USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume I > Part 65
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
Adamsville, Michigan, November 7, 1840.
Mr. S. Burleson :
Dear Sir :- Yours of the 25th October just came to hand and I was very much disappointed to hear that the matters relating to my sister's estate are so different from what news I have ever received before, from you or my sister ; but I can't say but what I have been expecting that there would be large demands come against the estate and probably be proven whether they were honest or not. But I was much more disappointed when I learned from your letter that there was some dissatisfaction existing between you and my sister as regards the set- tlement of the estate and I cannot believe it now, for if any such thing exists it must be caused by some misunderstanding and I do hope you will consider the condition my sister is in there, and have the matter arranged to the best advan- tage possible for her interest.
The fact is, my living so far from there prevents me from giving advice in the matter, for I know so little about the circumstances that it is impossible for me to say what course is best to take; but I have had so much confidence in you that I do think yet that you will look to my sister's interests in preference to your own feelings. I would advise this, for she is likely to be stripped of everything she has got. I would say that she had better have some of her own things taken care of before it is too late, so that she can have something to help herself with, and especially that in honesty she should have, and that no civilized community would wish to deprive her of. It will be impossible for me to be in that country next February on account of my wife's health being poor, as it probably will be all winter. I would be glad to have you write me on receipt of this, and mention all about matters there. I have nothing more to say but remain yours respect- fully,
P. Morehouse, Jr.
The following letter is on the same sheet and is written by Morehouse to Mrs. Brown, who was yet in Iowa :
Dear Sister: I have just received a letter from Mr. Burleson. He mentions that you were very much discouraged. That will never do. You must keep up good courage and settle up your matters as quick as possible and to the best advantage. Take care of your own things, so that everything you have got will not be taken from you. You and Mr. Burleson must conclude what to do with the property over the river. Have it arranged to the best advantage to yourself and that will be the best for me. From your affectionate brother, P. Morehouse, Jr.
P. S .-- Catharine sends her respects. Remember me to all my friends.
While the above letter was on its way to Iowa, Mrs. Brown was on her way to Michigan and wrote the following after arrival there:
449
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
Adamsville, November 22, 1840.
Mr. Burleson: I received your letter with pleasure. It found me in good health and all the rest of my friends except my sister, and as soon as she gets better I shall start for that country, and now I will let you know how I came to leave. I received a letter from my brother, that his wife was very sick and wished me to come home. I expected you in at the time you set. You failed in coming, then I got a man to go and see you. I waited till it was time for you to come. I then went down to see Harrington. I told him I must start for home and wanted him to take the money, for I could not wait any longer. He did not see fit to do it. I then concluded I had done my part. I then went and got ready and left. I will say to you that you need not give yourself any uneasiness about the money for I will assure you that all the money I took away with me I shall bring back with me. I have been sorry a thousand times that I had anything to do with the matter, but as I have I will see it through if I don't have one cent left. I want you to see to the concern as well as you can until I come there. I shall start as soon as the roads are fit. I have no news to write. Give my re- spects to ma (Mrs. Burleson), Mary and Mrs. Vosburg, and all the rest of your family. Rest assured I will be there before court sits. Receive this from a friend, Mrs. E. Brown.
This seems to me as the letter of an affectionate, modest, unassuming woman, brave enough to rise to the occasion when the occasion arises.
In telling the story of this tragedy from the unpopular side, I will use several letters and newspaper editorials that bear on the Bellevue affair. I had a desire to obtain a copy of the statement by some one of the mob as to the affair and published in the Iowa Territorial Gazette of Burlington, April 4, 1840, that I might know how the story was told and who was the author. I wrote Dr. Sham- baugh at Iowa City who replied that he was sorry but it was not in that library, but might be with the historical department at Des Moines. From there they wrote me that they were sorry, but it was not there and they doubted if it was in existence, but it might be in either the Congressional Library at Washington or the Wisconsin State Library at Madison. They wrote me from Washington that they were sorry but it was not there and the librarian at Madison was sorry it was not there.
