On This Date in Minnesota History: August 31

August 31, 1903 – Albert Beement and Ernest Bentz, two Minneapolis boys in the Anoka County jail, accused of attempting to wreck two Great Northern passenger trains, were arraigned before Judge Stewart this morning and bound over to the grand jury which meets Oct. 12. No bail has been secured.

The crime was committed two weeks ago and since that time the officers have spared no effort to locate the wrong doers. It is stated that the two boys have admitted their guilt and that they planned and nearly carried out a wreck that would have sacrificed hundreds of lives, merely for the excitement of seeing what a railroad smash-up would be like. Presence of mind on the part of the engineer of the marked train and the action of the air brakes alone saved the boys from being murderers.

The Minneapolis Journal; “Would-Be Wreckers. Minneapolis Boys Bound Over to Anoka Grand Jury.”; Aug. 31, 1903; p. 6.

Photo taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain Jan. 14, 2014,
as long as acknowledgement included.  

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If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         

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