Tag: 1912
Newsboy Turned Rebel: Witness Shakes Up Becker Trial
In a stunning display of defiance, Jacob Belch, a.k.a. Jack Sullivan, the infamous ‘King of the Newsboys,’ took the stand in the trial of Police Lieutenant Charles Becker, causing a sensation that would be remembered for years to come. On October 15, 1912, in New York, Belch, a self-proclaimed witness, boldly defied the district attorney…
Sneaky Suspect’s Hearing Turns into a Lockdown
It was a tense day in the 47th district courtroom in Amarillo, Texas, as the preliminary hearing for J. Beal Sneed got underway on September 27, 1912. Sneed, accused of the brutal murder of Al G. Boyce Jr. on September 14, was in for a surprise. The courtroom was transformed into a fortress, with women…
Taft’s Firing Line: President Steps in to Prevent Border Bloodshed
In a daring move, President William Howard Taft intervened in the escalating tensions between Mexican federal troops and rebels near Agua Prieta, just across the Arizona border. With the threat of a full-blown battle looming, Taft issued a stern warning to both sides via the war department: ‘no firing across the line.’ It remains to…
Holiday Heists and Schoolhouse Scams: A Glimpse into Laredo’s Underbelly
As the sun sets over Laredo, Texas, a sense of unease settles over the community. With the public schools back in session, a new wave of petty thievery has washed over the city. On the morning of September 13, 1912, school bells rang out across the city, signaling the start of a new term. But…
Arsonist Mayor Walks Free: Cass Lake’s Dumas Faces Music, Gets Slap on the Wrist
September 11, 1912, marked a day of reckoning for Delbert F. Dumas, the former mayor of Cass Lake, Minnesota. Dumas, accused of attempted arson in the third degree, faced the music in Bemidji’s courthouse. Despite mounting evidence, the prosecution seemed hesitant to pursue the case, with C.C. Hanpt, a federal official, stating that charges would…
Dry Dock Deception: A Cargo of Corruption?
In the sweltering heat of Oahu’s August sun, a sinister plot may have unfolded at Pearl Harbor. The Matson steamer, Lurline, arrived in port on August 28, 1912, carrying a cargo of 6,000 tons of structural steel and rod iron, bound for the construction of quarters and the big dry dock. But amidst the hustle…
Six Men Caught in Prohibition Racket
In a major crackdown on bootleggers, Detective Crum of Oriental, North Carolina, made a daring arrest on August 24, 1912. The detective apprehended six men, four of whom were African American, and two white suspects, all charged with violating the state’s prohibition law. The suspects will face trial at the next term of Superior court,…
Rug Heist Rocks El Paso: Sanitary Grocery Duped Out of Fine Rugs
In a brazen heist, thieves made off with a shipment of fine rugs worth a whopping $115 a bushel from Sanitary Grocery, 105 El Paso St, El Paso, Texas, on Monday morning, July 29, 1912. The store, owned by Jackson, had received the shipment just hours before, but by noon the same day, all the…
Dry Goods Dilemma: Rhodes-McCain Co. Shuts Down Amidst Financial Woes
In a shocking turn of events, the Rhodes-McCain Co., a prominent dry goods and furnishings business in Jonesboro, Arkansas, has surrendered its charter. The news sent shockwaves through the local business community, as the company’s demise has left many wondering what went wrong. According to sources, the business had been struggling financially, with debts mounting…
Horse Show Hijinks: Blue Grass Fair Marred by Mysterious Incident
In a shocking turn of events, the Blue Grass Fair, a prestigious exhibition in Lexington, Kentucky, was disrupted by a bizarre incident. The fair, which has been a staple of the community since its inception in 1905, was set to kick off its seventh annual exhibition on August 12th, 1912. But on that fateful day,…
