Wichita Times - July 1873

(NOTE - The following news report from the Wichita Times was not inside Prissy's chest. I found it during my research and since it concerns both Snake Johnson and Kid Holmes, who will both later prove to be an integral part of Prissy's story, I decided to include it here. The mysterious woman at the end of the article is of particular interest.  - Barry Cardwell)

Daring Bank Robbery

3 Slain by Outlaw Kid Holmes

    Deputy Tobias Johnson, Central Bank Owner Karl Brown, and local farmer Henry London were brutally murdered yesterday on the streets of Wichita. Randolf "Kid" Holmes, a young outlaw from Texas gunned them down in cold blood as he robbed the Central Bank.

   Eyewitness reports have Holmes entering the bank just after 2 yesterday afternoon. He proceeded to the cashier's window and pulled his two colts from their well worn holsters. He then struck bank teller Hugo Trannel across the face with the butt of his pistol. Mr Brown, the courageous bank owner, drew his shotgun from his desk and tried to defend his employees and customers. The Kid is said to have laughed as he put 4 lead slugs  into Mr. Brown. Holmes then jumped behind the counter and began to fill a large sack with the bank's cash.

  

                                                           Deputy Tobius Johnson

    Young Deputy Johnson, hearing the shots within the bank, quickly arrived on the scene and cornered the Kid inside. Holmes opened fire has the prisoners in the bank began to flee to safety. Deputy Johnson bravely tried to help them escape the chaos by returning fire. Henry London, a father of 4 young children was mercilessly gunned down by The Kid as he tried to escape. According to several reports Deputy Johnson was wounded in his hand and fell to the bank floor unarmed. The Kid quickly crossed the distance and placed his boot on Johnson's chest. With an evil smile Holmes placed the muzzle of his smoking pistol on the deputy's forehead and pulled the trigger. Holmes then proceeded out to the street, mounted his horse, and lit out leaving 3 dead, 2 wounded, and with the Bank's cash.

    Later in the evening Deputy Johnson's older brother, U.S. Marshal Snake Johnson returned to town from serving a warrant in the next county. Marshal Johnson is a permanent resident at Kate's Hotel and Tavern. Upon learning of his brother's fate, the Marshall promptly refitted his supplies, changed his saddle to a fresh horse and set out on The Kid's trail. A young woman was seen trying to prevent the Marshall leaving, but to no avail. When asked she had no comment.

  

   Let us hope that this black hearted villain Kid Holmes will soon be brought to justice and forced to account for the vile sins he has committed on the streets of our fair city.