TOM WOODS, The Terror of Colusa / The Murder of Marshal J.N. Scoggins
The Murder of Marshal J.N. Scoggins - Colusa Peace Officer
(This paper is a full page spread concerning this incident)
Coroner's Jury Finds Killing To Have Been Wilful and Felonious Murder-Woods, Wounded Three Times, Has Chance to Recover
CORONER’S JURY VERDICT
We the undersigned, the jurors summoned to appear before J. D. McNary, the Coroner of the County of Colusa, at Colusa on the 16th day of April, A. D. 1919, to inquire into the cause of the death of Jasper Newton Scoggins, having been duly
sworn according to law, and having made such inquisition, after inspecting the body and hearing the testimony adduced, upon our oaths, each and all to say that we find the deceased was named Jasper Newton Scoggins, was a native of Blacks, Calif., aged about 61 years; that he came to his death on the 16th day of April, A. D. 1919, in this county by a gunshot wound caused by a weapon in the hands of Thomas Woods, and that such killing was willful and felonious murder. All of which we duly certify by this inquisition, in writing, by us signed, this 16th day of April, A. D. 1919.
Marshal J. N. Scoggins was murdered by Thomas Woods at about 6 o’clock Wednesday night at the home of the assassin in the east part of Colusa.
The murder was most deliberate, as is indicated by the finding of the coroner’s jury.
TomWoods, an ex-convict, is at the county hospital in charge of Sheriff C. D. Stanton. He was wounded three times during his fight with the officers, but it is reported that he has a chance to live.
Complaint was made to City Marshal Scoggins and to Deputy Sheriff F. L. Crayton Wednesday evening that Woods was terrorizing the neighborhood, that he had armed himself with a shotgun and was threatening to kill his aged mother and his nephew, Daryl Von Lanon. Marshal Scoggins, Deputy Sheriff F. L. Crayton, Constable Walter Walker, and Tom Roche responded to the call, going. to the Woods house in Mr. Roche’s automobile.
Wounds Woods.
When the officers got to the Woods place the mother and nephew were at the house, but Woods was standing near the bam door with his back turned toward the house. A woman, whose name has not been learned, was standing a short distance from him and apparently talking to him.
Crayton led the way toward the barn, it being his plan to get near enough to grab him before he could do any harm. Woods had been in trouble before and the officers were aware that he was a desperate character. When Crayton was not more than twenty feet from Woods he suddenly turned and went into the barn. When the deputy sheriff got to the door he was in the act of raising a shotgun. He refused to obey the command to drop the gun and Crayton fired with his pistol. The shot took effect in the right forearm, breaking the bone.
Fires Again.
Crayton jumped from in front of | the door and then fired a second shot at Woods through the barn wall. This shot went amiss, but a third one struck Woods in the right shoulder.
Marshal Scoggins rushed forward to aid the deputy sheriff. Crayton tried to keep him from exposing himself, but he started around the corner of the barn for the open door with his gun in his right hand. Just as his body was exposed enough to make a good, target Woods, who had been hiding behind a partition in the barn, fired, the full charge entering the marshal’s breast on the right side.
The wounded man staggered forward and fell just, besides Deputy Crayton. Woods evidently had fired the gun with his left hand, the wounds inflicted by Crayton having disabled his right.
Crayton undertook to remove Scoggins, but he found this impossible. He could not see Woods, so he got out of range of his gun to await help.
Sheriff Arrives.
Sheriff C. D. Stanton and a number of citizens arrived on the scene soon after this. Among them was L. L. Winters, armed with a shotgun. When Winters was about 30 steps from the barn he saw Woods peering through a crack in a partition. He fired at his head, the charge of shot striking Woods in the eyes and on the forehead. He was found a little later lying on the floor of the barn in a pool of blood.
Scoggins Dies.
Just as soon as Woods had been shot by Winters steps were taken to remove Marshal Scoggins to his home. Nothing could he be done for him and he expired on the way. The shot had been fired at close range, the muzzle of the gun being not more than a few feet from him when the murderer pulled the trigger.
Woods May Live.
