Jan. 3, 1913

CIRCUIT COURT

The Reinhart Grocery Co., and Hirsheimer Brothers of St. Louis, and the Paris Glove and Mitten Co. of Paris Ill., by M. J. McMurray their attorney, have filed a creditor's bill against Dominico Dasiano of Panama. The grocery company has a judgement against the defendant for $168.55 and the glove company one for $40.20 and Hersheimer Brothers one for $48.98. They allege that the defendant fraudulently conveyed his property to W. W. Mitchell for the pretended consideration of $1600 but the said conveyance was made to hinder and delay his creditors, and they ask that the property be subjected to the payment of the aforesaid judgments with interest.

Edward Keenan, by E. C. Knotts his attorney, has sued the Shoal Creek Coal Company for $3000. No declaration is filed yet.

Myrtle F. Otter of Donnellson has sued Robert E. Otter for a divorce. They were married in St. Louis, Feb. 18, 1911, and lived together until Sept. 5, 1911. Myrtle charges Robert with drunkenness and cruelty. There is one child, 17 months old. Defendant is a miner at Panama, and complainant wants alimony, the custody of the child and wants her maiden name Myrtle F. Dockery restored.

Montgomery News

Jan. 10, 1913

CIRCUIT COURT-NEW CASES

Frank Zimmerman, by Frank Ramey his attorney, sues Joseph Bussone and Anna Bussone in an action of trespass for $2000. The plaintiff sues for injuries he claims to have suffered by being bitten by the defendant's dog. The parties live in Panama and Zimmerman claims Joseph and Annie Bussone kept a dog that had a vicious propensity to bite, and that they knew of this propensity and still continued to keep him. On the 13th day of November, 1912, the plaintiff claims the aforesaid dog attacked him and did then and there greatly lacerate, hurt and wound one of the legs of the plaintiff, which made the plaintiff "sick, sore, lame and disordered" so he could not transact business.

Montgomery News

Jan. 17, 1913

CIRCUIT COURT

Jesse Manning, by John B. Harris his attorney, sues the Shoal Creek Coal Company for $10,000. The plaintiff was employed in the defendant's mine Dec. 3, 1912, and he alleges that the defendant placed him in a dangerous place to work, viz in the "third west entry" and that certain parts of this entry were so narrow and shallow that they afforded no means of passage for persons necessarily required to be therein between the ribs of said entry and the cars which were being hauled upon the tracks therein, and that while working therein he was crushed between the cars and rib entry and permanently crippled.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

Antonio Bussone, Panama, age 26

Gabriella Falleth, Panama, age 27

Montgomery News

Jan. 24, 1913

CIRCUIT COURT

The case of the People vs. Paul DeShane, charged with murder, was called Tuesday and the defendant entered a plea of not guilty. It was stated to the court that E. C. Knotts, one of the defendant's attorneys, had withdrawn from the case and a continuance was asked for.  Judge Jett refused to continue the case but reset it for trial on Monday, Feb. 3rd.

Montgomery News

Jan. 31, 1913

CIRCUIT COURT

The case against John Kulick of Panama, indicted for an assault with intent to murder was called Wednesday afternoon. Kulick was charged with assaulting Frank Kruzlack with an ax at Panama on the 14th of last September. The parties and witnesses were Italians and the services of an interpreter were required. D. R. Kinder and Dan Maddux defended and States Attorney Major prosecuted. The prisoner plead self defense. The case is still in progress as we go to press.

In the suit of trespass of Frank Zimmerman vs. Joseph Bussone and Anna Bussone, the case was dismissed as to Anna Bussone.

Montgomery News

Feb. 7, 1913

CIRCUIT COURT

The case against John Kulick, charged with an assault to murder, which was being tried as we went to press last week, proved to be a drunken row in Panama, and it was hard to tell who was or who was not guilty. Many of the witnesses were unable to talk English and it was even hard for an interpreter to give an intelligent version of what they swore to. The jury found the defendant not guilty.

The case of Edward Keenan vs the Shoal Creek Coal Company, was dismissed at the cost of the plaintiff.

The case of Camillio Pagnier vs. Shoal Creek Coal Company, for damages the plaintiff received in the defendant's mine at Panama, was tried Monday, and the jury found a verdict for the plaintiff and gave him $500.

The case of Antone Nagalil vs. Shoal Creek Coal Company, was continued.

A petition for temporary alimony was filed by Myrtle F. Otter in her divorce suit against Robert E. Otter.

The murder case against Paul DeShane is set for trial next Monday, and both sides announce that they will be ready for trial. It will be remembered that Paul DeShane was accused of killing Biaggio Lasero at Panama on the 10th day of August, 1912. The defendant, it is said, was crazy drunk at the time, and the alleged facts were published in the News at the time of the tragedy. About forty witnesses have been subpoenaed for the people and a large number for the defendant. States Attorney Major, T. A. Gasaway and Dan Maddux will prosecute and Hill and Bullington and Paul McWilliams will represent the defendant. E. C. Knotts of Carlinville originally represented the defendant but he withdrew from the case. DeShane has been in jail since the tragedy.

Montgomery News

Feb. 14, 1913

CIRCUIT COURT

The trial of Paul DeShane of Panama, charged with the murder of Biaggio Lasero, at Panama, on August 10, 1912, has been occupying the attention of the court all this week. It took nearly two days to get a jury in the case as nearly everybody had heard about it and had formed or expressed an opinion. The regular panel was quickly exhausted Monday and four special veniries were issued, one for 10 and three for 20 men each, before a jury was selected. About 75 men were examined and rejected, either for cause or peremptorily. Tuesday afternoon the panel was completed and consisted of the following:

James Harris

Phillip Spicer

John Botoner

John Nicholson

Sam Hall

William Brockman

Ira Doyle

Ray Chambers

Joseph Whalen

George Harris

Louis Welge

Marion Weller

States Attorney Major, Dan Maddux, Judge Amos Miller and T. A. Gasaway prosecuted the case and Hill and Bullington and Paul McWilliams defended.

It took a long time to try the case but the facts in it are few and simple. Paul DeShane, a young unmarried man, 23 years of age, and employed in the Panama coal mine, got drunk on the 10th day of last August, went to Mitchell's general store and bought a revolver.

He then went to the store of Kinzer & Wood and bought 15 cartridges.

This was about five o'clock in the afternoon. He then went to the "Red Onion" boarding house, where Lasero, another coal miner, was boarding, and without any apparent provocation, shot the Italian, fatally wounding him. He then attempted to shoot himself in the chest, but the bullet was deflected by a tie pin and glanced off his rib, making only a superficial wound. Lasero was taken to a hospital in St. Louis but pneumonia set in from the wound, which was in his right lung, and six days thereafter he died.

There had been no trouble between DeShane and Lasero, and a few minutes before they had been laughing and joking with each other. It was simply a case where a man frenzied with drink, and for the time irresponsible, had run amuck, and shot down a harmless, inoffensive man against whom he had no grudge and with whom he had no quarrel.

