The Mankato free press., 1921-09-16

DOQSe center, MlDN., oepI6iL DER 10
ID T. Rounseville, vice president of
the First National bank here, was
shot and instantly killed late yester-
day by an unidentified youth who for
some tine had been intent on a search
for bank officials.
After firing three shots in the bank
where Mr.. Rounseville was alone
checking up the days business, the
young man dashed out of the bank
shouting wildly, and apparently with
some exultation, II have shot him,
have shot him."
He was captured a few minutes la
ter by citizens who had gathered
about a burning livery barp, and for
a few hours while the prisoner was
being held in the office of Sheriff s.
l.. Gilderhus it was feared that citi-
zens. highly wrought up by the crime,
would break in to execute mob ven
geance, the sheriff said
"A little group, lnomentarily increas-
ing In proportions. gathered before
the building where the young man
was being held. Sheriff Gilderhus sue
ceeded in getting the prisoner from
town by automobile, and in taking
him safely to Owatonna, where he is
being held in the Steele county Jail.
Declined to Discuss Shooting.
At the Jail the young man main
tanned a stubborn silence. He refus-
ed TO discuss any reference to bank
officials, and questions as to his iden-
uCy were net by a blank stare A
pair of overalls which he discarded
during the fight from the bank bore
the label of st. Paul merchant, but
the young man could not be induced
TO say that he had been in the twin
cities.
The fire at the Heck livery barn is
believed to have been incendiary and
started with the intention Of detract-
ing attention from contemplated
ROBBERY or murder
Exactly what took place in the
First National bank only the prisoner
knows. He entered the bank after a
futile search for officials at the Far
mers' National bank a few doors
away.
Mr.. Rounseville, in the absence Of
his son, Irl Rounsville, cashier, had
gone to the bank to relieve Leo Trip
onel, assistant cashier, for duty with
the volunteer fire department fighting
young man entered, and three shots
were fired.
He strips Of the overaIIs.
He then dashed from the bank,
fourishing the pistol and shouting
his success in committing the crime.
Two men who were passing took up
pursuit AT a deserted mill the fugi-
tive stopped to leave his overalls and
he continued his dash down the Great
Western railroad tracks dressed in a
brown suit which he had worn under
his outer garments. About 100 per-
sons were in pursuit when he was
overtaken by Walter Abbott, Sam Abb
bott. Myron Stivers and Harry Gou-
termont. He offered no resistance.
At the Farmers National Bank the
young man had asked for an official
clerk could reply he said, "Oh, / see,
there're all gone to the fire." He
turned and left.
After his apprehension the prisoner
was taken to the office of Sheriff
Gilderhus. He was taken away has
tily by the sheriff and Deputy Sher-
iff Sam Brown when little groups OF
persons assembled in the streets be-
came menacing.
At Owatonna Sheriff William
Leehy of Steele county assumed
charge of the prisoner, but was NO
more successful than Dodge county
officials in drawing any admissions
from the prisoner.
Il think he was attempting rob
berry," Sheriff Leehy said, after ef-
forts to get a statement from the
prisoner. He probably was tackling
his first hold-up job, and lost his
nerve; He'll probably talk after we've
held for a few days" r'.- ..r
The youth obtained nothing from
the bank. 1t was ascertained.
The prisoner is twenty one or
twenty-five years old. His hair is
light, he is of fair complexion, weighs
140 pounds and is 5 feet seven inches
tall
Mr. Rounsville was seventy years
old, banker Of Dodge county and
pioneer resident Of Dodge Center. His
banking interests had been taken
over largely by his son, while he was
actively engaged in a real estate and
insurance business. His office ad-
Joined the bank building.
Only one of the three shots fired
took effect 1t pierced Mr. Rouns-
vnle's breast near the heart. One
shot passed trrourh window and
2n thor WAS embedded in a wall