davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1890-09-07
MOUNDSvILLE.

NIorND,vtur. W. VA, September O.
Three more large barge loads OF street
navirl- brick were received 40 the wharf
today. There is about one hundred and
fifty Thousand brick In the pile. they WILL
soon go t0 laying the brick. All they are
waiting or now is the big roller TO roll the
street solid.
John sullivan. of the prison guard force,
moved his family here They formerly
lived iu Wheeling
Mr. VanBuren. of the prison guard
force. received fine blooded Kentucky
horse this morning or tine keystone state.
Edward Peters, OF this place, leit Tor
Steubenville today.
Dan Davis left for Beaver Falls, Pa, last
Tuesday.
NIr. and Mrs A. l.. Wiedebusch left last
Wednesday on pleasure trip To cleveland
Niagara Falls, Buffalo and Canada
The first Chiuaman that has been in our
town for some time past through here last
Monday The boys were somewhat eNcit-
ed over him and bothered him until be left
town He wanted the railroad agent 90
olive him % pass 10 New Ork as he said he
was going home.
Mrs. Mcdonnell. of Pittsburg. is the
rrreSt of Mr. and Mrs. O.. - Mctadden, 40
the Mound City.
Miss Mary Bruce will return to her
studies 40 Miss POrren's school M w heel
iug tomorrow.
Jos Blovd. Of TaylorstOwn, Pa, is visit
ing friends in the city.
The following board Of directors Were
elected no % meeting of the stockholders OF
the Home Building Association held ON
Fridav evening last. j. l.. Aru0n, &. &.
Quinn. David Levi, John o. Brooks, IT, j.
Parsons. y. NJ Steele, ID. a. Dorsey, =.
w Dick and j. b. Hicks. The newly
elected directors viii meet Thurday even
ing for organization.
David Levi has purchased the Richard
Allen property adjoining the Court House.
and res0ld the corner lot 90 ThOs. Finn.
Miss Lottie Hoop has returned home al
ter "a pleasant visit % Miss Katie Mace.
Mrs j Alex Ewing, who was seriously
injured by falling down flight OF stairs,
was reported better yesterday.
Two bows. sons OF Nlr 40. Crow and
Winfield Rutteucutter, had narrow es-
cane from being instantly killed while COM
iur down the Wavuesburg road 40 what is
known as the watering trough, Thursday
evening. The bows were coming into town
in a road cart when the horse became
fri rhteued and ran away. He Jumped the
fence and plunged down the steep hillside
through % dense wood, dragging the boys
behind When picked up the boys
were found 90 be severely cut and
bruised and TO was thought internally hurt
Tbev were carried 70 a neighbOring house
where medical aid was rendered The
Crow boy was taken home next morning
but Ruttencutter was so badly swollen
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1890-09-07
ELM GROVE.

ELM GROVE, September6.-ProfE rastus
Griffin lecturned on Human Nature at
Kimmins' Hail. on Friday ana Saturday
evening The Professor has but one arm,
but he plays the violin almost as well as 4
man with both. He also had a number of
stereOpticOn views of the JOhnstOwn flood
that were worry interesting. All together
IL was very interesting entertainment.
Mrs. Virginia Frazier died at the resi-
deuce of her mother, Mrs. ~ ). Woods,
Yesterday morning. The funeral will take
place on Sunday AT 80.
The new school building at Triadelphia
IS under roof 1t presents handsome APP
pearance. II Will hardly be ready for Oc-
cupancv before Dec. l. Louis Hartong, of
Wheeling. contractor.
Hannibal Forbes left during the past
week for New York.
Campmeetiug closes tomorrow. 1t has
been well attended.
Quite number of our citizens took in
the Washington county fair during the
week
Miss Jennie Bailey, of Wheeling, and
Miss Nellie Fowler, of Pittsburg, spent
Friday with Miss Mai Forbes.
Deputy Sheriff White and family, who
have been spending the summer at the
grove. have returned to the city.
Owing to the heavy rains recently the
B. X O. Railroad have been compelled to
abandon work on the new bridge at Triadel
phia for the present. 1t seems they can
lind no bed rock \ pile driver will be put
to work shortly with the intention of
driving a box piling, which will be filled
with stone and cement, and the abutment
will be started from it. In the meantime
the bridge builders will move to the bridge
above Triadelphia. where they will begin
work on Monday.
Mr.. A. /. Simms made business trip
10 Coon Island, on Wednesday,
To-day is payday at the coal works.
Number drew the watch in Simms'
watch club, last week.
Mr.. Homer White is home from Eureka,
on "a visitto his friends. He returns to-
morrow night.
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1890-09-07

