USA > Iowa > Jackson County > The history of Jackson County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., biographical sketches of citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion history of the Northwest, history of Iowa miscellaneous matters, &c > Part 43
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
" One-Thumbed Thompson," mentioned above. Thompson inquired of Warren what had brought him out there, when the latter recited to him the story of the stolen horses. He confessed he had suspected something of the kind when the men had come to his shanty, but that they had told him a plaus- ible story, and he had come to the conclusion they were in honest possession of the horses. He offered his assistance in recovering the money paid by Rankin, and agreed that Warren and he should take the horses claimed. He said the men who had brought the horses to his cabin were the ones on the opposite bank of the river. Thompson recrossed the river, and, after being gone about an hour, returned with the money paid by Rankin, and also the $50 they had received in the sale of the note, which was to be handed over, as well as the horses, on condition the thieves should not be molested. This was promptly agreed to. The note was surrendered by Mr. Brendel on repayment of his $50.
A DEPUTY'S BRAVERY, AND WHAT CAME OF IT.
When the Association was informed of the existence of a counterfeiter's mint in the timber of the " Wapsie," it was determined by some of the aggressive spirits that this, with its inhabitants, should be captured. James T. Hanby was then Deputy Sheriff, and wishing to display his courage and bravery, with five companions, well armed and mounted, he set out in pursuit of the prize, inform- ing the citizens of Bellevue that he would return in five days with the occupants of that cabin, or they would receive the intelligence that Hanby had fallen in the performance of his duty.
Hanby and his men remained over night at Canton, and left there the fol- lowing morning, it being a dark and cloudy day. Having no sun in view to guide them they lost their way. A rain, too, had set in and made traveling very disagreeable. Finally, they reached the river at a point considerably higher than they had intended, and, after exploring for a time, saw the smoke of a camp-fire in the distance. Proceeding thence, they found a couple of claim- hunters who had erected a temporary tent and were protecting themselves from the rain. The Bellevue party resolved to pass the night here, and tethering their horses on the river bottom a couple of hundred yards from camp, they spent the evening in conversation with the claim-hunters, each man producing the bottle he had with him to save his health in case he should be drenched with rain, as they all were. They sat up and drank until far into the night, and when the Bellevue party arose it was quite late, but yet in time to make the discovery that the claim-hunters had disappeared with two of their horses-those belonging to Hanby and Rodafor. After searching for a time, they found the trail, which was quite plain on account of the night's rain. Four of the party gave chase, leaving the other two in camp. They followed the thieves about twenty-five miles up the river, until they came to a point where they had crossed it. Here the pursuing party gave up, and returned to their camp about nightfall, concluding that thus far in their proposed annihilation of horse- thieves the latter were a little ahead.
The next day, they left their unfortunate camping-ground and proceeded down the river to the camp of Indian Jim, reaching there about 10 o'clock. Here they were informed that the counterfeiters had abandoned their den the day following their previous visit, and that it would be useless to go over into the timber to find them. Hanby, however, was resolved to see for himself. They crossed the river after dinner, and had no trouble in sighting the cabin, when they discovered smoke arising from the wooden, clay-lined chimney. The con- clusion was immediately reached that Jim was mistaken, and that with good
Q. F. o'otti (DECEASED)
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generalship their game was bagged. They approached the house cautiously through the brush, proposing to surround it on every side and capture the entire party without warning. Reaching the door without raising an alarm, Hanby and his posse rushed in with cocked pistols, exclaiming, "Surrender or die !"" The occupants of the house were so terrified that they could only beg for mercy, and made no sign of resistance. No time was wasted in securing and handcuffing the three men. Search was made for counterfeiters' tools, but none could be found. The occupants were asked for the bellows and forge, and declared they knew nothing about them. The prisoners pleaded innocence. and begged of their captors to tell them on what charge they were arrested, but the only answer they received was that they knew well enough what it was for.
When the party reached the ferry, they met Mr. Russell, who lived where Fairview now stands. He was a mutual acquaintance of Hanby's, and the prisoners inquired the ground of their capture. On being informed, Russell told the Bellevue party that two of the men were neighbors of his, and the third a friend of their's from the East. The men were at once released, and many apologies were made them. The late prisoners accepted the explanation, and said the next time they dined in a deserted house, they would try to first learn the character of its previous occupants. The party returned to Bellevue in a distressed looking condition, on foot and on horseback, worn out and almost starved-moreover, a good deal humiliated over their experience. At the next term of court a paper was placed in circulation to reimburse Ilanby and Roda- for for the loss of their steeds. Judge Wilson and James Crawford headed the list with $25 eaclı, and $200 were soon raised, which fully compensated the adventurers for their loss.
