davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26
HANGING JUDGE HURTS TOWN.
Record of One OF Fort Smiths Celebri-
ties an Injury To business.

Record of One of Fort Smiths Celebri-
ties an Injury to business.
Frem the Philadelphia Times: The
Arkansas legislature will be petitioned
to forbid the sale of look. The citi-
zens of Fort Smith have the petition
well under way. The petition states
that the book is calculated to prejudice
the public against Fort Smith. The
book is the life story of the Hanging
Judge" the sternest of all American
justices. 1t is the biography of Judge
Isaac Charles Parker The title Is
Hell on the Border" Judge Parker
was known as "the American Jeffreys.
He sentenced 200 men to death. One
Of his chief executioners alone hanged
eighty-six men. His court was q con-
tinuous performance. He opened
court at a. m. and sat in judgment
until dark. When he passed his first
death sentence he burst into tears. Not
withstanding that, he afterward sem
fenced 1919 men to death and sent 1879
more to prison for life. He was burn
ed and hanged in effigy in Indian terri
tory. On the day of his death there
was joyful riot in the old Jail at Fort
Smith, Ark. He had two ruling prin-
ciples. do equal and exact justice"
was one, and the other Permit no in
nocent man to be punished, but let no
guilty man escape" Men were hanged
in squads, five at time, on the Fort
Smith gallows by his order. He was
at once the most esteemed man in Ar
kansas and the most hated man in In
dian territory. Though he passed the
death sentence on 1919 men, Judge Par
ker was opposed to capital punishment.
He administered justice according to
the laws of his state. He quarreled
with and won victory over the Su-
preme court of the United States.
George Maledon, slim, 1.-THE, smileless
and 6S years old, the man who hanged
lightweight men, Judge Parkers able
lieutenant, the prince of hangmen,"
as they picturesquely put it in the
west, the most famous executioner of
modern times, is another figure of
Hell on the Border" George Male
don was the hangman during most Of
Judge Parker's administration. He
hanged Lightweight men, He was
dubbed Judge Parker's "understudy."
Very grim and picturesque is the
humor of the west in such circum-
stances. S. w. Harmon served on the
jury in the famous terrible" court a
hundred times. He is the author of
the memoirs of what he styles "a great
court and greater judge" to which
he has given the title, Hell on the
Border"
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

Shelbyville, Ind, was lately thrown
into a vortex of excitement by the
maniacal deed of Louis Burkher, who,
after beating his wife near unto death,
fired his residence, and then after
calmly watching it's destruction, com
pleted his work by ending his own life.
That Burkher deliberately planned
these things there seems no question.
That he would have killed his wife as
well as himself there also seems to be
no doubt. Forty years ago Burkher
lived in that city. where he was en-
ployed as a machinist in the carworks.
He was admired for his manly ways.
Going to the country, he prospered,
amas'i"g a comfortable fortune. With
his first wife he reared a family of five
children. After her death he married
four times. Meanwhile, he seemed to
have lost his former amiability, and
when two of his wives sought separa-
ton through the courts, they alleged
sensational misdemeanors. These suits
cost him a goodly portion of his for
tune. Two years ago he married his
fifth wife in indianapolis. She was
widow. For while they lived happi-
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26
CHAPTER XY1II.-lcontlnued.l