It is said that in Java a ferocious madness seizes those who have long been addicted to the use of opium. The man so afflicted seizes a knife or large dirk and rushes through the street striking, stabbing and killing anyone whom he may encounter. When one is seen to start on his madness, the people cry "amuck!" or "amook," and immediately hunt the maniac to death. It was some such madness that seized Paul DeShane on the evening of August 10th, last, and caused him to commit a deed that has ruined his life and made him a felon.

Paul DeShane is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Emory DeShane, respectable, quiet, law abiding citizens of Panama. They were present at the trial and were apparently more agitated and concerned than was their son Paul, who sat through the trial stolid and indifferent.

The case has gone to jury and is being argued as we go to press.

The following case is set for next week:

J. S. Sweeney vs Shoal Creek Coal Company.

Montgomery News

Feb. 21, 1913

CIRCUIT COURT

The jury in the case agaist Paul DeShane, charged with murdering Biaggio Lasero at Panama on the 10th of August, 1912, which was being argued as we went to press last week, brought in a verdict of manslaughter on Friday of last week. While the verdict was a surprise to many, yet the general opinion is that it was right. The facts did not show that the killing of Lasero was premeditated, and there was no malice shown. True, it was proved that DeShane made threats against Lasero shortly before he killed him, but he was maudlin drunk at the time and was not responsible. The punishment for manslaughter in this state is confinement in the penitentiary for a term not less than one year and may extend to life.

WALDO STOUT INSANE

Waldo Stout, a blacksmith formerly of this city, was arrested by Sheriff Kiggins at Panama last Sunday and brought to Hillsboro where he was tried for "insanity" by a jury composed of Joe Kimball, LaMar Glass, Henry Worrell, George Werner, Lewy Brandes and Dr. Z. V. Kimball. The hearing was continued over two days because the good behavior or Mr. Stout and his actions before the jury made it hard for them to determine whether he was sane or insane. From the testimony it seems that Mr. Stout is afflicted only at short intervals but during that time he is a dangerous man. His wife testified that he was seated at the organ on Sunday evening when he suddenly turned and drew a long knife and chased his family out of doors and frightened them so they would not return home. A knife was found in the possession of Stout which had a blade fully fourteen inches long and which had been sharpened until it had an edge like a razor. The knife was formerly a bayonet on an army rifle and Stout told the jury he had sharpened the knife to use for a bread knife but he failed to explain why he had made a leather holster for it and a belt to carry it with.

He is a quiet, peaceable man and comes from a good family. He has no bad habits and his insanity is probably due to overwork and nervousness.

Mr. Stout was employed here for several years in the blacksmith shop of W. N. Neff.

Montgomery News

Feb. 28, 1913

CIRCUIT COURT

The motions for a new trial and in arrest of judgment in the case where Paul DeShane was found guilty of manslaughter, were overruled and DeShane was sentenced to an indeterminate term in the penitentiary at Chester.

The motion for a new trial in the case of Camillio Pagnier vs. Shoal Creek Coal Company, in which a verdict for $500 was given plaintiff, was overruled Tuesday of this week, and an appeal was granted upon the plaintiff filing a bond in the sum of $700 in 90 days.

SHOAL CREEK LONG BRIDGE

We publish above a picture of the new Shoal Creek high bridge, recently completed by Laws and Grantham, the progressive young contractors of Irving. This is one of the longest steel bridges in the county being 350 feet long. It is supported by steel beams and steel cylinders filled with concrete. The firm that built the bridge have headquarters at Irving but they are doing bridge work all over the southern and central part of the state. The firm began business in 1909 under the name of C. F. Laws and Co., and C. A. Grantham became a member of the firm in 1911, when the name was changed to Laws and Grantham. The contractors are young men, well fixed financially and able to swing any of their contracts without aid from anyone. They are not trying to get rich on each job they undertake but they figure on a neat margin within keeping of the cost of each contract, to pay them for their trouble and the risk they take and it is no wonder they are succeeding and their business is growing very rapidly. The News wishes them success.

Montgomery News

Mar. 21, 1913

JUMPED HIS BOND

George Savage of Panama was arrested Tuesday for making a criminal assault upon Miss Bertha Stine. He gave bond in the sum of $200 to appear Wednesday for a preliminary hearing but disappeared before the trial.

UNFORTUNATE YOUNG MEN

Paul DeShane, the young man recently convicted of murder and Jesse Spangler, convicted of arson, were taken to Chester this week by Sheriff Kiggins. DeShane was drunk when he killed a foreigner at Panama and Spangler was drunk when he fired or help set fire to a stack of hay in Rountree township. Both young men attribute their trouble to booze. Both are big, strong young fellows but when they leave the penitentiary they will be old in years and broken in health and spirit - and they blame their trouble wholly to booze.

CASES REVERSED

The Appellate Court Tuesday of this week reversed and remanded the case of Pauloni vs, Shoal Creek Coal Company, tried in this county in April, 1911. The plaintiff in the trial here got a verdict for $7000.

The case of Sibert vs. Shoal Creek Coal Company, tried here in November, 1911, was also reversed. The plaintiff got a verdict here for $1500.

Montgomery News

Apr. 4, 1913

GRISHAM TOWNSHIP ELECTIONS

The republicans elected a straight ticket, with one exception. It is as follows:

Supervisor, William Vogel

Commissioners; C. A. Ferguson

H. C. Keith, democrat

Justice of the peace, L. H. Tankersley

Grisham township went wet by 18 votes. It has been dry heretofore.

Montgomery News

Apr. 18, 1913

CIRCUIT COURT

Maud Clark, selling liquor in anti-saloon territory, bail $500.

George Savage, attempt to commit a criminal assault upon one Bertha Stine, a young lady 18 years of age, living at Panama. The alleged offense was committed about four weeks ago. George was arrested and gave bond to appear before a justice for preliminary trial, in the sum of $200, with Charles Williams and Charles Serenco as his sureties, but before the trial George disappeared and has not been seen since.

John D. Williams, selling liquor in anti-saloon territory, bail $500.

John D. Williams, maintaining a nuisance. John runs a pool room in Panama and is charged with maintaining a booze joint there.

Montgomery News

Apr. 25, 1913

CIRCUIT COURT

William McCoy, selling liquor in Panama, anti-saloon territory.

Montgomery News

May 2, 1913

CIRCUIT COURT

The divorce case of Myrtle F. Otter vs. Robert E. Otter was heard but was left open for additional testimony and the complainant was given leave to amend her bill.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

Steve Fodor, Panama, age 26

Mrs. Roniag Borcsa, Panama, age 30

Montgomery News

May 16, 1913

ANOTHER MURDER AT THE RED ONION

Booze mixed with jealousy or jealousy mixed with booze was the cause of another murder at the notorious "Red Onion" boarding house in Panama on Saturday night of this week.

As a result of the affray, William Elliott is dead and Ben Coyle is in the county jail charged with murder. Coyle is a young coal miner 22 years old and Elliott was a man about 40 or 45 years old.

Coyle's wife had left him because he had abused her and she went to the home of her nieghbors, Mr. and Mrs. Elliott, who opened their home to protect her and her baby from the ill-treatment of the drunken husband.

Because the Elliotts harbored his wife, Coyle swore he would "get" Elliot and on Saturday night he went to the house, apparently to see his wife, and when inside the house, he suddenly attacked Mr. Elliott , stabbing him in the left side with a pocket knife and causing an injury which resulted in Elliott's death on Sunday evening.

