Jones-Jackson County IA Archives News.....Desperado Captured January 18, 1879
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Ken Wright wright@prestontel.com November 26, 2014, 3:22 pm

Maquoketa Excelsior, Jan. 18, 1879 January 18, 1879
Maquoketa Excelsior, January 18, 1879

John Vasser, Desperado from Dakota Territory, Captured in Maquoketa

One of the most thrilling incidents that has taken place in our city for 
years occurred last Saturday morning. It was the arrest of John Vasser, who 
with six others took part in robbing a train on the Union Pacific Railroad 
at Medicine Bend, Dakota Territory, last October. In addition to this 
offense, he is charged with killing two officers who afterwards attempted to 
capture him. Vasser was raised in Jones County, not many miles from Onslow, 
and doubtless returned there thinking it was far away from the scenes of his 
crimes. Vasser lived his younger years near Canton and is known to a good 
many old residents who give him the reputation of being a hard case, even in 
his younger years.

A United States detective who had been on Vasser's track since last fall 
ascertained enough of his whereabouts to be convinced he was in Jones County 
at the home of a brother-in-law. A bogus dispatch purporting to be sent by 
one of his pals in Sioux City, was sent to him stating that there was a 
letter and money order for him at the Post Office in Maquoketa. The 
detective came to Maquoketa to be ready in case Vasser should call for the 
letter. He called for the letter Saturday morning and was arrested without 
any trouble.

Vasser was immediately bound over to the Court House. The detective and 
Sheriff Babcock took charge of him and left for Anamosa on the noon train. 
From there he will be taken west, where his trial will take place. If all 
the reports are true he will be hung for the many crimes he has committed.


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