Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1895-01-03
NUMBER 27.


brought him into the county. Potter
also authorized johnson to buy some
calves for him, while he went on into
the eastern part OF the county to see
what he could pick out. The next day
johnson went to Olin and inquired OF
the merchants there for calves. They
had none, but a bystander had four he
was anxious to sell. This bystander
went by the name of Smith, and was
afterward known in the case as 'the
mythical Smith, being SO dubbed by
counsel gifted with flow of speech.
His calves we're in the neighborhood
of Sergeant's Bluff, and johnson said
as he had to go to Stanwood for hard
ware he would ride by and see them.
''Acc ordingly Bob and his brother
and the mythical Smith set out for the
Bluffs to get the calves that were run
ming out on the commons. They could
find but three, but Smith said the 9TH
er would average with them, so the
four were purchased in the presence
of Bob's brother John. They were to
be paid for when delivered in place
known as Illness pasture. but the
stranger demurred. saying he would
not have thought of selling had it not
been for need of money that very day.
Accordingly the necessary dollars were
borrowed of John and the purchase
completed. The brother then moved
on to Stanwood. Two or three days
later Potter returned with his drove
and sent word to B. johnson that he
was ready for the calves. Bob found
them in the corner pasture as Myth
cal Smith had agreed and turned them
over to Potter, who paid the price
agreed upon and went on his way re-
joicing.
''About this time neighbor of John
son named Foreman missed four calves,
and. hearing that Potter had taken u
drove, followed him to Green county.
Here he found his missing stock, or
claimed to, and asked Potter where he
got them. OF course, the answer was
.of Bob Johnson The two then went
together to johnson and told him their
story. johnson, believing. gave his
note for the value of the calves and
swore out warrant for Mythical Smith.
1t was then learned that no such man
had ever lived in the neighborhood of
Sergeant's Bluff, and the unfortunate
Bob was in a quandary what to do.
Meanwhile an organization had been
formed in the neighborhood where
johnson and Foreman lived. called the
North Missouri Anti-Horse-thief Asso-
though neither of the gentle
men before mentioned were members.
Being out of a job, this patriotic body
conceived the idea that johnson had
stolen the calves, and, and sending for
Potter and Foreman, informed them
they must either join the order and as
sist in prosecuting him or be prosecu-
ted themselves. They joined, and
Johnson was indicted for larcency of
the calves.
'sAbout the same time johnson, with |
his brother, went into Greene county |
TO have a look at those calves, which |
Potter had finally purchased of Fore
nan. Both decided that Bob had new
ar handled those CALVES at all, and |
hat Potter must have stolen them him |
self and then lied to Foreman about
hem. johnson accordingly refused
20 pay the note he had given. The
,ote case was tried twice, and judg-
nent rendered against johnson on the |
ground that the holder was an inno-
cent purchaser. This note, originally |
Tor $40, cost johnson about 81 500.
1.-The first indictment against John
son for larceny was quashed on ac-
count of an informality. There was
great excitement in the community
about the matter, and on waking up
one morning johnson found on his
doorstep shroud, a rope with a.
knot, and threatening let
ter. Accordingly change OF venue
was taken to Cedar county on his mo-
ton, with shroud. rope, knot. and
letter attached as exhibits.
The case was tried twice there, the
first jury standing eleven to one for
and the second setting him
free. johnson. who had started in on
these cases prosperous farmer, was
now bankrupt in everything but spirit.
Then it was that johnson began suit
against Potter, Foreman, and five 9th
ers of the -Horsethief Association.
who had been most active in the pros
ecution, claiming $40, 900 damages for
malicious prosecution. Col. Preston
began the suit for Bob, with myself