Deputy L.A. Clearman – ICPD Criminal Chaser.

According to family records (see below), Lewis A. Clearman (1847-1934) worked for the Iowa City Police Department for thirty-two years (1872-1904), and was quite the detective – hunting down criminals and law-breakers, even if it meant traveling for days on end throughout Iowa and beyond!

**L.A. Clearman’s gg grandson – Paul Valdick – has provided us with this “Press Release” from the Iowa City Police Department, dated April 8, circa 1904.**

Our updated search for historical records can’t quite confirm the 32-year mark, but we can comfortably report that L.A. Clearman did have various policing duties with the City of Iowa City from at least May 1878 to October 1905 (27+ years). And, without a doubt, Clearman had one, very eventful career as an Iowa City policeman – serving as a highly-decorated detective, particularly over his last ten years on the force. So here, for your reading enjoyment, is the fuller story of Iowa City’s own Sherlock Holmes…

The 1904 Iowa City Police “Press Release” continues with a few more personal details on L.A. Clearman. Later, on this page, we’ll go into more detail on the two detective cases mentioned in this press release: The Sheridan River Horse Stealing Affair and The Rockford Train Wrecking Case…

Lewis Abrams Clearman was born to William C. Clearman (1815-1872) and Semantha P. Jewett Clearman (1819-1899) in Warren (Trumbull County), Ohio on October 19, 1847 – the third in a line of seven children born between 1841-1857. According to family records, the Clearman family moved from Ohio by covered wagon to Iowa – settling in Union Township of Johnson County – in 1855/1856, when Lewis was about 8 or 9 years old. Records indicate that Lewis attended the SUI Normal School – the equivalent of high school – which was open in Iowa City between 1855 and 1860. Read more here.

William & Semanata Clearman lived on their farm until their deaths (William – 1872, and Semantha – 1899), and are both buried in Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City (see above). George M. Clearman (1870-1955) was L.A. Clearman’s nephew – the son of his older brother, Albert R. Clearman (who settled on a farm in nearby Oxford) – and served in Des Moines as state senator from Johnson County from 1925 to 1933.

When the Civil War broke out (1861), Lewis Clearman enlisted in December 1863 at the age of 16, joining Johnson County’s Company H of the 2nd Iowa Cavalry Regiment. He served until the end of the war (1865) and was wounded in battle when his unit was fighting in Memphis. Records indicate that the 2nd Regiment, including Company H, was stationed there as part of the 16th Corps, and remained until February 5, 1864. After that, the unit also fought other major battles in and around Nashville. Clearman’s son – Louis C.W. Clearman – provided his family with this photograph and bio (below) taken around the time of the Civil War…

Upon returning home to Johnson County, it appears, from family records, that Lewis Clearman moved back in on the family farm, but on September 17, 1870, married Isabelle Harriett Lloyd (see pic below), who was born in Indiana on June 28, 1852. Like Lewis’ family, the Lloyd household – Dr. Frederick & Isabella Lloyd – had moved to Iowa City in the mid-1850’s, and after their marriage, the couple settled in Iowa City, raising seven children: Frederick (Fred) William, Rollin Augustus, Lewis Charles W., Albert Edward, Wilfred Jewett, Louisa Isabella, and Cornelia Adelaide.

Above (right) is a family photograph of Lewis & Isabelle, circa early 1900’s in their new Iowa City home on Kirkwood Avenue. Below are copies of the 1880 U.S. Census (top) with Lewis – working as a grinder with a cutlery company, wife Isabelle, four sons (Fred, Augustus, Lewis, and Albert), and Isabelle’s sister (Louisa); and the 1900 U.S. Census (bottom) with Lewis working as a deputy marshal, wife Isabelle, three sons (Lewis, Albert, and Wilfred), two daughters (Louisa & Cornelia), and Isabelle’s sister (Louisa).

According to local historians, Lewis Clearman was an expert marksman, probably due to his Civil War training, and won many shooting contests at the Johnson County Fair in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Read more about L.A. Clearman’s experiences living out in the wilderness.

Here’s an undated photograph of the new Clearman family home in Iowa City. According to the U.S. Census, in 1900, the family lived at **811 Kirkwood Avenue**. In doing more research, in the early 1900’s the address numbers on Kirkwood Avenue were changed and today, the address of this house – which was built in 1900 – is 717 Kirkwood Ave. See a current picture below!

