The Princeton Telegraph from Princeton, Missouri • 1

1 Advertisers Guaranteed Resuita IN LARGEST MEROER OF SWORN ANY COUNTY PAPER Princeton Telegraph ESTABLISHED 1878 PRINCETON, MERCER COUNTY MISSOURI. WEDNESDAY. JUNE 8. 1914 VOL 42-NO. NIGHT WATCHMAN MURDERED Seven Times by Robbers Last Wednesday Night at H.

P. Cisco Shot Back of Casteel Bros. Store and Died Thursday at Jones, Frank Rollins Charles Bryan Are Charged. With Crime -Coroners Inquest June 5th Watchman H. P.

Cisco was Night by robbers last shot seven times Wednesday night about 10:30 88 attempting to escape from Store they were Casteel Brothers Department Mr. Cisco returned to town he went had been to the depot and as he west side of Casteels store along thee back door to see if they try When he reached the locked. he laid his coat and cane north door roll of while he undown on a door. "When he threw locked the on the lock he observhis flashlight the opposite side of the ed a man on down with an arm door As he raised his crouched load of silks. knock out the glass door hollowed for help and at the hand to on the inside besame time the man gan started north and after abooting.

Mr. Cisco backed a- way and two or three steps stopped began firing again. Mr. taking and the man Cisco walked to the corner north then turned east up the street and he stairs and leading when up over, reachedrug store he called for help and fell to the again sidewalk where he was picked up a few minutes later and carried into drug store from which he was the short time later to his removed a in the north part of town home where upon close examination it found that he was shot two was in the two times in times and three times in the the body arm. He was immediately operated died at 2:30 o'clock on Thur on but day afternoon.

After the shooting the men kicked out the glass in the south door of the store and made their escape There had been a heavy rain the day and the ground was soft same and muddy and robbers were tracked south Main street where one of them fall as he attempted to jump a ditch. They then west one going between the ran Casteels implement store down past the Ballew luMber yard the other going west to the street running north past the side of the Monarch store and on past the lumber yard. This was up 85 far as the officers were able to track them. Sheriff Lowry WAS notified and he together with his assistant Chas. Nelson WAR SOON on the scene.

He had seen Byrd Jones, Frank Rollins of Mercer and Charlie Bryan of Lineville here earlier in the evening and he immediately suspicioned the At the same he telephoned to Newtown for blood hounds. A- time, bout two o'clock Sheriff Lowry and Charlie Nelson found Rollins in bed at the Windsor hotel and he was placed under, arrest and his shoes taken him. Upon searching the room a flashlight was found. A short time afterwards the above named officers together with Marshall Snyder arrested Jones in the west part of town in McGuires place of business and after placing him under arrest removed his shoes. Rollins was asked where he was when the shooting occured and replied, that be was up by the church a) by himself while Jones refused to.

state where he was. The shoes worn by the two men were tans and Jones's was found to be slightly different, one having corner of the heel worn off and the other having been built up. The shoes were taken by the officers and in presence of a number of witnesses were fit in the tracks made in the mud and found to fit perfectly even showing the peculiarity in the shoes mentioned above. The evening of the shooting Rolline called at Casteels store and tried on a number of suits and al. ter finding one that suited him he told the clerk, Arthur Casteel, that he would call and set it in the morning.

This same suit with five others was found on the floor in the basement hear the door where it bad been dropped by the robber when he made his escape. Also seven bolts of silk were found by the door where Mr. Cisco was shot and the morning nine empty shells, No. next 32 were found near the door. Mr.

Casteel recognized Frank Rollins as the man who had been looking at the suit the previous day. The and silks were taken from ditsuits ferent racks and piles and it would probably have been several days before the loss would have bee: discovered had Mr. Cisco not come a- long as he did as the robbers were just ready to leave the building. Some men were sitting on the porch of Arbuckle hotel at the time of the shooting and saw two men run down Main street and also noticed one of them fall and it is stated that there was mud on the clothes of Rollins when arrested as if he had fallen down. Charles Bryan was arrested at Lineville on Thursday and brought back to Princeton and lodged in jail as being connected with the rob bery.

