USA > Iowa > Jasper County > Past and present of Jasper County, Iowa, Vol. I > Part 35
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The next letter was as follows :
"Oskaloosa, May 8, 1868: This is written with milk-heat it hot .. Send me some answer this way. Write to the sheriff of Mahaska county, lowa. The sheriff is a brother of Hinesley that keeps the exchange livery stable in Indianapolis. I have talked with him about letting me out. He said if I was from where he heard I was that he could do something. He asked me about different persons at Indianapolis. 1 offered him six hundred for letting me out. He said it was not enough. Since Billy was here he has come and talked with my partner and wanted $2,500. But from his talk I am sure he will do it for two thousand. So if we can get two thousand I am sure we can both get out. He, of course, will not trade just for one of ns, as he says that all in here will have to get away at the same time so as not to have him suspicioned. I am confident he is in earnest but he wants to make money by it and does not want to let anyone have a holt on him here- after. If Billy has this amount come and give it to me and I will be out in less than a week after. There was no drop about him being at the window that night, but the jailer won't let anyone in after night, unless he knows just who they are. So that if anyone was to come they would have to come late at night and get in on the quiet. But I know the sheriff will give us a chance to get off if we can get two thousand dollars. I don't believe that Rose can raise any money, so if Billy can get me that amount I can be out right off. But no one must know we bought the sheriff, for if he was to know I wrote this he would do nothing. He has got his left arm shot off and is poor and wants money. If I could raise the money anyway of my- self I would do it. But I don't know only to depend on Billy and that amount will let us out, and that is better than to run any uncertain or dangerous chances. If Billy can see those friends and get some funds from
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JASPER COUNTY, JOW.1.
them Ayers will give some, if he has it. But if Billy has the money himself don't delay. If he gives to me we will make it in less than twenty days. [ hate to ask this, but is a sure thing and I have full confidence in it. If he did say anything to Ryan about me trying to bribe him, I am confident he is all right now, for he can't make any money by keeping us here or nothing by blowing on us for bribing him. If Billy comes to the window he must not say anything about the sheriff, for it won't do for the others in here to know we bribed the sheriff. But they can get out when we do, for the sheriff does not want them to know enough to implicate him. He is very cantions when he comes here to talk."
How well the scheme worked will be seen by the following instrument which announces the full capture of the sheriff. It also alludes to the pres- ence of U'dell's friends outside the window, a certain prisoner named "Laid- ley." and possibly Pinkerton's Registers-at least the letter reads :
"Oskaloosa, May 16, 1868.
"I have a bargain to get out for $2.000. If I can get half and Abe half, we can get out right off. I don't know if the boys can do anything or not. B. said they would come in two weeks. That time is past two days ago. . \ prisoner upstairs tells me three of my friends was here Monday and Tuesday night but failed to come to my window. This man upstairs lives at Columbia, lowa. His name is George S. Laidley. He is a harnessmaker and gets out the last of this month. If B. goes to him the thing can be done here on the quiet. We want a all-key made. We have the impression. Then we have only three bars to cut. This can be done with muriatic acid in one hour. Make a cup of beeswax around the bar and pour on acid. In forty minutes it will eat it off. This man understands it. Let one come to window and get our impression and go to Keokuk and get the key made. Get a dollar's worth of muriatic acid and a pound or two of beeswax and come and give it into the window about two or three in the morning. All is quiet at that time. The next night we can cut out. We want also a good sized screw driver to take the lock off the back door. That lets us into the garden. Let B. come to Columbia the first of June and find George Laidley. I have posted him and if he gets ont before the first of June he will write to you. But he will be home in Columbia by June ist. Anyhow he can tell B. more than I can and he will help at anything. He has been a rebel in his time and says he ent the bars and let Stonewall Jackson out of prison at Harper's Ferry. If B. will risk this plan, let him work it in dark of moon in June. But I can be home in three days if I can get a thousand dollars and Abe a
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JASPER COUNTY, IOWA.
