davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1908-03-20

Early Friday of last week word
reached Washburn that Joseph
Bassanella, confined in the state
penitentiary at Bismarck for life
for the murder of Axel Anderson
in a. box car near Grand Forks.
and another prisoner, by the name
of Alfred Woolhen, had escaped
from the state institution and we're
at large. Washburll and Mclean
county people were particularly in
terested in the news, for the reason
that Jacob Bassanella was tried
and convicted of the murder of An
ton Heilinger near Hancock in the
spring of 1902 and later, February
20, 1908, hanged by Sheriff Gradin
in the Washburn jail.
THE ESCAPE
At about 7:3O o'clock Friday
morning two prisoners at the peni-
Tertiary Joseph Bassanella and Al
fred Woollen, sentenced to the pri-
son for life and six years respect
lively, made their escape by crawl
ing through a tunnel, which they
had dug, mounting two horses that
they procured from the penitellti-
ary pasture, and succeeded in max
ing their escape.
At about Z o'clock in the morn
ing the prisoners who worked in
the carpenter shop, were turned in
to that place, and in about half an
hour Bassanella and Alfred Wool
len, who were among the number,
were missing. A search was inn
mediately instituted and at the east
wall of the building a tunnel was
discovered. This tunnel opened
just outside the outer pe1litentiary
wall. In it were found a piece of
iron bar and chisel, the tools used
by the men in burrowing their me-
thod of escape.
Further investigation shows that
the tunnel made by Bassanella and
Woollen and through which they
escaped. was about eighteen inches
in diameter and forty-four feet iii
length. The floor of the carpenter
shop was made of two-incll planks
and was about two feet above the
ground. A short length of plank
near the middle of the floor was re-
moved and the tunneling began in
a sloping direction so that its depth
beneath the surface of the prisons
outer wall was feet. So nicely
had the men guaged the excava-
ton that the outside tunnel OPEN
ing was close to the wall. The earth
from the excavation was carefully
spread on the ground under the
floor and covered-witll sawdust and
shavings, so they had the best
chance in the world to cover their
tracks. From hints CLEANED from
other convicts the men were SIX
weeks working on the tunnel, but
no definite information on the point
can be secured.
BLOODHOUNDS NO GOOD
The penitentiary bloodhoundsi /
were turned loose in the tunnel, but
coming out the other side lost the
scent, and could proceed no fur
ther.
It was ascertained upon investi-
cation, that two of the horses were
missing from the institutions pas
ture. These were found later az
about two and one-half miles east,
where they had been abandoned by
the fugitives.
AT the farm Of Barney Schwabl
two fresh horses had been stolen.
The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1908-03-20

hiding place and with that started
slowly to retreat, keeping his eyes
pinned on Bassanella and watching
his movements. Bassarella seeing
Phster retreati1g, and probably
reasoning that that was his best
chance, opened fire ON him and shot
several times at Mr.. Phster. Sher-
iff Beck and Mr.. Phster now being
satisfied that the man was deter
mined not to give himself up alive
and not being willing to take chan
ces of themselves being shot or to
allow Dassanella to make good his
escape, both opened fire i'll earnest
BassaneIIa was seen to rise, then
fall back, and thus ended the most
sensational man hunt that this part
Of the country has known, and the
earthly career of a cold-blooded
murderer and natural-born GRIMM
al was at an end. And for the good
of society it is we'll it is so.
BODY TAKEN TO WASH
BURN
The body was brought to WASH
burn and Warden Hellstrom noti-
fed, who came up on Mondays
trairl-a coroner's inquest having
been held and Sheriff Beck and Mr..
Phster exonerated-and removed
the corpse to the state penitentiary,
where Bassanella's body is being
held awaiting any disposition that
his relatives, who live in New York,
may wish to make Of his body.
Later The body of Joe Bassanel-
la was shipped to the mans relativ-
es at Peekskill; N. Y. Thursday.
The killing Of the escaped con-
vict and murderer Joseph Bassan-
ella by Sheriff Beck and Fred
Pfster, after a spirited chase and
a defy, accompanied by an attempt
upon the lives of these two Nc
Lean county officials, is entitled to
more than passing comment.
These officials are entitled to the
gratitude of this, community.
These, men with undaunted cour-
age, in furtherance of law and the
protection Of society, pursued al
The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1908-03-20
Bassane11a was Captured "A Miles West
Of Washburn BY Sheriff Beck and
Deputy Sheriff Pfister
W0LLEN ROUNDED UP NEAR MANDAN

