Trails to the Past
Uinta County Wyoming
 
 
 
 
Crimes

Wanted To Be Bad
A Mans Strange Excuse for Killing His Companion - 1888
Salt Lake City, Dec. 28--At Evanston, WY. Yesterday a railroad man employed in a section gang shot and instantly killed Ed. Higginn, his fellow laborer, at the section house. The murderer fled, but after an exciting chase, was captured near Chinatown by Marshal Dickey and Sheriff Ward, and lodged in jail. The reason for the killing, he said, was that he "wanted to shoot somebody."  Wyoming Press December 28, 1888
Wealthy Widow Jailed - 1894
Evanston, Wy. April 6--Mrs. Tarter, the wealthy widow of Robert Tarter, deceased, well known throughout the West, has been committed to jail by Judge Knight for refusing over to John Ward $25.75 claimed to be due him as the courts administrator of the estate. There is general indignation and public sympathy is with Mrs. Tarter.  Wyoming Press April 6, 1894
Deputy Sheriffs Killed - 1895
Evanston, Wy---August 1,--Two young desperadoes , who have been stealing horses in this vicinity, were located by a sheriffs posse. An engagement took place, resulting in Deputy Sheriff Daws of Evanston and Deputy Sheriff Stagg of Echo being killed. Deputy Sheriff Calverty was wounded in the shoulder. The thieves took refuge in a log cabin near Wahsatch and are now surrounded. Wyoming Press August 1, 1895
Doctor Arrested - 1897
Salt Lake City, Sept. 5.--A special to the Tribune from Evanston, Wy., says: Dr. C. H. Blackburn and Charles Martin, the latter as an accessory, were arrested and placed in jail this afternoon, charged with having caused the death, by unlawful means, of Miss Hattie Staniforth, a beautiful girl. Miss Staniforth died last night in the Dawson building under peculiar circumstances.   (Wyoming Press September 6, 1897)
Violation of Game Laws - 1899

Wm. Manning of Jackson, Wyo., arrived in Evanston on Saturday, having in custody two young men Messrs, Green and Rigby of Teton Idaho charged with violating the game laws.  It appears from their statement that they were procuring meat for some old people in that locality who had nothing and could get none for themselves.  They consulted counsel while here, in regard to the case, and it was decided to let them return home provided they would put up a bond for their fine and the costs to await the action of Judge Craig at the next term of court.  They agreed to this request and returned on Wednesday.  The game laws of Wyoming must be strictly adhered to by all hunters and the officers are keeping close watch for violators.  Wyoming Press December 30, 1899


 

CUT IN BACK WITH A KNIFE - 1902
Husbands Take up Wives Quarrel
About 7 o'clock last Sunday evening in front of the Rocky Mountain House C. M. Vandervort received a slash in the left side-and back from a knife in the hands of Jewell Lewis which came near causing him his life. Had the knife entered a little further forward it would have penetrated the heart and certain death would soon have resulted. The wound is an ugly one and quite serious at best, and while no fatal results are now contemplated, it was several days after it was inflicted before the danger line was passed. The trouble between the two men was the outcome of a quarrel between their wives over a pair of shoes. Lewis was immediately placed under arrest and escorted to jail. He was brought before Judge O'Flynn Tuesday on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon with premeditated intent to kill, and pleaded not guilty. In default of $800 bail he was returned to jail pending his hearing which takes place today at 2 o'clock. Mr. Vandervort is a brakeman on the U. P. out of this point, he and his wife having come here about five months ago from Honolulu. They have occupied quarters at the Rocky Mountain House since their arrival in this city. Mr. Lewis has been employed in the local machine shops the past two or three months and has a wife and one child. They were also guests of the same hotel. A Press man called on Mr. Vandervort Thursday evening and found him resting comfortably. When asked for a statement he cheerfully gave the following story: I came in from off my run Sunday noon and found my wife greatly worried over having been accused by Mrs. Lewis of stealing a pair of her shoes. I had a talk with Mrs. Lewis and told her I considered she had done my wife a great wrong and owed her an apology. She could not see the matter in that light, so I left her and thought no more of it until accosted by Lewis on the street after supper that evening when he accused me of having insulted his wife. This 1 proved to him was not so by Mrs Lewis, who was also present. I noticed he carried a knife in his hand, the blade of which was partly concealed under his- coat sleeve, but had no idea he intended using it on me. During our conversation, without any warning or just provocation, he made a dive at me with the open knife and I struck him in the face with my fist about the same instant the knife entered my body. He then backed off and ran through the hall and upstairs to his room. I followed him until I became too weak from loss of blood. Some friends took me in hand and Dr. Harrison soon arrived and dressed the wound. I expect to be out again in a few days, though it will be some time before I can go back to work." Mr. Lewis was also given an opportunity to make a statement through these columns, but when the reporter stated his mission through the bars of Lewis' cell he replied, I have nothing to say, and the interview ended. (May 31, 1902 Wyoming Press)
Fued - Larson Arrested - 1904