As we shared earlier, family records indicate that, after his return from the Civil War, Lewis Clearman returned home to the family farm, married Isabelle Lloyd (1870), and, according to the 1880 U.S. Census, worked as a stone grinder at a local cutlery company. It’s also known, from family records, that the Clearman farm in Union Township of Johnson County, like many Iowa farms, had a fair amount of livestock. Above (left) is an ad from the November 10, 1875 edition of The State Press that shows us that, after the death of his father (1872), Lewis’ mother – Semantha – continued overseeing the farm which included the raising and selling of steers and heifers. Interestingly, Iowa City, by the 1880’s, became a national hub for Heifer farming – you can read more details here.

Now, we bring this subject of steers & heifers up, because it was in this arena, that L.A. Clearman was first hired by the Iowa City Police Department. As we mentioned earlier, the ICPD “Press Release” states that Clearman began his career with the police department in 1872. While we can find no newspaper records dating back that far, we do know that by May 14, 1878, the city – under the direction of Mayor Jacob Ricord – had appointed L.A. Clearman as “special officer” overseeing the stock (cattle, pigs, etc.) ordinance of Iowa City.

***Iowa City Mayor #16, #19*** – Jacob Ricord was a shoemaker by trade when he came to Iowa City (1840), became a merchant dealer in boots and shoes, and carried on that business in Iowa City until June 14, 1880, when he was appointed by President Hayes to be the postmaster of Iowa City. He was mayor of Iowa City for two different terms – in 1875-76, and 1878-79 – and was for several years a member of the city council. *Read more here.*

***Attention: Effective May 14, 1878 – there will no longer be any patience for cattle, pigs, goats, etc. “running at large” around the City of Iowa City! Special Deputy Marshal L.A. Clearman.***

Speaking of 1878, in October of that year, it appears that Special Deputy Marshal L.A. Clearman is now “officially” running for the public office of Iowa City “constable”. And just as politics are “dirty” in our day, so in 1878, the Republican candidate Clearman is having his good name dragged through the mud as the Democrat Party – which runs The Daily Iowa State Press in Iowa City – is apparently spreading rumors that Clearman was indicted for “larceny” and “selling whiskey in Iowa County” back in February of 1877.

In this October 3, 1878 article (above), published by Iowa City’s *Daily Republican*, the story of Clearman’s “crimes” was double-checked and found to be untrue. While Clearman was, indeed, indicted for “larceny” in 1877, as it turns out, he was found “not guilty” in September 1877, and The Republican – in the final paragraph – challenges The Press to correct all misconceptions, tall tales, and outright lies that are being spread against the good name of candidate Clearman! Records show us that the Democrat Mayor Matthew Cavanaugh won the mayoral election in 1878, so we’re not sure, in what capacity, he kept Clearman on the police force in 1879, but apparently he did remain involved in some capacity.

Articles found in later Iowa City newspapers (late 1890’s) show Marshal L.A. Clearman remaining active on the Iowa City Police Force, and here (above left – August 25, 1897), we find him arresting Frank Dunkel – one of Iowa City’s better-known hotel owners – for selling booze on Sunday at The Central House (CRI&P Hotel), while still helping out on the Clearman family farm (i.e. Lewis’ mother, Semantha Clearman died in January 1899) by shipping two car loads of cattle to Chicago (above right – December 27, 1899).

Which brings us now to 1899, and the first of our two detective stories…

On April 11, 1899, J.W. Watters (Waters) walked into the Foster, Thompson & Shuck Livery Stable on Washington Street in Iowa City (see below), directly across from City Hall, calmly put down a small deposit on a wagon, hitched it up to a team of horses, and rode away.

Later that day, when Watters never returned, the stable owners immediately contacted the Iowa City Police Department, and soon, our crack detective – L.A. Clearman was on the case…

From the police department’s biographical files, we get the following story of Detective Clearman & The Sheridan (Chariton) River Horse Stealing Affair…

Once Detective Clearman was on the Watters case, he telegraphed an all-points bulletin throughout a 300-mile radius of Iowa City. When a reply came in, saying a man who matched Watters description was seen near Queen City, Missouri – located 130 miles south of Iowa City (see map above) – Clearman was off and running.

