Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1902-12-29
Four Men Make Desperate
Fight Against Masked and
Determined Robbers
JOE HOWARD SHOT THREE TIMES
Considerable Mystery Attaches to the
Victims of the Hold up-Live in
Luxurious Apartments and Are Flush
With Money-No One Knows Their
Z Business,
Special to Times-Republican.

Z
Clinton. Dec. 29.-Saturday night,
three robbers, all wearing masks per-
petrated one of the boldest hold-ups in
the history of this city. The victims
were Joe Howard. who also goes by
the name Of Joe Frogg, and three com
panions who came here from Chicago
few months ago. They have elegant
apartments on Seventh avenue and 1t
was here the robbery took place. How
Ard resisted and was shot three times
by q robber with whom he engaged in
what ne supposed was death strug-
gle. Howard had $1,000 in belt $3.50
IN his inside waistcoat pocket, a val
uable diamond ring and a Diamond
stud and did not intend to part WITH
his valuables without struggle. he
confined his efforts to an attempt to Sc
cure d pistol out of drawer. Divin-
Ing his attentions, the robher attempted
TO kill Howard. However, the men were
so tightly clasped in each others arms,
that the aim of the robber was not
true and every wound inflicted was a
Clancing one. One bullet laid open the
right side of the neck, another glanced
Off the left shoulder, while the third
made q flesh wound in the right hip.
Seeing he could not reach his pistol,
Howard, as he received the last wound.
fell to the floor and feigned death III
the hopes the robbers would take
flight. But In this he was disappointed,
as the man commenced to tear How
ards clothes open in order to secure
the money in the belt. Howard then
renewed the struggle. He broke loose
from the robber and kicked out the
window, sash and all and called loudly
for help. The robber dealt him a ter
rife blow en- the head, laying open
Heward's scalp, then called to his COM
panions to fee and all hurriedly left
the room and made good their escape
thru an alley and no trace of them
has been found. While Howard was
engaged with the lone robber one Of
his companions relieved the other three
men of their valuables, while the third,
with loaded pistol, stood guard at the
top of the stairs. The robber succeeded
In pulling Towards diamond stud from
his Tie, but in an attempt to take a ring
from Howard's finger, the latter Sc
j
q cuspidore, where he secured 1t later.
/. sItSis the opinion Of the police that
hrofessionals committed the robbery,
but that they were given a Tip" by
local men. The police say there is an
organized gang which makes bust
ness Of holding up gambling houses.
which are located in different cities
by locals. who share in the plumber.
Ia similar robbery took place here 6
few months ago.
The robbery naturally brought up the
question as to who the four men are
who have such elegant apartments here
end what is their business. However
no one has been able to answer this
question. They came here a few months
ago, rented a suite of rooms, which
they furnished in lavish style. Rich
Brussels carpets are on the floors, tho
walls are covered with costly pictur IS,
while divans, lounges and leather chairs
add to the luxurious furnishings. How
ard is man of considerable refinement,
dresses in the heighth of fashion and
appears to be a man Of considerable
wealth. They do not conduct gam
bling house. yet their apartments are
1reuuented by noted gamblers of this
and other cities Howard receives, it
lis said several kilograms a. day, brit
nothing has been learned from these.
When he first came here he stated he
was going to open up a boxing train
Ing school and promote prize fights,
but so far as known nothing has beer
done by him in this line in this city.
His body bears several scars ana
while the physicians were making an
examination OF his wounds, he stated
he was held up a few years ago in
the city of Memphis and was shot
four times He said he did not care 10
much for the money which he carried,
but would allow no man to rob him He
put UP plucky fight and saved his
cash and diamonds. Had his compan-
Ions showed equal bravery, the rob
beers would not have escaped so easily.
They secured 5000 from the other three
Victims.