That made five of us who were sorry, but it sometimes happens that while looking for silver you discover gold and the librarian at Madison informed me of three accounts of the affair on file there. They were editorials from the Galena Democrat and the Miners' Free Press of Mineral Point, Wisconsin, all of which are given here to show the different ideas and the sentiment of different parties during the first few days after the tragedy, which will show there was more or less bias, especially at Galena, whence the mob faction drew a strong support. The following is from the Galena Gazette, April 3, 1840:
HORRID TRAGEDY AT BELLEVUE.
"For the year past the town of Bellview, Iowa Territory, about twelve miles from this place, has had no enviable notoriety as a general harbor for horse- thieves and counterfeiters and rogues of all kinds. It had become a common focus for villainy of all kinds, to the great annoyance and danger of the inhab- itants of the town and the region of country round about.
"The courts of justice afforded no protection. The leader and prime mover of the villainy, W. W. Brown, was a magistrate. Whoever was brought before him was cleared, of course. If a defect in the law could not be found to let the culprit off, it was the easiest thing in the world to get any number of men and prove an alibi. Stolen horses, counterfeit money or almost anything in the com- mercial line of roguery appeared to be always on hand and were sold on the lowest terms. Things went on in this way from bad to worse. There was no security for life or property. Peaceful citizens in their ordinary occupations were obliged to go armed, and even to speak with great caution of their amiable horse thief neighbors. Their situation was the more disagreeable from the be-
450
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
lief that the rogues were the strongest party. It was easy to see that this state of affairs could not long continue, the independent, honest citizens could not long be held in subjection by such men. For the last three months we have seen the storm gathering. The honest men of the town communed with the sturdy set- tlers of the country. They saw they must unite in their own defense, for longer 'forbearance had ceased to be a virtue.'
"Wednesday was an eventful day in Bellview. A warrant had been issued against Brown. He resisted the process and defied the sheriff of the county. He filled the house with his desperadoes armed with rifles and other deadly weapons and dared the posse, who by this time had surrounded the house, to come and take him. But they had men there who had seen rifles before and smelled gunpowder before, who informed Brown that his threats would not be heeded, and that dead or alive he would be taken unless he would agree to 'take up his traps' and with his followers forever leave the country. This he refused to do, came to the door with his rifle, raised it and fired. At that instant he was pierced with four balls and died on the spot. The gang in the house then fired and killed four of the citizens-Mr. Farling, Mr. Maxfield, Mr. Palmer, and Mr. John Brink.
"Three of Brown's men were mortally wounded and six or eight taken pris- oners. These latter were to have been tried yesterday and it is supposed some of them at least would be immediately hung. Colonel Collins, formerly of Wis- consin, we learn, was slightly wounded in the hand and several others narrowly escaped. A negro by the name of Brown, long known to have been connected with the gang, with several others, made their escape from the back door of the house in the utmost terror. One of them reached the river and had put off in a boat beyond rifle shot. He was ordered from the shore to 'haul to.' He imme- diately came back, begging in the most piteous manner for his life. Esquire Brown's wife was in the house at the time of the attack, and he had made his boast a short time before that he could 'dress her in breeches' and bid defiance to the whole town.
"The sheriff's posse formed and marched up to the house in regular file. Not a man gave back. They were about sixty in number. It is said that twenty-two men were seen to enter Brown's house that morning, known to be armed. Under the circumstances, it is strange no more of the citizens were killed. To illustrate the boldness of the gang in their villainy, a steamboat stopped at the wharf a few evenings since, with some plows on the deck. In a few minutes three of them were stolen and two of them were not recovered. We have understood that two of the prisoners have made a full confession and important disclosures have come out.'
Under the date of April 10, 1840, the Gazette has the following quotation from the Galena Democrat and comments on it in its usual positive man- ner. "The Gazette says 'the following is from the Democrat.' 'Since the above was communicated to us other information has reached us of a different nature, which rather mystifies the whole affair. It is that the sheriff had no legal sum- mons to arrest Brown, and that Brown offered to give himself up peacefully if the sheriff would show that he had a legal authority for his arrest, but was de- termined to resist the mob and protect his property against them.