Woods soon regained consciousness. He made a statement late in the evening to the effect that he was drunk and did not know that he had shot anyone.
The attending physicians say that he is badly shot up and it is yet too early to say if he will live. There is always the danger of blood poisoning and the time for this will not be over for a few days.
Woods lost the sight of one eye and the shot from Winters’ gun also injured the other, but it is said that there is some vision left in one of his eyes.
At the time of the shooting, it was a general belief that Woods had been fatally injured, but it seems there is some chance for his ultimate recovery.
Sentiment Strong.
There was a strong sentiment on Wednesday evening in favor of summary action. The belief that Woods could live only a few hours had much to do with preventing action on the part of the people of the community.
Everywhere could be heard that someone should have there was a chance for his recovery. Sheriff Stanton removed him from the scene of the shooting as soon as he could get his machine to haul him to the county hospital. There he is being closely guarded and if he does not die from the effects of his wounds he will be removed to the county jail as soon as he is pronounced out of danger by the doctor.
Marshal Scoggins An Ideal Citizen
The death of J. N. Scoggins came as a staggering blow to this community. For 33 years he had served the people of Colusa as a peace officer. He was considered an ideal citizen, a fearless officer and a man who had a sense of justice that made him liked and admired even by those whom he had to punish.
J. N. Scoggins was born on May 7, 1858, near Black, in Yolo county. Had he live da few weeks longer he would have been 61 years of age. Practically his entire life’s work was devoted to guarding the lives and the property of the residents of Colusa. Throughout the entire Sacramento valley, he was known as the most efficient peace officer and a man who had no knowledge of fear.
Spent Life Here.
Mr. Scoggins came to Colusa when he was 21 years of age. Here h© spent his life among the people who knew him and appreciated his worth. Not only was he valuable to Colusa as a city marshal, but as a citizen. He was identified with every movement that pertained to the good of the town.
On October 10, 1884, Mr. Scoggins was united in marriage to Miss Addie A. Caswell. His widow and two children, a son and a daughter, Lloyd Scoggins of Portland and Mrs. Ralph Schlure of Woodland, survive him.
Mr. and Mrs. Schlure arrived in the city Wednesday evening and Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Scoggins will arrive in the morning. Mr. Scoggins is also survived by two brothers and two sisters. The brothers are John Scoggins of Fresno and Dave Scoggins of Lodi, both of whom will be here to attend the funeral. The two sisters are Mrs. Alice Potter of Portland and Mrs. Vesta Williams of Madera. Word has been received that they have started for Colusa.
F. G. Scoggins of Colusa is a half brother and was practically raised by Mr. Scoggins.
Other relatives who will attend the funeral are Mrs. W. E. Robins, a niece, of San Francisco, and Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Mendenhall and son Bryan, of Williams.
Funeral Saturday.
Final arrangements for the funeral have not been made, but it has been decided to hold the services Saturday afternoon. Rev R. E. Locks of the Methodist church will officiate. Interment will be made in Colusa cemetery.
Suspend Business.
All business will be suspended in Colusa during the funeral. Mayor Oscar Robinson will issue a proclamation calling upon all business houses to close while the services are being held.
This morning all the flags were flying from public buildings at half mast. The Native Sons and the Odd Fellows, of which orders Mr. Scoggins was an honored member, hoisted their flags at half mast over the lodge hall.
Highest Tribute Man Can Receive
No greater tribute can be paid to a man than to have those with whom one has been associated for a lifetime say: “We loved him, we admired him, we trusted him, and we shall miss him.”
Other relatives who will attend the funeral are Mrs. W. E. Robins, a niece, of San Francisco, and Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Mendenhall and son Bryan, of Williams.
Funeral Saturday.
Final arrangements for the funeral have not been made, but it has been decided to hold the services Saturday afternoon. Rev R. E. Locks of the Methodist church will officiate. Interment will be made in Colusa cemetery.
Suspend Business.
All business will be suspended in Colusa during the funeral. Mayor Oscar Robinson will issue a proclamation calling upon all business houses to close while the services are being held.
This morning all the flags were flying from public buildings at half mast. The Native Sons and the Odd Fellows, of which orders Mr. Scoggins was an honored member, hoisted their flags at half mast over the lodge hall.
