Newspaper Abstracts, Kansas
30 records
- Neodesha Register, Neodesha, Kansas, 19 Sep 1884, p. 3
Horace Sackett, who has been visiting for some time with his sister, Mrs. E. P. Moulton, returned to his home at Taylorville, Illinois, on Wednesday.
[Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - Wilson County Citizen, Fredonia, Kansas, 26 Sep 1884, p. 3
Horace Sackett, who has been visiting for some time with his sister, Mrs. E. P. Moulton, returned to his home at Taylorville, Illinois, on Wednesday.
[Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - The Fort Scott Weekly Tribune, Fort Scott, Kansas, 14 Jan 1886, p 8
Died.
Harris.—Of consumption, near Godfrey, Kas., Thomas C. Harris, aged 33 years. Mr. Harris was a great sufferer for seven months. He was a kind father, an affectionate husband, and a good citizen. He died trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ as his only hope of eternal life. He leaves a wife and three children to mourn their loss. The funeral was at the house of A. W. Sackctt, and the remains interred in Evergreen cemetery.
[Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett, researched by Mary Graff] - Fort Scott Daily Monitor, Fort Scott, Kansas, 14 Jan 1886, p 4
Harris—Near Godfrey, January 5, 1886, Thomas C. Harris, of consumption; aged thirty-three years. He was a great sufferer but died resigned and with a clear hope in Christ. He was a kind father, an affectionate husband, and a good citizen. He leaves a wife and three children to mourn their loss. The remains were interred in Evergreen cemetery. Funeral services by J. A. Richards, Fort Scott.
[Find A Grave] - Neodesha Register, Neodesha, Kansas, 14 Oct 1887, p. 3
Horace Sackett, wife and child, of Taylorville, Illinois, brother-in-law of E. P. Moulton, arrived in this city last Friday. They will probably locate here.
[Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - Neodesha Register, Neodesha, Kansas, 21 Oct 1887, p. 3
Horace Sackett, nephew of E. P. Moulton, ran down to Independence last Wednesday. He is looking for a location to start up a restaurant He says he would not ask for a better place than this if he could get a suitable building, but empty business houses are not to be found in Neodesha.
[Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - Neodesha Register, Neodesha, Kansas, 11 Nov 1887, p. 3
Horace Sackett has purchased the Shoup restaurant and lunch counter on Fourth street and promises to run a first-class establishment.
[Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - Neodesha Register, Neodesha, Kansas, 15 Jun 1888, p. 1
Horace Sackett was seriously injured last Wednesday morning by his cow. He was holding her while she was grazing when she became frightened and ran away. Attempting to catch her his left foot became entangled in the rope and he was dragged two blocks when his boot came off releasing him. He was bruised and scratched all over and some of his injuries may prove more serious than supposed at first. He is quite ill at present.
[Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - Fort Scott Daily Tribune and Fort Scott Weekly Tribune, Fort Scott, Kansas, 14 Jul 1888
Died. Harris—Mrs. Senora Harris, of Walkerton, died last night. Deceased was a daughter of T. Sackett. [Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett, researched by Mary Graff] - The Kansas City Gazette, Kansas City, Kansas, 10 Jul 1889, p 3
Death of Father Sackett.
At 6:30 o'clock this morning Mr. E. E. [sic] Sackett, better known as Father Sackett, died at the residence of his son-in-law, W. B. Garlick, at Sixth and Everett avenue. Mr. Sackett was in his 88th year. The immediate cause of his death was an attack of malarial fever, with which he had been suffering for about a week. Mr. Sackett had been a resident of this city for about eight years, during which time he has lived with his son-in-law, Mr. Garlick. He was born in Connecticut and moved to Ohio in a very early day. He was one of the early abolitionists, and took an active part in the stirring incidents of the ante bellum period.
He leaves four daughters and one son to mourn his death. Mrs. E. S. Garlick and Miss Flora Sackett live in this city. Two of the daughters live in Illinois and the son lives in Iowa.
Mr. Sackett was a member of the Congregational church, and led an exemplary Christian life. The funeral will take place from the residence of W. B. Garlick, 600 Everett street, at 4 o'clock p. m. to-morrow, Thursday.
[Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Ted Smith] - Topeka Daily Capital, Kansas, 6 Feb 1894, p. 4
"ELOPERS CAUGHT
Harry A. Sackett and Miss Frances Davenport Stop in Topeka,
And Sackett Falls Into the Clutches of the Law—Miss Davenport Wealthy and of Good Family in Indiana—She Is Now Stopping With George W. Crane, But Her Sister Will Come for Her Today.
The second chapter in a very interesting elopement case occurred yesterday in this city and the outcome of it was the landing of Harry A. Sackett, the more or less handsome villain with the black curly hair, in the county jail and Mr. and Mrs. George W. Crane receiving Miss Frances Davenport of Elkhart, Ind., whose young and innocent fancy has been ensnared, in their home as a guest. She is the youngest daughter of the late Senator B.L. Davenport of Elkhart, Ind., and the family is the oldest, wealthiest and most aristocratic one in that part of the state, which makes the affair doubly exciting. She is very plain and quiet in appearance; short, rather stout, with hair brushed severely back from her forehead; wears spectacles, and is 21 years of age, although in experience and demeanor she seems much younger.
On Sunday afternoon she called on Mrs. Crane, who formerly lived in Elkhart and was well-acquainted with the family, and said she was taking a pleasure trip by herself through Mexico and California, that she had seen nothing of the world and wanted to visit some relatives in San Francisco and would leave the next morning. She spent the afternoon with them and insisted on returning to the Keith block, where she had taken a room for the night, "because a young man I met on the train recommended it as a desirable place if I was traveling alone." As she is worth $40,000 in her own right they thought nothing of the proposed trip and urged her to stay with them while she was in the city. It was of no avail, however. Miss Edna Crane walked part way home with Miss Davenport and she expressed a desire to get to bed immediately and not impose upon Mr. and Mrs. Crane any farther as she was extremely tired. She had incidentally asked Mr. Crane to cash a draft for her the next morning before train time, as she had spent more money in Chicago than expected and taking all things together they suspected something was wrong. Finally Mr. Crane got a clue that she eloped and so telegraphed immediately to her sister in Elkhart and received several telegrams in reply requesting him by all means to keep Sackett in custody, not to cash any drafts, and take care of the girl as she had been in Chicago ever since she left trying to get some trace of their destination.