thousand dollars. The sheriff lets us break out. Leave no stone unturned until you get me out. I am afraid B. will get discouraged but we must get ont somehow before court. We may be too late then. If that Ayers had money Abe would get his. He writes to three or four men for money but has only heard from Ayers and he has none. He expects some from John Richardson, his brother of Forest City, Missouri. He writes today to his uncle at Troy, New York, Thomas Richardson. He is wealthy and I think Abe will get a thousand dollars soon and then I hope B. will let me have a thousand dollars. It might be best to buy out at once. So much expense will run up to that soon and we can get out immediately then. Write a few lines in ink and a few in milk. Send to J. W. Hinesley. this place. Don't mention about this letter, as I got the jailer's boy to mail it, but you can say Ayers was there and how you are, etc."
May 27. 1868. Udell delivered a letter to the sheriff, with the sincere belief that that officer was still working in his interest, which letter was to be sent to his brother in Indianapolis, the liveryman above alluded to. This missive contained an ordinary hope for better times, but was signed with a significant cross, evidently a private mark placed by Udell on all documents containing milk writing. Some three pages of invisible writing were dis- covered on this sheet, but the information contained has already been cov- ered by other letters, except that these stated that he had not gotten his share of the Jasper safe robbery and that by reason of his going to Chicago to get his full share he had been captured.
The letter ended by an intimation that the boys were still engaged in their dangerous work. He says, "If the boys 'make' $2.000, bring it to me without a moment's delay. Anyone can see me in company with the sheriff. We are like old acquaintances. He knew father well."
He also asked his wife how many letters she had received, as if he suspicioned the sheriff might not be playing fair with him. In a second letter, on the 27th of May, he signifies that he fears Laidley is not going to be true to his promise. He urged first one plan, then another, as if driven to desperation as court time was drawing close at hand. He repeats his in- junctions concerning the ease with which the jailer can be "ruffed," and himself and partner set at liberty.
Another letter is found written entirely in milk, without date, which seems to take up the thread of the story at this point. It is here reproduced entire, and is in Udell's own handwriting :
"We have a job for the boys to do. Let them get a good worker to help them, and they can raise the money at one place. I think Jo Miller could work it with B. and C. There is a town called New London : it is eighteen
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JASPER COUNTY, IOWA.
miles west of Burlington. It has six hundred inhabitants and there are ten stores and groceries in the place, and one steam grist mill. There is a drug store and grocery store together in one building. The store is kept by Allen & Thompson. They have a safe 'five feet high, and it must have inside doors, as it is quite thick. It stands with the back towards the door, so that you can't see the front of it. It sets in the front of the store, at one end of the counter, and is the only safe in the town, except one at the grist mill. The one at the mill is a Pittsburg, single door. But don't disturb it until after the drug store one is got. There is no one sleeping in the drug store, and no one nearer than the tavern across the street.
"This is the best job I know of. There is some bonds in it, and the druggist bought $900 in gold last fall from one man. There is some de- posits in it. They are sure of $5.000, and it ought to be made sure of. If they could get that and come on here, one of them, with $2,000. we would be free in a little while. At the back end of the store is a warehouse. You could raise a window in the back and get in through the middle door into the front room, or go in at the front door of the store.
"The thing is as I tell you, and if you prepare yourself to go out you might watch it sometime to satisfy yourselves about it. But be sure and get a good worker and go ahead and do this as soon as possible. It is not harder than the Mount Vernon matter. Be sure and not make a failure. My life almost depends on raising this $2,000. I do hope that it will be got before long. Nearly half of my time is up, and nothing done yet. Don't lose the rest of the time.
"I spoke about a man named Laidley, that lived at Columbia. He went out the 30th of May. He promised to go and see you. He said he would stop at Springfield and see Avers, and write back and go onto your house. We gave him ten dollars to get through on; but he has not wrote back, nor have we heard anything from him yet. and if he has not come he then only lied to us. Let me know in milk in your next letter if the $10 man has ever come yet. If he wrote to you, you need not pay much attention to him. for he promised to go and see you and get some help to get me out. If he writes. or comes either, do not give him any money, nor do not let him lay around long. If he does anything. let him go at it. If not send him about his busi- ness. But let me know if he comes or wrote. If I had a little stuff I could settle the man that is here.
