the goods purchased was stolen property. The case is till going on as our report
closes, R.E. Cook, Esq, appearing for the prosecution and Hon. J.C. ills for
defendants.
April 24, 1871
Police Court.
In the case of the State vs Schrader & Heuer, for receiving stolen goods,
which was tried on Saturday, the justice discharged Mr. Heuer and held Mr.
Schrader to bail in the sum of $300 for his appearance at the next term of
District Court. Although from the evidence it was clearly shown that the goods
were purchased in good faith by Mr. Schrader, without any suspicion of their
being stolen property, the law does not hold him guiltless.
A case growing out of trouble between man and wife was up
this morning. The defendant, Conrad Witt, being fined $1 and costs for whipping
his wife.
Wm. Higgins and Fred Petersen were found this morning by
Tehodore Martens in an intoxicated state. They were brought before Justice
Peters and fined $3.00 and costs.
The women , Mrs. Kate Mead and Mrs. Ann Forrest were
charged with leading a profligate and immoral life; were fined by the Magistrate
$10 each and costs, and sent up.
A Terrible Change.
The town of Pleasant Valley gives forth far from pleasant
sounds just now. Judging from one instance on record at Justice Thorington’s
office, the people thereof, and more especially the husbands, are becoming
bloodthirsty, and anything but peaceful. One John Lee of that town, was brought
before Justice Thorington today charged with grave crime of attempting to cut
the throat of his wife Frances M. Lee. He was remanded to jail under $1,000
bonds, for his appearance at Justice Thorington’s office on Friday next, for a
preliminary examination. Mrs. Lee is the daughter of Elisa Wilcox, Esq., and old
and respected citizen of Pleasant Valley.
Suicide of a Young Lady.
One of most distressing as well as mysterious occurrences
which we have been called upon to record for a long time took place in our city
last evening. A young girl of sixteen years named Kate Kummerfelt, whose parents
reside in the western part of the city, deliberately “suffied? Off this mortal
coil” by jumping into the Mississippi, near the foot of Ripley street. The act
seems to be entirely premeditated on the part of the girl but no sufficient
reason can be thought of by any one for the rash performance. She was seen to
commit the deed by Mr. Jasper Martens, in whose boat she made the fatal leap,
but before he could possibly reach her, she was out of sight and rose no more.
Search was immediately instituted and kept up till a late hour last night and
again this morning, when about ten o’clock the body was found quite near the
shore. She had left her outer garments upon the boat, and in the pocket of her
dress was found the following letter to their parents:
Farewell dear Father and Mother.-I hope you will not be
frightened. I am tired of this bad world. I want to go to God and see my little
sister and brother. I shall write this letter myself, as good as I can, but
probably you cannot read it. Here is something for my mother: There is no cause
for this act, you can depend upon that. Virtuous I have always been; pure in my
soul; but I have always kept it to myself so that others might not make sport of
me. Now let me hasten to my home-on the happy way to heaven. I will find the way
about as far as it is, as God is above me he will cheer me up. Before me is the
water, above me is the moon, Give my best respects to all my friends. And now,
farewell.
Kate Kummerfelt.
This is all there is left to show
for what reason the suicide was committed, small though it be. During the day
she has been at Washington garden, seeming to enjoy the German holiday as merry
as anyone, a fact which makes the act seem even more strange and mysterious.
Coroner Tomas held an inquest this noon upon the
remains upon the riverbank where the body was found, and gave a verdict in
accordance with the above facts.
April 25, 1871:
Business was exceedingly lively at Justice Peters’ office
this morning. The inmates of the house of notorious character which was
“pulled” yesterday were brought up, being two noted women of the town, named
Sarah Collins and Mary Ann Brown, and two boys from Rock Island, named Harry
Clayton and Jos. Miller, all of whom were fined $10 each and costs. Miller paid,
and the others were sent up. She keeper of the house, James Walker, was fined
the same, but by the advice of Mayor Bills and chief of police Kauffmann, he was
let out, with the understanding that he should leave the city within five hours.
