Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1904-09-08
DIED N A FELON' 5 GILL
Fred Rockefeller, Once a Re-
spected Iowa Business Man
Dies a Convict
HIS DOWNFALL WAS RAPID ONE
Conducted Clean and Reputable Bust
ness Until He Fell In With Gamblers
When He Began Career of Crime
Became the Leader of Gang of OAR
ing Burglars.


Des Moines, Sept Sired Rockefel-
Ter, once an honest Des Molnes bust
ness man and then notorious crook, Is
dead.
Des Moines friends have received
word of the demise of the man WIN
perhaps the most meteoric career OF
any crook that ever operated IN Des
Moines. He died in the penitentiary IN
Waupun, Wis, where he was serving
a sentence for planning a burglary OF
the most daring sort at La crosse.
The story of his life reads like dime
novel. and many substantial Des
Moines business men will recall a day,
not long past, when Fred Rockefeiler
was regarded as the most truthful OF
business men. His watchword was in
tegrity.
Rockefeller came to Des MONIES
about ten years ago. He had pleh'y
of money, all Of which had been non
estly earned. He at once began ne
ootiations for the establishment OIL
Substantial concern, and rented the
three floors of the building which now
towns the lower part of the Elliot no.
te1 In the building he performed Won
a.ars in fitting up and in snort tlllle
had started in operation the hiie'1 nv.
lizard and pool parlor IN iowa IN,
plyliard and pool parlor IN loWa' ~
floors were cut thru for the purpose
furnishing balconies for spectators anu
the tables and fixtures were OIL liie pese
In the basement was cosby po" iiiie
alley. ,,i,,ss
He was given a welcome by business.
mon who desired a clean plaee W
amusement such as Rockefeller oiier-
ed. They gave him everything ne asA-
ed. and his word was his pond. Foi
a long time he prospered. he hau
wife and children whom he adored ana
who worshipped him. Then the temp
ter came.
CHANGING to gain the acquaintance OF
a number of gamblers, he soon eVliceu
a desire to be part spokesman IN the
huge profits which they were SHARING
No longer able to keep within the
bounds of integrity, he essayed the role
of gambling house keeper on small
scale. In his billiard hall he set up
few tables, and soon his profits We're
enlarged.
But Rockefeller was not a good
gambler.
He had not the stamina to refrain
from playing with the fire which he
offered to others, and soon he was
loser to the extent OF many thousands
at cards and varied gambling Devices
He went from bad to worse and soon
was in debt and given the cool glances
Of his former friends the business
men.
Then his billiard palace left him. His
debts swallowed the place and Rookie
teller went further down.
Member Prince Gang.
About this time, the notorious Char
lie Prince gang had its headquarters in
Des Moines. Out on East Walker
street, Nellie, wife of the leader of the
gang, held forth with the rendezvous,
Members of the lotteries of burglars
thieves and sneaks were scattered over
the state and portions Of adjoining
states Their depredations extended
everywhere, and authorities were al
ways on the alert in the hope of catch
ing the infamous leader.
Rockefeller fell in the snares of Nell
lie Prince.
Soon he was identified with the head
of the outlaw organization and was
active in planning the most desperate
raids. His fall had been slow but sure.
From a station of respect and confl-
dence he fell to one of ignominy. But
he was a poor thief. He had not the
cunning nor evil nature which leads
men to kill without remorse. With him
it was desperation in it's last stage.
Charlie Prince was shot down in
hotel in Quincy while resisting arrest.
Then Nellie Prince, already command
ing Rockefeller with her very glance,
took the befuddled novice with her on
a tour Of robbery. In Burlington he
was arrested and the gang was nearly
bankrupted in securing his release.
Then to Illinois where trouble was
again encountered, but this time sue
cessfully.
Mrs. Rockefeller, who thru years
of patient suffering had awaited the
time when her misguided husband
should return to her, secured a divorce
and endeavored to forget the man she
had once honored above all others and
with right.
The finale came in Lacrosse. Rock
efeller planned great burglary which
was to set the gang right. He did SO
but there We're police officers, and the
business man respected and honored;
thief ignored and the companion of
orb Ia criu
sentence of eight years and he has
died in prison.
SAFE CRACKERS MAKE HAUL.