Jack Wilson was killed by Harry H. Schieler in Warrens on December 4, 1892

FIRST WHITE MAN KILLED IN WARRENS!

Below are several articles in the newspaper about the killing.  Beginning on December 16, 1892.

IDAHO COUNTY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 4, 1892

HOMICIDE AT WARRENS

Jack Wilson killed By Harry Schieler at Little Giant Mine

Deputy Sheriff Harry Cone has taken Harry Schieler in custody to the county jail at Mt. Idaho, charged with the killing of Jack Wilson in Warrens on Sunday morning.  December 4, Schieler is a nephew of George Riebold's, and had entire charge of the Little Giant mine and premises during Mr. Riebold's absence.  There has been bad blood between Schieler and Wilson for some time.

There was a dance on the Saturday evening, which was attended by Wilson and his wife and they stayed all night at his brother-in-law Brewer's who works for Riebold and resides just below the Little Giant mine.  On Sunday morning Schieler went down to Brewer's and unexpectedly found Wilson there.  Jim Long was also there.  Schieler and Wilson had some conversation and finally Schieler forbade him to pass through the Little giant premises.  Wilson avowed his intention of going where he pleased and threatened to put Schieler's other eye out if he attempted to stop him.  Schieler returned to the mine.  Pretty soon Wilson, accompanied by his wife, put in an appearance on the Riebold premises and when within thirty feet of the house Schieler fired at him with a Winchester rifle, the ball entering the left side of the head and smashing the right shoulder.

Sunday evening, a coroner's inquest was held, justice Smead acting as coroner.  Mrs. Wilson testified that she did not see the shooting but that Schieler immediately stepped to the door with a gun in his hand.  No other evidence of importance was elicited.  The jury returned with the verdict and  Schieler admitted the killing.  

Harry cone is employed in the Little giant and was asleep when the shot was fired and was aroused by the woman's scream.  He immediately surmised what had happened, having heard Helm and Long conversing about the words which has passed between Schieler and Wilson.  Schieler submitted to arrest without resistance and voluntarily attended the inquest.  

Schieler has been employed by his uncle ever since he came here in '87, except when he was back east.  He is a very steady, hard-working young man, 21 years old and rather of a timid and retiring disposition.  Wilson was a tall man, 6 feet 2 inches, who arrived in Warrens a year ago.  He married Miss Frankie Smith in Warrens last spring.  Nothing is known concerning him or where he came from.  During last winter he had an occasional row with people in town and was in the habit of carrying a pistol.  He had been employed in the Little Giant but was discharged for incompentency.  He had repeatedly threatened the life of Schieler and even gone as far as to tell others that he would shoot him in the back and put his other eye out.  Schieler is blind in his left eye, the sight destroyed by an apple core thrown by a schoolmate.  

When the body of Wilson was searched the right hand was found grasping a "billy" in his coat pocket.  He had taken a contract to sink the Delaware shaft for Moore & Butler and was on his way there when the shot was fired.  It was not the nearest way to his destination but he probably took it with intention of having a row with Schieler.  Schieler was undoubtedly in fear of his life when he fired the fatal shot.  Wilson is the first white man killed Warrens.  

Owing to the difficulty of travel, it is not likely that the cause will be heard until the fall term of court.  Meanwhile Schieler languishes in jail in Mt. Idaho and it is not probable that he will be released on bail owing to the gravity of the charge.

Cone and Schieler met Mr. Riebold on his way in on the other side of Warm Springs.  George Riebold came out into camp and will assertain the facts here before going out to Mt. Idaho.  Hon. J.W. Ried, of Lewiston has been retained for the defense.  

 

Idaho County Free Press – December 16, 1892

HOMICIDE AT WARRENS

Jack Wilson Shot and Killed by Harry Schieler at the Little Giant Mine, on Sunday, December 3, 1892

On Friday evening last Harry Cone arrived from Warrens, having Harry H. Schieler in custody, charged with the killing of Jack Wilson in Warrens on Sunday morning, December 4.  Schieler is a nephew of George Riebold’s and during Mr. Riebold’s absence at Grangeville had entire charge of the Little Giant mine and premises.  There had been bad blood between Schieler and Wilson for some time previously.  There was a dance in Warrens on the Saturday evening, which was attended by Wilson and wife who stayed  all night at his brother-in-law Brewer’s who works for Riebold and resides just below the Little Giant mine.  On Sunday morning Schieler went down to Brewer’s and unexpectedly found Wilson there.  Jim Long was also there.  Schieler and Wilson had some conversation and finally Schieler forbade him to pass through the Little Giant premises.  Wilson avowed his intention of going where he pleased and threatened to put Schieler’s other eye out of he attempted to stop him.  Shortly after Schieler returned to the mine.  Pretty soon Wilson, accompanied by his wife, put in an appearance on the Riebold premises and when within thirty feet of the house Schieler fired at him with a Winchester rifle, the ball entering the left side of the head and smashing the right shoulder.  These are the facts of the homicide.