"Last night the mail brought us a letter from Dubuque written by a man who is not liable to be mistaken in such matters and who would not pretend to assert what he did not believe to be true. This letter confirms the last information and concludes with the following paragraph. 'You will soon have the proceedings of a large meeting in this place where those who know the whole matter will place the affair in its true light. Yours, etc.' (That was the meeting Colonel John King referred to in his letter to Governor Lucas, from which we will quote later on.)
"The Gazette's attack on the above quotation from the Democrat is 'we copy the above in order to say that we believe it is a tissue of falsehood. We are told that the sheriff had a regular warrant for Brown's arrest, and not three minutes
451
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
before the firing commenced, a highly respected citizen left Brown who peremp- torily refused to be taken, although the offer was made in case he did so, all his followers might peacefully depart.' This offer was refused, one of the party declaring they were ready to cut to pieces any force that could be brought against them. Our informant then retired."
In Captain Warren's writings, he is the only one who was in Brown's house at that time and he doesn't claim to have made Brown such an offer. It is evi- dent that the Gazette had only one story it cared to believe, and the Miners' Free Press is of that opinion too, judging from its scathing rebuke of the Gazette later, of which we will speak later on. We expect to show enough different opinions of that day to almost justify any man in believing what he has a mind to, and swearing to it as some of Brown's accusers are apt to do today.
The following reference to the Bellevue tragedy and the many rumors as to it in circulation at the time, is from the editorial pen of the Miners' Free Press, of Mineral Point, Wisconsin, of April 14, 1840, and shows people were not then as certain as to the truth of the matter as many today who were not born then :
BELLEVUE TRAGEDY.
In the Galena papers we find an account of the most distressing tragedy, which occurred at the town of Bellview, in Iowa Territory. The reports of. some of the particulars are very contradictory. A statement to be relied upon we have not seen, but from the Democrat we learn that a meeting will soon be held at Dubuque where those who were on the spot and knew the whole matter will place it in its true light. The following is copied from the Democrat, of the 8th: "It appears that warrants were issued for the apprehension of W. W. Brown, on a charge of being connected with a gang of robbers. The war- rant was placed in the hands of Sheriff Warren, who endeavored to take Brown, but Brown resisted the authority. A few days afterward Warren summoned a posse comitatus to his assistance with the full determination to take Brown dead or alive. On the day of the fray and when the citizens had assembled in large numbers in the immediate vicinity, the sheriff went to Brown three different times, begging him to surrender, but he absolutely refused to do so. The sheriff then told those who were in the house with Brown that if there was an honest man among them he had better leave the premises, as Brown must be taken at all events.
"Immediately on the return of Mr. Warren, the citizens moved towards the house, headed by the sheriff and Colonel Cox. At the door of the hotel Colonel Cox and Brown met, the muzzles of their guns passing. Colonel Cox again commanded him to surrender, assuring him that he should be lawfully dealt with. Brown replied by firing his gun at the citizens then closing in on him, but happily without effect. Immediately a well directed shot through the win- dow struck Brown, severing the jugular vein and he bled to death in a few minutes. His companions attempted to retreat upstairs but several were shot down before they reached the stairs.
"The firing, by Brown's men, from the second story of the house was now well kept up before they were dislodged from their position. They attempted to retreat to the woods from the back door but several were shot down and others captured before they reached the woods.
"Brown had made every preparation for a determined resistance, and had he not been shot down at the commencement of the affray no doubt much more blood would have been shed.
"He had sixteen comrades with him, each having three rifles loaded. On the day after, five of those who had been taken were punished by the citizens in a summary manner. Fifty lashes were given to each, when they were ordered to leave the country forthwith. It is said that they made confessions that one or two hundred persons were concerned in the gang; that they had adopted rules
452
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
and laws for their government-promised to protect each other against the laws, etc. One of their laws authorized the members of the gang to murder anyone of the band who should turn informer."
