Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
A sundry of events reported by the Dec. 31, 1885, Valley Falls New Era, bear proof the year ended on a limited note of cheer, a questionable New Year's resolution, and a violent argument between prominent city officials.
Details are "Simons is said to be running his saloon on a bigger and bolder scale than ever. He sells beer and whiskey and deals them out by their right names. His argument is that he expects to be convicted and fined and he wants — perhaps resolved? — to make enough money to see him through the squabble.
"A.G. Patrick had a handsome and well-filled Christmas tree at his residence Christmas Eve. He invited in all the poor children in the neighborhood and each one of them got one or more presents from the tree, and Patrick very delightfully entertained the little fellows with the story of Santa Claus, assuming the role himself.
"Assault on Mr. Crosby — Bad blood over a whiskey war came to a head on Christmas Day when R.H. Crosby was smitten in the mouth by the city marshal, Jasper Boles, knocking loose one of Mr. Crosby's front teeth and cutting his lip so that the blood flowed quite freely.
"The circumstances are briefly these: Mr. Boles, during the past summer and fall has been residing in the Lutt house of which Mr. Crosby is agent. At the time of the defeat of Mr. Boles for sheriff, he was considerably behind on his rent and when solicited by Crosby to pay up, said, 'I am D.....D hard up, but will pay soon if I have to sell my watch!' So, matters stood until Mr. Crosby gave him a legal written notice to vacate the premises. To this Mr. Boles paid no attention and continued to 'hold the fort' without coming forward with the rent.
"This was the status of the case when, on Christmas Day, as Mr. Crosby was passing Coy's Drugstore, he noticed Mr. Boles going in. Mr. Crosby followed him and calling him back from the crowd, asked him if he had moved out of the house. To this Mr. Boles responded that his mother was sick. Mr. Crosby accepted this as reasonable excuse for not vacating, but censured him severely for dead beating the Lutt Estate out of the rent. Mr. Boles got very angry and said to Crosby, 'If you give me any more of your lip, I will hit you.'
"To this challenge, Mr. Crosby merely responded, 'Jap, do you consider this doing the honorable thing?' Mr. Boles at once bringing his hand around and smiting Mr. Crosby full in the mouth, Boles instantly drawing back and making a motion to grasp his revolver from his hip pocket.
"Mr. Crosby offered no resistance. Since there was no officer present, Mr. Crosby proceeded to the office of Police Judge Simpson and had Mr. Boles arrested and bound over for the sum of $50 and for trial set the next day.
"At 9 a.m., the trial was short and sweet. Mr. L.A. Myers, Boles' attorney, making a short plea for court leniency and Mr. Crosby's attorney, G.W. McCammon, never opening his mouth. Mr. Boles was fined $15 and costs, which he seemed very well satisfied to pay."
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
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