Cattle Rustler in Lukin

On October 2, 1885, the Vincennes Western Sun published a news item originally posted in the Sumner Press.

“August Brosa, a prominent young farmer of Lukin township recently drove two or three head of cattle to Sumner and sold them to the butchers as his own property.  It is alleged that the cattle belonged to one of his neighbors and that Brosa had no interest in them directly or indirectly.  Steps were taken toward prosecuting him for the offense last week, but Brosa is reported to have got wind of the proceedings and skipped out for parts unknown.”

Then this Lukin Prairie item was found in the Lawrenceville Herald and republished in the Western Sun October 16,1885. “Young August Brosa, who sold some cattle that didn’t belong to him a short time back, and then traveled for parts unknown has since been found to have engaged in putting other peoples’ names to notes and getting money on them till the amount reaches several hundred dollars.”

The Western Sun republished a Sumner Press item on March 5, 1886.  “Sheriff Spring of Richland County made a raid on Lukin township last Thursday and arrested August Brosa, the young farmer who got into trouble with his neighbors several months ago over the ownership of some cattle which he sold, and which were claimed by other parties.  He was taken to Olney, and we understand gave bond for his appearance at the next term of the Richland Circuit Court.”

 As a follow up, the Western Sun noted on April 23, 1886, that “Olney Deputy Sheriff McWilliams left for Chester penitentiary  April 19, with August Brosa who received one year for burglary from the Richland circuit court.”