The same paper states that they had received other information of a differ- ent nature, which is, that the sheriff had no legal summons to arrest Brown, and that he offered to surrender himself peacefully if the sheriff would show that he had legal authority for his arrest, but was determined to resist the mob and protect his property against them. This the Gazette copies, "in order to say that it is a tissue of falsehoods." We are told by those in whom we have full reliance, that Mr. Warren had a regular warrant for Brown's arrest. Whether it is correct or incorrect, we know not, but we think the Gazette should, on this occasion, have concealed the ranklingt of envy and jealousy which seems to be gnawing its very soul. A milder term would have conveyed the same idea.
Killed and wounded :- Citizens killed-H. Palmer, Jonas Brink, A. Farley, Maxwell. Countrymen wounded-Vaughan, badly; Colonel Collins, slightly; General McDonald, slightly; William Beatty. Horse thieves killed- W. W. Brown, S. Day, Thomas Welch, Davis, Samuel Burtis.
The above is from the Miners' Free Press (Welch was not killed but wounded) with quotations from the Galena Democrat, and below the writer will give an- other version of the matter which is a letter written by Colonel John King, first chief justice of Dubuque county, Wisconsin Territory (later Iowa), and post- master at Dubuque, Iowa Territory, when his letter was written to Governor Lucas, at Burlington.
Dubuque, Iowa Territory, April 5, 1840.
To His Excellency, Robert Lucas :
Sir-I regret to state to you that a more disgraceful affair has never been recorded in the annals of history than that which I am about to relate. It oc- curred on the Ist ultimo, at Bellview, Jackson county, Iowa Territory, about seven miles below Galena. A mob collected, calling themselves the people, headed by Warren. the sheriff of the above named county, and Colonel Cox (so called), member of the legislature, General McDonald, and James K. Moss. The mob proceeded to the house of Mr. Brown (inn keeper) and informed him through Warren that he must leave the territory immediately. Brown replied that if he (Warren) had any legal demands against him, he was willing to go with him and be tried, but that a mob could not take him. However, they were not satisfied with this and made a rush to capture him, and in trying to effect their object six persons were killed and three wounded, one having since died. What the character of Mr. Brown was I am unable to say.
He was certainly hospitable and obliging to strangers and affectionate to his family. He was also industrious which is certainly one good quality. His wife was of a reputable family and understood the duties of a hostess. Well, Brown fell like a brave man, defending his wife and child from insults and his property from the ravages of a reckless and lawless mob. Mrs. Brown was conducted to this place by a gentleman at whose house she has and will receive the kindest treatment.
On Saturday evening, last, the citizens assembled at the Presbyterian church, and though large it could not contain near all, to express their deep abhorrence of the murderous conduct of the mob at Bellview by strong resolutions which will be published in the papers of this territory. The people at the meeting ex- pressed their unanimous wish that you would promptly remove from office Warren and McDonald. Our legislators will be instructed at the extra session to expel from their body Colonel Cox and we will endeavor to have J. K. Moss removed forthwith from the office of postmaster.
I have just learned that the latter gentleman, or rather the man, holds the office of judge of probate. If so, he should be removed from that office also.
I have just had a conversation with Mr. Petriken, who feels indignant at the outrage and thinks those villains, if possible, should be arrested and there
453
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
are two ways of having it done: First, by removing Warren and having a new sheriff appointed, they could then be arrested; secondly, that your excellency can command General Lewis to raise the militia and arrest them. Others think Chief Justice Mason is authorized to act in this matter, but all agree that your long experience in public business gives you the advantage of us all in knowing how to dispose of those persons who have committed the most willful and pre- meditated murders and brought a stigma and a disgrace upon our young and beautiful territory that years cannot efface. Your obedient servant,
John King, P. M.
