davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16
HISTORY OF THE CRIME.

About Z O'Clock Friday evening,
April 6th, at the home OF Wm. Holt
meister, prominent farmer liz tue
south part OF Barton county, between
and miles southeast OF Great Bend
farm hand named John Becker Tor
Baker, murdered Miss Myrtle Hoff-
meister. aged between Is and Is years.
He and Myrtle and a daughter of Chas.
Barstow, a neighbOr, were in the yard.
The girls were hitching up to go to a
singing school. Becker wanted to go
along. but the girls objected. He was
| working for Hoffmeister and had been
making advances to the daughter but
had been spurned, He was between
40 and 90 years old, and of brutal ap,
pearance. Myrtle had bride III her
hand preparing to put 1t on a horse,
when he drew revolver and shot at
her. She ran to the house followed by
Becker. who fired again as she ran.
AS she reached her mother she cried
20. mother. save MEL The mother
with an infant in her arms, stepped be-
tween the brate and his victim, but he
| fired two more shots into her BODY
He then jumped out of the window, ran
| to the barn and set it and some hay on
| fire. and then skipped out. He dropped
his hat and the revolver as he went
| through a hedge. The gun was SIX
shot. and had four shots fired and two
still in It. Each of the four shots bad
| taken effect. and the victim died in her
mothers arms.
Neighbors were attracted by the fire
| and quickly gathered from all points,
and by heroic efforts saved the house,
although all the other buildings were
consumed. The authorities were mott
| fed. and possess Immediately organl-
Zed for man-hhnt.
Becker was caught near st. John on
Tuesday, April 18th, after wandering
about four days. and taken to st. John.
There he was turned over to Sheriff
| Aber, who drove with him to Hutchin
son. eluding a mob which was gather
ing to hang him.
Becker was apparently half demented
when caught. and for several days
would eat nothing, doubtless being
sorely weakened from wandering about
in the sand hills and eluding the
| officers
The funeral of Becker's young victim
was one of the largest eyer witnessed
/ in Great Bend.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16

was dragged from the buggy, the sher-
iff and his deputies caught and held as
in a vice, and in ten minutes from the
tine ehe team drove up there was a
yelling, swaying mob of about 200 men
moving towards the south side of the
court yard.
Two or three stops were made be-
cause of the officers making a dash and
trying 10 get possession OF the prisoner.
There were few hard words uttered ex-
cept in imprecations upon the human
fen so soon to meet his doom. There
were numerous scuf1es and wrestling
matches, but no one was injured.
About $40 the mob reached the
cottonwood tree that stands nearest the
steps, Just on he.north of them, at the
southwest corner of the park. He
made terrible resistance, but no out
cry that we know of. There were
three or more ropes in the crowd, one
of which was put around the victims
neck. Just before the moose went
around his neck, some one struck Beck
er over the left eye and apparently
stunned him.
Some one had climbed the tree and
put the rope over a fork about II feet
from the ground.
Willing hands grabbed the loose end
and in a momeut the body of John
Becker, the foul murderer of innocent
young Myrtle Hofmeister, shot up into
the air and mighty shout went UP
from hundreds cf throats.
There was no struggle, only few
convulsive jerks of the muscles, and the
body hung limp and lifeless, terrible
warning, and a CHASTITY, gruesome OBJ
iect lesson to all evil doers
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16
NUMBER ID.

the people of the great Seventh Distries re to be
represented In TACT as well s. in name they must
return him who can cope with entrenehed power.
We cordially endorse the able, homes, and coray-
eous administration Of Governor John w. Iee.ix
and the other state officers. We congratulate the
people OF Kansas upon the substantial prosperity
which was usheredi in with Governor Leedy,s sd-
ministratiOn and which has continued up to the
present time
No corporation contributed its influences to secure
his election and his vigorous enforcement of the
State Laws regulating those corporations has been
asubstantial benefit to the people of the state we
predict his nomination by the allied silver forces
of Kansas and his triumphant election.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16

The body hung for about e minutes
Then the sheriff went upon the steps
and called the attention of the people.
He said the man was dead, and asked
them to disperse and he would turn the
body over to the coroner.
After few minutes DR.. A. M. Sipes
called for order and asked that the
crowd disperse and go to their homes.
a dray drove up. and the bodv was let
down, loaded onto it and taken to
Moses Bros undertaking rooms, where
Coroner Shaw we'd the remains.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16
Bottled Up.

