USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume I > Part 58
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100
Keep up these social gatherings, and let us all do our part to cultivate the spirit of charity and love, which is the golden ladder that reaches from earth to heaven. When this spirit of love becomes the ruling spirit of mankind, wars will cease, the sectarian walls that divide the Christian world will crumble to dust; envy, hatred and malice will recede and happiness before unknown will be man's crowning glory, and earth become heaven and hell a fable.
THE BELLEVUE WAR. W. A. WARREN'S VERSION.
During the winter of 1838-39, Mr. James White and James Thompson went into partnership in keeping a general store in Savanna, Illinois. Thompson was the son of well-to-do, respectable parents in Philadelphia, but had a roving dis- position. He went to New Orleans on leaving home, and from there came to Savanna. After they had been engaged successfully in business for some time, they found, on entering the store one morning, that not only was the stock almost entirely removed, but the money drawer had been burglarized, and their busi- ness hopes blasted. Suspicion at once rested upon the Bellevue gang, and Thomp- son especially was very persevering and energetic in his endeavors to discover the thieves ; so much so that suspicion finally rested upon him in the eyes of many. The firm of White & Thompson was dissolved, and in a few weeks James Thomp- son was one of the leaders in what was then known as Brown's gang.
Thompson was a man of good education and some culture, qualities which made him especially valuable in the matter of passing counterfeit money, and the
404
. HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
higher kinds of roguery. He succeeded in "shoving the queer" on some of his old family friends in Philadelphia. He would go through the country purchasing cat- tle and horses with counterfeit funds, and at once turn them over into the hands of the less qualified members of the gang, and thus never had any of the property in his possession. He was usually on the "go," and if the injured parties came to Brown's to find him, inquiry would secure the information that he had "just started for the East."
During the time Thompson was carrying on this nefarious trade, a gentleman living near Galena, known as "Buncombe" Gillett, sold to a man whose name he gave as Thompson, a yoke of fine oxen, and being a man of considerable means he laid aside the money received for several weeks, when, hearing of counterfeit money being paid under similar circumstances, he examined that which he had re- ceived, only to find that he too was a victim. Tracing his cattle through Galena and thence to Iowa, he found them in the possession of David Zigler, in Tete des Morts. Gillett, by a writ of replevin, secured his cattle and drove them to Bellevue. Here Zigler accompanied him, and proved to the satisfaction of all that he had purchased the oxen from some parties moving west, who had five yoke of the same.
Finally Zigler purchased the cattle again from their real owner, paying seventy dollars, and trusting to recover from Thompson. Before Gillett's return home, the latter appeared and was at once placed under arrest. Gillett identified him as the man to whom he had sold the cattle and who had passed upon him the counterfeit bills, a charge which Thompson coolly and boldly denied, declaring he had never been a mile north or east of Galena, that he had never before seen Mr. Gillett, and that he could not have bought the oxen at the time named, for he, was then in Davenport. He then asked more time in order to procure witnesses, a favor which was promptly granted by the prosecution, in order that Mr. Gillett's hired men might also be summoned, to identify the prisoner. The case was postponed five days and Thompson was released on bail, with W. W. Brown and James L. Burtis as securities.
On the day appointed for the trial, Mr. Gillett appeared, accompanied by his two hired men and an attorney from Galena. Mr. Thomas Campbell, Gillett and both his men declared, upon oath, that Thompson was the man who purchased the cattle.
T. P. Burrett, of Dubuque, conducted the defense. Fox, Long, Trass, and God- frey, four of the worst villains of the gang, were called upon the stand and testi- fied that, at the date mentioned, they four were with Thompson, in Davenport, attending the races ; that Thompson was with them all of the time, which would make it impossible for him to have been near Galena on the day named, that be- ing the second day of the races.
Numerically speaking, the preponderance of testimony was on the side of the defense, and the case was dismissed. Notwithstanding, the belief in Thomp- son's guilt was quite universal.