When she came to Mr. Crane's office yesterday morning he asked her point blank if she was married to Sackett and she said: "No, but he says we will be married in San Francisco." He explained to her what the consequences of such a step would be, and that she was not only bringing disgrace upon herself and her family, but aiding and abetting a scoundrel who was after her money. Miss Davenport seemed much surprised at his accusation, but was willing to accede to Mr. Crane's wishes and told hin that Sackett was at the train waiting for her to come and that he had her baggage checks and money drafts and she must see him. They drove to the train, but in the meantime Mr. Crane went to the sheriff and swore out a warrant for the arrest of Sackett on the charge of adultery. Arriving at the train, she pointed out the man and the sheriff took him without any trouble. He was put in the county jail and his bond fixed at $1,000. He retained Aaron Jetmore as his attorney and a preliminary hearing was set for this morning. Sackett looks like a sport who had buffeted the world and all its vicissitudes and profited by his experience. He is slender, of medium height, has a flat nose and sharp chin, and aside from a low and musical voice that rolls out with musical cadence, he is hardly calculated to entrap the affections of the feminine sex at first sight. His wiles deepen, however, upon acquaintance. He has acquired the art of being a gentleman when it is necessary with perfect ease, and converses very fluently about the situation. To a Capital reporter he said yesterday: "I lived in Topeka twenty years ago. My father kept a newstand. He moved to Kansas City and I became manager of the Lyceum bureau, and traveled as advertising man for Francis Train, The Mendelssohn Quintette and other good attractions, and always went ahead and made silhouette pictures. I am not a fakir; I have worked at cutting these pictures for twenty-seven years, and it comes natural to me. (He is now 34 years old.) My father afterwards moved to Grand Rapids, Mich., where he is now engaged in the book business and he is a man of considerable wealth. I was arrested yesterday on a telegram from Chicago that told the sheriff to hold me for grand larceny; that is simly a scheme of Miss Davenport's family to get me. There's absolutely nothing that can hold me for in Chicago I took nothing unless, oh yes, by the way I did steal away from the town. But I'm d——d sure I wouldn't take any of the town with me, and I don't think I stole the girl. Mis Davenport and I were infatuated with each other, and I told her exactly what she was doing when she came away with me and that consequences were inevitable. Our conduct may not have been right in line with society's idea of propriety, but I have a wife in Washington, D.C., who is a Catholic and she won't divorce me. I care a great deal for Miss Davenport and my program was to take in the mid-winter fair and establish a business there. After getting the business on a good paying basis, she could invest her money in it and I would manage it. I have worked in Washington, made pictures of all the famous persons there and have their autographs. We stayed several days in Chicago as man and wife, went from there to Kansas City last Thursday and registered as man and wife, and she stayed with me here as my wife. I am very anxious to see her and have telegraphed my father to help me out of this trouble."
Miss Davenport does not seem to be in her right mind since this trouble occurred and does not half way realize the enormity of her offense. She appears to be in a hypnotized state, and answers all questions passively, but without resentment, or intelligence as to what the world or her family will think of her conduct. Her friends think temporary mental aberration may account for her manner. She has been educated all her life in first class boarding schools and has attended Laselle seminary near Boston for the last five years. Sackett is probably the first man she had ever been alone with for ten minutes. She said yesterday: "I met Mr. Sackett in Elkhart when he had a place.
I did not know that Mr. Sackett was a married man, but the understanding was that as we could not very well be married in Elkhart, we would go away and be married at the first convenient opportunity. He first wanted me to go to South Bend, but I wouldn't go there on account of knowing so many people, and so he went to LaPorte in one of the leading stores as a maker of silhouette pictures and one of the clerks introduced a party of us girls to him one day. After that I met him two or three times and he professed a great admiration for me. My mother died three months ago and I have always been the odd sheep in the flock and felt that I was in the way of my two older sisters who are not married some miles nearer Chicago, and from there he wrote several letters to me urging me to meet him. He finally set the time to meet me at LaPorte on a certain train. I took the train, he got on at LaPorte and we went on to Chicago together."
Miss Florence Davenport, an older sister will arrive today to take her sister Frances back home, and a telegram received late last night indicated that an officer from Chicago would arrive in Topeka tomorrow with a requisition for Sackett on a charge similar to that preferred against him here. It is possible that the case against Sackett in Justice Furry's court will be dismissed, as the offense in Kansas is only a misdemeanor. Under the law of Illinois it is a crime punishable by a term in the penitentiary. It is said to be the desire of Miss Davenport's friends to have Sackett tried in Chicago, where justice will be meted out to him according to the enormity of the offense."
[Researched by Ted Smith and transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - Topeka State Journal, Kansas, 6 Feb 1894, p. 8
JUST A SILLY GIRL
And a Designing Scamp Make All the Trouble
IN THE SACKETT ELOPEMENT
A Friend of the Family Arrives in the City Today—Miss Davenport Staying at Geo. W. Crane's.
Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Crane are getting a little more notoriety out of the Sackett-Davenport affair than they expected and a great deal more than they desire. For the sake of friendship for the young woman's family, which is one of the best in Elkkhart, Ind., Mr. Crane has been acting the part of the good Samaritan and giving Miss Davenport a temporary home at his house until her relatives can come and take her back to Elkhart.
There is some doubt whether A.H. Sackett, the eloper now in the Shawnee county jail, will be prosecuted in Topeka or taken back to Chicago. Officers from Chicago, armed with a requisition from the governor of Illinois, will arrive tonight, but the case against him for criminal relations with Miss Davenport here is entitled to trial first. Whether the case against him will be dismissed, in order that he may be tried in Chicago, is a matter of considerable doubt. It depends largely on Miss Davenport herself. Sackett is confined on default of $1,000 bond for his appearance at 10 o'clock Saturday morning for preliminary hearing before Justice Furry.
