Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1853-05-19
TIE R011ACE 0F CRINE-
TFHlA Slranger Man Fietion.

| IneTe are circumstances connected with the
late murder Of BeatsOn, in Ohio, whose SUP.
posed murderer, Parks, was recently arrested
in this city. that mark il as one Of lhe most ex.
traordinary affairs recorded in the history Of
crime. There is more about il that eyipees a
long contemplated, adrOitly planned robbery
and a calm, unfaltering determination 10 com
init murder merely for gain, than can be found
in almost any volume Of ''Remarkable Crimi-
nal Trials" hat has been published.
Less than year ago Beatson. the murdered
man, Parks, his supposed murderer. and per-
son named Gee, came over together in the same
ship from Europe. Beatson and Parks had
comparatively little money, while Gee was
known to have had several hundred dollars
With this he came to Erie county and depOs-
tied portion Of it, six hundred dollars-in the
Buffalo Ssvings Bank. The place Of its depos-
it became in some manner known TO Beatson,
who resolved if possible to obtain possession Of
it; but how to accomplish that object was
matter not so easily determined. A plan how
ever was devised and its execution at once en-
tered upon. Ascertaining that there was in the
city young Englishman, who also came over
in the same ship with Gee, Bea,son found him
out and introduced himself as Gees brother,
and succeeded SO admirably in convincing his
new acquaintance that such was the fact, that
he went with Beatson to the bank and intro
duced him as such to Mr.. Howard, the Secre-
tary. Beatson then produced letter, previ-
ously prepared, Of course by himself, purport-
ing to be written to him by VIM. Gee, stating
that be (W. G. had just purchased farm
near Buffalo, had paid three hundred dollars
on it, and needed six hundred dollars more in
gold that he was unable to come in person to
Buffalo and draw it from the bank, in conse.
quence Of having been injured by kick from
horse, and had therefore deputed his brother
to get ii for him. Under this state of things -
being properly introduced.-Wm. Gee being
unable to draw check-the story seeming al
together probable, and circumstances not sug-
gesting any suspicion, the Secretary concluded
TO pay the six hundred dollars, and drew
check for that amount on Oliver Lee d Co.'S
Bank.
Before delivering the check, however, the
Secretary wrote a receipt for the money, which
the supposed "brother" wat requested to sign.
This, Bealson defined doing, alleging as a rea-
son that he could not write. He did, howev-
er, make his mark, which was witnessed by the
person who introduced him. Putting the cheek
in his pocket he proceeded to Oliver Lee d Co.'S
Bank presented it to Mr. Mercer the teller,
saying he desired to have gold. Mr.. Mercer
replied that he could not pay gold on the check,
except at the usual premium. or otherwise Mr..
Howard should request it. The cool individu-
al said he would take it back and have Mr.. II.
do so. Back he went to the Savings Bank.
NJ, Howard us-~-iAd tn his rnauast and insert
ed in the check "pay in gold," and with this
Beatson returned TO the o. Lee Bank, obtained
The gold, and took his departure. The next
hat was heard of him was that he had been |
murdered, and that Parks was arrested for the
crime.
Another curious incident in this singular his
ory is that there was found in Beatson's pock-
It, after his murder paper stating that the
gold belonged to VIM. Gee bat not more ex-
raordinary than what follows:
After Parks arrest this paper came into the
hands of the District Attorney of Summit coun
.y, Ohio, where Parks is now undergoing ex-
trial. That officer Immediately wrote
to VIM. Gee, making inquiries in reference to
Beatson, as to the truth of what was stated in
the memorandum but just before the letter
was received, Gee was killed by the accidental
discharge Of a gun. When the letter arrived it
was opened by the landlord of the tavern where
Gee had been staying, who at once hastened to
he city to ascertain the facts.
Strange indeed is the web Of human life. OF
hese three persons who few short months be-
ore were fellow passengers on the voyage to
his country, one robs a Bank of 5000; he in
urn is murdered by companion, and the third,
whose money was the cause of it all, is hurried
o another world by the accidental discharge Of
gun. The supposed murderer is now on trial
or the offence; and the evidence against him
S said to be very clear.
though it have no tongue, will
speak
With most miraculous organ"
Courier.