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Sheriffs of Reno County: George M. Duckworth

November 18, 2020 by Jim Potter 2 Comments

https://jimpotterauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Sheriffs-of-Reno-County-12-George-M.-Duckworth.mp3

· George M. Duckworth (1867-1954)

Sheriff 1907-1911

·

Reno County Sheriff George McCamey “Came” Duckworth. Photo from Hutchinson: The Salt City (1910).

It’s Tuesday, October 18, 1927, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Hutchinson Chief of Police George “Came” Duckworth, 60, and Mrs. Anna Kelly, 46, police matron, are at the police station, talking.

*

“If the citizenry knew we worked 15-hour days with hardly a day off, do you think they would recommend we receive more support from the city?” asked Anna.

“Hard to tell,” replied Chief Duckworth. “There are some who think we’re already overpaid. They would be quick to remind us that if we don’t like our job, we should quit.”

“Our greatest need is a detention home,” said Anna. “Most of my cases are not the result of depravity, but too often the wrong environment. If the girl or woman had a better environment, they could be brought back to a more normal way of living that fits within moral and civil law.”

“I appreciate you speaking to the clubs in the city, keeping them informed about why women and children need shelter,” said the chief. “People listen to you because you tell them of real experiences—young women arriving in Hutchinson without a job or a place to stay who have been hurt.”

“The Salvation Army home is always filled,” said Anna. “I had to take another helpless girl home two nights ago rather than put her in a cell and lock her up.

“Jail is not the place for girls in temporary trouble at home or out of work. They deserve better; they haven’t committed a crime.”

“I know you’re busy visiting the picture shows, looking for girls who should be in school, and watching the dance halls for immoral behavior,” said the chief. “You’ve already made a difference in many young lives.”

“When Mrs. Mettlen had this job, I didn’t realize how dedicated she was,” said Anna.

“Because of you placing girls in safe homes, they can go on with their schooling and get the education they need,” concluded Duckworth.

*

The Daily Independent, (Hutchinson, Kansas) February 23, 1907

*

The Bisonte Hotel opened in Hutchinson, KS, in 1908 on the northeast corner of Second & Walnut. The name “Bisonte” was chosen as a reminder of the immense piles of buffalo bones that were stacked next to the Santa Fe tracks, awaiting shipment to the east. Photographer: Marion W. Bailey. Author’s collection

“Automobiles have changed everything for lawmen,” said Chief Duckworth. “Before the horseless carriage, we were chasing horse thieves, not crooks stealing automobiles. (Click to view 1908 Reward Postcard Reno County Sheriff George Duckworth)

“Before the auto, it was easier to solve crimes and catch criminals. The public needs to understand that things are not the same. Nowadays, sometimes, we aren’t as likely to locate stolen property within a day or two. A thief can travel a hundred miles in any direction before the crime is even reported.

“This increased mobility means our cooperation with other departments around the country is more important today than ever before.” 

 

*

“Have you ever considered why some people follow the law while others choose to break it?” asked Anna of the chief.

“During my four years as sheriff from 1907 to 1911, I worked eight murder cases and we captured all but one,” said Duckworth. “Each time we made an arrest, and after each conviction, I asked myself that same question. I concluded that there is not one answer, but many possible reasons why people turn to crime. Certainly, a violent home environment is one reason, insanity another.

“In 1908 in Kiowa County, Samuel Bitler, 24, was convicted and sentenced to serve a life term in the state prison for raping and murdering Mrs. Susan Rosenberger, 47, a pioneer woman who lived outside Belvidere. He shot her three times in the head so she wouldn’t talk.

“To prevent mob violence during the court process, Bitler was housed here in Reno County at our jail.

“Sam had a bad reputation prior to the murder even though he had a stable family with both parents. His father was a banker at Eureka.

Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Passenger Depot, Hutchinson, KS. Like other early-day county sheriffs, Sheriff Duckworth almost exclusively used the rails to transport prisoners. Photographer: Marion W. Bailey. Author’s collection

“Unfortunately, Sam Bitler escaped by sawing through three jail bars. We suspected that his wife, Kittie Josephine Dempsey, had given him jail-breaking tools the afternoon before his escape. She had been allowed into his cell to visit. Later, we were told by a prisoner that she had secreted a hand saw, a saw made from a knife, and a file, under her dress, next to the belt.”

“Isn’t Bitler the man who left a note behind, warning you not to hunt him, or one of you would come home in a box?” asked Anna.