Thompson's self-possession and coolness through this trial added quite ma- terially to his popularity with the Brown gang, and in every case of emergency he was consulted about as earnestly as his more distinguished chief. His advice was sought after in all matters of difficulty and adventure. Thus encouraged this talented man plunged deeper and more recklessly into a career of sin, applying gifts, that might have been directed to much nobler purposes, to the skillful com- mission of the deepest crimes and most daring adventures.
About this same time, Thompson and several of his comrades visited Dubuque, and succeeded in ridding themselves of quite an amount of the spurious bills. The method employed was to make small purchases at various stores, and receive good money in change. They succeeded in getting safely away from the city without arrest; but Sheriff Cummins, of Dubuque, was dispatched to Bellevue for the purpose of bringing the guilty parties to justice. He came to Sheriff Warren, who concluded, from the description, that the parties he was in search of was Denison
-
BROWN'S HOTEL-SCENE OF BELLEVUE WAR, 1840
407
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
and Aaron Long. Proceeding to the saloon to look for them, they learned they were upstairs with W. W. Brown. These, hearing of the arrival of the officers, prepared to defend themselves, and ordered Sheriff Cummins to keep his distance. The latter called to his assistance James Mitchell and Henderson Palmer. These attempted to ascend the stairway, when two pistol shots were fired at them, one ball passing through the collar of Mitchell's coat. The three, however, were not to be outdone, and charged up stairs, with pistols in hand, demanding surrender. The party in the "fort" gave up at once, and disclaimed any idea of resistance, disclaiming any deadly intent in the discharge of firearms. Denison and Aaron Long were handcuffed and Brown placed under bonds to answer to the charge of resisting an officer and an assault with intent to kill.
Thompson, though he himself had not passed any money in Dubuque, was also arrested, and with his partners were taken to that city in charge of Sheriff Cummins, accompanied by Mitchell and Palmer. No evidence could be offered against Thompson when brought to trial, and he was by necessity discharged. The other two were bound over to appear at the next term of the District Court, but through some flaw in the indictment they were suffered to escape without the punishment they deserved.
The next escapade on the part of Thompson and his confederates was over in Linn county, where, in a single night the house of a Mr. Guilbert, and those of two men named Grundy, father and son, were entered, the occupants overpowered, and all the money in their possession taken, amounting in all to several hundred dollars. An attempt to bring the parties to justice, who were recognized, elicited the fact that they were prepared to prove an alibi, as usual, and it was not thought worth while to attempt a trial.
The part which Mitchell and. Palmer had taken in bringing the thieves to law, produced an animosity against these citizens which threatened at any time to break out into open violence. Thompson and his men were loud in their denuncia- tion of these parties, and declared they must leave town. Thompson even went so far as to declare to Mitchell on one occasion that the bailiwick was too small for both of them, and that he proposed to make it too hot for Mitchell to remain. Mitchell, however, was a bold man, and had no fear of Thompson, whom he believed to be a coward, save where he had the decided advantage. Accordingly, Mitchell barred his doors, and placed two inch shutters upon his windows, so that he could make his house a place of safety during the night. He then con- tinued one of the most active citizens, endeavoring by every possible means to ferret out the depredations of the banditti.
About three weeks after the Linn county robbery, an old French trapper, who spent considerable time trapping on the islands near Bellevue, and whose name was B. Rolette, came to the town and disposed of his furs, to J. K. Moss, for which he received, including some money he had there on deposit, about two hundred dollars. His location was on the island a short distance below town, and it was his proposal to go further south during the cold weather. The old man got to drinking considerable during the evening, and exhibited his money. Some of his friends became alarmed for him, and advised him to remain in Bellevue until morning. Late in the evening Rolette got into his canoe and started for home. He was followed by Thompson and Chichester. As soon as the old man had retired for the night, the desperadoes entered his cabin and demanded his money. The Frenchman was so frightened that he commenced yelling, and continued to do so in a vigorous manner until he was knocked down and gagged. His money was secured and placed in Thompson's belt. It happened that Hanby, Tom Sublett and Rodafer were encamped on the island that night about one hundred yards be- low, and hearing the old man's cries they rushed to his rescue. The sudden ap- pearance of these men surprised Thompson and Chichester, and they made no resistance. They were arrested and the gag removed from the old man's mouth. The money was found in the belt of James Thompson, and they were taken to
408
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
Bellevue, where an information was filed against them, but they waived examina- tion, and gave bond for appearance at the next term of court.
