davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1913-07-02

heart tramps of the most pronounced
order. The acquaintance with crimi-
mails was easily acquired while ION
the road" and the tales of loot and
the consequent joys thereof so thrill
ed the novices that they then and
there elected to cast their lots with
Johnny Yegg" and his kind.
Yeggmen are healthy set, with
considerable physical strength. Many
are we'll educated and can intelligent
ly discuss topics of the day and pos
sess a general knowledge of mechan-
Ism and construction, ali OF which
stands them In good stead with the
crimes they commit. Bogus travel
ing cards, purporting to have been
issued by trades unions, are carried
by the majority of them, to be used
II arrested, in an effort to convince
police authorities, marshals and 9TH
erS OF their innocence as criminals.
After a yegg is arrested and he pro-
duces one of these travelling cards he
claims he is in search of work at his
chosen trade, and not infrequently,
If arrested as a suspect, he is releas-
ed on account Of his card.
Naming "Yeggman."
1t is looked upon as breach of
etiquette among yeggs and hoboes
for one to ask the other what his
real name is, and therefore yeggs on
meeting a tramp mechanic, instead
Of asking his name, ask where he
halls from. If the stranger replies
he is from Pittsburg and is of slim
build, he Is nicknamed pitts Slim"
If he is stout he is pitts Fat" or, if
red-headed, "Pitts Red" If he hap
pens to be John from Chicago he is
dubbed "Chi Jack" Any notable
physical characteristic is seized upon
to aid in bestowing a road name or
monicker upon the newly accepted
brother into yegg circles.
Considerable cunning and skill are
shown by them in coming these
names and yegg phrases. A youth
full burglar with noticeable gray
patch on the back of his head is
known as the Aged Kid" A six
footer, who wears No. 13 shoe is
known as Little Willie" One with
an impeachment in his speech is called
''Squinch." Then there are "Clink-
ers,' "California Fingers" Bee"
and hundreds OF other curious
names. such as FATTY Ghee," "Ohio
Hump" and Pan Handle Pat" each
given on account Of some peculiar
characteristic Of the recipient.
Bands of these yeggs have names,
"Black 8illy's Band" Frisco Slim s
Band" Toronto Jimmy's Band" the
"Rambler's Band" etc. They also
coin slang terms known only to
themselves and the detectives and
Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1913-07-02
4 "Gay" Cat,

In almost every instance the ODe-
rations of the yeggmen, according to
Mr.. Pinkerton and other crimiAolo-
gists, are along similar lines. The
actual burglar sends out a ,"fn1er"
who is young graduate of ONE
tramp camp, one whose you. and
innocent appearance would Dot eG-
cite suspicion of any citizen and
whose lack of physical strength and
courage would prevent his eNraging
in an attack. He is called !" The
yegg vernacuiar, 'gay cat. In th1
guise Of peddler or beggar / nl gay
cat" is sent to country towns to- earn
and report if there are any Uy!ice,
town marshals or night watchmcn; if
any are on duty all night; II the
town is lighted by electricity. now
entrance could safely be efforci to
bank buildings; the maker nf ault
or safe, and the best route tc csc ape.
The gay cat" before going ou his
finding" expedition has his arm
"gigged" between his elbow and
wrist. or puts several gigs on MIS- leg
between knee and ankle Giggng Is
the yeggman's word for selg-ln-
flicted wound or sore, usually caused
by applying creosote. and which Is
conspicuously exposed while bcgging
and searching, to create sympatIly
and keep up his guise as a heggaf.
The gay cat" also outlines thc loCa1
way Of escape after the job has been
completed. He studies tn local
freight time tables, locates the water
tank and coal chute. which are Kelly
points to board freight trains. lie
finds out where cars are kept and
Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1913-07-02