Sheriff Kiggins was notified of the murder and went after Coyle on Monday morning. By a fortunate "guess," Mr. Kiggins and his deputy William Woods, located Coyle at the home of his grandmother near Old Ripley and they placed him under arrest and brought him to Hillsboro where he was placed in the county jail. After being lodged in jail, he was told that the victim of his assault was dead and the young man immediately became almost hysterical from fright and remorse.

Sheriff Kiggins is to be congratulated for the quick work he made in capturing Coyle, who would probably have made good his escape had he heard that he was wanted for murder. He attributes all of his trouble to booze and he realizes that he is going to have a hard time saving himself from the gallows and will be fortunate indeed if he escapes a term in the penitentiary.

Coroner W. A. Gray held an inquest over the remains of Elliott on Monday morning, the jury being composed of W. W. Mitchell, J. E. Towell, J. C. Murphy, F. A. Lyons, Max Von Brun and Frank DeWitt. After hearing the evidence they returned a verdict as follows:

"We the undersigned jurors sworn to inquire into the death of William Elliott, find that he came to his death by a wound from a knife in the hands of Ben Coyle on the 10th day of May, A.D. 1913 at about 8 o'clock p.m., at the Red Onion Boarding House at Panama, Ill. We would recommend that he be held without bail."

We publish the evidence heard at the coroner's inquest in full, as follows:

Dr. J. O. Wilcox's testimony:

I was called down to the Red Onion about six o'clock p.m. on May the 10th, 1913, to see William Elliott, commonly known as "Chappy", and found him laying on his right side in the northwest room down stairs in the Red Onion. He was laying on his right side on the floor, holding a towel up against his left side. On examination I found him suffering from an incised wound caused by a sharp instrument entering a little to the left of the medium line below the peritoneum extending to the left side, severing the cartilage of the ninth rib and extending between the eighth and ninth rib. This wound was about five inches long on the skin surface and about four inches long through the peritoneum. There was a loop of intestine and mesentery extruding from the opening. He also had a skin incision below the internal to the left nipple about two inches long. I put an emergency dressing on, called Dr. A. B. Carey of Donnellson,Ill., in consultation and we gave him an anesthetic, sewed up the wound and left him. I called to see him again about 5 o'clock a.m. on May 11th and made four visits on May 11th. He finally died about 5:30 p.m., so they told me. The last time I saw him, his temperature was below normal, and all during the day of May 11th, he had a running pulse and at times, it was not perceptible at the wrist. He told me that Bennie Coyle had stabbed him. When I got to the Red Onion, Elliott's wife and Mrs. Coyle were in the room where Chappy was.

That was all that was in the room when I went in. In my opinion, the death was due to the direct injury deceased had. The Red Onion is in Montgomery county, State of Illinois.

Adeline Coyle, being duly sworn, said:

My residence is Panama, Illinois, my occupation, housewife. I am 22 years old, a married lady. My husband's name is Bennie Coyle. I was at the Red Onion at the time the cutting scrape took place, which was Saturday night, last past. My brother came in and said that Bennie wanted to see me, so I asked Mrs. Elliott, would she go, and she said no, she wouldn't go out there. Said if he wanted to see me, to let him come in the house. Then she told my brother to go out, and let him come in the house. When he came in he asked, what did you want with me? Said that I did not want anything; just wanted to see him about the furniture. Elliott was around all the time. Mr. Elliott and Mrs. Elliott were in the next room where I went. I saw Bennie take something out of his trouser's pocket and put it in his coat pocket; something that shined. Then Bennie came in there and stood in the middle door, and Mr. Elliott was sitting right at the table, and he asked Mr. Elliott if he had any beer. He told him no, and there were some men in the next room, and he asked what were those men doing in there and he told him they were his boarders, so he asked Mr. Elliott to go through there and Mr. Elliott told him no, that he couldn't let him go. Then he said, now Bill Elliott, if you want anything, just come on. Mr. Elliott jumped up off the chair and that was all I saw. They went in the other room, and I went out the other way. Bennie went back in the door, and Mr. Elliott followed him through. I did not see Ben have a knife, and did not see Mr. Elliott have anything. My husband and Mr. Elliott had trouble before. One night I went to the show and when I came home, Bennie had me locked out. Mrs. Elliott was on the porch and told me to come over there so I went over there and stayed a little while, then went back over home again. I knocked on the door about twice, and he opened it and he struck at me and I run back over to Elliott's. Before I got in the house, Mr. Elliott and some others were out there, then Bennie and him had a little racket; no fight. That was last Wednesday night. I think Bennie was under the influence of intoxicating liquor Saturday night. I don't know whether Mr. Elliott was or not. My brother's right name is Henry Lauderman. I think my brother was in the room where Mr. Elliott and Bennie went, and don't know of anyone else in there. I was staying at the Red Onion with Mrs. Elliott, as I had left my husband. I left him Wednesday night.

Mr. and Mrs. Elliott both told me I could stay with them. Mrs. Elliott told me after they got moved down to the Red Onion and got started up, they would pay me. Ben was down to see me Thursday night, down at the Red Onion. He wanted me to go back and live with him. He objected to me living with Elliotts. Mrs. Elliott was in the same room I was, carrying her baby, and I had my baby. I did not hear any swearing there. I have known Elliotts about six or seven months. I did not see Ben any more after Mr. Elliott was cut. Mr. Elliott came back in the room where I was and said that he had stabbed him. I do not know where the knife is that Ben cut him with.  I did not see the knife.

