The Fort Dodge Messenger: April 7, 1903

New Police Begin Duties

Marshal Ed Welch and His Men Sworn in Monday Night

Enter on Their New Duties

Marshal Welch already has some of the Beats Assigned and is Organizing the Force.

Police Marshal Ed Welch, Deputy Marshal Frank Connelly and the new police officers of the city of Fort Dodge took their oath of office and entered upon the performance of their duties on Monday night.

Marshal Welch this morning announced the beats for the new officers, so far as they have as yet been arranged. Marshal Welch and Deputy Marshal Frank Connelly will be on duty in the day time, as is customary, and Patrolman Merton Jordan has also been assigned for day duty. The day men will be on duty from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Officer J.M. Mericle will take the beat at the Illinois Central depot which was held by Myron Tuller on the old force. Peter Ditmer will have his old beat, covering the Great Western depot and yards and the eastern business district. Adolph Rossing will succeed Peter Steiner of the old force. His duty will be to look after the gas lights, and to cover the business district in the neighborhood of the square. All the night men will go on duty at 6 o’clock in the evening and off at 6 in the morning.

This leave two beats to be arranged. August Andrews is as yet not assigned any regular run, and the man whom Mayor Northrup will appoint to succeed William McNally, whose appointment was not approved by the city council on Monday evening, must also be provided for. Marshal Welch expects to have his force organized in a short time.

The vigilance of the new police resulted in the apprehension of two culprits on Monday night. Dan Daly was picked up paralyzed drunk, and was given a secure lodgement in the city jail. He was released this morning on his promise to get out of town. He gave his home as Ackley. John Doe, from Clare, this time, paid $7.10 in expiation of his offense in getting drunk and was discharged.

The Fort Dodge Messenger: April 5, 1905

Mayor Bennett’s First Court

His Honor Balances Scales of Justice.

First Drunk of Administration Gets Let Off Easy and Goes Away Rejoicing.

Major S.J. Bennett held his first police court this morning when he handed out a bunch of justice to a new offender, giving him the usual $1 and costs. Later, however, when the man made the statement that he was in a hurry to catch a train out of the city, his honor relented and let him off with a lecture.

The first plain one of the present administration, Thomas Oleson, of Vincent, was in the city making preparations for the removal of his family from there here. He forgot his mission, however, and surrounded a most mighty jag which landed him in jail, as jags have a tendency to do in this city.

That was yesterday afternoon and this morning in police court Oleson was extremely repentant and made the statement that he had never been arrested before and that this would be the last time he would let it occur. He had no money, but if his honor would let him off, he would get it and come in with it as soon as he got back with his family.

Mayor Bennett made the remark that if Oleson followed up his habit of drinking he would not be a very valuable acquisition to the town, and with that let him go. He was thankful to make his escape and made a run for the train that would take him to Vincent.

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The Fort Dodge Messenger: April 6, 1905

Oleson Missed His Train

Thomas Oleson, of Vincent, Was Up Wednesday Morning in Court Again.

He Missed His Train Out

Tried to Dissolve That Dark Brown Taste and Falls in the Pit – Brass Buttons Have an Affinity for Him and He Leaves His Watch.

Thomas Oleson, of Vincent, the man who was up on police court Wednesday morning for the first time in his life and who only waited an opportunity to get out of town so that he could move his family to Fort Dodge, evidently missed his train, for he was up on court again this morning, and this time, instead of being let off with the mayor’s blessing, he was compelled to leave his watch, which he valued at $25 with the city as security for his fine of $5.00 and costs, amounting to $9.85.

It appears that after leaving the presence of the mayor on Wednesday morning, he had gone directly to the nearest jag plant where he  hoped to be able to wash the discolored taste from his mouth and reduce the size of his head. This he succeeded in doing with the first good “straight.” Seeing the excellent effect one drink had on his general good feeling, he immediately came to the conclusion that if a small dose was good a large one would be still better, and hit himself below the belt with a few more.

