Younger Brothers gang captured again

At re-enactment

south of La Salle

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

LA SALLE -- On Sept. 21, 1876, a posse of courageous Madelia men confronted the Younger Brothers Gang and captured them near the Watonwan River south of La Salle.

The seven Madelia men that answered the call to form the posse were Sheriff James Slispin, William Murphy, George Bradford, Benjamin Rice, Thomas Vought, Charles Pomeroy and S.J. Severson.

The scenario was re-enacted Saturday afternoon by a group of area citizens. Several hundred people watched the event performed at the historic site, from a grassy hillside near a clearing, just south of La Salle.

The men formed a line 12 feet from each other and approached the gang and fired. After a short, fierce fun battle in the brush, the gang was captured and taken to the Flanders Hotel in Madelia where they were held under guard until they were transferred to a prison in Faribault.

Gang member Charlie Pitts died in the gunfight. Bob Younger died in prison. Cole and Jim Younger were paroled after about 20 years.

Earlier in the month of September in 1876, the Jesse James/Younger Gang fled Northfield after a failed attempt at robbing the bank. The gangs separated near Mankato and headed west.

Wounded, tired and on foot, the Youngers bought breakfast at the Sorbel farm. After recognizing the bandits, 16-year-old Oscar Sorbel rode to Madelia and informed the businessmen of their whereabouts.

Saturday was Madelia's seventh year of celebrating the capture. The day of 1800's family fun and history began at 10:30 a.m. with the arrival of a Pony Express rider carrying previously purchased special series letters.

Saturday night, spectators in Madelia watched as the horse-powered posse rolled into town with Bob, Cole and Jim Younger in tow and the deceased Charlie Pitts.

At 5 p.m. a buffalo supper was served at the VFW and Legion club. he Bee Kays band followed.

Other Main Street events in Madelia included a fastest gun contest, Abe Lincoln story, bank robbery, pony rides, children's games, stage music, displays, demonstrations, a mercantile market, food vendors and an all western horse grand parade.

The Watonwan County Historical Museum displayed a James and Younger Gang artifact display. Other events included an antique car and tractor display and state and national horseshoe tournaments.