Wise County Messenger from Decatur, Texas • Page 1

iDisc Co until 111 csscngcr. VOL. 7. DECATUR, TEXAS, FRIDAY, FEB. 19, 1909.

CHARGED WITH A SERIOUS CRIME RAIDED BY RANGERS. Three Sutton Boys and George Elliott. For-1 mer Citizens of Crafton Community, Arrested on Ugly Charge. A VERY. HYSTERIOUS AFFAIR Hiller, a Farm Laborer, States to Officers and A Messenger Reporter that Jesse Farmer was Awdy Near Crafton -The Men in Jail Refuse to Make Statement.

Whnt appears to be a full grown sensational murder mystery is the case of Boss, Charley and Bob Sutton and their brother-in-law, George Elliott, charged with the killing of a young farm hand by the name of Jess Farmer two miles north of Crafton on the evening of October 17, 1008. It seems from the statement made to the citizens of the Crafton community and to the officers of one John Hiller, a farm laborer who was working in that section as a cotton picker, he was present when the trouble arose between the Suttons and the Farmer boy. Hiller states to a Messenger reporter that in the afternoon of Sunday, October 17, between sundown and dark, in company with the Sutton brothers and Gecrge Elliott he was at the homo of Elliot, where they indulged in card playing: that the Suttons became angry with the Farmer boy and pulled their pistols. As they did liiller-says he ran out the door. Just as he left the house he heard the report of a pistol and the voice of Farmer pleading with the Suttons not to shoot.

Hiller ran into the brush and remained out all night. Next morning he was hunted up by the Suttons and taken to the house in which the trouble had occurred, and there, under threats of death made to swear he would never say anything about what had transpired the night before. The above is substantially the shots, all these facts seem very damaging to the prisoners. But it is claimed by the prisoners in their talk to an attorney that Farmer can produced in the flesh, and that he is now somewhere in Oklahoma. John Hiller, the man making these the Suttons and Elliott, in conversation with a Messenger representative, that after the Suttons and Elliott left this country and located in the west, he letters from a girl relative of the Suttons in which she used very endearing terms and entreaties for him to come to west Texas and claim her as his bride.

Hiller says he never saw the young lady in his life. Charges of burglary, also, have been made against the men, Hiller claiming they broke into his dug-out and appropriated his clothes. Other charges are likely to be made, so state the prosecuting officers. At an examining trial yesterday it seems that the man Hiller is not regarded very highly for truth and veracity by the witnesses appearing at the trial. Couple Swoop Down on San Antonio Gambling House.

i San Antonio, Feb. nn-1 der instructions of Governor Campbell. State Rangers Laugh Hn and White of Auetin raided a gambling house. Forty arrests were made. The house is located In the Mexican quarter.

The two doors were forced at the same time, and the rangers entered with drawn slx-ehooters and got the drop on the crowd. There was great confusion, but as both doors were blocked tbe crowd made no rush. Some knives were drawn and some threats made, but the officers were not attacked. Constable Trainer was notified, but the gamblers had to be kept at bay for nearly an hour before his arrival. In the meantime a mob of nearly 1,000 bad gathered around the gambling house, and it looked as if an attsmpt would be made to deliver the prisoners.

However, the pistols looked dangerous With the arrival of the constable and his deputies tha men captured were received' handcuffed and taken to the county jail. All were Mexicans, with two exceptions. During the trip to tbe jail the officera had to knock down several members of the mob with shooters to prevent them taking away their friends. The event caused considerable excitement. It is rumored that there are several othr gambling houses running openly, and that they will be raided.

This is the first time that Rangers were ever sent to San Antonio on a like mission. OBITUARIES IS statement made by the man Hiller. It seems that from that day until the present the Farmer boy has not been seen in that community. In a few weeks after the trouble is said to have occurred, the Suttons and Elliott sold out their holdings in the Crafton community and moved to the west, locating in Hale and Jones coun ties. Shortly after their removal Hiller left that section and located at Bowie, where lie is employed at odd jobs about the town.

A short while after the trouble, and a few days before tha Suttons left, a brother of Hiller made a statement to John McKinney, a reputable citizen mil good farmer in that section, that neighborhood of the bouse were ploughed up, but the body of Farmer was not found. Hiller was brought to Decatur and given a thorough sweating by Sheriff Branch and County MRS. FKANK 1A.10R8. Sister Frank Majors departed this life.Jan. 20.

She had been a Christian for nineteen years, a consistent member of the Greenwood Baptist Attorney Ratliff, these officials he-; church for five years. We un- he enough on the and George Klliott to put them behind the bars, as they had killed Jess This statement was made to several by young Hiller, but as Mr. McKinney states, no attention was given the statement. Young Hiller is regarded as a simple minded boy and it was the opinion of those he talked to that he was laboring under a delusion. But tht rumor was persistant and week by week gained wide circulation in that country.