Thomas Bowers was arrested for intoxication, was fined $1
and costs, which he paid.
Thursday, April 27, 1871
Robbery at the LeClaire Post Office.
Yesterday morning, at an early hour, the Post-office at Le
Claire was broken into by burglars, who ransacked the entire building broke open
every door and drawer in the office, and succeeded in obtaining only about five
dollars in fractional currency. They were discovered by Mr. Louis Primm, and
elderly citizen living near by, who heard the noise and saw a light burning in
the apartment, and at once hastened to the front of the office, when he had the
satisfaction of seeing the light fingered and fleet footed gentry depart through
the back door, and make for the upper portion of that town. It was ascertained
that they stole a skiff and crossed over to Port Byron and were seen no more.
Police Court
A lamentable as well as disgraceful scene was presented at
the office of Justice Peters this morning. A young girl of “notorious
notoriety” named Hattie Blaire was up under arrest and was defended by her own
father whose name is James, and who endeavored to show that nothing whatever had
been proven against the girl; whereas she has been brought to answer for like
shameful misdemeanors many times before. City Attorney Green, in an able manner,
showed what the duty of the city is in such cases and flung back the disgraceful
scene which was there shown to the blame of the father in a great measure. The
result was that the girl was fined $30 and costs, which she will board out in
the outlet and meditative retreats of jail life. Marshal Kauffmann then bled
information against the man Blair for insulting and threatening him upon the
street and the said paternal ancestor was fined $5 and costs, which he paid.
Two individuals were up for intoxication this morning, for
which they were fined $1 each and costs, which they paid.
Arrested.
It will be remembered by our readers that a few days since
a firm in this city, named Schrader & Heuer, dealers in rags and old metal,
were arrested for purchasing one hundred and fifty dollars worth of copper
piping, which was stolen from a brewery in Lyons and Schrader was held to bail
in the sum of three hundred dollars, while Mr. Huer was dismissed. The two men
of whom Schrader & Huer brought
the metal had all this time been unknown, however, the efficient Kaufmann has
kept his eye open and been following up what small clue he was able to find. The
results is that the thieves were arrested at Lyons by officer Ham of Clinton, on
Monday last. They are named Myers and Barlow and are now in jail awaiting trial.
Desperadoes of this kind must soon come to the conclusion that it is extremely
difficult to escape detection, when once the officers of this community are on
their track.
Friday, April 28, 1871
Police Court.
Three more “unfortunates” were brought before Justice
Peters this morning. Matthew Fitzgerald, for being found in a state of beastly
intoxication, for which he was duly fined $1 and costs and sent up. Two boys
named John McGee and Charles Patterson were charged with raising a row and much
noise on Main Street late last night, found guilty and fined $3 each and costs
and jailed.
Justice Court.
The man John Lee of Pleasant Valley, charged with
attempting to cut the throat of his wife, and who has been in jail in this city
for several days, was up again before Justice Thorington today. He waived an
examination and in default of security was taken to jail, to appear at the
District Court next week.
A man named Wm Ritchey was arrested and brought before
Justice Thorington this afternoon charged with keeping a house of ill fame on
Main ST. on the Bluff. He gave bonds in the sum of $500 for his appearance
Saturday, April 29, 1871
Justice Court.
The man Ritchey who was brought before Justice Thorington
yesterday charged with keeping a house of ill fame and put under $500 bonds for
appearance today, was this morning dismissed, the prosecution withdrawing the
case.
A Stabbing Affair and Its Result
A serious affair occurred between two boys of eighteen and
nineteen years, last night, resulting in the stabbing of one named Henry
Lorenzen by the other boy whose name is John Koehler, and the arrest of the
latter soon after. It appears that between eight and nine o’clock about twenty
boys came together in Lafayette Square on Fifth street, to witness the quarrel
between them two boys which had been brewing for some time. On this occasion it
culminated in a general fight during which Koehler drew his knife and stabbed
Lorenzen six times, four times in the back, once in the left shoulder and once
in the wrist. Lorenzen immediately broke and run.
