Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-09-22
DAVID WIS.
From tie HantiaedoM Anlerican

Gus highwayman, of Centre county, and hav
ing heard the true story of the leading incl
dents of his life, from one of the men who
figured largely in the pursuit and capture of
him and his confedeIates, l have concluded
to give the public authentic history of his
capture and brief statement of some of his
adventures previous to the deed which caused
his capture, and subsequently his death.
1t was near the middle of July, 1920, that
Lewis, Connolly and Mcclure might have been
seen vending their way towards the house of
two old maiden ladies, named Couden, who re-
sided near Harrisburg, with the intention of
robbing them of some $500 in specie, which
they had received information in their
possession. But in this case, as we'll as in
many other instances, the old adage was veri-
fled, that ''man proposes and God dispoSes,"
for on the day previous they had placed it in
the Harrisburg Bank. Failing in obtaining
the main object of their enterprise, they ssva-
mosed," carrying off rifle and shot gun,
which was afterwards recovered by brother
of the ladies. They fed from Harrisburg by
the way of CoXestown, where they stopped for
the night at Byer's or Byard S Inn, where Nc
Guire brought into action his lock-picking
utensils, and opened the bar drawer, and de-
camped with the specie it contained.
About this time Hammond & Page, mer-
chants OF Bclletonte, were receiving their stock
of goods, and as wagoning was common in
those days, in fact the only mode of convey
ance, they had engaged three teams to haul
thcm one in particular, being loaded with the
costliest goods, in crossing one of the Seven
Mountains, broke down, and If being late, they
drove on to John Carr's Inn with the remain
ing wagons. Here was rare opportunity for
Lewis and his lawless band, which they We're
not slow to await themselves of. 1t is supposed
by some, though l will not vouch for it, that
they cut the spokes of the wagon, which caus-
ed it to break down. They overhaulcd the
aS them
started for Belleione with the intention of rob-
bing Potter's store. In which they might have
succeeded had not John Carr noticed them at
tempting to unhinge the shutters, when he
gave the alarm, and they fed. They were i'm
mediately followed by the few that could be
gathered. Paul Lebo, very active man, out
stripped the rest so far that Lewis and Connel.
ly, who had secreted themselves I'm the fence
to let their pursuers pass, thought it would not
endanger them to discover themselves to him,
and frighten him back, which they did; in
fact their persuasion was near ending his ca
reer, for Connolly had him nearly choked to
death and only at the earnest request of Lewis,
was he snatched from the jaws of death.
The next place that they were heard of, was
o the Muncy Mountain, near Col. M'Kibbins
divertng themselves Sunday by shooting
mark. Word having been sent to Bellefonte,
search was Immediately commenced. VIM.
Alexander, ex-Sheriff, started down Nittany
Valley to collect men to go by the way of Big
Island, and J. McGee headed another party,
consisting of John Hammond, VIM. Armor,
Paul Lebo, Peter Dyscll and Joseph Butler,
all of Bellefonte, TO go by the way OF karthaus
to meet the other party at Lewis mothers,
on Bennet's Branch of the Sinnemahonning.
They proceeded as far as Karthaus that night,
deviating from direct route to obtain guide.
who less a parsonage than sandy
Walker,' as he was familiary termed, the
great hunter of Bald Eagle. VIM. Hannah
also Joined them at this place, and when start
ing the following morning, their company
was increased to eleven by the accession of
John Koons, Samuel karnell and Peter Bodey.
On the night they were at Karthaus, Mcclure
was captured at the Big Island, which led the
rest to divide the spols and separate. On the
29th of the month by some mishap, Notices
party lost their way, and as matter OF course,
had to encamp or rather rooSt, for the night,
but on the morning of the 30th they struck
Trout Run. which empties into Benefits
Branch. Walker and karnell started ahead
of the rest, to see If Lewis had made his ap-
pearancc at his mothers, and finding that he
had not, they joined the rest of the party that
night and crossed over the Drift w ood branch,
opposite Shepherds, and upon inquiry found
that two men, answering the description of
Lewis and Connolly had breakfast there. The
party accompanied by Shepherd proceeded up
the Drift Wood Branch about eight miles,
and not being satisfied that these were the
men. the majority were in favor of going still
further down and making inquiry of whoever
they should meet. Five miles below this
place, they seen man, named Brooks, en-
gagged in gIgging, who told them that Lewis
and another man had passed that way, when
they Immediately went up Drift Wood Branch,
with Brooks in company, till they came with
in hearing of the robbers, who where shoot
ing mark. Brooks took them to an emincnce
that overlooked and commanded view of
their proceedings. McGee and his followers
finding it useless to remain Secreted, demand
ed the rascals to surrender and told them they
should not be harmed. Their reply was,
ssshoot and be id, we will return your fire.
Lewis was shot in two places and fell the first
fire. Connolly, more fortunate, escaped harm
until he was on the brink of the river, when
ne was struck by ball, which cut the rim of
his abdomen, causing his entrails to protrude.
The prisoners were conveyed to the Big
Island, seven miles distant, the nearest point
that a physician could be obtained. They
arrived there on Sunday, I'd August, 1920.
Connolly died that night. Squire Petriken
called an inquest, and after examining wit
nesses, the parties engaged in the capture
were honorably acquitted. Connolly was in
tered near the Presbyterian Cemetery. Lew
is was conveyed to Bellefonte, where after
| lingering for few DAYS, refusing to have his
arm amputated, he died on the 18th of Au-
| gust and was buried in the Baptist Cemetery
at Milesburg. S.
! Mayor Rodman of Providence Rhode Island,
| has refused to license any more circus exhibi-
| tions in that city, the last having resulted
! in a murder.