USA > Indiana > Noble County > History of the Regulators of northern Indiana > Part 2
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PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS.
Whercas, The counties of Lagrange and Noble are infested with blaeklegs, burglars and petty thieves, to such a degree, that the property of our citizens is very insecure; and
Whereas, The tavern kept at Wrights' Corners, by Benj. F. Wilson, is believed to be the rendezvous for these infernal ban- ditti, who carry on their depredations upon the unsuspecting; and
Whereas, We have reason to believe that the said B. F. Wilson is an accomplice of these villains, protecting them as far as lies in his power; securing them, and aiding and abetting them; and
Whereas, There has been counterfeit money passed at the house of said Wilson under circumstances which justifies the belief that it was done by his knowledge and consent, and that he shared a part of the booty obtained thereby; and
Whereas, We are believers in the doctrine of popular sove- reignty; that the people of this country are the real sovereigns. and that whenever the laws, made by those to whom they have delegated their authority, are found inadequate to their protection, it is right of the people to take the protection of their property into their own hands, and deal with these villains according to their just deserts; and
Whereas, It is notorious that the civil laws are totally inade- quate to the protection of the property of our citizens against the depredations of the vampires, who curse the earth with their presence, living upon plunder taken from the honest, the indus- trious, and often the indigent portion of the community; and
Whereas, The citizens of other States have set us an example in this matter, taking the protection of their property into their own hands, and whenever they take these villains, offer them up as a tribute to humanity; therefore
Resolved, That we will use our utmost exertions to bring these villains to justice, by assisting to take them wherever they may
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be found, and that, when taken, we will deal with them in such a manner as to us may seem just and efficient.
Resolved, That we will hold B. F. Wilson responsible for all depredations which may be committed at his house, by such per- sons as he may harbor; by passing counterfeit money, or any other overt act, and that we will deal with him in such manner as we would with the real depredators.
Resolved, That in case any individual endorsing the preamble and resolutions offered by this committee, should from such en- dorsement, suffer loss by fire or otherwise, that we all be, and by these presents do bind ourselves to make all loss good to him --- such individual bearing his proportion.
Resolved, That these proceedings be published in the Lagrange Standard.
Signed by one hundred and thirty citizens.
BEGINNING OF THE EXCITEMENT.
In the latter part of the year 1857, the handwriting began to be visible upon the wall. The first public demonstration made by the Regulators was a grand parade, which took place on the day of the Old Settler's Meeting at Kendallville, Jan. 16th, 1858. Soon after the arrival of the morning train of cars, and just before the organization of the meeting, about three hundred men, all on horseback, moved down in majestic strength through the streets of the town, bearing mottoes and banners of various descriptions, one of which contained a paint- ing, representing the capture of a criminal, with these words written over the scene, "No expense to the County." After a full display of their forces, marching in double file through the most prominent streets of the village, they repaired to the common near the Baptist Church, where several speeches were made, setting forth in very bold and daring language the fixed determination of all those who had enlisted in the cause of reform. Many gazed upon the scene with wonder and aston- ishment. This to Noble and adjacent counties was the star of hope,-the omen of better days to Northern Indiana, and the beacon light of her rising glory. While, on the other hand, 2
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the banditti of counterfeiters were struck with terror and con- sternation, under the fearful forebodings of the rising indigna- tion of an outraged and insulted people, who were ready now to strike for liberty or death.
FIRST ARRESTS.
On the 17th day of January, 1858, James McConnel, a prominent member of the Noble County Invincibles, after being provided with a posse of fifteen men, proceeded to the village of Rome, and in and about said place made the follow- ing arrests : Miles C. Payne, Gregory McDougle, Sol Stout, Malcomb Burnam, Davis, French, Joseph Hall, Wm. Hall, and E. Kesler; whereupon they were immediately escorted to Ligonier, and placed in the custody of the proper officers of the committee, to await investigation.
The practice of bringing every prisoner before the commit- tees for private examination, for the purpose of procuring con- fessions and developments, dates from the beginning of Regu- lating. Hence, whenever any one was caught, upon whom competent evidence of guilt could be found, he was forthwith taken to some private apartment and there placed under the care of a committee, whose duty it was to ask of him a free and voluntary confession of all his knowledge concerning the blacklegs in Northern Indiana. These confessions, however, were not intended to be extorted through fear or favor, but were invariably called for in a voluntary manner. In some instances, where good advice and gentle means failed to accom- plish the desired effect, a more rigid course of treatment was resorted to.
