Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1886-11-04

TES YEARS EAcH.-The trial of Bill
Daugherty and his wife on the charge
Of burning the public school house
terminated last Friday in verdict Of
guilty, as to both. The sentence Of
the court was that they be confined in
the National prison for the term Of
ten years, the same being the lightest
punishment which the statute pro-
vides. There was no positive evidence
whatever, but all the circumstances
adduced, in addition to the admissions
Of both parties, made a case sufficiently
strong for conviction. A brief resume
of the facts as brought out at the trial
may not be uninteresting. Mrs.
Daugherty's children by former hus-
band, who was a white man, were
refused admission TO the school last
term, as the law directs. This angered
her and on more than one occasion
she made threats, in substance that IL
her children could not 20 TO school
that no others should. At the time of
the fire the family lived just north Of
the Frisco railroad crossing in the
house which is surrounded by trees,
only a short distance from the school
house. The night of the FIRE Mrs.
Sumner and Mrs. Frost both stayed at
Daugherty's. During the evening Bill
went out twice and when he came in
the last time wanted TO know why the
family were not in bed. After all had
retired one of the women named, heard
the door open twice and some one pass
out, once with shoes on. Shortly at
ter the second trip was made
all the inmates of the house were
awakened and informed that the
school house was on fire. A general
rejoicing was INDUCED In by parents
and children but no alarm was given.
Presently as the flames grew larger, or
the alarm was given, Bill said the lights
must be put out or they would be sus-
pected. Next day Mrs. Daugherty
stated at Emerson's, TO Mrs. Frost,
that she always accomplished what
she attempted and if the latter ever
told a word OF what she knew or had
heard, she would kill her. About the
23rd of September Mr.. Woods, of Rich
ardson's detective agency, Kansas
City, appeared. He straightway, un-
der the guise Of being dealer in
organs, cultivated the friendship OF
both Bill and his wife. Virtual admis-
sions were obtained from both, but
that was all; neither would make 0
clear statement. After the verdict
had been reached the woman insisted
that Bill never burned the house and
should not be sentenced; as to herself
she was silent. The theory is, we be
lieve, that Bill went out and prepared
for the fire, fixing the shavings, etc.
but that when IL came to striking the
match his courage failed aud he wen
back, being barefooted. Then the
woman, who wore shoes, went and Sc
the fire. Mrs. Daugherty, being 1
citizen Of the United States could prob
! ably secure her release by applying
to the federal court. She would how
, ever have to stand trial before Judg'
Parker and IL is doubtful If OF the tw'
evils the one at hand Is not the least
as prison life at Chester is far NOR
rigorous than at Tahlequah.
. DR.. b. b. Pettitt, the famous surgeo
/ and specialist vii. be in Eufaula No,
8, and remain until Nov. %. II 20
wish TO consult him do not delay as h
: Will positively leave for Muskoaee o
u ths. lllt