No greater tribute can be paid to a man than to have those with whom one has been associated for a lifetime say: “We loved him, we admired him, we trusted him, and we shall miss him.”
Following are a few of the tributes paid the late city marshal by his townsmen and by those who had occasion to know him best:
Judge Ernest Weyand.
The town of Colusa and the county lost a most distinguished citizen. J. N. Scoggins, for more than a third of a century, was the chief police officer of this town, was shot down while in the performance of his duty. Never was Colusa so shocked as upon last evening when news was spread that our marshal had been assassinated.
Words are feeble to convey feelings upon occasions such as this. Perhaps no man in like position in California was so well known and so generally beloved. He was charitable, honest and fearless. As Newt Scoggins saw his duty, he performed it and without regard to the person affected.
When some tribute is placed on record in the archives of this town, let it properly refer to the strict integrity and fidelity with which J. N. Scoggins performed his duties as an official of the town of Colusa, and let it be to us all an inspiration and a guide in official life.
Mayor Oscar Robinson.
In the death of Marshal Scoggins, the trustees more than all others realize the loss this town has sustained. His pride in his work and his interest in the town’s welfare made him indispensable. I believe our marshal was known to every peace officer throughout the state and he was known to be thoroughly reliable and trustworthy. His place as a citizen and as a peace officer will be hard to fill.
Tennent Harrington
In the death of '‘Newt” Scoggins, our town has suffered an irreparable loss. A kind, brave man who always did his duty.
J. B. DeJarnatt.
One of the saddest events in the history of Colusa occurred last night about 6 o’clock when the fire bell aroused our people to let them know our most worthy and well beloved City Marshal Newton Scoggins had been murdered by the hand of a worthless assassin. Men, women and even the little children could not seem to realize it was true.
I have been intimately 'acquainted with Mr. Scoggins for more than 40 years. 1 knew him to be one of the biggest hearted men I ever met, yet he was absolutely fearless, faithful in' the execution of his duties. God never put the breath of life into a more honest man than Newton Scoggins. The loss to this community is indeed irreparable.
C. D. Station
I have known Newt Scoggins for the greater part of my life. He and I have worked together for years, and he was always ready to assist me in the performance of public duties. He was a peace officer of the highest type and as sheriff of this county I shall miss him in the performance of my duties, but where I shall miss him most is as a fellow citizen and loyal friend. His death is a distinct loss to the public, but it is a loss to me that I cannot express in words.
H. F. Osgood.
In the death of Mr. Scoggins, our town has suffered an inestimable loss. After the many years of service rendered by him, his bravery and faithfulness in the discharge of his duty as "an officer has caused the community to feel safe and secure under his protection.
His interest and efforts in the general welfare and his kind-heartedness toward the unfortunates so j linked him with the life of our people that they must feel a void has been caused by his massing that can never be entirely filled and the entire people as one unit mourn with his family in their bereavement.
Weekly Colusa Sun, Number 46, 19 April 1919
WOODS’ RECORD SHOWS HE SERVED TERM IN PRISON
The coroner’s jury found that Tom Woods shot Marshal Scoggins, the killing being with wilful and felonious intent. This is not the first time that Woods has been in trouble. He served a term in San Quentin for having raped his own niece, a girl about 13 years of age. He was convicted for this crime in Yuba County on March 8, 1909, and was sentenced to serve 14 years.
He was released from state’s prison about three years ago. His parole expired less than a year ago.
Held Under Bond.
Some time ago he was causing a disturbance at the home of his mother in the east part of town. Sheriff C. D. Stanton made the arrest at that time. Woods resisted and as a result he was charged with, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to commit murder. Marysville parties furnished for him in the sum of $lOOO. The charge still pends.
He is known as a bad character on previous occasions, the officers having trouble with him when he got drunk and threatened to shoot up the town.
