Case # 1854-KM03

November 17, 1854

LEAVENWORTH – Reported Arrest.  The Independence Dispatch has given currency to a report, that Maj. Ogden, and others of the military officers at Fort Leavenworth, are now under arrest, and then gives a conflicting report after which the editor states he is unable to decide which is correct.  We can tell the editor no such arrest has been made or even attempted to be made.  It is not the first time that false reports started by Madame Rumor, with her ten thousand lying tongues have found their way into some of the public prints in relation to the gentlemen alluded to.  The Kansas Weekly Herald, Leavenworth, Kansas Territory.  Friday, November 17, 1854. (C) Transcribed by Darren McMannis for Prairie Tales Media.

Case # 1854-KM02

September 7, 1854

BIG BLUE RIVER – Murder of Emigrants.  The editor of the Democratic Platform in his issue of the 7^th ult. says: While in Kansas last week, we learned that a party of 10 emigrants visited the neighborhood of the Big Blue, for the purpose of making claims.  The party divided – half of them traveling up that stream, while the other 5 went down.  One of the parties were attacked by the Pawnee Indians, and the entire body, 5 in number, killed.  We could not learn their names, but learn they are from Missouri.  The Mineral Point Tribune, Mineral Point, Wisconsin.  Wednesday, September 27, 1854. (C) Transcribed by Darren McMannis for Prairie Tales Media.

Case # 1854-KM01

May 9, 1854

BIG BLUE RIVER, KAN – William Panky, formerly of Greene co., Illinois, was murdered near the mouth of the Blue River, Kansas Territory, it is supposed by a man named Lovell, of Randolph county.  $500 are offered for his arrest.  The Ottawa Free Trader, Ottawa, Illinois.  Saturday, October 28, 1854.

CARROLLTON, ILL – William B. Panky, of Carrollton, offers $500 for the apprehension of a fellow calling himself Lovell, who murdered William Pankey in Kansas territory, on the 9^th of May last.  Lovell is described as weighing 130 or 135 pounds, light complection, auburn hair, blue eyes, heavy eye brows, very sharp nose, large mouth, thin lips, quick spoken, and generally looks down when speaking, 25 or 30 years of age, and about five feet eight inches high.  He was lame at the time of the murder, but it is not known whether his lameness is permanent.  Look out for the scoundrel.  The Ottawa Free Trader, Ottawa, Illinois.  Saturday, October 28, 1854. (C) Transcribed by Darren McMannis for Prairie Tales Media.