CHAPTER I.-(Continued)
One of the men fell-it was Sullivan.
Rolling over on the hillside, he lay
still, shot through the forehead. NO
more lightning rum" would he dis
pense at the charge Of one shilling per
"nobbler;" no more unwary bushmen
would he waylay ara rob of their hard
earned cheques! Sullivans long ca
reer of vice was closed forever and now
he would have to settle a longer score
than ever he had chalked up against
his customers in all his life-a score
such as rogues of his type never expect
to be called upon to pay.
Come on, lads," cried the trooper
Fire; but spare the woman if you
can"
At that moment the door was thrown
open and woman appeared hrlnS
five or six shots from revolver upon
the besieging party.
Rushing into close quarters, and fir
ing at random, the hut was speedily
gained possession Of and then the fight
was over
Stretched upon the floor in q corner,
shot through the heart lay Tom
Baynes; while leaning against the wall
beside him stood the woman, MORALLY
wounded, but still at bay.
With a yell of triumph William Luke
threw himself upon the dead man; but
suddenly he drew back with an excla-
nation of intense amazement. Then
he tore open the wooden shirt upon the
body.
Good heavens" he cried, its a
woman; and as live it is Anne bod
son"
The rest of the mon crowded into the
hut, and a hush of horror fell upon
them, while the hunted creature lean
ing against the wall watched them and
clutched at the rough bark slabs in the
agony of death, presently gasping-
Yes, yes-it is Anne Dodson; true
to me-true to the last, You've won
the game, Bill Luke; you will get the
reward; but |, Edward Bartlett, will
never hang for the murder Of your
brother, or-or-the old man at Froy-
les! The coins-the gold coins-they
are buried-buried beneath Ahw
AS the voice ceased the woman's
black wig slipped and fell off; there
was dull gurgling sound as of one
struggling for breath, and, with a wild
glance around him, Edward Bartlett
fell forward, across the body of the
girl who had loved him. dead!
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26
A FELON'S LOVE.
BY HENRY W. NESFIELD.

was an inmate of the Balarat hospital
Upon arriving at the hospital the
gentleman found to his distress that he
was too late. Edward Dent was dead.
And now a fact transpired that quite
overwhelmed him with amazement.
The medical evidence went to prove
that the skilled laborer who for eight
years had worked upon his estate, and
who had undertaken the arduous toll
of gold-mining for the last two years.
was a woman.
What became of Edwards second
wife was never known-she disap-
peared.
Such are ie facts. Whether the
commission of some great crime in an
other land had led to the womans thus
concealing her identity is matter
which must for ever remain a mystery.
THE END.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26
strange somnambullstlc rrenl..

A lad named Hixtfeld, who lives at
Chattanooga, arose from his bed at 9
O'Clock at night, put on his clothes.
TOOK an electric car for the city and
Went to the depot where he purchased
ticket 70 Rome, Ga Reaching Rome
he took a cab for one of the hotels
where he retired. All this was done
while he was sound asleep. When he
awoke next morning he could hardly
De made to believe that he was not at
home. He returned to the city on the
hrst train He is now suffering from
brain fever
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

one day generation ago a curious
vehicle rolled into Wisconsin town.
It's wheels were solid pieces of wood
sawed from round log its axles small
unhewed trees, upon which rested a
planned log bearing box Of clothing
and yellow-haired brlght-eyed bow
driving an indescribable horse. The
boy was Scandinavian emigrant
whose parents lived in neighboring
woods and he had come to the town
with a few dollars and much determi
nation to get an education. This was
the beginning of the career of Knute
Nelson, the chief of one of the political
parties of Minnesota and one of it's
United States senators. It NAV be
doubted If a single youth who starts
to school this fall will do so with fewer
material advantages than this son OF
Scandinavia. How many will climb as
high?
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26
EPILOGUE.


1t may be stated here that the incl
dents in this story are chiefly founded
upon facts. The following are the
facts
In the year 1S- large sheep-owner
in the colony of Victoria engaged a
married couple for his station. which
was situated some hundreds of miles
from the coast, far up in the interior.
The man, who gave his name as Ed
ward Dent, proved a sober and indus
trious fellow, and smart man at his
work He was a capital plough-man.
amongst other qualifications, and took
several prizes for ploughing at neigh
boring contests. He was a most agree
able mate" and was universally liked
by all the other men on the place, be-
ing of lively disposition and a first
rate concertina-player. The latter ac-
complishment is much priced I'D in the
bush, where there is such a scarcity of
amusement.
His extraordinary affection for his
wife was particularly noticeable. He
would not allow her to do anything in
the way of manual labor. and after his
days work was done he was always to
be seen chopping up the wood for the
house and carrying up the next davis
supply of water from the creek-in
fact, doing all those little things which
most men out there generally leave
their wives to do.
Edward Dent and his wife remained
upon this station for nearly eight
years, but one day, much to his mas
ter's annoyance, he gave notice IN
leave. He wanted to better himself
he said, and had an idea Of trying the
gold mines for change
For about eighteen months the oep-
tleman in whose employment he had
been heard nothing of him. One dav
however, as he was strolling down al
Inns street in Melbourne. he met IA.
ward Dent, and accosted him
He noticed that he was dressed IN ria
deepest mourning.
81 am sorry" he remarked $50 coo
on with these outward signs Of srios
lpon you, Edward. You have bad
ome loss?"
Az, sir, replied Edward-"tboso
black clothes very partially reflect tbo
grief within me. l have lately lost INV
wife" 10y
Poor fellow said his late master
who knew how great his affection had
been for her. And what have Won
been doing of late?"
Il have been working in the Balarat
mines he replied doing fairly we'll
By-the-by, sir, you will be surprised n
hear that am shortly going to he mar
ried again. cannot bear the solitary
FIFE | am leading now after the happv
years | have experienced. am going
TO marry my late wife's sister"
In Victoria marriage with decaased
wife's sister is legal.
Some six months after this mastiro
the gentleman received message from,
Edward to come and see him. He had
met with an accident, having fallen
from ladder in one of the mines and
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

