Sheriff Hunting for Murderer
Sheriff Hunting for Murderer
During this week in July 1910, Lewis County Sheriff Urquhart went to Portland to capture John Sullivan, the man wanted for the murder of A.W. Black near Winlock. However, the sheriff’s mission became known and John Sullivan was not found.
A week before, Black had been sleeping near the south part of Winlock when he was attacked. His neck was cut from ear to ear.
“Black, his windpipe severed and weak from the loss of blood, was just able to crawl to the railroad track and signal the train to stop,” The Chehalis Bee-Nugget reported. “He was picked up by the crew and carried three miles back to Winlock, where he gave his story and died a few minutes later.
“Black was unable to speak, but with pencil and paper and by nods of the head in answer to questions, he stated that he and Sullivan first met at Vancouver, Wash., and shipped their suit cases to Winlock, where they expected to find work. The men were seen in Winlock the night before.”
Novelty in Dance Coming on July 4
120 years ago, in 1890
The Centralia News announced Mr. Andrew Erickson was opening his new building at the north end of Centralia on July 4.
“The large store room downstairs will be occupied by square dancers, and the elegant hall upstairs by the round dancers, or vice versa,” the newspaper announced. “This will necessitate two orchestras, but will render the occasion much more enjoyable. Some people don’t care for round dances and some will never stand up in a square dance.”
Get Your Permit for Your Revolver
75 years ago, in 1935
The Washington State Legislature passed a firearms law which went into effect July 1, and Centralia’s police chief began issuing permits.
“Along with building a home, getting married, keeping a dog and burning rubbish, a citizen now must obtain a special permit to buy or carry a pistol,” The Centralia Daily Chronicle wrote. “The new state short firearms’ act went into effect yesterday. Police Chief Milton Jastram has issued two permits to Centralians enabling them to carry pistols either on their persons or in their autos. The law governs all firearms with a barrel less than 12 inches long. Peace officers, military authorities and members of shooting clubs are excepted.
“The permit costs $1 plus ‘incidentals.’ An ‘incidental’ in this instance happens to be the cost of registering a letter to send the permit to Olympia. The state requires that permits be sent by registered mail.”
“The applicant must pay for that — we haven’t any registered mail funds,” Chief Jastram said.
Centralia Grows to 9,600
50 years ago, in 1960
With the annexation of the Waunch Prairie area, Centralia grew 200 acres larger and added 900 new citizens. Centralia was the largest in population it had ever been, growing to 9,600.
Evans Talks Locally About Hostage Release
25 years ago, in 1985
Sen. Dan Evans, R-Wash, discussed the recent release of 39 hostages with the editorial board at The Daily Chronicle. President Reagan had negotiated with Shiite Moslems for the quick release of the hostages who were taken during the hijacking of a TWA airliner.
Anthony Is Best at White Pass
10 years ago, in 2000
When Rick Anthony, White Pass School District superintendent, was named the Superintendent of the Year by Educational Service District 113, the elementary school principal responded.
“In all of the years I’ve been at White Pass, he’s the best I’ve ever seen,” Said Mary Jane Hahn.
Pit Bull Shot by Deputy
Five years ago, in 2005
When a 100-pound pit bull attacked a Lewis County sheriff’s deputy, the deputy shot the dog. The dog was expected to survive.
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From the Files of The Chronicle is compiled by Edna Fund, a Centralian who describes herself as a “history sleuth.” She can be contacted at Dutch@localaccess.com or at 269-7515.