"In yours of the 23d, you say they watch the house. I see by the papers that the Jeff train was beat the night before you wrote, and it is likely the police had their eye on the house when you wrote, to see who
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JASPER COUNTY, IOWA.
thousand dollars. The sheriff lets us break out. Leave no stone unturned until you get me out. I am afraid B. will get discouraged but we must get out somehow before court. We may be too late then. If that Ayers had money Abe would get his. He writes to three or four men for money but has only heard from Ayers and he has none. He expects some from John Richardson, his brother of Forest City, Missouri. He writes today to his uncle at Troy, New York, Thomas Richardson. He is wealthy and I think Abe will get a thousand dollars soon and then I hope B. will let me have a thousand dollars. It might be best to buy out at once. So much expense will run up to that soon and we can get out immediately then. Write a few . lines in ink and a few in milk. Send to J. W. Hinesley, this place. Don't mention about this letter. as I got the jailer's boy to mail it, but you can say Ayers was there and how you are, etc."
May 27, 1868, Udell delivered a letter to the sheriff, with the sincere belief that that officer was still working in his interest, which letter was to be sent to his brother in Indianapolis, the liveryman above alluded to. This missive contained an ordinary hope for better times, but was signed with a significant cross, evidently a private mark placed by Udell on all documents containing milk writing. Some three pages of invisible writing were dis- covered on this sheet, but the information contained has already been cov- ered by other letters, except that these stated that he had not gotten his share of the Jasper safe robbery and that by reason of his going to Chicago to get his full share he had been captured.
The letter ended by an intimation that the boys were still engaged in their dangerous work. He says, "If the boys 'make' $2,000, bring it to me without a moment's delay. Anyone can see me in company with the sheriff. We are like old acquaintances. He knew father well."
He also asked his wife how many letters she had received, as if he suspicioned the sheriff might not be playing fair with him. In 'a second letter, on the 27th of May, he signifies that he fears Laidley is not going to be true to his promise. He urged first one plan, then another, as if driven to desperation as court time was drawing close at hand. He repeats his in- junctions concerning the ease with which the jailer can be "ruffed," and himself and partner set at liberty.
Another letter is found written entirely in milk, without date, which seems to take up the thread of the story at this point. It is here reproduced entire, and is in Udell's own handwriting :
"We have a job for the boys to do. Let them get a good worker to help them. and they can raise the money at one place. I think Jo Miller could work it with B. and C. There is a town called New London: it is eighteen
393
JASPER COUNTY, IOWA.
miles west of Burlington. It has six hundred inhabitants and there are ten stores and groceries in the place, and one steam grist mill. There is a drug store and grocery store together in one building. The store is kept by Allen & Thompson. They have a safe five feet high, and it must have inside doors, as it is quite thick. It stands with the back towards the door, so that you can't see the front of it. It sets in the front of the store, at one end of the counter, and is the only safe in the town, except one at the grist mill. The one at the mill is a Pittsburg. single door. But don't disturb it until after the drug store one is got. There is no one sleeping in the drug store, and no one nearer than the tavern across the street.
"This is the best job I know of. There is some bonds in it, and the druggist bought $900 in gold last fall from one man. There is some de- posits in it. They are sure of $5,000, and it ought to be made sure of. If they could get that and come on here, one of them, with $2,000. we would be free in a little while. At the back end of the store is a warehouse. You could raise a window in the back and get in through the middle door into the front room, or go in at the front door of the store.
"The thing is as I tell you, and if you prepare yourself to go out you might watch it sometime to satisfy yourselves about it. But be sure and get a good worker and go ahead and do this as soon as possible. It is not harder than the Mount Vernon matter. Be sure and not make a failure. My life almost depends on raising this $2,000. I do hope that it will be got before long. Nearly half of my time is up, and nothing done yet. Don't lose the rest of the time.