Vast quantities of poor and cheap
commodities are constantly put upon
the market. Yet there is growing
demand for the best products in every
line OF industry This is sign of
economic wisdom as well as of improv-
ing taste. In buying food, furniture.
clothing, tools or machinery. the pur-
ohase-money is but one item of cost.
To say nothing OF repairs, waste. in
ferior service and annoyance, your
whole equipment often suffers from the
ansultableness of one of its factors. but
as one sore finger impalrs the useful
hess OF hand. 1t is good rule to
get the best" that you can afford to
pay for. Nothing is too good for a
man, If he can get 1t honestly.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

ly, but not long ago he decided her
part of his last farm to prevent a
third suit for divorce and alimony.
Through all his trials he never neglect
ed his farm, which is among the best
In the county His home was sub
stantial frame house, the grounds sur
rounding being as neat as a city lawn.
Just before the tragedy he paid
security debt of $25 for one of his sons.
Returning home, he and Mrs. Burk-
her quarreled over this. She, thinking
he would strike her, started to run.
AT the gate of their dooryard he caught
her. She took hold of the gate-post
with both hands. In the struggle that
followed this was pulled over. She
fell to the stone pavement. With a
brutality he had never before exhib-
tied, Mr.. Burkher struck her in the face
with his fist, and then hit her else
where repeatedly, finally being made
to stop by men who were working
nearby Mrs. Burkher then went to
the home of a neighpor, where she re-
NAMED over night, this act doubtless
saving her life. Later in the evening
Burkher went to the home of another
neighbor, saying that he intended to
commit suicide, and offering him let
ter and his pocketbook. These were
refused, and after while Burkher re-
turned home.
1t is thought that he then began
preparations to demolish his home
and end his life. He carried from a
bedroom bed-quilt, which he made
into pallet on the hay in the barn
loft Then he placed three sticks of
dynamite in various parts of the house
each with a fuse longer than the other.
From the barn he could easily watch
the destruction of his pretty home that
had brought him both happiness and
misery. The first explosion aroused
the neighbors and caused them to
hasten to the scene. The second al |
most demolished the house and the
third completed the work, many of
the by-standers having narrow escapes
rom flying timbers. AS the third ex-
plosion occurred, a feather bed, four |
chairs, a small picture and Burkher's |
marriage certificate with his first wife
were thrown out of the building. Fire
then completed the ruin.
A moment later pistol shot caused
the men in the crowd to make an in
vesIlgation. On his pallet on the hay.
Burkher had blown his brains out In
the letter he had written that his do
nestle relations were so unhappy that
he cared no longer to live, and that
ne would destroy his home. In the
pocketbook was check for 500 to paw
his funeral expenses, a check for tbe
same amount for a sister, who lives in
shelbyville, another check for the same
sum and S25 in cash. without disposi-
ton.
Mr.. Burkher was in his seventy-frst
year. He was sober and industrious
That he watched the destruction of his
home, his friends say there can be no
doubt, Satisfied with that act he then
turned his revolver against his head
placing the weapon so close against
he temple that the flesh was burned
tie took the greater part Of the nigbt
% complete his preparations. as il vas
O'Clock in the morning when the frst
explosion occurred His estate had
iwindled to sum hardly exceeding
$4,000.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26
HUSBAND OF FIVE SISTERS.

