Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1857-06-11
Robbery and Singular Developments

Robbery and Singular Developments
On Wednesday night, 9th ult., the room
of FL. S. PH1NNEY of Monroeton in kendig's
Hotel Middletown, was entered, his trunk
forced open, and $4,000 in bills taken there
from, the burglars leaving $500 in gold in the
trunk, and a considerable amount of money
which was in his pantaloons pocket, which es-
caped their notice The only clue yet discov-
cred of the perpetrators of this daring affair,
is contained in the singular developments caus-
ed by the occurrences stated below =
lFrom the Lancaster Times. June IL
Thursday morning as the Express Mail
Train going west, was nearing Harrisburg,
and when within mile of Bryant and Longe-
necker's furnace, it ran over two men, killing
one instantly and so badly injuring the other
that he died soon after without having spoken
q word or giving the least signs OF conscious
ness.
The accident occurred about daybreak the
two men were walking on the track in the di-
rection of Harrisburg, on the down track, and
seeing freight train approach, they stepped
on to the other track with their backs toward
the approaching mail train, which was within
fifty yards of them at the time the engineer
saw their danger, and blew the whistle, but
was too near upon them to avoid the accident;
the next moment the engine struck them, the
result of which was as described. Immediate
" upon the mail train arriving at Harrisburg,
d car was despatched containing the Coroner
and jury and help to bring in the mangled
bodies. On arriving at the scene of the acci-
dent, an inquest was held, and verdict re-
turned in accordance with the above facts
On searching the bodies the name of one, Fitz-
gerald, was discovered, as also roll of notes
in their possession to very large amount !;
an anger and chisel, as also q bunch Of pick
lock keys.
On discovering the money, the coroner
thought from this and their respectable appea-
rance, that it was but due to them to give
them decent coffin accordingly two very
nice cofins were ordered and their remains de-
posted therein, to the credit of the notes,
which, "lo and behold" on being presented at
the Bank were declared to be ali counterfeit
At the time of the accident two boats were
passing the spot in different directions, Oh the
canal which is there in close proximity, and
parallel with the railroad and the captain of
the up boat was observed to holloa to the
men, and failing to make them hear, he at
tempted to Jump ashore across the other boat,
but slipping between, was badly injured the
boat, however, proceeded on its journey.
Upon the arrival of the express freight
train at Mddletown yesterday morning, it was
discovered that shoe store in that ncighbor-
hood had been broken open and a quantity of
boots and shoes taken therefrom. The per-
sons connected with the store imagining that
the burglars might have gone on to Harris
burg, proceeded by the Express freight to that
Borough, and on their arrival, heard of the
above mentioned accident.
When the facts of the burglary at Middle
town became known to the police, and the ma
ture of the implements found on the strangers
was mentioned to the proprietors of the shoe
store, unanimous conclusion was come to
that the unfortunate men were the depreda-
tors, and were walking to Harrisburg, after
committing the deed ; and, moreover, the anX-
iety of the boatman excited suspicious that
the booty might be on board the boat that
had gone mp the canal.
Accordingly two things were Immediately
concluded upon, first to examine the premi
ses broken into, and compare the marks made
with the implements found, and on so doing
it was discovered that the chSel found in the
deceased's possession, was, undoubtedly, the
one which had been used to break open the
store pursuit of the boat was then determn-
ed on, and the Middletown officers proceeded
Immediately on the track, and have probably
by this time, satisfied themselves of their su5-
picions. The bodies of the unfortunate men
we're buried on Friday.