Colusa Herald, Volume XXXIII, Number 132, 1 May 1919
OPERATION SUCCESSFULLY PERFORMED BY DR. RATHBUN IN COUNTY JAIL PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION TO BE HELD SOON—MAY FIND TROUBLE GETTING A JURY TO TRY SLAYER OF MARSHAL IN SUPERIOR COURT
Dr. Rathbun, assisted as nurses and attendants by two county jail prisoners, James Beatty, and Charles Babbitt, yesterday removed the left eye of TomWoods, slayer of Marshal Scoggins, in the county prison.
Weekly Colusa Sun, Number 46, 19 April 1919
WOODS’ RECORD SHOWS HE SERVED TERM IN PRISON
The coroner’s jury found that Tom Woods shot Marshal Scoggins, the killing being with wilful and felonious intent. This is not the first time that Woods has been in trouble. He served a term in San Quentin for having raped his own niece, a girl about 13 years of age. He was convicted for this crime in Yuba County on March 8, 1909, and was sentenced to serve 14 years.
He was released from state’s prison about three years ago. His parole expired less than a year ago.
Held Under Bond.
Some time ago he was causing a disturbance at the home of his mother in the east part of town. Sheriff C. D. Stanton made the arrest at that time. Woods resisted and as a result he was charged with, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to commit murder. Marysville parties furnished for him in the sum of $lOOO. The charge still pends.
He is known as a bad character on previous occasions, the officers having trouble with him when he got drunk and threatened to shoot up the town.
Makes Threats.
Woods had it in for Marshall Scoggins and for Sheriff Stanton. It is said that he threatened to kill them and other officers who had arrested him at various times. He has a brutal disposition and when drinking frequently abused his aged mother and threatened to kill his nephew, 'Daryl Von Lanon.
Besides having served a term in San Quentin. Woods has on several occasions been confined in the county jail.
“I knew he was a bad actor,” said j Sheriff Stanton, speaking of Woods, I “but I did not think that he would shoot. All of the officers have taken chances with him.”
Coroner’s Jury.
The jury empaneled by Coroner J D. McNary to determine the cause of the death of Marshal Scoggins was as follows:
C. A. Phillips, M. P. Montgomery, R. L. Welch. Geo. L. Houx, A. B. Levy, J. L. Swank, Max South, J. T. Ward, D. H. Stowe, E. E. Wilcox, J. R. Totman, and Jos. Baum. The inquest was held at the McNary undertaking establishment on Wednesday night.
Woods had it in for Marshall Scoggins and for Sheriff Stanton. It is said that he threatened to kill them and other officers who had arrested him at various times. He has a brutal disposition and when drinking frequently abused his aged mother and threatened to kill his nephew, 'Daryl Von Lanon.
Besides having served a term in San Quentin. Woods has on several occasions been confined in the county jail.
“I knew he was a bad actor,” said j Sheriff Stanton, speaking of Woods, I “but I did not think that he would shoot. All of the officers have taken chances with him.”
Coroner’s Jury.
The jury empaneled by Coroner J D. McNary to determine the cause of the death of Marshal Scoggins was as follows:
C. A. Phillips, M. P. Montgomery, R. L. Welch. Geo. L. Houx, A. B. Levy, J. L. Swank, Max South, J. T. Ward, D. H. Stowe, E. E. Wilcox, J. R. Totman, and Jos. Baum. The inquest was held at the McNary undertaking establishment on Wednesday night.
Colusa Herald, Volume XXXIII, Number 132, 1 May 1919
Dr. Rathbun, assisted as nurses and attendants by two county jail prisoners, James Beatty, and Charles Babbitt, yesterday removed the left eye of TomWoods, slayer of Marshal Scoggins, in the county prison.
The two prisoners proved competent nurses. Sheriff Stanton was called on to assist, but he declined, saying that he never had been able to stick around where a surgical operation was going on.
The job was neatly done in a very few minutes and Woods rested well after he awoke from the anesthetic and spent a very good night. Beatty and Babbitt are now nursing him.
The eye, which was struck by a shot fired at Woods while he was hiding in the barn back of his mother’s home after he had killed the marshal, was badly penetrated. The right eye seems in fair condition to retain a little sight.