“That’s right,” the chief replied as he laughed. “I figured he’d be caught sooner rather than later. He was six feet seven inches tall, 180 pounds, walked slouchy and somewhat stooped, and was a cigarette fiend. We sent out 1,000 reward postcards around the country for his capture.

“Eventually, I caught him in Memphis, Tennessee. After reading letters that were sent to his wife here in Hutchinson, I went and found him when he let his guard down. Bitler came out of hiding in order to buy cigarettes. He gave me no trouble once I threw down on him.

“I had Sam handcuffed to me the entire train ride to Hutchinson. He was his typically quiet self, but it was during our return trip that I heard him laugh for the first time in the many months he was in our bastille.

“A native of Missouri got on the train at a small town. The only vacant seat was directly across from Sam and myself. This ‘hill-billy’ came in, seated himself, and began glancing around. His eyes rested for a moment on the handcuffs, one attached to Bitler’s right wrist and the other to my left wrist.

“He looked quickly around in all directions, ‘What they got you fer, boys?’ he asked. “I explained that they had me for murder and Sam for grand larceny.

“‘Well, where’s the guy that’s guardin’ you?’ was his next question. I replied that he was in a rear coach. I gave a description which would have fit a good many men. The mountaineer, without a word, slunk back thru the several coaches to the rear. ‘Yep, he’s back there. Now if you boys want to beat it, you better jump now!’

“It was then that Sam laughed.”

*

State Penitentiary, Lansing, Kansas, postcard. Published by A. F. Wood. Author’s collection

“I took Sam to the state penitentiary in 1909. He escaped from there in 1919.

“Regrettably, eight months later, in Missouri, Bitler killed again. This time it was a man, Frank Elliott. Bitler was developed as a suspect after a number of Elliott’s checks were forged. When the lawmen arrived at Bitler’s home to investigate, Bitler was working on a plot of soft earth near his home. He said he was preparing a garden.

“Elliott’s body was found buried 15 inches under the ground. Just like Mrs. Rosenberger, 12 years earlier, the victim had been shot . . . three times in the head.”

*

“Anna,” said Duckworth, “on occasion, in my long career, I’ve met bad men who have had no moral compass to give them direction. I don’t know what caused them to become diabolic, but they used their power to manipulate others to help them escape accountability for their evil-minded actions. Bitler’s wife helped him escape from our jail; Bitler’s mother assisted him in staying hidden after escaping jail and prison. In my way of thinking, both of these women were accessories to the Missouri murder of Mr. Elliott.

“Fay Brown and I were both orphans—he at age six, me at 13. But our unfortunate circumstances didn’t cause us to turn bad. Some people, like Bitler, have it easy growing up, but they make selfish and ruinous choices. Sooner or later, most of them end up dead or in prison.

“Chief, the community appreciates both you and Sheriff Brown for choosing to wear the star,” said Anna.” 

Chief Duckworth concluded, “Fay and I have both tried to do our best, to keep the bad from hurting the good.”

*

Until next time, happy writing and reading.

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Filed Under: Blog posts Tagged With: George M. Duckworth, Houston Whiteside, Hutchinson Kansas, Hutchinson News, Jim Potter, Julia Clementine Latimer Whiteside, Kansas, Kansas Authors Club, Reno County, Reno County Jail, Reno County Sheriff, Sheriff "Came" Duckworth, Sheriffs of Reno County

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Comments

  1. AvatarAlex says

    November 18, 2020 at 8:08 am

    Wow!
    Fascinating time in history!

    Reply
    • Jim PotterJim Potter says

      November 18, 2020 at 8:20 am

      I’m surprised by how many jail escapes there were across the country. I haven’t researched if the murder rate was much different than it is today.

      Reply

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What People Are Saying

Sean McArdle

Retired police officer Potter’s novel centres on very disparate characters and through the tried and tested means of gradually introducing each one, builds a sense of anticipation about what is going to happen to them. This often used methodology is not easy to do well but is superbly handled by Potter who knows how to give enough detail to bring the characters to life, yet not too much so as to slow down the pace of the developing story. A climactic event affects the main characters and it is at this point Potter’s deep knowledge of people and police procedures really hits home; page by page we read how a seemingly simple, though terrible occurrence, can have huge consequences. To Potter’s credit the story does not have a completely conclusive or simplistic ending. Instead it leaves the reader thinking about how the events of a single minute can affect lives forever. I would whole heartedly recommend this book not as a crime novel or even as a novel about crime but as a beautiful and positive affirmation about what it is to be human and how ultimately it is relationships which matter more than events.

