Goose for High

A case of malicious high treason, or something equally dreadful, came up before Justice Thorington, this morning. Mrs. Martha Osborn brought suit against Johanna Schmidt and Rosa Schmidt for assault with intent to “mash somethink”. And this pleasant “jamboree” was brought about by a goose. One party gave the other party, we couldn’t tell which, a goose sometime since for their New Year’s dinner. This elegant bird was yet alive and was marching proudly around with that impressive dignity which belongs to his species. He wandered into the yard of the previous owner, and her son detained the gentle bird of the river, so to speak, and would have detained him as an “annual retainer”, but the other party came for him, and he didn’t go and she hit Mrs. Schmidt, and Mrs. Osborn shied a quilting frame at her and hoe handles, and the other one pulled her hair, and the next one, that is the goose-well, that was the way of it, anyhow. But Justice T. couldn’t see that the case was equal to the profundity of the Grand Jury, and dismissed the case. And the goose gently oscillated at his accustomed altitude. Selah.

Jan 9, 1871:

Police Court

One case of intoxication was brought up before Justice Peters this morning., the subject being one Robert Biersdorf. Also an individual named Murray was found lying round “loose” in close proximity to a lamp post. He was locked up and will be tried as soon as sober.

 Jan 13, 1871:

Police Court

Justice Peters seems to have his hands full of late in seeing to desperate characters, of which the city appears to be well supplied. This morning a young desperado by the name of Louis Lewis was arrested for the larceny of a guitar, was brought up for a trial, but the parties for the prosecution did not appear, consequently he was discharged.

Another character named George Bill found drunk, was fined $10 and costs.

Burglary at Metropolitan Hall

On yesterday morning the private entrance to Metropolitan Hall was broken up, for the purpose of carrying off what could be found of Martino’s effects known to be there. The burglars succeeded in smashing the lock of the ticket box and securing about three hundred tickets. They also endeavored to force the lock on the money chest, but could not loosen the bolt. By searching about the stage they discovered about $25 worth of silverware, which they seized upon, and quit the premises. In the afternoon one of the boldest tried to sell some of the tickets at Van Pelt’s barber shop, on Brady street. This aroused suspicions, and Mr. Sherman, the agent of the Martino troupe, was informed. The description given convinced Mr. S. that it was a party whom he had spotted for a thief the previous evening. Policemen were at once put upon the scent, and succeeded in bringing down their game in the shape of two burly fellows, about nine o’clock last night. They were arrested and locked up. The silverware was found secreted near the depot.

One of the accused has already turned State’s evidence and everything has the appearance of a clear case against the parties arrested. It looks also that by this means a large gang of thieves and housebreakers may be ferreted out and brought to justice.

Saturday, January, 14, 1871:

Burglary Trial

The two parties arrested for the burglary at Metropolitan Hall, on Thursday were brought up before Justice Peters this morning for trial. They gave their names as William Williams and Wm. H. Brown. It was found by the testimony, that the man Brown was not implicated in the transaction at all except in the fact that Williams had laid the stealing of the goods to him. No evidence being brought up which showed his having anything to do with the affair, he was discharged. The witnesses for the State proved a concisive case against Williams. He was seen in Van Pelt’s barber shop to have in his possession a number of butter knives and other silver ware, by Mr. William H. Rickert, and by whose means the robber was brought to justice. He was identified by Rickert, who in company with policeman Martens succeeded in finding him, and on promise of being let alone, Williams took the officer to the corner of Main and Second streets, where concealed in the curb of the sidewalk, the tickets were found, and the silver-ware was found near the Plow Factory on Third street. Previous to his arrest, Williams offered some of the tickets to the waiters at the City Dining Hall near the Depot, calling himself the manager of the Martino troupe. He was found guilty of the crime of larceny by the Justice and fined $63 and costs, all amounting to some $75.

The trial was quite interesting in its examination, the prisoner a large burly fellow, looking decidedly penitent, and when asked if he could pay the fine said he could not. The rumor which was prevalent yesterday that there was a gang of thieves who would be unearthed by this examination was proved to have no foundation, nothing being heard of any complicitors of Williams.

Monday, January 16, 1871:

Police Items.
The only interesting bit of news at the station to-day, is in the fact that the pavements which the city are obliged to clean, are being put in order by those noted criminals, Williams and Bell, who are taking a little out-door recreation.