According to newspaper articles appearing in the April 22, 1899 editions of The Iowa City Daily Republican and The Daily Iowa State Press (see below) Clearman reported back to Foster in Iowa City that Watters had, indeed, been spotted nine miles north of Queen City, and was now on the run, following an old Native American trail along the Sheridan (Chariton) River in northern Missouri.

The reports indicate that Detective Clearman, along with the fine help of a Missouri marshal – J.J. Hall – spent six days tracking Watters up and down the river trails of northern Missouri. And finally, on April 29, 1899, The Daily Iowa State Press announces: 1) the capture of Watters in Bogard, Missouri (250 miles from Iowa City), 2) the safe return of the stolen horses and wagon to Foster, Thompson & Shuck, and, of course, 3) Deputy Clearman’s triumphant return to Iowa City…

It’s reported here that when Clearman – the humble policeman – was asked to give the details of this adventure, simply replied…”I went after him and he’s back there in the cell. That is all there is to tell.”

Which brings us now to our second ‘Criminal Catcher’ story…

As you can read from the 1904 ICPD “Press Release” (below), the second big story that made Detective Clearman’s name famous around the Midwest was the Rockford Train Wrecking Case of October 1899.

First, a bit of explanation and background. The 1904 police “press release” (above) states that the Rock Island Railroad was the target of the October 1899 train robbers. In fact, it was the BCR&N, not the Rock Island. The Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern (BCR&N) Railroad ran its mainline from Burlington, Iowa north through Cedar Rapids, on its way to Minneapolis. While the Rock Island Railroad provided east/west transportation through Iowa City, a short BCR&N line – called The Plug – ran into Iowa City from 1873-1924, providing north/south rail service for both freight & passenger service. You can read more here. So now, on with our train-robbing story…

Rockford, Iowa, at the time of this train-wrecking caper, was on the BCR&N mainline – located in Floyd County about halfway between Waterloo and Mason City in northern Iowa. The fact that L.A. Clearman was called up – from Iowa City – by the BCR&N Railroad to be on this case, speaks loudly on how far and wide his detective skills were appreciated around Iowa!

As the story goes, Detective Clearman decided, by the footprint left at the scene of the October 1st crime, that a very large man with really big feet was the prime suspect to be located somewhere in Floyd County. And sure ‘nuf…that awareness led Clearman to one of the most intriguing detective stories we’ve uncovered. In our search for more details, we found two informative articles from The Iowa State Press – October 25, 1899 and November 1, 1899 – both of which helps in telling this entertaining tale…

This October 25, 1899 article fills in a few more details about how Clearman came to uncover the two men – O.J. Bracket & Frank Fay – who tried on two different attempts – October 1 and October 15, 1899 – to de-rail a fast-moving BCR&N passenger train and then rob the victims of this tragic “accident”. The curious piece here is that L.A. Clearman went underground, disguising himself as a humble corn-husker so he could infiltrate the robber’s den…

This November 1, 1899 article recounts the story one more time and reports that Detective Clearman is now back home, and in the sight of many, is a true life-saving hero! Hats off and three cheers for Detective Clearman!

Before we close, allow us to give you just one more Clearman “detective” story that is briefly mentioned at the end of the 1904 Police Department “Press Release” (above)…

In a September 14, 1900 article appearing in The Daily State Press, we, once again, find L.A, Clearman doing his “detective” magic – this time in Manly, Iowa – formerly known as Manly Junction – a small community in Worth County (north of Mason City). As you can see from the article, Clearman spent some of his summer vacation time doing undercover work in Manly and the result was his ability to shut down a jealous shopkeeper who had turned to arson to drive his competition out of business. As the article header states: Deputy Marshal Lou Clearman solved “One of the Most Difficult Cases in the History of Crime in Iowa”.

The article closes by stating, (Clearman) “is fast achieving a nation-wide reputation as a catcher of criminals and when a case is put into his hands, he may be depended upon to ferret out and bring to justice the criminal wanted … As a matter of personal interest, it may be noted that the consideration received from this case alone is as large as the ordinary officer receives for a year of labor.”