and with these mounts the crimia-
ais made good their escape.
,Woolen was doing six years time
for assault with intent to kill. The
crime of which he was convicted
took place i'll Jamestown. At the
trial he was found guilty and SEN
fenced to five years Imprisonment.
BASSANELLA'S CRIME
In the fall of 1901 Axel Ander-
son of Cummings, N. D., and an
other man were returning to their
homes in a box car with their
teams from the lumber woods of
Minnesota. At the transfer lust
west of Grand Forks joe and John
Bassanella entered the car and de-
manded money of them. Ander-
SON resisted, was, shot and killed,
the other man keeping very still
for fear of a like fate. The Bassan-
cha brothers left the train, but were
soon after captured and jailed at
Grand Forks. From there they
made their escape, oe getting to
Montana, where he was captured
some months later. Jacob wander
ed into Mclean county.
In the winter of 1909 he secured
employment on the Tower ranch
near Hancock. Near the pace of
his employment lived Anton He'll
niger, frugal German, by himself
ON a homestead. Mr.. Heilinger
had made sale of some personal
property and was presumed to have
some money about his premises.
Heilinger was murdered in March,
1902, and suspicion was directed
to Jacob .Bassanella. who was cap
tured near the scene Of his crime
some days later. Afterwards it
developed that Bassanella had come
to the Heilinger home late at night.
secured lodging and during the
dark of the night had slayed the
man who had given him quarters
and had befriended him. Before
trial, however, Jacob Bassanella es-
capped from the old Washburn Jail,
but was recaptured after one Of
the most remarkable man hunts in
the state, near the Standing Rock
agency, and later tried in Novern-
ber, 1902, at Wasllburn, convicted
Of murder and hung at Wasllburn
February 20.1902. That ended the
career of Jacob Bassanella. Joseph
Bassanella after being captured
was returned to Grand Forks coun-
ty, convicted of the murder of Ak
el Anderson and sentenced to life.
WOOLEN CAPTURED
Woollen was captured about II
miles west of Mandan, where he
had got dinner at the farm house
of r. Austin and paid for it. He
had secured an old suit of overalls
somewhere but his makeup arous-
ed the suspicious of the farmers
son, E. Austin, a, strapping young
fellow. who, after Woollen had left
the house, went after him with a 1
44-Colt. Catching up with his man
he ordered him to throw up his
hands, but the convict, instead ran
and was shot in the right leg just !!
below the thigh. He then ran
about 20 rods, when R. Austin
caught and fell on him, resulting
in his capture. Father and son
then carried the man three miles
to where they caught a train which
they took to Mandan. Just as
they got, off Woollen made a grab
for Austin's gun and nearly secur
ID It, and put UP an awful fight bel
The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1908-03-20

desperate character, armed and
ready and anxious to kill his pur-
suers. Had this desperate been
better arned-had he stolen a
Winchester instead of the inferior
weapon he secured-no telling
how many more lives may have
been snuffed out by this miserable
wretch before his final capture. It
will be remembered that two good
citizens of this county were re-
moved by the Bassanella Brothers
one killed outright and the other
crazed with grief and fear, left
the country. The death of the
two Bassanellas by no means pays
the penalty but retributive Justice
is a partial recompense.
Sheriff Beck has been noted for
his conscientious regard for, and
prompt performance of his duties
and the courage and bravery dis
played in capturing, dead or alive,
this escaped convict, one of the
most desperate characters ever
seen in this section, is commend
able in the extreme. Thankful
that Bassanella was cut down be-
fore he had noportunitv to Sc
cure more efficient arms and be-
tore he had an opportunity to Sc
more innocent lives to his long list
of crimes, the people of this coun-
ty will also feel grateful to the
brave officers who risked their own
lives for the protection of others.
The Capture of Woolen.
Woollens was captured by Two
farmers near the railroad track of
the N. P. about eight miles west
of Mandan Saturday night after
an all-day chase by officers and
guards. He was brought back to
the pen.on No. 2 Saturday morn
ing.
After he left Bassanella he rode
to the river by wide detour south
of the city and turned the horse
loose, hiding in the bushes until
dark, when he tried to catch a
freight train, but was fired on by
the guards at the railroad bridge
and got away. He crossed the riv-
er on the ice and had breakfast at
the house Of one Anderson, close
to the stockyards at Sunnyside,
five miles west Of Mandan. An
derson suspected him and went to
a neiglbor's and telephoned to the
sheriff, who at once responded
with posse. Meantime Woolens
to pay for his meal, show
ing he had secured money in some
way. He asked Anderson's son if
the neighbor had a phone, and
when told that he had, he at once
fed to some bushes near by. The
officers and farmers are said to
have corralled the fugitive in the
brush and even saw him moving
about, but instead of going after
him, wired Warden Hellstrom to
como over with the bloodhounds,
which he did, but by that time
Woollens had escaped. Later he
vas seen by a woman four miles
vest, SO the pen guards in that
leighborhood were notified and
ater captured him as q Tiled be-
ow.
Thus ends one of the most SEN
ational man hunts this section has
'ver seen. The entire Missouri
slope had been apprised Of the es-
ape Of the desperate men and half
he men in the county were on
Lrmed watch for them. 1t is for
unate that Bassanella had no bet-
er weapon or other crimes might
lave been added to that for which
le was imprisoned.
Warden .Hellstrom was prompt
With his reward and the Austins
we're paid the $10O at the depot.
& Tmrt1e Iake C0rresnnndenrr
The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1908-03-20
Turtle Lake Correspondence.