Thursday, January 19, 1871:

Bold Robbery
A bold party of burglars made a clean sweep of the font hall at Mr. E.H. Mack’s residence on 12th street, last evening . A small company were gathered in the parlor about eight o’clock, and the front door, an unusual case, was left unlocked. The burglars took the hat, overcoat, gloves, and fur collar of Dr. Burtin; the overcoat, cap and gloves of Mr. Mack, and the cap of his little boy. They were frightened on their retreat, and threw the beaver hat, with gloves inside, of Dr. Burtin away as said hat could not be well concealed. Not five minutes probably, after the theft had been committed, it was discovered by Mr. Mack, and efforts were at once made to find out the perpetrators, but up to this time without success. Our city is evidently filled with these villians, and energetic efforts must be put forth at once for their arrest or it will be “dangerous to be safe” 

Friday, Jan 20, 1871:

Important Arrest
     The police force succeeded yesterday morning in arresting one Henry Julir, a notorious thief. A search warrant was issued and a lot of stolen goods were found in Julir’s house. They were found to consist of household goods which were taken from the house of Mr. Nisson, residing on the bluff. The thief was examined yesterday afternoon and was held for bail in the sum of $200 for his appearance at the District Court. In default of which he was sent to prison.
     He is the same fellow whom Officer Dodd arrested last summer and who made his escape while in custody of another officer.

POLICE COURT.

Henry Julir, the burglar spoken of elsewhere, was brought up for examination on another charge-petit larceny-at Justice Peters’ office. It appears this chap has a strong affection for borse kettles, and have them he will, if he has to break into his neighbor’s summer kitchen to effect his purpose. He had stolen one from Nisson, and duly found guilty. This morning he was brought up for stealing another of those desirable articles of one of the neighbors of Mr. N. E.Claussen Esq, appeared for defendant. The result was the fining of Julir $15 and costs. An appeal was made to the Circuit Court, and the case will come up at its next session. A vigorous effort was made to clear the criminal by the plea of “recent possession.” Also by the testimony of his wife to the effect that the kettle was purchased of a traveling peddler. This, however, did not avail with the Justice, and Julir is again in his secure retreat.

Saturday, Jan 21, 1871:

Police Items. A whole week without a single case of intoxication! This is the exemplary report which the police give the citizens of Davenport today, and a rare case it is too, showing how virtuous and peacefully we are getting on. Not so, however, with larceny and thefts of every description, which run riot just now. The man Kuegler was again up before Justice Peters this morning on a third case of larceny. He was fined $7.50 for this act, and promised to pay the sum, it being within the limits of his pocket book. He is still in custody.

Monday, Jan 23, 1871:

Police Court.

Another criminal case was up this afternoon before Justice Peters. The plaintiff in the case, Mrs. Elizabeth DeWine, accuses the prisoner, Mary Bowling, a young girl of fifteen, of stealing the sum of $70 from the plaintiff yesterday while she was at church, and alleges having found the girl Mary at her house on her return, in close proximity to where the money was kept. The case was continued until tomorrow morning by the defendant’s request to give time to secure witnesses, &c, wherewith to prove an alibi. The parties live on Market street, near 5th, and have always been on friendly terms previous to this charge. The girl was bound over in the sum of $200 for her appearance at court tomorrow.

One case of intoxication is reported this morning , the offender named Scott Cofflins being fined $1 and costs, which he paid and was let off. 

Tuesday, Jan. 24, 1871:

Police Court.
The larceny case which was set for this morning was continued over until this afternoon too late for a report tonight.

One case of intoxication was up this morning before Justice Peters, and the offender of “the laws of nature and of man” who bore the name of Tim Hills, was fined $1 and costs.

Wednesday, Jan 25, 1871.

Police Court.
The larceny case of Mrs. Dewire against the girl Mary Bowlin, was up yesterday afternoon, and resulted in the girl being bound over in the sum of $200 by appear at the District Court, and for which bail was procured.

One victim of inebriation, to make up the regular morning’s number, was arrested this morning and fined $1 and costs. He bore the name of John Sheelan, and was sent up.

Friday, Jan 27, 1871.

HEAVY BURGLARY
Wholesale Burglary. Store of A.H. Alston burglarized to the amount of $1500.

