The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-11-02
Attempted Rank Robbery at Danvers, Mas
sachusetts.

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[From the Boston Traveller of October 81
A short time since, the directors of the Village
Bank at North Danvers, received information
which rendered II probable that an attempt would
shortly be made by daring and expert gang of
robbers to break into and rob the bank. They
accordingly narrowly inspected the defences OF
their safe for such an attack and having concud-
ed that il would resist pretty serious siege, they
appointed citizen of the town, named Aaron
Bateman, as bank Waterman This latter fact
was not generally known in the town, and the rob-
bers themselves were probably not aware of it.
AT two O'Clock this morning, Mr.. Bateman heard
three or four persons approaching the bank. They
came to the door, which is Of glass to within
few feet of the bottom, and has no shutters, and
hailed to know who was inside to which the
Waterman replied, that he was there; and to
another query as to what he was there for. he re-
piled, to guard the bank. At that the robbers
began to press against the door, as if with view
to burst il open. The Waterman warned them to
desist saying that he was armed, and that il they
entered, he would shoot them They still per-
tistipg, and he, fearing that their intention was to
Get In and overpower him, took up his gun, and
hred amongst them, as they stood upon the out
The ball from the gun, it was afterwards ascer
tanned, passed through one of the lower panes Of
glass, carrying away part of the sash. Imme-
dtately after The discharge, the persons outside
were seen to run; but one OF them, who was evil
dently wounded, only went few rods, when he
staggered and fell. The others escaped in a car
riage, which they brought with them to the bank
The noise OF the gun awakened Mr.. John Page,
an aged and estimable citizen of the village, who
lives in the house nearest to the bank, and only
rod or two distant He came out, but did not no
nce the body upon the ground, and returned into
the house Shortly after, however, he came out
again, and YVES proceeding along in front Of his
dwelling, when he stumbled over the PROSTATE
body.
He stcoped down, and discovered that il was his
own cen. He Immediately returned to the house,
and aroused his SON law, Mr.. Weston, who is
cashier of the bank, and together they carried him
into the he use. At that time he was breathing,
but ssnseess, and he shortly after died. Neither
at the bank, and they at first imagined that he had
received a sab in some ARRAY, but they soon had
Information of what had occurred.
The deceased was named John G. Page, and
was unmarried He was about 43 years old I'M
I'll within four or hive years, he has carried on the
brick making business TO a large extent, and sus-
tanned good character. Losses in business are
said 10 have made him rather irregular in his ha-
bits. He returned to his fathers house some time
since, and i wac generally hoped that he had re-
formed His father is said to have provided libe-
rally for all his wants.
This sad tragedy has caused great excite mem
IN the region round about the scene. Of its occur
renee. A coroner's inquest Is to be held upon the
body, when the matter will no doubt be thorough
ly investigated. Mr.. Bateman, the chief actor IN
the affair." bears good character among his towns
men.
Some time ago, the keys of the bank were
stolen, and since that time the bank has been in
apprehension of an attempted robbery.
IL IL supposed that the unfortunate man, when he
fonnd himself wounded, ran with an intention of
getting into the house of his father, where he
sided. He fell under an apple tree nearly in front
of the house.
We learn further, that Mr.. Bateman, after dis
charging the gun, remained in the bank, and did
nstknow the result of the shot until morning, until
which time the door was not opened. Also, that
the robbers, after being warned bysMr. Bateman to
desist, under penalty OF being shot, replied with
oath, that they were strong enough to get rid ofor
manage him.
IL is also stated, but we do not vouch for its
RICHNESS, that there was another person IN the bank
who can testify TO what passed between Mr..
Bateman and the robbers.
The keys that were stolen from the bank some
two years since were taken from Mr. Weston's pill
low. After the robbery Of these keys was DIS
covered, the bank changed all their locks. Page
had aged mother, also, and brothers and sisters
who are plunged into the deepest affection by his
cad end.