G. The dens run by Rudolph Rabens
in the latter city have been described
in previous chapters and in his case
the postal detectives were able to
find the evidence which resulted n
his serving a long sentence Tue
wife of Topeka Joe," a notorlul s
yeggman, conducted a saloon in b 49,
timore which was a favorite re8o Z
for yeggmen for many years, but cha.
band was broken up after one OF the
most sensational raids ever conducted
by post cMce inspectors. "Jca" - 3 s
recently arrested for another crime
and will be tried in the near future
The typical yeggman, it woU d
seem has no place in a big city I'M
less it is to come and dispose of hra
loot and then vanish. He has been
the subject of deep study on the pa.
of those whose life-work lies in de-
tecting crime and chasing crimina S.
Possibly the first to look upon ne
yeggman as a criminal in class q
to himself was William A. Pmkertgr.
In describing the yeggs Mr.. Pinknr-
ton once said:
''There Is not much probability 90.
other countries competing with u .G
this product, as he is mostly Of f.a-
tive origin or born here of forciau
parents. He has no regard for Hu-
man life, has no redeeming ira is
and seldom, if ever, Is reclaimed
from the criminal world of which ne
is part. He is an outcast, eXcunt
among men Of his own class, VIII .
he finds many ever ready to aSsu'l e.
ate with him. He has the typi.a
criminal countenance, with the SINS
ter, sneering expression. SiuGlo-
handed he is not courageous; wi.h
a half dozen burly fellow criminal
bully, and one who will not hesita "a
to open fire to prevent arrest A
States prison is better home ror
him than he is accustomed o,Wand
punishment comes natural to hin
Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1913-07-02
The Yeggman, No Longer Fearing the
Bull" Frequents Large Cities
Where He Easily Disposes
of His Plunder.
of His Plunder.

served him and a five dollar bill sur
reptitiously slipped into his hand.
The person for whom this package
Is intended receives it without delay.
Postal inspectors know that the
person of fictitious name is none
other than the proprietor Of the sa-
loon and that the latter knows at
once where he can sell the plunder
at a very small discount. The next
morning the visiting yeggman is
handed a sum Of money representing
the face value Of the stamps, less a
25 per cent discount, the fences"
fee for selling them, and with the
amount of the yegg's bill at the bar
deducted. There has been no witness
to the stamp transaction. Were all
the principals to the transfer Of the
stolen property arrested each could
support the other that the name of
the man whom the police know is
really the guilty person was never
mentioned. The visiting yegg has
asked for John Jones" or "Bill
Smith when he arrived. The bar
keeper could truthfully swear to this.
Loungers at the bar could support his
testimony. The bar-keeper would
further say, and untruthfully, that
he had delivered the package to
"John Jones' or bill Smith" and
there would be none to gainsay it,
Could he produce John Jones" or
bill Smith for the police? Well,
hardly, since "John' or bill" had
just left town." neglecting, OF course,
Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1913-07-02

post office inspectors who have spent
years in studying them. If discover
ed committing crime they refer to
it as rumble" as I'VE got a rum
bic and had to quit" an officer Is a
bull" shooting an officer is Jimmy
ing BULL" blowing a safe is Snuff
ing drum" or Shooting a box" re-
volvers are "cannons" or rods" a
citizen with a beard Is bushes" or
woods" ccuntryman Is a "hoo-
sier;" preacher Is a 'sky guide;" a
lawyer is a "mouthpiece," while a
railroad ticket or begging card is a
"ducket."
A policeman with reputation for
being handy with his nightstick is a
"sapper;" freight train is rat
tier" an express train is dang
ler;" alcohol drinkers are white
winers;" silver money is Junk" a
jail is dump" so Is a lod ging
house; nitroglycerine is soup" or
"oil;" a fuse is "squib," and a
money drawer is "chip." A steel
chest is "keister;" pressure bar
vault, or safe, is referred to as a
"harnessed box" Arrested is
"ditched;" sentenced Is Settled" as,
"settled for fiver," meaning five-
year term in prison. A pocket is a
kick" trousers are Jeans" and an
informer is "snitch."
Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1913-07-02
How u Bank is Robbed.

where horses and buggles can easily
be stolen.
How n Bank Is Robbed.
The leader of a yegg tribe Is fur
Rished by the gay cat with all
these details and he arranges an at
tack on bank or post office which he
considers least difficult and where the
hazard is minimized.
Inside men," of whom there are
usually two, who use the explosive in
blowing vault or safe, select the out
siders or stick ups" vino intimidate
any interfering citizen and prevent
them from capturing those making
the attack on the inside. Yeggs who
actually engage In an attack upon a
bank or post Office seldom visit IN
the daytime the place where they
are located fearing subsequent iden-
tification.
An old ruse resorted to by yeggs is
to have the "stick-ups" fire volley
of shots from their pistols just as the
soup" in the bank is touched off.
This is done to misle" d those likely
10 be awakened by the blast at the
safe door. Hearing the fusillade, the
half dazed citizens, believing that a
number Of persons are engaged in
CollDdI, vi
IN the direction whence the shots
came, stop to organize themselves
into a possee.
1t is but the work of seconds for
the yeggmen to procure the loot in
The strong box after the shot has
been fired, and more often than not
a minute after the blast or at least
long before its smoke has cleared
away, the inside men have fled to the
outside, and, directed by the "stick-
ups" are well on their way to the
rendezvous. BY the time the posse
locates the scene of the robbery the
burglars have either leaped upon a
passing freight train or else they
have Communicated a hand car and
Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1913-07-02
NEXT WEEK.