Miss Davenport's friends have employed Quinton & Quinton to help conduct the prosecution. Sackett on the other hand, has engaged A.B. Jetmore to defend him.
J.T. Lenfesty, of Waldson, Illinois, arrived in the city at midnight last night. He is a cousin of Miss Davenport, and the authorized agent of her friends and relatives in the case. Mr. Lenfesty started out two days after Miss Davenport and Sackett had gone, determined to run them down if it took a year. When he arrived in Topeka he did not know the turn affairs had taken. He had simply been informed at Kansas City that the elopers had come to Topeka. He was highly elated to find that Sackett was lodged in jail on the charges named, and was very grateful to Mr. Crane and his wife for the good influence they have exerted over the girl and their interest in her case.
Mr. Lenfesty said to a Journal reporter todaay: "Miss Davenport is a girl 20 years old, but with the judgment usually found in a girl of ten. She was as innocent and unsophisticated as any girl could be and her influences have been the best. The family is one of the most respectable in Elkhart. She had simply reached that age when she wanted someone to love her and she fell in with this villain. He is a villain of the blackest type. He has a wife and three children in Washington. I have done considerable telegraphing all over the country in this case, and the chief of police informs me his wife and children live at 1116 Robinson street, S.W., Washington. He was never divorced although he had a mistress in Elkhart. Miss Davenport has $40,000 in her own name and there is no doubt but that Sackett was after the money and that only.
"She knew Sackett only four days, and we expect to prove that he enticed her away. Before she went away she expressed great abhorrence for the man. It is my firm belief that he hypnotized her. I don't know very much about it, but that is the way I account for it. Now she appears to be coming out from under the hypnotic influences and she denounces him. She is willing that he should be prosecuted."
Miss Davenport is still stopping at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Crane, where she has been ever since her elopement became known.
It is expected that Miss Florence Davenport, an older sister of Miss Frances, will arrive tomorrow. In that case Miss Davenport may accompany her back home at once, and with the principal witness gone, the case against Sackett here muust be dropped, and the Chicago policeman will take him away, thus ending one of the most remarkable sensations in Topeka for many months.
A TALK WITH SACKETT.
He Says He is Sincere in His Regard For Miss Davenport.
A.H. Sackett was seen by a Journal reporter in his cell in the Shawnee county jail last night. He had previously given orders to the jailor that he would see no reporters. He had taken off his swell coat and vest, collars, cuffs and necktie, and was reclining in his shirt sleeves. His coat was folded with great care to prevent wrinkles, and he had spread newspapers over his cot, which was not clean enough for the fastidious prisoner. He was complaining lustily to his lawyer, A.B. Jetmore, about the temperature of the room, its sanitation, the fellows in the next cell, and several other details, when the reporter called.
He finally consented to say: "Miss Davenport is nearly 22 years old, and is therefore old enough to know what she is doing. There was nothing hurried or unpremeditated about our actions. We did not act hastily. I acknowledge we had known each other only a short time, but there was a mutual attachment between us that neither of us could overcome. I confess that I cannot nor do not wish to overcome it."
"How long had you known Miss Davenport?"
"About three weeks."
"Is it a fact that you are married and have a wife living in Chicago?"
"That is a question my lawyer told me not to answer."
"The papers refer to you as a 'fakir.'"
"I am not a fakir. That is what makes me more sore than anything else about the whole business. I am not a fakir, but I pride myself on being the best living artist in my line. I do not use any but legitimate methods in my trade. I do not even 'con' them into taking my pictures. They know when they place an order with me just what they will get, and they get it."
"Mr. Crane says the young lady has repented, and is willing to return to Elkhart."
"I do not believe it. I believe she is sincere towards me as I am with her. Mr. Crane may be able to influence her to some extent, but I will never believe that. Of course she is at liberty to return to Elkhart any time she chooses to do so. If she thinks she would be happier there than with me, all right."
"Are you married to Miss Davenport?"
"No."
"Didn't you register in Kansas City and other places as man and wife?"
"I do not care to answer that question at present."
"How do you expect to disprove the charges against you?"
"You will see when the time comes. I will get out of this scrape all right, you mark my words. My father has as much money as anyone and if I don't get justice he'll know the reason why. I can give bond in any sum and pay my fine if necessary."
"Is it true that you traveled all over the world with George Francis Train?"
"Not all over the world. I traveled all over this country and in several other countries with him. That was in 1873. My father was his manager the year he called himself 'the next president of the United States.'"
"Where does your father live now?"
"In Grand Rapids, Michigan. I have sent for him to come on at once."
[Researched by Ted Smith and transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - Wichita Beacon, Kansas, 7 Feb 1894, p. 4
END OF THE ELOPEMENT.
An Adventurer Runs Off With a Girl Worth $40,000.
TOPEKA, Feb. 6.—Harry Sackett, a fakir and maker of paper pictures by profession and a breaker of feminine hearts by inclination, is under arrest in the Shawnee county jail on the charge of bigamy and improper relations with Miss Frances Davenport, a pretty young heiress of Elkhart, Ind. The arrest was made yesterday by sheriff Burdge on a telegram from Chief Shea of Chicago.
Last Saturday morning Sackett, accompanied by a pretty girl 20 years old, engaged rooms at the Keith building as man and wife, and were assigned to room 21. Miss Davenport in the meantime had run out of money, and it occurred to her that Mrs. George W. Crane of this city, was an old friend of her mother's and would be able to identify her in order to get a draft cashed. Mrs. Crane did so, but in the meantime Mr. Crane had seen an account of Miss Davenport's elopement in Sunday's papers. The young woman came into Mr. Crane's office this morning and he frankly told her the great mistake she was making. Miss Davenport admitted that she had run away with Sackett and that they were not married.
She did not appear to realize the irreparable blunder she had made. She agreed to leave him for the time being until she decides what she wants to do next. She says Sackett has agreed to marry her, but she has only his word. The officers think Sackett has another wife, as if he had not he would have married his victim before this for the $40,000 in her own name.
Sackett is an expert in his particular branch of art. Give him a pair of scissors and he will turn out a first-class profile on black paper of any subject. He is swelly dressed, and prides himself on being a lady's killer. Since he came to Topeka he has been in company with Tony Brown. Sackett's father lived in Topeka twenty years ago, and operated a bookstore. The older settlers will remember him as something of a sharper himself.
