Jackson County, Ohio

Montana Joe

Suddenly Closes His Meteoric Career in this City.

A fellow giving the name of J.F. Tallefer, and sailing under the nom de plume of "Montana Joe," made this city his headquarters for a few days recently. He dropped in with the Pawnee Bill show and claimed to be a detective.

His large cowboy hat made him the object of all eyes. No credit is due him for his ferreting out the so-called offenders of the law; any schoolboy could have done much better work.

His main business appeared to be that of attending others' business, something that a citizen of the city would not be tolerated long in doing, let alone a stranger of his character.

His presence was wholly offensive to the public eye, until forebearance ceased to be a virtue. Last Friday evening was his last appearance upon the streets in his role. Shortly after seven o'clock he engaged in a quarrel on Ohio Avenue with a citizen.

The lie was passed, a few blows struck, and the great cowboy detective dropped to the pavement. Recovering himself he ran for cover. A few men and boys followed him through curiosity, and at First street he fired a revolver, thinking perhaps that a mob was after his life, and taking this way to frighten them.

The crowd soon became a large one, and pushed on with "Montana Joe" in the lead. Reaching the City Hall, and rushing up the stairs, he mistook a rope for a lariat and rang the fire bell.

The Officers in the meantime had prevented anyone following him. The fellow was almost frightened out of his wits, and dropping, completely exhausted, into a chair, gave a sigh of relief.

Saturday he remained in hiding at the Buckeye Hotel, and that evening went to Jackson and placed himself in the care of Sheriff Drake. He went to Coalton Sunday night and boarded a train for Chicago.

It's well, for Marshall Ward had two warrants for his arrest; one for discharging fire arms within the city limits, and the other for pointing a gun at a citizen, because the party persisted in smoking a pipe in the council chamber one day to the great discomfort of the detective.

So much for "Montana Joe." He has come and gone. A good riddance.

Wellston Telegram, Wellston OH; October 22, 1898