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Elliott, being duly sworn says, my residence is Panama, Illinois, my occupation is housewife; I live in the Red Onion; just moved down there Thursday. I am the wife of Mr. Elliott who was killed down there. I was at home there last Saturday evening at the time my husband was cut. Hiney came through and knocked at the door. He asked me if Adeline was in. I told him yes, to come in. He came in and told her that Ben was outside and wanted to speak to her. She asked me what I would do. I said, well if I were her, I would not go out there, because he had beat her up the night before so bad and if he wanted to speak to her to come in, and we would be there with her. She said she was afraid to go out to him. Previous to this, Hiney said that he had a knife, and Adeline thought that he was only fooling about it so I told Hiney to go back and tell him that if he wanted to speak to her, he could come in. He came and knocked at the door. I answered him and asked him in. He asked Adeline if she wanted to speak to him about the furniture. He said he had already told Mr. Mitchell to take the furniture and she said she thought she could sell it and get a little out of it for a few clothes, as I would pay what was due on it and give her some money after for the furniture. He said he didn't think she could get it. Then he accused her of stealing a pillow. I told him that the pillow was in the baby buggy the night she brought the baby over and he could have it if he wanted it. Then an old man by the name of Foraker came in. Foraker asked Bill to give him a drink and Bill told him he had nothing but water and I was going to get the water when Adeline screamed out "Oh Mrs. Elliott!" I turned back and went to her. I asked her what was the matter and she said she saw Bennie take something out of his trousers pocket and put it in his coat pocket. She thought it looked like a revolver; she said it shined. We went in the next room then and Bill came in and set down by the end of the table. We stood in there talking a while and then Ben came in and stood at the door. He asked Bill for a drink and Bill told him he hadn't one on the place. We had two boarders come to stay with us that night, and they were talking in the back room.  Bennie heard them and he wanted to go through to see them. Bill told him, no, he couldn't go through there and he said that maybe he would know the boarders. Bill told him he just had two friends in with him, and he didn't want to disturb them. Bennie put his hand in his coat pocket and drew it out and said, now look here Bill Elliott. I saw him open the knife and I screamed. That was between the door of the first and second room. I hollered watch out Bill. Bill sprang up and tried to catch his arm. He missed his grip and Bennie pulled his arm back behind him. Then he pulled his arm forward and plunged the knife in him. Bill fell back and told him it stuck him in the heart. Bennie run out as fast as he could. I followed him out onto the front porch. I screamed and I went in to see Bill and then sent the men off for Marshall, the doctor. Bill told me he would die. I wanted to help him but he wouldn't let me. I wanted to bind the wound up, but he wouldn't let me touch him as it gave him so much pain. Then the doctor came and they put him to bed. I saw the knife; it was seven or eight inches long, and looked like a new knife. I don't know where the knife is, or what became of it. I never saw it after he stuck Bill with it. My husband and Coyle had had trouble before. Adeline went to the show and Ben locked her out.  He was always beating her and I was sorry for her. She tried to get in for about an hour, and had a little baby outside. I went out on the porch and told her he might not be in, and told her to come over to my house. She said he was in, and that he had locked her out before, many a time. She stayed out a little longer, then she came over and put the baby in our bed. She went back over to her own house again and knocked there a few times, then Ben opened the door and struck at her through the door. I was watching through a side window and I told Bill that he was killing her. Bill said he would not let him strike her any more while he was there. Bennie used some awful language and threats, then went in. I don't think Bennie was drunk the night he killed my husband. Bennie was down to the Red Onion Thursday night and used violent language to me, and told me to let Bill come around tonight and he would fix him.

Henry Lauderman, being duly sworn, says:

My residence is Panama, Illinois, my occupation is miner.

I am 17 years old. I live in Panama, Ill. I am a brother to Mrs. Ben Coyle. I was down at the Red Onion last Saturday evening. I was going out of the pool room and Bennie called me. That was after eight o'clock. He said he wanted to use me a couple of minutes. I said all right, what for? He said he wanted to go down and talk to Adeline so when we got down there, he stood over by that other building across the street and I went in and told Adeline, and she asked Mrs. Elliott if she should come out. Mrs. Elliott says, no, I wouldn't if I were in your place, so they told me to go out and tell him if he wanted to see her to come in there. I told him and he come in. He said to Adeline, what is it you wanted with me. She said I just wanted to see you about the furniture. I never paid no more attention to what they were talking about. I went and sat down and I heard him ask for some beer of Bill Elliott, and he said he had none so he stood in the door for a few minutes and never said nothing. I was setting about fifteen feet from him in a rocking chair. The first thing I knew, I seen him make a pass at Bill Elliott and then he turned around, then made another pass. Then he ran towards the door and I was standing there and said don't hurt me Bennie, and he said I won't. Then he ran out the door, and I never looked for him.

Bennie had a knife in his hand when he made a pass at Elliott. It was a new knife about six or seven inches long. Bennie had the knife in his hand when he ran out the door. Elliott did not do anything to Bennie that I could see. Elliott had nothing in his hand that I could see. As we were going to the Red Onion he said, "I am going to tear the roof off the Red Onion." He wasn't drunk, nor was he sober, but he had all he wanted. He had a knife in his pants pocket and I saw him put it in his coat pocket.

Montgomery News

May 23, 1913

CIRCUIT COURT

MARRIAGE LICENSES

Tito Perfetti, Panama, age 28

Massimilla Gambaiani, Panama, age 26

Montgomery News

May 30, 1913

IT COST HIM $409

John Williams, better known as "Jack" Williams, of Panama, who was indicted by the last grand jury for selling booze in anti-saloon territory, walked into the county court Wednesday of this week and plead guilty on ten counts of the indictment. The case had been certified to the county court from the circuit court. Judge Dryer fined Jack $25 on each count, or $250 in all, and with the costs added, Jack's contribution to the school fund was $409. The officers had been trying for some time to get a booze line on Williams, and this may break him of sucking eggs. Panama is no longer dry territory, however, and Jack can take out license and dispense joy water to his hearts content with no one to molest or make him afraid.

Montgomery News

Jun. 13, 1913

BOOTLEGGING IN PANAMA

Fred Schrader and John Sims were arrested at Panama Sunday charged with bootlegging. They were arrested on a warrant sworn out before a justice of the peace but the defendants took a change of venue to a justice of the peace in Donnellson and States Attorney Major, who went down to prosecute the case Monday, returned to Hillsboro and filed an information in the county court. A bench warrant was issued for the defendants and Tuesday they were brought here and put in jail.

There is no occasion for selling booze surreptitiously any more in Panama, as there are now three saloons there running full blast and, it is claimed, they take in on an average, $140 a day, each, for booze. The village board limited the "saloon district" and the saloons are confined to a small territory, a little over a block in extent. The license is $1000 a year.

Schrader and Sims were caught at the notorious "Red Onion" with a truck full of bottled beer - about 100 bottles. They deny that they have been selling, but admit giving the beer away on Sunday.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

Jacob Panesh, Panama, age 28

Jera Brazor, Taylor Springs, age 24

Montgomery News

Jul. 4, 1913

CIRCUIT COURT

Leave was granted to re-docket the case of Angelo Pauloni vs. Shoal Creek Coal Company. In this case Pauloni obtained a verdict at the November term, 1911, against the Shoal Creek Coal Company, for $7000. It was taken to the Appellate court and reversed. Pauloni was in the explosion that occured in the defendant's mine a few years ago, and was badly burned.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

I hereby give notice that I will no longer be responsible for any debts my wife may incur, as she has left my bed and board without cause.

John Burke

Montgomery News

Aug. 1, 1913

TRAIN KILLS PANAMA MINER

Edo Barnedini, an Italian coal miner of Panama, was instantly killed about nine o'clock Saturday night, when he was struck by an eastbound extra freight No. 186, on the Clover Leaf railroad as he was sitting on the edge of the station platform fast asleep. The accident happened directly in front of the Panama depot, and the only witness was a man by the name of Baird of Edwardsville, who departed on a west bound train soon after the accident.

The right side of the skull was crushed, the cheek and jaw bones were broken but no other injuries were apparent.

Barnedini, in company with two other countrymen, Joe Dulaco and Vistah Tivan, were at the station intending to go to St. Louis where they were to see a doctor in regard to Tivan's toothache.

Coroner H. D. Cartmell and George L. Denny went to Panama, where the inquest was held at one o'clock a.m. Sunday morning. Joe Dulaco, Barnedini's "buddy" in the mine was the first to testify, and through an interpreter said he had worked in the mine with Barnedini only two hours that morning but that he had been with him all day more or less, and that they had had only one drink of beer. They had gone to the depot, intending to go to St. Louis to see a doctor with Vistah Tivan, who was suffering with the toothache. Barnedini asked the agent regarding the train and he was told it was an hour late. He came out of the station and sat down upon the edge of the platform, near the track and his two companions sat on a trunk near the depot, and did not pay much attention to Barnedini.