Some of the above named persons, after examination before the Regulators, were released for want of testimony. After due investigation before the committees, and a proper develop- ment of facts sufficient to warrant a substantial cause of action, they were generally handed over to the authorities, to be dealt with according to law.
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On the night of the 23d of January, E. Kesler was brought before a committee, and made the following developments :
CONFESSION OF E. KESLER.
" The first I ever stole was on the last of November, or first of December, 1857. Headly, Core, and John Smith, divided the goods, that were stolen from the peddler at Rome, between them. Headly took some of them to Finley's, in Adams county, Indiana. I held the door, while they done the robbing, and I knew they were robbing him at the time. I think some of the goods are at Finley's now. Headly makes his home with Finley. Finley lives about nine miles from Decatur, and about the same distance front Blufton. When I was there, I saw harness, trunks, and bridles. up stairs. The trunks had dry goods in them. I was there about two months ago. I suppose the goods were stolen. John Deems. and Shearer, stole three horses. Smith traded one of them for a large bay mare, and one was left at Ulmer's for safe keeping. Ulmer gave John Deems $250, and Headly $125, counterfeit money. I did not see either of the horses. John Deems took the iron gray to Ulmer's for Payne. I heard Payne ask Deems how the horses got along; he said, 'fine.' Mr. French told me, when he left, he was going to Angola. He left about two weeks ago. The boys say that Meeker is the old Banker. Stout told me that Smith's boys were his main men. Stout, McDougle, and Core, had a hand in stealing Willis's guns."
The prisoner was then conducted to his room, and placed under guards, to await the pleasure of the committee.
GREGORY McDOUGLE.
On the night of the 25th of January, 1858, Gregory Mc- Dougle was brought before the Committee of the Noble County Invincibles, and, after having made a full confession embracing many important developments, he was conveyed to a private room and there placed under guard. Whereupon a committee of five men was duly appointed, to examine the witnesses and report upon the evidence and the final disposition of his case.
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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE.
" We, the committee appointed by the Noble County Invincibles to collect and investigate the evidence in the case of Gregory Mc- Dougle, now pending before this Society, ask to make the follow- ing report :
" After having made a full and fair investigation of all the testimony, and having found, during said investigation, evidence of an unmistakeable character, charging the said Gregory Mc- Dougle with murder, do recommend, that the said McDougle be hung by the neck until dead, on Tuesday, the 26th day of Janu- ary, 1858, at 2 o'clock P. M."
The report, on motion, was received and adopted.
Immediately upon the adoption of the report, a deep and profound silence pervaded the whole assembly. Each felt that the eve of an awful crisis was at hand. The fearful responsi- bilities of the decision of Death, upon a fellow being, without the sanction of any other law except that of the natural right of self-defence, were now vividly portrayed in the mind of every member of the committee. No turbulent jar, or discord- ant voice, was heard to mar the fearful deliberations of that hour. Calmness and solemnity was visible upon every brow. A more calm, well matured and deliberate decision, was never made by any judicial umpire in the history of criminal juris- prudence. The following resolution was then passed :
"Resolved, That the Captains of the several Companies, in Noble and adjoining counties, notify the members of their Companies, respectively, to appear at Ligonier on the day of execution, at the hour of 12 M., and that cach Captain be requested to escort his own Company into the village, in regular file and good order."
During the pendency of the case of McDougle before the Noble County Invincibles, a more exciting and thrilling interest was never manifested by the citizens of Noble county. Buggies and wagons were constantly on the move to and fro, and not a day passed, for the space of one week, but the cars were filled Imost to overflowing with passengers to and from Ligonier
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The case of McDougle formed the topic of conversation at every corner of the streets. The movement of the Regulators now made, what before had seemed but the momentary excite- ment of the mass, a serious reality, upon which were suspended the awful issues of life and death. They felt that their natural and God-given rights had been disregarded, and that the arm of the law was too weak to mete out a just retribution to the guilty, under the existing state of society. Hence they vir- tually said, "The axe is now laid at the root of the tree, and every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be hewn down."