"I spoke about a man named Laidley, that lived at Columbia. He went out the 30th of May. He promised to go and see you. He said he would stop at Springfield and see Avers, and write back and go onto your house. We gave him ten dollars to get through on; but he has not wrote back, nor have we heard anything from him yet, and if he has not come he then only lied to us. Let me know in milk in your next letter if the $to man has ever come vet. If he wrote to you, you need not pay much attention to him, for he promised to go and see you and get some help to get me out. If he writes. or comes either. do not give him any money, nor do not let him lay around long. If he does anything, let him go at it. If not send him about his busi- ness. But let me know if he comes or wrote. If I had a little stuff I could settle the man that is here.
"In yours of the 23d. you say they watch the house. I see by the papers that the Jeff train was beat the night before you wrote, and it is likely the police had their eye on the house when you wrote, to see who
396
JASPER COUNTY, IOWA.
out of his difficulty. The one to Richardson was addressed "Dear Brother" upon the inside, and is of the same import as the one just referred to. The third letter was of a similar nature.
Another of the interesting communications to Ayers was one written June 11, 1868, which presupposes a knowledge of the attempted escape by bribery, and was written by both U'dell and Rose, jointly. This letter read as follows :
"You know Fitzsimmons, or Sandy, as he is called, also James Stein, and maybe Billy Burns. Either one or all of these can tell you who it is that should raise the money. It was our misfortune to be found first, and by that means others had a warning of something wrong. We have been wise enough to keep our mouths shut, also. We do not want to write to Chicago from here, or to make a false move to endanger any man's liberty, but we want money, and must have it, for the purpose that we have hereto- fore informed you. If you have any business up at Chicago, take this with you and find some of these men, and tell them you want to see our friends, or those that ought to help us. If you can be satisfied of the abilities of our friends to keep the secret. then you can tell them what is wanted with the money. And if they wish to see or know more about it for their own satis- faction, let them send a man that they can depend upon here, and they shall be satisfied. Burns or Stein or Sandy, they can see us by seeing the sheriff. But for Christ's sake don't let this matter of ours become too public. It is a bad policy for men you know to gab and blow as soon as they are in trouble, but it is worse policy for free inen to not step forward with a few hundred dollars to save men from long suffering and hardships.
"We have got a knowledge of matters now that would of been cheap five months ago for $1,000. If we can get fixed, as money will fix it, this information will cost you nothing. The amount we ask, $2.000, can be returned inside twenty days. This letter, Ayers, I hope you will use with discretion. It is the only chance we have for seeing daylight."
Ayers responded to this letter as follows :
"I received your letter today of the 12th instant, and was glad to hear you were well. But I am sorry to be obliged to say that I cannot help you at present. I am on my way to Springfield, just leaving Harry. He had a trial. and was sentenced to eight years and Jim to six years. But we ap- pealed it and got a new trial. It comes off next September. Abe I expect to see MIc. and I shall lay this before him. I saw him once, but he was not . fixed. I can't get to see Billy, but I understand he says that he would not help anybody. I shall do all I can. I have overreached myself financially in this case of Harry's, but I shall go into business soon and keep you posted."
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JASPER COUNTY. IOW' ..
From the time "Laidley" was liberated, May 30th, a constant visitor to Udell appeared in the jail yard. To this friendly fellow Udell fell into the habit of throwing numerous bits of tracts and hymn books, which some good Christian lady had evidently supplied him with, for the benefit of his soul. These scraps of religious literature were covered with fine writing in pencil, giving instructions as to how to work. In one of these messages Udell gives expression of a fear that "all was not as it should be." but that he had a "true wife" who would look out for his interests.
These messages found their way into the hands of Wilson, the attor- ney, in a way that was strange. Udell began to doubt the "honesty" of Laidley, and no one will blame him for that.
The jail at Oskaloosa was strengthened by additional bolts and bars, in an unusual degree, U'dell thought, considering the fact that no one knew of the proposed escape.
Day after day dragged heavily by, and no one came to his rescue. The day for his trial came and the two. Rose and Udell, were taken to Newton for trial. Lindley & Ryan defended the men. No defense was required. however, for on the 25th of November, both men pleaded guilty to the several charges.