On Sunday evening a coroner’s inquest was held before justice Smead as acting coroner.  Mrs. Wilson testified that she did not see the shooting, but that Schieler immediately stepped to the door with the gun in his hand.  No other evidence of importance was elicited.  The jury finally returned a verdict that Wilson came to his death by a gunshot wound fired from a weapon in the hands of Harry H. Schieler.  Schieler admitted the killing.

Harry Cone is the deputy sheriff in the camp and is employed in the Little Giant.  He was asleep when the shot was fired and was aroused by the woman’s scream.  He immediately surprised what had happened, having heard Helm and Long conversing about the words which had passed that morning between Schieler and Wilson.  Schieler submitted to arrest without resistance and voluntarily attended the inquest.  Mr. Cone then wore out a complaint and on the strength thereof, defendant having waived examination started for Mt. Idaho with his prisoner, where he arrived Friday night.

As before stated, bad blood had existed between the parties for some time.  Schieler is a nephew of Geo. Riebold and has been employed in the Little Giant mine all the time during his stay in Warrens since 1887, except when he was back east.  He is a very steady, hardworking young man, 21 years old, and rather of a timid and retiring disposition.  Wilson was a tall man, 6 feet, 2 inches in height, who arrived in Warrens a year ago.  Nothing is known concerning him or where he came from.  During last winter he had an occasional row with people in town and was in the habit of carrying a pistol.  He had been employed in the Little Giant but was discharged for incompetency.  The weight of evidence is conclusive that he had repeatedly threatened the life of Schieler and had even gone so far as to tell others that he would shoot him in the back, and put his “other eye out.”  Schieler is blind in his left eye, having had the sight destroyed by an apple core flung by a schoolmate in his younger days. 

When the body of Wilson was searched the right hand was found grasping a “billy” in his coat pocket.  The “billy” was eight inches long and loaded with lead.  He had taken a contract to sink the Delaware shaft for Moore & Butler and was on his way there when the shot was fired.  It was not the nearest way to his destination, but he probably took it with the intention of having a row with Schieler.  Schieler was undoubtedly in fear of his life when he fired the fatal shot.  It is not likely that any preliminary examination will be held until the grand jury meets and if indicted then it is doubtful if all his witnesses, some of whom are ladies, could be gotten out of the camp to testify at the spring term, owing to the difficulties of travel so in all likelihood the trial will not come of till the next fall term.  Meanwhile Schieler languishes in the county jail and it is not probable that he will be released on bail, owing to the gravity of the charge.  Mr. Riebold was on his way in to Warrens from Grangeville and met Cone and Schieler this side of Warm Springs.  He may be expected to arrive out again in a few days.  Hon. J.W. Reid, of Lewiston, has been retained for the defense.  Wilson married Miss Frankie Smith in Warrens last spring.

 

FEBRUARY 10, 1893

The application for a writ of habeas corpus made before Judge Piper at Moscow last week for the release on bail of Harry Schieler, was denied and he will remain in jail.

 

APRIL 14, 1893

Harry Schieler was released from the county jail yesterday on an order from Judge Piper, who fixed the amount of his bond at $15,000.

 

MAY 26, 1893

All we have is stormy and rainy weather.  The witnesses in the Schieler case are all going out with horses next week. 

 

JUNE 2, 1893

The following witnesses in the Schieler case have left Warrens for Mt. Idaho:  Jay Czizek, Geo. Riebold, Bert Rutherford, C.F. Smith, W. Newburn, Jas. Long, H. W. Butler, Jas Dolan, Warren Helm, Taylor Smith, C.W. Barber, Joe Dysard and Wm. J. Kelly

 

JUNE 9, 1893

Another large delegation of witnesses in the Schieler case left for the prairie. 

