This Week in history

Cheney travelers mistaken for Ritzville thugs, Oct. 27 1911

On this very day in 1911, the Cheney Press reported that a murder had taken place in Ritzville the previous Monday. The article said that the three “thugs” who committed the crime afterward boarded a train headed for Cheney.

This was reported by telegraph to Deputy Sheriff Webb and Marshall Addington, in Cheney, who rushed to the train depot to arrest the alleged murders.

However, upon boarding the train, the two officers found three innocent “Cheneyites” who had been mistaken for the fleeing Ritzville criminals.

The article ends abruptly without revealing to us just what the final outcome was for the murderous thugs.

Cheney Congregational Church

In our Oct. 20 This Week in History column, we ran a piece written in 1906, by Pastor F. O. Wyatt of the Cheney Congregational Church. This week, we have a response written by the current moderator of the church. Oct. 27, 2022

“The comments by Pastor F. O. Wyatt are still quite relevant in the Congregational tradition -- that Christian churches may differ in their liturgy and still promote the love and forgiveness taught by Jesus. Of course, individuals may find different degrees of love and forgiveness in different churches, Nonetheless, Pastor Wyatt was thinking it would be better if more people attended a church of their choice.”

Grant Smith, Moderator

Cheney Congregational Church

Hatfield-Falk Marriage

“On Saturday, Oct. 15 (1910), occurred the marriage of Joseph Hatfield and Miss Nellie Falk at the home of the bride’s parents 15 miles southwest of Cheney, Rev. R. D. Snyder performing the ceremony. Mr. Hatfield is a prominent farmer and the bride a most popular and accomplished young woman. They will make their home in Cheney. We extend our hearty congratulations.”