Ottumwa weekly courier. (Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa) 1872-1899, 1876-12-20
TREASURY ROBBERY
Harry Williams at Bay!
A Race:and Escapei
A Large Amount Of Money. Cap.
turodi!

City Marshal Thompson, of Knox
vile, having obtained information
that Harry Williams was at or near
Hastings, Nebraska, left this City on
the 2Sth ultimo, having secured the
assistance of Sheriff Hethrington, oi
Mahaska county, and arrived at Has
tings on the Both. Stopping at the
Commercial Hotel the next morning
the Denver House was interviewed,
the register of which developed the
fact that Williams, under the name OF
Chauncey Thorne, together with his
wife, had been boarder at the house
| q few weeks before, but had left
On inquiry, it was learned that Will
Jams had property in the town,-two
houses and two lots,-which he had
lately purchased, as he had also
bought a mule team, and l60 acres of
land near the town.
The landlord directed the officers
to man named T.. w. Updike, of
whom Williams had purchased a
farm. Having seen Updike it was
learned that Williams had bet $55 on
Hayes election. A man named Da-
Wis held the stakes, who produced the
money bet by Williams, and it was
found to be all new Knoxville Ma
tional money. 1t was learned by the
officers that Williams lived in Web
stcr county, 25 miles southwest of
Hastings. Deputy Sheriff Hubbell
was procured, and the party, taking
Updikc along, started for Williams
residence. Reaching the house of
A -, -
residence, Updike was sent forward
to learn of Williams whereabouts.
Updike went forward, and going to
Williams. house, inquired for "Mr.
Thorne," Of Williams wife, desiring,
as he said, to make settlement
about the 160 acres of land which
"Thorne" had purchased of him. Mrs.
Williams informed him that her hns-
band had gone to Lincoln, Nebraska,
and would be at home that day.
Williams had left Ills team at Has
tings. Updike returned in haste to
the officers, and informed them of
what he had learned, when the whole
party returned at once to Hastings,
the depot at which Williams would
get off on his return from Lincoln.
When Hastings was reached, the off,
GERS learned that Williams was in
town. Going at once to the stable
where Williams had left his team, it
was found that Williams was in the
act of mounting race horse which
he had procured for the purpose of
escape. The officers entered the
front door, and Williams dashed out
of the back door.
The man Davis, with whom the
election bet was deposited, after be-
ing told by the officers that the mon-
ey he held was stolen, and to '.keep
quiet" so soon as Williams got off Of
the train, asked him: "What is the
matter with that money!" AT the
same time telling him that two Iowa
men were looking after him, and that
he had better skip. Williams took
his advice, went and got the fastest
horse in town ready, and Skipped"
Thompson, as he entered the barn,
and seeing Williams, exclaimed,
"That is our man." 'sRevolvers Jump
ed from the pockets of the whole par
ty, anda general firing took place.
several shots being fired before Wills
Jams got out Of the barn.
Williams dashed ahead. The Off
GERS ran after him, and fired about
thirty shots before he got out of
reach. The horse was shot in the
right fore leg above the knee, and it
is believed that Williams was also
hit in the right shoulder, as he near
ly tumbled from his horse. Thomp-
son called for horses, which having
been obtained the race commenced.
Being well mounted Williams got
about mile the start, but was within
sight. The chase was vigorous, and
a run of eighteen miles was made.
under the whip, Williams all the
time in sight, sometimes the officers
being within three hundred yards of
him. AT about seven miles from
Williams farm he rushed upa draw,
and got out OF sight, leaving his
horse on the road. The party sepa-
rated,-Thompson pushing on to
Williams house, and Hetherington
and Updike following the trail
through the prairie. On arriving at
the house, it was found that Williams
had not yet arrived. The armory of
Williams, consisting of two repeating
Winchester rifles and double barrel
shot gun, were captured. Williams
had on his person during the chase
four revolvers. Remaining at Will
Jams house until midnight some of
the party went before Justice for
search warrant. The farm upon
which Williams lived he purchased
of Mr.. Grandstafl,-l6O acres,-pay-
ing for which in part $500. about $500
being new Knoxville money.
The search warrant being obtained,
Grandstaif, who lived in the same
house with Williams, delivered the
$500 obtained from Williams to Heth-
erington. Mrs. Williams, after be-
ing reasoned with for several hours,
gave information where the money
was hid. 1t was found about lis feet
from the house, buried nm der a sod,
and consisted of $l6S3, all the same
money stolen from our treasury,
mostly new Knoxville money.
After obtaining the money the Off
GERS left for Hastings, where they
learned that two st. Louis men had a
warrant for their arrest. Being ar
rested they gave bail. The object of
the arrest was undoubtedly to obtain
the money; but in this they failed.
Beside the money captured, large
amount of new goods was found in
Williams house. The new suit of
clothes stolen from Jordan's, at Pleas
was found.
On Friday evening last Marshal
Thompson arrived at home.
The Hog, It's Value and How to
Care for It.