After a freight train passed they looked in the direction where Barnedini had been sitting and saw him lying on the platform. Still thinking he was asleep they went to him and discovered he was dead.

MINER KILLED AT PANAMA

Sam Mellini, a young Italian coal miner was killed by a fall of coal in the Shoal Creek Coal Company mine at Panama, on Wednesday morning of this week. An inquest was held by Coroner W. A. Gray on Tuesday evening.

CIRCUIT COURT-NEW CASES

Mary Ujhetyi, by Frank Ramey her attorney, has sued Mike Richie in an action of slander, for $5000. Mary claims Mike called her foul names and said she was entirely different from Caesar's wife. Both parties live at Panama and the plaintiff is 35 years of age, and a Slavonian. She is married and is living with her husband. Ramey claims he has a good case but he will have to handle the name of his client carefully or he will get cut to pieces. Think of the automobile tire that name would puncture if it was carelessly left in the road.

Montgomery News

Aug. 15, 1913

FOUND DEAD IN BED

Mrs. Martin Moreschi, aged 33 years was found dead in bed at her home in Panama by members of her family last Monday Morning.

Sept. 5, 1913

MAN KILLED AT PANAMA

George Pearsons, a mine examiner employed at the Panama coal mine, was run over by an electric motor in the mine and injured so badly he died a few minutes after being found at 7 a.m. on Wednesday morning of this week.

The time the accident occurred is not known but it is believed that Pearsons had been injured several hours and had been lying under the motor suffering untold agony during all this time.

Shortly after seven o'clock Wednesday morning, Ed Knemeyer, a miner, chanced to pass near where the accident occurred and he heard a man calling for help. He rushed to the place and found Pearsons lying beneath the motor, the front wheels of which had passed over his legs and back and in doing so they had been thrown off the track and jammed so as to stop the car. The hind wheels had remained on the track and also the trolley pole on the motor had not been dislodged so that the hind wheels of the motor were spinning around on the track when Knemeyer reached the spot and turned off the electric current.

Pearsons was lying between the front and back wheels of the motor and the spinning hind wheels were barely a half inch away from his body, so that Pearsons had evidently been lying there for a long time with the motor wheels turning rapidly around, close up beside his body and expecting every minute to feel the wheels pass over his body and crush out his life. Probably he would have welcomed such an event at any time as it would have ended his suffering.

We understand that when the men came to move him and the motor was raised on jacks so the injured man could be moved, he cautioned them to handle him carefully as he knew his back was broken in two places.

He was given a drink of water and within a very few minutes afterwards he died without telling his friends how long before, the accident had taken place.

It is believed that Pearsons was moving the motor from one entry to another and that he came to a mine door which had to be opened before he could pass through. It is thought that he got off the motor after stopping it and started down the track to open the door.

As he did so the motor suddenly started and ran him down when his back was turned. Some think he left the motor running slowly on the track and ran ahead to open the door and when about 30 feet from the door he stumbled and fell and was overtaken by the motor before he could get out of the way.

ALBERT KESSINGER KILLED

Albert Kessinger, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Miles Kessinger of near Panama, was killed on the Clover Leaf Railroad last Monday. The body of the deceased was found lying beside the railroad tracks in Bond county Monday morning and the coroner of that county held an inquest Monday afternoon. The deceased had returned from a trip to the west, Friday and it is thought he was returning home from Panama and became confused on the double tracks and was killed.

The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon, the remains being laid to rest at Clear Springs cemetery this county.

Mr. Kessinger leaves his parents, four brothers and two sisters, the brothers being Solomon, James, John and Christopher and the sisters, Mrs. Alice Grisham, wife of Joseph Grisham, and May Kessinger who resides in Texas.

Montgomery News

Sep. 19, 1913

FROM THE COFFEEN DEMOCRAT

R. E. Newsome of Coffeen, in partnership with Dr. Wilcox of Panama, are planning to open a drug store at the latter place. They have not yet secured a room and may have some difficulty in doing so, and may yet decide to erect a new building.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

Albert Deright, Panama, age 21

Lucy Basso, Panama, age 19

Montgomery News

Sep. 26, 1913

MINER KILLED AT PANAMA

John Ollas, a young coal miner of Panama, was crushed beneath a fall of coal while at work in the mine Friday and injured so badly he died Saturday morning. Coroner W. A. Gray held an inquest Saturday evening. The young man was married about nine months ago and leaves a wife who is prostrated with grief over the loss of her husband.

Montgomery News

Oct. 3, 1913

COUNTY COURT

John Day plead guilty to assault and battery last Saturday and was fined $3 and costs. The trouble occurred at Panama and the party he assaulted owed Day a bill which he was trying to collect.

EARL OTTER KILLED AT PANAMA

Earl Otter, the 21 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Otter of Hillsboro, was fatally injured in the Panama coal mine on Wednesday of this week at about 1:30 o'clock a.m. and he died at about 4 a.m. The deceased was born and raised in Donnellson where his father conducted a barber shop for 25 years prior to his coming to Hillsboro two years ago when he purchased the shop under the National Bank.

The young man was employed as trip rider in the mine, or in other words, he helped in hauling loaded and unloaded coal cars in the mine. He worked at night and about 1:30 o'clock he was talking to Clyde Mcreaken in the mine and when he left McReaken, Otter was standing with one foot on the coal car, the other on the chain, one hand resting on the car of coal and the other on the back of the mule which he was driving. He had not driven over 50 yards away in this position when McReaken heard him call for help, and running to him he found Otter pinned between the corner of the car on which he had been standing and the wall of coal, or "rib" of the entry.

McReaken tried to release the young man but was unable to do so and he finally summoned seven other miners and by the aid of jacks, Otter was taken from beneath the car. He was concious all the time but did not seem to think himself badly injured. He was evidently crushed internally, however, and nothing could be done to save his life.

The deceased was born and raised in Donnellson where he lived until a few years ago when he went to Panama to secure work in the coal mine there. He was married two and a half years ago to Miss Myrtle Dockery of Donnellson, who survives him, together with a little daughter. Besides these, the deceased leaves his father, mother, brother and sister of Hillsboro, and a sister, Mrs. John Wilcoxen of Mulberry Grove.

The funeral of the deceased was held at Panama on Thursday morning of this week at ten o'clock, the remains being laid to rest at Bear Creek cemetery.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

Harry Knott, Panama, age 25

Sarah Toureen, Panama, age 19

Montgomery News

Oct. 10, 1913

MINER KILLED AT PANAMA

Oliver Coyle, a young coal miner employed in the Panama mine was run over by a motor while at work on Wednesday afternoon of this week. The deceased was 28 years old and leaves a wife and one child.

He is a brother of Ben Coyle, the young man who is in jail here being held on a charge of murder committed at Panama several months ago.

AN APPEAL FROM PANAMA

Can it be that the summer is dying

And the time is so fast drawing near,

The time when a heart-broken mother

The fate of her boy shall hear?