It was only a few minutes till he forgot there ever was a train to Vincent and went in for one of the best times the town had in stock. He got it all right, but one of the brass buttons came along and took his measure for a place in the city jail, where he was landed to sober up.

This morning he was as repentant as before, but his honor was not to be influenced and took his watch for security.

“What was your business in Vincent?” asked Mayor Bennett.

“I kept a saloon, your honor,” was the answer.

“I don’t doubt it in the least,” was the rejoiner (sic) of his honor. “You have been doing your best to keep the saloons of Fort Dodge since you came here.”

The Fort Dodge Messenger: April 4, 1903

Two Women Engage in Single Combat

Desperate Struggle for Supremacy Interrupted by Arrival of Police in Court This Morning.

The sight of two women engaged in a fierce struggle mingled with cursing and hair pulling, was the panorama offered passerby near the Duncombe house at about 10 o’clock Friday night.

The participants in this fracas were Miss Edith Quegg and Mrs. Sadie O’Hara, who, Miss Quegg claimed in Police court this morning had become entangled in this dispute because Mrs. O’Hara had falsely claimed that Miss Quegg was paying attentions to Mrs. O’Hara’s husband.

The two women were arrested and continued to swear and wrangle after being taken to the city jail. Upon paymen (sic) of $20 Mrs. O’Hara was released on promise of appearing in Police Court this morning but she did not appear. Miss Quegg, accompanied by her mother, defended herself in court this morning, saying that neither were intoxicated and that Mrs. O’Hara was the cause of all the trouble.

Mayor Bennett fined her $10 and costs. Mrs. Quegg left a gold watch as security for her daughter’s fine.
This was the only case in police court this morning.

The Fort Dodge Messenger: April 3, 1903

Short Messages

Mr. and Mrs. W. Kopp are the proud parents of a baby girl.

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L.S. Braunstein made a business trip to Duncombe Wednesday.

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Arthur Lungren is confined to his home by an attack of la grippe.

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Miss Florence Parsons is clerking in the Gates Dry Goods store for a short time.

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Miss Margaret Mahoney is on the sick list today and not able to be at work.

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Fire Marshal J.W. Lowrey is recuperating from his recent illness in Colfax.

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Miss Harriet Major has left Fort Dodge for Decatur, Illinois, where she will make her future home.

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Mrs. John Steinbrink has returned to her home in Manson after undergoing a successful operation at the city hospital.

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John Hein of Chicago, is making a few day’s visit in this city.

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Mrs. C.D. Case entertained Wednesday evening in honor of her brother, Walter Anderson, who is visiting in this city.

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Mr. Early’s Methodist Sunday school class will hold a handkerchief bazaar in the east window of the Early Music house during the next ten days.

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P.A. Carson who has been at the city hospital during the past two weeks because of appendicitis has recovered. Mr. Carson’s home is on Round Prairie Hill.

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Dr. T.E. Devereaux left today for the Black Hills where he has interest in a mine. During his absence, his brother, Dr. C.H. Devereaux of Humboldt will attend to his office.

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Green B. Morse the famous race man with eighteen of his horses and seventeen men passed thru the city Tuesday night enroute from San Francisco (to) Gravesend, New York.

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Mrs. C.D. Case entertained Wednesday evening in honor of her brother, Walter Anderson who is visiting in this city. Miss Cromwell of Kansas City has gone to Humboldt for a visit at the Dr. McCreight home.

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The new carpet cleaning wheel at the Sherman laundry has been put up and is in operation. This system of cleaning is an innovation in the city, and it is promised that it will far exceed the old broom stick method.

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Wednesday at 3 o’clock, Henry Hale and Miss Katie Harbach, both of Kalo were married at the home of Emory Smith in this city. Only relatives were present at the ceremony which was performed by Rev. McIntire of the Christian Church.

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Three drunks were docketed at the police court this morning. All plead guilty and were given the usual $7.10. None of the prisoners having the wherewithal and this being their first offense they were dismissed. Their names were: John Seburg, Henry Adams and Frank Myers.

