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1912

 

 

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Sacramento Union

Monday, January 1, 1912

 

            LEWIS’ FATE STILL HANGS IN BALANCE

Judge Gray Orders Jury Locked Up for the Night, After Failing to Agree

            MAY NOT REPORT TODAY

One Juror Taken Ill, but Will Not Retire From the Case Until Decision

OROVILLE (Butte Co.), Dec. 31 - The jury with which lies the fate of Arthur LEWIS, accused of killing thirteen-year-old Helen RUMBELL of Gridley, spent New Year’s eve locked in the superior court room. At 9 o’clock tonight, after Judge GRAY ordered the jury locked up for the night. An unfounded rumor is to the effect that the jury stands nine for conviction and three for acquittal or manslaughter or second degree murder.

  At 10:15 this morning the jury was called into the courtroom by Judge Gray. The foreman, D. WALSH, reported that no agreement had been reached and that the balloting had been practically the same since the first vote was taken. Judge Gray ordered them to be locked up again, remarking that he was particularly anxious that a verdict be reached.

  He also announced that if a verdict is returned tomorrow it will be kept sealed until Tuesday morning on account of the fact that tomorrow is a legal holiday.                       

  Thomas WEST, a retired capitalist who is on the jury, was taken sick tonight, and it became necessary to move the jury from its quarters to the superior court chambers. West declares that he is not seriously ill and that he is strong enough to remain with the jury until it is discharged or a verdict is reached. He refused medical attention.

  The general belief on the streets tonight is that a disagreement will be reached. District Attorney JONES asserts that if this is the case he will again bring Lewis to trial.

  “I will try him a dozen times, if necessary,” declared Jones today, “or until a verdict is reached one way or the other.”

  If no verdict is reached it means that Lewis must again stand after the trial of Mrs. Rumbell for the same offense. This will begin on January 22.

 

            NO AID FOR HALF ORPHANS

RENO (Nev.), Dec. 31 - A statement has been issued by Chairman PERKINS of the Washoe county board of commissioners in which he explains the cause for the refusal of the county to care for the half orphans from Washoe county now being cared for at the state orphan’s home at Carson City.

  Commissioner Perkins states that under the state law the county is not allowed to pay for the support of half orphans, but may do so by making an arrangement with the father or mother of the children whereby the parent agrees to reimburse the county for all money expended.

  The commissioner states that since 1907 Washoe county has paid to the orphans’ home the sum of $330 toward the support of half orphans and has received no reimbursement. At the present time the county has the sum of $8000 coming from people who have children in the home.

 

 

Submitted by Betty Loose betty@unisette.com

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Sacramento Union

Tuesday, January 2, 1912

 

            Manslaughter Is Lewis’ Crime, Declares Jury

DEFENDANT PALES AS VERDICT IS READ BY FOREMAN

Decision Reached Early in Afternoon After Deliberation of Fifty Hours

            TESTIMONY READ JURORS

Points in Evidence Given by Witnesses Cleared Up by Reading of Transcript

OROVILLE (Butte Co.), Jan. 1 - At 1:28 o’clock this afternoon, the jury rendered a verdict of manslaughter against Arthur LEWIS, who was charged with the murder of his step-niece, Helen RUMBALL. The jury notified the sheriff a few minutes past 1 o’clock to summon Judge GRAY.

  The jurors, in about fifty hours of deliberation, took twenty-five ballots standing 8 to 4 for conviction on all the ballots except the first and the last. The result of the first vote was 5 for murder in the first degree, five for not guilty and two for manslaughter. One of the jurors explained his vote for not guilty on the first ballot in saying that he feared that a verdict for murder in the first degree would carry with it a sentence of death by hanging.

  Street rumor says that jurors G.A. THORP, A.J. WALSH, P.J. MURPHY and A.E. RICHARDSON were the four that voted for not guilty. These men, it is reported, placed some reliance on the testimony of Arthur Lewis, the defendant. Becoming satisfied that after much deliberation and hearing the testimony of Lewis read again this morning they changed to a verdict of manslaughter.

  At 10 a.m. today the jury asked that the testimony of Lewis, Dr. L.L. THOMPSON and Mrs. Harriet PLANTZ be read to them. It seems that the points at issue among the jurors were cleared by the reading of the testimony of these three witnesses, as soon after lunch, an agreement was reached.

  Reports of much eloquence and discussion are heard on the street. The verdict of the jury meets with general approval.

  The fact of Lewis going to the garret where the little girl was bound with ropes on a hot summer’s day had some weight with the jurors.

  At the reading of the verdict Lewis paled noticeably and some of the spectators expected to see him become unnerved. The effort that he made to control himself was apparent to those in the courtroom. After the reading of the verdict Lewis recovered himself and faced the jurors while they were being polled.

  The facts that Helen Rumball, before her death, had been bound hand and foot in a garret of the Rumball residence on the evening of a day in June when the thermometer stood about 100, that the girl’s neck had been broken, and that bruises were found on her body, gave widespread interest to the story of the death of the little girl.

  Mrs. RUMBALL, stepmother of Helen, who was 13 years old, and Mrs. Rumball’s brother, Lewis, summoned a physician on June 26 last, saying the girl was sick. The doctor found the girl dead. Her body was covered with bruises, her neck, wrists and ankles showing rope marks and a autopsy revealed a double dislocation of the neck.

  It was brought out in the trial that medical history revealed but three similar dislocations, all having been effected by the application of great force.

