Marshal Killed by Bank Robbers

SMITH

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 3/15/2011 at 20:20:43

Bellevue Leader, Bellevue, Iowa, December 12, 1901

Marshal Killed By Bank Robbers

Marshal Rolla Smith, of Chelsea, Tama County, was shot and killed by bank robbers at one o’clock in the morning. The three lawbreakers secured no booty and escaped on a handcar to a place near Long Point and then walked across country to Gladstone, where they boarded a Milwaukee freight train. Three suspects are under arrest at Keystone and are being held to await identification. The Sheriffs of Tama and Benton counties have had posses searching in every direction all day. Marshal Smith leaves a widow and infant son, for whom the people of Chelsea will raise a fund.