davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26
Of THE GRIM BLUE MOUNTAINS
Bloody Brutal Murders nsoed Deeds Of Violence Unpublished and
Mysterious Chastity Finds the History Of Dread CPoup-R c.
Brgon Gives Graphic Tale Of Hills

The Disappearance of little Cecil
Britain from the Toll Gate adds to
the list of the numerous mysteries,
murders and deeds of violence that
have occurred in the Blue Mountains
in the past twenty years.
H. c. Bryson, the well-known Wal
la Walla attorney, who is well &C
quainted with the history of the coun-
try around the Toll Gate and in the
Blue Mountains, in an interview with
a reporter for the Evening Statesman
said this morning:
Story Of the Mountains.
Among the first tragedies in the
Blue Mountains of which I have
knowledge, was the suicide by hang
ing of Melissa Twaddle at the old
Twaddle place on the mountain. I do
not remember many of the circum-
stances connected Herewith but as 1
remember, the reason given therefor
was dependency over an unrequited
love for one who did not reciprocate.
This must have been nearly twenty
years ago.
I'm the latter Eighties" one John
Donovan shot and killed himself at
the residence of one M. LeCompt. He
was a bachelor of good mind and ed
ucation but was one of those unfortu-
nate slaves of the liquor habit, and
during the aftermath of a protracted
spree killed himself
FOLLOWING this a few years was the
cold-blooded murder of the old man
Berry one of the pioneers of this
county, at his bachelor home on the
Reed and Hawley mountains. He was
a peculiar person who did not mingle
much with other people and aside from
his queer ways harmed and molested
none. Shortly thereafter was another
tragedy on the same spur of the Blue
mountains in which several young men
engaged in a pistol duel. I do not re-
member the names of any of the par
Elephants save one, Shepherd, who,
during his incarceration in the Pen
dleton Jail, wrote poetry on the affair."
When Child M. cbo+
Then, in November, 1892, Charles
Petrie was ruthlessly murdered in
cold blood at his lonely cabin on the
Lincoln mountain and in the same
tragedy, Frank Olinger, then a small
child was shot by the Petrie assas-
sins through the fleshy portion of the
back of his neck from which he re-
covered shortly. Frank Fletcher and
Pete Gaskill were tried for the MUIR
der and convicted, but were later par
doned by Governor Pennoyer.
Then believe. during the winter
of 1896 it was that D. j. Woodward
disappeared from the Toll Gate which
bears his name, and though searching
parties secured the country long and
strenuously, his last resting place is
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26
Reserves For Wild Buffalo.

Our Indian experts believe they can
save the red men as a race by putting
them on vast reservations and teaching
them the arts Of civilization. But the
wild forest comrades of the Indian in
his savage state do not thrive In cap
tivity. The few scattered flocks re-
naming as curiOsities about hold their
own, that Is all.
Our forest reserves are the proper
place for buffalo raising. Under the
stringent laws now governing them
these noble creatures might be free
from the pOachers and hunters who
have heretofore pursued them merely
for their hides. One of the best herds
remaining is in a climate and locality
admirably adapted to the species,
among the bluffs of the upper Missouri.
They are fine specimens, as are also a
small herd in Texas. BuffalOes will
thrive in Yellowstone park If they can
be protected against hide hunters and
from wolves and mountain lions, which
destroy the young.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26
PERSONAL MENTION