  Mrs. Rumball admitted that she had bound the girl hand and foot in the attic and tied her to a post with ropes placed about her shoulders and under the arms. The girl was tied at 4:30 o’clock. At 6:30 Lewis admitted that he went to the attic to release the child, but did not do so. At 8 o’clock he said he found her huddled on the floor, dead.

  The prosecution introduced testimony showing that Lewis had demonstrated his ability to bread the neck of a steer in the same manner that medical experts said the child’s neck was broken.

   The motive for the alleged crime put forth by the state was that the girl was a step-child and was treated in an inhuman manner because she was regarded as being in the way.

  The trial for Mrs. Rumball for the murder of her step-daughter, Helen Rumball, is set for January 22. Mrs. Rumball at the time of the death of the child gave a theory of suicide. The theory of the attorneys for the defendant in the trial of Lewis was that Helen had killed herself in her struggles for release from the ropes which bound her to a scantling in the stifling atmosphere of the garret.

  Helen Rumball’s father died some months before the tragedy.

 

            SEEK ANTI-GAMBLING LAW

Businessmen of Williams to Stop Gambling

WILLIAMS (Colusa Co.). Jan. 1 - Gambling in Williams will soon stop. A petition has been circulated by J.W. FORGEUS, real estate dealer, and will be presented to the board of supervisors at the January meeting. The petition has been signed by all the business men of that place. They ask that gambling be stopped at once.

  Since the passing of the ordinance in Colusa stopping all gambling the gamblers of Colusa, it is said, have been making Williams their headquarters. Large games of dice and poler have been going on in many of the saloons daily, it is declared.

 

            MURPHY ADMITS ROBBERY

Decides to Plead Guilty to Stealing Amalgam

OROVILLE (Butte Co.), Jan 1 - Henry MURPHY, arrested some time ago for stealing a quantity of amalgam from the El Oro company, has decided to plead guilty. The finding of the amalgam has practically caused him to admit the crime, and he is anxious to get into court.

 

            APPOINTS COMMITTEES

RED BLUFF (Tehama Co.), Jan. 1 - President A.M. McCOY of the Christian Men’s League of Red Bluff yesterday appointed the following committees: Executive committee, A.W. LANDERHOLM, J.D. SWEENEY, R.L. DOUGLAS; evangelistic committee, Dr. J.A. OWE   N, C.P. MAYHEW, J.M. HOWELL, W.A. SIMMONS, Bradley GROVER; social committee, H.S. GANS, E.L. SISSON, Richard BODING, E.E. STEVENS, W.C. HICHMAN ;music committee, G.C. GARRETT.                                             

 

            AMADOR WOMAN DIES

SUTTER CREEK (Amador Co.), Jan. 1 - Mrs. W.H. NORTON of Sutter Creek passed away at her home here early yesterday morning after a brief illness. Mrs. Norton has lived in Sutter Creek for many years and leaves to mourn her loss besides her husband, Mrs. B.F. WHITFIELD, a daughter, and two sons, Chas. H. and V.W. VORTON, prominent citizens of this town.

 

            CHECK BOOKS OF ROCHDALE UNION

OROVILLE (Butte Co.), Jan. 1 - Experts have been sent here from an Eastern bonding company to go over the books of the Oroville Rochdale union, which recently went into the hands of the San Francisco Board of Trade. The visit of the experts has brought fourth rumors.

  Manager W.L. SPICER was removed from his position several weeks ago and A. VAUGHAN selected to succeed him. He had given bonds to the extent of $2000, an Eastern bonding house putting up the necessary amount for him. The fact that the experts have been sent by that bonding house is responsible for the rumor.

  Members of the Union declared today that they could not state positively the condition of the affairs until the experts had finished their work. They admitted sending for the experts and notifying the bonding company that something was wrong. Spicer could not be found in town today.    

 

COLUSA VINEYARD IS SOLD

COLLEGE CITY (Colusa Co.), Jan 1 - The Ethel vineyard, located one mile south of here, has been sold to Mrs. E.Q. CRITES of Blacks. It consists of 160 acres and it is reported she paid $500 per acre for it.

 

Submitted by Betty Loose betty@unisette.com

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Sacramento Union

Wednesday, January 3, 1912

 

            MRS. MARTIN GETS WAGES OF MATRON

Supervisors of Butte County Finally Lose Legal Battle in the Courts

OROVILLE (Butte Co.), Jan. 2 - After a bitter legal battle in the courts and many efforts to have the board of supervisors audit her claims, Mrs. O.A. MARTIN, matron of the county jail, walked from the cour-thouse (sic) this afternoon with $425 in her pocket, her salary for services since last June.

  The attorney-general helped her to get her salary for, in a statement to the board of supervisors, District Attorney JONES declared that he had taken the matter up with that official, who advised him to have the county audit the bill.

  “The attorney-general feels that the last legislature did not intend the sheriffs to pay for the services of a matron, although he has the power to appoint or remove any matron,” stated Jones. “He advised me to instruct you gentlemen to pay the bill.”

  The board has instructed the district attorney to draw up an ordinance fixing the salary at $2.50 per day, every day she works. They ruled down the request of George GARDNER, attorney for Mrs. O.A. Martin, to the effect that they employ a matron at a monthly salary for the year around, declaring that they did not believe it necessary.

  “Why,” declared PORTER, “I have been on the board for several years and I have never known an instance when a woman was in the county jail as long as Mrs. RUMBELL.”

  The board, upon meeting today, re-elected C.H. BROWN as chairman to succeed himself.

  A petition signed by many Gridley residents for the closing of Davis avenue in Gridley was read and February 5, at 10 a.m. appointed as the time for hearing the same.