Sean McArdle, Winchester, England

Sandhenge Publications
5
2017-11-17T18:24:22-06:00

Sean McArdle, Winchester, England

Retired police officer Potter’s novel centres on very disparate characters and through the tried and tested means of gradually introducing each one, builds a sense of anticipation about what is going to happen to them. This often used methodology is not easy to do well but is superbly handled by Potter who knows how to give enough detail to bring the characters to life, yet not too much so as to slow down the pace of the developing story. A climactic event affects the main characters and it is at this point Potter’s deep knowledge of people and police procedures really hits home; page by page we read how a seemingly simple, though terrible occurrence, can have huge consequences. To Potter’s credit the story does not have a completely conclusive or simplistic ending. Instead it leaves the reader thinking about how the events of a single minute can affect lives forever. I would whole heartedly recommend this book not as a crime novel or even as a novel about crime but as a beautiful and positive affirmation about what it is to be human and how ultimately it is relationships which matter more than events.
https://jimpotterauthor.com/testimonials/sean-mcardle/

Rebecca

Taking Back the Bullet is an emotional, yet captivating novel. Jim Potter does a superb job of intertwining each character and putting their individual identities on display. All law enforcement storylines are a true reflection of Potter’s years as a police officer because they are realistic and relatable. This is a book I highly recommend.

Rebecca from Proud Police Wife

Sandhenge Publications
5
2017-11-17T11:41:14-06:00

Rebecca from Proud Police Wife

Taking Back the Bullet is an emotional, yet captivating novel. Jim Potter does a superb job of intertwining each character and putting their individual identities on display. All law enforcement storylines are a true reflection of Potter’s years as a police officer because they are realistic and relatable. This is a book I highly recommend.
https://jimpotterauthor.com/testimonials/rebecca/

Wynona Winn

Three main characters walk different paths but with the same destination – each coping with his or her self-discovery, self-identity, and self-realization. Much like their earlier counterparts – Huck Finn and Holden Caulfield – their journeys are often joyous, often tedious and often tragic.

Wynona Winn, PhD, retired school superintendent

Sandhenge Publications
5
2017-11-17T18:18:33-06:00

Wynona Winn, PhD, retired school superintendent

Three main characters walk different paths but with the same destination – each coping with his or her self-discovery, self-identity, and self-realization. Much like their earlier counterparts – Huck Finn and Holden Caulfield – their journeys are often joyous, often tedious and often tragic.
https://jimpotterauthor.com/testimonials/wynona-winn/

Denise Low

Jim Potter is a cop, retired, but he brings deep understanding of this job to his novel Taking Back the Bullet: Trajectories of Self-Discovery. This layered novel has literary dimensions as characters explore crisis situations. Congratulations to this fine writer for his debut novel.

Denise Low, author of Jackalope (Red Mountain Press)

Sandhenge Publications
5
2017-11-17T11:31:21-06:00

Denise Low, author of Jackalope (Red Mountain Press)

Jim Potter is a cop, retired, but he brings deep understanding of this job to his novel Taking Back the Bullet: Trajectories of Self-Discovery. This layered novel has literary dimensions as characters explore crisis situations. Congratulations to this fine writer for his debut novel.
https://jimpotterauthor.com/testimonials/denise-low/

Larry Kruckman

Jim Potter displays ethnographic skills in Taking Back the Bullet: Trajectories of Self-Discovery, creating vivid scenes and fascinating characters. The Greeks had a word for subcultures and people’s behavior: ‘ethos,’ or ‘ways of being.’ In colorful, sometimes marvelous detail, this novel captures various people and settings . . . the ethos of rural Kansas: a jail, art fair, powwow, rehab center, courtroom, albinos, and even someone in the throes of postpartum depression. So detailed are the descriptions that they must be drawn from the author’s personal experience. Besides the artfully created characters such as the struggling jailer and husband Tom Jennings, local artist Jesse Thomas, and Native American Joe Morningcloud, there is a tight story line that grabs your attention and won’t let go. Human tensions, love, conflict, joys and sorrows are all there. Magically, all the many pieces come together in a final crescendo, giving hope that even when we find ourselves in big trouble we can survive. This is a novel I highly recommend!