The German mass meeting held
here last Tuesday was " ell attend.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1908-10-09
HIGH SCHOOL NOTES.

Ben Stewart, Middebury College II,
has been engaged to coach the high
school football team. The team has
been through good stiff prsctice this
last week.
Ira Pond 10 has returned to school.
The monthly reports were issued Mon
day morning.
Middlebury High school will. meet the
strong Proctor High School team Satur'
day afternoon on the college gridiron
The gone will be called at $3.50.
The newly organized orchestra is COM
posed of the following players: Miss Dun
can, leader; F. Williams, 'O9, piano; T
Gregory, 10, 1st violin; Emma Bump
'09, End violin; Carl l. Sterns, 10, clari
net; VIM. McMurtry, 90, 1st cornet; w
S. Huntley, II, End cornet; Emma
Bump, '09. cello; r. II. Benedict, IL
manager, drums, etc.
The Athletic association will hold g
social this friday evening in the high
school rooms for the benefit of the foot
ball team.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1908-10-09
Ray L. Fisher, Pitcher of Note

Ray L. Fisher, of Middlebury College,
has been making name for himself in
the Hartford, Conn, baseball team this
season. At the close of the season the
Hartford team stood second in the Con-
necticut League, with percentage of
.667, Springfield leading with .672.
OF MIR. Fishers work the Hartford,
Conn.,, Globe says: Ray Fisher, the
Vermont twirler, who repsrted after the
season opened, has proved veritable
find" for Manager Dowd. With a
rangy swinging delivery. speedy ball
and wide curves, Fisher won on the rub
ber in 13 games, winning ~ and tieing
one. Fisher allowed but six hits per
game and struck out So, an average of
five per game. and has always held his
opponents well in check. He is a re.
markable strong batsman for pitcher
and leads his team with the stick. His
hits have not been of the lucky or fluke
order, but hard timely drives that meant
business"
Fishers batting average was .312; not
another man in the team reached 300
His percentage for fielding was perfect
1000. His PERCENTAGE AS pitcher was
.929. his nearest competitor getting
but .692.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1908-10-09
VERMONT LEGISLATURE.
Getting Down to Business and
Prepared to Make History.

Before noon Wednesday, October eth,
both the Senate and House had signified
to the Governor that they were ready for
what might befall.
The Senate was called to order by
Lieut.. Gov. George H. Prouty and Sena-
tor E. w. Gibson of Brattleboro was
chosen as chairman pro tempore.
In the House Secretary F. G.. Fleet
wood called the roll shortly after 10. T.
G. Cheney of Morrisville was nominated
for speaker by Hon. j. A. DeBoer of
Montpelier. The Democratic conting-
ency seemed not averse to this, and the
able speaker was chosen to serve again.
Charles A. Plumley of Mortified,
whose distinguished father will ere long
journey southwark on senatorial busi-
ness, had his worth recognized hand
somely by a unanimous vote for clerk
of the House to succeed the lamented
Fred A. Hamilton.
Rev. A. j. Hough of Montpelier was
chosen chaplain; Harry Black of Newport
and j. A. Wilcox of Ludlow were an
nounced as assistant clerks. The chair
appointed J. G.. Norton of st. Albans and
E. A. Mutt of Montpelier as official re-
porters.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1908-10-09
A SURPRISE IN COURT.
vincenzo Gioia and Andrea Fusco
Plead Guilty in Second De-
sree-Sentencedt to Prison
for Life