These boys started with the wounded boy for Second Street
and met with officer Sims who took Lorenzen to Dr. Wessel’s office where he
received proper treatment. He was taken to his home on Fifth street near Warren.
Koehler was immediately taken to jail and this morning was brought before
Justice Peters charged with assault and battery, with attempt to commit great
bodily injury. Lorenzen, through his father, gave bonds to the amount of $300
for his appearance at the next term of the District Court. This is a very
deplorable case and shows a bad state of affairs.
Tuesday, May 1, 1871
Escape of a Jail Bird-
Yesterday while the prisoners were at work in the “stone yard”, where they
are placed by the officers, the gate was left open for a moment and Pat Koester,
who was under confinement for vagrancy, seized the opportunity to “light out,”
and made good his escape. He will be likely to keep out of the sight of
Davenport police hereafter
Jail News
Total number of prisoners committed since February 1st,
104: of which number 17 are still left. The crimes for which this number were
jailed are: drunkeness, 41; larceny, 9; inmates of houses of ill-fame, 15;
disturbance of public peace, 11; assaults, 5; fraud, 3; robbery, 2,
embezzlement, 2; beggars, 2; pocket-picking and malicious trespass, one each.
Thursday, May 4, 1871
Police Court
A case of intoxication was up before Justice Peters this morning, the victim giving his name as James Pierce; his name however is Peterson. He was fined $1.00 and costs.
Friday, May 5, 1871
Police Court
A “hobbible case of murder” was up for trial before Justice Peters yesterday afternoon, which caused much excitement among the denizens of Second street. It seems that a certain tailor named Nicholas Krambeck, residing at 94 Second street, was the lucky owner of a remarkable “feline”, possessed of peculiar qualifications for domestic purposes. Now there lived near by one Henry Kruse, who, as he asserts, is troubled by said cat with carrying off numerous chickens. Yesterday, said state of affairs came to a climax, resulting in the death of the puss, from the contents of a gun in the hands of and discharged by said Henry Kruse. He was fined $2 and costs for firing a gun within the city limits, contrary to law. This he cheerfully paid. Krambeck, however, is not satisfied with this small revenge for the loss of his domestic animal, and now wishes to sue the “shootits” for $100, alleging the cat to be fully worth said amount, which he can prove by the whole neighborhood. Further development will no doubt soon follow, as he was at last accounts in consultation with his attorneys.
May 6, 1871
Police Court
There seemed to be a greater thirst for liquor than usual among the “drinkists” of Davenport last night, judging from the number who were presented by the police force this morning for trial, charged with intoxication. No less that four, Patrick Stake, Patrick Brick, Wm. Barret and Aaron Smith, were up before Justice Peters. The two first were fined $2 each and costs, and the two last $1 each and costs, and all four committed for want of friends.
Tuesday, May 9, 1871
Police News
The police have been on the track of several noted houses of prostitution of late, and this morning Policeman Martens brought in two female inmates named Louisa Jones and Nellie White, who plead guilty and were fined by Magistrate Peters $10 each and costs. They were from the corner of Second and Fillmore, and were sent up. Policeman Dodd and Finch pulled a house on Brady near Locust, last night.
Harry Clayton and Joseph Miller were up last night, charged with vagrancy. They were fined $5.00 each and costs, in defaults of which they were committed to jail.
Thomas Jones was arrested on the charge, brought by Marshal Le Claire, of letting his horse run at large, for which he was fined $5.00 and costs.
Wednesday, May 10, 1871
Cowardly Assault
Mr. John Monroe, the runner for the Newcomb House, was made the victim on last evening of an unprovoked and cowardly assault, the results of which will confine him to the house for some time. While escorting a young lady to the ball, from her home on the corner of Front and Iowa streets, about eight o’clock, he was suddenly set upon and struck in the forehead with a stone, rendering him insensible and making a fearful wound. His wounds were dressed and he was taken to the Newcomb House where he passed a painful night. The assault was made by one Henry Croix, as was known at the time, and this morning he was arrested and brought before Justice Peters on the charge of committing an assault with intent to kill. Gen. J.B. Leake appeared for the prosecution; J.W. Green for defense. It appeared from the evidence that Croix was actuated by the “green-eyed monster” jealousy, and confessed the assault, although affirming he had no intention to kill, He was, however, held to the charge under bonds of $500.