claim is made that the Railway Company
had built track to a gravel bank owned
nv johnson and were helping themselves TO
the Gravel without leave. The case will be
heard at the coming term of the JEFFERSON
county court
]. 6. Ault and wife returned home Thurs
dav from an extended visit to relatives III
New England.
A. H. Battin and T. p. Spencer, Esqsr
were at Pittsburg Friday on business con-
nected with the sale of the Spauldlng iron
Works.
Mrs. John Larkins returned home Tues
day evening from a summers vlslt 10
| friends in Newport, Ky.
Miss Ella Frank, of Philadelphia, daugh-
ter of the late Isaac Frank, formerly a
merchant of this city, is a guest OF Miss
Bertha May, at her home, corner Fifth and
Clinton streets.
Jones Meekeri is home from soiourn at
the seashore and in the mountains.
Johnson Mooney is very i'll at his home on
North Sixth street.
Mrs. Kennedy Crumsine and daughter
Katie. of Washington, Pa, are guests OF
Mrs. j. H. Undertake, Of North Fourth
street
D. B. Johnson attended the fair at
Washington, Pa, this week.
Frank n. Stanley, who is in the west
for the benefit of his health, at present Is
soiourning at GAINESVILLE, Wis.
Mrs. Thos. L. Jewett, OF Philadelphla,
is the guest of Mrs. j. Morris.
Miss Laura Parks, who was at Ilinn
visiting Mrs. Il. j. Beatty, returned home
this week
A social was given Tuesday evening by
| Miss Lizzie Johnson at her home on upper
Market street in honor Of Mrs. II. =. Ell
| lott and daughter Lille, of New York.
ID. NJ. Gruber having rendered his resig,,
nation as member of the City Council ana
also as President of that body, w. X. Bur-
goyne was unanimously chosen TO preside
over the deliberations of the city fathers
Mr. Burgovne is a first-class man in every
respect, and Council did wise thing in
selecting him to ill the vacancy caused by
the retirement of Mr. Gruber. At the time
of his election to Council Mr. Gruber was
a resident of the Fourth ward, but after
ward found it necessary to reside IN the
First ward, and while he could have pos
siblv held the position, he did not desire to
so when there was doubt as TO his right.
He holds the honor of being the best and
only Democrat TO be elected TO the position
of President of the Council of Steubenvllle
and during the time he welded the gavel
his acts were such as 10 satisfy the people
that the voters of the Fourth ward dld
wise thing when they elected him. a
special election will be held in the Fourth
ward September 20 10 fill the vacancy, ana
il is to be hoped teat an equally good man
will be selected TO take his place
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1890-09-07

from the effect Of his injuries that it was
impossible to remove him
Il II. Hunter, of the prison force, IS on a
visit 10 his home at Shepherdstown.
The frame structure Of the electric hgnt
nlant is completed. The plant will be IN
operation bv the first of November.
The Republicans held their primaries
Yesterday afternoon TO send delegates 70
the Congressional, Senatorial and County
Conventions. ,
m is said one Of Glendale's old bachelors
will soon Join the Benedicts. Guess VINO.
MIR. c. II. Carpenter, the night operator
at Cameron, who was knocked from the top
of a freight car here last week, was re-
moved 10 his home Tuesday. He is now IN
a fair way 20 recover.
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1890-09-07