 

            Two Will Be Sentenced on Charges of Manslaughter

     FLEMING WILL KNOW LENGTH OF HIS TERM TODAY

Much Speculation on Result of Grand Jury’s Investigation Into Trial

REDDING (Shasta Co.), Jan. 2 - As Daniel FLEMING will be sentenced tomorrow for manslaughter and the grand jury which meets tomorrow is expected to make some charges in connection with the noted trial, there is much street talk and speculation on both events. As the sentence will be from one to ten years this matter does not receive as much attention as the meeting of the grand jurors.

  There is much guessing on the investigations of the jury but nothing authoritative is known except that District Attorney CHENOWITH will bring some matters to attention of the inquisitorial body.

 

            JUDGE PRONOUNCES FATE OF LEWIS ON THURSDAY

Man Accused of Killing Girl Will Receive Limit, Is the Belief Expressed

OROVILLE (Butte Co.), Jan 2 - Apparently as free from care as a new born babe, Arthur Lewis came into the superior court room this morning and heard Superior Judge GRAY fix next Thursday morning at 10 o’clock as the time for giving him his sentence. Lewis smiled as he walked into the court room and conversed freely with Attorney Guy R. KENNEDY.

  Kennedy stated after the brief hearing, that he had not made up his mind what would be his next step. From what he has told friends he is satisfied with the verdict and will not appeal. Efforts on the part of District Attorney JONES to have the trial of Mrs. Emma L. RUMBELL, set for January 22, postponed two weeks met with a statement from Kennedy that he would let the prosecutor know late in the week.

  It is the popular belief that Lewis will get the limit for manslaughter or ten years. This will give him six years and six months actually to serve.

 

            J.R. SEARS WOULD DIVORCE SPOUSE

 Names Insanity Charge Made by Wife as Ground for His Action

OROVILLE (Butte Co.), Jan. 2 - Troubles of a family nature which caused the arrest of J.R. SEARS, principal of the Lumpkin mine, last May, and his examination on an insanity charge and then his final discharge, were again aired today when Sears this morning filed a complaint for divorce upon the grounds of cruelty.

  He alleges that his wife, Mrs. Janet SEARS, has made his life miserable for a year, the principal trouble being when she had him jailed. He declares she abuses him upon every occasion and orders him out of his house and treats him in a cruel and inhuman manner.

  When Sears was arrested for insanity it was the statement of Attorney George GARDNER, who represented him, that is was the desire of his wife and her son by a former marriage to railroad him to the hospital and live off his money. A wealthy brother of Sears, who lives in San Jose, came to his rescue and hired an attorney to defend him.

 

Submitted by Betty Loose betty@unisette.com

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Sacramento Union

Thursday, January 4, 1912

 

            SETTLE ROAD TROUBLE

MARYSVILLE (Yuba Co.), Jan. 3 - At the meeting of the board of supervisors today a resolution was passed granting the Red Ravine Mining company the right to build a road across the property of W.O. WILKINS, and awarded Wilkins $67 for the land to be taken up by the road. This ends a long drawn out argument by the two parties concerned and give the Red Ravine people access to their property.

  Chairman MORRISON appointed the following committees to act during the ensuing year: Public buildings, ROBERTS, CASEY and MILLON; hospital, DIVVER, ROBERTS and CASEY; contracts, MILLON, CASEY and DIVVER; roads and bridges, CASEY, MILLON and MORRISON; printing, DIVVER, ROBERTS and MILLON; anti-debris, MORRISON, ROBERTS and DIVVER. It is agreed that the same rules would govern the board as had been used during the last year.

  The board will meet again tomorrow to finish up the business of the meeting.

 

            TO TEAR DOWN CHURCH

OROVILLE (Butte Co.), Jan 3 - It is a significant fact that the new year also marks the ending of one of Oroville’s oldest institutions, the Congregational church, which has stood on the corner of Bird and Oak streets as long as the oldest inhabitant can remember - since 1852.

  The members of the church are now talking of razing the old brick building the first of February and starting work on the new $25,000 structure not later than the middle of March. The building will rank with the finest in this section of the state.

  R.D. DOUGLASS, pastor of the local church, stated this morning that the work of razing the old building would most certainly commence on the first of next month or very soon thereafter. This means that before the end of the year the new building will be ready for occupancy.

 

            GUILTY OF GAMBLING

MARYSVILLE (Yuba Co.), Jan. 3 - When the cases of the four Chinese who were arrested a few days ago when Chief of Police McCOY raided an alleged gambling joint in Chinatown, were called this morning, Attorney CARLIN appeared for the defendants and entered a plea of guilty for Ah NONG, who was charged with conducting a fan-tan game, with the understanding that the cases against the other three men be dismissed, and which had been agreed to by District Attorney MANWELL.

  Ah NONG was sentenced to pay a fine of $100 and the cases against the other three men was dismissed by Police Judge LANGDON. Ah Nong paid the fine and was released.

 

            WOULD REDISTRICT RED BLUFF

RED BLUFF (Tehama CO.), Jan. 3 - Estimating the number of voters in the city at 1600, City Engineer W.F. LUNING recommends that Red Bluff be divided into eight voting precincts., instead of four, as at present. This change is made necessary by the adoption of woman suffrage.

 

            LEWIS TRIAL IS COSTLY TO BUTTE

Total Expense Incurred by the County in Case Reaches Nearly $9000

OROVILLE (Butte Co.), Jan. 3 - Owing to the fact that there are still a number of bills to come in, the exact cost to the county for the Arthur Lewis trial cannot be given for several days. But the cost of the jury and witnesses and the elisors has been figured out to an approximate figure, so that when the entire number of bills are entered they will total but a few dollars more or less that the one given here.