The following is an account of the execution of McDougle, as published by the Noble County Register, and is substantially true according to the original record :
EXECUTION OF GREGORY McDOUGLE,
At Ligonier, Indiana, January 26, 1858, by the Noble County "Regulators ;" also, his Confession before the Committee.
The 26th of January, 1858, is a day long to be remembered by the citizens of Noble and adjoining counties, as being the day on which was executed Gregory McDougle, and we shall endeavor to give such facts as shall make the reader acquainted with all the attending circumstances.
It is a well known fact, that for years our County and Lagrange have been known, hundreds of miles, as the dens of blacklegs of every conceivable grade; and honest citizens, while from home, have hardly dared own their place of residence, for fear of being looked upon as one not safe to run at large, and as the sequel will show, not without cause. Years since, while our country was new and hiding places plenty, the notorious Latta, Hill, Ulmer & Co., formed their nucleus near the Tamarack, as a place to which all might meet to take counsel, lay plans, manufacture counterfeit money, and be safe from harm. For years their gang, in a mea- sure, controlled our election and sat upon our juries, thus render- ing the laws of no avail. Year after year has passed away and the same state of things has continued. Our horses, buggies, harness and other property, have been stolen by the wholesale; our stores broken and goods taken. Our citizens have been met by the high-
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wayman, and at the pistol's muzzle robbed, and in one instance stabbed; and so well were their plans laid that their detection seemed impossible.
Thus, for years, have this banditti pursued their course. No man or his property were safe while this gang remained in our midst. If, by chance, one was arrested, he would be released by his comrades, break jail, go on inadequate straw bail, or, if held to court, be sworn clear by his confederates under the alibi dodge, until our citizens lost all hopes as to the laws accomplishing the desired result.
By a chain of fortuitous circumstances, a short time since, the gang, their numbers and places of deposit, became known, when a Committee of Vigilance was formed to bring them to justice- The result was that some twenty-five were arrested, and of the number fourteen are now in jail, well guarded. During the in- vestigation it became known that one of the gang, a former accom- plice of the notorious Townsend, one Gregory MeDougle, alias Gregory McGregor, Geo. McLane, Geo. Bates, was in custody of the Court,-a man who, by his own confession, was born in Wal- laceburg, Kent County, Canada West, in the year 1831, where he commenced his career of erime by breaking the Chatham jail, where his brother was confined, robbing the jailor's wife of a purse of gold; also robbing a schoolmaster of a watch on the ice, and names other affairs in Canada,-details which stamp him as one of the most desperate and hardened villains that the annals of crime present.
Since April last, he, with two others, have stolen no less than thirty-four horses, broke two jails, robbed four stores and two tan- neries, took the entire load of two peddlers, besides a large amount of harness, saddles, buggies, and other property too numerous to mention; who publicly boasted that no jail could hold him, and that he feared neither God, man, or the devil. Further, there seems to be other and deeper acts, which he did not confess, and which we will briefly detail.
The Deputy U. S. Marshal of Michigan states, under oath, that he has had in his possession for some time, a reward from Canada, for the apprehension of this man, for the crimes of robbing, an attempt to break jail, and murder. McDougle confesses to his identity in the acts of robbing and attempt to break the jail at Chatham, Canada, to release his brother, but denies that the mur- der occurred. The Marshal, Mr. Halstead, however, states that
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he went to Canada twice to investigate the matter, and that the murder was committed upon the very person that McDougle con- fesses of robbing, to-wit; the jailor's wife of the prison, where McDougle's brother was confined. Added to this we have the testimony of a confederate, taken separate and apart from the statement of the Marshal, that McDougle, in relating his exploits, stated that these occurrences did take place, and that he gave the blow that caused the death.
McDougle also confesses to robbing a schoolmaster on the ice, but denies his murder. We have, from the same authorities and others, that the schoolmaster was not only robbed, but murdered, and found dead on the ice.
