davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19

aid the incendiaries before or after
their crimes.
Members of the gang have said
they long since lost count of them.
One member, "Old Jack" Page, who
turned states evidence, said:
Il CAN'T BEGIN TO RECOL-
LECT THE NUMBER OF FIRES I
SET MYSELF"
The gang maintained a lodge-like
organization, with countersigns and
sigals. At one time, the authori-
ties have learned, the countersign
was. Il know all about the Keller
fire" Any man who uttered these
words to a member of the gang was
entntled to all needed aid in the lat
ter's power to give.
The Keller fire, one of the gang S
last jobs, was typical of it's methods.
Keller's home was a farm house be-
tween Alvordton and West Unity,
O. Keller arranged with Bill Bonner
they did one night while Keller and
wife were at prayer meeting. All
three were indicted by the Williams
county grand jury and Keller and
Bonner were sent to the penitentiary
for one year, while Swisher was tried
in Fulton county for setting another
fire and was also sent to the peniten-
tiary.
Prior to these convictions the fire
bugs had seemed immune from ar
rest, for the gang always took care
to provide an alibi for the members
conce rned.
1t numbered in it's roster men of
political influence, locally, and it has
been said that the gang often elected
its own" prosecuting attorney and
judges in its home counties.
At any rate, it would have been
difficult to draw a jury in any one
of the counties without including
some of the gangs secret allies.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19

Even citizens righteously hostile
TO the lawless organization were ter
rorized into silence and for years no
man in the three counties dared
speak a word openly that might be
constructed as inimical to the gang
For not all of the gangs acts were
for gain. The torch was applied, it
is, said. as often for revenge as for
greed
Fires, though frequent in the COM
munities were subject tabooed
Even in the family circle they were
scarcely mentioned. Children were
brought up to believe it wrong to use
the word lest some chance remark
might bring the father under the
gangs suspicion and the family be
left homeless by a night fire, from
which some of it's members might
not escape.
IT is KNOWN THAT SEVERAL
LIVES HAVE BEEN LOST IN
FIRES STARTED BY THE GANG
FOR REVENGE.
In the fires set with the conniv-
ance of the owner, of course there
was no loss of life-with the posi-
BILE exception of one or two unlucky
tramps-and frequently the loss of
property was not nearly so great as
the insurance adjuster were led to
believe. However, attempts to save
property secretly in such cases were
frowned upon by the gang as not
strictly business" and the gang, as
a rule devoted it's energies exclusive
the firebrand.
notable exception to this rule
was the attempt to murder and rob-
berry of Samuel Ayers, of West Unity,
Nov. 81. 1897. Ayers was a wealthy
cattle buyer whose habit it was to
withdraw from $500 to $4,000 from
the village bank every Friday evening
to pay for cattle to be delivered by
farmers next day The job was
planned by Homer Morrison, saloon
keepers, leader of the gang and Ayers
friend. He brought Waldo Ely, a
professional crook, an from IaIAAes
City and instructed him how to hold
up Ayers.
The plan failed only because
| Ayers, contrary to his habit, had a
revolver that night and used it. Ely
shot to save himself, wounding Ayers
| in two places and so arousing the viii
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19
$4,000 FOR A NAME.

The Modern Irrigation and Land
Co, are laying out a large tract of
land in ten acre tracts six miles east
of Howard street, in the garden
spot of the Spokane valley which
they propose to irrigate from wells,
operated by electricity. This tract
is the cream of the Spokane valley
The company is DESTROYS of an appro-
pirate name and will pay $40 for the
name they adopt. Competition open
to ALL All names must be in by jan
uary 20. Address Modern Irrigation
& Land Co, I Wolverton block. Spo-
kane, Wash.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19

TOLEDO. O., Jan. 19.-With the
Letcher trial at Bryon next month
the state of Ohio will enter upon the
last chapter of its expose of the
most remarkable gang of incendiar-
lists ever organiZed-a gang that
operated in northwestern Ohio, east
ern Indiana and southeastern Mich
igan for rs years, that was COM
posed of men of repute in their COM
mnities, that reduced arson to such
a buSinesslike basis that INHUR-
ANCE COMPANIES WERE ROBBED
OF $1,500,000, and that perfected
it's organization to such a degree
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19
FOR SICK AND NERVOUS PEOPLE

