Rock Island Argus

NOT GUILTY, IS CLIFFORD PLEA

Husband of Nell Hill Appears Voluntarily in County Court to Face Charge.

C. C. Clifford, said to be the husband of Ellen Clifford known in the sporting world as Nell Hill, came voluntarily into county court yesterday afternoon and pleaded not guilty to the charge of resisting an officer lodged against him before County Judge Nels A. Larson. He was released pending trial upon furnishing $1,000 bonds. B. F. Schriver appeared for Clifford.

Clifford had been sought by the authorities since Tuesday, Dec. 3, when in company with Edward Schneider he is said to have had a share in the beating of Deputy Sheriff Charles E. Willis. Schneider assaulted the officer and did the actual beating, according to the evidence, but Clifford was present during the fracas.

Both Clifford and Schneider are alleged to have been intoxicated at the time.

Willis was assaulted Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 3, immediately after serving a civil suit summons on Ellen Clifford at her apartments, 1806½ First avenue.

The beating occurred in a dark hallway of the building, incited, it is thought, by rage over the ruse practiced by Willis in gaining entrance to the building.

Schneider was at once arrested and lodged in the city jail. Later he was brought before Judge Larson where he pleaded guilty, admitting his wrong. He was fined $200 and given six months' imprisonment in the county jail for resisting an officer, commitment to stand until the fine and costs are paid.

Clifford disappeared after the fracas and was being sought by the authorities at the time of his appearance.