Thursday, May 11, 1871
Burglar Arrested. A colored man named Louis Drake, who has lived in this city for about two years, during which time he has not borne a very good reputation, was arrested at Rock Island on Monday for burglary. He was seen by Constable Taggart, of that city, about 2 o’clock in the morning, making off with a ladder and accosted him, whereupon Drake started on the run, followed by the officer, who fired several shots at him. This had the effect of bringing him to terms, though he afterwards showed a disposition to fight but a blow from the officer’s “billy” made him keep quiet. Drake was formerly from Geneseo and had but recently graduated at the State Prison in Joliet when he came here. His case will come up before the Grand Jury at Rock Island, Which is now in session.
Saturday, May 13, 1871
Police Court
An aggravated case of drunkenness was brought up before Justice Peters last night, in the person of one James Miller, a blacksmith by trade, and a brute by nature. He lives on Seventh between Warren and Vine streets; has been up for intoxication about a dozen times, also for abusing his wife, which practice he still keeps. This time he was fined $10.00 and costs, and committed to jail.
Michael Harrington was up this morning on the charge of letting his hogs run at large, and fined by the Magistrate $5.00 and costs.
Monday, May 15, 1871
Police Court
Today was a “fat” one for the Police Court. Every policeman this morning had
two or more offenders in tow, to bring up before Justice Peters.
Alexander Hennison, a colored individual of giant dimensions and heavy on the “Emancipation” was charged with intoxication and fined $1 and costs. He remarked while being taken to jail that he thought “ a cullud pusson” had just as much right to “git drunk as the poor white trash.”
John Lyons was up for intoxication and it being an aggravated case, was fined $5 and costs and sent up. H.G. Pryme, for same offence, fined $2 and costs, also sent up, John Morris $2 and costs, George Start, and Wm. Davis, $1 each and costs. Davis paid and the others were committed all for intoxication.
Wm. Devine was arrested for disturbing the public peace, found guilty and fined $4 and costs, which he settled.
A boy of thirteen years, named Charles Hood, whose father lives in the city, was arrested and brought before Justice Peters this afternoon, charged with the crime of the larceny of five dollars in currency from Gus. Borneman of Gilbertown, on yesterday. His father says he can do nothing with him, and considers him a good candidate for the Reform School. He was sent up to the Circuit Court.
Arrest of Shannon’s Son
As will be seen in our telegraph columns, Chief Operative Lonergan has arrested John Shannon, son of notorious William, at Fulton, Ill,, with several thousands of dollars in counterfeit money found in his possession. The business of “shoving the queer” runs in the Shannon family. They seem to have got it bad. Lonergan, with his efficient corps of detectives, when once on their track, will eventually bring down the entire gang. Shannon, the principal, has been brought to grief, likewise his son, and no doubt there will be “more coming”.
Tuesday, May 16, 1871
Police Court
The examination of Miller and Clayton is adjourned until tomorrow, as parties to the suit are coming from Wilton.
Richard Roe was arrested by Policeman Dodd, charged with being an inmate of a house of ill-fame, was found guilty and fined by Justice Peters $10 and costs.
Bryant W. Dermot, Patrick Kelly and John Wilson were up for intoxication-These were the remainder of the party who were up yesterday, and were not sufficiently sober to appear until this morning. They were fined $1 each and costs.
Monday, May 22, 1871
Police Court
E. Morrison was arrested on the charge of stealing a watch and chain from Mr. John Delaney, who resides near the corner of Second and Iowa. The articles named were found in Morrison’s possession, and he was brought before Justice Peters this morning, pleading guilty and was fined $57.00 an costs, which he will work out at the county stone pile.