There are but few men in the United
States who can boast of having been
in turn the husband of five sisters. In
all probability William Mercer, a we'll
TODD farmer, who resides a few miles
south of Huntington, w. Va, holds
this record undisputed.
MERGERS five wives formed the fam
lily of Howard Moffatt of Raccoon
Greek. Jennie, the oldest daughter,
became Mrs. Mercer fifteen years ago.
At that time Mercer had already
reached the sober age of forty-four
years. After Jennie's death, Mercer
married Ada She, like her sister. died
of consumption-an inherited family
disease. The widower then became in
turn the husband of Catharine and
Missouri, both of whom were victims
of their inherited pulmonary troubles
Mercer, who is now SO years of age, is
young for his years. At the festivities
accompanying his last wedding-to
Anna-a few days ago, he grasped the
hand of well-wishing friend and re-
marked, 81 feel younger than did at
eighteen" When asked regarding the
peculiar features of his successive mar
riages he answered: Il simply fell in
love with the whole Moffatt family"
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26
sues for nrench of rr...,..

K. NJ. Davis is the name of a Kansas
City husband, who is being sued Inv
his divorced wife for breach of nrom-
Use. She says that after the divorce
he began counting her again. got her to
agree to remarry him, and then de-
serted her For such peculiarly repre.
hensible conduct as this she thinks She.
deserves at least $4,000
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

In a recent interview Thomas A. Ed
lson said Chemistry undoubtedly
proves the existence of supreme in
telligence. No one can study that
science and see the wonderful way in
which certain elements combine with
the nicely of the most delicate machine
ever devised and not come to the in
evitable conclusion that there is a big
engineer who is running this uni
verse;"
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

Says physician "One cause of
badness Is great intellectually. This
would indicate that badness is for
the purpose of allowing the intellect
TO shine.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

A law was recently passed in Nor
way prohibiting the sale of tobacco 10
any boy under 16 years of age withont
signed order from an adult relative
or employer. Even tourists that Offer
cigarettes to boys render themselves
liable to prosecution. The police are
instructed to confiscate the pipes ci-
gars and cigarettes of lads who smoke
IN the public streets. A fine for the
offense is also imposed, which NAV he
anywhere between 80 cents and sos
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

1t is sometimes difficult to determine
whether a woman loves or hates a
man when she declines to speak his
name.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26
a Natural Inquiry,

From the Chicago News: Shea
young lady acquaintance Of mine 10
framing herself for an EDITOR He.
Indeed! What is the name of the ed
itor she is training herself for?"
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26
DIET FOR RHEUNs
Fruits. Grains and NUS :"
OF Waten

OF Water
Unquestionably the
cause OF rheumatism as Il
migraine. sick headache L
ease. neurasthenia and liz
other kindred diseases ! )
use of flesh food, tea and y I :. !.
coholic liquors, says e00a );
regards remedies, there I" 3
cal agents which are Of a'l !
value in the treatment !
rheumatism. The diseas,
edied only by regimen -'l :.
and training. A simple {
sisting of fruits, grains ' 81
particularly the free 's ,e
must be placed in the ll@ v
the radical curative meas u
if taken in abundance 5 lie
of washing out The asel. Il
ons. An individual ailllls %
matiam in any form sl0 ,,r
as possible, an oui-ol .,or, e
ing daily a sufficient auE e
else to induce vigorous 2.
A cool morning sp0ns' !, = !,
vigorous rubbing, ana ~, -
the Joints most se'lo, '.,.s
night, are measures gnI,l I.
of a faithful trial. E'e " =
is suffering from tni ,,.,sde
give the matter immeu'a 1.o- r.
I # is a an malady which is l.,a. : !,
is one of the ost p0 ,..s !, t
premature old age ana l &C. Il
deterioration. Amerl''iI A, Il
is probably more ol'e !, lat
or the poisons when ~ n
to any other one cause. i
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