Charles Larson of Ft. Bridger was arrested last week for shooting at Leo Lewis, a clerk for Lewis & Co. merchants.  He was before Justice George A. Taylor of Lyman on Tuesday and placed under a bond of $200. to appear at the April term of the district court.  The case grew out of a matter of rent due Larson by Lewis & Co.  Larson upon failure to secure his rent promptly, placed a padlock upon the door of the building occupied as a store, and it was while Lewis was endeavoring to break the lock for the purpose of entering the store that Larson appeared on the scene and fired a shot from a rifle, which went wild.  Meantime, Lewis had entered the building and secured a gun, but as they came face to face with their firearms the trouble ended and no more shots were fired.  County attorney Thomas was present at the hearing in behalf of the state, while the defendant was represented by Attorney Spaulding.  Wyoming Press January 16, 1904


Saloon Burglaries - 1904

Frank Burke was arrested Wednesday on the charge of burglary and placed in prison.  His preliminary hearing occurred yesterday when he pleaded guilty and told of how he entered Reeves saloon the night previous and touched the cash register to the ring of $10.00 having broken in a rear door.  He is also suspected of having burglarized the Hub saloon recently and securing a like amount.  He is held to the district court and the offense calls for a penitentiary sentence of from one to fourteen years.  Burke is comparatively a stranger in Evanston and has been working in the oil field.  His previous record is said to have been good.    Wyoming Press January 30, 1904


Embezzlement - 1904

James H. Poormon of Star Valley, was arrested by Sheriff James during the week and brought to Evanston to answer the charge of embezzlement.  He was before the court on Thursday and waived examination, the case being set for today.  Poormon had been in the Grovont Cattle Cos employ and is said to have appropriated $2,190 of the companys money to his own use.  He has been a resident of Uinta county for a number of years.  His downfall is attributed to a high Lonesome he indulged in recently at Omaha.  Not so lonesome either if all accounts be true.  He will be defended by Attorney D. A. Preston of Rock Springs, who arrived in town yesterday. Wyoming Press January 30, 1904


Old Crimes - 1904

Last Tuesday, January 26th, marked the eleventh anniversary of the mysterious disappearance from Evanston of Wm. Crawford, who was last seen on our streets on the evening of January 26, 1893. It was also the ninth anniversary of the murder of Harvey Booth, whose mutilated body was found Jan., 26th  1895 in the old barn recently removed from the government building site. This brings to memory the long and tedious trial of E. S. Crocker, who was convicted of the crime in the district court here and later given a rehearing under change of venue to Cheyenne, and acquitted. The disappearance of Crawford still remains a profound mystery.  Wyoming Press January 30, 1904


Woman Shot in Duel - 1904

Mrs. Leon Demars, shot in a duel by her neighbor, Mrs Nancy Richardson, is dead at Evanston, Wy. Several times the women had come to blows, and each had warned the other the next encounter would be with guns. Mrs. Demars went to Mrs. Richardson's ranch near Fort Bridger, and upon being ordered away displayed a big revolver. Mrs. Richardson had been carrying a weapon in expectation of meeting Mrs. Demars. Mrs. Richardson says that Mrs. Demars fired first, but there were no other witnesses. At the second shot Mrs. Demars fell with a bullet in her breast, but kept on firing, emptying the relvolver. Mrs. Richardson also fired six shots. Both are wives of ranchers.  Mrs. Richardson was arrested. Wyoming Press December 9, 1904


Seeks a Pardon - 1907

George A. Rener a convict in the state penitentiary serving twenty years for the crime of murder in the second degree, has made application to the state board of pardons for a pardon. 

He was convicted in December 1904 at Evanston and sentenced on January 5th to twenty years in prison of which term he has served two years.

The crime for which Rener is serving time created a sensation at the time of its commission in August 1904, when he shot and killed Mrs. Leon Demars at Lone Tree, in Uinta county as the result of a quarrel over a small irrigation ditch.