Finally the good people became worked up about the matter and went to work to clear up tbe affair. Their interest became intense when the statement of young John Hiller was given a foundation by bullet holes found in the room where the trouble occurred and human blood on the floor. All this, coupled with the statement made by a neighbor that he heard the shots at the time Hiller says they were fired, and the fact that Farmer had disappeared at this time, caused excitement to run high. The matter was reported to the office and licving Hiller knew more than he was telling. But Hiller, who seems to have a mortal fear of the Suttons, believing they will kill him, denied that he knew where Farmer was buried, but stated that he he was buried in a sand bank in a field near the house, as this was the place where they were going to bury Jin Thomas after they killed This statement added to the excitement and Frank Ford and Attorney Ratliff left immediately for Crafton and with Sutton boys Mr.

Thomas organized another searching party. Tha search was fruitless, like the Boss Sutton and George Elliott were arrested Saturday in Halo county and brought in Monday night by Sheriff Branch and putin jail. Warrants are out for the apprehension of the other Sutton boys. Tuesday afternoon Sheriff Branch received a telephone message from Anson, in Jones county, to the effect that Bob and Charley Sutton had been arrested and were in jail at that place. Sheriff Branch left Tuesday to bring the prisoners back, and arrived in Decatur with them today and placed them in jail.

A Messenger reporter visited the jail Tuesday afternoon aud asked tbe prisoners if they wished to make a statement for publication. Elliott had nothing to say to the reporter, and continued to turn the leaves In a mail order house catalogue. Sutton was a little more communicative, but he had little to say. you make a statement for asked Deputy the reporter. I reckon derstand why God should take such a choice spirit so early in life, she was only 36; but we humbly submit to His will and pray His-blessings upon the many friends and upon the husband in his lonliness.

M. CLIFTON. Bro. M. Clifton, age 65, died Jan.

3o. Although his call was very sudden and heart-rending to us all, yet God knows best. We weep with those who and invoke the blessing of the Heavenly Father upon the wife and children left behind. May his life, even in days to come, prove a benediction the church and.coramu- nity. GRANDPA KING Grandpa King, age 88 years, died Jan 20.

He had been a Baptist 66 years, a Mason 37 years, and was a kind, affectionate father. He had been confined to his room for several years, but now it holds him no more. We express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy for those who mourn his loss and may grace be sufficient for them. Their pastor, A. B.

MILLER. OLIVER CREEK Feb. oat crop was considerably damaged before this cold spell; expect this will finish it up. Quarterly conference was well at- stand, tended. Presiding Elder Barton preached a fine sermon.

S. P. Taylor was elected superintendent of our Sunday school. Forest Burton was elected steward. Mrs.

W. W. Williams, assisted by Mrs. Barton, organized a Foreign Mission society with ten members last Saturday. Little Ruth Hoyl is sick with pneumonia.

Miss Gussie Groover is on the sick list. GREENWOOD. Feb. Mamie, carrier on Route 1, is very ill at his home here, and Jiles Floyd is acting as his substitute. John Burke was here from Joplin, Saturday, trying to get a singing class, in which he was unsuccessful owing to the school.

He will return next June. John Sharp successfully stood a civil service examination, Saturday. Bro. A. Miller preached Saturday night only, as the weather would not permit further services.

Faith was sent to Crafton to look in- answered Sbtton as he arranged the to matter. Arriving on the scene he bedding on his bunk. Further qucs- found the citizens worked up over the tions failed to elicit any answers, so the reporter moved further down the affair and demanding a clearing up of the mystery. Hiller, the man who claims to have been present at the time the trouble came up, but who had not given out any information except to his brother, was brought from Bowie and made to tell what he knew. Immediately after hearing statement a searching party was organized and a diligent search made to locate the body of Farmer.

The cellar under the Elliott hoase, which had recently been filled up, was dug out, and the sand banks in the jail corridor and talked with another prisoner, Sidney King, charged with being insane. This case of Suttons and Elliott is a mysterious one, and very unusual in many respects. There seems to be an abundance of evidence that statement is true, yet there is no direct evidence that a murder has been committed. The disappearance of Farmer, tbe blood stains and pistol shot holes in the house and the testimony of a neighbor that he heard the CRAFTON WHOLE NO. 1450 PATRIOTS PRESENT.

Mr. Steele and Colonel Zuber Address Legislators. Austin, Feb. of patriots appeared in the house Friday. These veterans are Alphonso Steele of Mexla, tbe last survivor of the battle of San Jacinto, and Colonel W.

P. Zuber of Austin, one of tbe two last of the Army of tbe Republic at Sen Jacinto. They appeared before both houses of the legislature Friday by special request and addressed the body. The ancient warriors and vlvors of the heroic time which made the Texas of today possible were greeted with great enthusiasm. As evidence of the consideration in which they are held the senate appropriated $200 for a large painting of Mr.

Steete to be executed, and the house provided for the creation of suitable gold mad- als, one each for the two distinguished veterans, and for a Joint photograph to be made of them. Both were escorted to the stand and Introduced by tive Hill of Denton in patriotic terms. Amid great cbeerlng Mr. Steele, who is years old, but remarkably well preserved, arose, and standing erect, said: am sorry I make a speech. I hope you expect one.