A mysterious sort of animal OF fish
has been seen in the ''lsland hoIe- in
Cow creek Just south of Valley school
house, several times this spring by as
many different parties. What it is or
what it looks like cannot be exactly
described, but it is asserted TO be about
4 or 5 feet long and somewhat resemb-
ling Cervera's fleet, in that it comes in
sight just long enough to be seen and
then cautiously disappears. All man
ner of schemes have been hatched up
TO catch the Cervera monster and it is
said that Allen & Carson are thinking
of running an engine down there and
pumping the hole dry, but long before
that is accomplished our fleet will have
the threshing done and Fred Funston
will be elected Governor of Cuba. The
strategy board have not yet decided
what course will be pursued but il is
thought that call will be made for
volunteers to go in swimming there,
dive and blow up the monster in Hol-
Land submarine style. Until further
orders from headquarters fleet of boys
will be stationed at the narrow mouth
and possibly battery will be kept on
the island overlooking the main chan.
mel, and it will be bottled up unless 1t
slips out at night.-CIaf1in Banner.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16
BECKER, MURDERER
OF Miss !Hoffmelster, Meets
lust Punishment At The
Hands Of 7 he People
Monday Evening.

John Becker has no need of
"change of Venue" He has been
tried, sentenced and executed by
jury not of his peers but of his superb
ors. His crime was horrible but his
punishment none too severe.
On Monday morning. June 18th.
Becker was brought up from the
Hutchinson Jail where be has been
confined since his capture, and when
court opened he was arrargned upon
the charge of foully numbering Myrtle
HoHmeister
His three brothers were here and
they had engaged d. A Banta to con-
duct his defense. They also brought
with them an attorney, from Illinois,
20 assist in the defense.
When the case opened an applica'
tion was made for charge of vel Lue,
and after the argument, the change
was granted by the court and the case
was to be taken to Rice county for a
bearing.
The court room was crow ded all day
long, during the hearing of the argu-
ment, but there seemed to be little ex-
element amung the people, and few
comments were made.
There were not many people ia town
towards evening, and when the fire
bell rang about o'clock TO cali out
the fire bows, who are special police,
not one man in the whole sixteen
thought of anything but a fire, though
the bell was sounded to GALL them out
80 assist in guarding the Jail.
Sheriff l.. i. A Der had taken Beck
er in u buggy and started for the six
O'Clock train on the Santa Fe, going
east. He drove down a by street, t.
near one of the elevators, but when
he got there there were probably a
hundred men about the depot. When
they saw him with Becker in the bug
gy they started towards him, whether
to lynch the prisoner or not is not
known. The sheriff thought, how
ever, that they were after his pris'
oner, SO he whipped up and drove on
the run back to the Jail and again put
his prisoner behind the bars.
1t was then be called on the city
authorities for assistance in protecting
the man.
About O'Clock there we're probably
100 men in the court yard, scattered
all over the grounds, and apparently
only there out of curiosity.
The deputy sheritis and special Off
GERS had been notified to assemble at
the east entrance to the court yard, to
keep the crowd back should an effort
be made to take Becker. A team and
buggy was driven up with which the
sheriff expected to take his man east.
With rush the horses were driven
iuto the court yard. close up to the east
entrance, by Deputy Wilbur MECH.
mans.
Then pandemonium let loose.
The men who had been loungins
about apparently unconcerned, sprans
forward from every side. and while the
men who were there to protect the
prisoner. did all they could to keer
back the crowd of determined avengers
it was useless-it was like trying to
keep back the ocean waves.
Some men grappled the lines, the
brides, the buggy. Officers pulled
Them loose only to see other determin
ed hands grab again. The traces were
cut, the horses almost freed from the
vehicle in less time than it takes you t.
read this. and the murderer Becke,
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16
j. s. WNGEr, Sec

Richard Angove. who has property
interests in Barton and Rush counties.
arrived Tuesday from Shanghi, China.
where he is in the mercantile business.
Mr. Angoye left China May 10th, and
has with him copies of papers of that
city giving interesting accoui Is OF the
big naval battle at Manila. May 1st.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16
DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION.
Full Proceedings of the Meeting Of Barton
County Democrats, And The Ticket
Nominated.