Charles Savages n negro, and the
perpetrator of one cf the most daring
mail train robber,ies ever committed
by yeggman, will be the subject OF
the next chapter OF the series.
Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1913-07-02

Mrs. Hill is pleasantly remember
ed In Walhalla, she having, with her
sister, visited her aunt, Miss Leona
kuhtmann, two years ago, during
which time the two young ladies'
made host Of friends here and else
wnere In the county. The Courier
JOINS with these and others in South
carolina in extending to the young
couple every good wish for q long
life Of happiness and prosperity.
Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1913-07-02
Uncle Sarn's War on the "Yeggs''

where horses and buggies can easily
be stolen.
Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1913-07-02
~

CP-1S7TD HEN the United States
KeNsHTlH.lnA Post Office Department
XE3k1MEklHk1 opened relentless war
Nylt AVAEl1NN fare against yeggmen
it's operations were
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
EXTRA, IOWA, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25,
LITTLE |[A HEATH
SUCCUMBS FRIDAY

Ila Lucille Heath. the baby girl of
Henry and Mae Heath, after an ill
ness of three weeks from cholera
infantum, departed this life Friday,
morning, September 10Th, 1913, at
500 o'clock, aged three years, one
month and two days.
Her little life. though brief, has
been a ray of sunshine not only tc
her parents, but also to her many
friends and neighbors. Is
ooh. not i'm cruelty, nd. in wrath
The reaper came that day,
Twas an angel visited the greer
earth,
And took our darling away"
The Journal extends it's deepes
sympathy to the bereaved relatives
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
ANOTHER AUDUBON
COUNTY CHAMPION

The Home Coming at Vilhsca last
week was very largely attended and
games of nearly every description
and sports to please the young
as well as the middle aged and the
old, was provided for the entertain
ment of all present. For those who
loved the sport-and there seemed
to be hundreds present who did
a State Championship at horse shoe
pitching was arranged. The best
pair Of Pitchers in the state were
Mr.. Ed Cihak, of Audubon township
Audubon County; and a gentleman
from Oreston, whose name we did
not learn. The premium was SIS.
and the title OF being the best in
all Iowa.
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
.GREEN-[[OYD WEDDING
TAKES PLACE IN DENVER

Monday morning, September Is,
in Denver, Colorado occurred the
marriage of Ray Green and Miss
Georgia Lloyd.
The groom is the SON of Congress
man and Mrs. Green of Audubon.
He has completed course in law
since his graduation from the local
schools and had been pacticing in
Council Bluffs until last January
when he went to Idaho to resume
his work. He is very Industrious
and much respected by all who hav
made his acquaintance.
The bride is the daughter of Mrs.
Georgia Lloyd of Brighton, Iowa.
She, at one time was teacher in
the Audubon schools where she met
the one she chose for life COM
paion. She, accompanied by her
mother, had been enjoying a visit
in Denver. She has many friends
in Audubon who are pleased to lear
of their marriage.
The journal extends congratula-
tiOns
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
THE FIRST FROST
OF THE SEASON

The first frost of the season came
ON onday morning last, September
%, and all tender stuff and much
that was not tender was killed and
much that was not tender was kill
ed and destroyed beyond recovery
The vegetables OF all kinds felt its
whitening blast and blacker mass
Of vegetation is hard to find.
Our great conn crop is mainly safe
from destruction. Thanks to a kind
prowid ence. Corn is again King.
While a vast region of our corn bell
crop has been shortened, or entire
ly destroyed by droughth, we have
fully an average yield Of the gold
en- grain that feeds man and beast.
Surely, we should render thanks to
Him for his beneficenoe.
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
T. ]. FREEMAN ATTEk-
DED A, B. ENCAMPhEhT

On account Of the illness of Mrs.
E. j. Freeman she was unable to at
tend the National Enccampmnet of
the G. A. r. at Chattanooga, Ten
nessee, with Mr.. Freeman, who is
President of the National Musicians
of which he is the organizer.
A special train was made up at
Chicago which took the boys in blue
to the place that will bring many
sad memories to their minds of
81 to '66.
We have been the recipient of
several Dailies from that city, de-
scribing in detail the amalgamat-
ing of the friendship of North and
South and the cementing of per-
petual love for those who bore arm
and encouraged hatred in those dall
days of the rebellion that cost this
great country so many lives and
| millions of treasure.
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
BIG DEAL
CLOSED LAST WEEK