The following dispatch from Elkhart, Ind., throws some light on Sackett's conduct:
"Miss Frances Davenport, handsome and charming, has prostrated her family with grief and caused a profound sensation in Elkhart by eloping with an adventurer. The young woman, who is twenty years old, is the youngest daughter of the late Senator B.L. Davenport, who, during his life was the leading banker of this city, and owned the most sumptuously appointed residence in this part of the state.
"The man with whom Miss Davenport eloped came here three weeks ago. He gave his name as M. Sackett. He earned a living by making silk pictures. He had a woman with him who he introduced as his wife and of whom he wanted to be rid. While here he drank freely and had the appearance of a man who lived by his wits. He was known by Miss Davenport's friends to have met her two or three times, but nothing was thought of it. He left here two weeks ago. Miss Davenport told her three sisters, the mother having died a few months ago, that she was going with a lady friend to spend the day in Goshen, and packed up some of her clothing.
"It was soon learned that she had not gone there and search for her was immediately begun, her uncle, ex-Senator J.R. Beardsley, taking the matter in charge. He found that she had drawn $45 from the bank, bought a ticket for Chicago, and was joined at LaPorte by a strange man. Misses Florence and Lizzie went to Chicago in quest of her, but returned, having found no trace of her. They have since received a letter from her written at Chicago saying that when they received the letter she would be married and on her way east. Sackett told some men at LaPorte before the arrival of the train that he was going to California to take in the Midwinter fair with a girl who had $30,000 or $40,000, which is about the amount of Miss Davenport's ready money. Miss Davenport is quite attractive and no breath of suspicion has ever been attached to her name, nor was she given to the society of gentlemen. She is now known to have had clandestine meetings with Sackett during his stay here.
"Sackett claims to have gone around the world with George Francis Train."
[Researched by Ted Smith and transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - Wichita Daily Eagle, Kansas, 7 Feb 1894, p. 5
HARRY SACKETT IN TROUBLE.
After Running Away With an Indiana Heiress He is Arrested for Bigamy.
When the old Main street theater was running in full blast the Sacket-McCoy Comedy-company played there to crowded houses every night. Both partners were mashers, and the number of young girls that were mashed on them was alarming. The show went up like a balloon, but after a week or ten days engagement the company busted and had nothing for assets but a fine stock of cupid's darts. After leaving here they went with a traveling medicine company owned by Diamond Bell, but both of them left with company. McCoy eloped with the daughter of a Mulvane merchant and Sacket took for his partner a young girl who lived then in this city, named Fay Ellsworth. At Winfield he left her and ran away with the wife of the patent medicine doctor's, with whom he was traveling.
At Topeka a few days ago a Henry Sacket got into trouble and his description answers our Harry to a dot. It appears that he is still at his old trade pf breaking hearts and making pictures, for the Harry that was here made a peculiar kind of fancy paper pictures, while he was off the stage—between acts, so to speak.
The Topeka Journal has the following to say about the gentleman:
[There follows the same story as that in the Wichita Beacon of 7 Feb 1894, presumably also from the Topeka Journal.]
[Researched by Ted Smith and transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - Topeka Daily Capital, Kansas, 7 Feb 1894, p. 5
"ON ANOTHER CHARGE
Sackett Said to Be Wanted for Embezzlement.
A Gentleman Coming Today to Identify Him—Miss Davenport's Relatives in Topeka.
Miss Frances Davenport, the wronged girl from Elkhart, Ind., is still in the city, the guest of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Crane. The outlook for Harry A. Sackett, the deceiver, is anything but promising, and developments yesterday strengthen the belief that he is an adventurer, who has had little education, but made up for it in experience acquired in knocking around the world. He seems to be a clever rogue and has lived up to this time very successfully by his wits. He may have an opportunity to use them in the penitentiary before long. Mr. John T. Lenfesty of Waldron, Illinois, a cousin of Miss Davenport, who has big milling interests in Illinois, and W.S. Howland, her brother-in-law, a wholesale milliner in Denver, arrived yesterday to arrange matters and commended Mr. Crane for his action in the case. Mr. C.J. Wiggemeyer, a special detective from Chicago also arrived yesterday to see that Sackett was held in custody. The sister remained in Chicago at the Grand Pacific hotel awaiting instructions, for it is probable Sackett will be taken to Illinois for trial on another charge. A woman has been out for the arrest of a man answering Sackett's description in every particular, since last August on the charge of embezzlement and the man who swore to the warrant will arrive today to identify his man. He is the manager of a large bicycle company and H.A. Sackett was a trusted agent, who got away with about $450. The name, even to the initials, is the same, and the description of this man coincides perfectly with this man, even to the peculiar nose that seems to have been broken in the middle. Mr. Lenfesty corroborated everything that had appeared in the Capital yesterday from Mr. Crane's information and added: "It is true that Frances is weak minded, and never having been in the company of men before she was easily deluded. The fact that she has not the slightest sense of shame at her conduct, and is willing to answer all questions without resentment or surprise is enough to convince anyone that she is weak-minded and partially under a power this man has wrought over her. I started out Sunday to look for her, but all day Saturday there were 160 detectives in Chicago looking for her and two or three in every theater with her picture. She left home Thursday, went directly to Chicago and they stopped there but a few hours, leaving at 6 o'clock in the evening for Kansas City. When she left home she had $80, all of which is gone, except $1 that she spent in Chicago and $1.80 that she has now. He carried the pocketbook. The draft that Mr. Crane was asked to cash would have been for $200. He wanted her to get $500 but she refused. I went to the jail yesterday afternoon to see Sackett and the moment I looked at him I remembered that I had seen him selling pictures in Chicago five or six years ago, and he acknowledged finally that he had been there. He protested that he loved Frances as much as she did him, and that his attorney had told him he could get a divorce from his wife in Washington, D.C. That I do not believe, for he is as afraid as death of his wife and confessed to someone else that if she thought there was a woman in the case, she wouldn't grant a divorce; besides, she is a Catholic."