other daughter of Mrs. BIS, who has been
visiting her mother at this place.
The Republicans held their primaries PRIMARIES
meets unse g at Barnesville on the 9th inst. The
contest lp9d v will be for Probate Judge. The ,Ry
nomination seems to be conceded 10 j, W. W.
Hollingsworth for Prosecuting Attorney
and NJ. NJ. Scott for Sheriff. ,.oa % .
The st. C. & B. railroad is damaged 70 a
Great extent, the ballast being washed
away and the dumps at the bridges being ag
side. The trains will not be APE ape , TO ger
being so high hinders them to a great eH-
tent The pike leading to both depotsS Is Is
damaged. the stones are nearly all washed ,Ll,l
awav No word has been received from
the b. & o., but it is, no doubt washed SO So
that it will be delayed for II Is OH ~"
ground. Ill, ot,ond
A large number of our people will attend
the Island Fair.
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1890-09-07
SHORT CREEK.

SHORT CREEK, w. VA, September C.
Rev. John Woods, of Bellaire, is holding a
meeting at the Wells schoolhouse.
Mrs John Rouse, of Pittsburg, is the
guest of friends here.
Miss Mary Phipps, of Smithfeld, has re-
turned home after two weeks visit among
friends.
Mr. Elisha Peyton and Miss Sadie Hoff-
man were quietly married last Sunday.
Prouacted meeting is going on at Short
Crock NJ l.. church.
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1890-09-07
WARRENTON.

WARRENToN, September 6.-The bridge
builders of the w. & l.. E., who have been
quartered at the Central the past three
weeks, went TO Brilliant on Friday, the
track being completed that far
Ella Welsh is home from a pleasant visit
with relatives in Little Washington.
a. Williams made a business trip TO
Wellsburg on Monday.
Smiley Sharon, of Mt. Pleasant, and Mrs.
Turner, of Wheeling, were registered at
the Central on Wednesday.
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1890-09-07
STEUBENVILLE.

STEUBENvILLE, o., September 6.-The
United German Associations of the city de-
sire to return thanks to the public in gen
eral; the county and city officials; mem
bers of Council and School Board; the
press, and to the speakers, j. +. Daton,
Esq. and Rev. J. L. Braun, for their par
ticipation in the Steubenfeier, on August
25th; also to the Germania Turnverein So
ciety for the use of Turner Hall as a meet
ing place for the Committees and head
quarters for the various delegations.
Judge Hance, at Cadiz, on Thursday
granted a temporary injunction to Smiley
johnson, of Wells township, restraining
the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway Co
from trespassing on his property. The
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1890-09-07
NEW NIARTINsvILLE.

New MARrINsvuLE, September G.
There is considerable sickness in town,
principally typhoid fever.
A great many people attended the Mid
dlebourne fair this week from here.
Subscribe for the Wheeling REGISTER.
II will be delivered to your house for Is
cents a week, or Is cents with Sundays
REGISTER, included. Leave your orders
at +. ID. Lappert's bakery for prompt at
tentiOn.
Mr. Chas. Hunter aud Miss Mary Della
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1890-09-07
KILLED HIS SUCCESSFUL RIVAL.
Murder of Married Man by His Wife
Rejected Suitor.

GLEN FALLS, n. Y, September 5.-Fred-
erick Collett was assassinated near Ferris
burg, Vt, Sunday evening, by Alphonz
Shackett, who crept up to Collects house,
and without warning emptied the contents
of shotgun into Collects head. Shackett
was arrested shortly after, and his examin-
alton began to-day.
Shackett was a rejected sutton of Mrs.
Collett, and he swore vengeance against
Collett who successfully wooed the lady.
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1890-09-07

c "A saving pattern. Positively the Creates and
opportunity Fine Dress at the cost of
quality.
Daily independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 188?-1915, 1890-06-20
Josiah and Elizabeth Potts
Suffer the Penalty Of The
Law for Murder.
SCENES and INCIDENTS OF
THEIR LAST MOMENTS.

