Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-10-09
Vigilance Committee and
Band of Miners Fight
Over Horse.
WOMEN DEFEND CAMP
Several Shots Are Fired and the Far.
mers Call Upon the Sheriff and
Police for observation-disclosures Es.
cape.

A band of movers numbering about
fifteen men, women and children, gave
battle last evening to posse of Rich
land township farmers who were at
tempting to recover horse belonging
to Rollin Shaw, alleged to have been
stolen by the wanderers. Guns were
freely used, but as it happened no one
was hurt. The farmers were repulsed
and sent to Ottumwa for reinforce
ments. Sheriff Suits, Captain Gray
and Deputy Sheriff Jasper Giltner re-
sponded, each armed with Colts revol-
vers, the riot gun. rifle and other ar
tillery.
Men Escaped.
On the top of Court hill the women
were met coming into town and were
taken to a vacant lot near the depot
where they were corralled together
with their wagons, horses and other
belongings. The men, however, had
made their escape and are yet at liber-
ty with the exception of one who was
later arrested while proving around
the camp. Efforts are being made to
capture the remainder of the party,
but in the meantime those now in GUS
tody will have hearing before Squire
Campbell on the charge of stealing a
horse, disturbing the peace and resist
ing arrest.
Passed Thru ottumwa.
Yesterday afternoon a band of NOV
ers passed thru the city with four COW
cred wagons and four buggies. The
party composed several men, women
and children. About nightfall they
reached point near the old CARPENTER
farm, about six miles north of the
city, and prepared to go into camp,
One of the farmers in that vicinity
passed along and noticed that they had
a horse which he thought belonged to
Rollin Shaw, neighbor. Mr.. Shaw
was informed of the matter and a
number of the Richland township vigi-
lance committee gathered together.
Demanded the Horse.
Upon coming to the camp possession
of the horse was demanded and refus-
ed. The committee was not strong
numerically and sent out for reinforce
ments. Possession of the horse was
again demanded and the posse was in
formed, it is said, that the first man
that attempted to take the animal
would be shot. An attempt was made
to take the animal. whereupon the
movers drew their guns and began fir
ing. The vigilance committee retreat
ed, a portion of them coming to OF
tumwa where the services of the Off
GERS were enlisted.
Sheriff SHUTS, Deputy Sheriff Jasper
Giltner, Captain Gray and Officer
Black responded. They were armed
with the riot gun, rife and each man
carried Colts revolver. At the top
of Court hill the women were met COM
ing to town with the wagons and hors-
es and were followed by large num-
Der of the vigilance committee. The
women and the outfit were corralled
near the Union depot where it will
stay until otherwise disposed Of.
John Babcock Arrested.
Some time after things had quoted
down man was seen lettering near
the camp. Captain Gray Immediately
suspected that the fellow was connect
ed with the outfit and placed him un-
der arrest The women were casually
asked if they knew him and they re-
piled that they did. He gave his name
as John Bbcock and will have trial
before Squire Campbell today together
with the women, one of whom is said
to have assaulted two of the posse
with neck yoke and came very near
Draining Sam Brown, formerly of
this city, but now of Richland town
ship.
A hunt is being made for the re-
mainder of the gang, but mounted up
on horses, they may have gotten be-
yond reach by this time.
Mr.. Shaw recovered his horse and
unless they return to this vicinity it is
not likely that great amount of time
will be expended in effecting the cap
ture of the fugitives.
ORGANIZE ROOSEVELT cIlla