Larry Kruckman, Anthropologist

Sandhenge Publications
5
2017-11-17T18:27:15-06:00

Larry Kruckman, Anthropologist

Jim Potter displays ethnographic skills in Taking Back the Bullet: Trajectories of Self-Discovery, creating vivid scenes and fascinating characters. The Greeks had a word for subcultures and people’s behavior: ‘ethos,’ or ‘ways of being.’ In colorful, sometimes marvelous detail, this novel captures various people and settings . . . the ethos of rural Kansas: a jail, art fair, powwow, rehab center, courtroom, albinos, and even someone in the throes of postpartum depression. So detailed are the descriptions that they must be drawn from the author’s personal experience. Besides the artfully created characters such as the struggling jailer and husband Tom Jennings, local artist Jesse Thomas, and Native American Joe Morningcloud, there is a tight story line that grabs your attention and won’t let go. Human tensions, love, conflict, joys and sorrows are all there. Magically, all the many pieces come together in a final crescendo, giving hope that even when we find ourselves in big trouble we can survive. This is a novel I highly recommend!
https://jimpotterauthor.com/testimonials/larry-kruckman/

Deb Theis

Jim Potter has done it again! After his book, Cop in the Classroom: Lessons I’ve Learned, Tales I’ve Told, Jim has written another great work. In Taking Back the Bullet: Trajectories of Self-Discovery, Jim Potter takes us on an insightful journey into the lives and relationships of numerous characters. Jim is such a talented storyteller that the reader quickly becomes immersed and has a ‘bonding experience’ with each of the characters, feeling their joy, fear, passion and pain. Jim’s novel speaks to the empowerment of persistence with the characters as they work through their trials. As a therapist, I appreciated the heartfelt struggles from each of the characters and their diversity. I also found value in the novel’s understanding of society’s misunderstanding of both mental health and other conditions in which people struggle. The novel contains rich exposure to various realities that many of us do not know about . . . but should. When I finished this captivating novel, I was wanting to read the sequel! It was an honor and a wonderful, mesmerizing experience reading this book. Congratulations, Jim!

Deb Theis, LSCSW, clinical therapist/hypnotherapist

Sandhenge Publications
5
2017-11-17T18:20:29-06:00

Deb Theis, LSCSW, clinical therapist/hypnotherapist

Jim Potter has done it again! After his book, Cop in the Classroom: Lessons I’ve Learned, Tales I’ve Told, Jim has written another great work. In Taking Back the Bullet: Trajectories of Self-Discovery, Jim Potter takes us on an insightful journey into the lives and relationships of numerous characters. Jim is such a talented storyteller that the reader quickly becomes immersed and has a ‘bonding experience’ with each of the characters, feeling their joy, fear, passion and pain. Jim’s novel speaks to the empowerment of persistence with the characters as they work through their trials. As a therapist, I appreciated the heartfelt struggles from each of the characters and their diversity. I also found value in the novel’s understanding of society’s misunderstanding of both mental health and other conditions in which people struggle. The novel contains rich exposure to various realities that many of us do not know about . . . but should. When I finished this captivating novel, I was wanting to read the sequel! It was an honor and a wonderful, mesmerizing experience reading this book. Congratulations, Jim!
https://jimpotterauthor.com/testimonials/deb-theis/

John & Cindy Morrill

I enjoyed your book. When I am looking for a new read, I always read the first page, last page and choose a random page somewhere in the middle before I decide to buy it. You had me on all three pages. I also like reading a book where you can relate to the characters and the settings in which they live and work. It makes a story more realistic if you can say, I am familiar with the area; I know where that town is or I have traveled that street. It was easy to relate to the characters. In one way or another, I have met them all somewhere in my journeys

John & Cindy Morrill, 20 years Air Force retired, 17 years law enforcement

Sandhenge Publications
5
2017-11-17T18:14:56-06:00

John & Cindy Morrill, 20 years Air Force retired, 17 years law enforcement

I enjoyed your book. When I am looking for a new read, I always read the first page, last page and choose a random page somewhere in the middle before I decide to buy it. You had me on all three pages. I also like reading a book where you can relate to the characters and the settings in which they live and work. It makes a story more realistic if you can say, I am familiar with the area; I know where that town is or I have traveled that street. It was easy to relate to the characters. In one way or another, I have met them all somewhere in my journeys
https://jimpotterauthor.com/testimonials/john-cindy-morrill/

Morgan Penner

Taking Back the Bullet is a novel that provides the reader with a window into the world of law enforcement. As the novel unfolds, the reader is able to see how split-second decisions alter the lives of the main characters in the story. Taking Back the Bullet also explores how humanity is impacted by mental illness. One of my favorite quotes from Taking Back the Bullet is “We’re all just a critical moment from being disabled or mentally ill, and we don’t want to think about it.” The novel also provides the reader an opportunity to gain a better understanding of how mental illness impacts the individuals, their family, friends, and society. Taking Back the Bullet is a story of forgiveness and overcoming life’s struggles and tragedies.