  From the books in the county clerk’s office the bills aggregate about $8926.10. Elisor MEEK and his two deputies, Morris CRUM and E.B. WARD, have yet to present their claims, but these will be within a few dollars of $700.

  The figures as compiled up to date are as follows: Jurors summoned but not accepted, $4700; jurors’ fees for serving, $811.10; jurors’ meals, $399; Court Reporter McCALLUM, $1100; M.E. PHARES, pictures, $16; elisor’s fees, $700; witnesses during trial, $1200.

 

            BIGGS PIONEER BURIED

BIGGS (Butte Co.), Jan. 3 - The funeral of the late William T. BOULWARE, one of the oldest settlers in this section of the state, was held today from the residence south of Biggs. The remains were laid to rest in Live Oak cemetery. The funeral cortege was followed to the grave by hundreds of people, who paid their last respects to the departed friend and neighbor, who was held in the highest esteem by every one.

  William Thomas BOULWARE was born in Pike county, Ill., October 11, 1833, and died at his residence near Biggs January 1, 1912, aged 78 years 2 months and 20 days.

  He was educated in Iowa, and worked on his father’s farm there until his family moved to California and located upon the property which was still owned by the deceased.

  The home farm of the aged pioneer, one-half mile from Biggs, consists of 1700 acres of wheat and barley land. He also owns 100 acres of grazing land near Bangor and 960 acres of land in Lassen county.

 

            SEVERAL AFTER SECRETARY JOB

Selection of Man to Fill Vacancy in Oroville C. of C. Will Be Delayed

OROVILLE (Butte Co.), Jan. 3 - Some are coming out in the open and declaring they are out for the job as secretary of the chamber of commerce, others are still considering the matter with every indication that sooner or later they will join in the race. James H. LEGGETT is openly mentioned for the place, as is also E.B. WARD.

 Ralph McCORMICK is also being considered, but the fight is believed to be with Leggett and Ward. The selection of the secretary will be delayed as long as possible as every day that the office is vacant helps the chamber to put the salary towards paying off its indebtedness.

  Postmaster W.L. LEONARD has been chosen as head of the membership committee and is now considering his assistants. From the interest which is apparent in the chamber President JACKSON and Mrs. Leonard today asserted that the roll will be increased 100 per cent within sixty or ninety days. Up to date about forty new members have joined the body.

 

            ATTEMPTS TO STRIKE JUDGE

MARYSVILLE (Yuba Co.), Jan. 3 - John BURKE, who was arrested a few days ago by Officer SPERBECK as he was about to enter the residence of B.F. GILLMAN, caused a wild scramble at the police court yesterday afternoon when his case was called, and he was asked to enter a plea. John carried a large cane and when asked to plead by the Judge, he became abusive and was sentenced by the judge to serve 10 days for contempt. When he heard the sentence pronounced he sprung at the judge with the cane, and it was with great effort that the officer on duty in the court was able to subdue him. His sentence was increased to twenty days.

 

            ILLEGAL HUNTERS FINED

RED BLUFF (Tehama Co.), Jan. 3 - H.W. WHITLOCK and George ROBINSON were fined $50 each by Justice of the Peace McLANE of Tehama for having venison in their possession our of season. The men also promised to obey the game laws in the future. The arrests were made by Deputy Game Commissioner T.W. BIRMINGHAIN, assisted by John ROBBINS.

 

Submitted by Betty Loose betty@unisette.com

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Sacramento Union

Friday, January 5, 1912

 

            LEWIS MUST SERVE 10-YEAR SENTENCE

Judge Gray Imposes Limit on Youth Convicted of Killing Small Girl

            NEW TRIAL IS DENIED

Attorney King Says Jury Was Separated Once During Its 50-Hour Deliberation

OROVILLE (Butte Co.), Jan. 4 - Pale but bearing himself in an indifferent manner Arthur LEWIS stood before Superior Judge GRAY ten minutes after noon today and heard the sentence which is the limit for the crime of manslaughter, ten years in San Quentin. The court showed his attorney the favor of allowing him to go to the bay institution.

  Lewis walked into court with a nonchalant swing and half fell in his chair. He gazed about, but finding all eyes staring at him, turned his gaze towards the floor. Attorney Guy R. KENNEDY started proceedings by asking for a continuance until Attorney J.R. KING arrived from Gridley.

  When the attorney entered the court room Kennedy read his motion for a new trial, giving the following reasons:

  1 - That the jury, after retiring to deliberate on the verdict, was guilty of misconduct by which a fair and due consideration of the case was prevented.

  2 - That the court has misdirected the jury in the matters of law.

  3 - That the court has erred in its decision of questions of law arising during the course of the trial.

  4 - That the verdict is contrary to law.

  5 - That the verdict is contrary to evidence.

  6 - Misconduct on the part of District Attorney George F. JONES, and Deputy Attorney General Raymond BENJAMIN in the course of the trial, and in their arguments to the jury by which the defendant was derived of a fair trial.

  7- Misconduct on the part of the court during the progress of the trial, by which the defendant was deprived of a fair trial.

  8 - Misconduct on the part of Special Elisor Bert B. MEEK in permitting the jury to separate after the testimony was submitted to them for their decision, and before they arrived at a verdict, by which a fair and due consideration of the case was prevented.

