The Sum of $50,000 Wanted
Through their attorneys, John B SMITH and Frank SWIGART, of Logansport, Alexander MYeRS
and his son George have filed in Miami Circuit Court six suits for false imprisonment and
malicious prosecution against Joel BARNHART, ex-sheriff Thomas McKINSTRY and ex-deputy
sheriff Orson DURAND.
It will be remembered that two years ago while Mr. McKINSTRY was sheriff of Miami County,
Joel BARNHART had some difficulty with the MYERS family, who resided on a farm near North
Grove, which he wished to get possession of, he having become the wner of it. The
officers were called to Mr. BARNHART's assistance but for some days they were unable
to eject the people who kept themselves locked in the house. For two weeks this state of
affairs was kept up, the father and son venturing out only at night when satisfied the
officers were not about and ready to gain admittance on the slightest chance. Finally
MYERS and son were arrested and lodged in jail for contempt. For reason of such
imprisonment and prosecution the plaintiffs seek to recover damages in several sums
aggregating $50,000.
The Miami County Sentinel, April 6, 1898