Beech Tree News Network

A visitor to Butler County back in 1895 left his mark from here to Rockport Indiana and beyond. He likely had arrived by riverboat since he, apparently, did not own a horse at the time. Enjoy this tale courtesy of some old microfilm.

The Hartford Herald September 25, 1895

Thief’s Transformation

Rockport, Ind., Sept. 21. A horse-thief giving his name, when appre¬hended, as James McGuire, crossed the Ohio River yesterday at Grandview riding a bay horse which he had stolen from H. Mellem who resides near Welch's Creek, in Butler County. Going up near Newtonville, McGuire, concluding that he was not sufficiently equipped for travel, stole a set of harness from Marion Jones and a bug¬gy from August Gunther. Harnessing his horse to the buggy he proceeded on his journey. After traveling a few miles he decided the harness rather inferior, halted at the barn of farmer Dawson and made an exchange for a new set.

When near Enterprise he convinced himself that he was not attired in
style befitting a gentleman of his standing and avocation, and he accordingly alighted for a short time at the residence of Rev. Mr. Leiter and appropriated the preacher's best suit of clothes, a Prince Albert and a silk hat. There being no one at home at Leiter’s at the time, McGuire disrob¬ed and reattired in the room where he found the clothing, leaving his old clothing for the preacher. Viewing himself with admiration in his new suit, he proceeded on his journey as the “Rev. Mr. McGuire." Shortly he became hungry, and halting at the smokehouse of farmer Sherwood took charge of a ham, placed it in his buggy and started on toward Evans¬ville.

In the interval, Mr. Leiter and farmer Sherwood returned home, and, missing clothes and meat, got together and in a short time officers and citizens were out in hot pursuit after McGuire. He was captured about nine miles from this city. On being asked to give his name he said he was Rev. Mr. McGuire, of Grandview, and that he was on his way to Evansville to take the train for Indianapolis, where he was going on business pertaining to his church. On his person he had three revolvers and four razors. He was relieved of the clothing and all of the ham that he had not used, and was then turned loose. The officers did not know at the time that he was wanted at Welch's Creek, Ky., and other places. Up to this time he has not been recaptured. A reward of $200 is offered for his arrest.