Morgan Penner

Sandhenge Publications
5
2017-11-17T18:25:35-06:00

Morgan Penner

Taking Back the Bullet is a novel that provides the reader with a window into the world of law enforcement. As the novel unfolds, the reader is able to see how split-second decisions alter the lives of the main characters in the story. Taking Back the Bullet also explores how humanity is impacted by mental illness. One of my favorite quotes from Taking Back the Bullet is “We’re all just a critical moment from being disabled or mentally ill, and we don’t want to think about it.” The novel also provides the reader an opportunity to gain a better understanding of how mental illness impacts the individuals, their family, friends, and society. Taking Back the Bullet is a story of forgiveness and overcoming life’s struggles and tragedies.
https://jimpotterauthor.com/testimonials/morgan-penner/

Dennis Perrin

Masterful storytelling, exquisite character development, so real as to HURT and HOPE, a real page turner. Begs for stage, screenwriters, and visual episodic development a.k.a. TV series . . . Thanks Jim Potter for telling it like it is AND providing us visions of how it could be. Well done!

Dennis Perrin, educator

Sandhenge Publications
5
2017-11-17T11:44:55-06:00

Dennis Perrin, educator

Masterful storytelling, exquisite character development, so real as to HURT and HOPE, a real page turner. Begs for stage, screenwriters, and visual episodic development a.k.a. TV series . . . Thanks Jim Potter for telling it like it is AND providing us visions of how it could be. Well done!
https://jimpotterauthor.com/testimonials/dennis-perrin/

Rebecca Schillaci

As a former law enforcement officer, I found the story very relatable as it details the life of a law enforcement officer and the struggles some face throughout their careers. . . Taking Back the Bullet is a journey of understanding, respect, and forgiveness . . .

Rebecca Schillaci

Sandhenge Publications
5
2017-11-17T11:46:40-06:00

Rebecca Schillaci

As a former law enforcement officer, I found the story very relatable as it details the life of a law enforcement officer and the struggles some face throughout their careers. . . Taking Back the Bullet is a journey of understanding, respect, and forgiveness . . .
https://jimpotterauthor.com/testimonials/rebecca-schillaci/

Sheryl Remar

I enjoyed the different stories of this book because Tom, James, and Suanna, the three main characters, represent in their own way the different struggles with themselves and society’s idea of what is normal.

Sheryl Remar

Sandhenge Publications
5
2017-11-17T11:47:46-06:00

Sheryl Remar

I enjoyed the different stories of this book because Tom, James, and Suanna, the three main characters, represent in their own way the different struggles with themselves and society’s idea of what is normal.
https://jimpotterauthor.com/testimonials/sheryl-remar/

Jane Holzrichter

I finished it last night around midnight. What a great piece of work. It kept me intrigued all the way to the end.

Jane Holzrichter

Sandhenge Publications
5
2017-11-17T18:21:41-06:00

Jane Holzrichter

I finished it last night around midnight. What a great piece of work. It kept me intrigued all the way to the end.
https://jimpotterauthor.com/testimonials/jane-holzrichter/

Steve Becker

I’m impressed. It was an excellent read. . . . I hope you continue with more projects in the future.

Steve Becker

Sandhenge Publications
5
2017-11-17T18:26:21-06:00

Steve Becker

I’m impressed. It was an excellent read. . . . I hope you continue with more projects in the future.
https://jimpotterauthor.com/testimonials/steve-becker/

Diana Dester

Good story line, building the characters along the way. Great job!

Diana Dester

Sandhenge Publications
5
2017-11-17T18:19:23-06:00

Diana Dester

Good story line, building the characters along the way. Great job!
https://jimpotterauthor.com/testimonials/diana-dester/

Karleen Wilson-Moon

Terrific story relevant to today’s social issues . . . well written . . . likable characters . . . insightful perspective from an insider in law enforcement.

Karleen Wilson-Moon

Sandhenge Publications
5
2017-11-17T18:44:26-06:00

Karleen Wilson-Moon

Terrific story relevant to today’s social issues . . . well written . . . likable characters . . . insightful perspective from an insider in law enforcement.
https://jimpotterauthor.com/testimonials/karleen-wilson-moon/

Judy Hawk

. . . I was impressed with the Native American information as well as the depth of character development . . . .

Judy Hawk

Sandhenge Publications
5
2017-11-17T18:15:48-06:00

Judy Hawk

. . . I was impressed with the Native American information as well as the depth of character development . . . .
https://jimpotterauthor.com/testimonials/judy-hawk/
16
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