     Another burglary was committed in our midst last night, exceeding anything which has occurred here for some time. Mr. A.S. Alston, who has a wholesale store in the second story of the block on the northeast corner of Second and Main streets, on going to his store this morning about eight o'clock, discovered the gas burning dimly and boxes lying around in an unusual condition. Further investigation showed that the establishment had been "gone through" with by burglars and robbed of goods to the amount of $1500. The robbers entered through the back door, by prying it open with a "jimmy" of some sort, breaking the bolts and bars, and affecting an easy entrance to the store room. They climbed over the fence from the alley on Main street, finger marks being distinctly on the boards in the frost, consequently it must have been done in the early part of the morning.
     The safe was made the subject of an unsuccessful "try", and everything has the appearance that the burglar or burglars were frightened away in some manner shortly after they began work. What they took with them could not have used much time in the securing, while other goods in plenty were to be had at a "grab."
     The styles and amounts of the different goods which were taken are as follows:- Silk velvets, $700; satins, black and colored, $300; bonnet silks, $300; Marceline silks, $200, the whole not making but a very small bundle for a person to carry, in comparison to their worth.
     Officer Purcell, the night watchman, says all was quiet, as far as could be seen and heard up to five o'clock this morning, when he left. The thing must have been done in a very quiet and careful manner. The most noise which must have been made would be the falling of the heavy iron bar upon the floor, which was in its place last night across the inside of the door. Detectives of the best reputation in the country, have been employed in the ferreting out of the villains, and although no clue to any parties are to be found whereon to work, yet no stone will be left unturned to bring the perpetrators to speedy justice, and the officers have the earnest wishes of the citizens of Davenport for the success of their undertaking.
     The perpetration of this deed is a warning to us all, that bolts and bars are of but little consequence when burglars are about in such "profusion" as they have seemed to be here of late.

Monday, Jan 30, 1871:

The Counterfeit Case.

It appeareth in the case of Martin, the counterfeiter, that at the time of his arrest he deposited with Mr. Robert Porter, and others, a  sum of money, together with several counterfeit notes. Mr. M. Frahm, one of the sufferers by Martin, brought a suit and garnished Porter and the others holding said money. All of the garnishees, with the exception of Mr. Porter, answered to the suit, paid over what money they had of Martin’s and were discharged. Mr. Porter stated that he had previously paid J. D. Campbell, Esq., on an order from the prisoner, held by his attorneys, Messrs. Brown, Campbell and Sully, all the money, together with the “queer” which he had in his possession subsequent to the suit of garnishment being brought. The case comes up before Justice Thorington tomorrow morning at his office for final examination.

Wednesday, Feb 1, 1871:

Result of a Horse Trade.

A grave charge of assault and highway robbery has been brought against Francis LeClaire by the complainant, G.F. Cook, of which the following are the facts: it seems that the two men swapped horses, LeClaire giving $15 to boot. Cook’s horse was in the stable at the time the bargain was made, and on going to lead it out LeClaire discovered the horse to be lame, and at once demanded a return of the money. Cook refused, whereupon, after many demands, LeClaire knocked the complainant down, and after he had got up he was assaulted the second time by LeClaire, this time breaking his arm near the wrist. Justice Peters has issued two warrants for the arrest of LeClaire, one for assault and the other for highway robbery up to this time the officers have been unable to secure their man.

Saturday, Feb 4, 1871:

The Cresslers up again.
Yesterday the two men named Cressler, were up before Justice Peters, charged with disturbing public worship in Butler township. They were arrested on this charge a few days ago, and taken before a Justice in Butler, but during the trial made their escape from the Court Room, and rode away. They were rearrested, however, yesterday by our police, and are in a fair way to be brought to certain justice, next Tuesday, the time that the trial was fixed on yesterday.

Monday, Feb 6, 1871:

Police Items.

Three Rock Island boys named Monteville Spear, Albert Twon and E. Dory, came across the river, on Saturday night, “full to the brim”, and determined on having a spree in the quiet city of Davenport.  They succeeded in kicking up a lively muss on Second street, for which they were arrested about midnight and brought before Justice Peters this morning. They were each fined $3.00 and costs for their “fun”, which they paid, and noiselessly took up their march from whence they came. Davenport is the wrong place for an expedition of that sort.

