Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1892-06-30
CAPTURING A THIEF,


Twenty-Five years ago certain parts OF
western Wisconsin were infested with
horse thieves Their operations were SC
systematic and covered so large region
that detection was extremely difficult.
For a few years indeed they had things
much their own way but at last the farm
ers, gOaded to action by the failure of the
authorities to cope with the thieves or
gained themselves into vigilance commit
tees.
The committees were not lawlcss bodies
of lynchers, but were societies incorporated
under the laws of the state to protect theii
members against larceny and to recove,
stolen property.
The active work of these vigilance com
mittccs was done by "the riders, =" usuallv
five in number one of whom was cantain
When more help was needed, the riders
might call to their assistance as many
members as the case seemed to demand
Among the scores of hardened men who
at that time alternately worked and loafcd
along the Mississippi river was one named
Jim Corscn. Though nothing criminal
had been proved against him, his practices
and associations gave color to the suspicion
that he would not hesitate to steal what
ever property he could safely make of
with. In his habits he was reckless, dis
solute and defiant.
In one particular he differed from most
of his lawless associates. Instead Of con
stantly loafng about the river. whether
there was work to be had or not he would
occasionally go back few miles into the
country, hire out to some farmer and work
for weel, or two.
one OF the men for whom he had 1orked
several times was William Dexter, good
natured' easy going old farmer who lived
ten miles from the river Corsen had
worked so we'll for Dexter that the old
farmer had begun to feel confidence in
him.
Corsen am so big rascal as some
folNs would IKE to make out, he SAID to
one OF MS helShborS' VINO Aad suggested
thilt 1t was not wise TO nave SUCH fellow
about.
Like most OF his neigh bors at that time,
Dexter allowed his cattle to roam at will
during the day, and at night shut them in
n yard near the house.
On gong out to milk his COWS one morn
ing, he found the bars down and all the
cattle gone
What! what' he exclaimed, rubbing
his eyes. Il must "a left them bars down
last nlght''
He went TO look for his cattle and found
the herd at midday, but yoke of fat oxen
which he had been intending to drive to
market in few days was missing.
Corsen was not at the time at work for
Dexter, and no suspicion fell upon him.
Dexter was member of the vigilance
committee. He notified at once the proper
officers of the society and BlGCkman, their
captain, was sent for. He was a keen,
courageous young farmer tall and smooth
faced.
At dark the riders reported to him for
duty. Dexter joined them.
"1hc thief, - said l}lackman, "has either
taken the oxen to the city and sold them
or he has hidden them on the island. 1t is
more likely that he went to town with
them; nowadays they want the money as
soon"as they can get it."
a night ride of twenty five miles brought
them to the city There were in the place
at that time dozen or more cattle deal.
ers, including butchers Each of them
was visited and closely questioned, but
without Apv practical result Not one IF