Thursday, May 25, 1871
Police Court
One Patrick Kehoe was arrested and brought before Justice Peters on the charge of assault and battery, was fined $1.00 and costs which he paid. Wm. Thompson was up for intoxication, fined $1.00 and costs and paid. Two noted prostitutes named Lizzie Jones and a party named Maguire were up charged with disorderly conduct, were put under bail, Jones, commonly known as the “big Indian”, for $200, and Maguire, $100, and assigned quarters at “Hotel d’ Schintger”.
May 27, 1871
Counterfeiters
The man Martin, whose tricks with the “queer” are well remembered in Davenport, on the occasion of his trial before the court at Des Moines, plead guilty to fourteen offences of passing counterfeit money. Hon. Jas. Thorington, of our city, by request, appeared in his behalf, and stated to the court the points of the case as they come before him here that he had in an unguarded moment become the tool of Shannon and other like leaders. The judge thereupon convicted the prisoner of one charge only, and sentenced him to the Penitentiary at Fort Madison for five years. Shannon’s case was continued over till next fall term of court. In the meantime he is assigned to Fort Madison for safe keeping.
Monday, May 29, 1871
Justice Court.
A case was brought before Justice Thorington to-day, of the State vs. John Harms, a resident of Rockingham. The defendant was accused by one Levi Bolstorff of shooting at him, and threatening the life of himself and his daughters on several occasions. After hearing the evidence in the case, it was dismissed by the Justice, there not being sufficient evidence to hold Harms under the charges. Bolstorff has again brought action against Harms under the same charge and the case will again come up before Justice Thorington to-morrow, J.B. Leake, for plaintiff, Martin and Murphy for defendant.
Friday, June 2, 1871
Police Court
One Patrick Sullivan was arrested for being found sleeping
in a shed last night was brought
before Justice Peters and fined $5 and costs and sent up.
A lot of raftsmen, seven in number, went on a spree yesterday on Second St. visiting every beer saloon along that thoroughfare, and finally getting full of beer and very violent, commenced to abuse every one they came across. They soon began to fight “mit demselves” and they becoming too much of a nuisance the people called the police, who came in full force, headed by Marshal Kaufmann. The rioters by this time were fighting near French and Davies saw-mill, and seeing the officers coming they put into the river for the small island near by where they had a raft in keeping. The policemen not dismayed, made after them and after a most desperate struggle succeeded in capturing the entire crew, not however until they were made to feel the weight of official fists, which were necessary. They were taken into an ice wagon, which was handy and answered the purpose, and carried to jail. Their examination commenced this after noon before Justice Peters, the entire party being charged with riot. They gave their names as John Lyons, Geo. Harmon, W.E. Evans, John Kendrick, James Fitzgerald, Frank Sullivan and John Ward. The three later plead guilty to the charge the others not guilty. The examination is going on as we go to press.
Saturday, June 3, 1871
Police Court
The seven raftsmen who were up before Justice Peters
yesterday afternoon on the charge of riot were all found guilty and were fined
as follows: John Lyons, Geo. Harmon, James Fitzgerald, Frank Sullivan, John
Ward, $10 each and costs; W.L. Evans and John Kendrick, $5 each and costs, and
sent up for hard labor in the county jail to work out the amount of fine.
June 5, 1871
Police Court.
One John Kelly was arrested last week for stealing a pair
of bridles from a farmer named Patrick Farrand. It seems he took the bridles
from the farmer’s wagon and sold them to a teamster. He was taken under charge
by Policeman Niles and Martin, who found him in the vicinity much intoxicated.
He strongly declined going to jail and it was not until he was made to see stars
several times that he finally concluded to be lead. He was found guilty and
owned up where the property was to be found, was fined $13 and costs and sent
up.
James Peters was arrested for disturbing the public peace
and abusing his neighbors, was brought before Justice Peters this morning and
fined $5.00 and costs and sent up.
Michael Delaney, a boy of thirteen years, was detected
stealing fruit form Pettingill’s stand, and was sent up to the Circuit
court.
Serious Affray.