Arrested. Shannon, alias Sherman, alias Johnson, alias Hughes & Son, was arrested at Galesburg and taken to Chicago on Friday last, by a United States officer, charged with passing counterfeit money. He had $700 of it on the Poughkeepsie National bank, when arrested.-This is the same Shannon who had a butcher shop on Perry street, and over a year ago was arrested here for butchering cattle that he had not bought; the same fellow who slipped bail and left Robert Porter, of the Commercial Street Livery Stable in the lurch as bondsman. May he come to a full reward of special grief.

Tuesday, Feb 7.

The Cressler Case. The three Cresslar boys, Charles, John, and William Jr., have been having an examination before Justice Thorington today on the same charge for which they were up before Justice Peters last week-disturbing a singing school in Butler Township. Charles Whittaker , Esq., appeared for the defendants, and Wm. A Foster, Esq, on behalf of the plaintiffs. The defendants took a change of venue. The case excites considerable interest and is likely to be a long cue.

Wednesday, Feb 8, 1871:

Police Court. A case of petit larceny was up before Justice Peters, this morning the accused named J.W. Shoates being charged with stealing two planks and a trussle from one Hans Shale. He was found guilty, fined $15.00 and costs and committed.

Justice’s Court.

A larceny case was tried before Justice Thorington this afternoon, the parties being from Blue Grass. The accused is a German Pole, and was charged with stealing a silver watch and box of cigars from the store of P.W. Putnam, the owner and the party who brought the suit. The good stolen were valued in all about $20. He was found guilty of the crime and fined $60 which he will work out in the delightful occupation of cutting stone.

An assault and battery case was also up before the same Justice this morning, the parties to the suit being man and wife, Charles and Anna Forrest, who keep the saloon No. 6 Front street. The wife complains of “severeal” treatment from her husband, in the complaint, but finally withdrew the suit and paid the costs.

The Cressler case is continued till the 13th inst.

Friday, Feb 10, 1871:

Police Court.

A case of vagrancy came up before Justice Peters this morning, the subject being an old offender, named Charley Smith, who was found keeping home guard about the street corners, with no particular object in view.-He was fined $10 and costs, which he paid by emptying his vest pocket of $1.90 and going to jail for the balance.

Monday, Feb 13, 1871:

The Cressler Trial.
The continuation of the trial of the Cressler boys for disturbing a Buffalo singing school is going on today before Justice Thorington, and is likely to continue long into the night. A half dozen or more witnesses for the prosecution have been examined, and every man, woman, and child “from the Wapsie,” with their neighbors, are on hand to tell their story. Interesting in the extreme. 

Saturday, Feb. 11, 1871:

Police Court. One case of inebriation is the sum total of today’s business at the office of Justice Peters. The victim of the police was Charles Harris. He was fined $1.00 and costs, and sent up.

Police Items.

In the case of Charles Forrest, who was arrested for keeping a house of ill-fame on Front street, with three others, inmates of the house, the parties plead guilty to the charges brought against them, John Ackley, Esq., appearing for them at the court this morning.  By the consent of the Mayor of the city and Marshal Kauffman, they are to have twenty four hours in which to leave the city-a mittimus to be held against them if they appear here within a year, by which they will be arrested without further process. The prisoners pay the costs, amounting to some six dollars, and seek more “favorable skies” under which to pursue their villainy.

One case of drunkenness up before Justice Peters this morning, the individual named Johnson paying a fine of $1.00 and costs.

A trial “for assault with intent to do great bodily injury “ is to come up before Justice Peters tomorrow, at nine o’clock. The parties to the suit are Mr. L Thornton, plaintiff, and Isaac H. Artiste, (colored) the arrested individual, charges with committing the assault at the Newcomb House on Saturday. 

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 1871:

Justice Court.

The witnesses in the celebrated Cressler case have all given in their evidence, and Justice Thorington is to hear the argument at 3 o’clock this afternoon, which will probably wind the thing up.

Police Court.

The case, which was mentioned  in our last evening’s issue, of assault , was brought up before Justice Peters, this forenoon. It is the result of a lively “jamboree,” on Saturday last. The prosecuting witness in the case is a hotel clerk, while the defendant is an Artist by name, and a barber by occupation, who, while pursuing his avocation, took occasion to have a slight quarrel with the “gentlemanly clerk,” in which said clerk came off with a badly cut up physiogonomy, made by a cudgel in the hands of this Artist, and for which this suit was brought. W.H. Gabbert, Esq., appeared for defendant, and Messrs. Ackley and White in behalf of the prosecution. The polisher of mens’ faces was held to bail in the sum of $200, to appear at the next term of the District Court.

