The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-03-03
Rande's Bloody Career.


81. Louis Globe Democrat
The name of Frank Rande is almostas histori-
cal as that of Jesse James. Rande euualed the
great Missouri bandit in his recklessness disre-
gard of danger and life, and fendish satisfaction
in the shedding Of human blood Gifted with
remarkable skill in the use of his revolvers
Rande was q man to be feared by the posses
which more than once hunted him through Hi
nois like wild beast. Those who studied the
bandit of the Wabash were inclined to believe
that he was insane desire for revenge upon
the officers of the Joliet penitentiary where he
had served a term for burglary before starting
in upon his career of deviltry was monomania
with him. while he was filed with desire for
obtaining notOrety as a man-killer. Originally
a dentist in an Iowa town, he was esteemed a
good but erratic citizen until circumstances
showed him to be dishonest He crossed into Hi
nois, engaged in burglary, and developed in
Joliet as four-year prisoner He was one of
the most unruly inmates and was frequently dis
ciplined. mind In all probability but lily bal
anced gave way to the idea of reyenging himself
upon the world at large and the prison officials
in particular. When he was released from
prison he ''took to the brush" to use his own
words, and commenced series of depredations
upon farmers. He armed with magnif-
cent pair of improved Smith & Wesson revolvers
OF the largest SIZE which he carried swung to a
harness, directly over his breast, from where,
with the slightest movement of the wrists, he
could bring both into play His life was that of
tramp. He roved from farm to farm, seem
ingly actuated with an ambition to steal. He
cared nothing about the value of the articles.
He was satisfied to know that they did not be-
long to him. When he was run to earth in st.
Louis, a little book was found in his pocket con-
tanning list of names and Illinois express Office
addresses Inquiry was made at these points,
and at each ono a valise box other package
was found containing plumber, which he had
stolen and shipped to alias addresses. to be sub
sequently claimed. In all, of upward of
twenty packages received, not a single article
Of real value was discovered. He seemed
TO run to the theft of books, but in the packages
were found the cheapest and coarsest articles of
household ware-cupS, plates odd knives and
forks, gaudy chromos, mantel clocks, and we'll
worn articles OF wearing apparel He first came
into prominence as a desperate in the early
summer of 1870, near the little town Of st.
Elmo, near the Illinois and Indiana line. He
mad been prowling about the neighborhood like
a sheep-stealing dog, raiding farm houses, ard
making one effort at least to burglarize store.
The people turned out to capture him Sun
day morning, and pursued him to field near
the Wabash river, where, being cOrnered, he
gave an exhibition of his wonderful skill with
.he revolvers, when he mounted a fence, and
discharging both of his weapons, killed two of
his pursuers. He then fed, firing as he ran,
and wounded another of the posse, but made his
escape through tho country, which was Mortified
Rnd paralyzed by his bloody daring. Within
three weeks he developed at the small village of
iilsin, on the c. B. s. Q. railroad, not far from
Ealesburg, where he burglarzed store.
"a posse was formed to pursue him, and he was
overtaken in field. again on "a Sunday morn
Ing. Like rat he turned and gave battle.
although the villagers were armed with shot
gus, he fought against the Odds and as he
8odsed through the ripening corn he used his
1revolvers with deadly effect, farmer Gisin, one
OF the most respected citizens of the county fall
ing dead in his tracks, and young man who
was with Mr. Gilsin being seriously wounded.