The Grand jury in the District Court presented an indictment against Harry Schieler, charging him with the murder of John S. Wilson on December 4, 1892.  The dependent was given until Friday afternoon to plead, and was remained to the custody of the sheriff.

 

JUNE 16, 1893

Harry Schieler pleaded "not guilty".  

 

JUNE 23, 1893

TRIAL OF HARRY SCHIELER

District Court did not convene until one o'clock Tuesday afternoon, June 20th.  The day was taken up in selecting a jury for the trial of Harry H. Schieler for the killing of John Wilson in Warrens on December 4, 1892.

The Trial

Wednesday morning J.H. Forney stated the case to the jury and an order was made that all witnesses with the exception of Mrs. Frankie Wilson and George Riebold, be excluded from the room during the progress of the trial.  

P. W. Mitchell testified that he has lived in Warrens 4 or 5 years.  Harry said "I don't want any of you fellow to pass here any more,"  and he meant the men at the Knott and Delaware mines.  Wilson had some through the night before and Schieler had hallowed, but Wilson did not answer.  

Warren Helm testified he was at the Little Giant mine December 4 and saw Schieler but had no conversation with him.  He heard the conversation on the porch between Schieler and Long, Schieler said "I told him not to come through here any more, if he did I'd kill him." Helm went to town but stopped at Brewer's place, Wilson was there, tried to keep Wilson from coming by Riebold's.

Harry W. Cone testified that he came home about half past five Sunday morning and went to bed.  Was awaked by a woman's screams, jumped up, put on pants and shoes and ran to door; saw Schieler with a Marvin rifle and Schieler said, "He came through here and I shot him.  What else could I do, he had the woman with him.  I thought he had a pistol; he would have pulled the woman to him and plugged me."  I told Schieler he was under arrest and to come with me down to town.  Earlier in he week when Wilson went through and Schieler had hallowed at him, Wilson put his snow shoes behind him, put his hand in the pocket as though to draw a pistol.  I heard Wilson say he was going to kill him at a dance; Schieler was on a platform and Wilson said "Look at the son of a b...., I've got to kill him."  I told Schieler to look out for him.  

Witnesses describe the trail leading from town to the Delaware mine, also the nature of the land which had to be covered if a person went through the Little Giant mine going to the Delaware, a very narrow gulch at the place.  

A.D. Smead testified that he held the inquest on the body of Wilson.  At that inquest Schieler said, "I had been down to Brewer's, met Wilson and warned him not to come there, went back up to the mine, looked down road and saw no one, went in to store house and came out and saw Wilson and wife coming, and I shot him.  Wilson said he would come through whenever he wanted to; that he would put his other eye out is Schieler tried to stop him".

Thursday morning J.M. Haynie testified that he was one of the coroner's jury.  The body was lying on the trail about 30 feet from the house, lying on his face.  He had a bundle in his left hand, his right hand under the body.  He had gloves on both hands, there was a wound on the left cheek from which blood had flowed and ran on the snow.

C.F. (Frank) Smith stated that he was at the Delaware mine Sunday and went to Warrens about 8 o'clock in the evening, going from the mine by Riebolds and Brewers and from there to Warrens.  That was the usual route traveled going between the two places and he was never forbidden to go through that way.  The county trail from the mine to town was not broke but it was by way of Riebolds. 

J.W. Dysart had gone from the Delaware mine to Warrens the day before by way of Riebolds, returning about five o'clock the evening of December 4.  This was the usual route of travel.

John Shiefer testified to traveling over the trail from the Knott mine to Warrens by way of Riebolds.

Crosby Brewer, who married Georgia Smith, sister of Mrs. Wilson, testified that up to the time of the homicide he was working for Mr. Riebold.  He testified as to the conversation at his house the morning of December 4th and to conversations previous to that in which Schieler said, "Do you know that shotgun of the old man's?  If he stays away long enough, I will wad that gun and make Wilson carry her trunk down here, or kill him."

Wm. Duniway testified to threats made by Schieler against Wilson and his attentions to Wilson's wife, before her marriage with Wilson.   

During the cross examination of the witness the jury was retired while counsel argues the objections to a question as to the character of Mrs. Brown and her two daughters, which was judged not admissable.  Mrs. Brown is the mother of Taylor Smith, Frankie Wilson and Georgia Brewer.  

Friday, Robt. C. Devine testified as to the nature of the trails and the trail by Riebold's being used by men going to the Delaware and other mines during the winter.

