May 18 1903 Strange Woman Holds the Key
Indiana Murder Mystery Is Still Unexplained
Kokomo, Indiana May 17- The strange woman who holds the key to the Yeager murder mystery has not yet been found and but little progress has been made toward solving the problem. the county commissioners have been asked to post a $1,000.00 reward for the capture of the assassin. The Oakford people have raised a fund of $1,000.00 to employ detectives. The time and location of the killing have been established.
More Blood was found in a wheat field near where several witnesses told of seeing Yeager and the mysterious woman in Yeager's buggy and where the shot was heard that killed Yeager. The scene of the murder was six miles south of Hemlock on the road dividing Howard and Tipton counties. The killing was at 2 o'clock Monday morning, four hours after Louis Yeager left the home of his bride to be, Myrtle Finley, at Hemlock.
The strange woman is described as beautiful and expensively dressed. Where she came from, how she fell in with Yeager and where she went after the shooting are circumstances that are engaging the attention of the officers.
It is the theory of the dead man's family that the woman was brought here by enemies to lure Yeager to his ruin and death. The man and woman who occupied another buggy nearby, when the killing was done, have not yet been found.
Logan Ingles and the two Eads boys now under arrest on suspicion of killing Yeager, will not be released without trial. The preliminary hearing is set for Friday. The coroner will resume the inquest Tuesday morning.

---

3-29-1899
Kokomo Indiana March 23
Fox Henly, Luther Gullion, Morse McDowell, James Shuck, Guy Ollinger, Clement Johnson, Alta Halhorn, Forest Henly, Forest Ollinger, Perry Peters and Will Pyle, schoolboys from twelve to sixteen years old, were arrested and sent to jail by Sheriff Harness today for stealing  brass from factories and Mills in Kokomo, Greentown, Swayzee, Sims, Sycamore and other towns.
The officers say the boys who belong to prominent families, have sold $900.00 worth of brass from machinery. They damaged $50,000 worth of machinery by knocking off the brass parts. The stuff amounting to two carloads, was sold at a local junk shop. There are nine other boys in the gang, who will be captured later. They have been carrying on operations for months, the advanced price in copper and brass tempting them to commit the wholesale larceny.

---

Sept.26, 1899
Kokomo, IN.   Jesse Bird, son of a clay township farmer, accidentally shot himself in the leg yesterday with a revolver. The weapon, a 32 caliber, has been killing and crippling people in this county for years. Fifteen years ago a boy name Hanson owned it for 1 day and shot a neighbor. Nine years ago it came into the home of John Harrison, who dropped it while loading it and killed his bride of a few days. Young Bird got the same weapon Sunday and shot himself within 24 hrs. Today the lad’s father, Eli Bird, hammered it to pieces with a sledge.

Sept.29, 1899
Kokomo, IN.   Last Spring a brick house business now in Greentown, this county was destroyed by a natural gas explosion, with a loss of $30,000. A wrangle followed between the Insurance Companies and the gas company as to liability. The insurance, $9,000, was finally paid and the gas company was sued for that sum by the insurance companies, on the grounds of faulty piping. Today a compromise was effected by which the gas company paid the insurance people $3,070, and the suit was withdrawn.

Oct, 1, 1899
Kokomo, IN.   The local tomato packers are greatly disappointed over the tomato crop. The three establishments of this city are winding up business in that line an less than 1/3^rd of the yield promised when the vegetable began to ripen. A peculiar blight attacked the tomatoes, which, together with the cold weather and frosts cut them alarmingly short.  The local canners had planned to pack 4 million quarts whereas the store-packers will now devote their attention to apples and pumpkins, of which there is an abundant crop.

Sept. 29,1899
Kokomo, IN.  Lieut. H.F. McFeely, a recruiting officer for the 42nd Regiment assembling at Fort Niagara, New York, has opened a recruiting office here. Before coming here he secured 30 recruits in Indiana towns, 21 at Marion, 1 at Warsaw, 2 at Columbia City, 2 at Bluffton, and 4 at Plymouth. The station here has been crowed with applicants only 4 have passed examination, Leonard McFarland, Omer Bowen, Omer Johnson, George De Lon, all of whom were in the Spanish-American War. Most of the failures were on chest expansion. “Only good expansionists can go to the Philippines” said the recruiting officer.

