Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-06-10
a FEMALE SHERIFF.
She Starts with Prisoner on a Long
Journey


The novel spectacle of q prisoner being
taken from the Central police station IN
the custody Of female officer was seen
recently when Benjamin Hit, of James
Vile. started for Belvidere, Ill, in
charge ofNIrs. A. I. Ames, under-sheriff
of Boone county, says the Milwaukee
Sentinel
Hit was arrested at clearinghouse
on the West side Saturday night by De-
tectiyes McManus and Schmidt upon a
charge of stealing several hundred dol
lars worth of jewelry from Mrs. Ames,
the woman who took him to Belyldere
to-day. A telegram was sent to Sheriff
Ames notifying him, and he answered
that an officer would be sent for the
prisoner.
Yesterday afternoon the officer ar
rived. 1t was woman, 30 or Az years
of age. tall aud Of slender build. Apair
of piercing black eyes looked ont from
under dark eyebrows, and the firm. re-
liant step showed she was woman OF
determination. She wore small.
black bonnet. plush cloak and black
and gray travelling dress. In her right
hand she carried a russetcolored grip.
She went to the Central police station
and to Inspector Riemers Office. de
recognized her at once, for she had
visited the city twice IN search OF her
man.
Hilt was brought to the Inspectors
room. and his face colored and he hung
his head when he saw the woman he Is
said to have robbed standing before him.
Mrs. Ames's eyes frightened when she
saw the prisoner, for whom she had been
searching for almost two months.
"Well, well, Ben, I've caught you at
last" she said. "You ought to be
ashamed of yourself for robbing tine man
who befriended YOU. But I'll make a
man of you when l get you back to Bel
videre."
Hit learned that Mrs. Ames had no
requisition papers, but agreed TO so
without. He was then led back to his
cell.
Then Mrs. Ames surprised Inspector
Riemer and the detectives who were IN
the office by opening her grip and taking
out heavy pair of shackles and hand
| cuffs.
HAD THE "BRACELETs.
"You see, am prepared for the re
turn trip" she said, with smile, as she
handed the "irons" to the Inspector,
and remarked that she would like to
leave them there until morning.
IL was the first case on record III the
history of the Milwaukee police depart
noant where a female officer had called
to claim prisoner, and it naturally sur
prised the officers. especially when MISS
Ames announced that she. single-handed
and alone, would take the prisoner back
to Belyidere. distance OF over 10y
miles, and by route that necessiia'ed
| two changes oil cars.
A little before train time she arrived
at the Chicago and Northwestern depot
with Hit. He was large man with
meek. unintelligent face, and he Is evi
IDENTIFY very much afraid of the fair OH
Ger OF the law. At the depot Mrs. Ames
marched her prisoner up to the cigar
stand. where she purchased a-half dozeI
fine Hayanss for him. Hit was MOI
sbackled, as ne had given his word O.
honor that he would not try TO escape
and Mrs. Ames said that she believed
him.
She took him into the smoking-car ant
occupied seat beside him there. ont
took the precaution to have him take III
place near the window, while she sat II
| the aisle seat. The passengers all stared
"a the strange couple entered the car
but this did not appear to emoarias
Mrs. Ames in the least, and she waiKe'
mast the groups of smiling men with
ponehalance which was either natural Q
admirably assumed. Nor did the cloud
Of smoke which Hit sent whirinl
through the car affect her. She believed
that Il was her business to be there, ant
she evidently intended to stay.
A CITY detective and reporter accom-
panied Mrs. Ames the first few miles Q
her journey. During this time tn
prisoner never made o move. ne wa
completely cowed, and be evidentiy DC
lieyed that the under sheriff might max
his position an uncomfortable one II n
offered any resistance.
That dress pocket which Is usual,
used by the ladies for the accommoda
t;on OF : pocket handkerchief and Q
snnols of thread on this occasion con
tanned revolver--not one OF those iitti
| Derripcera but . massive colt-reAd'
sor ;nsfsnt service should Hits action
make such movo necessary. just y
fore the reporter left the train ne ss.e 9
| Il she expected to reach her destinas 70
with the prisoner in her custody. on
srsvered IN the affirmative end ~