On yesterday a Danish resident on the bluffs, named Charles
Linvault, engaged a horse and buggy at Porter’s livery stable and on returning
last night about nine o’clock he and Mr. Porter got into a dispute about the
settlement, Porter accusing him of carrying too many persons in the buggy and of
being behind time, when Linvault mildly insinuated that was a lie. Porter struck
him a severe blow in the eye, causing the blood to flow very freely and making
an ugly looking wound. He also sent for an officer who on arriving and summing
up the state of things concluded Linvault had got the worst of the bargain and
sent him with a friend to the office of Dr. Grant, where his eye was skillfully
dressed, after which he departed for home, swearing vengeance upon the
assailant.
June 6, 1871
Police Court
Gae Bryan Toker, and old offender , was arrested for
intoxication, fined $10 and costs and sent up. John Gay and Maria Noyle were
arrested in a house of ill-fame, were taken before Justice Peters and fined $10
each and costs, and committed. The notorious Hattie Blair was up under charge of
being a common prostitute, and was put under bonds of $200 for good behavior;
also Mary Jane Brown and Frank Mead, charged with being found in a noted house
of corruption on the bluff, were each put under bonds of $150 under the State
law.
June 7, 1871
Police Court.
One Michael Connally found in a state of “blind staggers” was brought before
Justice Peters and fined one dollar and costs. Robert Robertson was arrested by
officer Dodd for disturbing the public peace and on being found guilty was fined
$1 and costs.
Jail Items.
There are now twenty-five inmates in Scott county jail
under the following charges: Larceny, 4; rioting, 5; inmates of houses of ill
fame, 6; intoxication, 3; obtaining money under false pretences,1; assault with
intent to kill, 2; till-tapping,1.
Pickpocket Arrested.
This afternoon about one o’clock a notorious thief and
pick-pocket named Michael Custar, commonly known as “Mickey Mike” was
arrested by the police force of Davenport. It seems he had lately picked the
pocket of a man living near the Wapelo, of over $200 and had thus far eluded the
grasp of the law. Today, however, he was seen in town and to go on to the ferry.
The police hearing of it boarded the ferry boat on her return trip from Rock
Island and found the fellow hid under the stairs. He had no notion of being
taken, and fought with desperation worthy of a better cause, but finally the
united efforts of Policeman Dodd, Niles and Finch, he was secured just as the
boat reached the Rock Island landing and taken back to this city where he now
lies jailed. His trial will come off tomorrow before Justice Peters.
June 10, 1871
Police Court.
One Richard Runyon was arrested for intoxication, and
brought before Justice Peters this morning. He was found guilty, fined $1 and
costs and sent up.
The man Emmler, whose pocket was picked by Mike Kerster a
few days ago, appeared and filed information against the said thief, whose
arrest was noted in our columns at the time. Policeman Dodd, one of the
witnesses in the case, being in Muscatine, the examination was adjourned until
Monday next.
Monday, June 12, 1871
Police Court.
Joseph Raymond and James Rupert were arrested on the charge
of being common vagrants, were fined by Justice Peters $5 each and costs, and
sent up. George Williams, up for intoxication, was fined $1 and costs.
The pickpocket, Kerster, was up this afternoon for
examination, and his case is being looked into as our report closes. His last
dodge is to prove an alibi, which however, he will find hard to do, as the
police were on his track, and his ways and deeds are know.
Wednesday, June 14, 1871
Police Court.
Two “drunks” were up before Justice Peters this morning
, the parties, John Fitzgerald and Richard Terrill, being fined $2 each and
costs.
John Owens was arrested, charged with an assault to commit
rape upon Elizabeth McCloskey, was bound over in the sum of $200 and sent up.
Saturday, June 17, 1871
Police Court.
One Joe Delaner was arrested for vagrancy and put under
$200 bail and sent up.
Richard Tarrell was arrested for resisting officer
Wunderlich, was put under $300 bail and committed.
