The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1886-01-21
A SOLDIER IN TROUBLE.
A Union Man Arrested for Killing Murderous
Rebel 81 Years Ago.

Union Man Arrested for Killing Murderous
Rebel 81 Years Ago.
ToTHE EDITOR: This community was thrown
into a fever of excitement recently by the ap-
pcarance of United States detective by the
name of Mason, having in his possession requi-
sition granted by Gov. Marmaduke for the
arrest and delivery Of Mr.. J. l.. Sigman, of our
town, to the authorities of Madison County,
KY, for the alleged crime of murder, COM
mitted in RockcastIe County, of the same
State, in 1861. Mr.. Sigman is an honorably-
discharged soldier of the 14th KY. Cav. of tue
Union army, and has resided in this vicinity for
nine years. He has suffered several reverses Of
fortune; the latest except his arrest, was the
loss of his property by fire about year ago.
His only means of support for his family, con-
sisting of his wife and several children, were
the wages of his daily toll. Peacefully enjoy
ing the limited luyuries and comforts of his
quiet home on Christmas day, the officers of
the law appear and change the seems of quiet
happiness TO one Of CONSERVATION and alarm.
The old soldier is ruthiessy torn from his
family, whose tears fail TO move the hearts of
those whose stern duty seems to demand the
enforcement of the law. The many friends of
Sigman soon gather round, and volley after
yoiley of inquiries are made as to the cause of
the arrest The papers of the detective are ex
amined by legal gentlemen, and every lawful
protest to prevent the arrest is suggested. Only
8 little tanning of the flame of indignation and
open resistance would have been the result, and
the detective would have received advice, in
italics, to seek other fields of glory, and never
return to this or any other community on such
disgracetai business. But order prevailed, and
on the morning train Comrade Sigman was
whirled away, and ere this reaches you will
be in the hands of the Philstines, where he
says he has but little hopes of fair trial, owing
TO the death Of one of his main witnesses and
the absence of another, whose whereabouts is
unknown. Mr.. Sigman relates the following
Us the cause of his arrest and I am told that on
many occasions previous to his arrest he has
stated tie same circumstances to his friends
with a feeling of pride rather than guilt for the
exploit which, if true, entities him to the re-
spcct Of all who have a spark Of admiration for
a heroic deed done to save friend in imEi-
nent peril:
In 1861 the loyal men Of Kentucky were
organized as State militia, armed and equipped
by the State, and served as homo guards, or
minute men. Many enlisted in the Union army,
and many went into the rebel service During
the year above mentioned Federal soldier
returned home on a furlough, in the neighbor-
hood in which Mr.. Sigman lived, and it so
happened that Johnny by the name Of
Hckenbottom was visiting his home and
friends ut the same time and in the same
neighborhood. Said Hickenbottom often
bCasted during his furlough that he intended
to kill "Yank" before he returned to his
regiment. An opportunity soon occurred to
crafty his hellish desire. While riding
through the neghborhood he espied the
Federal soldier, who was also mounted, but
unarmed. HckenbOttom gave chase, firing his
revolver at the fleeing Federal. The shots only
served to urge the pursued to greater exertion
to escape. On came the Johnny with murder
Gus intent, sure of the life of his fleeing victim,
whose ride for life needed not the whistling
bullets to urge him to greater speed. Mr.. Sig
man from his yard saw the exciting chase, and
instantly prepared for the rescue. Quickly
stepping into his house, he grabbed his musket,
rushed out to the road to render the aid for
which the pursued was calling on him to give,
and. quickly lcvelng his musket with a shot
brought the rebel to the ground. Sigman
further states that nc was arrested, gave bail
for his appearance at court, and appeared for
trial at several terms, and the case was finally
dismissed and his bondsmen released mean
time, Sigman enlisted in Co. IL, 18th KY. Cav,
and served during the war. After the war he
moved to Indiana, thence to Illinois, thence to
Iowa and thence to this County (Grundy),
where he has remained ever since He has
never concealed the place of his abode or his
name, and has been in communication with his
friends III kentucky ever since the close of the
war; Mr.. Sigman has the sympathy OF an al
most united public here in his trouble. Liberal
contributions are being made to fund to be
UoSu III MS CeIcUSe. nc Oiu VetcTstllS u ING
war feel the outrage perhaps moro deeply than
others. To SEQ an old comradc dragged from
his home to be tried for his life on SO frivolous
a charge is calculated to raise perfect cyclone
Of indignation.
We do not believe true man, either North
or South, soldier citizen, will desire the con-
viction of COmrade Sigman, if the story he
tells is true, which we have no reason to doubt.
Yet, for the purpose Of defending Comrade Sig
man, it will be necessary to raise respectable
fund, and we desire that every comrade, and as
many others as possible may know Of the fore
going circumstances, and we know ofno medium
so available and powerful as THE NATIONAL
TRIBUNE to impart the information. Let every
Post, comrade and citizen contribute as their
sympathy may dictate. Send contributions to
Comrade j. NJ. Robertson, Quartermaster, Col.
Jacob Smith Post. No. n, Department of Mis-
souri,, Trenton, Mo-, and be assured that every
cent will be wisely expended in Sigrnan's de-
fense.-J. f. CARTER, Trenton, Mo.