Mr. Schiefer was recalled and testified as the conversation with Schiler regarding Frankie Smith prior to her marriage with Wilson, asked him why he did not marry her, he said he would and go to railroading.  At the house of Mrs. Brown, Schieler and Frankie had quarrelled.  After, he got down on his knees before her and wanted to make up.  There was talk of the girl being in trouble and Schieler said he would marry her if she laid it on him.  

Taylor Smith testified to being at Brewer's house the morning before the killing and detailed the conversation there, substantially as given by the next witness Mrs. Wilson.  

Mrs. Wilson (age 17) testified that she was married to Wilson May 26, 1892.  In the spring of '91 at her mother's residence Schieler asked me to marry him and I refused.  Mother asked what objections I had to him.  Another time Schieler asked me to marry him in the presence of Jack Shiefer.  After marriage Wilson worked for Mr. Riebold until the last of August when we moved to the Delaware mine, he left not wanting trouble with Schieler.  We came down on Saturday and I was at the dance the night before the killing.  It was about half past four in the morning when we went to Brewer's.  Schieler came there in the morning and Wilson said he would treat Schieler like a gentleman if he would do likewise.  After breakfast we started home, I in advance.  About 30 feet from the house I asked Wilson if we would go between the houses or on the porch, I was about ten feet ahead.  Just then I heard a shot, Wilson fell, Schieler came out, Cone came out and took me in the house.  I had asked Jack to go the other way and avoid trouble and he said he did not think there would be any.  

Mrs. Wilson was subjected to a thorough cross examination but could not be made to contradict herself.  When Wilson had typhoid fever, Riebold helped me nurse him.  Schieler always acted towards me as a gentleman in my presence.

Mrs. Brewer, testified as to the quarrel at her house.  Wilson said to Schieler "You think you are d. . . .d smart because your uncle has lots of money; you think you could do anything and get clear."  

The state then rested.

Saturday, the first witness for the defense was Jas. A. Long.  He testified that he saw Schieler at Brewer's the morning of the trouble.  Brewer was building a fire and Schieler setting in a chair, Brewer and I took a drink; Schieler did not drink.  Wilson came out of the bedroom and they  argued as testified before.  Brewer and I stepped outside and Schieler walked past me on his way to the mine.  I told Schiler to look out for Wilson.  He said he would.  Two weeks before Wilson told me that he was going to watch Schieler and "if he dances with my wife I will put a hole through him" Wilson's general reputation is bad, Schieler's good.  helm and I agreed that Wilson and Schieler were both damn fools.

Harry W. Cone was called as a witness for the defense and his evidence was substantially the same as given by him last Tuesday.

C.F. Smith was foreman of the coroner's jury, as deputy sheriff at the time; heard of homicide at noon from Schieler himself who surrendered to him.  At one time prior to killing, I watched all night to see that Schieler was not harmed. 

W.J. Kelly was a member of the coroner's jury, testified as did all present at the inquest, of the condition of the body, the billy club being found in his right coat pocket, also as to threats made by Wilson against Schieler prior to the killing.

J.H. Babendorf was the last witness of the day, his evidence being immaterial as he came from the Delaware mine to Riebold the day of the killing coming down the gulch; that no trail was broken. 

Monday, June 26, fourteen witnesses were on the stand during the day.  The most of them were only to prove threats made against the life of Schieler by Wilson and the general reputation of Schieler being good and Wilson's bad.

W. C. Newburn and P. Davis were put on the stand to prove reputation of Wilson's in Dakota before he came to this State.  Newburn's was excluded as being incompetent, Davis showed he and Wilson had been partners in Dakota in throwing a foot race. 

George Riebold, the owner of the Little Giant mine and uncle of the defendant, Schieler testified that Wilson worked for him, that Schieler wanted to leave because of the difficulty between him and Wilson.  Schieler had discharged him because his life was threatened and Riebold gave him a share of the business to induce him to remain.  parties were never allowed to pass through the mine in traveling to and from Warrens.

Tuesday, George Riebold resumed telling about his conversation with Mrs. Brewer and Mrs. Wilson after the killing.  Mrs. Brewer said if he would give a check for $10,000, they would go to Chicago by way of San Francisco and Seattle and stay all summer and then go to Coeur d' Alene.  After she came down to $1,000, I asked Alex Baumier to find out what they wanted.  Brewer was to cross the British line for $1,000, if Frankie Wilson went he wanted $1,500.  I sent word negotiations were ended, Mr. Riebold gave testimony contradictory to Mrs. Wilson and Taylor smith.  He also said that Wilson knew he forbid parties going through the premises.  