Rener disguised himself as a woman and lay in wait for his victim.  He inflicted a severe beating upon her and when she started to run, fired two shots at her claiming he was only trying to frighten her.  One took effect in the womans leg.  At first it was not believed to be serious, but two  months later she died.  Mrs. Richardson, the mother-in-law of Rener was arrested for the crime as Rener had dressed in womans clothing.  Not until she was safe in jail at Evanston did she make a statement that she was innocent and that her son-in-law had fired the fatal shot.  She claimed Rener made her assume the blame for the crime.  Rener was lured to the city be a telegram telling him his mother-in-law was ill and was then arrested.  Wyoming Press Saturday, March 2, 1907


Jarman in the Toils - 1911

Husband Causes Arrest in Idaho

Of Evanston Man Who Fled with Wife

The history of Charles Jarmans flight with another mans wife is fresh in the minds of the people of this county.  Jarman was a resident of Evanston for several years, leaving here about six years ago for Lyman, where his wife and nine children now reside.  Sheriff Zugg of Shoshone, Idaho is now in the city collecting evidence to be used against Jarman, who is under arrest.  The story of Jarmans latest predicament is best told by The Hub City (Idaho)  Irrigationist of February 10, as follows:

Dodging hither and thither, twice escaping the clutches of the United States government, Elder Jarman, Mormon missionary, alias Johnstone, was run to earth at this place by George Barry, an Englishman and Sheriff Zugg.

It was the old story of a man and woman breathing in the true religion, in the city of Liverpool, England.  They believed his story of the wonderful land across the seas.  Among these English people were the Barry family, a happy contented people until the coming of the missionary, Barry moved to Salt Lake, saved his money and sent for the wife and little daughter.  He waited long and in vain for their coming.

The wife took the money, crossed the ocean, was met by Jarman, who suddenly left his wife and children in Wyoming and came on post haste to Idaho with Mrs. Barry.

Barry, learning that he had but warmed the traditional serpent in his household, swore to spend every dollar he had in the world, if need be to bring just punishment to the home wrecker.

A few days ago he received a pathetic letter from his daughter, Dorothy who was living with the former Elder and her mother.  He took the first train to Shoshone, swore out warrants and Sheriff Zugg nabbed his man, who was at work on the Wendell inn as a painter.

The pathetic part of it is that a nine months old child is at the Jarman-Johnstone home.  The mother is critically ill.

The meeting between little Dorothy and her father was affecting in the extreme.  Like her mother she had been poorly cared for by the former missionary.

Barry and Jarman stared at each other for two straight minutes without a word.  I told you, you viper, Id get you, no matter where you hid or under what name you went. Said Barry.  Ill put you where you wont run away with any more wives.  Youve been dancing for a long time and now I guess youll work the rest of your days for the fiddler.

Adultery is the charge.  The government has been attempting to find Mrs. Barry to deport her.  Wyoming Times  Thursday, February 16, 1911


Rowdies Arrested - 1911

Thomas Faddies-Murtha and Albert Woodward are locked behind the bars of the county jail, where they will remain until such time as they are given a preliminary hearing on charges preferred by Mrs. Blanche Harcourt.

The men imbibed freely of whiskey on Monday.  Latter they found their way to the Almy road, where they entered the home of Mrs. Harcourt and became boisterous.  They then pulled their revolvers and made insulting remarks to the lady, who was surrounded by her children and other members of the family.  After they had frightened the family Murtha and Woodward left the house and started towards Almy.  Sheriff Ward and Marshall Brennan were notified and were soon on the trail of the bad men.  They were arrested Tuesday afternoon just as they were about to leave the Wyoming line, and were returned to Evanston and lodged in the county jail.

Woodward is said to be related to the complaining witness, and on account the charge may no be pressed as hard against the disturbers as might otherwise be the case.  However, for the protection of the home these men should be made to suffer the penalty of the law for their disorderly behavior.  Wyoming Times Thursday, March 2, 1911


Death of Frank Nicholson - 1911

From information received in Evanston yesterday the death of Frank Nicholson is announced as having taken place in Diamondville Tuesday.  Mr. Nicholson was to have stood trial in the district court next month on the charge of murder and his friends were confident that he could have established that the crime was committed in self-defense.  Deceased has two brothers working on the railroad out of Evanston, and a few years ago married the sister of our townsman, John Cunnington.  The Wyoming Times Thursday, March 23, 1911


HORSE THEIVES OF UINTA COUNTY - 1911

Uinta county horse thieves met with a warm and fatal reception at   Heber City. Utah, on  Monday.   The outlaws are well known in this   county, bring residents of the Lyman  country. At this point the Utah line divides both states, and horse  thieves  have been in the habit of running stolen property over the line and then defying the officers.   All parties mentioned in the following article, dated  Heber City June 25 are well known in  this locality.    The article follows.