A big deal was closed recently by
Nelse Johnson of Anita and L. E.
Simpson of Audubon whereby MIR.
johnson became the owner OF the
big brick building in this city occu-
pied by Porter Bros. Cafe and the
Telephone Office, and Mr.. Simpson
became the possessor of the harness
and saddlery stock owned by Mr..
johnson in Anita. Possession was
given to both parties Monday OF
last week.
We understand that Mr.. johnson
wild continue to rent the building tc
the same parties while Mr.. Simpson
will sell out the stock of goods
which he received in Anita, j. B
Connrardy taking chrage of same.
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
ENORMOUS CORN
IN OKLAHOMA

While we always knew that Okla
homa was some Corn Country, the
following despatch would lead one
to think that this years crop is a
little extraordinary. TERRIBLE news
comes from the western part of the
Cherokee Nation. 1t seems that
boy climbed a corn stalk to see
how the corn was getting along
and now the stalk is growing fast
er than the boy can climb down.
The boy is clear out Of sight. Three
men have undertaken to cut the
stalk down with axes and save the
boy from starvation; but it grows
so fast that they can't hack twice
In the same place. The boy is Mv-
ing on nothing but raw corn, and
has already thrown down four
bushels of cobs."
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
HDRRAH! OUR REST
ROOM is HERE

The Rest Room, under the auspic-
es of the Treble Clef Club will be
open Saturday for the free use OF
farmers wives and others who are
in need of a place for resting. On
Saturdays, or any other days, when
You are in town doing your shop
ping, you are cordially invited to
our Rest Room where good comfort
able Rocking chairs, Lounge. Books
and Magazines await your attention
Come, all farmers wives,. Bring
your babies and spent your leisure
time resting while in town.
The Room is located in the Photo
graph Gallery, THIRD DOOR south
of F. H. Cotton store.
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
CALIFORNIA FRIEND
HERE VISITING

Mr.. Nesley Hartzell, brother of
Worth HartzeA of Greeley town
ship. residing in California, is Wis
iting relatives and friends here. Mr..
Hartzell left here about fourteen
years ago and located in one of the
richest valleys in California where
property has had a steady increase
He reports that his father, Mr.. Seth
Hartzell, so we'll known here by the
older residents, is enjoying better
health than for years.
Uncle Seth invested considerable
money in "a new section near Los
Angeles and the raise in valuation
of property is 80 per cent since he
purchased.
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
EXTRA HIGH SCHOOL
ON ACCREDITED LIST


A report is going the rounds that
the Extra High School is NOT an
accredited school. Prof Hoyman de
sdres us to say that the school en-
joys being on the list with accre-
dited schools of the state and is
entitled to all honors given such
schools from all state institutions;
and any report to the contrary is
without fact. Our schools are in
excellent condition and are compe-
tent to teach your children, youths,
and young people to the fullest
limdt of advancement prior to Aca-
demic or College entree.
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
0. +. |DE TO PEORIA
AS REPRESENTATIVE

O. F. Ide was appointed by Cover
nor Clarke to attend the Farmers
Congress of the United States as
Representative from Iowa. He left
Monday for Peoria, Illinois. wheue
the organization is holding its meet
dng and will probably be gone for
several days.
Mr.. Ide Is a prominent farmer, OF
near Brayton and is capable of fill
ing the responsible position which
was given him by the Governor. He
is up-to-date in aid lines of work
pertaining to the farm and his
simplified, methods are creating
much comment.
We feel grateful to know that
Iowa will be we'll represented at the
great meeting which is now in pro-
gress.
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
DIED AT HOME
IN new MEXICO

Mrs. Patty, the divorced wife OF
Mr.. Theodore Patty of this city, diet
on her claim near Mcintosh, New
Mexico, last Thursday. His daugh-
ter, Miss Ida, who was with her
mother at the time of her demise,
telegr aphed to her father of her
mothers death. Mrs. Patty, before
her death, had requested daugh-
ter to inter her body in Cascade, To-
wa where Miss Ida's grandparents
lay.
Theodore, in the goodness of his
heart, telegraphed money to his
daughter to carry out her mothers
desire. Not many men under like
circumstances would do as Theodore
has done.
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
A Good Show