Rutland Oct. "A great surprise
was sprung in Rutland county court
this morning when Vincenzo Gioia, for
whose trial on a charge of murder in the
first degree a jury was empanelled late
yesterday, pleaded guilty of murder in
the second degree. This was done in
view of the fact that the jury last night
returned verdict of murder in the
second degree in the case against Vito
Turcianna Gioia, companion in the kill
ing of Accarito Sanford as termination
of an alleged practical joke last July.
Andrea Fusco, who killed Antonio
Fusco in fight at West Rutland last
May, also pleaded guilty to murder in
the second degree.
Both were sentenced by Judge Seneca
Haselton of Burlington to Imprisonment
in the state prison at Windsor for life.
In the case against Turcianna the jury
was out seven hours. Turcianna is 81
years old and unmarried.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1908-10-09
Cannot Bulge the Yankee

Newport, II. l., oct. An unsuc-
cessful effort on Il high tide, was made
10 float the cruiser Yankee. ashore on
the Spindle on Hen ana Chickens rocks
In Buzzards bay. Golfers and tugs
strained on the cruiser in vain. An
other attempt will he made later in the
week. probably. The weather remains
excellent, with a smooth sea.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1908-10-09
Forty-seven Horses Cremated

Cranston, Il. l., Oct. 5.-Forty seven
horses were burned up in fire that
destroyed the large barn owned by
the ]. A. Budlong a. Son company in
Auburn. The loss is estimated at $3O..
900. The cause Of the fire is unknown.
The company is one of the largest mar
ket gardening and picking firms in New
I'm gland
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1908-10-09
SALISBURY.

Mr.. and Mrs. Will Reed are parents of
daughter born Sept. 30lh.
Orrin Nelson, town representative, left
Tuesday for Montpelier.
MIR. and Mrs. l.. C. Bishop, who have
been visiting friends and relatives ia this
vicinity, spent Sunday at ]. V. Thomas
They returned to their home in Adams
vile, Mich, this week
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1908-10-09
MEMORIAL BAPTIST.

The pastor, Rev. George r. Stair, will
preach Sunday morning upon Meeting
Unexpected Demands" In the evening
there will be union service of the
Congreg gational, Methodist and Baptist
churches in the interest of the New Eng
land Sabbath Protective League. There
will be addresses by Rev. NJ. d. Knee
land, ID. d.. Of Boston, general secretary
and Rev. H. f. Merrill, Field Secretary
for Vermont.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1908-10-09
Church Notes.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

Rev. DIR. Kneeland of Boston, subject,
''The Sabbath" Annual Offering for
the Church Building Society. Evening
service at Baptist church. Professor
Wright's church and college class at 1915
in main audience room.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1908-10-09

Medicated air is the only remedy for
cstarrh. Breathe Hyomei and obtain
immediate relief and cure. Complete
outfit 81, At w. H. Sheldon's. Money
back if it fails.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1908-10-09
METHODIST CHURCH.

Rev. DIR. Chapman of Alaska will
preach Sunday morning. No evening
service.
The morning journal-courier., 1908-03-16
In Local TheaterS

amongst which may be mentioned The Mysterious Cross" "Levitation," Well I'll Be -" and The Drum That Cannot Be Beaten.
 Madame Naladon. the psychological wonder. has the abnormal faculty of being able to answer blindfolded and without any help whatever, the most difficult questions put and recently while blindfolded and in the custody Of a committee of gentlemen of New York city, after being put into the hypnotic state by Herr Valadon, with in half an hour discovered pin that had been previously hid at spot three miles. away from the theater. This feat she considers her easiest in comparison with some of her more modern stunts, such as the finding of a single hair plucked from the head of a willing member of the audience and then hidden by another,
 Madame Valadon succeeds in find- ing this and actually replacing it on the head it was removed from and on the particular spot.
 La Motogirl, the feminine enigma which comes in conjuction with Vala don has very often been the term ap- piled to this mysterious automator which has puzzled and interested the sold and new world for the past six years and after a record breaking list of successes in the leading European theaters, returns to America, the scene of her former triumphs
The morning journal-courier., 1908-03-16
"IIer Mad Marriage"

