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.

June 17, 1904: Mae Hurt is Committed

Mae HurtBrownsville Times 6/17/1904 p4 “Another Holy Roller Victim.

May Hurt, of Corvallis, another victim of the infamous Holy Rollers, has been ordered sent to the Boys’ and Girls’ Home at Portland. Several More Holy Rollers remain in Corvallis administering the poison of their insane doctrine whenever possible. Come to think of it, those tar and feathers ought to have been glued upon Creffield.

 

$400 reward is now offered for Creffield, the dirtiest scrub who ever menaced the peace of a community.--Albany Democrat

 

Corvallis Gazette 6/22/1904 p3

The Creffield Reward

Another Fifty Dollars added to It--Apostle is Much Wanted.

 

Sheriff Burnett is sending circulars abroad in the effort to locate Creffield. The circulars give notice that a reward of $350 is in the sheriff’s hands to be paid for the arrest and conviction of the fugitive apostle. Of the sum, $200 is offered outright for the arrest, and an additional $150 for the arrest and conviction. The $200 is a sum contributed by private subscription, largely from persons whose families have become victim of the fallacious teachings of the bogus high priest. Of the other $150, $100 is offered by the county court, and the balance by S. L. Kline. It is figured that the increased reward will interest sheriffs and detectives in the search for Creffield with a possibility that his hiding place might be discovered. Contrary to reports current, the officers have no clue to his whereabouts, and but a vague idea of where he might be. Brooks and Levins are known to be at Seattle, but the officers are convinced that their chief is not with them.

 

The circulars sent out by Sheriff Burnett announce that the reward will hold good for the period of one year. They also give a description of Creffield, which is as follows: Edmund Creffield, alias “Joshua” Creffield, is bout 30 years old, very light complexion, light hair, may be smooth-shaven,, if not beard will be very light, weight about 135 pounds, height 5 feet 6 inches, No. 5 1/2 shoe; may wear black suit, or may wear blue colored blouse with belt run around it, also very often wears brown leggins. He is almost sure to have a Bible with him. He talks broken, as if Swedish, bit is German descent.

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