Sackett said yesterday: "I love Miss Davenport and wanted to marry her, but —— I was married in 1881 by a Catholic priest, and have three children. My wife and I separated but made up our troubles in 1888 and lived together until last April."
Mr. Lenfesty says he has reason to believe that Sackett has another wife and child, but will not tell where they are. The wife in Washington, D.C. will come out here if her expenses are paid, if circumstances make it necessary. The requisition papers for Sackett from the governor of Illinois will arrive today, so it is probable nothing will be done with him here on the girl's account, if he is the man the bicycle manager is looking for. Mr. Lenfesty says that he has an idea that other charges will be brought against him before he gets to Chicago.
Sackett has been cautioned by his attorney, Aaron Jetmore, not to talk to anyone, and attempts were made all day yesterday to get Miss Davenport to go to the jail and consult with Sackett or Mr. Jetmore. Her relatives would not admit Mr. Jetmore to the house on any condition, and would allow no conference.
Miss Davenport is the only one who appears unconcerned in the affair. She was not at all confused when her relatives arrived yesterday, and answered their questions without hesitation. Mr. Lenfesty said to her: "Frances, didn't you know that this fellow came to Elkhart with a woman he called his wife, and that he left her to come to you?" "Yes," she replied without apparent interest. "Did you know that between LaPorte and Chicago he went into the buffet car and got liquor four times?" "Yes."
"Well are you satisfied with a man who offers you hand-me-down love of the worst kind? Can you have any respect for yourself?"
To this she gave no reply, but in the course of conversation said she was willing to go home and glad that they had come for her. "The papers have made such a fuss over it," she said, "and represented it as such a terrible misdemeanor I am glad I left him."
This speech indicates her condition. She is undoubtedly in love with Sackett and if left to herself with him free, she would yield to his persuadings, but her family will guard against anything of the kind in the future. Mr. Lenfesty says her sister is crushed over her actions and can not conceive of Frances, who has been kept such a child, running off with a man. "Why," he said, "she reads 'Little Women' and that kind of literature, and at home, was as pure-minded a girl as ever lived." She does not betray any interest at his misfortune in being in jail and is indifferent to all the circumstances. When Mr. Crane asked her if Sackett hypnotized her she said: "I couldn't help doing anything he wanted me to."
If the requisition papers arrive today Miss Davenport will be taken home and received into the family fold.
[Researched by Ted Smith and transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - Topeka State Journal, Kansas, 9 Feb 1894, p. 3
COMING AFTER HIM.
Two Dispatches Relating to Sackett Received Today.
THE CASE IN COURT HERE
Will Probably be Dismissed—A Requisition Issued by Gov. Matthews of Indiana.
When the case of A.H. Sackett, charged with criminal relations with Miss Frances Davenport is called in Justice Furry's court at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning, it will be either continued or dismissed; continued, if officers from the east fail to arrive to take Sackett back on another charge, and dismissed if they do arrive and want him. In either event he will not be prosecuted here.
A friend of Miss Davenport told a Journal reporter today that unless Sackett could be sent to jail without the testimony of the young woman, he would never be punished. "The disgrace and humiliation of her testifying to all that occurred after their departure from Elkhart would not compensate for the satisfaction of placing the villain behind the bars, where he deserves to be. The relatives dread this more than the escape of Sackett. The fact is they are trying to materialize some of the numerous cases for which he is wanted in the east."
An Associated Press dispatch from Elkhart would indicate that quite another course had been decided upon by her relatives at home.
The Elkhart Dispatch.
ELKHART, Ind., Feb. 9.—The family of Miss Frances Davenport, who eloped with the adventurer, Sackett, has decided to prosecute Sackett. He may be compelled to serve a term of imprisonment and pay a fine of $500.
The necessary steps for the prosecution were taken in the circuit court and Sheriff Crull has gone to Indianapolis to secure requisition papers.
The Indianapolis Dispatch.
A later telegram from Indianapolis says:
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Feb. 9.—A requisition was this morning issued by Governor Matthews on the governor of Kansas for H.A. Sackett, who is wanted at Elkhart, Ind., on account of the part he took in an elopement with Frances Davenport. The sheriff of Elkhart county left with the requisition in a hurry, as the Chicago authorities want Sackett on a charge of embezzlement. He is under arrest at Topeka.
[Researched by Ted Smith and transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - Topeka State Journal, Kansas, 10 Feb 1894, p. 8
IS THE GIRL GONE?
Lawyer Jetmore Thinks Miss Davenport Has Left Town.
THE PRELIMINARY THIS MORNING.
Interesting Sparring Match in Justice Furry's Court This Morning—Some More About Sackett.
A.H. Sackett was taken before Justice Furry today for his preliminary hearing in the case of the elopement with Miss Frances Davenport of Elkhart, Ind. He was represented by Aaron Jetmore and the prosecution by Deputy County Attorney Urmy, assisted by E.S. and A.B. Quinton.
There was a lengthy legal controversy regarding the continuance asked for by the state. Mr. Jetmore objected.
"Are you ready for trial?" Mr. Quinton inquired of Mr. Jetmore.
"I decline to answer that question. The prosecution must first say whether they are ready or not."
"Do you want a jury?"
"I don't care. Are you ready for trial? Yes or no."
"I cannot say at present."
Finally Quinton & Quinton asked for a continuance on the ground that their witnesses were not present. They said they wanted to get Sackett's wife from Washington.
"I protest," said Mr. Jetmore springing to his feet. "I do not believe Miss Davenport is in the city, but on the contrary has been spirited away and has no intention of prosecuting this man. He cannot be prosecuted without her. She was subpoenaed, why is she not here? It is not our fault and under the circumstances it is customary to discharge the defendant.
"Sackett has been in jail a week and it is an injustice to keep him confined any longer on a charge that cannot be proven. Sackett may have gone astray in this instance but he is only a man. The young woman is 22 years old and did what she did with her eyes open. It is charged that Sackett has ruined her reputation forever but I will wager that her friends have done a hundred fold more to damage her than has Sackett.
"What is more his bond is unusually high. One thousand dollars for a case of this sort is extremely high. If the case must be carried out I hope to see the bond reduced to a reasonable figure which he can furnish, or else ordered out on his own recognizance. He proposes to stay and fight this case and has no intention of skipping the town."
