The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1883-11-23
A FIGHT Fur A CHALD.
Attempt of tho Agent of the Milwaukee
humane Society to Secure Possession Of
Bessie Belle Gray, Mt X chester.


Rochester, Mum: Special: A case iuyolv-
ing some mystery aud causing much excite
fnent has been developed during the past few days.
The following facts have been learned MP to
uate; Bessie Bell Gray row some nine years OF
age, was born in New Haupehire. Her father died
two years ago. Her mother moved to Milwaukee,
ana, after suffering severe poverty aud distress. she
applied to the Humane society ot Milwaukee Scr n
home for tho girl, while sho went cut as a profess
sional nurse. Through ths agency of The
society, Bessie was adopted by one An
thony koeuan and wife. He was a
CtthoEc and a court stenograplinr. After living
with tho couple a short time. Bessis complained OF
cruai treatment by Mrs. k--ciaimin; that she was
pratel, starved. locked in dark closet for a day at a
llsnc, and misused generally. The mother resolved
to relieve the child. Through the help of The
sous OF Mrs Thayer. whom she was at that time
nursing, the child IVES sent alone to St Paul, where
Inc Ihnyers met her. and shortly aft r brought
ihayer and Bessie lett the cars THAI
afternoon, Orrin B. Brooks, a farmer living north
OF the city, was passing. Thayer asked him to
take care OF the child, aud the next day called i'll
Mr.. BLOCKS and arranged for her board until a
suitable home should be found for her. Mi. Brooks
ana is wits consented to take the child, aud have
Kept her ever slnce, and cared for her as one of
their own family, becoming Yery much at
tached to her. II appears that u man bv the name
of Richard D. hilehead is au agent of the Humane
society OF Milwaukee,. Learning That 8eesle had
been removed to Rochester he went to Mrs. Koe-
nan in Milwaukee and induced her to provide
money tor nun TO follow inc child. tie came. to
Rochester. but Mrs, Brooks refused to deliver the
child TO him, as he had received Bessie from
Thayer, and knew nothing of Whiteheads author
ity in the matter. Besides, the cir, was opposed
hoenan. Whitehead returned to Miiwau-
kee, armed himself with necessary legal
documents and returned 10 Rochester to take tue
chlii. Meanwhile the Milwaukee, pAners got hold
Of the story and published various Versions OF it.
The Tnavers- saw them aud telsgraphed Mr..
Brooks on no account to deliver up the girl. On
Monday of this week one OF the Thayers came to
The city to settle for Bessie's board. take he and
depart. Intending to .thwart Whitetsad aud keep
tbs child out. Of tho way until. the danger
was past, and on Tuesday when Whitehead
returned to Rochester with apparent authority to
take Bessie back to Milwaukee with him, she could
not be found. He swore out IL writ of habeas cor
pus before +! q. BALDWIN, court commissioner,
which was served the sam ,day on Mr.. Brooks, wh1
made return that he did not have the child Bessie
III his custody or control. Mr.: Brooks was placed
under oath. and revealed the hiding place of Bessie
in the city. About IL o'clock last
night, the family with whom Bessie
was stopping. was aroused by some oue trying to
force an entrance. He was refused admission, and
linally left after many threats of what might come.
He gave his name as Thay-r, but the way he took
to gain entrance throws doubt on this fact. Bessie
had during the evening been taken from this house
before the midnight Drowler appeased, and at
present date nothing is known OF her whereabouts
by any one here. Thayer produces asletter from
Mr., koenan, of which the following i. n copy:
Milwaukee,, Wis, Aug. %, lSS3.-A. b. Thayer
has the custody of my adopted daughter, Bessie
Belle, and has such charge Of her since June. 1882,
by my consent and au 4hority; but this consent of
mine of his taking charg. and control of her is not
to b. construed az making me liable for her board,
clothing and educstion for any time while shells
absent from mo and under the control of A b.
Ihayer. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
The parties are all in this city, excspt the most
interested one, the child Bessie. Tho case will be
heard before Court Commissioners O.. O. Baldwin
soon, and more facts will probably come to light.