SAYS JURY SEPARATED

 Kennedy then read the following affidavit which was signed and sworn to before a notary public by himself: “That between the hours of 5 and 6 o’clock p.m. on December 31, after the jury had retired to deliberate, that special Elisor Bert. B. Meek, who at said time had exclusive control of the jury, allowed the jurors to separate and at said time, four members of the jury, Juror HOLMES and three others were in the jury room with the door open, and some other person other than Special Elisor Meek or any member of the jure were in the jury room and the balance of the jury was in the superior court room.

  “Eight jurors were not in the room, four being alone with the stranger. I had a full view and there were but five men in said room. I asked the Special Elisor where the balance of the jury were and he said in the superior court room. That these two rooms are separated by a hall twenty feet in length..”

  Immediately after the arguments for a motion for a new trial were read the judge stated: “The motion to set aside the verdict is denied.” District Attorney George F. JONES then asked the court for permission to file counter affidavits to those of Kennedy. To this Kennedy strenuously objected declaring that if Jones had any counter affidavits to file he should have done so before the court ruled on the motion for a new trial.

MEEK’S AFFIDAVIT READ

 Jones asked until 11:20 o’clock to produce the affidavits and the court stated he would grant the recess so he could also look up the law on the matter and see if Kennedy’s objection was good. Court again convened at 11:15 o’clock and the court allowed the reading of affidavits by Bert B. Meek, the special elisor, and J.K. WOODY, one of the jurors, setting forth the fact that the jury had always been together.

  Kennedy then asked the court to state if he had not ruled adversely on the motion for the new trial when it had been made. The court explained that he had intended to so rule but the wrong words had slipped form his mouth and he had ruled on a motion to set aside the verdict only.

  At the request of Kennedy Meek was then sworn. He was asked if it was not true that some other person in the room. He admitted there was and said the person was Douglass JACOBS of the Union hotel dining-room who had gone in the room to clear up the dishes.

HOTEL EMPLOYE IN ROOM

 Meek declared positively that Jacobs never spoke a word to the jurors and asserted that all the time the jurors were in the room that he had stood by the open door. “Two of the jurors wanted to go to the toilet and I escorted then from the room. While I was at the door of the room another knock came at the door of the superior court.

  “I locked the two jurors in the jury room and then went through Judge GRAY’s chambers and to the door leading into the courtroom. The jurors also wished to go to the jury room proper. I therefore went out in the hall and opened the door leading from the courtroom and took the other two men out, putting all four in the jury room.

  “Then I stood by the door where you saw me until Jacobs had cleared away the dishes.”

  Kennedy next called former Sheriff J.M. CHUBBUCK. He stated that he had seen the door of the jury room opened, but that Meek was standing at the entrance. He also testified that Meek had come into Judge Gray’s chambers and went to the door and then out in the hall again. He stated he had also seen Jacobs in the room.

  Kennedy then filed a notice of appeal to the Third district court of appeals, and Judge Gray told Lewis to stand up. In response to questions Lewis stated that he was born in Minnesota on May 2, 1899; that his mother was alive; that he came to California two years ago; that he can read and write; that he had no trade but had followed farming and finally that he had never been arrested before.

KING SAYS LEWIS GUILTLESS

 Attorney J.R. King made a plea for his client and for leniency on the part of the court. “I am one of the very few men,” stated King, “who believe Arthur Lewis is guiltless. I think perhaps I know more of this case than any one in California. I have followed this case from its incipiency and have been conscientious from the first and think he is not guilty.

  “The court will remember that five or six men took the stand and told of the good character of the defendant. You have heard him state that he had never been arrested before. I have known Lewis for two years. He is an industrious young man. He has helped his sister to support children. He bears a good character, so I now ask you to be as lenient as you can with him.”

MRS. RUMBELL IN COURT

 Following the passing of sentence Lewis was led out of the courtroom. He was followed into court and out of it by his sister, Mrs. W.G. TYLER, who was pale and wept throughout the proceedings. She was the only one of the relatives of the prisoner to face the ordeal. His mother, who attended the trial from the first, did not appear.

  As soon as the courtroom was cleared, which took about fifteen minutes, as it was jammed to suffocation during the proceedings, Mrs. Emma RUMBELL was taken into court. Her attorneys asked and were granted a continuance of her trial from January 22 to February 12 at 10:30 a.m.

 Mrs. Rumbell took the fate of Lewis much to heart. She was extremely nervous and turned in her seat all during the proceedings. She appears to be losing flesh and the lines of care have begun to show themselves on her girlish countenance.                          

 

            CONVICTS FOR ROAD WORK

Governor Promises Klamath Aid in Building Highways

KLAMATH FALLS (Ore.), Jan. 4 - Judge William S. WORDEN, head of the county court, has returned from a trip to Salem, at which time he called upon Governor Oswald WEST relative to securing convicts to work on Klamath county roads during the coming summer. The governor promised the twenty-five men needed, and it is planned to have them begin work March 1, if the weather permits. Judge WORDEN brought a message from the governor to the people of Klamath county to the effect that the executive felt greatly pleased with the way the county has done this year and that the people have showed themselves as decidedly progressive.  As far as road improvement is concerned, the governor stated that Klamath county stands in the front rank, and that whenever a county showed the same spirit that Klamath has, he would go the limit to assist it.

  Governor West advocates the construction of a good road through from The Dalles to Klamath Falls, and predicts that it would prove one of the greatest highways in the state of Oregon. The governor signified his intention of paying a visit to this neighborhood soon.

 

            ODD FELLOWS PLAN TO IMPROVE HOME

Building Belonging to Oroville Lodge Will be Remodeled and Bettered.