One other crime we will mention, and close this harrowing and sickening detail. This former confederate, heretofore mentioned, states that McDougle informed him, that he and another accom- plice, hearing of a Scotchman that had received quite a sum of money, proceeded to rob him of the treasure. With pistol to their victim's breast they demanded his money. He told them that he had deposited it in bank. After a search, and not believing his statement, they proceeded to divest him of what clothing was necessary, and procuring live coals of fire roasted him upon them. They released him before death occurred, becoming satisfied that their victim had told them the truth. McDougle, in his confes- sion, qualifies by saying, that he held his accomplices horses, while they did the act. We leave our readers to judge of the executed man's complicity in these acts.
Proofs being positive, a jury of citizens, (not a jury of twelve, but a jury of hundreds,) decided that justice required that he die; and on this memorable day he was executed ; not by a rabble, not by a noisy mob, not by young men in the heat of passion, but by men who for years have been residents of this and the adjoining counties,-men that were impelled, not by a thirst for blood, not to riot in the agonies of one made in the image of the God they worshipped, but that stern justice demanded the offering as an example to the young in their midst, many of whom have already taken the first steps in that road which leads to death. All felt the solemnity of the hour; all would gladly have had it other- wise, if justice could have been satisfied through any other chan- nel; but all felt that this was the only resort. During the fore part of the day he was visited by two clergymen, who endeavored to point his thoughts to Him who holds the destinies of man in
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His keeping, and who is free to forgive all, even to the most guilty.
Gregory McDougle was brought before the committee on the evening of the 25th of January, when he was informed, for the first time, of the doom that awaited him-that he was to be exe- ented the next day at 12 o'clock. The gentleman whose duty it was to break to him this painful and unwelcome intelligence, addressed the prisoner in some very affecting and appropriate remarks, which seemed to affect him to such a degree that he ap- peared confused, and made some wandering remarks, such as, "Well, gentlemen, I am in your power, deal with me as you see fit-I have never been in Canada --- I never had a brother there," &c., &c. He said he had committed many thefts, and commenced to relate them, but was told that perhaps he had better return to his room, where if he had anything to relate-any confessions to make, he would be waited upon by two or three persons, who would commit to writing whatever he desired to communicate- to which he assented. He was then asked, if he would like to have a clergyman visit him in his room and confer with him on spiritual matters. He replied that he would, and desired to know if he could not have an opportunity of seeing his wife. He was told that his wife should be sent for immediately. He was then taken back to his room, and messengers dispatched at once for his wife and child, who arrived next morning at 7 o'clock.
After a short exhortation and prayer by the Rev. Mr. Wolcott, he made the following
CONFESSION.
"I was born in Wallaceburg, Kent County, Canada, in 1831. My parents were respectable, and gave me a good opportunity for an education, but I did not improve it. My father was a professor of religion. I was married to Magaret Jacobs when I was nine- teen years of age. I have four brothers and one sister. My father died when I was nineteen, in Canada. He was engaged, at the time of his death, in merchandizing, in Wallaceburg. His name was Laughlin McDougle. I was engaged at the time of my father's death in keeping tavern. I continued in this business about two years. I commenced my career of crime about four or five years since. My brother Miles was at work on the Great Western Railroad, where he was arrested for robbing a house and stealing a horse, and confined in the Chatham jail. I went to the
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jail in company with John McGreggor, John McDougle and James McDougle, to release my brother. The jail was surrounded by a wall. McGreggor, John and myself climbed over the wall by the aid of a ladder. (James dared not venture.) We took the ladder and stove against the door, which was made of wood, and burst it in ; we went into the hall and so into the jailor's bedroom ; we found no one there but the old lady, who appeared frightened, but he tapped her lightly on her head with his hand, and said, ' Don't be frightened, mother, I'll not hurt a hair of your head, I only want the keys of the prison." She immediately gave us three-one to each of us-and also went to the bed, and from under the pillow took a bag about fifteen inches in length and handed to us, which I took and put in my pocket. There was something heavy in the bag, but did not look to see what it was. I then went to the grate doors and on the opposite side were the guards, who called out 'run here boys,' upon hearing which my comrades turned and fled; but I went up to the door and told the guards to stand back or I would shoot them. I tried to unlock the door, but found the key which I had did not fit, and that the boys had gone with the one which did. I then started to pass out, and the old lady followed me and demanded back her purse of gold. I stood a second or two, and then handed it back, and said, 'here mother, take your gold, I do not want it.' The old lady's name was Payne. I then went out and joined my com- rades, and traveled home on foot, a distance of twenty-six miles. The officers pursued us, and got to my house before we did, but we managed to keep out of their way. I then went to Chemung County, N. Y., where I fell in company with one Sherman Mal- lett, and, with our wives, came to Burr Oak, Michigan, and there met with Wm. Latta. Bought a place opposite, and stayed there several weeks repairing the place. Mallett hired a horse at a livery stable and drove to Port Mitchell; broke open a store, and stole a lot of silk goods and kid gloves; he put in an overcoat and started for home, but lost a piece near the tamarack; took the rest to Latta's.