The sun rose bright and clear on
this Friday, June 20, 1890, the most
eventful cay in the history of Elko
county, being the day fixed for tho
execution of Josiah and Elizabeth
Potts. Although there were but few
people in town, outside Of representa-
tives of the press and a few Sheriffs
and ex-Sheriffs who were invited to
witness the execution, an air of fever
ish excitement seemed to prevail.
The prisoners passed the night
quietly, the man having apparently
slept we'll throughout the night, but
the woman was restless until about 3
O'Clock this morning, when she, too,
fell asleep and passed several hours
in deep slumber
At the request of the prisoners all
reporters were excluded, even Annie
Laurie, the lady representative of the
Examiner, who came from San Fran
cisco for the express purpose of inter-
viewing Mrs. Potts, being sdenied adj
mission to the cell ..-....
After partaking of a light break
fast the condemned prisoners ap-
peared more cheerful than they we're
yesterday, and about 7 o'clock they
began to dress and make final prepa-
rations for their approaching doom.
In reply to a question by Sheriff
Barnard Mrs. Potts said she would
walk firmly to the scaffold and sub
NIT quietly to the inevitable.
AT 1870 last night the prisoners
sent for Rev. Porter VINO has been at
tending them. Mrs. Potts was in
high state Of excitement and in great
mental strain. After q few minutes
talk she became calm. She was ex-
horted to continually say "Christ"
whenever her mind was tortured. Mr..
Potts was then visited in another cell.
He was not at all excited and said he
was trusting in Christ. He was also
oxhorted TO think the same great
name. They both lay down and were
still until morning, and gave the
officers no trouble whatever--the least
OF any night yet.
This morning they again sent for
Rev. Porter who visited them at $50.
They were at the minister's request
put in one cell. They both spoke Of
the effect of the speaking of the name,
Christ, and professed hope in that
Name. They were very calm, save
that il feet shufl1ed in the Office Mrs.
Potts would sway little in her chair
The minister again visited them at
1015 and talked Of the hope in Christ,
and exhorted them to keep that name
on their lips as they went to the
execution. At exactly 1870 the
officers appeared at the cell door with
u dask Of spirits but stood back to
give time for short prayer by Rev.
Daily independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 188?-1915, 1890-06-20
put in place.

put In place.
The black caps were not removed
; so none saw their faces after death.
THAT is ALL" said the Sheriff as he
asked the crowd to dispense, which it
did.
The funeral was announced to be
at IL o'clock and word was sent
around by the officers SO that any
one who might feel sympathy for
the unfortunates might attend. At
1910 the bodies were lowered in two
graves side by side. A bouquet of
wild flowers, provided by the officers,
was placed one on each casket. The
funeral service was then readi-as re-
quested by them before death. About
twenty-five persons all told attended
the funeral, including one woman and
some half dozen children.
The following account of the pro-
ceedings in the case, together with a
brief history of the criminals, will be
of interest to the public:
THE POTTS FAMILY.
Josiah Potts, his wife and two chill
dren, had resided mt Carlin about two
yearP, where Potts worked in the
shops of the @. p. Railroad. There
also resided at Carlin at this time a
man about 81 years Of age named
Miles Faucet, who came from Sacra-
mento, CAL, several months previously,
and who for time boarded with the
Potts family. In the Summer of 1887
Faucet bought a ranch few miles
from Carfin, and also a wagon and
team of horses. After removing to
his ranch, sometime in the Fall of the
same year, Mrs. Potts washed for him
and did his baking.
On the LIST day of January, 1888,
Faucet told a man named Line
barger, with whom he was somewhat
intimate, that Potts and his wife
owed him (Faucett) a certain sum of
money; that they bad the money to
pay theibill, and that he knew enough
of the past life of Mrs. Potts to COM
pei them to pay itrather than to have
these things revealed. Faucet and
Linebarger went to the Potts resi-
dence in the evening of that day,
where Linebarger left Faucet after
Mrs. Potts had invited the latter to
stay all night, which invitation was
accepted, and his team put in Potts
stable. This was the last ever seen of
Faucet alive.
Daily independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 188?-1915, 1890-06-20