JAMES THOMPSON.
During the winter of 1838-39, Mr. James White and James Thompson went into partnership in keeping a general store in Savanna, Ill. Thomp- son was the son of well-to-do, respectable parents in Philadelphia, but had a roving disposition. He went to New Orleans on leaving home, and from there came to Savanna. After they had been engaged successfully in busi- ness 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 business lopes blasted. Suspicion at once rested upon the Bellevne gang, and Thompson especially was very persevering and energetic in his endeavors to discover the thieves ; so much so that suspicion finally rested npon him in the eyes of many. The firm of White & Thompson was dissolved. and in a few weeks James Thompson 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 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 cattle and horses with counterfeit funds, and at once turn them over into the hands of some 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 gentle- man 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
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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 received, only to find that he too was a victim. Tracing his cat- tle 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 $70, 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, Gil- lett and both his men positively declared, upon oath, that Thompson was the man who purchased the cattle.
T. P. Burrett, of Dubuque, conducted the defense. Fox, Long, Trass and Godfrey, four of the worst villains of the gang, were called upon the stand and testified 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 being the second day of the races.
Numerically speaking, the preponderance of testimony was on the side of the defense, and the case was dismissed. Nothwithstanding, the belief in Thompson's guilt was quite universal.
Thompson's self-possession and coolness through this trial added quite materially to his popularity with the Brown gang, and in every case of emer- gency 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 commission 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 spu- rious 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 withont 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 were Denison and Aaron Long. Proceeding to the saloon to look for them, they learned they were up-stairs 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 assist- ance James Mitchell and Henderson Palmer. These attempted to ascend the
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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 fire-arms. 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 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 over- powered, 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 denunciation 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 liot 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 continued one of the most active citizens, endeavor- ing 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 Belleve, 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 $200. 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 exhibiting 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 below, and hearing the old man's cries they rushed to his rescue. The sudden appearance 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
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Thompson, and they were taken to Bellevue, where an information was filed against them, but thep waived examination, 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 surround- ing 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 co-operation. On the even- ing appointed, Brown appeared, and with him James Thompson. The pres- sence of the latter brought James Mitchell to his feet, saying to Brown : "You are here by invitation, and, while you may harbor and protect counterfeiters and robbers, you have no authority nor permission to bring them to this meet- ing. 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, curs- ing the citizens, and, had it not been for the interference of Brown, blood- shed 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 to-night 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 ridding the town of the desperadoes with which it was afflicted, by dis- countenancing their deeds, and ceasing to allow them to make his hotel their headquarters ; that, if he would do so, he should receive the hearty co-operation of the citizens in anything 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 proposition 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 to-night as I did when first I came among you. Your confidence and kindness in making this proposition is fully appre- ciated, and, were it in my power, I would gladly accept it. But it is impossi- ble. 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 board- ers shouldered an ax and started across the river to the island. where they were employed 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. Judg- ing 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 attract- ive 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
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him. She seemed to appreciate, to its fullest extent, the change in manner of her old acquaintances, and indulged in the hope that she and her husband might again reach their former respectable station in society.
SMUGGLED SPOILS.
Not long after the wood-choppers had gone to work, some of the farmers about Sand Prairie began to complain that their hogs were stolen, and they had reason 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 bis men were plundering their hog-pens, and asking 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 stock was upon Negro Brown's premises, and it was proposed to arrest him. He could nowhere be found, though engaged in chop- ping wood near by, only a few minutes before. His wife was taken into cus- tody, 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 getting 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 dis- covery. About a dozen of the citizens were quietly notified of this matter, and it was their intention 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. Pro- ceeding 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 previous, and loaded the merchan- dise on a double sled, with which Fox and Thompson had procecded 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 pack- ages 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 on the following morning, Hanby and Sublette gave chase. They did not succeed very well in following
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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 driv- ing into the place from the opposite side, and at once inferred they had con- cealed 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 trans- ferred 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, 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 Illinois, 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 disgust, rather glad to get away without suffering violence.
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