Charles Bryan when asked where he was at the time of the shooting stated that he had rode the top of No. 12 to Lineville that night, but the R. I. operator states that No. 12 did not stop there that night.

When asked if the empty suitcase found at Shiner's was his he replied in the affirmative and said he intended getting it full of booze but when he went home on top of the train he was unable to take it along. It is thought that only two men were in the building but as yet it not known how they gained One man must have, been stationed on the outside as guard as a bullet hole was found in the steps along the west side of the Bearden building and also Mr. Cisco was shot in the legs and in order for this to occur the man on the inside of the building would of had to raised up and shot downwards and the direction of the shots in Mr. Cisco legs does not indicate this. A short time after the shooting Rollins was seen walking rapidly down the street to the Windsor hotel which entered and went to bed.

Jones had reached the hotel first and went to bed but got up about an hour later and went to the west end. A number of Princeotn residents heard the shooting but as it had been customary to shoot when giving a fire alarm they naturally supposed there was fire somewhere and when they saw the men running thought that was where they were going. Six shots were fired in rapid succession and then three WAS a slight pause and three more shots were fired and as the robbers ran toward the west end of town they fired once up the street in order to frighten anyone coming down that way. A large crowd had gathered in town Thursday afternoon when it became known that Mr. Cisco had died much excitement prevailed and a lynching was freely talked of.

In fact the sentiment. became so strong that decided to take no chances and hastily loaded the prisoners Into an automobile and took them to Trenton where they were kept till Sunday when Rollins and Jones were returned to this place. 0. E. Trent has been deputized to stay in the cell with the prisoners so that they can hold no conversations together without being heard and the strictest watch is being kept on their actions.

What the Coroner's Inquest Showed Coroner's Jury consisting of H. C. Varney, J. D. Coon, William Gentry, Lovett Irwin, O.

R. Prichard. and E. W. Judson was convened Friday morning by Acting Coroner H.J.

Alley, and after viewing the remains of the deceased at the circuit court room and heard the testimony of several witnesses. Attorneys E. C. Orton and John E. Powell have been employed to assist Judge R.

W. Steckman in the prosecution of the case and the defendants have employed A. G. Knight and George H. Hubbell, of Trenton, in their behalf.

The jury began taking testimony about ten o'clock Friday morning, and after hearing evidence all day, adjourned until Thurs day, June 4th, when the hearing of testimony will be resumed. The first witness was Miss Irene Garvin, who testified that she is a stenographer, and that she had taken the testimony of H. P. Cisco in shorthand, and she read his statement to the Jury. His testimony in part was as follows: That as he returned from No.

12, he went by the back doors of Casteals store, and as he flashed his light into the building he man. He called for help and when ne one came he started in and the began shooting. He backed and started north and the man at Clio and came to Princeton Wednesday afternoon on the Local, he saw Charles Bryan and Prank lins at Linville, Rollins got on the Caboose, Bryan gave me bandbag and be went down by the train, them after they got off the train here on the depot platform. Mra. Frank Kitchen said she Frank Rollins last Sunday about o'clock down at the mineral well, Jones Was with him.

She also him Wednesday evening down there by the well. He said he was going to Trenton about 8 o'clock. McElhany Telephoned Shiner Jack McElhany said Rollins and Bryan brought empty grip to Shiner's place of business along in the evening. Wednesday. Bryan said he going to get grip full of whiskey.

He left Shiner's place about the time No. 12 came in. Jones and Bryan went over to the depot with him, and went into the depot to inquire if No. 12 would stop at Mercer; Shiner was at his place of business when I left. came to the hotel was getting ready for bed' (Rollins was in bed at the hotel) when I beard shots, and went to town, when I got to town, I saw Mr.

Cisco in Kelly's store. went and telephoned to Shiner, first to the restaurant, but could not get him then telephoned to Jas. N. Faulkner, and told him that Mr. Cisco was shot.