J. H. Davidson of Pomeroy, is in
Walla Waua.
R. s. Nottingham of Dayton is reg
istered At the Dacres today.
Mrs. John L. Sharpstein has gone to
Portland and the beach.
Clare Stockdale has gone to the
coast for a two weeks vacation.
DIR. w. f. Russell has gone to Long
Beach for a few days vacation.
Mrs. c. L. Ross of Starbuck is visit
ing with friends in Walla Walla.
Mr. and Mrs. w. H. Upton, Jr, are
expected home Sunday from the sea-
side.
Frank Cohen has left Walla Wal
Ia TO accept a position in a Milton drug
store.
T. H. Leonard, manager of the Day.
ION Hour mills, is in the city looking
after business.
w +. Hershey left today for an out
ing on the south fork of the Walla
Walla river.
MIS-. Iabitha Jones and son, Lowden,
nave gone to Seaview to spend the
heated term.
resident R. c. French of the Wes-
-" normal school is a Walla Walla
VISITOR arriving yesterday.
MISS Bertha Becker left yesterday
'0I Los Vegas, n. NJ. to visit with
'e'auyes several weeks.
Mrs P. T. Hayne, Jr., and Miss
'"e Hayne, left yesterday for Chi
0'so TO spend the summer.
MS A E. Reid and Mrs. E. K. Ross,
f'O'hlnent WaIula women are guests
me Dacres TODAY.
H. Learn. a well-known livery
Neeper of Dayton. is in the city
aS on short business trip.
:, Ahkeny, in charge of the An
- Copeland ranch near Washtuc-
arrived in the city yesterday, leav-
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26
HARVEST HAND GOES INSANE
William, Sornson StartIes Crew On the
Jacob Meyers Place and the
Sheriff is Called.

William Sornson, a young Swede
harvest hand, was brought in from
the Jacob Meyers ranch, southeast
of the city, by Sheriff Painter and
Tailor Berry last night and locked up
in the county Jail on an insanity
charge.
Sornson went to work on the Meyers
ranch a few days ago and harvest
hands saw they noticed he acted pc
culiarly at times. Tuesday the man
had q couple of epileptic fits and last
night he suddenly startled the crew
bv commencing to dance and sing at
the supper table.
A telephone message was hurriediy
sent to town for help and Sherln
Painter and Tailor Berry drove out
and brought the man to town last
NIGHT arriving at the Jail about III
o'clock.
/ Sornson appeared rational on the
trim in and gave the officers no
trouble He said he was formerly en-
nloved on railroad work but could not
state where. He will probably De
given an examination late this a1ter-
nOOn
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26
Excess Of 226 Degrees For rs
Daus Of Month Is Recorded
Maximum TEMPERATURE 80 DEGREES
THIS MONTH PROVES HOTTEST
JULY IN HISTORY OF THE
WEATHER OFFICE.

July will probably go down in the
weather office records as the warmest
mIv in the history of Walla Walla.
The July Of 1905 was considered a rec
ord breaker for heat, but the first 25
DAYS of this month has made the
corresponding period last year seem
like a summer picnic in the Blue
Mountains in comparison.
The maximum temperature since
the first of the month has not fallen
below 90 degrees and has ranged be-
tween that and 10S degrees" Observer
Newman said this morning, glancing
over his records for the month. "The
hot spell started on the first of the
month with a maximum temperature
of 90 degrees The next day a tenn
perature of SO degrees was recorded
increasing to 1O3 degrees on the third
and 107 degrees on the seventh.
1903 Degrees the Highest.
The next three days were scorchers,
the maximum temperature being be-
tween 1913 and 104 degrees. Since
then the maximum temperature has
averaged close to SO degrees. the ex-
IRENE maximum being reached on the
2lst when a temperature of 10S de-
grees was recorded. The lowest max
imum temperature recorded since July
/ was 80 degrees on the 18th. A
minimum temperature of SO degrees
was recorded on the 23rd.
The excess temperature for the
past % days has reached the enor-
nous total of 226 degrees as compared
to 50 degrees for the corresponding
period last July.
Maximum Temperature by Days.
The maximum temperature by days,
as shown by Observer Newman's rec
ords is as follows: l, 90; 2, SO; 8, 103;
4. 107; 3, 104; 6, 104; 7, 1903; s, 102;
s. 81; 10, 80; II. 90; Il, 1902; IS, 103;
Il. 9S; 10. 102; Is, 9S; Il, 90; IS, SO;
Is, 90; 20, 80; q, los, % 81; %, 81;
"A, 50; %. 90.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26
NO RECEIVER FOR MOUNTAIN GEM
Judge Steele at Lewiston Declines to
Grant Petition of Eureka
Mining Company.