Charles Udell was sentenced December 30th to ten years' imprison- ment in the penitentiary and to pay half the costs of the prosecution.
Abraham Rose was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment and half the costs of the prosecution. Rose was let off easy on account of his hon- orable service in the Union cause in time of the Civil war. The nine hundred and fifty-four dollars taken from them at their arrest was applied on their fines.
The sentence of Rose was carried out to the end. but Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood. in 1878. pardoned Udell a few months before his time had expired on account of his disease. consumption, which, it was believed, would carry him from earth within a short time. Thus were the ends of justice met, and thus ended the career of two noted western criminals.
THE OVERTURNING OF A STAGE COACHI.
A public meeting was once broken up by an accident that could not well happen nowadays. The only public conveyance then was the old-fashioned stage coach which passed through Newton a couple of times a day, and some- times several of them together. They used to stop at the old Phelps House.
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JASPER COUNTY, IOWA.
a four-story hostelry on the south side of the public square. The drivers liked to attract attention, and would sometimes drive in with their four horses on the run and turn up to the hotel door in grand style. One driver made too short a turn and upset his vehicle. The round, heavy body of the coach broke loose from its fastenings and rolled across the street, like a huge pumpkin. The numerous passengers were packed in so tightly that they did not receive a shaking up. They were like so many sardines in a can. B. F. Allen, the noted banker of Des Moines, the only Iowa millionaire at the time, was a passenger, and had to share the delights of pioneer travel with the rest.
A GRAND JURY INCIDENT.
An incident is told of the grand jury room, that illustrates the diffi- culty that is sometimes met with in the enforcement of law. It probably leaked out through the keyhole. The jurymen were discussing among them- selves how they could secure evidence that would lead to the conviction of certain well known liquor dealers. One of their number, who was a drink- ing man, but a good citizen, remarked that they had ought to make inquiry of a certain man, as probably he knew more about it than any man in the county. He was brought in and duly interrogated, as to whether he knew of any place where liquor was sold or had been sold, as a beverage, or of anyone who had bought and sold. To all these questions he replied in the negative. The gentleman who had suggested his name took him in hand, and inquired whether he could remember at a certain place on the street. a short time before, one of the witnesses remarking that he was going to get some liquor, and after going away soon returned with some. But although he strained his memory until it almost cracked, he was unable to recall it. He was then asked, somewhat hotly, whether he could remember of their having drank together. at any time, or at any place. He cheerfully replied that he did not. Whereupon the juryman proceeded to express his opinion of him in a way that made the air seem blue!
VENTRILOQUISM.
From some of the early day incidents, of an historic character. and possibly worthy of preservation in a history of Jasper county, where it oc- curred. is the following :
During the fall of 1843. perhaps in October, two strangers, young men. stopped at AAdam Tool's house for the night. They said they were from St.
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JASPER COUNTY, IOWAA.
Louis. They were dressed in buckskin trousers and hunting skirts nicely fringed with the same material. After supper all were sitting around the campfire. One of the strangers stepped back from the circle. Soon sounds came from the roadside like one in distress. The stranger called for a lan- tern, the man by the roadside saying his horse was down, and was crying for assistance. The lantern secured, the stranger, accompanied by James . ... started to assist the horseman, but when they arrived at the spot from whence the sounds had proceeded, the stranger called out. "Where are you?" "Here. a little ways off! Come quick"" was the answer. Running about in this manner for a time, the stranger remarked. "The fellow must be drunk. We won't go any farther," and returned to the fire. In half an hour or so there was a call in another direction The stranger was again interested, and with lantern in hand, again accompanied by James, they started to assist him. Soon after. James discovered there was a trick in this, and ventured to say he believed it was a ventriloquist, and explained to the stranger, at his re- quest, what a ventriloquist was. They soon returned to the fire. The stranger, dropping behind James, barked like a dog and caught him by the pants leg. By this time the women folks had retired for the night. and after the lights were blown out, all sorts of barnyard noises proceeded from this man's couch, chickens crowed. cats squalled and babies cried, the rest of the family not understanding the joke until the following morning.
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