His partner, Ab. Murdock. Dead at the hands of Deputy Sheriff Scruggs of Evanston, Wyo., who shot him at a ranch near Theodore yesterday afternoon when he refused to surrender, Bob Meeks. an alleged notorious sheep and horse thief who has boasted that he will never be taken alive. is fleeing before an armed posse in the mountains east of here. and a battle to the death is momentarily expected.
Meeks was present at the killing of Murdock, but escaped by hard riding.  Deputy Sheriff Scruggs in company with Sheriff I. O. Wall and his deputy A. C. Gudmansen, Wasatch county, trailed Murdock and Meeks from Springville, Utah county, where it is alleged they had recently stolen horses, to Meeks ranch near Theodore, they came upon their quarry mounted and ready for flight. Four times Scruggs called on Murdock to lay down his gun and surrender and at the fourth time he fired, killing his man instantly, as Murdock reached for his gun. Murdock was mounted on a horse he stole from the deputy sheriff in Wyoming.  A general feud was then opened between the running outlaw and the officers, the former riding out of range un-hit and escaping in the surrounding hills.
The body of Murdock, whose record of crime in eastern Utah ranges from sheep stealing to murder, was brought to Heber City today by Deputy Sheriff Gudmunaen, who rode all night.  He was about forty years old and was a half-breed Indian, taking his name from the people who adopted and raised him. In 1892 he killed a man named Olds at Manti and was given a life sentence in the state prison. Six years later he was pardoned and had been known throughout Utah, Wyoming and Colorado as a thief of sheep and cattle ever since. In refusing to surrender when Scruggs got the drop on him, Murdock made good a much vaunted  boast that he would die with his boots on, untaken.
Murdock and Meeks are said to have been the leaders of a large gang of cattle thieves operating in the three states. Deputy Sheriff Scruggs came down from Bridger to Provo several days ago, looking for them on a sheep stealing  charge held against them in Wyoming. He came on through Heber City, and with the local officials encountered the desperadoes halfway between here and Theodore. The killing followed.
Bob Meeks is heavily armed and is noted as one of the best rifle shots in this section. Knowing that there are enough charges against him to send him to prison for the rest of his life, he is expected to fight until killed or disabled.
Following the killing of Murdock the officers rode hard on Meeks trail, recruiting a posse from the ranchers along the way. Meeks is still at large, and has a good chance at escape.  Deputy Sheriff Scruggs has been arrested and charged with murder by Murdock's brother, who declares that the dead man was unarmed when Scruggs shot him. No gun was found on Murdock's body. Thursday June 29, 1911 Wyoming Times
AUTO THEIVES STILL ON THE JOB -1914
T. Nelson came to Evanston about four days ago and had been a guest of one of Evanstons hotels until Thursday when, through the misfortune of being caught by the officers, he is feeding at the expense of the state.
T. Nelson, according to the officers, must have entered the Trans-Continental Garage Some time before dark on Wednesday evening, and hiding somewhere about the premises, waited a favorable opportunity to carry out his designs, which opportunity came at about 7:30 p. m.
Mr Parsons, a sheep buyer, had placed his Cadillac auto in the garage that evening, and Nelson cranked er up at the Time above stated leaving with the car by the rear entrance.  He went over the hill on Sixth street and had gotten as far as Bascom six miles this side of Echo, when lie was arrested. operator Davis at Wasatch saw the man driving the car,  and as the real owner had been in that vicinity with the car a few days previously, wondered.  His bewilderment took the form of a telegram to the own-er in Evanston. who up to this time did not know that his car had been stolen.
When brought back to Evanston. Nelson refused to state where he was from, and said that about seven oclock a stranger met him who asked him if he would drive his car to Ogden, offering him five dollars for so doing. Nelson says the stranger went to the garage and returned with the car, saying that if he arrived safely in Ogden by 2 oclock Thursday afternoon he would give Nelson seven dollars. Nelson says he took the car at the north entrance of the government building. Which was first he had seen of it.  He gave the sheriff a description of the alleged stranger, and then says he hoped he would not be able to find him.  This story is discredited, and the supposition is that Nelson intended to sell the car at a low price before the discovery of its loss.  Saturday October 3, 1914 Wyoming Press

 

 

 

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