LEWISTON, July, 26.-In a ruling
received yesterday afternoon by At
torney c. H. Lingenfelter relative to
the appointment of a receiver for the
steamer Mountain Gem, under lease
to c. F. Allen, the petition of the
plaintiffs, the Eureka Mining COM
pany, mortgages of the vessel. is de-
MED by Judge Steele, who heard ar
guments in chambers. The litigation
into which the boat was placed by the
asking of a receiver by the Eureka
company in an endeavor to foreclose a
$4,000 mortgage on the boat, has ex-
tended over a period of several
months.
Upon application of the plaintiffs a
receiver was appointed by Judge
Steele, but upon an appeal by the de-
PENDANTS the order appointing a re-
ceiver was vacated by the same court.
Inc case was then taken to the SUI
preme court, which sustained the lower
court. Attorney Lingenfelter success
fully combatted the plaintiffs in an eff
Tort TO seize the boat by the sheriff of
FRANKLIN county, Washington. acting
under their instructions. Mr.. Lingen-
1eiter has now brought the case to
successful close with yesterdays de-
cision of Judge Steele.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26
Conductor GulIing Stricken.

This morning just prior to going to
his breakfast, Conductor Jake Gulling
was stricken with a slight stroke of
paralysis. Medical aid was promptly
called and while this particular stroke
is not as bad as at first reported, still
not speeches., nor is he disabled
completely. He has slight control of
his muscles.-La Grande Observer.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26

ing for home again this morning. Mrs.
Ankeny will soon arrive in the city to
visit with friends and relatives for a
few weeks.
X. j. Bergman and Frand Nader
returned this morning from a weeks
trip up the ST. Joe river in Idaho.
Colonel Frank j. Parker, at one time
proprietor of the Evening Statesman,
is in Walla Walla today from Port
land.
Deputy Sheriff Allen Byrnes of
Wallula is in the city today. having
brought a prisoner to the county Jail
last night
Mr.. and Mrs. ]. Carter Smith will
leave tomorrow for Hills camp on
Lincoln mountain to spend several
weeks in camp.
Mr.. and Mrs. John Munson and fam
lily left last evening for the Roberts
ranch on the Walla Walla river to
spend several weeks in camp.
Mr.. and Mrs. Warren Bartgess of
Waitsburg were in Walla Walla today
en- route home from a wedding trip to
Portland and Sound points.
Lester Gillian, Ridgeway ellis and
Grova Cookery returned last night
from Gardena where they have been
employed in plating the new town.
site of Gardena
Mrs. T. D. S. Hart and children have
returned from an outing on the Wal
la Walla river. Mr.. and Mrs E. l..
Jesse and Mr.. and Mrs Antoine Fehr-
enbacher returned last night from the
Walla Walla where they have been
camping.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26
City News In .Brief

John Tate residing at 431 Lincoln
street, is reported to be i'll with ty-
phoid fever.
For the benefit of the church, the
ladies of the Women's Home Mission
society of the Marvin NJ. E. Church,
South, will serve dinner all day, Aug
ust 9, on the lawn at 2OS North Fourth
street
The funeral of Mrs. Eliza Bazis
occurred at WalIula this afternoon. A
number of Walla Walla friends left
for Wallula last night to attend the
services. Interment was in the WAL
lula cemetery.
Descriptive circulars of the two
horses stolen from a hitching rack in
front of the Drumheller store a few
nights ago are being sent broadcast
with the hope of picking up some clue
to the horses.
Assistant Attorney General E. G.
Macdonald yesterday filed the state'a
suit against the city of Walla Walla
for the collection of s777, alleged to be
due for liquor licenses under the state
statutes Similar suits have been
commenced against a number of other
Washington cities.
Fred Hoyt serving a six year SEN
tence for assault with intent to COM
NIT robbery, has been paroled by Gov.
Mead. Hoyt was sentenced from Che
halls county, December %, 1903. Gov
ernor Mead has refused to parole
Charles Clark, implicated with Hoyt
in the robbery.
Rev A. L. Thoroughman, pastor of
the FlrSJ NJ. T.. CHuTCll, SOutI, dCCoIIl-
panied by Mrs Thoroughman, expects
to leave in a few days for three
weeks vacation to be spent princi-
pally at Sound points. The pulpit OF
Rev. Thoroughmans church will be
filled by other ministers of the city
during his absence.
Joe McNabb, arrested yesterday
morning for frisking $40 from his
partner. Gus Baker, was fined $18 in
the justice court last night. McNabb
declared that he was innocent of the
crime, but the circumstantial evidence
was so strong that Judge Huffman
concluded a sojourn in the city Jail
wouldn't hurt him much anyway and
imposed a small fine.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26