Dec.10,1899, 
Kokomo, IN.   The finance committee of the City Council, which a few weeks ago purchased $30,000 government bonds, is negotiating for the purchase of $16,000 more of the
 3 ½ per cent government bonds. Five thousand of this investment is money accumulated in the cemetery fund, on which the city has heretofore realized no interest, and the reaming is cash laid aside for the purchase of water works when the franchise of the present company expires, 2 yrs hence.  At this time the fund will be about $70,000 which sum will be nearly, if not quite sufficient to build a water plant or purchase the one already in.

Dec 10,1899
Kokomo, IN. .   Kokomo merchants and business men will call a public meeting to devise means to protect themselves against what they term the unjust exactions of solicitors. They claim they are paying more than they should to charities and church work, and that they are the common prey of committees representing church societies. Some merchants declare that a refusal to give all the solicitors ask for is followed by a boycott on their stores by the members of the church or society, and that trades people generally are at the mercy of the committee asking for aid. They have been compelled to subscribe to a building fund for a church in another county under threat of loss of trade. The merchants say they are willing to give all they can afford toward worthy objects, but they object to being “held up” and compelled to pay immediately to every solicitor who calls on them.

Kokomo, IN,
Oct. 5, 1897.   Last evening Messrs. Hollingsworth and Smith, of Greenlawn, in giving veriscopic exhibition at Young America, were terribly injured by a gasoline explosion. Hollingsworth was filling the saturating tank when the fluid exploded, destroying all machinery, films and electrical apparatus. The tents, personal effects and everything connected with the show was destroyed, nothing being saved except the cooking tent. Both proprietors were dangerously burned. Hollingsworth may not recover.

---

Kokomo, IN.
May 27, 1899.  The best-conducted co-operative factory in the West is the Indiana, Goblet and Tumbler Company, of Greentown, this county. The workmen, 300 in number, own the factory and there are no other stockholders. Every stockholder is an employee and almost every employee is a stockholder, the only exceptions being a few boys known as sand haulers, and some of them own shares of stock. There are no strikes, no trouble of any kind. If an employee becomes dissatisfied with management come one lese buy his stock and business goes on the same as ever. When the men want to see a ballgame they close down and go. On Memorial Day and other holidays it is the same way. They began business 9 yrs ago in a moderate way and have several times enlarged the capacity of the plant. Table glassware of all kinds is made and the superior quality is due to the great care taken in its manufacture by men financially interested in the welfare of the concern. They never have any summer shut-downs, but work every week in the year

---

Kokomo, IN.
Aug. 30,1900.  The reunion of the 75th and 101st Indiana Regiment Associations has been changed to Sept. 27 & 29, for which great preparation had been made. H.M. Sailors is president and N.D. Stanior is secretary of the association.

---

Kokomo, IN.
Sept. 3,1899. Worley Leas, a pioneer of this city and one of the first millers in northern Indiana, died at his home here last night, age 77, of dropsy. For the past 20 years he has been proprietor and manager of the Windsor hotel. He built the first flouring mill in the city, but retired from that business 30 yrs ago, when his mill was destroyed by a boiler explosion, killing 3 men and injuring several others. He was born in Preble County, Ohio, Oct., 17, 1822. His son Harvey Leas, a well known Kokomo druggist died recently in the Klondike.

---

Kokomo, IN.
Feb., 24,1898. Samuel Brannen, of Greentown, this county, Republican candidate for sheriff, wrote President McKinley a few days ago, offering to raise 1000 men to fight in case war be declared. The president answered the letter, stating the offer had been referred to the War Department. The war feeling is very strong in this locality, and a regiment could be raised in short order.