In 1905, as Lewis A. Clearman reaches the age of 58, and his wife, Isabelle, turns 53, we find the couple ready to slow down a bit…

In the May 1, 1905 edition of The Iowa City Daily Press (below left), we find the “Former Deputy Marshal” now being nominated for the post of District Deputy of the Elks’ Club’s southern division in Iowa. The article offers an excellent biographical overview of Clearman’s five decades in Iowa City. We assume that Lewis won the vote for the position, but one year later – in 1906 – the Clearman’s decide to leave Iowa City after 50 years, relocating to the small community of Miles City, Montana (near Billings), where Clearman partnered with a building contractor until 1916. (Below right) The February 9, 1916 edition of The Miles City star tells of a small fire set off in the Clearman home due to a forgetful 69-year-old pipe smoker!

Sadly, Isabelle Lloyd Clearman – age 64 – passed away on Christmas Eve – December 24, 1916 – and is buried in Custer County Cemetery in Miles City, Montana (above). Soon after her death. Lewis Abrams Clearman moved to Magnolia Springs, Alabama, living the remainder of his days there before passing away – at age 87 – on November 7, 1934 (see below left). While a memorial stone for Lewis is laid at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City (see below center), his burial took place at Pine Rest Cemetery in Magnolia Springs, Alabama (see below right) on November 9, 1934.

Here’s a tip of the old hat to Detective L.A. Clearman – Iowa City’s very own Sherlock Holmes! There’s a quote I’ll leave you with that’s credited to an Iowa City resident who knew of Clearman’s amazing knack in hunting down criminals…

I’d rather be chased by the devil himself than have Lewis Clearman after me!

1886: A Father & Son Adventure Down The Mississippi. Between September 1886 and February 1887, Deputy Marshal Lewis A. Clearman and his oldest son, 15-year-old Fred Clearman, embark on a Rite of Passage journey, boating from Iowa City to St. Helens, Arkansas. Following in his steps as a Civil War soldier, Clearman takes his young son on a 138-day, 1,200+ mile journey, with Fred logging in his diary along the way. Come read about this father-son Mississippi River adventure!

(Above) Three generations of Clearmans – (left) Lewis Charles Wade Clearman (1875-1965), (center) Lewis Abrams Clearman (1847-1934), and (right) Wilfred Lloyd “Fred” Clearman (1906-1984). (Below) A Clearman family picture (circa 1910) that includes Lewis (L.A.) Clearman and his wife Isabelle (seated in middle), **State Senator George M. Clearman** (standing third from left), **Lewis C.W. Clearman** (standing five from the left), and **Fred W. Clearman** (standing directly behind L.A. Clearman).

May 14, 1878 – Mayor Jacob Ricord appoints Lewis A. Clearman as Special Deputy Marshall – charged with enforcing Iowa City’s newly-passed Stock Ordinance which prohibits livestock running “at large” within the city.

**April 8, 1904 – After 32 years of service with the Iowa City Police Department, Deputy Marshal Lewis A. Clearman – master detective & criminal catcher – retires.**

**November 7, 1934 – Iowa City’s Deputy Marshal Lewis A. Clearman – 32-year veteran of the Iowa City Police Department and highly-decorated detective – passes away at age 87.**

Kudos to the amazing resources below for the many quotes, photographs, etc. used on this page.

L.A. Clearman Quits Office, Iowa City Police Department Press Release, April 8, circa 1904, from the family records of Clearman’s gg grandson – Paul Valdick of Grants Pass Oregon.

William Choger Clearman, Find-A-Grave

Semantha Philinda Jewett Clearman, Find-A-Grave

Lewis Abrams Clearman, Find-A-Grave

Isabelle Harriett Lloyd Clearman, Find-A-Grave

George Marchant Clearman, Iowa State Senator, Iowa.gov

George M. Clearman, Find-A-Grave

2nd Regiment Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, Research OnLine

Estray Steers And Heifer, Iowa State Press, November 10, 1875, p 4

Mayor Ricord, Iowa City Daily Press, May 16, 1878, p 4

Stock Notice, Iowa City Daily Press, May 30, 1878, p 4

The Press Charges L.A. Clearman, Iowa City Daily Republican, October 3, 1878, p 4

Clearman family, 1880 United States Federal Census, Ancestry.com