Also, the September 22nd, October 20th, October 27th, and November 17, 1899, editions of that newspaper.  Source 111.

CARRYING BABIES, accompanied by their respective spouses, the four itinerants calling themselves disciples, are arraigned in Justice Humphrey's Court.

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Justice Humphrey's court presented a strange appearance yesterday.  Chas. Ray, J. Lawrence, Theodore Bird and Theodore Williams, the four "disciples," charged with conspiracy in attempting to defraud Thomas Curtis, of Rome, out of his property, were given an examination, and it has been a long time since the justice's office has contained as motley a collection of individuals as on this occasion.

The prisoners were escorted from the jail to the court room shortly before noon, and were the center of attraction along the line of march.  Each one carried in his arms an infant, while at his side strode a woman, carrying blankets, nursing bottles, etc.  The uncouth appearance of the men was of itself sufficient so attract attention.  All showed the need of a shave and hair-cut, while each seemed in a dejected mood, in marked contrast to the bravado exhibited at the time of arrest.

Arrived at the court the prisoners, each retaining possession of a baby, as though to gain sympathy, were seated in a row, while their wives took positions back of them.  Among the interested spectators in the room were Mr. and Mrs. Curtis and two sons, Will and Ray, who sat back of the prisoners.  Across the table sat Herbert J. Rushton, the complainant, and Mrs. Will Curtis.

The first witness called was Herbert Rushton, the plaintiff, who testified to the following effect:  Live at Manchester, Mich.  Married a daughter of Thomas Curtis, and have two little boys, one 3 years, and the other 1 year old.  Have known C. Ray and J. Lawrence for seven or eight years, and Bird and Williams since the latter part of April or the first of May.  Saw Bird and Williams first at the Curtis farm one evening.  Thought they were either peddler or tramps.  Bird and Williams addressed Curtis as Brother Curtis.  They and their wives and children stayed at the Curtis home all night and next day.  Next evening they had a prayer meeting, created such a distrubance that they aroused witness and wife, who had gone to bed. They stayed at the Curtis place six or seven weeks, during which time Lawrence and Ray came.  Lawrence was there constandly; Ray occasionally.  Their religious belief was peculiar, the most prominent feature being that marriage by a minister or justice of the peace was unholy.  They required that any one joining them should leave husband, or wife and family, and marry again according to their customs.

At the close of Rushton's testimony, the prisoners waived examination, and were bound over to the present term of circuit court.  In default of $1,000 bail, they were remanded to jail.

They had no attorney to represent them, and have announced their intention of defending themselves in court.