Harry Schieler, the defendant, then took the stand., and told his story in a straight-forward, manly way.  I am 23 years old, lived in St. Louis before coming to Warrens in 1887 to work for my uncle at $50 per month.  I sent money home to help mother and to purchase a home for myself.  I am engaged and went back on a visit in April '92.  I first met Wilson in Warrens in June of '91.  I had charge of the mine in Riebold's absence.  I was waiting on Wilson, who was sick with typhoid fever at that time I had trouble with Harmonica Jack.  He was drunk and came in the house where Wilson was and caused a row and I put him out of the house.

I talked to Schiefer about the woman's condition, he accused me of causing her trouble, and I him.  Never at any time did I ask her to marry me, positively never at the Clifford house.  I was in St. Louis at the time of Wilson's marriage and didn't return until the 12 or 15th of June.  After her marriage I saw her and spoke and always acted as a gentleman.  Wilson made threats in the fall of '92 and I wanted to leave camp but was persuaded to stay by my Uncle.  I never went to see Mrs. Wilson at the Delaware mine.  I was working at Willey's and went at the invitation of Moore & Butler.  Wilson accused me of telling lies about them and said he would have to fight.  I backed off but he followed me and I picked up a rock to defend myself.  I wrote two letters to Mrs. Wilson asking for a ring and photo and she refused to give them up.  

Mrs. Brewer told me that Wilson was going to shoot me in the back on the trail.  Wednesday before the killing the Chinaman came in and said.  "nother man go up to mill".  It was Wilson.  I knew Wilson carried a pistol and was a crack shot.  The Sunday before Duniway warned me about the trouble with Wilson.  I asked Frank Smith to go to Smead's night before, also to dances at Baumier's and Bemis's on account of threats Wilson had made.  Sunday morning I was going to town when I saw Long, went to Brewers house and found him building fire.  (Witness detailed conversation as before testified.)  I was sitting in a chair afraid to move and told him to stay away.  I went out to the first chance, I thought he wanted to kill me right then.  I went home and Long came up soon after.  He said to look out, he's coming up for a row.  I didn't tell Mitchell. "if any of you fellows get hurt it won't be my fault."  I saw Wilson and his wife coming up the road, he was about ten feet behind stooping.  I ran into the store house and grabbed a gun, ran into the room threw gun against window curtain and shot.  Then reloaded the gun and came to the door.  He was lying in the snow, she screaming.  I thought he was going to shoot me over his wife's shoulder or around her, using her as a shield.  Chinaman opened the door and Cone took the gun and I went to town.

Schieler was the last witness for the defense.  The State introduced several witnesses in rebuttal, but their testimony, if anything strengthened the defense.

Wednesday was taken up by arguments of counsel.  Ailshie, Poe and Reid for the defense and a night session was necessary to enable Mr. Reid to finish his address.

Thursday morning J.H. Forney made the closing address on behalf of the state.  Judge Piper delivered the charge to the jury and the case was submitted to them at noon.   

The Verdict

The jury was out all the afternoon until 10 o'clock at night.  The verdict was guilty of "manslaughter".  A motion for a new trial was promptly made.  The penalty for manslaughter is not to exceed ten years in the penitentiary.

 

JULY 7, 1893

Judge Piper, on Friday morning, sentenced Harry H. Schieler to eight years imprisonment.  Counsel for the defendant gave notice of appeal to the supreme court of the state.

The verdict of the jury was a general surprise, as the character and standing of much of the evidence for that prosecution was notoriously evil-smelling and totally unworthy of belief.  The judge admitted the prisoner to bail in the sum of $10,000.

 

IDAHO DAILY STATESMAN – BOISE, IDAHO

NOVEMBER 11, 1896

SCHIELER PARDONED

After Serving Two Years for Manslaughter, He Is Liberated

At the meeting of the board of pardons yesterday afternoon Harry Scheiler, sentenced to seven years for manslaughter in Idaho County, was pardoned, the pardon to take effect on the 1st of December.

During his incarceration Schieler has been an exemplary prisoner, having been a trusty almost from the first.  Owing to his good conduct and in view of numerously signed petitions, bearing the names of many prominent Idahoans, among them exGovernor Willey and A.F. Parker, editor of the Grangeville Free Press, the pardon was granted.

 

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