OROVILLE (Butte Co.), Jan. 4 - At the meeting of the local lodge of Odd Fellows next Monday evening plans will be accepted for the remodeling and building of an addition to the Odd Fellows’ building, in which the post-office is located. The cornerstone will be laid not later than Monday the 15th, declared Alvin FAUL, W.E. DUNCAN, Jr., and Louis RILEY, trustee of the lodge.

  There are several plans in the hands of the lodgemen. The lodge has decided that they will have two large rooms in the upper story of the building and also a banquet room. The floors will all be of hardwood and on springs so that the doors can be thrown open, giving dancers the entire upper floor if necessary.

  No expense is to be spared to make the dance floor the finest in any town of this size in the state. Grand Master George HUDSON and Grand Secretary RICHARDSON will be invited to the ground breaking ceremonies. The alterations are to cost $15,000 and will be rushed to completion.

 

            NAME FAIL MEETING DELEGATES

WILLOWS (Glenn Co.), Jan. 4 - The Glenn county board of supervisors yesterday named Thomas BROWN, of Orland, W.S. GUILFORD, chief agriculturalist of the Sacramento Valley Irrigation company, and I.J. PROUIX, a director of the Sacramento Development association, delegates to the Panama canal and San Francisco fair “get-ready” session to be held in Los Angeles on January 12 and 13.

  Supervisors HURLBURT, of Germantown, and WYLIE of Butte City, will attend as special representatives of the supervisorial board. Supervisors STANTON may go, but has not yet decided. Supervisors EIBE and BROWN will be too busy at home to make the trip.

  R.O. BORDNER, who is the appointed representative of the supervisors to attend the meetings of the “Counties committee’ of California Development board, will attend the meeting. L.P. KLEMMER, H.G. SQUIER and Frank BURGI will go as representatives of the Greater Willows Promotion association.

 

            DRAW PLANS FOR LIBRARY

DIXON (Solano Co.), Jan. 4 - Plans for Dixon’s free Carnegie library are to be drawn by PARKER and KENYON, Sacramento architects, in the near future and submitted to the board of supervisors. A mission style of building is intended if one can be constructed with the $10,000 donated for the establishment of the institution.

  The supervisors have levied a tax of 3 cents on the $100 worth of property in the Dixon union high school district. This will net about $1000 a year for the maintenance and upkeep of the institution.

  Trustees of the high school are members of the board in charge of the library. They are: J.H .RICE, chairman; R.J. CURREY, secretary; E.D .DUDLEY, C.E. CLAUSE and W.A. PORTER.

 

            K. OF P. INSTALL

RENO (Nev.), Jan. 4 - New officers will be installed by Amity lodge, No. 8, Knights of Pythias, of this city next week Tuesday evening. District Chancellor Commander George HOLESWORTH will conduct the work. At the conclusion of the business session there will be an entertainment and refreshments. The following officers will be installed:

 C.D. MORRISON, past chancellor; L.G. B. McDOWEL, chancellor commander; E.G. HOY, vice-chancellor; A.D. SADLER, master of work; J.C. JONES, prelate; John W. WRIGHT, master of exchequer; C.H. HOY, master of finance; S.H. ROSENTHAL, keeper of records and seal; C.H. KNOX, master-at-arms; W.S. DODD, inner guard; P.C. BEIZLER, outer guard; N.E. WILSON, G.E. HOLESWORTH and J.O. SESSIONS, trustees: Dr.  M.R. WALKER, examining physician.

 

 

Submitted by Betty Loose betty@unisette.com

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Sacramento Union

Sunday, January 7, 1912

 

            G.H. Nutting Aids in Incorporation of Town in Shasta

Supervisor Heads Committee to Petition Calling of a Special Election

ANDERSON (Shasta Co.), Jan. 6 - At the annual meeting of the chamber of commerce last night the sentiment of those present was unanimous for the incorporation of Anderson as a city of the sixth class. George H. NUTTING, chairman of the board of supervisors, was appointed chairman of the committee for the circulation of a petition asking the supervisors to call an election. A mass meeting will be held Friday night to discuss the matter of incorporation.

  The following officers of the chamber of commerce were elected: Ed L. STORY, president; W.C. BARKALOO, secretary, and A.C. BURBANK, treasurer.

 

            WOULD DREDGE FOR GOLD IN FEATHER

John Shake Files on Mining Claims Embracing Several Miles of Stream

MARYSVILLE (Yuba Co.), Jan. 6 - Nine mining claims were filed today with the county clerk by John SHAKE, which embraces the territory on the Feather river from the Northern Electric bridge to the mouth of the Bear river. The claims take in all the bed of the Feather river from bank to bank. Shake intends to work the channel of the river with dredges and is of the opinion that the river bed is rich with gold. Whether dredging will be allowed on the Feather or not is a question, as it is a navigable stream.

 

            STRIKES RICH ORE ON CLAIM IN YUBA

Brown’s Valley Man Encounters Vein While Excavating for Engine Base

MARYSVILLE (Yuba Co.), Jan. 6 - J.C. CAMPBELL, owner of the Donabrough mine, who for many years, has been prospecting in and around Brown’s valley, has struck a bonanza near his property at that place. Campbell is jubilant over the prospects of his new strike and will attempt to interest capital in the proposition to work the property on a large scale.

  Campbell was excavating a space near the present diggings for the purpose of installing an engine for hoisting purposes on the old ledge when he struck a rich vein that after investigating developed into a large ledge, which assayed very rich. He then went back about twenty yards and sunk a shaft, following the course of the ledge and found it to be much larger and richer than the one that he has been following for years. Just how wide the new ledge is he has not yet discovered, but is of the opinion that it will run wide.

