The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1880-01-17
Rural Happenings.

MENDOZA, Jan. Is, lSS0.--Last Saturd ~ we
imagined that there were rumOrs of war, when
Marshal Smith appeared ON the street armed
to the teeth and fire flashing from his eyes,
while his numerous aids were rushing hlther
and thther with rcvolvcrs dangling at their
sides, appearing as warlike as body of vcter.
ans on the field of battle 1t was war in earn
est, being waged against n band OF burglars
who have been inic-tlng our city for several
weeks, aud their bold dcpredations were bu
ginning TO become Il terror To our good Gill
Hcns City Marshal Smith, assisted by a posse
ot about dozen men, succeeded in capturing
eight Of the alleged criminals, the most no.
torious being young man popularity known
as Sandy Bowers The principal complaint
was for burglariNng Paul Coopcr's store, tax
ing thercirom rcvolyers, iewelry, &c. Four
of the accused, Bowers, Dunn, Farllng and
Hunter. had hearing before our police mag.
Estate last Saturday, Messrs. Brown and Sny.
der appearing for the prosecution. The poor
devils, not having any counsel, were soon
slaughtered, and will be committed, for want
of five thousand dollars bail, 10 await the &C.
ton of the grand jury. l.. :. Seaman was 80.
poycd to defend two Of the accused, Brer
and Welsh, but owing to sickness Il Continu,
ance was granted until next Monday, they IN
the meantime giving bonds for appearance at
the time specified. But the laushable part OF
the affair has not been told: The four first
mentioned were placed III the calaboese, after
having their preliminary examination before
the Court" one j. \. Lambcrton, one OF our
rising law students, was stationed in room
adjoining the prisoners cell, with two revev-
ers and shotgun to guard the "wretches.
This was Saturday night. Sunday morning
the guard went to call the Marshal to relieve
him The prisoners took advantage of the
absence of the guard and made good their es-
cape, reaching Meridcn, where they were over
taken by tie city marshal and brought to halt
by the persuasion of two navy revolvers. By
the assistance of five hundred men and boys,
ropes were placed around their necks, hand
cuffs quickly adjusted, and they were brought
to Mendoza on freight tram, where they were
received by the jubllant shouts of the popu.I
lace.
Last week S Bulletin nominates Loosh Crook
er for Congress to represent this district OF
course Loosh is just as available as any other
man they can select from therepublican party
for the position, but with all his four hundred
and fifty pounds of avoirdupos, he can't be
elected Ifhe is nominated we will slaugh-
ter him as gently and philanthropicalIy as
possible; but, Mr.. Croker, you had better not
enter the race and thereby save yourself the
modification of coming out second best
JUNIus.
HICKORY POINT, Jan. We neglected last
week to send you a notice OF our Christmas
Tree at Hickory Point on Christmas eve. The
three schools under the care of Miss Mary
Hanna, Mr. Bart McDonough and Mr. c. r.
Hanna united in getting up the tree at the
Hickory Point church. The exercises con.
sisted of
Happy Greetng-bv the three schools.
The Night Before Chrstmas-by 4 pupils.
The night after Christmas-Master &. 7.
Pussy.
Reception Speech-Master Burdet Camp
bell.
Songs-By various pupils.
Recilation-By Miss Baker, yrs. old.
Welcome to All-Ethle Thompson 81 ! yrs.
Song-Grace Rowland, 7 yrs. old.
There was a pleasant talk TO the children by
Rev. w. X Philips, after which the presents
we're distributed (put on the tree by the pa.
'ents) The church was beautifully decorated
With notices, &c, and the whole occasion was
)ne of those joyous ones long to be remem-
Dcred Each school remembered lis teacher
n an appropriate gift.
Miss Arabclla Berricr was united in mar.
'iage on Wednesday, 3lst ult, to Mr.. Samuel
Hill, at the home of the brides parents, by
Rev. W. X, Phillips.