125 years ago in 1897

Taken directly from the pages of The Youngstown Vindicator:

“A pony with a crooked foot leads to the capture of a thief and his relative. Mayor Moore disposed to be lenient with a man who tolls.

“The scene at the mayor’s office Monday afternoon presented a different appearance than usual, insomuch that a different class of spectators were present, a crowd which infrequently has business in police court or any other court. They were farmers and good citizens from the vicinity of Coitsville, Struthers, Lowell (Lowellville) and Poland.

“In connection with the foregoing, two important arrests were made Sunday. George Williams and George Chissom, of near Coitsville, were arrested on the charge of larceny. Chissom lives with an aged mother and Williams is a brother-in-law. Williams and wife have made their home with Chissom and mother. For many months, petty thieving has been going on about Coitsville and Lowell and the farmers were continually annoyed by the thieves.

“Saturday night, more chickens were stolen. The farmers decided to take urgent steps. They noticed a peculiar mark made by a crooked foot pony. The latter was located at a livery stable. Constables learned who had hired the pony and the house of Chissom was surrounded. Word was sent to Chief McDowell. Warrants were issued by the mayor and the chief and Detective Moyer visited the scene. The two men were asleep. This was about 1 o’clock.

“A chicken was on the stove cooking. Women denied it was there and afterward said they knew not from whereit came. In a chest, stolen saws, bits, and pieces of bags containing owners’ names were found. Two chickens were in the cellar. A quantity of bags was found in the beds between clothes. Names had been cut off. The men were arrested and brought to the lockup.

“Monday morning many residents of the country were on hand, including A. A. Houston, William Croll, James Vall, Dick Mulligan, and Squire Vall. Williams was first heard. He pleaded guilty and was fined 30 days in the work house and $75 ($2,600 in 2022) and costs. When Chissom was called, Attorney I. B. Miller appeared as attorney and leniency was asked. He was fined $10 ($360 in 2022) and costs. It was learned that Chissom had worked for the past 12 years and supported his aged mother. His fine and costs were paid at once.

“Mayor Moore, in passing sentence, said he proposed protecting the farmers and would see they were not annoyed by petty thieves such as Williams for at least a few weeks.”

• Compiled from the Youngstown Vindicator by Traci Manning, Mahoning Valley Historical Society curator of education