We have a cure for nervous and
unsteady people, weak. fleshless peo-
pie. and pimply, pale or sallow peo-
pie; people who are troubled With
loss of ambition. failing memory,
depression of spirits. lack of con-
fidence. nervous headache and wake
fulness--all these symptoms are pro-
duccd by weakened nerves, brought
on by the watery condition of the
blood. Make strong. ricn, rel blood
and furnish food for the nerves is
the way to stop the source of dis
ease. and the cure then is only
question of days. The best flesh and
blood builder is DIR. Gums Blood and
Nerve Tonic. in tablet form, to take
at meal time. Sells at Use a box, or
three boxes for 81. at all druggists.
People gain from one to three pounds
of solid, healthy flesh per week by
the use Of this medicine That is an
indication it is doing good. For sale
by all druggists.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19

that it's members, though guilty of
many crimes went unpublished for a
quater of a centuary.
Letcher himself is but one of the
big band of men charged with in
ceudarism, but hic case and trial
now forms the nucleus for one of the
most astonishing stories of Grimm
alty ever told in these United
States.
The gang had it's beginning in 1874.
In Williamson, this state, it had
it's headquarters. thought operated
in Fulton and LoCas-co impartially
aud spread tine the two adjoining
sta,ss
The leaders or the gang lived ~
Williamson. Like most of its other
members, they were men OF business
tanding-farmers, merchants, sa-
loonkeepers and the like. To all APP
pearances, they attended strictly to
their own business.
IN REALITY THEY WE'RE AS
EXECUTING THEIR CRIMES AS
THEY WERE IN THE DAY TINE
AT THEIR STORES OR ON THEIR
FARMS.
Their main line of business was
the burning of property. by collu-
sion with the owner, for the consider
alton the owner reimbursing him
self out of his insurance. Though
more profitable to themselves, the
incendiarists seldom burned their
own property, fearing to fix suspi-
cion upon themselves They pre-
reproachable men OF business, while
for share of the proceeds, of which
the fire insurance companies were
defraudcd.
The gang sought as confederatcs
men desperately In debt who were
possessed of buildings or chattels
heavily insured or capable of being
so insured When such "a man was
found one OF the gang-likcly
enough respected business &C.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19
PRETTY WEDDING

A pretty afternoon wedding took
place yesterday at the residence OF
Mrs. Rachael Jacobs, S525 Madison
street, when Miss Bessie Startsman
was married to William M. Wood.
The ceremony was conducted by Rev.
James Wood of Rossland, B. c., a
brother of the groom.
The ,.,sidax was attired in blue
broadclS traveling gown and was
attended by Miss Jacobs. She was
formerly a school teacher in the city
schools, but later taught at Seattle.
The groom is customs collector for
the Canadian government The couple
will reside at Rossland.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19
STRANGE ACCIDENT
ON CANNON HILL

Three men, whose names are I'M
known. were severely injured this
morning by the falling in price of
some beautiful lots on Cannon hill.
The accident occurred when two of
the partners made it known to the
third that the partnership must be
dissolved at once. The extent of the
injury can be ascertained by calling
prices of these lots will be made
known and a description of the lots
given. Each lot will be sold for about
5000 below it's actual value.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19
SPOKANE. Wash, May s, 1904.
Medical Lake Salt Mfg. Co.,
Spokane, Wash:


Gentlemen--about n year ago
was troubled with inflammatory
rheumatism In my feet and was com
PEELED to go about with a cane, and
suffered great deal during that time.
gentleman told me of Medical Lake
Salts, which he said were good for
that disease. l tried the Salts for
six days and found it TO be success
full bathed my feet once every night
In hot water in which the salts had
been dissolved and then wrapped my
feet in wooden cloths. l did this for
six days and on the sixth day was
abls to walk without cane. can
recommend 1t 20 anyone for that pur-
pose and appreciate the fact that IL
helped me. Yours truly.
JNO. n. BLACKBURN.
-
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19
CARLISLE

A committee from the chamber of
commerce is making arrangements
for the funeral of the late Professor
w. ID. Carlisle, who died suddenly at
Boise while addressing a meeting of
fruit growers. The remains will ar
rive here today and will be taken
to the Turnbull undertaking rooms,
where the funeral will be held.
Mrs. Carlisle is Frustrated with
grief. She is the guest of L. Il. Reese,
Hap Ide avenue.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19
INAUGURAL BALL
Especial to The Press.)