It's a thing I've, never done, sad I make a speech. I shall tell you in a simple way Af some oi the early Ho then recounted the events leading to the battle uf San JacintO; gave a short description of the maneuvers and tactics by which the opposing forces came in battle position and gave i a summary of the battle proper. He told the story of Deaf cutting I Vincent bridge and of the capture of Santa Anna. A few moments after Mr. Steele be- hegan talking the librarian brought up from the state library the Mexican battle flag captured at San Jacinto, and draped it across the Renewed applause filled tho hall at the sight of the last survivor of the battle, of which all Texans aro I proud, his hands resting upon tho I very flag which he had helped wTWit from the enemy seventy-three ago, addressing the representatives of the people of Texas and telling them how the flag was captured.

I Colonel Zuber then spoke. He is ninety-nine. With one hand upon thut head of Mr. Steele and the other upon the captured Mexican emblem, Colonel Zuber said bis comrade and himself I appreciated the compliments bestowed. be said, two back upon all the people of Texas pa and at that the cheering became more vigordus than before.

While Mr. Zuber is one of the two remaining survivors of the Army of San Jacinto, he was not in the battle. Mr. Steele, who is now the sole survivor of the battle now alive, declared that it was not Mr. fault.that he was not in the fight.

Mr. he said, cried to go, but his captain would not permit him to do so, as his gun was out of order. At the close of the scenes In the house Mr. Steele said he would like to know what would be done tbe San Jacinto battlefield. Representative Hill, In reply, declared that the Texas legislature would see to it that the battlefield was properly cared for.

BIG MONEY AGENTS, FREE SAMPLE OFFER, (15 days only), bright, sparkling, famous, $5 Barnatto Simulation Diamond Ring; brilliancy equals baffles every requirement of the most the most only one-thirtieth the cost of the real diamond. As a means of introducing this marvalous and wonderful, scintillating gem, and securing as many new friends as quickly as possible, we are making a special inducement for the new year. We want you to wear this beautiful ring, this masterpiece of handicraft, this simulation that sparkles with all the beauty and flashes with all the fire of the Genuine Diamond. We want you to show it to your friends and take orders for us, as it sells itself- sells at makes 160 per cent profit for you, absolutely without effort, on your part. We want good, honest i a representatives everywhere, in every locality, city or country, in fact, in every country throughout the world, both men and women, young and old, who will not sell or pawn the to Simulation Diamonds under the pretense that they are genuine gems, as such action sometimes leads to trouble or embarrassment.

If you want a Simulation diamond, a substi-, tute for the I will drop a few lines to the Messenger, which is the best county paper out. Our town is improving since we got the new gin and mill. Miss Lena Fulghum, of Chico, last week visited Misses Hattie and Lillian Stokes. Mr. and Mrs.

Albert Higgs ara now domiciled in their new homa. The Mansfield school house burned recently, but the school is progressing nicely under the management of Miss Lillian Stokes in a dwelling on Chas. farm. Our young people have a literary society, which meets on Friday night. Rev.

Garner, of Chico, preached at the Baptist church Sunday. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Claud Me- We are sorry to report the death of R. L.

McGuire, who had only recently moved from this place to the Plains. He had lived in this commu nitv all his life. He leaves a wife and two children. Revolts At Cold Steel. only said three doctors to Mrs.

M. E. Fisher, Detroit, today, as this advertisement may not! suffering from severe rectal appear come, first served, trouble, lies in an For Free Sample Offer, beautiful ring, i I used Dr. New Life earrings, stud or scarf pin, ad- she writes, wholly They dress THE BARNATTO DIAMOND prevent Appendicitis, cure Consti Girard Building, Chicago, 111. 'pation.

Headache. 25c at Man this mons. are rated best ragth adds Letter to d. W. Harlan Decatur, Texas kUF-' Dear Sir: Two men otiFOpposite sides of the same street sejplausages, one at 10c lb, the other Which sells the more sausages, think you? The answer is: It depend on the street.

There are plenty ofjntreets iu the world where 5c like the wind. Devoe is an honest paint; tl eight honest paints, 200 adi and short-measure; Devoe is of the eight. Devoe has moi than the other seven. The pal generally a quart of oil to Devoe; he still has a stronger paint than any other one of the seven. The seven are sold at one price a gallon; a common price of second- rate paint Is $1.50.

It takes 8 gallons of Devoe to paint a small house, and 12 of average paint; 8 gallons cost less than 12; the price is more than offset by less gallons. It costs $2 to $4 a day to get paint on; a day is a gallon; $8 $16 more to paint the more-gallons paint: to $16 less for painting the less-galUms paint because of its strength. There are plenty of people to buy those 5c sausages. Yours truly 66 F. W.

Devoe Co P. S. Ford Thomason sell our paint. Cord Wood For Sale Good dry cord wood, seven miles northeast of Decatur. Call Jim Smith on Independent or Geo.

Gentry on Southwestern phone. Wise men make proverbs that fools may misquote them..