Transcribed by Kate Connerth and submitted to
the IAGenWeb Project on October 9th, 1997.
Copyright © 1997 by Kate Connerth.
DIDN'T KETCHUM Some time in 1849, a stranger accompanied by a woman appeared in Vinton. He gave the name of Ketchum, and soon after his advent engaged in the saloon business. Erelong a woman came to town, and gave her name as Mrs. Ketchum, the lawfully wedded wife of the saloon keeper, whom she had come to see. She did not propose to tolerate Ketchum's weakness for getting married while she was still able to get around. She was rather an energetic woman, for she had a warrant for her husband's arrest placed in the hands of Deputy Marcus Webb within two hours after her arrival. Webb made the arrest, took his prisoner before Justice Brubacher, and, having other business to attend to, left him in the custody of Constables Stanbury and Bob Quail. Doctor Buffum was engaged by the prisoner to defend him, and had gone with him to Justice Brubacher's. Pending the appearance of witnesses, a jug of whisky was sent for, and the Justice and the attorney for the defense sat down to play a friendly game of "seven-up." Quail having been out late the night before, went into an adjoing room, lay down, and was fast asleep. About the time Brubacher was two points ahead in his second game with Buffum, Ketchum asked permission to leave the room a few minutes, which Brubacher considerately granted. That was the last ever seen of Ketchum in Benton County. He had made good time. Diligent search was made, but he was beyond the reach of the officers. Brubacher was indicted at the next term of the District Court for keeping a gambling house, and both he and Buffum were indicted for gambling; but owing to informality in the papers, both were discharged.