This afternoon Michael Kelley was up before Justice Peters,
charged with tow indictments-vagrancy and resisting an officer. To the first
charge, he plead not guilty, to the last, guilty. He was bound over in the sum
of $300 for each charge and committed to jail. The father of Kelly being one of
the witnesses, gave an account of the life of his son Michael during the last
ten or a dozen years, a tale of sorrow for a parent and of shame to the son. It
is thought by the father and Marshal Kauffmann that when intoxicated, Kelly is
really insane-his actions …..and extraordinary nature. The record of his past
life somewhat substantiates the idea.
Monday, June 19, 1871
Police Court-
One John Kelly was found guilty of he crime of vagrancy, was fined $10,00 and costs, and committed.
Wednesday, June 21, 1871
Justice’s Court.
Before Justice Thorington the case is up of the State vs.
Julia Jackson, charge with embezzlement. The embezzlement consisting of
appropriating Margaret Cousins drawers, chimese, and other garments. In the
absence of which Margaret was in danger of presenting rather a singular aspect.
The complainant and defendant are of unadulterated African extract-witnesses of
the same dusky hue, except one witness, Mrs. Ford, who, from appearance, afford
but little of the African stock, though nearly white, was a blacksheep in this
crowd. Mr. White, of the law form of White & Ackley, filed the complaint for
the sable prosecutrix, and the case is progressing as we go to press with H.Clay
Fulton for defense and White and Ackley for the State. It is to be hoped that
Justice Thorington may not be overwhelmed from the evidence of his senses-but as
we notice the windows were open at each end of this office we hope he will
survive. One other white person, apart from the attorneys, Felton & Ackley,
and Thorington occupied a seat at the table of the justice, the Superintendent
of the poor, Dr. Blood, to the left of the Court, no doubt to support his honor
in the case of whether all white folks had left the prostration by reason of the
nationality, we can’t say, but six feminines and eight masculines of that race
in one room, 20x30 with the thermometer 80 degrees F. was too much for this
reporter. We commend this case to our contemporary of the Gazette to close
(clothes) up.
Friday, June 23, 1871
Police Court
One Louis Reno was found drunk last night and was brought
up before Magistrate Peters this morning he was fined $1 and costs and sent up.
Hung Himself
A German named Heinrich Piepgrass, who had been working several months for Mr.
Chas. Schroeder, on his farm in Lincoln township, was found this morning hung by
a rope with his own hand in the barn. He came from Maquoketa to that place, and
but little was known of him. He had been very quiet for the last few days, which
was the only thing at all remarkable noticed in his general appearance, and no
cause can be assigned for the deed.
Saturday, June 24, 1871
Police Court
A man and wife named Thomas and Margaret Scott with two
children, were found camping out for the night on the sidewalk of Third street
between Scott Street and Western avenue, were arrested for vagrancy by Marshall
Kaufmann and brought before Justice Peters this morning who fined them $5.00 and
costs for which they were committed to jail.
James Roach was up for disturbing the public peace by the
use of abusive language, was fined $5.00 and costs and sent up
Systematic robbery.
Yesterday a stranger from
the country came to town with a horse and buggy, which he disposed of to parties
in this city for $175 cash. Not being used, it seems, to having so much money
about him, he concluded it would be a good time to have a “little spree”.
Accordingly he fell in on Front Street, with a notorious black-leg, whose crimes
have previously been before the public, and for one of which he had just served
out a term in the Penitentiary, who is always ready to join in a carousel with
anyone who has plenty of the “Wherewith”. They therefore took the ferry for
Rock Island, and at once visited West’s saloon, under the Harper house, where
getting pretty drunk, they began to kick up a row.
The results was they were put under arrest and brought
before a justice, there to answer for their misdemeanors. They were promptly
fined $5 each and costs for the row, and the stranger $5 extra for contempt of
court. The stranger, at the earnest request of the Davenport “gull” paid the
whole bill, after which they came back over the river, and were seen down in the
west part of this city near a notorious “dive”. This morning the poor
stranger was hunting for the police and when he had found them made known that
hw was robbed by his confrere of all his money, while in a drunken condition,
and left without a coat. The police are on the watch, while the thief keeps out
of sight thus far, though it is thought he will be brought to justice before
long.