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The first of the three classes at the German Lutheran school received examinations this morning, which if passed, will signify the completion of work in the German school. The second class will receive its examination on Friday morning. Those of the highest class who have completed their required work will be confirmed on Easter Sunday.

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A good sized delegation of Webster County people came up to attend the performance of “The Chaperons,” at the Midland on Wednesday evening. Among the party were the following:

George C. Tucker, city editor of the Freeman-Tribune, and wife.

The Fort Dodge Messenger: March 30, 1903

Dog Fight Led to Fist Fight

Con Fogerty (sic) Was Heavily Fined for Striking Mrs. Montgomery

Was a Busy Police Court

Busy Monday Attested the Fact That Spring Has Come Again – Six Drunks Docketed.

A dog fight resulted in a fist fight Sunday afternoon and the fracas culminated in police court this morning when Con Fogarty was fined $25 and costs for striking Mrs. Montgomery a blow on the forehead which to use Mrs. Montgomery’s own words, penetrated “plumb to the bone.”

On Sunday afternoon Con Fogarty’s dog encountered Mrs. Montgomery’s canine pet and proceeded to literally eat up his adversary, being incited in so doing, it is claimed by Fogarty. Mr. Montgomery tried to make peace but Fogarty objected. Then Mrs. Montgomery appeared on the scene and Fogarty struck her with brutal force on the forehead, the wound being plainly visible when the lady appeared against Fogarty in police court this morning. James O’Hare, who was also implicated, was fined $5 and costs. both Fogarty and O’Hare being unable to pay their fines were sent to the city jail.

Besides the dog fight case, six drunks were docketed. David Fuller, who was charged with carrying knuckles besides being drunk, admitted that the knuckles were his possession, but said that he had them by accident. He was fined $7.10 and left his gold watch as security, having no cash. Simon Fodge who resides in the country was charged with being drunk but was dismissed on payment of a dollar and on promise of going home. James West, John Hanson, Sam McElroy and James Hallison were charged with being drunk. All please guilty and were accordingly given the customary $7.10 fine. West left a watch in place of cash. John Hanson was discharged and McElroy, who when asked by His Honor what was his business, replied, “I ain’t got no business,” was committed to jail. Hallison was also sent to jail.

This morning’s docket was the heaviest in some time and those connected with police court are beginning to feel that spring has really come.

The Fort Dodge Messenger: March 24, 1903

Police Interrupted His Circus Performance

Badly Intoxicated Character Raised a Disturbance on a Fort Dodge Front Porch

At about nine o’clock Monday evening the police were called to a residence on South Seventh street, about Fourth avenue, where it was reported a crazy man was disporting himself.

The man created a sensation by his actions. he went up on the porch and danced a regular clog dance, after which he laid upon his back and kicked the side of the house. The lady who was alone in the house with her little boy, was very much alarmed.

When the police arrived they found it to be a bad case of intoxication. The man was lodged in the city jail, and this morning in police court gave his name as Joe Woods and his residence at Irwin, Iowa. He said he was on his way to Algona, and after paying the usual fine and his city hotel bill, he was advised by the court to shake the dust of Fort Dodge from his feet and take the first train to his destination.

The other business of the court was two drunks who gave their names as O’Connell and Seabald. Seabald had just come from Minnesota to visit his folks here and thought he would celebrate and thereby have something to remember Fort Dodge by. After paying their fines the men were allowed to go.

The Fort Dodge Messenger: March 24, 1905

“Weary Willies” are in Bloom

Police Plucked a Most Beautiful Bouquet of Them Thursday Night.

Twelve Sleep in the City Jail

Were a Variegated Lot From The Ordinary Sweet William to the Hybird (sic) Ragged Tatters – All Chased Out of Town Today.

The city jail housed twelve sleepers last night. This marks the beginning of the hobo season in this section, and from this time on these men who are ever hunting work and afraid they will find it will be swarming over the north country sleeping wherever they can and begging their meals wherever they are able to find a tender hearted woman who will give them a “hand-out.”