Bryan Had Automatic Pistol Ed. Vaughn's testimony said that he was at Shiner's restaurant and Shiner had an automatic revolver, and Bryan saw said: not that my gun?" I told him that it was Shiner's, and he got his gun and we compared them. Shiper's was 1 a "330" and his Was a automatic." I went to the depot just as No. 12 pulled in, Bryan war there. I never saw the grip.

I did not see Jones, Rollins nor Bryan after No. came in. I went back to the restaurant, Shiner Was not there. I could not see that either of the parties were drunk. Guy Goins said he lived twO miles west of town, said be heard window glass break.

Claud Boyd was at home, came over after the shooting and met his sister-in-law at the train; Bryan and Jones about seven-thirty in the evening on the west side of the squarSam Allen said he went by store about 5 minutes after 10; saw 3 or 4 men on Hickland street; they run back into rear of Cook building as he came by. He did not recognize them. Price Moore saw 3 standing by south door of Casteel's store about five minutes before he heard the window break. He could not recognize anyone of them. Found Nine Empty Cartridge Shells H.

C. Casteel, member of the firm of Casteel said there were two sets of doors in the rear of the store; one glass was broken out entirely in one of the south doors, and one big hole and twO small holes in the north door. He picked up nine cartridge shells, and showed them to the jury, they were 32 in size, and said they were shells for an automatic pistol. He found tracks where men had run around south from their store. The tracks were plain and easily distinguished.

The robbers had eight pieces of silk laying by the north door, and six mens suits were piled about eight feet inside from the door. McGuire Saw Jones After Shooting J. 0. McGuire testified that he first saw Charley Bryan about six or six-thirty Wednesday evening, Jones was with him, Rollins was also there They were at Jim McElhany's hotel for supper. He next saw them about ten o'clock.

He saw one grip at his restaurant, did not know who brought it. saw Jones 800 after the shooting, he was in the bed that I occupy at McElhany's. Jack McElhany had phoned me at Faulkner's house that Cisco had been shot. I went over to my place of business and got my revolver, and then went to my room at McElhany's hotel and got more shells. Jones was in bed and I told him I was going up town, that Cisco had been shot.

He said for me to wait and he would dress and go with me, but I did not wait. I saw him after that about one o'- clock at my resturant, he said he just got out of bed and come down. Chas. G. Spencer, of St Louis, Mo.

had come to Princeton on No. 12 and had registered at the Arbuckle hotel and heard five shots in quick session, the boy at the hotel said that their probably was a fire. went out on the front porch to look and saw a man come out of the alley at southeast corner of Casteel's ware room. The man was running and fell down just as he left the crossing. He seemed to be coming straight towards the Arbuckle hotel Some one fired 8 shot and I ran inside the hotel for safety.

He gave a good description of the man he saw. W. S. Concannon, of Kansas City, an agent for the Remington and U. M.

C. people, saw man running heard shooting, saw a man fall and another man come running out and went west down by the Moarch store building. The heavy set man fell. He described the dress and gave a description of their size, but could not distinguish their faces as it W718 too dark. Rollins Tries on Suit A.

C. Casteel tetifled that Frank Rollins came to their store about 6 o'clock, just as he was closing the store and wanted to look for a coat to match the trousers he was wearing. He could not find a coat exactly like the one he wanted, and Rollins finally selected a blue serge coat that fit him nicely, It was aise 86. The trousers to match were 32 by measure, and be measured Rollin and measured 32. Rollins was unde cided whether to bay, and finally asked him what time he would open the store in the morning.

He said that the store would be open about 7 o'clock, but that he (Arthur) would not be down to the store that He put the suit where it could be found by Rollins, 11 he should decide to buy it in the moraing. After the shooting, he went to the store, and this identical suit with fire others taken from different racks were found about eight feet from the door where the shooting oc carred. Mr. Casteel described very minutely the clothing worn by RolMins when he was in the store, and Identifies him positively as the man who was pretending to want to purchase a suit from him. Ed Miller Saw Men Running Ed Miller was called and testifled that shortly' after the shooting he saw a man running north past the east side of the Ballew lumber yard 1 and he seemed to be holding one of his pockets as if afraid he would lose what he was carrying.