Kokomo, IN.
Feb. 24, 1898. Hon. S.E.Nicholson will not be alone in the congressional race at the Republican primary election in this county march 8. Congressman Steele has decided to accept the peculiar conditions exacted by Mr. Nicholson, and his name will be on the ticket. Unlike Nicholson, Steele does not ask the name the congressional delegates, and in the event of Steele’s carrying the county he will convey that power back to the people of the several precincts, who will then choose their won delegates, Steele was here today and consented to that arrangement, carding the local papers to that effect. The Nicholson plan of allowing the candidate to choose the congressional delegates is unpopular here. The Steele people will fight the battle on this issue, and if they win the contest will be gone over again in precinct conventions-the regular way of choosing delegates. Mr. Steele returned to Washington tonight.

---

Kokomo, IN.
Feb.22,1896. It is claimed by horticulturists that the largest pear orchard in northern IN. is owned by I.N. Hollingsworth, of Sycamore, this county. His orchard contains 2,600 pear trees. 800, plums, and miscellaneous varieties bring the total to 4000 trees.

Kokomo, IN.
Feb.22,1896  the Republican precinct convention in this county today were of a kind to inspire confidence in victory this fall, the attendance being very large. McKinley was the favorite candidate for President. A congressional delegation favorable to the re-nomination of Steele was elected, though there is a friendly feeling toward Stutzman.

---

Kokomo, IN.
Feb. 20,1896. Several days ago the statement was made that S.E. Nicholson, author of the temperance law bearing his name, might not be a candidate for re-nomination for the legislature from this county on the Republican ticket. Since that time Mr. Nicholson announced his candidacy and he had made arrangements to remain at home and to make a personal canvass. Since the adjournment of the General assembly last spring Mr. Nicholson has been constantly in the employ of the Good Citizen’s League, of which he is State President, traveling all parts of the State, organizing auxiliary leagues. The date of the primary has not been fixed, but it will be a short campaign, not to exceed four weeks. O.A. Somers, one of the oldest, strongest and most popular Republicans in the county, will contest the nomination of Mr. Nicholson.

---

Kokomo, IN.
Aug. 15,1897.  S.E. Nicholson, of this city, author of the Nicholson temperance law, has authorized the announcement that he will be a candidate for Congress from this district to succeed Major George W. Steele, the present incumbent.

Kokomo, IN.
Aug. 12,1897. The prolonged struggle over the post-office appointments in this county, that has given Congressman Steele so much tribulation, came to an end today. Taylor T. Whitaker was the lucky aspirant in Kokomo and George W. Price was given the Greentown office. In both towns the Republicans had primary elections for postmaster last winter, and Whitaker and price were the winners. Through and impression that Congressman Steele would disregard the election, other candidates spring up. Today Mr. Steele ended the fight by announcing that he would appoint Whitaker and price. The choice is generally regarded as a wise one.

Kokomo, IN.
Aug.11,1897. Samuel S. Wilson, a character of the town for 50 yrs, died this morning, age 83. He was born in Fayette County, Kentucky, in 1841, and came here in 1839. He was a soldier in the late war, being a member of Company L. 12th Indiana Cavalry. At one time he was quite wealthy, but lost his fortune in unfortunate business ventures. He was a prominent figure in the early history of Kokomo, and though eccentric to a remarkable degree, had not an enemy in the world.

8-19-1897 Indiana journal.
The St. Andrews Episcopal Chapel, at Kokomo, was destroyed by fire yesterday, the flames starting from machinery in the basement, the bare walls and roof alone standing.

8-19-1897 Indiana journal
A.B. Armstrong, of Kokomo, has received notice that he has been appointed district deputy of the Order of Elks for Indiana, a position formerly held by Joseph T. Fanning, W.E. English, and Charles L. Jewett.

---

Kokomo, IN. June 21,1898..
Frank N. Stratton, of this place, was nominated for prosecuting attorney at the Republican convention at Tipton today, winning on the 48th ballot.

