Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1873-03-15
Gang of ROughs "Wiped Out"

A few days ago gang of desperadoes
gathered at Sergeant, Iowa, having re-
moved there from Dodge City, as soon
as the railroad track reached the former
town. They did not appear to have any
particular business to occupy their
time, except card playing, and to make
night hideous by firing off pistols.
Two OF this gang named Sam Wright
and one McClellen, few nights ago,
went into the store of one Jessie Will
Gams, quiet, honest sort of citizen,
and proceeded to snatch things gener-
ally, shooting at Williams and driving
him out of the store. Having torn
things up and Quilted the store, they
started over to saloon kept by Chris
Gibson, and found that redoubtable
individual snugly ensconced between
pair of Government blankets in his
bunk, in a corner of his thick canvas
tent. They placed their revolvers at
Chris head, and ordered him to roll
out of bed and give up his money.
But Chris was not to be frustrated in
this manner. He got coolly out of bed
and offered the rufians the hospitalities
of his bar, which they accepted, and
finally became good natured and left
him in peace. After they had left,
Chris Gibson prepared for them in case
they returned, which they did about
four o'clock in the morning. They
caught Chris mapping and effected an
entrance to his saloon, caught an old
man there and robbed him of his money.
After helping themselves again to
whiskey, they determined to close their
nights spree by shooting off the top of
Gibsons head.
But Gibson had again made himself
prepared for any emergency, and was
watching them from an adjoining tent.
AS soon as they came opposite the tent
he stepped out with shotgun IN his
hands, and, before Wright was aware
of his danger, fired heavy charge of
buckshot into his breast. "Big Jack"
the other desperate, on witnessing the
fate of Wright, started to run away.
But Gibson was too quick for him.
Turning his gun upon the retreating
ruffian, he poured load of two-ounce
shot into him, bringing him down.
McClellen, on hearing the firing, and
finding that two of his gang had already
fallen, determined to wipe out Gibson,
and with that intention started forth
with Henry rifle, duly loaded and
primed, determined to try his hand.
But Gibson was on the alert for danger :;
standing in his tent he Immediately
loaded his gun and waited. McClellen
was just entering the tent, expecting to
take Gibson by surprise, when the lat
ter emptied load of buckshot into
him.
McClellen then turned and started to
run, but the saloon keeper was deter
mined to leave no part of his deadly
work undone, followed up the wounded
man and shot him again this time kill
ing him instantly.
By this time the little frontier town
was pretty well enlivened up and awake.
The citizens gathered. together, and,
after inquiring into the affair, passed
the following resolutions
, ReSslUed: That Chris Gibson, in
ridding this town of three desperate
rowdies-"Big jack" Sam Wright and
McClellen-has rendered this commu-
nifty O service, and is entitled to the
thanks of this community ; and we, the
citizens of Sergeant, fully justify the
aforesaid Gibson in so doing.
Resolved : That it is the intention of
this community to rid themselves of all
lawless characters, roughs and despe-
radoes, and to "wipe them out of sight. F"
They will hereby take notice and leave
Since these resolutions have been
passed and the shooting affair above
recorded took place, Sergeant has been
entirely clear of roughs and rowdies.
MATING. Mating should never be
washed with anything but salt and wa
ter-a pint of salt to half a pailful of
soft water, moderately warm. Dry
quickly with soft cloth. Twice during
the season will probably be sufficient
washing for bedroom, but room