Shortly afterwards man came walking up the street from the west and he intended asking him what was the trouble when he observed it was the same man. that be bad ween a short time before running Man turned south at Miller's house and went over toward the Windsor hotel. Mrs. Miller was then called and stated the facts the same as her husband. Went to Bed in Windsor Hotel Jimmie McElhany who runs the Windsor hotel was called and he stated that Jones came to his place shortly after the shooting and went upstairs and went to bed in MeGuires room.

Not long after this he started up the street and was talking to E. R. Goodin when Rollins came down the street walking fast and also, went into the hotel and went bed. After McElhany returned to the hotel he went upstairs and found both men in bed in McGuires room. After 12 o'clock he said Jones got up and left.

Mrs. McElhany stated that she cleaned the room the morning of the shooting and that she placed the clothing back of the trunk but at that time she did not see any flashlight in them. C. W. Ormsby Testifies Mr.

Ormsby stated that he came over to town about four o'clock in the morning carrying a lantern and was called to hold the lantern while shoes fit into tracks near lumber and near Casteel's hard ware store and that they fit snugly. His attention was called to ditterence in heels of shoes and notteed the same difference in tracks in mud. Shoes were damp as if just used. Sheriff Lowry being recalled stated that Rollins said up near the church at the "times of the shooting. That he was don to MeGuire's place about twelre o'clock and had spent $8 for whiskey and had been pretty drunk.

Mrs. Homer Dennis testified that she was sitting near her window a- bout eleven o'clock and heard 8 man come walking rapidly down the street and that E. R. Goodin who lives on the opposite side of the street asked him what was the matter and he said he did not know. Man stated he had run all the way from west end of town to find out what was the otrouble Rollins Says He Was Near Church C.

M. Nelson stated he helped arrest Rolling in Windsor hotel and WAS present when flashlight was found. He and Ott Ellis fit Rollins shoes in tracks between garage and implement building and near lumber yard and says they were a perfect fit. He also helped fit Jones shoes in tracks west of Monarch building and that they also fit closely. Tracks were four or five feet apart as if made while run ning.

His attention was called to difference in shoes and also notieed the same difference in tracks. Also heard Rollins say he was up near the church and by himself when shooting occurred. Ott Ellis Fits Shoes Tracks Ott Ellis being called testified that as he was leaving Mr. Crockett house in the north part of town he saw the bus unloading Mr. Cisco at his home and upon inquiry he was informed that he had been shot and came on over to town to telephone Cecil Cisco.

That he then went to the west end of town to see Curt Graham upon returning up town he and Charlie Nelson fit shoes worn by Rolling in tracks nea Casteel Hardware store and between garage and implement building down to the lumber yard and that shoes fit tracks perfectly. Harley Tucker is Called Harley Tucker of Newtown who brought Mr. Neighbors over with his blood hounds was next called and he stated that he helped fit shoes in tracks and that they fit exactly. He noticed that one of the shoes worn by Jones was worn off on one corner of the heel and that the other one had been built up and that the tracks in the mud fit these shoes and also showed this pecul- larity in the heel. Sheriff Lowry Testifies, Sheriff Lowry testified that at the time of the robbery he was out of town but returned at one o'clock and that he suspicioned Rollins and ing for them.

That he RolJones and immediately started, looklins in room in the Windsor el in bed and also found flash light in room behlad trunk in come clothes. After arresting him took off his shoes and gave them to, Charlie Nelson. He afterwards an rested Jones in MeGuires place the west end of town but nobody was present except Jack McElhany and he was asleep. He took Joses shoes and help fit them in tracks and they were found to fit exactly Had his attention called to difference in heels and also noticed ditterence in tracks. He said Jones shoes were very wet when he found him and appeared as If they bad been washed and he also noticed blades of blue grass around the battons 00 Rollins shoes when be arrested him and they were also damp He arrested Jones about 2 o'clock.

E. R. Talked to Rollins E.R.Goodia was called and stated he was standing by gate in front of his house trying to find out what was the trouble when Rollins came walking rapidly by, he asked him what was the shooting and be stated that he did not know but bad come all the way from the north end of town to find out. This was eleven o'clock and Rollins went 00 down the street and went into Wind sor hotel. Mrs.