VSpeCIaI 10 TIC FTHSS.J
OLYMPIA, Wash, Jan. 19.-The
inaugural ball given in honor of Gov
ernor and Mrs. Mead and the newly
elected state officers by the people
of this city last evening was bril-
liant success. All parts of the state
were represented and the hotels were
filled TO overlooking with guests. The
reception was held in the capitol
building. The receiving line was
headed by Governor and Mrs. Mead
and the governors staff and their
wives. The ball was opened by Mayor
p. H. Corlyon and Mrs. Mead, fol-
lowed by Governor Mead and Mrs.
Corlyon.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19

For years I suffered from back
ache and piercing pains in the side,
caused by kidney trouble, which
threatened my life The doctors said
1t was Bright's disease. My liver was
also affected. Nothing seemed to
reach my trouble. We had a friend
who was cured of chronic kidney
trouble by Warmers Safe CUE, and
she persuaded me to try 1t. At the
end of the first week 1 was greatly
relieved, the pains In my back we're
not so frequent or SO severe. After
taking three bottles I was lIred. This
occurred about year ago, and have
-Estelle Blanchard. 1913 Columbus
ave-, New Orleans, April 16, 1904.
Pains in back, head and side: rest
lessness at night, poor digestion, fe-
male ills. etc. are never-failing signs
of kidney disease. If you have any
EXAMINE YOUR URINE.
It's an infallible test Of kidney dis
ease. If your morning urine, on
standing "a hours, contains a sedi-
ment, is cloudy, or shows floating
PARTICLES. your kidneys are seriously
diseased and must be treated at once.
There Is emily one remedy that can
be used with absolute safety and con-
fidence-Warner's Safe Cure, put up
for years at Rochester. N. Y. by the
Warner Safe Cure Company. and sold
at all drug stores, so cents and 81 a
bottle.
Warmers Safe Cure Is used by lead
ing physicians, and in hospitals. as
the one certain cure for all diseases
Of kidneys. liver. bladder and blood
the remedy that cures when all else
fails, and leaves no bad after effects.
Get bottle today; 1t will save you
years of suffering. 1t has saved thou
sands of lives.
WARMERS SAFE PILLS move the
bowels gently and aid a speedy cure.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19
SCALE OF PRICES.

So methodical We're these
fire bugs that they had an es-
tablished scale of prices for
their services. 1t was as fol-
lows:
For burning a small barn,
$50 to $500.
For burning large barn
500 to $l75.
For burning a dwelling
house, 5000 to 5000.
For burning a store, $500 to
5000.
The scale varied somewhat,
according to the amount of in
surance carried and the risk
of detection.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19
CHILDREN POISONED,

Many children are poisoned and
made nervous and weak, IL not killed
outright. by mothers giving them
cough syrups containing opiates
Foley's Honey and Tar is safe and
certain remedy for coughs. Group and
lung trouble, and Is the only promi-
nept cough medicine that contains
nqAapiates or other poisons. Sold by
Gins. McNab. 4O2 RiNerside aXenue
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19

The Kent Lumber company has
brought an action in Judge Huneke's
court to eject Harry Burchertt and
wife from "A certain piece of property
located in section 3, township % and
range 43.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19
LOOK UP THIS SNAP.

Forty-four room lodging house, in
heart of city, income $3.50 per month.
rent $3.50 per month. y fine business
proposition. Reasons for selling. Easy
terms. Address w, Press.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19

The White Ribbon Union of the w
c. T. T.. will hold a mothers meeting
tomorrow at 2:3O p. m. at the resi-
dence of Mrs. G. w. Brown, E305
Augusta avenue.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19
SUMMARY FACTS OF Williams
FULT0N.LUCAS-tO. BAND OF FIREBUcS

Gang organized in 1874. Numbered o men,.
a basis buld
from so
operated for % years throughout northwestern Ohio
Estimated losses
fire depart
The by Over in
dictments Eighteen
Two members of the committed
minen
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19

Take 50 from 1865, divide So by the
product; the result you get will be
what The Press costs you daily by
the year in country.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19

layers that Ely was forced to run
before getting Ayers money.
Morrison and others of the gang
concealed Ely and eventually Snug
gled him out of the state, after a
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19
Spokane Stamp Works,
Postoffice Building.
Manufacturers Of RUBBER, STEEXs
BRASS and ALUMINIUM sTA1lYO
and DIES OF every description.
Catalog Free.
Exchange National Bank
OF sPoxAHn. WASH.

Designated Depository United States.
1dpildl .t80V,uVV.uO
Surplus and undivided
profits .................$1 79,53S9
e. j. Dyer. president; Charles
Sweeny, vice president; c. E. Nc
Broom. cashier; w. n. Shaw. assist.
ant cashier.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19
GANG MADE ARSON A BUSINESS
FOR QUARTER OF A CENTURY

PARTS
INDIANA AND MICHIGAN FOR GAIN AND REVENGE--INSURANCE
COMPANIES ROBBED MILLION
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19


of rrauya % the rand sHensh Of til Bold BaA
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-19

Observation-Disclosures.
Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1905-11-21
A Satisfied Purchaser.

