Creffield and the Holy Rollers made page one headlines from 1903 to 1907. When I was researching Holy Rollers: Murder and Madness in Oregon’s Love Cult I spent months transcribing hundreds of articles. I’m not sure why I was so obsessive. Maybe it was my way of immersing my self into a cult without joining one. Anyway, I’m posting them all for those who are really interested in the story, or are interested the history of journalism, or are interested in how a scandalous story played out in the "media" in a by gone era. Since I no doubt made typos and unconsciously corrected papers' typos, these web pages should not be cited in anything serious (e.g. your dissertation). For such projects they should only be used as starting points and you should refer to the original sources. If you want a shorter version of the story, buy my book. Enjoy.

November 3, 1903: Had Promise of Tar and Feathers

 

Edmund Creffield & his followersEvening Telegram (Portland) 11/3/1903 p5

Had Promise of Tar and Feathers

Holy Rollers Disappear from Corvallis -- Women Return to Homes.

 

[Telegram Coast Special]

CORVALLIS, Or., Nov. 3. -- The two leaders of Holy Roller fame who have been causing so much disturbance in Corvallis for a week left Sunday for parts unknown. They evidently were informed that a mob of citizens were preparing to present them with a coat of tar and feathers, and a pleasant ride out of town on a rail. If they had remained 24 hours longer this city would certainly have been the center of another scandal. The family who destroyed their household effects while under the influence of a religious delusion have at last come to their senses and have replaced the furniture they sacrificed with new.

 

Corvallis Gazette 11/3/1903 p3

The two leaders of Holy Roller fame, Krofield (sic) and Brooks, left on Sunday afternoon for parts unknown.

 

Corvallis Gazette 11/3/1903 p3

R. C. Kiger of this city brought in from his Kiger Island ranch and sold to Smith and Boulden a lot of the finest calves that has been seen in this city for many days. They are full blood roan shorthorn stock, spring calves of an average weight dressed of 260 pounds. They are certainly beauties and a credit to the county.

FBI Anti Piracy SealThe unauthorized reproduction or distribution of a copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by fines and federal imprisonment