Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
"The Best Laid Plans..." apparently went awry for the Rev. Fred Daniels Thanksgiving evening according to a December 5, 1913, Valley Falls newspaper report. Quoting the report, "The colored folks of Valley Falls and vicinity had made preparations for holding a festival and supper in their church Thanksgiving and were just getting started when a disturbance was started between "Bill" Tall and Ed Jackson over a matter of a check tendered in payment by Tall for his supper.
"The jangle lasted for better than half an hour during which time Jackson made an unsuccessful search of town for the marshal, and ended only when Tall took a couple of random shots outside the church and one inside which found lodgement in the leg of the minister, Fred Daniels.
"Of course this broke up the supper, and it is said never such a mixture of sweet potato, possum, coon and trimmings ever seen in the church house as was on display after the riot was over. After the shooting, both the marshal and night watch appeared, but no attempt was made to arrest anyone that night. Nor the next morning when Tall was walking about the street and afterward went to Holton.
"Mayor Hatfield became disgusted with the manner in which the whole matter was being handled and ordered the marshal to make complaint and arrest all those known to be implicated or present at the supper and have them brought into police court for examination where the facts, as above given, were brought out and a warrant issued for the arrest of Tall for disturbing the peace.
"The next day when he arrived from Holton he was arrested and pleaded guilty. The police judge assessed a fine of $15.00 and costs amounting to $20.00. He released him on the promise to pay with his father as security. So much criticism was heard of the entire proceedings and absence of action, by the officers of the church, that Tall was later arrested on a complaint sworn out in Justice Shaffer's court, charging 'assault with intent to kill'. The judge apparently looking on the affair as a trivial matter placed the bond at $500 for his appearance at the next term of the district court."
"Tall has a reputation as being 'free with his gun' and it is noted that he drew it on James Judd a short time ago at the depot and on another occasion he broke up a crap game with a double barrel shot gun. With all these matters of common talk, criticism of the laxity of the officers' handling of this case is very severe."
The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. Extended hours are planned Dec. 8 for the Hometown Christmas Celebration.
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