District Attorney Millington will arraign Woods as soon as he is able to appear in the court of Judge Moore. Attorney Brittan of Marysville will appear for the defendant, it is said. The trial in superior court will likely be held soon after the preliminary examination. Some difficulty will likely be found in obtaining a jury, as nearly every person in the county is likely to have formed a rather strong opinion.
Colusa Herald, Volume XXXIII, Number 149, 10 June 1919
JUSTICE FOR TOM WOODS
One of the first things that appeal to newcomers in Colusa and (Heim counties is the fairness and the sincere and determined efforts of the courts to do exact and equal justice to all.
The worst man in the world, if he could be found, would get a square deal here, no matter what he was accused of. Attorney Brittan need not to fear for his client, Tom Woods. No one objects to his asking that someone other than Sheriff Stanton or his deputies, who will be witnesses in the Woods trial, he named to take charge of the summoning of jurors.
But if the picking and subpoenaing of all the jury were left to the sheriff’s office, il would he done without prejudice and with the single thought of giving the man a fair trial.
Colusa Herald, Volume XXXIII, Number 149, 10 June 1919
JUSTICE FOR TOM WOODS
One of the first things that appeal to newcomers in Colusa and (Heim counties is the fairness and the sincere and determined efforts of the courts to do exact and equal justice to all.
The worst man in the world, if he could be found, would get a square deal here, no matter what he was accused of. Attorney Brittan need not to fear for his client, Tom Woods. No one objects to his asking that someone other than Sheriff Stanton or his deputies, who will be witnesses in the Woods trial, he named to take charge of the summoning of jurors.
But if the picking and subpoenaing of all the jury were left to the sheriff’s office, il would he done without prejudice and with the single thought of giving the man a fair trial.
TomWoods will get justice.
Whether the jury is composed of men or women, or men and women, the twelve triers will have hut one thought: to do by him under the law and the evidence exactly what they believe to he right.
Whether the jury is composed of men or women, or men and women, the twelve triers will have hut one thought: to do by him under the law and the evidence exactly what they believe to he right.
Jurors are human. No two human beings are exactly alike. A jury is a mixture of twelve minds.
Every day someone says, “You never can tell what a jury will do.” That is true, and it is well that we know it and admit it. In the old days, kings said they knew what juries would do, so t hey went ahead and did it themselves, claiming that whatever they did was right. The British people, however, broke them of that.
Every day someone says, “You never can tell what a jury will do.” That is true, and it is well that we know it and admit it. In the old days, kings said they knew what juries would do, so t hey went ahead and did it themselves, claiming that whatever they did was right. The British people, however, broke them of that.
This is a country of law . Our laws, which we ourselves make, provide certain rules for trying alleged criminals. In applying those laws, human beings, selected fairly, are the instrumentalities of justice, furies may err. Individual jurymen may make mistakes. The People as a prosecutor and the defendant in all cases must take chances. This cannot he avoided. But one thing is certain, the Colusa county superior court will leave absolutely nothing undone to safeguard the interests of the People and the interests of every defendant.
Colusa Herald, Volume XXXIX, Number 142, 25 November 1924
"I'M POSITIVE WE CAN FREE TOM.” SAYS BROTHER Of SCOGGINS SLAVER
OLLIE WOODS SATISFIED WITH RESULTS OF HIS TRIP TO COLUSA ON TOM WOODS’ BEHALF
“I am sure that we will be able to free my brother,” says Ollie Woods of Sacramento, former Colusan who is trying to secure a pardon for Tom Woods, imprisoned for the murder of Marshal J, N. Scoggins in 1919.
"I'M POSITIVE WE CAN FREE TOM.” SAYS BROTHER Of SCOGGINS SLAVER
OLLIE WOODS SATISFIED WITH RESULTS OF HIS TRIP TO COLUSA ON TOM WOODS’ BEHALF
“I am sure that we will be able to free my brother,” says Ollie Woods of Sacramento, former Colusan who is trying to secure a pardon for Tom Woods, imprisoned for the murder of Marshal J, N. Scoggins in 1919.
Ollie Woods was in The Herald office yesterday afternoon. “I wasn't able to see all of the jurymen who tried the case," he said, “Two of them, Si Darling and George Walk can't be located but most of the others declared themselves willing to favor Tom s release if they find a mistake was made.