The colored minstrels were wit
messed by a large and appreciative
audience here last Tuesday eve
ming. 1t is very seldom we get to
see as good a minstrel show aus this
one except in the larger cities. The
darkies were right there, both in
singing and dancing and were encor
ed to almost every number. The
show carries fine brass band
which rendered some excellent mus
dc.-Genesco Post. Will be at Ex-
ira Saturday, September 27th. All
come and hear them.
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
Card Of Thanks

We wish to thank our neighbona
and friends for the kindness shown
US during the sickness and death
of our father, also for. the heauti-
full floral contributions which was
so much appreciated.
Mr.. and Mrs. N. Turner.
Mr.. and Mrs. T. G. Turner.
MIR. and Mrs. w. A. Turner.
Mr.. and Mrs. Chas. PARROT.
Mrs. Alice Parker.
and Grandchildren.
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
SUNDAY LAST FINE
AUTOMOBILE WEATHER

The roads, the last of last week,
and to the present time, were all
that the aItoists could ask for, or
desire, they were and are simply
grand. Sunday (it would seem to
the casual observer) that every one
owning an automobile took "trip
While the roads were good, the sna1
py cold weather following the in
tense hot summer was enjoyed by
the travellers to the fullest extent.
The fragrance CD of the Moth Bail
was plainly in evidence all day as
winter wraps We're welcome acquis
ition in every car that passed.
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
v. /. LILLE WON
PREMIUMS AT FAIR

We are pleased to note the fol-
Lowing premiums which were award
w. H. Lille at the Cass County Fair
last week:
LIST on aged cow; 3nd on aged
COW; End ON two-year-old heifer;
LIST and End on yearling heifer; End
on heifer calf; 1st and End on year
ling bull; list and End on bull un-
der one year; End on aged herd;
LIST on young herd; and sweep.
stakes on COW.
These cattle were of the Hereford
kind and were big beauties. T hey
gave evidence of the good care they
have received.
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
OLD SOLDIERS AND
SETTLERS MEET

At Extra, October 10th and 11th.
Two days devoted to the happiness
of all who partake. The commit
tees are putting forth their best
efforts to please the big crowd who
will attend. Miss Ella Stearns and
several others wild make addresses
as will Governor Clark on one OF
the days. We are anxious that
the meeting be we'll attended and
this organization be made perma.
nent. Come, old friends.
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
BAD WEATHER REDUCE
ATTENDANCE AT FAIR
With a little exertdon on YOU

With little e0ertdon on YOUR
PART, the Audubon County Fair
Management can yet PAY OUT. The
Institution is yours. Don't let dt
take back seat because of day
or two's rain. PUT YOUR SHOUL-
DER TO THE WHEEL and ATTEN
TODAY and TOMORROW and make
it a HUMMER. Show THE WORLD
the way we do things in Audubon
County. TURN OUT, FRIENDS.
IT WILL RUN TILL SATURDAY
NIGHT.
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
BIG FARM NEAR EXTRA
SOLD LAST week


A sale which has attracted much
attention took place last week when
Wilbur Wolf, of near Extra, sold
his farm to Albert Bintner for $175
am acre. The farm is located just
two and one-hadf miles south OF
Extra and consists of 120 acres of
some of the richest soil in Iowa.
1t has until recently been situated
on the River to River Road but
when the route was changed these
honors we're taken away from the
farm.
Mr.. Bintner intends to move his
family to it while Wr. Wolf is ex-
pecting to move to Extra to reside.
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
A SOCIAL CALL
FROM old FRIENDS

We were taken unawares Monday
last when Messrs. F. R. Mclaughlin
and Charles Garmire, of Gray, walk.
ed into our sanctum and demanded
halt from activities. A social
hour was spent as they used to be
spent years ago, in rehashing ev-
ents of past, present and future.
Like old frineds who have not had
a good chat for some time did
this trio mix and talk of the past
and lay plans for the future.
Come again, gentlemen, and we
will try and make you happy.
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-09-25
CIRCUS WENT BROKE
FAILED ENGAGEMENTS

Possibly the fate of the Rice
Brothers Circus, which was billed
for cannon for September 9Th but
which went broke before it reach
ed this place may serve to point
a moral to adorn tale.'' Rice
Brothers advertised with window
hangers and on the bil1-boards but
made mo advertising contracts with
the newspapers. Such, at least. was
the case at Carroll.
Is it any wonder that the show
went broke?