CRAZY KIDNAPPER-Fred Champlain-1898

CHMAPLAIN, ELLIS, COLEMAN, LERMER

Posted By: cheryl Locher moonen (email)
Date: 2/24/2020 at 14:10:16

Twice-a-Week Plain Dealer, Tuesday, Jan 11, 1898, Cresco, IA, Page: 1

CRAZY KIDNAPPER

Cedar Rapids, Jan. 8.-At Cedar Falls, this evening, Earl Coleman, 18 years old, son of Presiding Elder F. M. Coleman, was kidnapped from the front of his father’s residence by Fred Champlain, who started towards the woods with the boy. Cashier of the First National Bank attempted to rescue the boy, but Champlain drove him back with a revolver and before a posse could be organized the pair disappeared. An alarm was given and parties began scouring the woods. At midnight Champlain was discovered in the basement of the opera house. He was armed heavily and held the crowd at a distance. It is feared he has already killed the boy.

Shortly after midnight Champlain was persuaded to come from the opera house basement and taken to the city jail. A mob surrounded it and further trouble is feared.

Hon. W. Ellis and City Attorney Lermer discovered the hiding place and attempted to rescue the boy; Champlain discovered them in the dark and began shooting, one bullet passed through Ellis' hat. They then beat a retreat and summoned help. The men began chopping holes in the floor and Champlain was finally persuaded to come out. Officers are guarding him on the way to the jail. He is insane. The boy was not injured.