Kokomo, IN. June 21, 1898.
Walter Shores, the Elwood bartender, on trial here for killing Taylor Endricks in Knott’s saloon, 3 months ago, was convicted by the jury today and will be given an indeterminate sentence for involuntary manslaughter. Bartending was new business to him and on the 1st day he clubbed  Endricks with a billy for declining to pay for a drink.

Kokomo, IN. Sept.11,1898.
Ex-Judge James O’Brien, aged 70, one of the best known men in northern Indiana, died at his home in this city early this morning of heart trouble. Deceased was a prominent Mason and that order will conduct the obsequies. He was also an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having been a delegate to the General Conference. The funeral will be held on Wed. morning.

Kokomo, IN. Sept,7, 1898.
 A.J. Haworth, a dry goods merchant of Greentown, was victimized by sharpers today. Two strangers drove up in a buggy and alighting, entered the store. One of them made a purchase, and in paying for it gave a bank note, which compelled the merchant to open his safe to make change. The second man then engaged his attention and made a purchase during which time the 1st man rifled the safe of $180. The loss was not discovered until both men had made good their escape. Officers and a posse of citizens are in pursuit.

Kokomo,IN. Sept. 10,1898.
Sixteen years ago Howard Johnson, the 18 yr old son of Jonathan Johnson, a prominent hardware merchant of this city, in a fit of anger left home, saying he would never return, and from that day to this he had not been seen or heard from by his relatives. Yesterday a letter was received from Omar Maris, formerly editor of the Kokomo Gazette, now in Alaska, saying he had met the long-missing boy in that country. Maris Johnson told the strange story of his life. After leaving home he went to Mexico, thence to South America. Later he went to sea, made 2 journeys around the world and was twice shipwrecked. In Chile, South America, he married a beautiful Spanish woman, who is now with him at Dawson City. He has prospered in the gold country and is now wealthy, He said nothing about coming home. His parents now live at Carmel, Hamilton, County.

Indiana Notes.9-14-1898
John Oglebay, of Tipton, was nominated at Kokomo, Saturday, for prosecutor for the judicial district embracing the counties of Howard and Tipton.

Indiana Notes.9-14-1898
The order of Modern Woodmen of Northern Indiana will hold its annual log rolling in Kokomo, Wednesday of this week, and 7000 members of the order are expected to be in line. The manufacturers and merchants of the city will participate in the industrial parade. The principal speakers will be Lieutenant Governor W.A. Northcott, of Illinois, and State Deputy Avery, both prominent members of the order. Prizes will be given in band contests and to the largest visiting delegations. There will be balloon ascensions and log rolling contests in the evening at the city park.

Kokomo, IN. Sept.24,1898,
Bert Lewis of the United States artillery, who was arrested yesterday and taken to Frankfort on the charge of burglary, was not identified as the burglar and his release followed. The goods in Lewis’s possession were taken for a debt from a show company, Lewis says. He is an aeronaut and is to make an ascention at the Crawfordsville fair next week.

Kokomo, IN. Sept. 23,1898.
The Indiana glass company has just completed a large addition to the works that doubles the output. Four hundred men are now employed. The enlargement was made necessary by the increased demand for glassware, particularly beer glasses, made to hold less beer under the new revenue law. All the saloons are demanding a glad that seems large as formerly, yet greatly reduced capacity, one that will deceive the drinker.

Kokomo, IN. Sept. 23,1898.
Private Bert Lewis, of Battery K, 5th United States Artillery, who was with his regiment at Santiago, is in jail here, charged with burglary. He came home on a furlough, and was married to Miss Maud Harrison, of this place. Lewis, who is well known aeronaut, is accused of several robberies in Howard and Clinton counties, and many articles believed to have been stolen were found in his wife’s trunk. His bride of a few days has applied for a divorce.