The boy in the morn of his manhood,

Torn from his mother and wife,

To answer mankind for his terrible crime

For taking another man's life,

"A life for a life," has been written,

God grant that it may not be so,

There is sorrow enough without adding

One drop to his terrible woe,

A young life with such a bright future,

Blighted and ruined for aye

For even should he be aquitted,

There is nothing ahead but dismay

Is it just that his life pays the forfeit

When twas drink that had maddened his brain?

He was trying to sheild from a tempter

His wife and his baby in vain.

In vain for the snare of the tempter

Had entrapped her and then at one blow

He severed the ties which had bound her

And laid his enemy low.

Just think for one moment, I pray you,

Were your wife lured away from your side

To a place where no woman should enter

You would save her what e'er might betide,

And 'tis no fitting place for a woman

Where the "beverage of Hell" freely flows,

And those who conduct such business can

Expect only heartaches and blows.

And because the one blow has proved fatal

Shall the dealer be sentenced for life,

While trying to sheild from dishonor

The name of his baby and wife?

Shall the mother so old and heart broken,

Go down, in her grief to the grave.

And the little one's life be o'er shadowed?

No, grant that his life may be saved,

And grant that the judge and the jury

Shall see it their duty to give

The heart broken prisoner his freedom,

The freedom at least to live.

A FRIEND

Montgomery News

Oct. 17, 1913

APPLICANT FOR COUNTY AID

J. H. Ragsdale, who was appointed probation officer last week by county judge Dryer, to examine into the applications of Mary Pauloni, a woman living in Panama, who has four children under 14 years of age and whose husband is incapacitated from work through an accident in the Panama mine, reported to the county judge this week that the applicant is not a naturalized citizen and therefore is not entitled to aid under the law. Her husband sued the coal company and obtained a judgment not long ago for $7000, but it was reversed by the Appellate Court. The family is in destitute circumstances, but her husband's claim against the mine is about to be settled, when they will get something to live on.

OLIVER COYLES DEATH

The death of Oliver Coyle, the young coal miner, of Panama which occurred on Wednesday of last week and mention of which was made in the News of last week, was a terrible blow to his wife and also to his aged mother who are prostrated as a result of the young man's death.

The deceased was the eldest brother of Ben Coyle, who is in the county jail, being held to answer a charge of murder committed at Panama several months ago. Since Ben was placed in jail his brother Oliver has been the main support of the family and Oliver's death not only removes their mainstay but also removes a staunch friend of Ben Coyle, one who expected to contribute largely toward securing competent attorneys for the defense of his brother.

Oliver had told his mother only the day before his death that he would give her $50 out of his next pay for her to use in defending his brother against the charge of murder.

According to the evidence offered at the coroner's inquest, held by W. A. Gray on Thursday, Oliver Coyle's death was due to the electric motor which he was driving, jumping the track while he was making a flying switch. He had brought in a trip of cars to a switch and had cut loose from them and ran down the track ahead of them, so he could get on the main track with the motor and let the coal cars turn in at the switch to the other track. Just as his motor ran by the switch, however, the electric power was shut off for some unknown reason and the train of heavily loaded coal cars coming down the slight incline at that place crashed into the motor on which Coyle was either standing or sitting. The impact of the collision evidently threw Coyle off his motor and he fell in front of it and it ran over him.

Montgomery News

Oct. 24, 1913

APPELLATE COURT

The Appellate Court of the third district of Illinois, on October 16, 1913, reversed without remanding or directions, the case of Jesse Havron against the Shoal Creek Coal Company, which was appealed by the coal company. Miller & McDavid and W. B. McBride represented the coal company. Havron was represented by Lane & Cooper and Hill & Bullington.

Havron was badly burned in a gas explosion in the Panama mine Nov. 12, 1911, and the case was tried here before Judge Rose at the April term of the circuit court, 1912 and appealed to the October term of the Appellate Court.

Montgomery News

Nov. 7, 1913

IT HURT HURT

John Hurt of Litchfield while working in Panama last week ran across a fiddle that had been whittled out by Old Antonio Stradivarius in 1727. The fiddle was owned by Martin Bailey and it hurt Hurt to think that an obscure member of the fiddling Bailey family was in possession of so ancient and valuable an instrument and that it was doomed to waste it's sweetness on the dessert air of Panama. It is alleged that the temptation to rescue the genuine (?) Stradivarius from it's plebian surroundings was too strong for Hurt to resist and he straightaway swiped the 187 year old fiddle and fled to Litchfield with it. Constable Max Von Brun of Panama swept down upon him, however, with a warrant and Hurt was lodged in jail to await the action of the Grand Jury.

Montgomery News

Nov. 14, 1913

INDICTMENTS RETURNED

Bennie Coyle of Panama is indicted for killing William Elliott at Panama on May 10, 1913. The circumstances of this alleged murder were fully written up in the News at the time. It is claimed that Coyle killed Elliott in defense of his wife, whom Coyle claimed Elliott was trying to debauch. There is considerable sympathy for him in and around Panama. His case is set for November 24. Hill & Bullington have been employed to defend him.

Vincent Fario is accused of assaulting Arthur Cunningham with a revolver on Oct. 13, 1913. Bail $400. Vincent is also indicted for carrying concealed weapons. Mike Folett goes his bail.

CIRCUIT COURT

The trespass case of Frank Zimmerman vs. Joseph Bussone et al resulted in a verdict of not guilty. This was a "dog bite" case and the man who was bitten didn't show up. His attorney refused to dismiss the case, however, and a jury heard the evidence and cleared the dog.

In the case of Mary Ujhetyi vs. Mike Richie, slander, the defendant failed to show up and a jury was called to assess the plaintiff's damages. They gave her $175. In her declaration she charges that Richie called her names that will  not bear publication, and insinuated that she was unchaste.

Montgomery News

Nov. 21, 1913

CIRCUIT COURT

The case against John Hurt for stealing a "genuine Stradivarius" violin from Martin Bailey of Panama, was tried and he was found guilty. The jury found the fiddle to be worth twenty dollars - cheap for a "Stradebury" as some of the witnesses called it. This was an interesting case. The defendant and two of the principal witnesses were so deaf that the lawyers and court had to holler in their ears to make them hear. Hubert Sawyer was appointed to defend Hurt, but as his client had confessed to stealing the violin and told the officers where he had concealed it at the home of his sister in Litchfield, Sawyer had up hill business.

As there are but six known genuine "Strads" in the world, Mr. Bailey is lucky to own one of them!

A jury tried Vincent Fario of Panama Wednesday afternoon for carrying concealed weapons but were unable to agree and were discharged.

NEW INDICTMENTS

Peter Bioletto is indicted for selling intoxicating liquor to Frank Manning, a minor. Bail $200. Gives bond with C. S. Edwards as surety.

Arthur Caulk and Jack Sturm of Panama are indicted for selling liquor to Jesse Vogel, Frank Manning and Lloyd Jett, who are minors.

Bail $300 each.

Mike Falletti and Peter Viviano are indicted for selling intoxicating liquor to Lester Compton, a minor. Bail $300. Viviano gives bail with John Williams as surety.

