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History of Vermilion County, Illinois
Rutledge school hose and Smith school house meetings
The Newell Horse Company was organized in 1854 and held its first quarterly
meeting in October of that year. This company was composed of many
of the best citizens of Newell township. The earliest records have been destroyed.
The object and purpose of this organization are expressed in the
preamble to the constitution as follows : "to shield us from the depredations of
horse-thieves, counterfeiters, and swindlers, and to afford mutual assistance in
reclaiming stolen horses and in apprehending thieves."
Up to this time there had been much trouble in this part of the county on account
of horse-thieves a man's property was always in peril. Just over in Indiana
there was a nest of horse-thieves who combined counterfeiting with this
other breaking of the law. A combination against them was imperative. To
this end John Deck, Sr., George Lucky and a few other men who had suffered
from them and vainly had urged other men to organize some means of protection,
made a compact, pledging themselves to assist to protect one another. Soon
others were attracted to the compact and when the number reached twenty-five, an
organization was effected at a meeting at the Navoo schoolhouse, a constitution
and by-laws was adopted and officers elected. This body grew in number
and efficiency until it became a standing menace to the depredators and a valuable
protection to the law-abiding citizens of the community. Counterfeiting
presses were captured, stolen property was recovered, and horse-thieves and
counterfeiters ferreted out and apprehended. The gang which infested this
country was broken up and one of their number was so thoroughly overawed
(his name was Lane) that whenever he was asked for information he gave it so
completely as to convict his associates. He afterwards moved to another county
where he and his son became notorious as counterfeiters and thieves and were,
both of them, killed. One case of summary execution is on record of the early
days of this organization. A horse had been stolen; the thief was overtaken
at Beaver Lake, and he was about to escape. Abiah Lucky could not bear to see
him get away so he snatched a fowling piece from the hands of a gamester
among the crowd and commanded a halt on the part of the man pursued. This
demand was not heeded and Mr. Lucky shot him on the spot, killing him
instantly.
The meeting places of this organization were at the Navoo schoolhouse at
first and later at the Rutledge schoolhouse and yet later at the Smith school
house. This organization was one of forty-eight similar ones, all belonging to
the Wabash general association of detective companies. These companies saved
property and life at a time when nothing else could do so.
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