Rensselaer Journal, Volume 12, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 March 1903 — Heads Big Posse. [ARTICLE]

Heads Big Posse.

Cunningham and a strong posse went from here to make the arrests. When Atkinsville was reached the federal forces were joined by Sheriff Cook and his posse, the coal companies near by furnishing some guards, and the deputy and sheriff found themselves in command of about a hundred well armed men. The rioters had recrossed the river and were parading up and down before the various coal works, from 150 to 200 men armed with rifles. They intimidated miners at work, drove away the guards of the mines, and even went so far as to disarm one guard and force him to march at the head of their procession. Emboldened by their success, they attempted to burn down a bridge of the C. and O. railroad over Piney gulch and threatened the destruction of other property. They then went into camp near Stanniford City. Make Many Arrests. About daybreak the officers and their combined posse surprised the rioters in their camp and called on them to surrender. The reply was a shot. This was answered by a shot, and immediately a battle was raging. When it ceased three of the rioters lay dead and many others were found to be wounded, two of them fatally, one dying later.