Convention met in 6. A. r. hall,
Saturday, June 11th. Al II a. m
called to order by tbe chairman of the
county central committee. cali read j,
and Dr. F, III. Campbell of Clafiin
made temporary chairman, and d. c..
Luse of Great Bend temporary secre-
tary. On motion the following COM
mittees we're appointed, w:
On Credentials-Joe Welsh, Frank
Krestin and Phillip Damn.
On Organic alton and Order of Bus.
iness-Peter Brack, John Doherty
and Jacob Thui
On Resoiutiens-Jas. w. Clarke,
Frank Petz and Nick Keeper.
On Conference-H j. koeizel,
jacob Stoskopf and Will E. Stoke.
Upon motion. the convention then
adj urned to meet at 2 p. m.
AFTERNOON. Committee reported
for permanent chairman DR.. Camp
bell, permanent secretary j. s. Win.
get Convention adopted the follows
ing order of business
1et-R eport of Committees
2nd-SeIection of Township Committeeman,
3rd-Nomination of County Attorney.
4th-Nomination of Clerk OF Court.
5th-Nomiuation of Probate Judge.
9TH Report of Committee Conference.
7th- Of Pan ufu Cnp-
erintendent. and Commissioner for Sd District in
/ the order named
The committee on Credentiai re-
ported the following delegates, and
the report accepted and adopted:
UBeaver-Jake Stoskopf. John Stoskopf,-Isaac
Markell and Pete Meyers.
Bufllo-Henry Schweir,- r,-.Henry Witte, Henry
Miller,-D. ESsMiiler.
Clarence-Wm Gagelman,-A. Cell. H Durks.
H Jurgenson
Esfelit.
Cheyenne-W. F, Schiller. r. Kiug. W. A.
Habiger. Jos. Dimel. John Sens, Joe Benke,
Jos Benks, Joe Steiner, j. Garretsou.
Comanche-Jake THU, Nick Schartz Chas. An
drew and G. Ernstine.
Eureka--Otto Brandt ohm Juttner.
Grant-Adolph Hampei, ChAs 10th and Frank
Krestin.
Independent-Dr. Campbell, Jos. Welsh. o. 3.
Leoney,- Schroeder, NJ. A. Dowse and G. w,
Young
Lakin---John Doherty, Frank Petz, 6, Teepke,
John ConroF. H. ]. Roetzel ohm Christoph, Frank
Weber, Me Keeper, john Berscheldt, Cnas. Ham
| mer, Ernest Schroeder, A. Roth, L. D. KOCH Joe
Sprinkler, John Dick.
| Logan---F. Etzbach, D. S. Alnes. John Helfrich,
| NJ. hobi.
Pawnee Rock j. H. Daniels
South Bend-Phiilip Damn.
Wanut---Peter Brack. Phillip Brack, A. B. Will
cutt, John Gallon, j. f. Mauler and j ). WingeI.
| Great Bend City. 1st Ward---Pat Boughan, W,
| IL. Zutayerp, Chas. Bye and Henry Meyers.
| 2nd Ward-Jas. w. Iarke, e. Y. Brinkman, c.
| l.. Zutavern, Thos Gilmore and Will E. Stoke.
! 3rd Ward-H. IL. Feldcamp, Geo. G. KIncaid
I'D. +. Winterburg Chas Allen, ID. c. Luse and
| J. - Bland.
4th Ward w. P. FEEDER, Geo. ". Greene jr, II
l.. Snore and j. W. Mexican.
(JoE Welsh.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16
(JoE Welsh.
Com PHILLIP DAMN.
FRANK kkEsIiN.
Committee reported snd Con vention
RESOLUTIONS:

ad opted the following.
RESOLUTIONS:
We, tie democrats ut Barton Cuuu,
~, Kansas, III convention ASSEM- bIed
again pledge our allegiance To The
true and simple principals of Demo.
cracy taught by Jefferson aud jack
SON and 50 ably defended aud promul.
gated by the great commoner aud peo-
pies champion, William j. Bryan in
the memorable campaign Of 1898.
RESOLVED That our hope is as
strong and our faith as lasting IN the
eternal right and justice of the princi-
pie OF bl-meta ilIsm as set forth Dy the
revived democracy of 1896 as it is un
swerving In allegiance To the funda-
mental principle of government which
seeks to accomplish the greatest good
to the greatest number.
REsOLVED,-That we condemn the
republican party for its insincerity, Its
rapid degeneracy to party of only
mercenary motives, led and domina-
ted solely by the immensely wealthy
and used in it's every branch Tor the sole
purpose of making the rich richer and
the poor poorer.
RESOLVED we further con
denim the republican party of the
state of Kansas for its cowardly posi-
tion, its double-faced and two-sided
action in regard to the prohih!tory
liquor law of the state. seeking as it
does to court favor with all elements,
both for and against that unpopular
measure; and we again demand tha,
the voice of the people shall be heard
| upon the question of whether or not
Kansas shall continue to retain la "
upon her statute books which can not
be enforced; which encourages per-
jury. incites to treachery, infringes
upon human liberty and makes our
fair State laughing stock and a by.
| word.
REsoLvED,-That we again invite
the corporation of all elements OF
voters IN favor of the free and unlim.
tied coinage of silver, without regard
to the wishes of any other nation. to
the end that all opposition to the re-
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16