A TEMPORARY REFORM.
About this time a meeting of the law abiding citizens of Bellevue was called to meet at J. K. Moss' store, to devise some means by which the town might be relieved of the scoundrels who were molesting its citizens and the surrounding country. To this meeting it was decided, upon consultation, to invite W. W. Brown, and to lay the whole matter before him, at the same time informing him that the people were determined to institute such proceedings as would secure the riddance of the outlaws, and to ask his cooperation. On the evening appointed, Brown appeared, and with him James Thompson. The presence of the latter brought James Mitchell to his feet, saying to Brown: "You are here by invita- tion, and, while you may harbor and protect counterfeiters and robbers, you have no authority nor permission to bring them to this meeting. Mr. Thompson can retire." He had scarcely finished the sentence when Thompson drew a revolver. Mr. Palmer, anticipating his movement, clinched him, took away his pistol and hustled him out of doors. A dozen or more of the gang were on the outside. These broke down the door and rushed in, cursing the citizens, and, had it not been for the interference of Brown, bloodshed would have been inevitable. As Thompson left the room, he said: "Mitchell, you are a marked man, and if ever I catch you alone, the language you used tonight shall be atoned for."
After the ruffians had left, the object of the meeting was explained to Brown He was told that the citizens were confident that he could do much toward rid- ding the town of the desperadoes with which it was afflicted, by discountenancing their deeds, and ceasing to allow them to make his hotel their headquarters; that, if he would do so, he should receive the hearty cooperation of the citizens in any- thing he might undertake, and that he would thereby become an honored member of society, to whom a favored people would not feel ungrateful. To this propo- sition Brown gave respectful attention, and then said: "Gentlemen, I would to God I could comply with your request, and that I might stand in your estimation tonight as I did when first I came among you. Your confidence and kindness in making this proposition is fully appreciated, and, were it in my power, I would gladly accept it. It would be no use for me to try to conceal from you the relation in which I stand to these men, and if, by counsel, I can prevail upon them to leave and seek honorable occupation elsewhere, I will do so." Brown's sincerity was not doubted, and those present willingly believed that, were it in his power, he would do all he said he would.
On the following morning, it was noticed that nearly all of Brown's boarders shouldered an ax and started across the river to the island, where they were em- ployed in cutting wood for him. It was presumed that Brown had told them what had passed, and, while the citizens did not have much confidence in the lasting quality of their industry, their temporary absence was a relief. Judging from Brown's talk and manner, it would be an occasion of rejoicing on his part if they would never return to his house. The citizens manifested toward Brown their former friendship, and took occasion to call at his house and show to himself and wife every kindness possible. Mrs. Brown was a lady of attractive appearance, of no little refinement, and had been very much disturbed at her husband's recent position in society, and the class of men he had about him. She seemed to appre- ciate to its fullest extent, the change in manner of her old acquaintances, and in- dulged in the hope that she and her husband might again reach their former re- spectable station in society.
SMUGGLED SPOILS.
Not long after the woodchoppers had gone to work, some of the farmers about Sand Prairie began to complain that their hogs were stolen, and they had reason
409
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
to think they went to supply the choppers with meat. But any attempt to find out anything from the men on the island met with derision. Finally, several of the farmers came to Bellevue and complained to Brown that his men were plun- dering their hogpens, and asked his assistance in having it stopped. Brown answered that he had no control over the men; that he had engaged them by the cord to cut the wood, and could do nothing except to assist them in searching the shanties and discovering the meat, if it was secreted there. The party proceeded to the island and commenced search, but, until they were about through, supposed it would be fruitless. However, they thought to examine a haystack on the island, and discovered one place where the hay had been disturbed. Following in a sort of hole in the stack, they came upon a large bin containing two barrels of fresh pork and one of beef, in a good state of preservation. This stack was upon negro Brown's premises, and it was proposed to arrest him. He could nowhere be found, though engaged in chopping wood near by, only a few minutes before. His wife was taken into custody, and declared that, though she was cook for the woodmen, she knew nothing about where the meat came from, as it was furnished daily by Driscoll, who brought it to the cabin. Driscoll, too, had succeeded in get- ting his carcass out of sight, so no arrests were made; but the men from Sand Prairie were suffered to carry away the meat, there being no other claimants.