"He is probably in love with our climate," remarked Mr. Quinton dryly.
"Will Miss Davenport be here when the case is called again?" Mr. Jetmore demanded of Mr. Quinton.
"She will be subpoenaed," replied Quinton.
"Will you give your word on your professional honor that she will be here?"
"I will answer such questions out of court."
Judge Furry surprised Jetmore by saying that his court had no jurisdiction to try Sackett, but merely to give him a preliminary hearing. The judge refused to reduce the bond, and continued the case until next Thursday, the 15th, at 10 o'clock.
Mr. Jetmore asked that his protests in the case be recorded, in order that he might get the benefit of them when the case is called again.
Sackett's Wives.
Sackett appears to be a much married man. Besides the wife and three children he is known to have in Washington, D.C., he is said to have a wife and two children in Asbury, N.J., and a wife and two children in New York, according to the press dispatches.
A dispatch from Asbury Park to the New York Herald says: "Chief of Police Shay of Chicago today sent a telegram to Chief of Police William H. Smith of this place asking him if H. Sackett, who formerly lived in Asbury Park, was married. Last week Sackett eloped with Miss Frances Davenport, youngest daughter of the late Senator L.D. Davenport. Sackett is a silhouette artist, and had a stand in the Asbury avenue pavilion at this place in 1889-90. With the assistance of Caleb L. Bailey he inaugurated and successfully carried out the first annual baby parade in 1890. His attention to women on the board walk was such that Mr. Bradley requested him to leave, and before the close of the season he packed his traps and got out of town. He has a wife and two children, and this fact has been telegraphed to Chief of Police Shay."
Another telegram from Chicago says: "H. Sackett, who eloped from Elkhart, Ind., with Frances Ddavenport, has a wife and two children in New York. Sackett married a sister of Mrs. Howe, wife of the eastern manager of the American News company, and the deserted family is now living with the Howes in their New York home."
[Researched by Ted Smith and transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - Topeka State Journal, Kansas, 15 Feb 1894, p. 5
SACKETT STAYS HERE.
He Will Reside in Topeka For a Time.
DISCHARGED FROM CUSTODY TODAY.
Congratulated on His Escape from Justice by Prominent People.
Topeka is to have an addition to its criminal element, fortunately only for a short time it is hoped. Sackett is going to stay here.
Harry Ackley Sackett is a free man. When he appeared before Justice Furry this morning for his preliminary hearing the justice announced after a consultation with the attorneys involved, that the case against Sackett had been dismissed and Sackett was discharged.
Sackett is somewhat hard of hearing and he did not know what the judge said until his attorney, Aaron Jetmore, repeated it. Sackett said "Thank You," to the court and accompanied Lawyer Jetmore to his office.
He will not leave Topeka. He has been given too much free advertising not to take advantage of it. He will open up a stand at Burkhart's cigar store, 801 Kansas avenue, where he will make silhouette pictures at so much a picture, where he expects to do a big business with the curious people of Topeka.
Sackett said to a Journal reporter shortly after his release:
"I have been twelve days in jail. That is a new experience to put down on my tab. I have no complaint to make, however. At the jail they gave me the best cell in the prison and I was treated pretty well.
"I think the papers of Topeka have been too severe in their statements of the case, but under the circumstances I have no kick coming. You may say I am going to open a stand at Burkhart's cigar store, where I will be glad to see the curious people of Topeka in a professional way."
"Do you know where Miss Davenport has gone?"
"I am reliably informed that she has been taken back to Illinois by her aunt. I suppose her friends will make an effort to show that she has gone to Denver or somewhere else to hide her identity as much as possible."
"What is the truth of these stories about your wife and family in Washington being destitute?"
"My wife is making about eight or ten dollars a day. That is more than I have been making lately, but you know there are women who want the earth. We separated by agreement and she kept the children because she wanted to."
"How do you account for none of the requisitions against you having materialized?"
"That was all bluster. I am not wanted for any offense back east. If I were wanted you must know that I would have sense enough not to use my own name and continue my profession as a silhouette artist."
After Sackett's discharge a large circle of people, many of them old settlers who remembered his father, pressed around him, shook his hands and offered their congratulations. Among those who did this were G.G. Gage and John T. Morton. Sackett had admitted to reporters and in fact everybody else, that he was guilty of criminal relations with Miss Frances Davenport, but as certain technical forms of law were not complied with he goes free. He is a foul scamp and the sooner he gets out of town the better for the town.
MISS DAVENPORT GONE.
The Family Sick of the Notoriety Given Them by the Affair.
Miss Davenport returned yesterday with her relatives, and she expresses herself as being very thankful for being rescued from the man Sackett. She was in the city, however, when Lawyer Jetmore made the charge that she had been "spirited away."
A conservator has been appointed over her property to protect her from the wiles of any other unprincipled adventurers who may try to get into her good graces on account of her wealth.
A relative of Miss Davenport says the reason Sackett was not taken back to Indiana is because the feeling against him there has run very high, and the threat has been freely made that he would tarred and feathered, and they feared serious results from violence. This would have been very distasteful to her sisters, and they were sick and completely worn out with the excitement and notoriety caused by the unfortunate occurrence.
They were in Chicago on the night of the elopement, and had as high as 160 detectives and police officers on the search with photographs and descriptions. Every theatre and place of amusement was thoroughly searched.
Sheriff Crull of Elkhart county came here last week, with a requisition from the governor of Indiana, to take him back for trial there. The principal witness against him would have been the woman that Sackett took to Elkhart as his wife, and whom he deserted for Miss Davenport.
Sheriff Crull was in the court room when the case was up for hearing last Saturday. He sat next to Sackett and while in conversation and apparently sympathizing with him, he was studying the man pretty thoroughly for a future acquaintance.
After he arrived on Friday night with the requisition, the attorneys thought it best to take a continuance in the case and in the meantime to send Crull to Wichita to get the signature of the governor to the warrant, and have it issued by him in preference to taking one that was signed by the governor and not issued by him in person. He was detained at Newton and Emporia by the snow blockade until Monday evening, when he returned. He learned that the relatives east wished to discontinue further proceedings. He remained here until yesterday afternoon in hope of a change in programme that would give him the pleasure of Mr. Sackett's company on his way home. He was sadly disappointed that he had to go home alone.