“I have collected evidence on the case and have shown it to Sacramento and San Francisco attorneys who said Tom couldn't be held in prison on it. The fact that he was wounded before he shot has great bearing on his case. Anyway, whether or not we can get the jury to sign a petition for his release, we will bring the matter up just as soon as possible before the state parole board.
Tom Woods is working in the quarry at Folsom. He recently was transferred from the prison laundry.
Colusa Herald, Volume XXXIX, Number 142, 25 November 1924 — TOM WOODS WANTS FREEDOM
I just wanna give you an idea of the type of quality human being that Ollie Woods was working so hard to free...
PRIOR CRIMES AND FAMILY HISTORY
Colusa Daily Sun, Volume XII, Number 54, 8 March 1895
This situation is so damn bizarre it could nearly warrant a whole 'nother blog, but I'll save the trouble and just link you to further reading into this matter. Tom's brother George, eloping with Tom's wife Kate. MTV couldn't compete with this "Real World" drama. After all, this drama reached to the papers in SAN FRANCISCO!
You'd think that was the start of it? NOPE! These people are like the redneck version of the Kardashians-
Colusa Daily Sun, Volume IX, Number 218, 18 September 1894
The Mason Woods matter
There is another side to the Mason — Woods trouble, a report of which appeared in Monday evening's Sun. Mason did not Woods to the latter's house. Mason started home and was near Clark's barn when Woods came out of his yard and fired two shots at him. Cliff Gilmore was with Mason at the barn. John Galvin was at Wood s house. Tom Woods did not come home until after Mason and Gilmore reached the barn. Galvin saw Woods come in the front gate of his (Wood's) yard and out the back gate and then commenced shooting. After two shots trad been tired Mrs. Mason and her daughter, Miss Maggie, went to Steve and held him. Woods fired another shot and finally, he and Mason had a tussle and the latter secured Wood's pistol and then Woods started home. Mrs. Mason and daughter kept Steve from pursuing Woods. This correction is made in justice to young Mason his relatives. .
YIKES!
Sacramento Union, Volume 111, Number 178, 18 August 1906
Colusa Daily Sun, Volume XXXIV, Number 116, 14 November 1908
WOODS AGAIN IN TROUBLE
Charged With Attempt to Commit Rape and is Held to Answer Before the Superior Court.
Tom Woods was held to answer after a preliminary examination before Police Judge Morrissey Wednesday afternoon at Marysville, says the Appeal. The offense with which he is charged is that of an attempt to commit rape on the person of his niece, Myrtle Woods, who is but nine years of age. The testimony disclosed that the defendant had been living with his brother, George Woods, and his family, first in Yuba City then.in Marysville, and, according to the testimony of the child, he had tempered with her at both places and on various occasions. The particular date .charged in the complaint was on October 31st. The mother of the child testified that the little girl complained to her of the conduct of her uncle and the mother then reported the matter to the district attorney and swore to a complaint. The prosecution was conducted by District Attorney Greely and the defendant was represented by Attorney M. T. Brittan. At the conclusion of the testimony for the prosecution, the counsel for the defendant announced that he had no testimony to offer. After a brief argument, the magistrate made an order holding the defendant to answer to 'the superior court and fixed his ball at $lO,OOO. This is the same Colusa TomWbods who served a state’s prison sentence for attempting to kill his mother-in-law, Mirs. Mattatall, in Colusa a few years ago.
Colusa Daily Sun, Volume XXXII, Number 17, 20 July 1907
TOM WOODS OUT OF PRISON
Mrs. Mattatall Fears the Knife Wielder Will. Carry out His Threats and Murder Her.
Mrs. Marla Mattatall has asked the Sacramento police to protect her from her son-in-law, Tom Woods, who was released from San Quentin Thursday afternoon after serving a one-year sentence for attacking Mrs. Mattatall with a knife. The woman states that she fears he will carry out his threat to kill her now that he is released. The police could do nothing in the ease but told the woman tö telephone if Woods put In an appearance or made threats against her. It will be remembered that Woods was sent up from Colusa after an attack with a big butcher knife at the home of Mrs. Mattatall, near the depot. The knife was purchased from Mitchum & Messick and is now displayed with many other weapons, in the Colusa County Jail.
