Law and Order 1890 Style

February 13, 1890 Sumner Press Bridgeport News

Some two weeks ago City Marshal James Steward received word from Sheriff Woodyait of Dixon, Lee County that one Wm Vanter along with other prisoners had made their escape from jail and perhaps Vanter would come to Bridgeport, as he had relatives here. Marshal Stewert kept quiet and close watch for his man and was soon onto him, closeted with a relative at Bridgeport.

The sheriff of Lee County was promptly notified and arrived Monday night. The sheriff accompanied by Marshal Stewart and Frank Seed proceeded to the residence of Wm Benefiel. One of the party knocked at the door while the other two stood guard. Mr. Benefiel opened the door when the officer made known his errand. Mr. Benefiel informed the officer that Vanter was at the residence of Mr. Fryberyer in extreme part of town. Officer Steward was detailed to go to the Fryberyer residence while the other two stood guard at the Benefiel residence. Soon after the departure of Stewart, Benefiel told the sheriff to come in. The sheriff entered the house and found his man.

Vanter is a young man wanted in Lee County for forgery. The sheriff left with his prisoner Tuesday morning. “Marshal Stewart 13, 1890 from the Sumner Press is a hustler, and criminals coming this way will stand a poor show for escaping his ever-vigilant eye.”

******Saturday morning September 23 2023, we will be selling our extra school yearbooks for BTHS, LTHS and some RHHS for only $20! We don't have duplicates of Sumner or St Francisville, sorry, but we do have the great basketball years for both LTHS and BTHS. so come in and see if we have your year!