A short time ago we mentioned the
shipment Of a coupl. of rams by the
@. d. Nichols Live Stock Co., to the
Homestead Farm at Walpole, N. 81.
That they were eminently satisfactory
is shown by a letter received by Mr..
Nichols since the arrival OF the sheep.
Mr.. Slade, the manager of the farm,
writes: "Find check for $40 in pay
ment for the fine rams you sent US.
We have been disappointed before
this in sending away for rams, but we
are perfectly satisfied this time. /
shall retain your address and If in
want Of anything in your line will
write you. The smaller ram is to be
named HON stead Champion and tie
other one is to be named Meadow
champion. +"
Mr., Nichols should be and doubt
less is, proud of such hattering tes-
timonial as to the quality of his fam
Gus Snropshires, coming as it does
from one of the best fine stock farms
in the east Giving the name of The
farm to one of the rams shows that
they consider it in the very highest
class.
Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1905-11-21
A Fo " ul Murder Mystery.

Last week Duncan Mcintosh, while
cutting wood south of Cresco near the
Turkey River, discovered a mound of
earth from which protruded some
bones and a couple of old shoes. One
of Cresco's citizens who heard Of the
find at once associated the bones with
the mysterious disappearance of a
young man who was supposed to have
been murdered down on the river a
number of years ago. He communl-
Gated his theory to Marshal Brown
and on Sunday he and Sheriff Campbell
and several others proceeded to the
lonely spot and discovered-a barrel
full Of chicken and turkey bones, and
some old shoes and rubbsrs that
someone had dumped there and par
TALLY covered.
Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1905-11-21

| Mrs. Griff. Owen and children visited
over Sunday with Lime Springs reia-
tives.
New air-tight sheet iron stoves
from 81 90 up, at Strayer's Tin Shop,
nerth-east of Electric Light plant.
For next 80 days, will sell the Ma
tional Cream Separator for 30 per cent
discount. @. f. STEVENS.
Mrs. Wilbur Prann and children
arrived Saturday from SilDy, S. D.,
for 3 visit with their Cresco relatives.
Mr.. and Mrs E. D. Warrington have
little daughter 10 their family which
arrived last Friday morning, the nth.
You will find F. L. Daubersmitb
selling Talking Machines and all
kinds of records, opposite Alliance
Store.
M. ]. Flemming left yesterday
morning for Sims, N D, with a
party Of Cresco people, looking for
Dakota land.
Apple Pie Social In basement OF
Baptist church Thursday evening,
Nov. 23rd. Refreshments 1oc. Every
body invited.
Mrs. Ed Wentworth and children
OF Cresco arrived in tawn Tuesday for
q fee days visit with friends. Rice
vile Recorder.
] B. Y, p. q. will have an Apple Pie
Social this week Thursday in the
basement of the church Every body
come and have good time.
| For RENT-A good office room on
the main street, with or without city
heat. Enquire of
Q. d. NICHOLS.
Honey for sale, both comb and
textraeted, at my residence west enc
Of Park St. q. 81. ELDRIDGE,
4. Cresco, Iowa.
| Bill can give you hair cut that
will make the ladies laugh. Bill car
give you hair cut that will start you
off in style. No extra charge fol
neck shave.
| Pains may go by the name of rheu
matism, neuralgia, lumbago, pleurisy
!! No matter what name the pains are
called. HOLSTERS Rocky Mountain
Tea will drive them away. IS cents
Tea or Tablets Snld by DR.. Connolly.
Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1905-11-21
WANrED-Girls at strother House

