Bio: Trepton, Fred (Bound Over to Circuit Court – 24 Feb 1919)

Contact: Ann Stevens
Email: ann@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Trepton, Kountz, Schultz

----Source: Neillsville Times (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 2/27/1919

Trepton, Fred (Bound Over to Circuit Court – 24 Feb 1919)

On Monday afternoon Fred Trepton was given a preliminary hearing before Court Commissioner Kountz and was bound over to the circuit court on a charge of obtaining money under false pretenses. Ferd. Schultz was the principal witness against Trepton, although the courthouse corridors were crowded with other farmers who listened to the plausible tale of Trepton and paid $60 in cash to become members of the Consumers Service and Supply Co.

As a result of the investigations of the authorities that the plan of the Consumers Service and Supply Co. is legitimate enough and without violation of the law, they represent that in offering their services, they merely act as purchasing agents for the customer or member of this company, that they are able to buy the desired article at a much lower rate than the consumer and thus save him money, and for this service they charge a membership fee of $60 and commissions. It is not the plan of operation which is objected to by the law, but the method of selling the memberships, as it is claimed that the solicitors used various methods and arguments and it is claimed secured the signatures of the farmers by misrepresentation.

Trepton was bound over to the circuit court and bail was fixed at $150.00, which was furnished and he is now awaiting trial. It is understood that the Consumers Service and Supply Co, are preparing to file damage suits against Schultz and others.