June 26, 1871
Police Court
Yesterday was improved by the
numerous members of the “drinking club”
by a periodical spasmodic drunk, as was shown by their presence at the
police court this morning. James McGinity and Wm. Shaffer were arrested and
fined $1 each and costs, in default of which they were sent up. Thomas Harper
was found sleeping in a shed, for which he was fined $2 and costs. Pat Salley,
Jacob Marks, and Cash Robertson of Le Claire, were each found guilty and fined
$1 and costs which they paid. James Scotland was fined $5 and costs for
disturbing the public peace and John Fitzgerald, an old offender, for lying
drunk in the streets was fined $10 and costs.
John Skinner was brought up on Saturday evening for
resisting the police and fined $15 and costs. He and Robertson, named above,
were from LeClaire, were drunk, driving fast horses, and raising a row
generally.
June 28, 1871
The Wife Whipping Case
It seems that Westphal was held to bail yesterday in the
sum of $3000, in default of which he was committed to jail, where he lay through
the night. He was exceedingly wrath at the turn things had taken, and his wrath
took various forms. He not only threatened vengeance upon his opponents at law,
but while being taken to jail, said he had about made up his mind to kill
himself, out of spite no doubt. However, Westphal still lives and was brought up
before Justice Peters this afternoon charged with assault and battery upon his
wife under the State law. Geo. E. Hubbell appeared for the State, and J.W. Green
for the defense. He plead guilty to the charge and was housed over in the sum
$500 to keep the peace. No information has as yet been filed against Mr. Pierce,
while further developments in the case are looked for soon.
Police Court
One John Smith, a New Yorker ,was arrested for vagrancy,
brought before Justice Peters this morning, and fined $5.00 and costs, and sent
up.
Another John Smith, a laboring hand, from Quincy, Illinois,
was found drunk, and fined $1.00 and costs, and sent up.
Bryan Tucker, a frequent victim of the police, was
arrested, charged with stealing $34.00 from a man named James Fawkes, from the
country. They got drunk together, yesterday, slept in a brick yard, and when
Fawkes recovered from his inebriated sleep. His money was gone, and so was
Tucker. The case was adjourned until tomorrow morning at 8 o’clock.
The Robber Who was Robbed.
It appears that the man, whose name is Shaffer, the account
of whose robbery by his “pal” of $150, appeared in our columns a few days
since, is a thief and villain, of the deepest dye. The team which he sold in
this city for $175 turns out to have been stolen from his brother-in-law, Mr.
C.M. Winslow, of Bloomington, Ill., who put in appearance to this city today,
and made inquiry for Shaffer of the police. As the individual is now in jail, he
was of course known to the police, to whom Winslow told his story, but refuses
to proceed against him, on account of relationship. So the matter stands at
present.
Killed.
Mr. James Buckwalter, living near this city, and well know here abouts, was assaulted on last Monday evening, near Long Grove, while on his way home, by some men with ten-pins, who inflicted such injuries that the wounded man died from the effects this morning.
June 30 1871
Justice’s Court
Before Justice Thorington, F.R. Dowd is charged with the
crime of "publishing, selling, and distributing a book and pamphlet
containing obscene language"", " manifestly tending to corrupt
the morals of youth”. Defendant filed application for a change of venue.
Change of venue granted to Justice Peters. Thorington says that the grounds for
a change are well taken-that he neither keeps the penitentiary nor a whipping
post, which are only officials, in his judgment, that ere do for such offenders,
and peddlers and venders of such degrading obscene trash in our midst. The case
before Justice Peters in is continued until tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock. Geo
E Hubbell complainant, Foster & Gabbert, attorneys for defendant.
Police Court
The case of the State of Iowa vs. Toas K. Fluke, which was
set for this morning is postponed until one week from today. July 7th at the
office of Justice Peers. The defendant is charged with libel in writing a letter
containing improper propositions to one Mary Lambert.