7 ~
WANTED-G Girls at Strother House.
IS John McCook made business trip
to Austin, Mimi, yesterday.
Q. n. Wallace was in from Saratoga
traDsacting business yesterday.
% Sewing machines, all great bar
gains, at KELLoGG's music store.
Mrs. II. w. Bunton left Saturday
i for q visit with re latives at Ossian.
DR.. j. ]. Ahern, Office at residence,
two blocks north of M. E.. Church.
For SALE-Store Building and land
at LourdeS. @. M. MONTAGUE.
A fine plano used few months. at
3 sacrifice, at KELLoGG's music store.
j. w. Randolph and B. M. Johnston
were down from Lime Springs, yester-
day.
Mrs. Fannie Mintey is visiting her
mother, Mrs. Libble Often, of Howard
Center.
For SALE.--A few good breeding
sslewes: Enquire OF 8. s. Culver, r. F.
ID. No. 3.
DR.. j. w. Jinderlee, Physician and
Surgeon. Front rooms over Connolly y
drug store. 1Otf
De. W. T. DAILY, physician and SUR
geon. ONCE over Lomas s. Milz
Drug Store.
o. O. Cole and wife were up from
Fayette for an over Sunday visit with
the Libbey families.
For SALE--A we'll improved 40 acre
farm miles from Cresco. Enquire
Of ]. M. Cannon, Land Agency.
Don't forget the Apple Pie Socia
Thursday evening of his week in the
basement of the Baptisu church.
Ii you want farm loan at a low
rate Of interest, see American Loar
8 Trust Company, Cresco, Iowa.
Rooms for Rent-in the McCarville
residence. Key on the premises. En-
quire Of Mrs. Louise Collins.
Wanted Girl for general house
work. Good wages and easy p lace.
Mrs. g.. Gill.
FOR SALE OR RENT-My residence
In Oresco. Inquire Of Chas. Caward.
lO0tf j. B. CAwARD. Z
Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1905-11-21
Real Estate Transfers.

The following transfers were filed
with the county recorder for.the week
ending Nov, 18th:
Thomas ReRan to j. T. Ayers
and F. D. Elwood, / NV 3sec
12 97-14. ......... 1888 5000
Herman Fl. SchnadJ and wife to
Richard Geraty, ne ! sec 49,
sS-l3 Observation-Disclosures. 5000
Hugh 81. Williams to Leo Biel,
lot l, irreg snrv NV NV and
g hf NV 4 g IA $40 acres of NV
/, also lot l3 irreg surv sw
ne and 9 IA s-10a NV sec IL.
100-12 .......... ..... ...... 4o(
Evan r. Morris and wife to
Hugh b. Williams, all Of lots
9, 10, II, IL, ID and IA, except
sw4 lot II, in blk /, all In
Lime Springs. So. 100(
Mary Ann Pelton and husband
to George w. Lewis, lot 9 and
10 in W 1, NV I, Sec. 10-100-14. 205t
Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1905-11-21

| Howard Marshall leaves this week
q short visit with his son Howard at
Minneapolis and with his daughter at
Grinnell, Iowa, and in'the course of a
couple of weeks will go toi California
to spend the winter with his brother
Gregory and family, and also his
daughter-in-law, Mrs. Arthur Mar.
shall.
James Prochaska will have an Au c
tfon sale on his farm miles south of
Cresco, near Ed Slama's, on Wednes-
day, Nov. 29th, commencing at 10 a.
m. Included in the sale are several
horses, some cattle, farm machinery
and household goods The .usual
terms care given. Finegan is the
Auctioneer.
! Don't fail to attend the grand open
ing performance of the German Medi-
cine Company, Monday, November 81,
at the Opera House, for one week.
All good, clean, wholesome comedy
and vaudeville acts. Not quiet mo-
ment from start to finish of enter
tainment- Admission on opening
night, two cents.
DR.. John j. Clemmer has sold his
dental practice at Marshafltown and
will return to Cresco, and about Dc.
lst will open dental Office in the
front rooms over Sobolik's Hardware
Store. DR.. Clemmer is a graduate of
the Northwes tern University's 's dental
department., at Chicago, and has
enjoyed good patronage at MARSHALL
town.
DR.. Jinderlee, In response to re-
Quests from parties in North Dakota,
took a trip through that state a few
days ago with view to locating therr,
but we are glad to learn that he does
not ontemplate moving for the pres
ent at least, as the inducements uffer-
ed we're not enough better than his
excellent practice here to warrant. the
change.
| The ladies of the w. o. L. C. I. A.,
have been fortunate in securing Mr.
Denton @. Crowl, the portrayalist,
for their annual Thanksgiving enter
tainment that is to be given in the
Methodist church on Thanksgiving
night. Mr.. Crowl comes highly recon-
mended by the press and pulpit aud
his appearance in our city should be
greeted by large sized audience.
The German Medicine Company will
inaugurate series of entertainments
lasting six nights, commencing Mon
day, November 9th, at the Opera
House. The company has the reputa-
tion OF giving the cleanest and most
Iplsasing evening enjoyment ever Of
fered by medicine company, every
member being star in his chosen
line. No vulgarity is tolerated to cause
a laugh. All clean, wholesome meri-
toriouslaughs. They inform US that
the admission the first night Is two
cents. Come out and see them.