 

            MAKES SUCCESSFUL FLIGHT IN SHASTA

Frank BRYANT, in Curtis Aeroplane, Encircles Business Section of Redding

REDDING (Shasta Co.), Jan. 6 - Frank BRYANT in a Curtis standard aeroship made the first flight ever attempted in California north of Chico in this city today. He rose from Recreation park at the north end of Redding, encircling the courthouses and entire business and residence section of the city at an elevation of from 600 to 800 feet.

  Roy FRANCIS also tested his aeroplane on the Recreation park grounds. Both men will make a flight and race tomorrow afternoon. If the weather is fine a large crowd is expected in this city.

  Frank H. ROBERTSON, a former newspaper man of Redding, will make the ascent with Francis, having the distinction of being the first citizen of Redding to make a flight in an airship.

  Bryant and Francis have both promised to take part in the aviation meet planned for the Fourth of July celebration by the business men.

 

            ST. CLAIR GETS JAIL SENTENCE

RED BLUFF (Tehama Co.), Jan. 6 - On the recommendation of District Attorney FISH and the Southern Pacific Railroad company the charge of grand larceny against Francis St. Clair for robbing box cars at Corning about two months ago was reduced to petty larceny. St. Clair entered a plea of guilty and was sentenced to sixty days in jail.

  While awaiting trial St. Clair furnished information to the officers which led to the arrest of two notorious thieves and for his services in the cause of justice he was allowed to plead guilty to the minor charge.

 

            LEWIS MAINTAINS HE IS INNOCENT

“Victim of Public Opinion,” Says Youth Convicted of Killing Girl

OROVILLE (Butte Co.), Jan. 6 - Although facing a ten-year term in San Quentin for the alleged killing of Little Helen Rumbell, his step-niece, Arthur LEWIS appears to be in the best of spirits. This afternoon a Union representative called upon him in his cell in the county jail and Lewis smilingly declared he never felt better in his life. He was apparently greatly interested in a novel for he kept looking back at the page continually during the talk.

  “All I have got to say is that I am the victim of public opinion,” stated Lewis. “The public wanted me put in jail and I would have been put here even if I had shown that I was in the East when the alleged crime was committed. I do not believe that another man would have been found guilty on the testimony introduced at my trial.

  “I will not say that any witnesses did not tell the truth for I have been given my dose and have enough enemies and am not looking for any more. I do say though that there was too much prejudice against me. I am better off in jail than I would be out in the open. I could not get a fair shake even if I was free.

  “I want to return to Gridley when my time is up, but that depends on how the public feels at that time. I am 22 now and will be 28 when I get out. That is not too old to start life anew. I am anxious to get out of here and in San Quentin as I want to break the monotony of doing nothing.

  “In a year or so I will endeavor to be paroled. I think by that time the public will see that I had nothing to do with this matter and there will be no objections to my release. As far as talking about the testimony of my case I told everything on the stand. My sister has yet to be tried and I only hope she gets out. I would willingly take my medicine and her’s too if they would let me.

  “This is all a mistake. The people have been led to believe I am some cruel, heartless person. They blame me for not breaking down. What is the use of doing that? I was in a pretty serious position and though I knew my innocence I could not convince any Butte county jury of it the way the public is feeling now.

  “I am satisfied that I did not get more, for what could one expect when they knew how strong the feeling was against me? I was prepared for anything, but to tell the truth, I never expected to be here now as I know that the evidence alone could not convict me.”

 

Submitted by Betty Loose betty@unisette.com

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Sacramento Union

Tuesday, January 9, 1912

 

            LEWIS IS TAKEN TO SAN QUENTIN

Oroville Sees Last of Gridley Man Convicted of Complicity in Girl’s Death

            MEETS GUARDS WITH SMILE

Declares Innocence of Murder of Helen Rumbell - Sorry for His Sister

OROVILLE (Butte Co.), Jan. 8 - After thanking the sheriff and officers for the treatment accorded him for the last few months, bidding good-by to his sister, Mrs. Emma L. RUMBELL, and the rest of the prisoners in the county jail, Arthur LEWIS, handcuffed to Deputy Sheriff Milton WEBBER, left this morning for San Quentin prison to serve his ten-year sentence.

  Lewis was found guilty of manslaughter. He was charged with the murder of little Helen Rumbell near Gridley on June 26 of last year. One would have thought he was going back to his farm near Gridley by the happy manner he showed. He was smiling and joshing with his guard and declared that he would be back again to shake hands as a free man.

  “Yes, I am going,” stated Lewis. “There is no use for tears, for I have got mine and I am going to take it. I feel sorry for my sister, for her incarceration and expected trial is affecting her greatly.

  “I have been treated fine since I was arrested, but jail life is not to anyone’s liking, and I am glad I am going where I can work. I made a miscue and am paying for it. I have a long time to wait, but am willing to take my medicine and show them I am not so bad as the public has painted me. I am coming back sure and live this down. Sometime they will be sorry for this, because I am not guilty - just the victim of the prejudice of the public. Good-by, will see you later.”

  And Arthur Lewis, the man who cost the county $10,000, was on his way. It is not expected he will be back to testify in his sister’s trial.

 

            SAYS PATROLMAN WENT A-COURTING

Oroville Marshal Says Officer Neglected His Duty to Meet Young Woman

OROVILLE (Butte Co.), Jan. 8 - Marshal CURRAN is gathering evidence against Officer Joseph PICKETT which he says shows that when the young patrolman was supposed to be attending to his duties at the city jail he was in reality meeting a young woman in various parts of the city.