After the return of the party to Bellevue, Wells, who was in league with the gang, but, as has been elsewhere mentioned, not very loyal to them, asked Sheriff Warren what they had found over on the island. On being informed, he told Warren that they had not investigated far enough; that the haystack contained another apartment, in which was concealed a lot of goods stolen from merchants in Galena-mostly from Mr. Berry-and were concealed there by Fox and W. W. Brown; and that it was Brown's purpose to remove the goods late that night, fearing to leave them there longer, in view of the recent discovery. About a dozen of the citizens were quietly notified of this matter, and it was their inten- tion to intercept the thieves, if possible. They proceeded to the island about 10 o'clock, the night being quite cold. They lay in ambush until 12 o'clock, when they proceeded quietly to the haystack, where they found the stack had been torn away and the bin emptied of its contents. Proceeding to the cabin of negro Brown, they inquired of his wife as to the removal of the stolen goods. She promptly answered that Brown, Fox and Thompson had been there about five hours pre- vious, and loaded the merchandise on a double sled, with which Fox and Thomp- son had proceeded in one direction, and Brown had returned to Bellevue. The spot was examined with the aid of a lantern, when several articles were discovered, including two packages of pocket knives, razor strops, spools and a bolt of calico, which had been dropped in loading the sled. Taking these articles with them, the party returned to town with the conviction that they had been outgeneraled by Brown once more.
As soon as it was light enough to see the track the next morning, Hanby and Sublette gave chase. They did not succeed very well in following the trail, as there was but little snow on the ground. They gave up the attempt and proceeded to Elizabeth, hoping to hear something of their game in that direction. As they entered the town, they saw Fox and Thompson driving into the place from the opposite side, and at once inferred they had concealed the goods in some other hiding place, and that further search would probably be useless.
Sublette and Hanby learned, upon inquiry, that the thieves had employed a colored man in Elizabeth, known as Bob Henderson, to pilot them to a place eight miles southeast of Elizabeth, and that the goods had been there transferred to a wagon driven by Driscoll, who was thoroughly acquainted with every foot of ground in that direction. They concluded that further pursuit would not avail, and, therefore returned to Bellevue to inform the citizens of the result. Robert Reed, then deputy sheriff, proceeded, upon instructions, to Galena, and informed Berry and others of the remnant of goods discovered. and asked that they would come to Bellevue and identify them if possible. Three men came for that purpose,
410
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
and at once recognized the goods as the same which had been stolen in Galena, and immediately swore out a warrant against Brown and Thompson for burglary and larceny. This brought the entire party of wood-choppers over to Bellevue in defense of their leaders. They demanded the release of Brown and Thompson at once. Their threatening attitude came near provoking a general panic, and only the coolness and leadership of James C. Mitchell maintained the position of the citizens without the shedding of blood.
The matter was finally brought to Justice Forbes for trial. An attorney from Sabula, by the name of Case, appeared for the state. Brown defended himself and colleague. After the information had been read, Brown arose and addressed the court, arguing that the offense charged was committed in the State of Illi- nois, and was, therefore, out of the jurisdiction of the Territory of Iowa. In a very intelligent manner, he made his plea that persons charged with crime in Illinois were not amenable to the laws of Iowa. There was nothing to do but to discharge the prisoners, which was done. The men from Galena left in dis- gust, rather glad to get away without suffering violence.
From this point, the history of Bellevue outlawry increases in interest, and we take pleasure in giving Captain Warren's exact words, believing in that way to meet the best wishes of our readers. The next in order of events was the
KILLING OF JAMES THOMPSON.