Kokomo, IN. Nov.30,1898.
Ex-county Recorder Sam Ricthey, of Cassville, this county is having a lively tilt with the lake Erie & Western Railway, which road runs along side his farm. For a month Mr. Ritchey has been busy building a fence along the right of way, and the section hands have been just as busy tearing it down. Monday the road officials sent down a wrecking crew and with a locomotive chained to the fence tore out 30 rods of it. Yesterday Ritchey replace the fence, and after completing the job erected a platform commanding the range of contest ground, on which, with a Winchester rifle, he is standing guard, with the avowed purpose of shooting the first man who attempts to again remove the fence. Ritchey also planted a high pole at the edge of the platform, from which proudly and defiantly floats a large American flag. So far the road has not tried to pull the last fence, and Ritchey and his Winchester is master of the situation. The company threatens to take out the switch, leaving the village without a station. Ritchey has but one arm. He lost the other in battle during the Civil War.

Kokomo, IN. Oct.14,1899.
This morning a country woman sold a South side grocery a lot of comb honey that she has just taken from the hive. The bee followed the woman swarming with them, driving customers and proprietor into the street. When the bees departed in the evening, the store keeper found the combs empty, the bees having carried the honey back home with them…

---

Kokomo, Oct. 11, 1899.
A new church society was organized here this week, styling itself “The Church of the Soul” Rev. W. H. Morris is pastor. The new sect take the position that dancing is not only proper, but a necessary practice in the observance of the divine will. Arrangements have been made to give a dance each week in one of the largest halls in the city, the proceeds of the entertainment to go for charity. In faith the members do not differ materially from the Spiritualists, with mind reading and palmistry. The new church has about 30m members.

Kokomo, IN. Oct. 12, 1899.
The Magnett feud has broken out in a new place. The latest development is a grand jury indictment against John Magnett, Jr. and wife on the charge of forgery, for which they are now under arrest. It is alleged the defendants changed the reading of certain legal instruments and property conveyance by which alterations they hoped to benefit. At a recent session of the Howard Circuit Court John Magnett, Sr. after 20 years litigation, dispossessed his son, John Magnett Jr. and wife of a 50 acre tract, which was claimed as a wedding present. The younger Magnett resisted eviction, and a fight followed which put father and son in bed for several weeks. In addition to the arrests for assault and battery, the elder magnet went before the grand jury and has his son and daughter-in-law indicted for forgery. The forgery cases are expected to come to trial the present term of court. The parties live near the Howard-Tipton county line.

Kokomo, IN. Oct. 12,1899.
Since she was 8 yrs old Miss Edna Osborn, of this city, has been an invalid, a sufferer from spinal trouble, walking only with the aid of crutches during the past 12 yrs. During recent months she was confined to her bed, and was not expected to live. Monday it was thought she was about to die, and the family assembled at the bedside, expecting every moment to be the last. As the family wept, and prayed, the supposed dying girl suddenly raised from the bed and stood on here feet unaided on the floor. The astonished relatives, believing this to be only the violent strength of a death struggle, attempted to place her  back on the bed, but she assured them she was cured of the disease, and demonstrated the fact by walking around the room. Though still weak, she continues to improve, and has the full use of her limbs. She has been under medical care, but her father declares her sudden recovery is the result of faith and prayer. Miss Osborn is the daughter of Rev. W.H., Osborn, who was recently assigned the M.E. charge at new Waverly.

Howard County Oct. 18, 1899 The post office at Greentown, Howard County, has been raised to the presidential class: the rise carrying with it a substantial increase in salary and an allowance for the clerk hire.

---

1897-03-17 The Indiana Journal
Kokomo Indiana March 15
Tom James, one of the notorious James gang, wanted for mobbing Panhandle Conductor Tim Coughlin, at Galveston, was arrested here tonight by Detective Matt Moore. A brother, Jesse James, escaped. They are cousins of the old jesse James, of the train robber gang, and are bad characters. Tom James will be taken to Logansport tonight and grave fears are entertained that the gang will try to rescue him on passing Galveston, where they live. Friday night the three brothers who boarded the train here refused to pay their fare. Jesse James struck the conductor with his fist and the others threw bricks. Charles Buck, a stockman, was badly hurt by flying rocks, and others were slightly injured.

---