For the past two years, there have been more hoboes (sic) in the country than at any time since Coxie’s army started on its march to Washington more than ten years ago and the season is starting out this year as tho there is still to be a great plenty of this class of people floating about.

Last fall the vast army of restless work hunters moved south with the ducks, and this spring they have appeared and are in full bloom alongside of the first delicate little easter flowers that have sprung into life the past day or two.

The gang that landed in the city on Thursday were from everywhere in general and bound for nowhere in particular. They were a variegated lot, running from the fairly well dressed gentleman “Willie” to the worst Raggedy Tags who would put Happy Hooligan on the shelft (sic) for all time to come. They were turned out this morning with instructions from the police to get out of the city with all possible haste, or they would be thrown in again on the charge of vagrancy and put to work shoveling mud on the streets. While of them were “looking for work,” they were not after that sort of a job, and made a hotfoot for the city limits with all possible haste.

This class of people believe in economizing sole leather, even through they get it out of the ash barrel, and even so early, the railroad men who run into Fort Dodge are reporting many on the move. There is scarce a freight train of any length that pulls in or out of the city, especially during the night, but carries with it from one to a half dozen of these fellows stowed away in an empty box car or on the bumpers. It is next to impossible for the railway men to keep them off, and there is scarcely ever a wreck but what there are one or two “unknown men” caught in the crush and killed.

Fort Dodge is not considered a good town by the hobo element, and is shunned by them as a general thing on account of the fact that they are almost invariably brought up in police court and threatened with being put to work on the street. This policy has been in force for several years, and as a class they have learned the attitude the town maintains toward them. The man who approaches the back door in Fort Dodge and asks for a handout is extremely hardy, and generally ends with a sojourn in the city jail or a few day’s work on the streets.

The Fort Dodge Messenger: March 21, 1904

He Forgot to Stay Away

Nutty Willey Returns and Gets into Trouble.

Steals a Coat and is Bound Over to the Grand Jury on the Charge of Larceny.

Ernest Willey, the “Nutty” Willey of police court fame, will probably give the city authorities little trouble for some time to come. Willey was ordered out of the city Friday morning and promised to do so and never return. He left town, but forgot to stay away. worse than that when he did return Saturday night he went into the Haire clothing store and when he left forgot to pay for a coat which he had carelessly picked up.

When arrested he was given no further chances to depart from the city, but was taken before a justice of the peace and bound over to the grand jury charged with larceny. It is probable that the jury will report on Willey’s case tomorrow, and a disposal made of the charge against him at the present term of court.

The Fort Dodge Messenger: March 17, 1904

Willey Takes His Departure

“Nutty” Willey Left Fort Dodge for all Time.

Does So When He is Threatened to Be Named as Candidate for the Cherokee Dry House.

Michael Conlin, Earnest Willey and William Kelso were arraigned in police court this morning on the charge of being drunk. The first two named were fined $1 and costs, while Kelso was taxed $5 and the trimmings. conlin is a track laying foreman and was employed by the Great Western in laying steel for the Omaha extension. He is deaf and for that reason had some difficulty in pleading guilty when arraigned this morning. His fine was suspended providing he would return to work.

Ernest Willey, who is better known as “Nutty” Willey, left the city hall this morning with the firm determination of never showing his face in Fort Dodge again. He made this prmise under threat of being sent to the dry hosue at Cherokee. Willey has been a well known character in Fort Dodge for a number of years  and has been arrested repeatedly for being drunk. He was given an hour to get out of town, together with the information that if he again came within the limits of the city he would be promptly arrested.

(Editor’s note: I’ll try to gather more articles about “Nutty” Willey. I can safely say that he did forget to stay away from Fort Dodge and in fact, returned on March 21, 1904. Also, at this time, the mental health facility in Cherokee apparently had a 1904 version of rehab. That was what Ernest Willey was trying to avoid by promising to leave Fort Dodge forever.)