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 1871:

Police Court.
Three cases of intoxication were brought before Justice Peters this morning - Ryan Toker, Pete Toerner and Thomas Esp. The first individual was fined $5.00 and costs, and paid $2.00. The others were fined $1.00 and costs each.

Justice Court.
The Cressler boys’ trial still hangs on. A continuation is to be had tomorrow morning for the purpose of giving the defendants opportunity to bring up several points of the law relative to the case.

A suit was brought before Justice Throington, this morning, in which Messrs. McNair and Jordan charge the defendant, Richard Fitzgerald, of obtaining goods under false pretences. It seems Fitzgerald purchased of this firm a threshing machine in the month of July, 1869, obtaining credit for the same by statements concerning his ability to pay, but which he has never settled for. He was held for bail in the sum of one thousand dollars, for his appearance at the next term of the District Court.

Burglary
Robbery of Sickels and Preston’s Store.

     Another burglary was committed in our midst last evening, which , although, in the amount taken was small, shows the unsafe condition we are in. The wholesale hardware store of Sickels & Preston, on Second street, was broken into between the hours of nine and ten o’clock and robbed of eight revolvers worth about $100. The burglars entered by prying off the iron shutters of a window in the rear of the store and climbing in through the window, which was found open very soon after they had left. Mr. Sickels left the store about nine, and the clerk who sleeps there came in about ten, and discovered the open window, at the same time that officer Purcell came up. In looking over the goods the revolvers were missing from a show case in the extreme front part of the store, and it is very probable the thieves, alarmed at the coming of the clerk, skedaddled with the small booty they had captured. A small quantity of scrips was in the money-drawer, undisturbed, and every thing proves that their search for goods was not of long duration, and was summarily broken into.
     This theft being only next door from the store of Mr .Alston, which was so lately victimized, has a tendency to show that the block is a favorite one for the rascals to work upon, although guarded in as faithful a manner as any in our city.

Thursday, Feb 16, 1871:

Justice Court.

That most irrepressible of all cases-the Cressler trial-hangs fire with a stubbornness almost unknown in so slight a case of crime. Justice Thorington has been submitted to a thorough “posting up” on the law today, so that hereafter, at least, he will be ready-primed on all such cases, It is expected the Magistrate will decide the case tonight, sure.

Extra Force.
An extra police force of at least two hundred able bodied men may be expected out tomorrow morning to arrest sidewalk delinquents who have all day long disregarded the City Marshal’s positive instructions to have the sidewalks cleared in front of their property. It will be a good thing for the City Treasury.

Friday, Feb 17, 1871:

Cressler Case Decided.

Justitce Thorington brought the Cressler trial to a climax last evening and fined the three boys $5 each and costs. The whole amount which they have to pay is about $80. The costs for the first proceedings, which were had under the jurisdiction of Justice Peters, before the boys took a change of venue, are not included, the above amount being the costs of the three days examination before Justice Thorington, together with the fine, which lets them off with only $80 out of pocket, other reports to the contrary notwithstanding. The boys will foot the bill without further litigation.

Sidewalk arrests.

There was a rumpus in town this morning. Several days ago the City Marshal, as in duty bound, directed the people to have the sidewalks in front of their respective properties cleared of snow or he should proceed against them according to law. Some obeyed the notice and cleared their walks, Others snuffed the air and mentally informed the marshal to go where snow melts suddenly. Marshal McKown was not to be turned off in that way. He had sworn to enforce the law, and the law must be enforced. A list of delinquents was made up yesterday, and the following persons were cited to appear before magistrate Peters and suffer, John Doty, John Krambeck, Schricker & Mueller, Adam Noel, S.Barr, John Meleliert, E.S. Baldwin who plead guilty; T.T. Martin, M. McHarvey, Jas. Renwick, Dr. Atkinson, Aug. Scheiber, who plead not guilty; L. Ochs, M. Tobin, J.C. Westphal, W.H. Stewart, G. Kraik, H.H. Tichenor, John Breebs, G. Huckenstedt, Louis Karn, Peter Delmer, Jacob Eps, August Klive, John Schick, Frederick Leach, Claus Haas, John Shoemaker, John Stoltenberg, J.A. Kirby, C. Watt, A.C. Fulton, J.H. Berryhill, James Thompson, A.H. Cronkhite, J.C. Conklin, W.H. Gabbert, John L. Davies, J.B. Carmichail, G.W. Cable, Elisha H. Mack, L.C. Dessaint, Dr. E.S. Barrows, F. Leary, have not yet plead at all as we close report.