Weekly Colusa Sun, Number 142, 28 November 1918
Colusa Herald, Volume XXXIX, Number 142, 25 November 1924 — TOM WOODS WANTS FREEDOM
I just wanna give you an idea of the type of quality human being that Ollie Woods was working so hard to free...
PRIOR CRIMES AND FAMILY HISTORY
Colusa Daily Sun, Volume XII, Number 54, 8 March 1895
This situation is so damn bizarre it could nearly warrant a whole 'nother blog, but I'll save the trouble and just link you to further reading into this matter. Tom's brother George, eloping with Tom's wife Kate. MTV couldn't compete with this "Real World" drama. After all, this drama reached to the papers in SAN FRANCISCO!
You'd think that was the start of it? NOPE! These people are like the redneck version of the Kardashians-
Colusa Daily Sun, Volume IX, Number 218, 18 September 1894
The Mason Woods matter
There is another side to the Mason — Woods trouble, a report of which appeared in Monday evening's Sun. Mason did not Woods to the latter's house. Mason started home and was near Clark's barn when Woods came out of his yard and fired two shots at him. Cliff Gilmore was with Mason at the barn. John Galvin was at Wood s house. Tom Woods did not come home until after Mason and Gilmore reached the barn. Galvin saw Woods come in the front gate of his (Wood's) yard and out the back gate and then commenced shooting. After two shots trad been tired Mrs. Mason and her daughter, Miss Maggie, went to Steve and held him. Woods fired another shot and finally, he and Mason had a tussle and the latter secured Wood's pistol and then Woods started home. Mrs. Mason and daughter kept Steve from pursuing Woods. This correction is made in justice to young Mason his relatives. .
YIKES!
Sacramento Union, Volume 111, Number 178, 18 August 1906
WOODS AGAIN IN TROUBLE
Charged With Attempt to Commit Rape and is Held to Answer Before the Superior Court.
Tom Woods was held to answer after a preliminary examination before Police Judge Morrissey Wednesday afternoon at Marysville, says the Appeal. The offense with which he is charged is that of an attempt to commit rape on the person of his niece, Myrtle Woods, who is but nine years of age. The testimony disclosed that the defendant had been living with his brother, George Woods, and his family, first in Yuba City then.in Marysville, and, according to the testimony of the child, he had tempered with her at both places and on various occasions. The particular date .charged in the complaint was on October 31st. The mother of the child testified that the little girl complained to her of the conduct of her uncle and the mother then reported the matter to the district attorney and swore to a complaint. The prosecution was conducted by District Attorney Greely and the defendant was represented by Attorney M. T. Brittan. At the conclusion of the testimony for the prosecution, the counsel for the defendant announced that he had no testimony to offer. After a brief argument, the magistrate made an order holding the defendant to answer to 'the superior court and fixed his ball at $lO,OOO. This is the same Colusa TomWbods who served a state’s prison sentence for attempting to kill his mother-in-law, Mirs. Mattatall, in Colusa a few years ago.
Colusa Daily Sun, Volume XXXII, Number 17, 20 July 1907
TOM WOODS OUT OF PRISON
Mrs. Mattatall Fears the Knife Wielder Will. Carry out His Threats and Murder Her.
Mrs. Marla Mattatall has asked the Sacramento police to protect her from her son-in-law, Tom Woods, who was released from San Quentin Thursday afternoon after serving a one-year sentence for attacking Mrs. Mattatall with a knife. The woman states that she fears he will carry out his threat to kill her now that he is released. The police could do nothing in the ease but told the woman tö telephone if Woods put In an appearance or made threats against her. It will be remembered that Woods was sent up from Colusa after an attack with a big butcher knife at the home of Mrs. Mattatall, near the depot. The knife was purchased from Mitchum & Messick and is now displayed with many other weapons, in the Colusa County Jail.
Weekly Colusa Sun, Number 142, 28 November 1918
Comments
Post a Comment