as much a mystery today as it was
when he was lost.
about this time Frank Fletcher,
while on a drunken spree, shot one
James Ashworth in the knee at a
dance on Basket mountain, for which
he served a three-year sentence at Sa-
lem, Oregon.
In October, 1897, an old German,
who was we'll known in this section,
as a rugged, honest pioneer, met his
fate while in the employ of H. c.
Adams. He was hauling log wood
from the mountains to Mr.. Adams
ranch on Dry creek when, coming
down the mountains, his brake gave
away and he was thrown under the
heavily-loaded wagon and crushed to
death. He was a civil war veteran.
They Are Never Caught.
about the same time, or rather, a
few weeks prior thereto, the remains
Oh one Jay hcdIil was lOuHu UClWccIl
Salings camp in the mountains and
the brakes Of the Umatilla where he
assassin was never discovered al
though every effort was made to I'M
earth the clue to lead to his murderer.
1.-THE winter of '9S 1 believe it was,
that the hotel at Salings camp was
burglarized and the effects therein
mostly stolen and their horses were
also stolen, but as 1 remember, most
of them were recovered, but the per-
petrators of the crimes were never
discovered or punished.
about two years ago a young man
was murdered in cold blood at Cold
Springs and his murderer has never
been apprehended nor has a clue been
found to lead to any definite results.
along in 1896 numerous bold rob-
berries of cabins, sheep camps and cat
tie stealing depredations were being
carried on on the Lincoln mountain.
The only conviction had was that of
Ben Bowers who was arrested in this
city for cattle stealing after a some-
what exciting chase. He served time
in the Oregon penitentiary for his
acts
"Then we have the mysterious dis
appearance of Cecil Britain and the
sad unfortunate shooting by accident
al discharge of his weapon of Milan
Latin. He was putting forth every
effort to aid in the recovery of the
lost child when he met his accident.
"Following this we find Prehl a
sheepherder in the employ of Martin
McComber, the well-known Milton
sheepman, accidentally shot to death
by his own weapon.
'The Blue Mountains are shrouded
in mysteries and sad accidents, the
tragedies have rarely been punished
and it seems the murders committed
have been as far from detection as
the accidental disappearance of lost
persons
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26

One of the effects Of the China for
the Chinese" policy has been the dis
placement Of the British inspector gen.
eral of Chinese customs by a native.
This is breach Of faith and was prob
ably done as "feeler" to see whether
the powers will object If objection Is
made the empress dowager may revoke
the edict and save face" but the Brit
ons will not love the Chinese any the
better for this bold move.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26

A student Of earthquakes says only
sixty of the 10000 earthquakes re-
corded annually by the seismograph
are dangerous and that these occur
either in the Pacific region or Africa.
Now earthquake insurance" compa-
MES can bet on sure thing by cutting
out risks in the shaky belt.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26

Nine thousand more employees are at
work on the Panama canal than at any
time during the French operations.
Unless Yankee enterprise loses It's grip
when transferred to the tropics those
1900 spades will soon make the French
glad to forget they ever took hand at
canal digging.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26
CALIFORNIA P3UNE WATERS

CNIIf OHNIA FrON6 VNT6n0
Cure liver diseases and all stomach
troubles; they act gently but surely.
strengthen the bowels and stimulate
them to healthy action.
100 WATERS IS CENTS
Sold by L. L. TALlMAN
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26

A private wireless station owned and
operated by boy afforded the sole
means of communication between the
United States naval station and the
outside world during the San Francis
co fire. Evidently all the boys in Ameri-
ca are not playing ball all Of the time.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26

T. c. Frazier, a prominent Milton
resident. is among out of town WISH
tors in Wa1la Walla today. He is put
ting up at the State.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26

Accidental Death-The coroner's jul
ry that Investigated the death of John
Prehl, the sheepherder, whose body
was found on the Little Salmon river
in the Blue Mountains several days
ago, returned a verdict that he had
been accidentally shot. An eXamina
ton of the body showed that Prehl
had been standing on log leaning on
his rifle when the weapon was ac-
cidentally discharged, the bullet pass
ing through his body in the region OF
his heart.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26