February 21, 1871:

Sidewalk suite. The victims of the sidewalks have, for the greater part, come up to the Magisterial rack, and manfully expiated their crimes; a few were dismissed for want of cause, and some there are who resolutely stand trial. The lesson is a good one, and we hope it will be taught continually as occasion requires.

Thursday, Feb 23, 1871:

Police Court.

Yesterday afternoon a case of larceny came up before the Magistrate, of which the following are the facts: on the night of the 17th inst., a master wheel was stolen from the foundry of M. Donahue, and two negroes named McDowell and Ritchie were arrested on suspicion. In the examination, yesterday it was shown that the darkeys took the wheel, broke it into pieces and carried it over to Rock Island, with a team, to a second-hand dealer in hardware and “sich,” and he had it taken to a foundry in Moline and made it into another and different article. The negroes were put under bail of $250 each in default of which they were committed. 

Monday, Feb 27, 1871:

Police Court.
Two criminal cases were up before Justice Peters this morning , both charges being against one party, Michael Kelly, and brought by Daniel King. One for assault and battery, for which the defendant was fined $15 and costs, and the other for an attempt to do personal violence, in which case he was held to bail in the sum of $200. The parties to the case live near the corner of Iowa and Second streets.

Tuesday, Feb 28, 1871:

Police Court.

A girl named Sarah Haak was found on the streets in a decidedly loose condition, and was taken of hand by the police. She claims to be an American, and perfectly moral. The magistrate has given her time to look up her witnesses before bringing her to trial.

March 1, 1871:
Police Items.

One Charles Faulkner, who lives on Third street, between Harris and Division streets, was arrested this morning on the charge of keeping a house of bad repute; was brought before Justice Peters, and discharged for want of witnesses.

Charles Forrest, the notorious keeper of No. 6 Front street, some weeks ago, and who was allowed to leave the city for crimes committed, is again in the city lock-up. Marshal Kauffman received information from Buffalo, yesterday, charging said Forrest with an assault and battery at that place. He was arrested here and will be taken to Buffalo for trial. 

Friday, March 3, 1871:
Police Court.

One William Sanders, who was arrested as a pick pocket at the State Fair last fall, and on whose case the jury could not agree, was found plying his trade on a C.R.I. & P.R.R. train yesterday, and taken into custody. This time he did not get off so easy, but was fined by Justice Peters, $10 and costs, amounting to $15.15. He paid $10.15 and was let off by giving his “bond” to leave these parts for “pastures new,” and immediately departed.

Saturday, March 4, 1871:
Police Court.

Two cases of intoxication were up before Justice Peters this morning. One a soldier named Michael McGovern, was fined $1 and costs, which he paid. The other individual named Michael Marion, was fined $3 and costs. Not having the required capital he was sent up.

Robbery.

Mrs. Julia Namers, residing on Harrison street, was robbed of her pocket-book yesterday afternoon, containing two $50 bills, in money, and various valuable receipts. She was trading at the Plunder Store on Second Street, and laid her purse on the counter beside her, for a moment to look at some goods, and the pocket-book and two women, who were the only customers in the store, all at once disappeared. The money was missed at once, but the women, who doubtless were the thieves, could not be found in the vicinity. The police were promptly notified of the loss, although the suspected parties could not be described by either Mrs. Namers or the clerk. Up to this time no clue has been obtained, which will in any way lead to the detection of the culprits.

Monday, March 6, 1871:
Money Recovered.

Mrs. Namers, the lady who thought she was robbed last week, at the Plunder store, was evidently very much mistaken. She did not have her purse in the store at all, but lost it on the street before entering . It was found soon after and returned to her, although the fact of its recovery was kept very silent those who had been informed of the loss not having heard of it. The ladies who were in the store at the time were highly respectable, so the suspicions of the loser of the money was a bad “joke” on both them and the proprietor of the store.

Important Arrest.

