W.H. MIDDAUGH - ex-sherrif
Can anyone fill us in on the genealogy of W.H. MIDDAUGH?
The following is an abreviated version of an article which appeared in column 5 of the 16 Feb 1860 issue of "The Dubuque Herald/Telegraph - Byline from the 3 Feb 1860 issue of the Rocky Mountain News":
"Wednesday, Feb 1, 1860, at a Citizens meeting held at Vasquez House, Auraria (Aurora Colorado?) for the purpose of examining charges preferred by Roswell Hildreth against William R. Harvey, Thomas II Clemo, William McCarty, William Todd, alias "Chuck-a-Luck", William Karl, alias "Buckskin" (members of the "Bummers" gang).On a motion by W.H. MIDDAUGH a committee of 5 were appointed by the Chair, William Slaughter, to examine the charges and take testimony concerning the theft of a large number of turkeys from a countryman's wagon, in Auraria.
There had been a rash nightly thefts in the area ..... amounting to hundreds of dollars.The committee adjourned and shortly thereafter a group of the "Bummers" and their supporters started to terrorize the community, waving guns and knives.At about 9 P.M., ex-sherrif W.H. MIDDAUGH, one of the most important witnesses was fired upon as he stepped from the door of Vasquez House.The ball (bullet) grazing his head and penetrating the door.The flash of the pistol also burnt his face.The shot was fired by McCarty.A few minutes later Middaugh was again fired upon through the window of the Vasquez House by Harvey.
Word was immediately sent to the drill room of the Jefferson Rangers, who coincidently were on drill.They rushed to the scene to quell the disturbance.During the night a patrol was kept up because there had been threats to torch some of the buildings.Due to the dilligence of the patrols there were no further incidents.
The following day, Thursday at 10 A.M. the committe reconvened and rendered a verdict which saw all of the parties found guilty of stealing the turkeys.They were sentenced to leave town within 5 hours or face hanging if they remained after that period.
By 2 P.M. it was announced that all of the "Bummers" had fled town for "parts unknown".
We would be interested to learn more about W.H., his family, ancestors & descendants.
Can you help?
More Replies:
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Re: W.H. MIDDAUGH - ex-sherrif
patricia mierke 2/18/10
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Re: W.H. MIDDAUGH - ex-sherif
11/29/01