Anthony Romania is indicted for selling liquor to Lester Compton, a minor.

John Williams, George Savage and Ivor Williams are charged with selling liquor to Lester Compton, a minor. Lester seems to have succeeded in getting a number of booze joints in trouble.

Montgomery News

Nov. 28, 1913

THE COYLE MURDER CASE

Most of the time this week has been devoted to the trial of Bennie Coyle of Panama, who was indicted for the murder of William Elliott at Panama on May 10, 1913. The case was begun Monday and a jury was not secured until Tuesday morning at 10:30. The jurors finally selected were as follows:

Stephen D. Roberts

William Ernst

John Ruppert

William File

J. J. Kunz

William H. Johnson, Jr.

Jesse Lowe

W. C. Newberry

H. C. Yeske

Henry Garner

H. L. Bartlett

Louis Weller

Messrs. Hill & Bullington defended Coyle and State's Attorney Major prosecuted assisted by T. A. Gasaway. The defendant is a young man 28 years of age. He is married and has one child, a boy born last February. It will be remembered that Coyle claimed Elliott enticed his wife from his home and took her to the notorious "Red Onion" boarding house for immoral purposes. Coyle had worked all day on May 10, and in the evening, after drinking a couple bottles of beer, he went to the Red Onion house after his wife and child, Elliott refused to allow Mrs. Coyle to go with her husband. He was a much larger man than Coyle, who is slight of stature and looks like a mere boy. It was in evidence that a struggle took place between Coyle and Elliott and during the struggle, Coyle stabbed Elliott with a knife in the left side. He did not think at the time that he had seriously hurt Elliott and was surprised the next day to learn that Elliott was dead. Coyle's wife was present at the trial and seemed to be doing what she could to clear her husband, although it is alleged, she was against him at the time the alleged crime was committed. Coyle's mother sat by his side during the trial with his nine months old boy in her arms. Coyle is rather a nice looking young man and looks anything but a criminal. There was considerable sympathy for him among those who listened to the trial.

So far, this has been the most important case tried at this term of the court. It has been fought obstinately from start to finish and Messrs. Hill & Bullington are evidently terribly in earnest in their attempts to clear their client. They are leaving no stone unturned and are reveiving many high compliments for the magnificent defense they are putting up.

The most important witness for the prosecution was Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Elliott, the widow of the man who was killed. It seems that she, Bert Foraker, or "forty acres," as he was called, and Heine Lauderman, a boy 18 years of age, were the only witnesses to the struggle between Coyle and Elliott. Mrs. Elliott swore that her husband was sitting in a chair in their dining room when Coyle approached him through the door of the sitting room and struck at him with a knife. Elliott grappled with Coyle and they struggled with each other until the two got back into the sitting room, where the cutting took place. Mrs. Elliott was impeached, however, by a number of reputable witnesses. Heinie Lauderman and "Forty Acres" both swore that Elliott attacked Coyle first, siezing him by the throat and backing him in the sitting room, and while the struggle was taking place, Coyle reached in his coat pocket and took out a knife with which he slashed Elliott across the stomach. Doctors I. O. Wilcox and A. B. Carey of Donnellson testified that they were called to treat Elliott and that his death was the result of t he knife wound.

Wednesday morning Jacob Freezeland and his son Fred, both of Panama, testified that Elliott told them the day before the killing that Bennie Coyle's wife was at his place - the Red Onion - and if Bennie came "fooling" around there, he, Elliott, intended to kill him. Elliott, however, did not use the word "fooling" and the lady reporter was sent out of the room and the witnesses gave the word used by Elliott instead of "fooling." The correct word will go into the record.

An attempt was made to prove that Elliott met Mrs. Coyle several days before the tragedy and tried to persuade her to "throw" her baby at it's grandmother (the defendant's mother) and go with him to a house of ill-fame, but the court would not permit them to show this.

The defense also tried to prove that Elliott had told one of his friends that he intended to start a saloon with a "red light" adjunct and that Bennie Coyle's wife was to be one of the "girls," but the court excluded this evidence.

The trial was not without its dramatic incidents. At one time while a witness was testifying as to what Elliott had said he intended to do, Mrs. Elliott interrupted in a loud tone and said her husband was "as honorable as any man in Panama," and began a tirade of abuse against the witness. The court ordered her removed from the court room.

Bennie Coyle testified in his own behalf Wednesday forenoon and made an excellent witness. He told the story as it had been detailed by "Forty Acres" and Heinie Lauderman and said he believed Elliott was trying to kill him when he slashed with his knife. While he was testifying, his old mother was overcome with her emotions and wailed and sobbed so violently that she had to be taken from the court room.

As we go to press Wednesday afternoon we will be unable to report the verdict as the case will last probably all day Wednesday. As the jury will not be permitted to see this paper before they render a verdict, it may not be improper for us to predict that they will probably acquit Bennie Coyle and that he will be permitted to eat his Thanksgiving dinner at home.

Montgomery News

Dec. 5, 1913

CIRCUIT COURT

As predicted in last week's News, the jury in the Bennie Coyle murder case found the defendant not guilty. The verdict was returned Wednesday night and Coyle was at once released from custody. He had been in jail since May 12, two days after he had cut William Elliott in the abdomen with a knife, inflicting a wound from which Elliott died the day after the fight occurred at the "Red Onion" rooming house in Panama. The verdict gave general satisfaction and was received by Coyle and his aged mother with demonstrations of joy.

They personally thanked the jury with tears of gratitude streaming down their faces. The scene was quite affecting.

The jury only took one ballot and it was unanimous for acquittal.

As stated last week two defenses were interposed: Self defense and the "unwritten law." The evidence tended to show that Elliott had Mrs. Coyle at the "Red Onion" house for the purpose of debauching her, and while the testimony showed a good case of self defense, we are inclined to believe, after talking to some of the jurymen, that the "unwritten" law was more potent than anything else in clearing him. Judges may announce learnedly from the bench that the "unwritten law" is a myth and a delusion and ought not to be considered, yet it is considered, all the same, in cases where it can be interposed. It is hard to get an American jury to convict a husband or father of murder or manslaughter for killing the seducer of his wife or daughter. It is the right of juries to determine whether, in reason or justice, it is not as justifiable in the sight of heaven and earth to slay the murderer of the peace and respectability of a family as one who forcibly attacks person, habitation or property. And, after all, what is the annihilation of houses or chattels by fire and faggot compared with destruction of female innocence; robbing woman of that priceless jewel which leaves her a blasted ruin, with the mournful motto inscribed upon its frontals, "Thy glory is departed?" Our sacked habitations may be  rebuilt, but who shall repair this moral desolation?

Society has no deeper concern than in the protection of female purity and the marriage relation. The wife cannot surrender herself to another. It is treason against the conjugal rights. Dirty dollars will not compensate for a breach of the nuptial vow. And if the wife is too weak to save herself, is it not the privilege of the jury to say whether the strong arm of the husband may not interpose, to shield and defend her from pollution?

During the trial of the case, State's Attorney Major was highly complimented for the vigorous prosecution he made. Although handicapped by public sentiment, which was strongly in favor of the defendant, and by the absence of his principal prosecuting witness, he prosecuted with the strength and vigor of an old practitioner.

