HISTORICAL TRIVIA 1936-1940 - Fulton County Public Library

The lower floor was the cell, which was lighted by windows made
secure by heavy iron bars. The puncheon floor and the walls were
driven full of old fashioned cut spikes which rendered an attempt at jailbreaking
a pointed and perilous venture. Singular, as it may seem,
entrance to the cell was made only through a trap-door which opened
from above. A prisoner was required to descend to his cell by a ladder
which was then drawn up by the officer in charge and the trap door
made secure by a strong hasp. The first officer to preside over this
public institution, which, if not impressive in size was at least unique in
plan was Sheriff Benjamin C. Wilson. In 1840 a man named Eno was
incarcerated on the charge of horse theft. As time passed his affable
manner gained the confidence of the sheriff and he was regarded as a
trusty. One day the deputy brought an unusually good dinner to the jail,
and the sheriff generously suggested that the trusty be invited to dine
with them. No sooner was the invitation tendered than it was accepted,
the ladder was suspended through the trap door and the prisoner
emerged.
Inadvertently, the door to the outside stairway had been left ajar
with the great iron key in the lock. Enos eagle eye appraised the
situation. With a single lunge he leaped thru the doorway, slammed the
door behind him and turning the key in the lock imprisoned both
officers. Two miles west of the Michigan road bridge he tossed the key
into the thick growth of hazel-brush, which covered the river bank, and
made his way on to the marsh land that surrounded the Kankakee river.
Eno was recaptured after several years and in 1874 the iron key was
found on the river bank and presented to Major Bitters, whose son
placed it in the cornerstone, where safe keeping is insured.
FIRE IN BUSINESS DISTRICT
Loss $75,.000
The News-Sentinel, Feb. 6, 1936
Fire which started in the A.L. Carter book store, on the west side
of the Public Square at 9 oclock Wednesday night, destroyed three
buildings and damaged several others before firemen from surrounding
vicinities could assist the Rochester fire department in getting the blaze
under control. The damage is estimated from $70,000 to $100,000,
practically all of which is covered by insurance.
Keller is a sergeant of the Indiana State Police, and is also a member of
the Plymouth fire department.
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