which ,.n es !. ! did every day !, !
tor Of this place. to nv ts.' '''' :
OF religion. and was y. y I
a nara by the church w. W.
o 81 ,nt l meet and where IN, \.
Of the council was, wno Y
company and engaged
glass Of wormwood VII.
before before dinner he beIn, ~, :.
friend stayed with hin
he lighted a pine Of ~' y
he was pretty long IN ,s %
oeins willing to leave h.
was out this determines
ing to dinner to one c.,.
whittier | was invited |.
upon the first concussI@
me earth and then into 4 Z
his wife and family. srs &c
were come to dine with n,
been there ! had been loe /
turn to the president ana vi
tobacco; before that va, .lo
the ground rolling under \, ne
which l said to him. Is% ii,
is that" He replied Ito
grave man, 1t is an esn,' ae
not afraid; It will soon / Q
Despite the president, !, m
disappeared, and was p.'. m
again. Continuing, the ia
Il made toward Morgan, ia
/ thought to be there Seem, ne
ing houses, but as | wa, lie
the earth open and svalo' I'll
titude of people, and the i III
in upon them over the en-
Moreover, the large and b, "
ing ground was DESTROYED !
washed away the carcass o
Dor was covered with desi nd
ing up and down. Nv
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

w. W. Aston refuses to sell his
American property. 1t would have
been relief to have him take 1920, OOO,-
600 and go.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

A thermometer will not take the
place of stove.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

A Kansas woman has made bonnet
OF corn husks. Kansas has done nearly
everything else, now it wants to set
the fashion, says an exchange.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26
TRIUMPH OF THE 4

One of the most serion
made of the department n,
several years ago by esss-
Pc e concerned the MONEY #.
in bringing lady bugs h
ia to "infest' California srii
chards. But the lady bug h
dinalis) turned out to b I
most satisfactory imporr
made from the Antlpois. }
preying on the scale that \
ing fruit trees being the nd
ing to this state and Nd
principal landed iDdusria
Now it appears that tie
has performed a like oifa
rus groves Of Portugal
sent to Lisbon from this
have taken hold Of the s
eXterminating it. Thougi Z
the parasites survived ID. Z
ney by rail and sea, tAsi
fecundity enabled them il &
of two years to populate 3
with millions of their Eill
suit Portugal will be able su
compete with Spain and 81
orange and lemon trade Of 9
The success Of the efCH
the scale pest ought to X
of keeping the departmeT
ture flush in funds for pl1l
search. II would be WORT ]!
dollars every year to ibis /
find a natural foe Of The 4
OF the curious pests that 4
ing hops and of insects Il
pasture of the bodies Of dn
mails and poultry. If evWl
its antidote and every flea
er fieas to bite EN-, lhs
the two together is a pFoFs
of government. The way
eu in the matter of scale p
distance to which the SEA
means of exterminating il'1
certainly tends to encou'
however costly, along Il
But it is a quest in whiei
ments may properly bear
special reference to then
biological resources.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26
WATCHED IT BURN.
THEN TURNED A WEAPON up
ON HIMSELF.

ManIacaI Deed of an Indiana Farmer-
Married for the S'xth Time and at the
Age of seventy-One Louis Burkher
Pays the Penalty of Folly.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

A st. Louis gallant bit a young lady
while kissing her and the girl is dan.
gerously Ill. 1t was a toothsome kiss
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

A woman, to say the least-but, then,
1t isn't a woman's nature to say the
least
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

Experience is great teacher, but
somehow the average man never lives
long enough to graduate.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

In the beautiful harbor of Kingston,
Jamaica, few fathoms under water.
sleeps the sunken city of Port Royal.
which was destroyed by an earthquake
in 1892. On a cloudless, still day.
when the surface of the sea is perfect
ly smooth, the ruins of the phantom
city may be plainly seen in the depths
of the transparent water.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

The man who condemns all others,
condemns himself most.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

When marriage claps ON a combina-
tion lock love ceases to laugh at the
locksmith.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

The succulent bivalve is being as
simulated.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

It's always the pen that boasts OF
being mightier than the sword.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

That man doesn't live who thinks
Others value him at his true worth.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-12-26

A woman can exist longer on love
and kisses than a man can.