  Curran claims he can produce witnesses to show this, and he has been looking up dates and hours so as to have the evidence ready when the police committee takes up the matter of the discharged patrolman. PICKETT declares he is willing to have any part of his record looked into, for he states he has always done his duty to the best of his ability.

 

            JAPANESE CONTRACTOR SAILS FOR HOME CARRYING $100,000

WOODLAND (Yolo Co.), Jan. 8 - YOSHIMURA, a Japanese contractor who has been in the employ of the Alaska Sugar company for about two years, left this morning for a visit to his native land with a bank roll representing $100,000, the savings of ten years in California.

  Filial love takes HOSHIMURA to Japan as he wishes to see his aged parents, and leave them a portion of his savings to bring comfort to their old age. The nest egg accumulated by the thrifty Japanese is equivalent to twice its value in America.

  Accompanying Hoshimura on his trip the Tamaurax, a younger brother, and a son. They will be away four months. KANZAKI, one of the best educated Japanese in the state, will take charge of the contracting business of Hoshimura during the absence of the latter. Their countrymen in this city gave them a rousing send-off.

 

            COURTHOUSE STONE SPLIT BY FROST?

El Dorado Supervisors Order Work Stopped Until Material is Tested

PLACERVILLE (El Dorado Co.), Jan. 8 - Splitting, chipping white sandstone, used in the El Dorado county courthouse building is causing consternation throughout the county, and several informal protests have been made to the board of supervisors. The stone, which came from Ione, either could not stand the grilling given it by the frost of the last ten days, or else it was faulty.

  The supervisors have decided to take no action in the matter until the next meeting. They have ordered that no more stone be laid on the courthouse until that time. The architects claim that the stone now in the building was put there without the weather coating called for in the specifications. If, by February, it is shown that his was really the trouble the supervisors may order the stone work continued, and if not, some other action may be taken.

  Some say that the stone split was broken during the sawing into blocks, and that it was stuck together again. Several of the large blocks are split their entire length, or large pieces chipped out. The stone is laid up to the first floor.

 

            ILLNESS DELAYS BRIBERY CASES

Klamath Defendants Granted Stay by Court - One is in Portland

KLAMATH FALLS (Ore.), Feb. 8 - Judge Henry L. BENSON, in circuit court, has granted a stay in the cases of Samuel A. McMAHON and James H. HUGHES, charged with attempted bribery of Mayor Fred T. SANDERSON and Councilmen Russell A. ALFORD and Marion HANKS to secure a paving contract for their employers, the Rudolph S. BLOME company of Chicago. McMahon has never been arraigned, although Hughes has pleaded not guilty.

  McMahon is ill with lung trouble. Drs. R.R. HAMILTON and Leo W. CHILTON made affidavit that he was in a condition where mental excitement would be dangerous, and that he might be able to recover his health by going to a lower and milder altitude.  It was generally believed that on getting a stay McMahon would go to California, but he went to Portland. Hughes wants his trial at the time of McMahon’s, as McMahon will be a witness for him, having been his superior in the paving sales work.

  It is expected to call the cases February 16. McMahon is under $10,000 bond and Hughes under $7500, both being furnished by an Eastern surety company.

 

Sacramento Union

Tuesday, January 9, 1912

 

PIONEER’S HEIRS CLAIM S.P. LAND

Suit Filed Against Railroad and City of Roseville to Regain Old Estate

RICH PROPERTY IN DISPUTE

Action Based on Holdings of Early Days by Grandchildren of W.A. Thomas.

AUBURN (Placer Co.), Jan. 8 - To recover ground now held in Roseville by the Southern Pacific Railroad company as right of way and by the city of Roseville for streets, W.A. THOMAS and Rosa O’BRIEN have filed a complaint in the superior court of Placer county.

  The complaint recalls some of the early railroad history of California as it alleges that the roadbed and right of way of the old Folsom and Lincoln railroad long since abandoned are now used as a wagon road in on the ground in dispute.

  The plaintiffs alleged that they are the grandchildren and heirs of the late W.A. THOMAS, a pioneer of Roseville, and that the land now held by the Southern Pacific and used for tracks and by the city of Roseville, for streets was never deeded by Thomas and that neither of the defendants has acquired title from the plaintiffs, as his heirs.

  The property in dispute is now valuable, worth tens of thousands of dollars. A bitter fight will be made by the Attorneys for the plaintiffs and defendants. A. Kelly ROBINSON is attorney for the plaintiffs. TUTTLE and TUTTLE of this city will represent the railroad company and City Attorney J.B. GIBSON will look after the interests of the city of Roseville in the litigation, which promises to be in the court for many months.

 

NEW FRUIT FIRM AT WINTERS

WOODLAND (Yolo Co.), Jan 8 - A certificate of removal with the copy of articles of incorporation of the GERALDSON Fruit company, which were filed with the county clerk today, changes the place of business of the company from San Francisco to Winters.

  The directors of the company are G. GERALDSON of Newcastle, Placer county; L.H. BROWNSTONE, Milton B. BADT, M.C. HICKEY and J. BROWNSTONE of San Francisco. The capital stock is $500,000, of which $50 has been subscribed.                   

 

 WOODLAND MACCABEES INSTALL

WOODLAND (Yolo Co.), JaN. 8 - Officers of Woodland tent No. 49, Knights of the Maccabees, have been installed for the ensuing year as follows:

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