His closing speech was an unusually strong appeal for the vindication of the law, and at the close of his speech of an hour and a quarter, he had the defendant's attorneys guessing and decidedly uneasy as to the outcome.

Montgomery News

Dec. 9, 1913

FOR DISTURBING THE PEACE

State's Attorney Major filed an information in the county court Monday of this week charging Clyde McReaken with disturbing the peace of D. R. Bennett on Dec. 5, by making loud and unusual noises, swearing, abusing and challenging to fight. The names of the witnesses on the back of the information are D. R. Bennett, D. L. Carlock, Frank Bewer, William McCoy and John Knott.

Montgomery News

Dec. 12, 1913

YOUNG MEN IN TROUBLE

Cal Jones and Earl Steward, two young men of Panama, were arrested for disturbing the peace on Tuesday of this week and they were locked in the city calaboose. They broke out of jail and were rearrested and brought to Hillsboro where they are now in the county jail, being held to await the action of the grand jury and being unable to furnish $200 bond.

TAKEN TO PENITENTIARY

John Hurt, the fellow who lifted the forty-dollar fiddle made by old man "Stradivarious" or some other musical mut, and Harry Claypool the negro who murdered his mother, were taken to the Chester penitentiary on Thursday of this week.

Montgomery News

Dec. 16, 1913

HE "CUSSED" THE SQUIRE

Clyde McReaken, a prominent young man of Panama, was arrested last Saturday on complaint of Squire Bennett, who accuses Clyde with entering his office and giving him a "cussin." Clyde gave bond in the sum of $100 with Walter Mitchell and J. D. Williams as sureties.

Montgomery News

Dec. 19, 1913

BENNIE COYLE IN TROUBLE AGAIN

It was rumored here Tuesday morning that Bennie Coyle of Panama, who was acquitted on Thanksgiving day on a charge of murder, had cut his wife very badly with a knife. The rumor was incorrect, so we are informed. He got drunk Saturday night and according to his old habit, he proceeded to give his wife a beating. She was not seriously injured but the authorities at Panama, feeling that sooner or later Bennie would again get into trouble, gave him orders to leave Panama and he departed Sunday.

The statement was made here after the acquittal of Bennie Coyle that if he tried to stay in Panama and live with his wife, that it wouldn't be long until he would be back in jail on another serious charge. The party who made the statement evidently was not a poor guesser.

Montgomery News

Dec. 26, 1913

BENNIE COYLE NOT IN TROUBLE

The report that Bennie Coyle was forced to leave Panama we are informed, is incorrect, and he is now at work in the mine there. Our informant also says that the statement that he had beaten his wife is also incorrect.

Montgomery News

Dec. 30, 1913

A HABEAS CORPUS CASE

Calvin Jones, Jr., and Earl Steward, of Panama, through Frank M. Ramey, their attorney, filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus.

They claim they were wrongfully detained in the county jail of Montgomery county on a charge of "breaking jail and general peace disturbance."

The petitioners were arrested in Panama December 10, 1913, by Fred Wilson, deputy marshal of Panama, and brought to Hillsboro and turned over to Sheriff Kiggins on the above charge. They were first committed, they allege, under a warrant purporting to have been issued by one D. R. Bennett, a justice of the peace of Panama, and they allege they were never before said justice, and no trial or hearing was ever given them. They asked the circuit court to give them a hearing and discharge them from custody.

They were brought before Judge Jett last Saturday and upon a hearing he ordered them both discharged from jail.

Annual Coal Report for Year Ending June 1914

The Shoal Creek Coal Co. has built an electrical power station which has greatly increased the capacity of the mine. The plant is now entirely electrified, with the exception of the hoisting engine and fan. An electrical gathering locomotive has been installed on trial and the company hopes to dispense with mules entirely. The ventilation of the mine has been greatly improved. Refuse has been loaded from all the main haulage roads, and all the coal is now shot with permissable explosives.

FATALITIES:

On Jul. 22, 1913, Sam Melini, miner, aged 26, single, was killed by a fall of coal.

On Sep. 2, 1913, George Pearson, motorman, aged 28, single, was killed by a motor.

On Sep. 19, 1913, John Ollas, miner, aged 35, married with 1 child, was killed by a fall of coal.

On Oct. 1, 1913, Earl Otter, miner, aged 22, married with 1 child, was killed by a pit car.

On Oct. 8, 1913, Oliver Coyle, motorman, aged 28, married with 3 children, was killed by a motor.

On Dec. 18, 1913, Charles Vaniskie, miner, aged 52, single, was killed by falling coal.

On Jan. 31, 1913, John Farvan, miner, aged 35, single, was killed by a pit car.

NON-FATAL ACCIDENTS:

On Jul. 19, 1913, Bryon Coale, aged 18, single, had his finger injured by a pit car, resulting in 37 days lost time.

On Aug. 9, 1913, Antone Tilk, aged 34, married with 2 children, had his body burned by a gas explosion, resulting in 30 days lost time.

On Aug. 28, 1913, Thomas Burke, aged 19, single, had his leg broken by falling rock, resulting in 78 days lost time.

On Sep. 9, 1913, Anda Moline, aged 28, single, had his finger injured by being caught between the jack and coal, resulting in 35 days lost time.

On Sep. 18, 1913, Roy O'Dell, aged 18, single, had his finger injured by a pit car, resulting in 31 days lost time.

On Sep. 19, 1913, Pete Costa, aged 30, single, had his head burned by a gas explosion, resulting in 67 days lost.

On Oct. 8, 1913, Mike Brandish, aged 33, married with 2 children, had his collar bone broken by a pit car, resulting in 32 days lost time.

On Nov. 29, 1913, George Miak, aged 24, single, had his leg broken by a pit car, resulting in 76 days lost time.

On Dec. 2, 1913, George Perfetti, aged 22, single, had his shoulder injured by a pit car, resulting in 45 days lost time.

On Dec. 6, 1913, Abe Phillips, aged 30, married with 2 children, had his wrist broken by a pit car, resulting in 142 days lost time.

On Jan. 30, 1914, Riley Merideth, aged 17, single, had his leg broken by a railroad car.

On Feb. 9, 1914, Ed Buchanan, aged 23, single, had his arm injured by a pit car, resulting in 73 days lost time.

On Mar. 25, 1914, Charles Hieft, aged 45, single, had his finger cut off by a pit car, resulting in 73 days lost time.

On Apr. 25, 1914, Arnold Hoke, aged 23, single, had his foot injured by a motor.

On May 13, 1914, John Phillips, aged 30, married with 2 children, had his leg broken by falling slate.

On May 27, 1914, Ollis Johnson, aged 23, single, had his body injured by falling slate, resulting in 35 days lost time.

On Jun. 4, 1914, Harry Snodgrass, aged 24, single, had his body injured by a pit car.

On Jun. 8, 1914, Roy Trap, aged 27, single, had his body injured by a pit car.

MINE OUTPUT:

569,055 Total tons mined.

537,530 tons loaded on rail cars for shipment.

2784 tons sold to local trade.

28,741 tons consumed or wasted at mine.

243 days of operation.

494 employees.