SKELTON, Charles - Putnam

A sensational affray occurred yesterday afternoon at Russellville during the burial of George Skelton. Among the mourners were Skelton's two brothers, Henry and Charles. Charles Skelton last summer was caught in the act of stealing turkeys from Shelby Todd in Brown township.  A warrant was filed for his arrest, but in some manner he managed to evade the minions of the law.  The Horse Thief Detective Association had been warned that Skelton would be on hand at the funeral yesterday and they accordingly prepared to arrest him. The funeral cortege proceeded up the little dirt road to the country cemetery. The corpse was lifted from the hearse and relatives grouped around watching stout hands lowering the casket into the grave. Just at the moment the posse rode up on their hourses and dismounting and began to approach near the grave. The Skelton brothers saw them and Charles interpreted their mission. Henry,

although, he was not wanted by the officers became imbued with the idea that he was also sought after and struck off on the run. Charley and Henry evidently had planned upon the same means of escape for they

rushed to their buggy which was standing nearby and jumping in gave the horse three or four "swipes" with the whip.  The noble plug responded grandly and down the road they went at break neck speed.  The Horse

Thief posse followed in the rear on horseback at a distance of about 40'.  The race continued this way for over two miles and probably would have lasted longer if Skeltons horse hadn't stumbled. The flee bitten nag struck a bad place in the road and tore the shaves, harness and the front of the buggy to pieces in the gyrations which followed. The Skeltons jumped and started to run.  Henry, who was not wanted, made his escape, but Charles was less fortunate. He was nabbed by about 10 husky farmers who unceremoniously hustled him to this city and place him in jail. Skelton will now have a chance to answer to the charge of petiy larcency and to explain if it be within his power what he was doing in Dodds chickens roost on a balmy night of summer last: and how he accounts for the disappearance of several plump fowls which left the

same night he was seen in the neighborhood. - Thursday's Daily