[Researched by Ted Smith and transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - Topeka Daily Capital, Kansas, 22 Aug 1896, p. 4
HE LIVED IN TOPEKA
Sackett, the Newsboy, Was Well Known in This City.
At the Age of 77 He Sold Papers and When He Died He Was Worth $16,000—His Son's Escapade.
There are many people in Topeka who remember Or[s]emus Sackett, the "77-year-old newsboy," who died at Grand Rapids, Mich., Thursday. Sackett is the old man who sold newspapers and peanuts on Kansas avenue away back in the 70's, and during his residence here he brought Horace Greeley to Topeka to lecture.
At that time nearly everybody in Topeka knew him, for he was then the character of the town. Two sons survive him. One of them, Harry, was his office boy while he conducted his lecture bureau. Harry figured in a sensational incident over a year ago. He eloped from Elkhart, Ind., with Frankie Davenport, a belle of the town, and the runaways were arrested at Topeka. Sackett fixed up the matter by marrying the girl. She left him afterwards and went to Washington, securing a divorce a few months ago.
Sackett was with "Wild Bill" in 1871 when that famous frontiersman made a target of an "O" in the I.O.O.F. glass transparency in the Odd Fellows' building at Missouri avenue and Main street, Kansas City. Wild Bill fired thirteen shots in succession through it, riddling the "O" out of existence, and then City Marshal Speers came up and put a stop to his little fun.
Sackett was born in New England, but lived in Chicago before coming here, and was one of the minor projectors of the Chicago Inter Ocean, and was formerly associated with Frank Palmer, formerly its publisher, and once postmaster there, as well as United States government printer. Old Chicagoans will remember Sackett as the noted "Yankee card writer" in the Sherman house lobby in 1863 and 1864. He was the original "card writing professor" and spent his summers at Saratoga, Newport and Long Branch, and made lots of money. Before coming to Kansas City he lost every dollar he had speculating in oil.
Sackett invented the little rack, to be found on almost every hotel counter, for cards, envelopes, noteheads, pens, ink, matches and telegrams, and made much money on the invention. He left Kansas late in 1879, with nearly $40,000, for Grand Rapids, Mich., to manufacture these hotel conveniences. After a year's work he was stricken with disease and was practically an invalid for five years thereafter.
When he began life again he had just 50 cents. This was the modest capital with which he started selling newspapers on the streets of Grand Rapids. He had no stand, but traveled all over the town and suburbs selling and delivering the daily newspapers, weekly picture papers and magazines. It was his boast that he carried his office in his hat. He walked about twenty miles every day to cover his routes. He could furnish papers from any place on the globe and sold over 400 daily. One of his eccentricities was to occasionally appear in a suit of clothes with buttons made of $5, $10 and $20 gold pieces, the latter on his overcoat. He left about $16,000.
He lived in Kansas City for several years. Sackett was one of the most eloquent boomers in early days, and he never grew tired of singing the praises of Kansas City by day and night. He predicted, in 1879, a population of 150,000 by the census of 1890 and his prophecy came true. When any of his lyceum stars arrived he met them at the depot with a magnificent blooded team and rig, and the first thing he did, after a brief lunch, was to show them the then rising and rugged western metropolis in all its picturesque beauty and descant eloquently upon its future greatness. He brought all the star actors of the country, too, here in the early days. He was enterprising to an extreme, and no price was too great for him if the orator was of national reputation. He also had a habit of using the wires lavishly in furthering his lecture schemes.
[Researched by Ted Smith and transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - The Evening Herald, Ottawa, Franklin county, Kansas, 21 Dec 1901, p 2 City News Briefs Mrs Rosanna Campbell, the wife of Barzellia Campbell, died at her home on East Logan Street, beyond the city limits, this morning. Mrs Campbell was seventy two years old and had been sick for a long time. Her husband and several grown children survive her. Only one child, a daughter, Ella, is now living at home. The funeral will occur at the North Ottawa Methodist Church tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock. [Researched by Alyce Beggs]
- The Goodland Republic and Goodland News, Goodland, Kansas, 31 Oct 1902, p 1
Bert Sackett Dead.
Bert Sackett, a consumptive, died at the home of Mr. Dickinson, where he was being cared for, Thursday morning, October 23, at about 7:45 a.m. Rev. Miller, of the Methodist church, held a brief service at the house and his remains were taken to Norton, Kan., for interment. A.D. Rummell, representing the Odd Fellows' lodge, accompanied the remains and attended to the interment beside his wife and child.
He had been in poor health for about three years, and having no family, and having once resided here, he came to Goodland about three months ago. He was evidently in a decline when he came here and failed rapidly until the end came.
Mr. Sackett was born in Michigan in 1864. He came to Sherman county in July 1885, and took a claim one mile west of town. He was postmaster at Itasca for about a year and was also a notary public in Sherman Center. When Goodland became the county seat and Mr. Spencer was appointed postmaster he worked awhile in the office, instructing the new postmaster in his duties. He was a very pleasant man and a gentleman in every respect.
[Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - The Udall News, Udall, Kansas, 18 Dec 1908, p 1
Sackett–Sidle.
Mr. Hilton Sidle and Miss Myrtle Sackett were married by Probate Judge J.G. Shreves at his home Saturday evening. The young couple succeeded in keeping the marriage a secret until today when the story leaked out.—Free Press.
[Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - The Arkansas City Daily News, Arkansas City, Kansas, 10 Feb 1909, p 5
Winfield Courier, Winfield, Kansas, 11 Feb 1909, p 7
Marriage Licenses.
February 6.
Hilton Sidle, Winfield ... 18
Myrtle E. Sackett ... 17
(Parents consent for both.)
[Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - Winfield Courier, Winfield, Kansas, 11 Feb 1909, p 7
Sackett-Sidle
Miss Myrtle Sackett and Mr. Hilton Sidle, both of Winfield were married by Probate Judge Shreves at his residence in Winfield the evening of Saturday, February 6, 1909.
[Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - Sabetha Herald (Sabetha, Kansas), 14 Nov 1912, Page 8
Obituary of H. V. Croffoot.
Homer V. Croffoot was born in Painesville, Ohio, May 11, 1826. He was married to Clarissa Rolfe October 8, 1846. To this happy union there were born eleven children, three sons and eight daughters. His wife and three daughters preceeded (sic) him in death. The family moved west and lived in Rock county, Mo., for 13 years. Then they went to Joe Davis county, Illinois, where they remained 20 years. May 27, 1883, Mr. Croffoot was married to Elizabeth Sypher. To this union no children were born. The family then removed to Green county, Wisconsin, and lived there until 1888, when they moved to Kansas. Since then Mr. Croffoot has been a resident of Kansas. Sunday evening, November 3, death came to Mr. Croffoot at Studley, Kansas, after an illness of a week with cerebral hemorroids. He was 86 years old. Mr. Croffoot is survived by a wife and eight children, as follows: Mrs. Duane Rogers, of Burr Oklahoma, Henry H. Croffoot, of Hanover, Ills.; Carlos C. Croffoot, of Studley, Kansas, Mrs. Delia Burkhart. Mrs. Adda Hatfield, Mrs. Ella McCabe and George F. Croffoot, all of Sabetha; Mrs. Emma Forrey, of Kuna, Idaho. In 1861 Mr. Croffoot united with the Baptist church and was ever afterwards a faithful follower of Christ. Funeral services were held in the Studley church Wednesday afternoon, November 6, conducted by Rev. Mr. Starrbuck, Burial was in the Studley cemetery.
[Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Ted Smith] - The Marion Review, Marion, Kansas, 4 Jun 1914, p 1
Samuel F. Sackett
The subject of this sketch was taken ill some weeks ago in New York City. His son, Guy Sackett of this city, was called and it was thought for some time that he would recover but, last week he began to rapidly fail. The end came Friday, May 29th.
Remains were brought to Marion. The funeral was from the home Monday at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Wareham of Wichita, an old friend of the family, officiated. The male quartette furnished the music.
Mr. Sacket was born at Rome, Indiana, February 5, 1849. When only a boy he went with his parents to Luray, Mo., where he spent the early part of his life. He was educated in a seminary at St. Francissville, Mo., and was afterwards an instructor in the same school. He was later elected sheriff of Clark Co, Mo., and afterwards county clerk of the same county, which office he held for eight years. He left Clark Co., Mo., September 1st, 1883 for Marion, Kas., which place has been his home ever since.
He leaves a wife, four daughters, Mrs. J. T. Dickerson of Edmund, Okla., Mrs. Anna Blackburn and Mrs. Helen Miesse of Marion, Mrs. E. M. Cherington of St. Joseph, Mo., and one son, Mr. Guy Sackett of Marion, thirteen grand children and a sister, Mrs. Oscar Roland of Luray, Mo.
Interment was made in Highland Cemetery.
When Mr. Sacket came to Marion he was associated with Mr. W. W. Loveless in the general mercantile business. By his courteous, obliging, manner to his patrons and his optimistic disposition he made friends. We believe that everybody in Marion regretted to have him sever his business relations with Marion. The family have the sympathy of the entire community.
[Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Ted Smith] - The La Harpe Enterprise, Kansas, 3 Nov 1916, p 2
Thursday evening Mr. Paul Sackett of Arcadia, Kansas, and Miss Lillie Payton of our town were united in marriage by Pastor Smith. Only a few of the immediate friends were present to witness the ceremony. The newly wed couple immediately departed over the Missouri Pacific for their new home in Arcadia.
[Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett] - Winfield Daily Courier, 10 Aug 1923
Deaths
Sackett - Mrs. J. H. Sackett of 1521 East Eleventh Avenue died at the family home Friday morning at seven o'clock after an illness of two years' duration caused from cancer.
Mrs. Sackett was a good woman and highly respected by all who knew her.
She leaves a husband, four daughters, Mrs. R. J. Decker of St. Louis, Mrs. J. T. Stoutimore of Oexter, Mrs. T. H. Conrad and Mrs. Myrtle Finney of Winfield, and six step daughters, Mrs. Will Hall of Tisdale, Mrs. John Miller, Mrs. Mart Firebaugh, Miss Mary Sackett, Miss Laura Sackett, and Miss Bessie Sackett all of Winfield.
Mrs. Sackett was born in Kentucky February 3, 1852 and died August 10, 1923, aged 71 years, 6 months and 7 days. The funeral will be held from the Tisdale Methodist Episcopal church Saturday morning at ten o'clock. Interment will be made in the Tisdale cemetery. - Winfield Daily Courier, 21 Apr 1924
Deaths
Sackett - J. H. Sackett died Monday morning at one forty-five o'clock after an illness of five weeks from arterial scleriosis.
Mr. Sackett was a pioneer resident of Cowley county and was 75 years old. He leaves nine children. Mrs. Sackett died August 10th. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon conducted by Dr. W. C. Templeton.
There will be a short service at the house at one o'clock and the funeral will be from the Tisdale Methodist Episcopal church at two thirty o'clock. - The Belleville Telescope, Kansas 7 Jan 1982
"Ceremony Unites Washington Countians
Ilah Sackett of Washington and Robert B. Henderson of Mahaska were united in marriage in a private ceremony at the Christian Church in Washington at 12 p.m., December 28.
The ceremony was performed by Rev. Robert G. Molby of Kansas City, nephew of the bride; Steve Burkun of Washington.
Musicians were Mr. and Mrs. Cain of San Antonio, Tex.
The bride was escorted by her nephew, Eugene G. Molby of Ulysses, Kan.
Attending the couple were: Mrs. Bernard Miller, niece of the bride; Mrs. Harold Root, sister of the groom; Harold Root of Hollenberg; Bernard Miller of Lawrence.
A luncheon was served at the Steak House in Washington following the ceremony.
The bride is a former Mahaska grade school teacher.
The groom is a retired mail carrier.
The couple is at home in Mahaska."
[Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Ted Smith]
Source:
Website Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com), digital image.