And now the volunteer generals Of
the civil war are volunteering for
sctive service on the army retired list
at three-quarters pay.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26

Although another get-rich-Quick con-
Germ has come to grief, the victims
need not be discouraged. Others will
be organized for their express benefit. !.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26

you are" said the car to Witte.
''the best premier we ever had or ever
expect to have. Now. go! But be sure
to leave us your telephone address,"
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26

Mrs. Wingard Loses-Judge Brents
this morning handed down a decision
denying the application of Luella Win
gard for a modification of a decree
of divorce granted Mr.. Wingard some
to have the decree so modified as to
give her the control and custody of
their minor daughter, Henrietta,
awarded to the custody of the Sisters
of Charity ten days ago.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26

Exhibition Pace-At the race track
Sunday morning George Perringer, the
Pendleton horseman, will give his
horse, Swift Water Bill, a tryout The
horse made a mile last Monday in
2:12k and Mr.. Perringer expects to
next Sunday. There is quite a bunch
of fast horses at the track this sum-
trim, owned by E. L. LESSEE, is show
ing up well, and has made fast time
a tryout on the track.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26

Wilson Owned Some Mines-Judge
Brents today set Wednesday, August
s, as the date for hearing the petit
ton of Sarah Wilson to be appointed
administrative of the estate of her
husband, Victor Wilson, deceased. Ac-
cording to the petition.SMr. Wilson
owns one-seventh interest in a group
of mines and mining clans in Cook
County Oregon, the title to which is
in litigation. Mrs. Wilson says it is
necessary that some one be appointed
to look after these claims, hence
the petition.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26

Moore Vice President-Miles c.
Moore, president of the Baker, Boyer
National bank, was elected vice-presi-
dent of the Northern Life Insurance
company at Seattle, Tuesday after
noon. H. c. Henry, a well-known Sc
attic banker, was elected president,
other officers being selected from
prominent business men of Seattle and
vicinity.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26
TOWN TOPICS
Weather Forecast-Fair tonight and
Friday; continued warmer.

Commissioner McCaw Home-Coun-
ty Commissioner and Mrs. John Nc
Cav returned yesterday from a trip
to Wallowa Lake and vicinity The
trip was made overland and proved a
pleasing novelty to Commissioner Nc
Cav, although camp life at times
proved rather strenuous
The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1906-05-08

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49,.
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o..5,1. f.,.,.+ :. ,i..a. Ill. -.
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The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1906-05-08
WHERE ARE Ills SSNpNTIiiitS?

Nine times out of ten YOU can tell
what action q public official will take
by observing where his syinpathieS lie.
Association counts for much. In near
ly every contest YOU can tell what Il
candidate stands for by watching the
line up" The interests desiring to
control legislation invariably line up
behind a candidate VINO is il SYM
rathy with them. He may make Z
grand stand play Of standing up for
the rights OF the people in some mat
ter where his special corporate inter-
cSts are not affected, bat on the home
run he sides with the Interests that
are inimical TO the true welfare OF
the people.
One of the ablest LAWYERS in Pied
mont North Carolina. who has been
trusted by his people and who has
never failed to measure up to their
expectations. in a private letter to the
editor. says:
Il hope your paper will constantly
call the attention of the people to
the Wisdom and eve the necessity OF
refusing to nominate II man for
the Legislature, VINO can be controlled
by the railroads and insurance cOmpa-
MES. However able and honest one
may be. if his mind has been Operat-
ing along corporation channels.
whether in THEN employment or Tot
he is mentally incapable of properly
serving the public in the contests be
tween the people and the corporal
tions. The question hat should be
asked CONCERNING every candidate for
h Legislature is, how will he pro-
baby vote or ~SNmpathize in a contest
between the corporations on the one
side, ana the general public on the
other? Whom he tai the side
against the people. if he has any
ability. he can always give some
plausible reasons for his position. fire.
n,iently such reasons that will mis-
lead many. especially when several
newspapers IN the State will. in every
instance, support such reasons
n most dangerous man is he who
while betrayinE the people, can live
plausible reasons for his position.
frequently such reasons that Will mis-
lead many Good men everywhere
must be on their guard il they will
have f2ir representation in the Legis-
lature.