The Kaw Valley Scandal

By Napoleon Crews

In early Lawrence's up-and-coming years, its prominent citizenry banned together in many ways that were calculated to put the city on firm ground and solidify their own wealth and position. Not all of their efforts landed them on the right side of the law. In addition to controlling the commercial aspects of their investments into the community, it was crucial that they control the courts. This tale is about how the control necessary to grow a city, individual fortunes, and influence may have been exercised.

This story also features John Mercer Langston, the son of Ralph Quarles, a white plantation owner, and Jane Langston, a black slave. Langston had strong family ties to Lawrence. He studied law under attorney Philemon Bliss and was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1854. He served as dean and president of Howard University's law school, the first black law school in the country. In 1888 he ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives and served a six month term.

Sam Jeans, Lawrence's real life assistant police chief, again shows how he gained his reputation as a supreme investigator and consummate police officer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Napoleon Crews
• Release date: Feb 28, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310795442

Napoleon Crews

Napoleon Crews began writing his first manuscript, for publication, in 1990. He was told often throughout his life, that he had a special way with words and empathy. The gift of writing culminated in Napoleon penning 9 completed manuscripts, some of which are short stories and others are longer novel-length works. In addition, he has written and produced 3 dramatic plays of an historical bent. Unable to find a national publisher for other of his works, Napoleon self-published and distributed them throughout the Midwest, where they have been popular. The driving force behind the first published manuscript, The Emancipation of Nate Bynum, was Napoleon’s desire to tell the unknown stories about the integral part that Blacks played in the American Civil War and the Wild West, and to right the wrongs of early historical writers who depicted Blacks, women, and other minorities as inept, weak-minded, and inferior to their white counterparts. Napoleon poured his experience as a cowboy, rodeo team roper, private investigator, martial artist, bodyguard, and trial lawyer into the building of his characters. He used family legends and oral and written history to form his plots. When he describes the way a horse moves, a steer bolts, or a punch is thrown, he’s rode the move, headed off the bolt, and threw the punch. His experience as a practicing trial lawyer is used to craft the many legal and ethical dilemmas in which his characters find themselves. Napoleon resides with his wife and family in Lawrence, Kansas, the seed-bed in which the buddings of the American Civil War were sewn. He still practices law 50 to 60 hours per week, and many of his nights are reserved for writing and polishing his manuscripts with a view for future publication.

Book preview

THE KAW VALLEY SCANDAL

By Napoleon Crews

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2004 Napoleon Crews

Year: 1896

Day of the week: Tuesday

Place: Lawrence, Kansas

CHAPTER 1

Lawrence’s newly appointed Police Chief Sam Jeans walked up the hallway toward the mayor’s office, recalling the first time he had stepped into the narrow corridor. Little did he realize back then as the jailer’s shackles rattled and clattered around his ankles that his life would drastically change. A similar foreboding feeling gripped the pit of his stomach on this day.

The mild and tolerably pleasant aroma of Mayor Gould’s customary afternoon cigar lingered in the air.

When Sam opened the door, the mayor sat engaged in deep conversation with a light-skinned Negro man who looked to be in his sixties. The man’s thin face and slightly rounded shoulders spoke of ill-health and tiredness. However, his piercing, almond-shaped eyes were still quick and discerning. Wavy-black hair and an Abe Lincoln beard contributed to an aristocratic appearance.

Sorry, Sam said, closing the door. Didn’t know somebody was already in here.

No, come in, Sam, the mayor said. This meeting concerns the both of you.

Sam walked into the room and closed the door behind him.

Mr. Langston, Mayor Gould said, I want you to meet our Police Chief Sam Jeans. Sam, this is John Mercer Langston, attorney and former congressman.

Mr. Langston stood.

It’s a pleasure, Mr. Jeans. Mr. Langston thrust out his hand. Just call me John. My late brother, Charles, used to keep me abreast of the cases you solved. He even sent along newspaper clippings. Your methods are truly remarkable.

Sam smiled. I got a big scrapbook on you. It’s got everything from politics to the Edmonia Lewis case.

I’m glad the two of you know of each other, Mayor Gould said. A potential crisis faces the City of Lawrence, and I’m convinced that only the two of you can stave off the disaster that I am certain will come.

Mayor Gould waved Sam into the vacant wingback next to John, and then he took out his pocket watch.

In thirty minutes, the mayor said, Arthur Mitchell and his lawyer, Clarence Darrow, will walk through my door.

Arthur is the richest man in Lawrence, Sam said. At least that’s the talk.

He’s rich, Mayor Gould said, But there are many more who are richer.

Heard it ain’t even his money, Sam said.

Arthur married well, Mayor Gould said, Twice. He has a way with women and there’s no denying it.

What happened to the first wife? Sam asked.

She died unexpectedly several years ago, the mayor said. The cause of death was listed as accidental.

Marrying money also explains how he can afford to hire Clarence Darrow, John said.

I figured that you’d know Darrow, Mayor Gould said, Especially since both of you are prominent lawyers.

John nodded. Clarence was a lawyer for the Northwestern Railway Company, until a couple of years ago. Now he’s involved in politics and is part of the Illinois delegation. He’s a bulldog in court and loves the fight.

I heard he never loses, Mayor Gould said.

I don’t doubt that’s why your Mr. Mitchell hired him, John said.

What was Arthur Mitchell’s crime? Sam asked. I know there’s a reason for me bein’ here.

He killed his maid this morning, Mayor Gould said. She was a Negro, and he’s calling it self defense.

Sam and John exchanged looks.

Where’s the body? Sam asked.

Mr. Darrow has assured me that it lies undisturbed on the floor of Arthur Mitchell’s study, Mayor Gould said.

Why wasn’t I called in sooner? Sam asked.

As you probably can guess, Mayor Gould said, Arthur disclosed the killing through Mr. Darrow. I had no details until Mr. Darrow arrived and met with me just before lunch.

Sam shook his head in disgust. "You sayin’ lunch was more important than gettin’ me started on the case? No tellin’ what evidence’s