     This morning a sight draft was presented at the store of Franz Meyer, on Second street, bearing the signature of E.F. Kinner & Co., on the Fourth National bank of Chicago, for $29.80 in favor of A.T. Crawford, by whom it was endorsed. The young man who presented it claiming to be Crawford. The check was refused on suspicion of it being a forgery, the police immediately notified and the fellow promptly arrested. The Bank at Chicago was telegraphed and a dispatch received from them saying “no such parties known here.” The prisoner was brought before Justice Peters this afternoon , when he waived an examination and was placed under bail of $300. W.A. Foster Esq. Appeared for the defendant.
     The cap claims to be from Chicago, and came to the city Thursday night. It is reported that he had presented the same check at different places in the city.

March 7, 1871:
Justice Court.

A case is to come up before justice Thorington on Thursday next, which has excited no little interest in LeClaire and vicinity, where the affair came off. It appears that a stripling named John Wilson behaved so unscholarly while in school that his teacher, W.J. Weeber thought he merited a sound thrashing and gave it to him. The boy’s “big brother,” Daniel, hearing of it at once took it upon himself to give the teacher thrashing No. 2.  Now Weeber enters a complaint against the brothers, one for disturbing the schools and the other for assault and battery.

March, 9, 1871:
Justice Court.

     The School case at at LeClaire, which has excited some little comment at that place and in the papers here was brought to a summary close this afternoon at Justice Throington’s office.
     It seems the boy David was brought up before Justice Parkhurst at LeClaire, and fined $10.00 and costs. Both of the boys plead guilty before Justice Thorington, and were fined $1 each and costs, making a nice little bill of $30, which the father settled. There seems to be several different versions of the “poker” story, one that the teacher took it in hand to defend himself from other boys, whom he feared were going to help the boy he was thrashing, and another that he gave the boy David a frightful blow on the had with the weapon, the proof of which can be seen by the bad results of said strike on the cranium of the boy. A pistol was brought into school every morning by the discreet pedagogue for requisition if needed. Fact. No. 2.

Case of Insanity.
     The widow Case, who resides on Main street near Ciry, was taken with a fit of lunacy a few evenings ago in Christian Chapel. She was taken home, and cared for, and night before last was taken to jail for more safe keeping. Tuesday night she was peaceable and quiet, but becoming worse yesterday, she was confined in a stronger cell. Last night she was raving in her madness, tore her bed and clothing in shreds, broke all the furniture that could be broken, smashed all the windows she could reach. This afternoon William Gray and Mrs. Dr. Porter took her to the Sisters Hospital.
     The unfortunate woman has been insane before, and confined in the asylum. In her right mind she is an excellent lady, esteemed by all. She is the mother of the Burwell boys, one of whom is in Michigan, and the other traveling for a Moline concern, and has been telegraphed to come home. It is a sad, perhaps a hopeless case. 

Monday March 20, 1871

Police Court.

One Harry Dunn, a keeper of a saloon on Front Street, was arrested by policeman Dodd, this morning, for disturbing the peace of his neighbors at unseemly hours. He was brought before Justice Peters and fined $3.00 and costs.

Michael McCoy, who entered complaints before Justice Peters on Saturday, against John and Ellen Powers for beating him with a fire shovel and otherwise injuring his constitution, withdrew the suit this morning on the defendants appearing and paying costs of the same.

 Monday, March 27, 1871

Police Court

This morning was had the first case of intoxication for a number of days, the subject being one Mrs. Kennedy, found by Marshal Kauffman yesterday afternoon on Front St. suffering from a serious attack of “jim-jams” and followed by a motley crowd of noisy boys. The patient referred to has borne quite a hard name of long standing in this city; was formerly sole proprietor to the notorious den at No. 6 Front Street, but now hails from the virtuous suburbs of Rock Island. She was hoisted up stairs to the presence of Justice Peters, early this morning and fined $1.00 and costs.

Thursday, March 30, 1871:

Suicide at Walcott

A mysterious case of suicide occurred in the above named town situated in this county, on Monday last. A German named John Millenbeck was found dead in his garret. A crinoline secured to the top of the door, and attached to his neck in such a manner as to cause strangulation, and the strong constriction that he had in a fit of melancholy deliberately hung himself. The reason for doing the deed, is supposed to be the unhappy state of his marital relations. 

Friday, March 31, 1871

Justice Court.

A man named Christian Gueuche was brought before Justice Thorington yesterday on a writ issued by one Karl Mathias, charging the defendant with threatening to burn, poison, and destroy the effects, premises and cattle of Mathis. On hearing the evidence in the case Gueuche was honorably discharged.