Captain Warren in 1875 writes :
"The holidays are now at hand; Christmas and New Year's were spent in debauch and dissipation. The scowling countenances to Brown's men in town deterred the better class of citizens from celebrating the holidays with music, dancing and feasting, as was the usual custom in those days. There was a meeting held, and resolutions passed to celebrate the 8th of January in memory of the battle of New Orleans. Managers were selected, and among the num- ber was J. C. Mitchell, who opposed the idea of any of the Brown clan being admitted to participate in the celebration, which was endorsed by all the other managers. Great preparations were made for the coming event, and, on the evening of the 8th of January, 1840, there assembled many jolly pleasure seek- ing people at the new hotel on Front street, now an old, dilapidated building, opposite Engleken's cabinet shop, which our city fathers have ordered re- moved as a nuisance and obstruction to the street. So this relic of old time mirth and pleasure will soon be removed and known no more, as many other historical buildings in Bellevue have given way to larger and more gaudy structures, in accordance with the progress, spirit and demand of a broader civilization. On that memorable evening, the new hotel was crowded to its utmost capacity with brave men and fair women, and everything seemed auspicious for a night of music, dancing and joy. We do not propose to be disparaging to the young belles of our city when we say that, even in that day, Bellevue was noted for its beautiful and accomplished women, many of whom are now your mothers and grandmothers, who, in the long time ago, danced, flirted and were wooed as tenderly as their daughters and granddaughters are now. The beautiful, clear complexioned faces of that night have become pale and wrinkled, and the fine, luxuriant hair that hung in bewitching curls around them are silvered through and through by the relentless frosts of time, and the beauty of that hour, thirty-five years ago, is bequeathed, and well bequeathed too, to the young generation among us, who are as attractive, but no more so than their mothers were in the "beautiful days, long ago." But there was an- other party, in secret consultation in the back room of a low saloon in town, plotting for the robbery of Mitchell's house. Thompson was the leader, and his associate in crime was Lyman Wells, who, upon hearing of their inten- tions, made some excuse to be absent, when he hastened to my room and informed me of the intended robbery. I was sick, and not able to attend the
411
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
ball; so I immediately wrote a note to Mitchell, who was at the ball, putting him on his guard. Wells was unable to convey the note to Mitchell in person, but went home and gave it to his wife, who would carry it to its destination. It occupied some time for her to prepare herself in suitable attire to appear in a ballroom; so this delay gave Thompson and his friends time to plunder Mitchell's house of all its valuables and furniture, which were hastily placed on wagons and carried across the river. While the effects were being removed, Thompson was upstairs, standing guard over Miss Hadley, the only person left in the house, Mr. Mitchell, his wife and daughter, having gone to the ball. After the house was plundered, Thompson undertook to violate the person of Miss Hadley. She resisted his devilish undertaking, and, escaping from his clutches, fled with nothing on but her night clothes, and ran up town to the ball room, which she entered almost in a state of nakedness. The fright and adventure, and the exhaustion from running, so prostrated her that she was unable to speak or tell a syllable of what had passed. Mrs. Wells had arrived a few moments before, and had delivered my note to Mitchell, who at once comprehended the situation, and had Miss Hadley conveyed to a bedroom, where she sufficiently recovered to make known the robbery of the house and the attempt of Thompson to violate her person.
"All acquainted with Mitchell knew that such a wrong would not go un- avenged. He borrowed a pistol from Tom Sublett, and started alone for his house. In the meantime, after Miss Hadley had made her escape, Thompson knew very well Mitchell would be informed of what had transpired at his house ; but, flushed and maddened by liquor, and annoyed at the escape of the young lady, he swore he would have the life of Mitchell or die in the attempt. His comrades did all they could to moderate him, and told him the conse- quences of the meeting-that likely one or both would fall-and advised him to go away, for the present at least.
"All this advice and entreaty availed nothing; and finding none willing to risk their lives with him, he started up street alone to look for Mitchell, with a pistol in one hand and a bowie knife in the other. Pursuing his course up street, he overtook Ab Montgomery and told him he was going to meet Mit- chell, and related to him what had transpired at Mitchell's house ; that he knew Mitchell would be on the hunt for him, and if he wanted to see fun to come along. Montgomery endeavored to prevail on the desperado to go back down town and keep out of the way ; but all to no purpose, for Thompson was de- termined to meet Mitchell.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.