Source: North Manchester Journal, August 17, 1905

THE REAL FRANK JAMES
Noted Outlaw to Start the Races at the Fair.

The fair association of this city has decided to hire Frank James, the former noted Missouri bank robber and outlaw to start the races at the fair this fall. The history of Frank James is well known to everybody. Of late years he has settle down to be a very respectable sort of citizen and makes an honest living. Among other things he has adopted the profession of a starter of horse races and is considered one of the best in the business in the west. His price is rather high, owing no doubt to his reputation as a drawing card at all tracks where he officiates, but the association here thinks that he will prove such an attraction that will justify the price. People of this part of the country who want to see the only and original Frank James can do so at the fair.

The association is also arranging for other attractions and the officers state that the outlook is excellent for a big fair. This year the fair holds over Saturday, the big days being Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The dates are October 3 to 7 and people should make their arrangements to attend. Premium list and other information may be had of John Isenbarger, president, or Charles Wright, secretary, or any other officer of the association.

Source: NEWSLETTER
OF THE NORTHA MANCHESTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC.
Volume V, Number 4 (November 1988)

MONEY MAKES THE MARE GO And a purse of $1,000 will make several go here on August 2
(from The Journal, July 12, 1888)

The project of having races here this summer, which has received frequent mention in these columns, has taken definite shape, and an association has been formed for that purpose.  Twenty substantial men have guaranteed a purse of $1,000 for a day’s races, and a meeting was held at the office of B. F. Clemans on Monday evening to perfect all arrangements.  L. J. Notfzger was elected president, Lewis Signs, secretary and A.C. Mills treasurer.  Thursday, August 2^nd, was fixed upon as the day and six races as follows arranged for:  Free-for-all trot, purse $250,00; Free-for-all pace, purse $250.00; Three minute trot, purse $150.00; Two-forty-five trot, purse $150.00  Two-fifty pace, purse $100.00; Half mile running race, purse $100.00

The races will be governed by the American Trotting Association rules, and there will be the customary division of monies---fifty, twenty-five, fifteen and ten percent, based upon at least five entries and three starters, mile heats, best three in five.  The races will begin promptly at 9:30 o’clock and last the remainder of the day, giving plenty of amusement for the large crowd which will surely be on the ground.

The money offered is very liberal and will bring here a large field of fleet horses, and we feel confident that the public, will be well entertained.  The Fair Association have  expended about $500.00 on the track this spring, and it is in splendid condition for the races, giving every opportunity for making fast time.  The fact that every foot of the track from start to finish can be seen enables all present to enjoy all the race and adds much to the days sport.  People who love sport of this kind will find this a rare opportunity to see some good races, and everyone should take advantage of it.  Further particulars can be had from bills or by addressing the secretary. 

E. H. Beckley, General Passenger Agent of the C. W. & M. road, has written that their line will sell tickets of the round trip to the races here on August 2^nd, as follows: Warsaw 80 cents; Claypool 45 cents; Silver Lake 35 cents; Rose Hill 20; Bolivar 15 cents; Urbana 25 cents; Wabash 60 cents; Treaty 80 cents; Lafontaine $1.05; Marion $1.45.