shooting himself rather than have
MS crime revealed, which, according
70 Mrs. Potts statement. was that
Faucet had been caught in the act of
attempting to outrage her little
daughter, Edith. Potts admitted to
concealing the body for fear that they
might DO accused of murder, and also
admitted that he exhumed the re-
mains afterward, mutilated and tried
to destroy them. District Attorney
w. q. Love conducted the prosecu-
ton, and j. A. Plummer Esq. was ap-
pointed by the Court to defend
them. The following names COM
posed the jury: Claus Schoer, G. W.
Phillips, S. M. Beard, Oscar Graham,
Robert johnson, Jas. A. Ralph, Knox
A. Crane, James Herman, T.. H.
klaine, N. Heyman, Geo. Monks and
j. L. Shelton.
THE VERDICT.
On the 18th day of March, 1889, the
jury rendered verdict of murder in
She first degree, and on March 22nd
Judge Bigelow sentenced the prison
ers to death, and set Friday, May IL,
1889, as the time for executing the
sentence. An appeal was taken to
the Supreme Court, pending which a
stay of execution was ordered, and in
November, 1889, the Supreme Court
rendered decision affirming the
Judgment of the lower Court. On
the 10Th day of last April Judge
Bigelow again sentenced the prison
ers to death, Friday, June 20, 1890,
beng fixed as the day of execution.
An appeal was then made to the
Board of Pardons to commute the
sentence to life imprisonment, but
without avail, after which a second
appeal was made with the same re-
suit; and to-day the sentence of the
Court was carried into execution.
JOSIAH PORTS
Was born in Manchester, England,
October u, 1912. There be lived
with his parents until he was grown,
in the mean time having obtained a
common school education, and there
he learned his trade, that of machin-
list. In December, 1863, he was mar
ried at st. Johns Church, Manches-
ter, to the woman who was executed
with him to-day, and in 1865 the
young couple came to America where
they have since resided. About five
years ago they came to the Pacific
Coast from Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
where Fotts had worked at his trade
for several years. For about two
years he worked in the shops of the
Central Pacific Railroad at Terrace,
Utah. Then the family removed to
Carlin where he was employed for the
Company until September, 1883, when
the family removed to Rock Springs,
Wyoming, where Potts and wife were
arrested on the charge of murder, as
above stated.
Daily independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 188?-1915, 1890-06-20