CLASS ROLL.
Lizzie Brown Elsie Taylor
AddIe Wilkinson Ola Coen
Minnie Lowery Chas. Hoge
Grace Hall Earl Bowman
Clyde LorimOr John Bowman
Laura Eyenson Capitola Williams
Emma Praeger Victor Cory
George Marston Minnie Childs
Ida Fairburn Ira Hoge
Ethel Plankenhorn Laura Childs
Stella Johnzon Cora Etridge
Fred Kelley Harry Baker
Jeff Compton Hattie D. Worden
George Compton May Sullivan
Willie Eitling Ella Wildgen
Lillian Atkins Daniel j. Brown
Edward Opie Blanche Wildgen
Ella Rusco Ethel b. Boyd
George Lucas Stella Watson
John Bellinghauser Laura Brewer
Class address 10y Prof L. ID. Webb.
Examining Committee-F. NJ Chap
man, F. L. Harper and C.,F Younkin.
NJ. L. HARRISON, Co. Supt.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16

True worth is in being, not seeming
In doing, each day that goes by,
Some little goOd-not in the dreaming
OF great things to do by and by,
For whatever men say in blindness
And in spite of the fsncies OF youth,
There's nothing 50 kIngiy as kindness,
And nothing so royal as truth.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16

VIM. O5mond returned Friday morn
ing from his visit up in Iowa.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16

Rev. Mr.. Toomey, who has been
spending few days here, left for his
home in Emporia Monday morning.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16

Ellinwood is preparing to get up a
4th of July celebration.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16

DR.. G. T. Diefendorf, who has lately
located at Pawnee Rock, was in the
city Saturday.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16

Mrs. T. IL. Beardsley. who came
down from Larned 10 attend the we'd
ding of her sister, MIss Lucy Gilmore.
returned to her home Saturday.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16

Geo. Ludwig and wife. of the south
side. were trading in town Friday.
George says if the rains do not let up
soon the corn will be nixeumaroase.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16

Vern Russell is out in a card an
nouncing that he is not a candidate for
county attorney this fail.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16
Common School Commencement.

The 7th annual commencement ex-
ercises of the Barton County Common
Schools will be held at the N. E.
church, Great Bend, Friday, June 18th
at p. In. All are cordially INVITED TO
attend
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16

Miss May Merritt returned from
Hutchinson Saturday.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16

A little girl who was to be bsptised
Sunday surprised her papa by re-
minding him that she was to be -sad-
yorrised
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16

Mrs. CLANCY, OF Newton, is visiting
her daughter Mrs. Doc Morgan.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16

Cards are out announcing the mar
riage of Edward G. Buckland and Miss
SalIie Tyler, On June 81. dit New Haven
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16

HOisington is also arranging to have
a 4th of July celebration on a large
scale.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16