The thrilling detective romance, Her Mad Marriage" will be the at traction at the Neww Haven theater Thursday, Friday and Saturday night this week with matinee Saturday.
 This play is said to be one of the successes of the season and comes here with a carload of magnificent scenery, and wonderful mechanical effects. It is claimed that this drama has the greatest number of thrilling situations of any similar attraction on the road. There is not dull moment in the play, startling climaxes fol- lowing one another in rapid success sion. Her Mad Marriage" was writ ten by the popular author. Jean Bar rymore, and is filled with the most in tense heart interest. It was written with the particular purpose of be- ing presented before lady audiences, and the love story portrayed is one of the most beautiful romances ever penned. The play Is delightfully."- thrilling in every one of its sccenes and those who admire the better and higher class of melodrama should not miss this opportunity of witnessing one of the very best now being pro- duced.
The morning journal-courier., 1908-03-16

ehriated swell ever seen on the stage, Reeves tumble out of the box is worth going miles to see and the very ex- pression of his face usually keeps the audience in a continual roar ot laugh- ter
 "A Night in An English Music Hal ia A stage upon a stage, the interior of a typical English music hall where amusement of the lighter kind is sup piled The various artists are of course made to appear as amusing as possible and the bad boy and his funny papa are in one of the boxes ana the inebrIated swell in the other Between tha two and the additional sport or the show the fun is continuous anu bound to create laughing uproar
 Karno brought over the original ar lists who played the comedy in Eng land and were the talk of all Europe The act has been produced many hun drsds of times in America and not iike other importations 1t seems to grow more and more popular. It is unique and conical and combines enough pleasure to suit all tastes.
 The act was brought over from Eng land at tremendous salary and mas proven one of the best foreign acts in the American vaudeville.
 The olio. which is full of good acts will be headed by Jack Wilson ana his company in a comedy styled An Jrphaoual in nnrktoUnp
The morning journal-courier., 1908-03-16
FIFTEEN WORK ON SEWERS.

The work on the Meadow street out let was begun Saturday by Superin- tendent Mulvey of the sewer depart ment. The work is being done on the arched curve just beneath what is call ed the ladder track. outside the main tracks near the Union station.
 Superintendent Mulvey has about fifteen men at work on this job, and they will be at if for the next two weeks or more. The men at work are laborers, who are being assisted in these hard times through this means of employment.
 It is estimated that the worn will cost anywhere from $500 to s!,000. The structure of the new outlet is to be of reinforced concrete. which will stand the weight of more than the ordinary engines and will last for many years to come.
The morning journal-courier., 1908-03-16
HYPERION.
Special Interest in "Going Some" by College Men.

College men should take an espec- 1ai interest in the new comedy. Go Ing Some by Paul Armstrong, auth or of ''The Heir to the Hoorah," and
 salomy Jane" and Rex Beach, au- thor of The Spoilers" as it deals with the adventures of two widely known college types-the cheer-lead- CT and the Glee club tenor
 The cheer-leader halls from a big eastern university and goes out to spend the summer on a New Mexico ranch. He is strong on wearing ath- letic togs, but his participation in ath- letics has been strictly limited to wearing clothes and leading the cheer at the big events. In order to make a hit with Smith college girl, who is also ssummering at the ranch and who thinks that athletes are just the 'dearest things alive" he poses as a champion sprinter, is backed to win a foot race by the cow-punchers, and gets tangled up in snarl of nerve racking situations. The way in which he won the foot race is shown in the ldSt acl Ol the play. when IL IS men ,tioned that George Marion. who staged The College Widow" and ''The Merry Widow has staged Go ing Some,' it will be realized that the foot-race scene is a wonderful stage picture. Mir. Marion himself believes that he has created a more striking effect that the famous football scene in "The College Widow.
 The Glee club tenor halls from Le- land Stanford university He sings beautifully, but he can't even wear athletic togs, and he is extremely jeal- ous of the cheer-ieader. His favor ite pastime is telling about how the daughter of the mayor of Walla Walla enjoyed his singing of 'Dearie." As a foil for the cheer-leader the ath- letic trainer from his university is Introduced When it is said that this characters conversation teens with unconventional slang, it is putting it mildly.
 Going Some" will be the attrac- tion at the Hyperion Thursday Fri day and Saturday, and Saturday mat dnee. March 19, 20 and 21.