1872-13: This exciting episode provides a glimpse into the turbulent early history of Newton, Kansas, focusing on several true, violent incidents and the town’s struggle for order. We document the fatal shooting of A. M. Sweet by “Rowdy Joe,” who was acquitted based on self-defense, and the killing of “Cherokee Dan” Hicks by saloon keeper Harry Lovett, also deemed justified, which citizens celebrated. We also highlight the town’s incorporation as a city and its aspirations for peace and lawfulness, despite ongoing issues with crime, including suspected counterfeiters and dangerous encounters with Native American tribes.
A very sad and peculiar incident involving an unidentified “Plug Hat Guest” shot for his attire after he got off the train for a short break in the famous town of Newton, illustrates the frontier town’s volatile atmosphere.
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This Episode Is Sponsored By:
THE CITIZEN’S STATE BANK
Newton, Moundridge, Hesston, Goessel, McPherson, Kansas