Goodin was also called and evidence was the same as ber busband. Mrs. Fiddler was the next witness Called and after a consultation of the states lawyer's it was deciled to postpone the rest of the inquest uDtil the 4th of June. Prof. Schuler to Wed Invitations have been received by Trenton friends annoucing the wedding of Prof.

Harry Burnell Schuler, of Mercersburg, Pa. to Mise Lois Cockrell of Princeton, which will occur Sunday, June 7th, 1914. Prof. Schuler who formerly was director of the Trenton Conservatory of Music, and his bride-to-be hare a large circle of friends in this city who will wish them success and hap Tribune. H.

P. CISCO KILLED Was Shot by Burglars Last Wednes. day and Died Thursday after3 Men Under Arrest Charged With the Crime H. P. Cisco, nightwatchman shot last Wednesday night about 10:30 by burglars and died Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.

As Mr. Cisco returned from his regular nightly trip to the depot he passed by the back door of Casteel Bros. store and as he was trying the door to see it locked, be observed man on the inside who immediately opened fire with an automatic volver, shootias nine times at close range. Mr. Cisco managed to walk to the corner of Kelly's drug store where he called for help and was later picked up and taken into the drug store and from there to his home a short time afterwards, when given the medical attention.

Upon close examination it was found that seven of the nine shots fired had taken effect, two wounds being in the body, three in the left arm and two in the legs and that his death was only a question of time. Henry Perry Cisco was born in Mercer county, four miles south of Princton on January 28, 1858 and this county has been his home all life. In March 1881 he was mar ried to Miss Evalyn Girdner and to this union eight children were born, three of whom preceded the father to the Great Beyond- Cliff of Nara Visa, New Mexico, Mrs Lillian Mann of San Diego, Cecil of Trenton, Alva and Elva of Princeton together with their mother are left to mourn the departure of a kind and loving father and a devoted husband. About thirty years ago be united with the Christian Union church and in December 1911 he and his is wife united with the Methodist Episcopal church of Princeton of which he remained a member until his death He was also a member of the K. P.

lodge and of the Woodmen of the World. During the last two years served the city 45 night watchman and preceding that he city marshall for two years. The funeral was held Saturday afternoon conducted by Rev. Crampton of the Methodist church after which the remains were borne to the Princeton cemetery where short services were held by the K. P.

lodge after which the body was tend erly laid to rest. The floral offerings were large and beautiful and one of the largest concourse of people attended the funeral that was ever known in Princeton. The high regard and esteem with which Mr. Cisco was held by the shown Saturday when the stores business men of Princeton was were all closed during the hour of the funeral. Mr.

Cisco was a man who united sound sense with strong convictions and was known as an efficient officer absolutely fearless, who did not hesitate to risk his life in the performance of duty. He was man much feared by violators of the law and always spoken of as one of the most competent officers ever la Mer cer county, In the death of this officer the city lost one who did much to preserve the law and order. He was of a retiring disposition, quiet and unassuming. ret he had that firmness of character which so essential in good officer. He loyal and true friend and held in respect not oaly by friends but by those with whom be came in contact while in the performance of his official duties.

Joba Treat arrived here on to parea ta Mrs. Abe Treat al Kaama City private detective AFTER BOOZE JOINTS Two citizens meeting heid the farmers room the Court House Thursday ereaing and very largely attended. The room filled and many stood in the ball and in the County Superiatendents office. The meettag called for the avowed purpose rising means to supprem Our city. Mr.

W. P. elected chairman of the be stated briefly the called for speeches. Hon. Ira B.

Hyde was the first speaker to respond, He told of different methods of suppressing the joints that might be employed. He thought that by definite organization for this purpome, the law could be more success fully enforced. He said that be ready and willing in any legal he could to rid the town of these law breakers. Rev. M.

B. Paddock and Judge H. G. Orton were called and talked along the same line. Judge Orton had served six years as Prosecuting Attorney and bad suppressed booze traffic pretty effectually.

it was a continual warfare, bat had always found Mercer county furies on the side of the temperance and law abiding element. L. B. Woods was called and told of some of the difficulties of enforcing the Local OptionL aw. He said that if many of those present would tell the prosecuting officers what they knew about the illegal sale of booze every dive in town could be put out of business easily.

