Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

A jury found Charles and Porter Fueston not guilty in the murder of Albert Williams, a student bludgeoned to death after walking his sweetheart home from Bible study.

The jury did not elaborate on their decision, but it was clear they were unpersuaded by the evidence presented by the prosecution. They deliberated only 30 minutes and required only one ballot to acquit the pair.

From the snake beat: John Schumely, described as a Russian Pole, walked into a Walla Walla meat market where a live rattlesnake was on display. Schumely declared that he was a snake charmer and asked to hold the snake. The snake immediately bit him. He pulled the fangs from the snake, tucked the now fang-less snake inside his shirt and sauntered off to a saloon.

He was soon arrested for drunkenness, but the arrest was complicated by the fact that he still had the snake and would not surrender it. He finally was tricked into putting the snake into a sack.

He was not only drunk but suffering from the rattlesnake bite. He was taken to the hospital with a painfully swollen arm and was reported to be in “dangerous condition.”

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1913: The highest recorded shade temperature was measured in Death Valley, Calif., at 134 degrees Fahrenheit.