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This newspaper page contains 7 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Seattle Star
Location
Seattle, Washington, United States of America
Date
Jan 25, 1905
Page
7
Special to the Seattle Star reports on the Letcher trial at Bryan Ohio as a final chapter in exposing a notorious gang that operated across northwestern Ohio eastern Indiana and southeastern Michigan for twenty five years making arson a business.
An ad touts Stuart's Dyspepsia Tablets as a cure for stomach troubles and promotes digestion. The article then shifts to a detailed recounting of a criminal gang in Ohio involved in arson for insurance, describing their methods, pricing scale, and perils of discovery.
The state legislature created a four department fire marshal to curb vast insurance losses. The gang was exposed by marshals two years ago, resulting in over 40 indictments and 18 men sent to penitentiary. Many fled abroad, two members of the gang confessed after turning state's evidence, implicating several prominent men.
There are many signs of sick kidneys including backache, neuralgic pains, headaches, urinary changes, puffy eyes, and fatigue. Dean's Kidney Pills claim to cure kidneys with testimonials from local residents, urging immediate treatment without trial.
J Prewatt of 911 Third Avenue North describes two years of backache and kidney trouble after cold and exertion. He says Dean's Kidney Pills from Stewart Holmes Drug Co. stopped the pain and prevented recurrence, and he recommends them to others with kidney issues.
The Keller fire near Alvordton and West Unity evidences a gang method of terror and arson tied to political influence. Keller, Bill Hohn er, and John Swisher were indicted. Keller and Bohner served one year in prison, Swisher also jailed for another blaze. Ely’s later confession aided authorities in breaking up the gang.
The article describes a gang using arson to threaten families and extract money, noting lives lost in fires started with the owner’s connivance and detailing a 1897 attempted murder and robbery of Samuel Ayers. It cites state fire marshals who helped dismantle the gang and prompt legislative action.
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