Illinois vs. August Spies et al. trial transcript no. 1. Direct examination by Mr. Grinnell. Cross-examination by Captain Black. Testified on behalf of the Prosecution, People of the State of Illinois. Officer at Larabee Street Police Station on May 4 where back-up was requested to assist officers at the Haymarket. Testified on various topics (page numbers provide a partial guide): actions of police during the Haymarket meeting (vol.K 549). JOHN K. SOLLER: A witness called and sworn on behalf of the people; was examined in chief by Mr. Grinell, and testified as follows: Q What is your name? A John K. Soller Q You are a police officer? A Yes sir. Q What station? A Larrabee street, Q Where were you on the 4th of May last? A Part of the time Larrabee, and part of the time Chicago Avenue. Q Were you there when the order came for the partol wagon and police man for Randolph and DesPlaines street? A Yes sir. Q Did you go down on the wagon? A Yes sir. Q Do you remember at or about what time it was? A It was about 10- 40. Q What route did you take-- what way did you take to go down A I turned out of the house, East on North Avenue, down Larrabee to Chicago Avenue, west on Chiago Avenue to Halsted, down Halsted to Milwaukee avenue, on Milwaukee avenue down to Desplaines, Desplaines to Randolph. Q About how long were you going from Larrabee street station to Randolph and Desplaines? A About eight minutes. Q How many men were on the wagon? A I think there were twenty one in all, driver and all. Q Where is Larrabee street station situated? A At the North west corner of Larrsbee and North avenue. Q You came out of your station on what street? A On North avenue. Q You passed on North avenue until you came to what street. A To Larrabee. Q How far did you travel on North avenue before you came to Larrabee? A Probably 150 feet. Q How far on Larrabee before you came to Halsted? A Down Chicago avenue. Q How far is that? A I think it is half a mile. Q Then you turned on Chicago avenue to Halsted? A To Halsted. Q Down Halsted to Milwaukee? A Yes sir. Q You crossed the river on Halsted street? A crossed the river on Chicago avenue.
Testimony of John K. Soller, 1886 July 29.
Volume K, 549-551, 3 p.
Soller, John K.
Officer, Chicago Police Department.
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CROSS EXAMINATION
By
Mr. BLACK.
Q Coming out on north avenue in passing to Larrabee street
you travelled in what direction, east or west?
A East.
Q From your station to the next street to the east?
A Larrabee is the first street east of the patrol house
Q Then you travelled north to the Chicago avenue
A Travelled south.
Q Then east to Halsted or west?
A West to Halsted.
Q Then south on Halsted?
A To Milwaukee avenue.
Q And then in a south easterly direction on Milwaukee to Desplaines.
A Yes sir.
Mr. FOSTER: Q This was after the bomb exploded, I suppose?
A Yes sir.
Mr. GRINELL: The call was at ten -32 after the explosion.
Mr FOSTER; And the call of course was from Desplaines street."
Mr. GRINELL: The entry says Randolph and Desplaines.
Q How many men were in the wagon?
A About twenty one.
Q Twenty one including the driver?
A Including the driver I believe, and there may have been one more-- I am not positive.