Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 November 1897 — Judge Burnham’s Court. [ARTICLE]

Judge Burnham’s Court.

Late Monday afternoon E. F. Gibson, who lives in the far western part of town, was tried before Squire Burnham upon the charge of assault and battery upon his wife, Rebecca Gibson. It seems by the evidence that Gibson had set out to whip Mrs. Gibson’s 12 year old daughter, by a former husband, for having neglected to clean a lamp chimney. Mrs. Gibson interposed to protect her daughter, and Gibson struck her two blows on the arm. The Squire found him guilty and fined him $3 and costs, or $15.50 in all. In default of payment he was sent to jail. He is also held to the circuit court on surety of the peace proceedings, in the sum of $l5O. Tuesday morning James Swisher one of Wheatfield’s best known citizens, was before the Squire on two charges, intoxication in a public place and carrying concealed weapons.

He went into Schofield’s livery stable last evening and put up his horse. Being pretty drunk he laid down on some straw, and from boozing went to snoozing. After a time Ed Phegley, who also had a horse there went after it to go home, Swisher roused up and ordered Phegley to put out the electric light in the stable. Phegley said he had nothing to do with the lights. Swisher said “Turn it out or I’ll shoot it out.” Phegley said “Shoot and be d d.” Swisher then pulled out a big revolver and banged away at the light, but did not hit it, being too drunk to have hit the bam itself if he had not been inside of it. Night watch Childers was called and run Swisher in. At the trial this morning he was fined $1 and costs, or $10.15 in all, for drunkeness, and $5 and costs, $lB.lO in all, for carrying concealed weapons. The revolver, which he denied having, was found in the straw where he made his lair. On his person, also, which was more disreputable than having the revolver was found a large pair of brass knucks. His whole bill at the justice shop is $28.25.