paIgn THIS fall upon the Issues herein
set forth. Respectfully submitted,
JAS ". CLARK,
Com. N. w. KLEPPER,
FRANK PETz
The committee on conference re-
ported that they had met with like
committee of the populist convention,
and recommended that the democratic
convention select the candidates for
County Attorney, Clerk of District
Court and Probate Judge, and that
the populist convention would select
candidates for Representative, County
Superintendent, County Commissioner
for Sd district, and that each conven-
tion would ask the other to nominate
the candidates thus selected.
T This report WAS accepted and the
convention proceeded with order of
business w. P. Feder was selected
as assistant secretary, and the roll of
townships was called and township
central com mmitteemen selected. JAS
w. Clarke was elected chairman of
the county central committee for the
ensuing year, aud w P. FEEDER
secretary.
Moved by Nr. Luse that the nom
nations be made by in formal ballot.
As it seemed that the convention was
a unit in desiring to re.nominate the
present officers, this motion was voted
down, and T.. F. Diffenbacher being
placed in nomination for county at
torney the rules were suspended and
1 he was nomin ated by aoulamation.
f g. Strothman was nominated by
acclamation for clerk of the distric
court.
l.. T.. Breeden was nominated by
acclamation sor probate judge.
The conference committee reported
that the populist conventions had
male the following nominations: Isom
Wright for representive; NJ. l.. Harril
son for county superintendent, and
Henry Merhof for commissioner of
81 district. and on motion the rules
were suspended and Isom Wright for
representative, and M. L. Harrison
for county superintendent were uomi-
mated by acclamation.
The delegates from the 81 com.
missioner district met and organized
by electing VIM. Gagelman chairman
and Andrew Cell secretary. 81. e.
Merhof was placed iu nominau IN for
county com missioner, and upon mo-
ton he was nominated by acclama.
ton.
The conference committee then re,
ported that the populist convention
had nominated G. F. Diffenbacher for
county attorney, E. @. Strothman
for clerk of court and L. c. Breeden
for probate judge
Upon motion convention adjourned
/ e. ii. CAMPBELL. Chm.
| J. s WINGET Sec
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16

publican party. which party to o-day
stands pledged to the maintaiuance of
! the single gold standard-may be
united at the polls until The voice of
the common people shall be heard, and
the money changers and all political
mercenaries shall bave been driven
from the halls of Congress
REsOLvED,-Tbatw we commend the
patriotic course of Our. representatives
In both branches of congress and the
attitude of ali democrats, popuIists
and free-silver republicans of the land
in upholding and sustaining the Pres
ident of the United States in all hon.
orable efforts to free from the despotic
chains of Spanish rule the people of
the fair Isle of Cuba, and we note with
qualification the probability of an early
closing of the present war, without the
money speculators and bondholders
having been able to force upon the
country their much coveted gold
bonds; and we protest against the is.
suance of government bonds payable
in gold only. for any purpose.
REsOLVED,-Tha we demand of
the railroad commissioners of the stt te
that they compel the railroads TO COM
ply with all provisions of the law, and
that the senator and representative
from Barton county are hereby urged
to use all efforts p'ssih!e to secure a
further reduction of freight rates that
VIII benefit the farmer and small ship
per as well as the large shipper.
RESOLVED, That the candidates
nominated this day pledged to an un-
qualified endorsement Of these resolu-
tions, and that the delegates of this
convention challenge the republicans
of Barton County to make the cam
paign this fall upon the issues herein
set forth. Respectfully submitted,
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-06-16
7th District Resolutions.

The democratic convention which
nominated Hon. Jerry Simpson al
Hutchinson last week adopted by &
unanimous vote the following
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-08-05

relative to deficiency In certain ap-
An ordinance adding $4,000 to the ap-
propriation for the fire department
An ordinance adding $3.50 to the ap-
propriation for license commlssivneis,
An ordinance adding 5000 70 'ne ap-
preparation for public p%uiiulnss' %
An ordinance adding $20oO 10 tne aP
pronriation for support of the poor.
An ordinance permitting the Union
Railroad company to lay rails IN tne
approaches to the new passenger
Resolution dedicating the approaches
TO the new depot as public hignwaysi
Resolution dedicating the extenslon
of Washington street as puphc ns"
way. eeo Cor the
purchase OF storm flags. o.,
Resolutions accepting gifts or the lo,-
lowing 10 North Burial grouno Iunu'
viz. Charles w. Hackett (for Ahn,e
A. r. Tanner), Charles w. Hackeu''
sylvester G. wood, trustee. -,
Resolutions to define grades OF lo.-
lowing streets, viz: Oakianu a'snu.
TJn,varsitv avenue. A resolution for q
storm sewer in Star and Benefit streets
Resolution granting the Union haiiroae
Company leave 10 lay rails Tor turn
outs in Mill street. Resolution 70 trans
fer ,nexpended balance of 1890 10 TN
East side high school. Resolution ui
recting the city solicitor 10 apply 20 IN
general assembly for necessary iegisla
tion for control of public sewers. Reso
tuition requesting committee on new GU.
charter TO report. Resolution Tor se"e
in Back and Lock streets.
Alderman Lowe said there was
great deal OF doubt whether the mons
| for the appropriation or siooo IoI -, ~
classical high school passed by the com
mon council could be obtained. now
| and he moved the resolution be referre
TO the committee on finance. The reso
luton of reference was passed:
on motion of Alderman Winsor tn
board adjourned to Wednesday, Angus