My thoughts question. Where, during that excitement and that meeting, was Judge Wilson, of Dubuque, who suggested that the warrant for the arrest of Brown and twenty-three others be issued, and who forty years later wrote to W. A. Warren that the records of Jackson county would show as to Brown's guilt ? (It is not my intent to question Judge Wilson. It seems that records do that.) And where was Prosecuting Attorney Crawford, of Dubuque, who drew up the "information" and was present and addressed the mob court, and wit- nessed the flogging of the prisoners? It seems those two gentlemen could have given the people of Dubuque the alleged truth as to the matter.
I have been severely criticised for introducing evidence into print that re- flects on the dead, notwithstanding the dead were only entitled to what merit they won in life, still it is not a desirable task, and my pen drags at its leash. But then, if the members of that mob are dead, Brown and his defenders are also dead. Historians have no compunction about scribbling on and on about the "criminality" of Brown and his men while they write his disgrace deeper into history; therefore, I contend that where there is a doubt, the man at the bar has the benefit of it, dead or alive. There certainly is a doubt as to Brown's guilt and has been for sixty-seven years, and it has been shared by some of the first men in the country, and I feel justified in grouping them into a chain of defense of one who might have been wronged.
The following letter is more than a doubt, it is positive testimony by one who was on the inside of all the legal criminal business in Jackson and Dubuque counties at the time and some time previous to the Bellevue war, knew Brown well and if he or any of those charged in the sheriff's blanket sheet warrant had been old offenders of the law and scoffers of its power, as the story goes, this writer of the following, J. V. Berry, then public prosecutor for this district, knew it as well as any living man. Self defense was not his motive in writing Governor Lucas, and he was not affiliated with either faction in the fight. Nor has it been said he was nearer Bellevue than Dubuque at the time. That leaves the logical conclusion that he was either a public prosecutor in league with and aiding and abetting thugs, thieves, and counterfeiters, or else he knew (what I have come to believe) that the whole story and bloody tragedy was the outcome of an imfamous attempt to humiliate Brown. Take his evidence for what you think it was worth. Here it is in language as plain as Horace Greeley :
"Dubuque, April 4, 1840.
"Dear Sir-I am under painful necessity of informing you that Jackson county, in this territory, is in a complete state of disorganization. The sheriff, judge of probate, and the celebrated Colonel Cox, on the first day of this, month headed a mob at Bellview and attacked a peaceable citizen of that place with a view of driving him out of town. The result was that a most disgraceful fight took place, and as report says, from six to nine lives were lost and several wounded. It is currently reported at this place and very generally believed that Warren, the sheriff, went about the country securing the names of men pledging themselves to support the mob several days previous to the assembling of the most infamous mob that ever was assembled in this or any other country.
"The mob with its infamous leaders have, since the killing, been engaged in holding a citizen's court, as they call it, and have tried and punished several individuals. It is also understood at this place that this triumvirate, composed
454
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
of Cox, Warren, and Moss, are about to divide the property of Brown, who happened to be the object of their vengeance and who had considerable property. Mitchell, who committed the murder last winter, and who had been held in mock confinement by this imfamous sheriff, is now let loose, rejoicing with the good and pious mob citizens at his freedom from all the restraints of regulated society and good order.
"A court, as you must be aware of, under the laws of this territory, is ap- pointed to be held on the 13th instant, at Bellview. Since I sat down to write this letter, I learn from two gentlemen who have just returned from the seat of war that the mob boast that they had all the grand jury for the next term of court to act with them except Brown and that he was killed. It will be next to impossible, if not utterly useless, to hold a court in a community composed of such brutish beasts when blood and murder is the order of the day. In such a state of things you must be aware that those base and foul fellows cannot be punished in their own country.
"I have, therefore, deemed it a duty of mine to acquaint you with the facts and if you have any power vested in you as governor of this territory to aid and assist the laws, I hope you will exercise them in bringing to justice base and foul murderers and wipe off the disgraceful stigma that has evidently been thrown upon the people of this territory by this most disgraceful tragedy.
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.