He suggested that some prosecutions for perjury would probably do as much good as prosecutions for the illegal sale of booze. Former Mayor E. R. Casteel was called and said he was in favor of employing legal means to down the traffic and that former speakers has about voiced his sentiments. W.

P. Lindsey was loudly applaud ed when he said that he did not believe that a lawyer should sell his services to a known illegal booze A motion vas made that an executive committee of five should be appointed by the chairman to take such action as they might deem neeessary to enforce the law and the chairman appointed Ira B. Hyde, E. R. Casteel, S.

H. Kesterson, Schayler King and J. D. Coon as such committee. The meeting then adjourned until Saturday at 2 m.

On Saturday large crowd sembled the court house about 1:30 The crowd consisted not only of citizens of Princeton bat large number farmers from all surrounding country, and many from Lineville, and Mill Grove. The farmers room being too small the meeting was held in the Circuft Court Room. On motion the chairman appointed a committee to draft suitable resolutions and the committee made the following report, which was unanimously adopt- ed. Resolutions Adopted Whereas the city of Princeton, as well as some other places in Mercer county, is infested and disgraced by a number of criminals who make an infamous living by open and constant defiance of the law. encouraging and creating drunkards, thieves and murderers therefore be it resolved: Ist.

That we demand of the publie officers of Mercer county whose duty it is to enforce the law that they immediately put in motion means provided by law for its enforcement and the suppression and punishment of those guilty of these crimes and that vicilence of our public officers be not relaxed, but continued so long as such condition exists. 2nd. That respected citizen this county in the performance of his duty as a public officer has been murdered by some of these infamous criminals and we attribute his death to the lawless influences existing at the county seat of our county. Srd. We here and now notify parties engaged in and abetting the aforesaid violations of the law that their presence in this county is not desirable nor conductive to public order or decency and that if they remain every WeaRs provided by law for their punishment will be vigorously pursued.

still kept shooting. Man had on dark clothes with tan shoes. Logan Horn testified that he was down at Davis's barn and had went from there to Goodnights barber shop, when he heard the first shots He saw Mr. Cisco come up the north side of the Cain Building, he stopped and leaned against the stairs at northeast corner of the building, another shot was fired, and he fell. Dr.

Boyer, Frank Harrison, Charley Dye, Sam Dragoo and myselt carried him in Kelly's store, we called Dr. Perry and they took him home, I did not see any one else. Sam Dragoo Testimony, I heard shooting went to the northeast corner of Kelly's, saw Mr. Cisco laying helped carry him into Kelly's store, I did not see anyone running down the street. Dr.J.M.

Perry said I was called a- bout 10:30, went to Kelly's store and found him, he had been shot I think he had been hit with eleven bullets he described where each had gone, and said that Cisco died from the effects of gun shot wound. He died about 2:30 P. M. Thursday, Dr. D.

F. Boyer testimony WAR similiar to that of Logan Horn and Sam Dragoo. D. F. Wilcox testified the he was John W.

Black J. A. Hunter Jas MeCloud Committee J. D. Coon.

S. H. The above resolutions were enthusiastically endorsed by 500 of the citizens of Princeton and Mercer County. Monday was Hog Day Kauffman Collings received over three car loads of hogs at the local stock yards Monday for which they paid 74 cents. The gradual decrease in price for the past two weeks is making the farmers auxfous and they are bringing them in faster than the local buyers expected.

Those bringing in the larger numbers Monday were Roy George L. W. Hall 14, Berry Evans 13, G. F. Hamilton 36, Newt Boyd 15, Lester Duble 16, John Owens Freak Nelson 23, John D.

Smith 18. Mr. and Mrs. Tom Vanderslice, Mre. Mintum and Mr.

and Mrs. Mike Miller attended the decoration the Freedom church Sunday. They report large crowd present. The lasted all day and big dinner was one of the featurtime program was also given,.