Whining, Of North Fork, this COUNTY,
since the prisoners were condemned
to death.
The hanging Of Elizabeth Potts ie
the first instance of the legal execu-
ton OF woman that ever occurred on
the Pacific Coast, and we hope and
trust that it may be the last one
FEW ADDITIONAL FACTS.
The story would be incomplete
without the addition of a few facts in
regard to this remarkable tragedy.
While it is true that at the inquest
held at Carlin before Justice Palmer,
acting Coroner, the Jury returned a
verdict finding tho remains to be those
OF Miles Faucet, it is equally true
that there were no means of identify
ing them, and the jury must have
based their conclusions ON the follow
ing facts: A man was missing in
January, 1888; the remains of a hui
man being were found in January,
1889, in the cellar where Potts for
merly resided; hence the remains
must be those of Miles Faucet and
Potts and wife must have murdered
him. Had the remains been found
any other place it is not probable that
any one would have suspected them
to be all that was left, of Miles
Faucet. The conviction was made
principally on tho admissions of the
prisoners themselves, and had they
adhered to the story that they told in
January, 1888, they could not have
been even he'd for trial at the pre-
hminary examination before Justice.
Palmer, much less eonvicteu of any
crime in the District Court.
They have persistently maintained
their innocence of the crime of muir
der, and adhered to the statement
that Faucet committed suicide; and
under date of Elko. May 90, 1890
Mrs. Potts wrote to G. H. Whining.
who recently adopted her youngest
child, as follows:
'''''''. ."".
mr.. WHINING, as God is our
Judge we are as innocent of the
crime we are charged with as YOU
are: We shall only be two more ::
added to the list of victims hanged
innocent on circumstantial evil
dence. So for Gods sake don't
even Imagine that my sweet child
; Edith is the child of murderess."
TO show the drift Of public senti-
mont we may add that o petition for
the communication of tho sentence to-
life imprisonment, signed by abort
26I persons, among whom were tho.
best citizens Of this county, was pre-
sented to, the Board Of Pardons; and
in addition to this Hon. f. r. Bige-
low, the Judge who sentenced them.
to his credit be it said, made n mas
tterly appeal for such communication,
but all proved fruitless, the Board re-
manning firm in their decision.
But Josiah and Elizabeth Potts arc
dead; and with the exception, per-
haps, OF Charley Potts, the sixteen
year-old son Of the deceased, no ono
is able to solve the mystery of Miles
Faucets death. The theory OF sui.
eide is not at all plausible, and no ono
seems to believe it; and the manner
OF his death will ever, perhaps, remain
a mystery.
----------------~--
Daily independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 188?-1915, 1890-06-20

ministered. Mrs. Potts death war
rant was then read. She stood erect
but he leaned forward with an inquir-
ing look. Then she sat down and Mr..
Dawley asking for water Mr.. Potts
offered him some from a tin cup.
Then his death warrant was read, she
sitting down and taking sups of water
the while.
Mrs. Potts raised her right hand,
and rising, said:
Innocent, so help me God"
1--WE are innocent" said Potts also.
Have you anything to say?" asked
the Sheriff.
"That's all we can say; we are in
nocent from first to last" said she,
and he agreed with her.
Another tonic vas given and then
Mrs. Potts started with Mr.. DawIey
and Mr.. Potts and Sheriff Barnard
followed. Time 1898.
There was calm, straight walk to
the top of the gallows.
They then sat down on chairs pro-
vided for them there.
"Have you anything to say?" was
again asked them
"No; we are Innocent" was the
reply repeated several times.
Their shoes we're then taken off and
they we're pinioned; she by Mr..
Dawley, he by Mr.. Barnard, assisted
by several from behind. During this
process Mr.. Potts remained silent but
Mrs. Potts uttered a few words di-
recting how it was to be done.
At 1O:40 they shook hands with the
officers and minister, thanking all for
kindness.
They were then told to rise, but
just then Mr.. Potts said family "good-
bye," and at the same time nudged
Mrs. Potts with his pinioned hand.
They shook their hands from their
wrists, and leaning forward, kissed
affectionately.
AS the ropes were being adjusted
they were exhorted, as all along, to
look to Christ, whereupon he said
nervously, and with emphasis:
"Lord have mercy on me-" and she:
"Lord have mercy on my SOUL"
These words were repeated several
times. as the black cap was drawn
over their faces.
At 1044119 Sheriff Barnard cut the
cord and the drop fell.
A second after a voice from
below said distinctly breaking the
deep silence 20. f." A look from
above saw the horror-stricken faces
OF the on-lookers, many being ghastly
ashen.
One man tainted away.
The body of Mrs. Potts did not
move save a faint quiver Of the hands
and feet.
A few quivers of the muscles was
all the motion seen on Mr.. Potts.
Drs. Meigs, Petty and Hender-
son standing on chairs felt of
their pulses with the characteristic
GOODNESS of their profession.
BY degrees the crowd recovered
itself from it's horror and talked freely
IF tho banrf "a; oLnr;r,, ,,,orlr