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TThe mystery regarding a number of fires which have puzzled the citizens of Lebanon during the past two years has been cleared up by the confession of Floyd Van Gorder, the thirteen-year-old son of Alex Van Gorder, in which he implicates four other boys, Peter Dale, ftftten-year-old son of John Dale; Willie Artmfen, fourteen-year* old son of Abraham Artman; Lyle Campbell, thirteen-year-old son of Jasper Campbell; and Virgil Wills, thirteen-year-old son of John Wills.On Tuesday, of last week, the fire department made a run to the residence of Ed Caldwell, in the west part of the city, only to find that they had been made the victim of a false alarm. Immediately upon their return an investigation was begun to find the party who sent in the alarm. From the girl at the telephone exchange, who handled the call it was learned that it came from the tailor shop of E. J. Dutch. It was soon learned that Van Gorder sent in the alarm during Mr. Dutch’s absence.Young Van Gorder was subjected to a strict examination by the police and made a full confession. The work of the youthful incendaries during the past two years included three attempts to burn the lumber yards of the Pinnell-Coombs Co., the destruction of the J. W. Witt elevator and setting fire to a number of barns and residences. According to the stories of the other boys, Van Gorder was the leader and always applied the match, he seeming to have a mania for seeing fires and watching the runs of the department. Thlt;$ third attempt to destroy the lumber yards almost succeeded, the flames having gained such headway that a large number of business houses were in immediate danger. After this fire the Pinnell-Coombs Co. tore down the large frame shed on South street, fearing that another attempt would be made that would be more dis-* astrous.The burning of the Witt elevator caused a loss of $20,000, and occurring during a very dry season, threatened the entire city, but by almost superhuman efforts the fire department conquered, only a small portion of the adjoining building?* being damaged.rpuvuc Vv aiuutiugfarm of Mrs. Lizzie son township, was stroyed with all i contents belongin{ land. James Braeson township wascompletely destroy* In the southern considerable cornblown down.AUGU8TDate for the An miTeachers'The Boone Coun tute will be held In of August 23 to instructors for the Dunleavy, presidei Normal, who will p Louis J. Retzer, ol who will lecture or gentlemen will be I Other speakers * ing, Indianapolis, p wall, Wabash coll M. R. Kirk, Evansv and Deputy Sta Bounell, who give The music will be Maude Sidener, ofCivil ServiceAn examination rier will be held i this city on August limits are 18 to 45 examination. Man admitted to the ei married women are pointment as clerfc be physically sour cants must not blt; 4 inches in heigh shoes, and weigh pounds without ovlt; information concei tion, qualifications vacation* and pror by addressing StaLebanon postofficeBowman FatAN OLD MAN HORSEWHIPPEDThe first reunioi family was held at four miles west ofday. About sevent present, and all ei dinner. A perm; was effected, with Beckville, presiden of Crawfordsville, urer. A commit
Newspaper Details
Lebanon Patriot
Lebanon, Indiana, US
Thu, Aug 05, 1909
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Indiana U.
IN, USA 06 May 2022
Other Publications Near Lebanon, Indiana
The Boone County Ledger
Lebanon Boone County Pioneer
Lebanon Daily Reporter
Lebanon Daily Herald
Lebanon Patriot
