Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1904-09-27
SHERCLIFFE TALKS
Tells Of His Experience With Denni-
son During His ParoIe--Fort Madi-
son Democrat Publishes Interesting
Story Cleaned From Interview With
the Prisoner.
!, Times Republican,.

Special to Times Republican.
Des Moines, Sept. Fisherman w.
Morris, alias Frank Shercliffe, has gone
to Logan, Harrison county, where he
placed himself himself under the con-
troll of the sheriff of the county until
such time as he should be needed
in the trial of Tom Dennison.
Before leaving Fort Madison and
while with Attorney p. Il. Thomas. of
Omaha, and l.. e. Fay, of Clinton, he
related the story of his life, which is
printed in the Fort Madison Democrat,
in an extended interview. Much OF
| it covers the well known ground pre-
vious to his parole from the prison by
Gov. Shaw. Regarding his later ex-
periences he stated:
"My feet had hardly struck the
pavement in Omaha when l reached
there after being parored, when Den
nison wanted me to rob Donnelly's
gambling house because Donnelly
would not allow him to blackmail him
(Donnelly) out Of half of his winnings.
1 protested and said I was going to
live up to my parole, that anyone
having as much money as he (Denni-
sony was worth ought not to ask me to
break into the pen
Gave Dennison Trouble.
"Then there was q start to close
Dennison up in business, with the as
sistance of l.. e. Fay, of Clinton, Iowa.
L. E. Fay visited and interviewed me
at the pen The only thing he want
ed or expected was the recovery of his
brothers diamonds, his brother having
been held up and robbed at Clinton.
He wante dto know the usual course of
diamonds disposed of In Omaha, or to
know of any fences in Omaha, for dis
posing of stolen diamonds. l referred
him to Dennison. I gave Dennison all
the trouble possible and lie will be the
luckiest man on earth if he is not
brought to Iowa to answer for his
crimes at the bar of justice and COM
PEELED to serve time for the Pollock
diamond robbery.
sherciiffe Statement.
"Mr. Fay's first visit to me was in
March, 1903, and in September, 1903,
he came again, when l gave him
sworn statement of Dennison's con-
notion with the ROBBERY and furnished
him with letters which Dennison had
written, including statement of ex-
penses, which was published generally
in the newspapers. l then went be-
fore the grand jury at Logan, by re-
quest of Attorney Thomas, and made
a complete statement of my deals with
Dennison, which resulted in his indlct-
ment. intend to appear as a witness
against him at Logan, believing it to
be a, duty owe the community.
Refused to Be Scaped.
knowing that my brother was go
ing to visit me, H. G. Mcmillan of Ce-
dar Rapids wrote a letter to him say
ing that he wanted to see him before
he came here. My brother granted the
request, when Mcmillan gave him to
understand I would be arrested at the
prison gate, when released, ana taken
to Fairfield to answer to the charge OF
robbery, and intimated that he could
pull off the officials by using his inf1u-
ence. providing 1 would not testify
against Dennison.
Says Bribery Attempted.
"Attorney Egan, of Logan, repre-
senting Dennison, made two trips with
nv brother to see me, but refused to
talk to him or any representative OF
Dennison without two witnesses being
present. He tried bribery and 1ntlml-
dation and attempted to get an affl-
davit from me contradicting my state
ments before the grand jury at Logan,
and also presented logical arguments
from his standpoint In support of his
case. but refused to listen to any ar
eument in the interest of Dennison.
Converted by Mrs. Booth.
.sWhen Mrs. Ballington Booth, the
Little Mother visited the Fort Mad
ison prison little over q year ago"
said Morris, 81 was deeply impressed
with what she said, every word seem
ing to enter my heart. So convinced
was by her talk that when she called
for volunteers to rise, those who had
it in their hearts to try to lead better
lives, was, I think, the first to stand.
I then resolved to free myself from
my sinful ways, and to lead a good
life, and I am keeping my resolution
ana intend, with the help of God, to
continue to keep it so long as I live.
1 am converted / am proud and happy
to say. Had is not been for circu1n-
stances requiring my staying in Iowa.
I would have started Immediately for
New York, now upon my release to
place myself directly under Mrs.
Booths influence"
The democratic campaign will open
in Indiana October T. when NJ. E. In