"About six weeks after Latta came, and proposed to John Mc- Dougle, Sherman Mallett and myself, that he would furnish us with some counterfeit money, if we would get some goods. We went to Waterford, in Elkhart County, and broke open a store and stole dry goods to the amount of some $300. We took them to about three miles west of Lima and hid them in the woods.
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We sold a part to Latta, and a part to Jeremiah Misner, for coun- terfeit money made at Perry Randolph's. The factory at Fawn River was broken open, I think, by Charles Smith and a man called Red Head. The goods were taken to Wm. Hill's. I went in company with Mallett, Wm. Ray, and John McDougle to De- troit, and there passed about $60 in paper on the Westminister Bank, Rhode Island. I had some six or eight hundred dollars of this money. I sold a part of it to Mallett's comrades in New York. Mallett and I hired a span of grey horses at Romeo, Michigan, and drove them to Chemung County, N. Y., and sold them to Edward Howard, who lives about five miles from Havanna. We then exchanged some of our counterfeit money for 20's on the Black River Bank, and came back to Freedom. Mallett passed two 20's on the way home. I gave mine to Latta.
" Mallett went into the factory at Fawn River on pretence of looking for a site, and went all through it. Suspicion rested on me. We went to Perry Randolph's, and then to Kendallville, where Mallett passed one or two of his 20's. While we were absent my house was searched, and the officers were waiting for me when I returned, but I only stayed about two hours, and then started for Jackson. My wife, then, for the first time, became acquainted with my true character. I went back to Wallaceburg, Canada, and stole a pair of horses from Raymond Baley, and rode them seventy miles east of London, and took them into the pinery. I stopped with a man by the name of Cartright, and made shingles a few weeks, the horses being secreted. I finally made a sleigh, stole a set of harness, and brought them to Cartright's. I started for Buffalo on Christmas, 1856, and put up at the Grankin House. I sold one of the horses to a merchant, and the other to Lyons at Black Rock. I then returned to Canada, and hired a horse and cutter at Ingersol and came to Wallaceburg, and took my cousin with me. About six miles from Wallaceburg we stole a pony from a stable ; came to Tecumseh, Michigan, and there traded off the pony for another horse, and came to Freedom; went to Perry Randolph's and left one horse there; went to Bill Hill's and traded both horses for a sorrel mare ; Hill knew they were stolen. I then started for Wallaceburg in company with my wife and cousin ; we stole a pony below Detroit, and went about twelve miles, when my cousin stole a sorrel mare; we sold the pony about ten miles from Port Dover; we took the other two horses to Buf- falo, and sold them. I went from there to Syracuse, and worked
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in the salt works several weeks. Then went to Chemung County, N. Y. I went in company with Edward Howard to rob a man they called Big Jim. Howard went into the house, wet a cloth with ehloroform and laid it on his breast, went out and waited a few minutes, then went in and took $95 and a gold watch; I took the watch and twenty dollars of the money. I went back to Syra- cuse and took my wife and went to Rochester, and then went back to Chemung County, and hired out to drive team for a man by the name of Hutchinson. I went to his bed in the night, and took $125, and a watch worth two or three dollars. Then went to Rochester, stayed a few days, then went back to Chemung. There met Mallett, who had just been pardoned out of prison. We went to Jefferson and broke open a drug store, and took some jewelry, pocket-knives, and seven or eight dollars in money ; we took the goods to a man by the name of Baker, east of Penn Yan ; he offered us sixty dollars, we wanted eighty dollars; he, however, stole some gold rings of us.
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