In this compilation, we take a look at a few arrests made back in 1895.
1. Sold Fake Petrified Human Body
First, we have an interesting story from out of Fresno, California, that states that two men were arrested for trying to sell a fake petrified human body.
During this time, unusual finds, such as mummified and petrified bodies were put on display and could bring in quite a bit of money at the freak shows.
In this case, the fake body turned out to be a statue made to look like a petrified body and the two men were attempting to sell half interest in the fake for a whopping $2,250. [Source]
2. Sidewalk Violation
Meanwhile, in San Francisco, a warrant was put out for Michael Higgins. Apparently this particular rebel was in trouble for putting in a plank sidewalk on his property when the local ordinance demanded a stone sidewalk instead. [Source]
3. Reused Stamps
A man was arrested in Stockton after he was caught using a canceled stamp.
According to the news report, the man said that he did not know that using canceled stamps to mail letters was a crime. [Source]
4. He Faked Poverty
Felix Runge stole two bottles of milk, two loaves of bread, and three newspapers from porches one early March morning. He was caught, arrested, and taken to the local jail where he told the police that his wife and family were starving.
At first they pitied the man’s plight, but as they searched his pockets, they found he had $2.35 and a gold-plated watch.
His wife was notified of his arrest and, upon arriving at the jail, it was noted that her fingers were covered in expensive rings.
No longer a man to feel sorry for, Mr. Runge was taken before a judge and found guilty of petty larceny. [Source]
5. Arrested the Girls
Finally, we have the case of the rioting girls in Cook County, Illinois.
According to one report, the inmates at the Illinois State Home for Juvenile Female Offenders rose up because of the matron’s punishments.
The article states that the girls, ages 10 to 18, were sometimes chained to the floor of a dark room. They were also starved on various occasions.
The police were called to the scene and eventually got the situation under control. Four of the inmates were arrested.
The state home’s name was later changed to the Illinois State Training School for Girls, but its reputation remained bleak. Today, you can visit the school’s cemetery in Geneva, Illinois. [Source]
