The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1867-11-23
From Leland.

MEssEs. EDITORS In an article appearing
in the FREE TRADER of Nov eth. concerning
the "riot at Leland" Mr.. Milay says "the
facts of the case are that Mr. J. J. Millay, of
Leland, undertook to move house of his from
one of his lots to another lot of his"
Now, seriously deprecate controversy, and
above all, disputes with man like "Jeems.'
yet the above statement. together with the
following, to-wit: While Millay was in du-
ress, some fifty or more Of the most respecta-
bic citizens of Whittield-Leland- out
and moved the house rs desired by Millay,"
compromising, as they do, not only myself but
other persons, cannot allow to pass without
contradiction, especially as they have obtained
publicity by means of a public journal.
As to the merits OF the controversy between
Millay and Pierce, desire to say nothing more
than Millay said on one of the trials mentioned
IN the above article, the substance OF which
vas, first, that he expected to be turned ott
of the house he now lived in, in January next,
at which time he is to have his second eject
nent trial for that property in the circuit court
Of Kendall county. Second, that his object
in removing the sold house" was 10 erect
large fine house on that lot-a mansion" IN
fact. Except that those who are interested in
learning the true status Of the title to
lot No. eight, Whitmores addition to Whit
field, (the lot on which the removed house
stood,) can be fully satisfied by examining
book ", pages asa to ass inclusive, deed re-
cord, La Sale county, where they will find =
matters deed bearing date Jannaiy Sth, 1884,
rcciting that said lot eight was mortgagcd BY
Horace Bisby 1t H. TO Hubert Hunter for
the sum of $40. on the 25th day OF August,
4. D. 1856, and sold under decree Of fore
closure Of said mortgage, on the 2lst day of
January, A. D. 1850, and purchased by David
p. Jones, who assigned his certificate to Na-
thaniel 8. Pierce. who received his deed in
dus time and still holds the lot by virtue
thereof. Now think it would puzzle even an
antiquarian to ascertain the foundation Of
Millay's claim TO that lot, more especially as
the house was erected by Bisby. Iclaim to
be some better than green hand ut finding
titles, but confess that am unable to credit
Millsy with any other titIe than that OF con-
quest, and in this connection might add that
Others were fortunate in being no nearer to
him.
As to the fifty or more Of tire most respect
ablo citizens or WMtfeld,~, they consisted
solely Of Robert Millay, (Janes' brother
James Walker, formerly blacksmith Of o.
taws,) and woman, the wife of. j. Millsy
prior to his obtaining decree Of div"rcofrom
her some two years ago in the county court Of
this county.
It Is truo that Mr.. Pierce Disappeared soon
attor noon on Sunday, but instead of being
alarmed BY the above mentioned fifty or more
citizens" be had in his pocket bill for an in
junction, and am inclined to the belief that
the liberal minded will excuse this breach OF
Sabbath on learning that xillay commenced
removing the house after dark on Saturday
night for the svowed purpose Of getting it
away before Piorco could restrain him BY in
junction. ~
In connection with this affair, desire TO
say that La Sale county has reason to be proud
Of grand jury, who, white they show their
high appreciation of morality and zeal in the
vindicstion Of outraged laws, by promptly
prosecuting every one guilty ofselling, without
licensc, glass Of beer or whiskcy, yet after
solemn and trust prayerfal deliberation, ar-
rivod ct the lucid conclusion that to steal .
house was no crime unless the thief should 70
turn for the cellar, well and garden.
Begging your pardon for the length Of this
communication, I am, truly,
Z. STONE ABBorr.