Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1865-02-07

TIE MEADvILJE ROBBERY.-The Meadville
Republican contains an account of the recent
robbery of the Bank of Crawford County at
that place, by its bOOk-keeper, which is so
full and accurate that we publish it entire !:
The name off the robberis Charles H. Dyer.
He has filed the position of book keeper in
the bank for several months, and has hith-
ertO borne an irrepproachable character, ac-
cOrding to the statements of those who
know him. His parents reside at Romeo,
Michigan, and are reported highly respect
able and in comfortable circumstances. He
is single man about 25 years of age, WIS
receiving fair salary, and had some
81, 900 in United States $50 bonds on de-
post in the bank, so that there was no
pressing necessity impelling him to commit
the ast. He was arrested on Monday when
about to take the train for his home, having
obtained leave of absence for short time
on account of illness. Over $26, ,OO0 of tue
bonds were found concealed on his person,
and ne confessed that the robbery was COM
mitted by him alone. While Mr., Officer
was absent at supper Dyer eonfesses he un-
screwed the gas, and attached a string lead
ing to the outside through window. He
also loosened the window strips so that
they would be easily showed in. When Mr..
room to wash preparatory TO going to sup
per, and as he passed the table on which the
bond boxes were standing, he picked up one
of the boxes, slipped it out and placed 1t on
the step at theresr entrance, and in short
time returned through the bank, remarked
that he was going to supper and passed out
at the front door. Mr.. Officer was absorbed
in making up his cash account and did not
observe the removal of the box. On going
out. Dyer went directly for the rear Of the
building, took the box into an out-building,
broke it open and secreted the ackages in
various places, where they were afterwards
found, excepting some $4,000, which he
carried with him. He then came to the
window of the bank, pulled the string,
causing the gas fixtures to drop to the floor,
smashed in the window, and hastily re-
treated to the McHenry House for his sup
per.
His operations were we'll planned to con-
vey the impression that the job was worked |
up by two or three burglars, one of whom |
was on the inside. He was not suspected |
by the bank officers at the time, but after |
wards, when he proposed to 90 home, it |
was thought best to search him, and the /
result was the recovery of all the bonds.
The denouement completely explodes all /
previous theories in regard to the manner
of the robbery, and shows how easily all
human calculations may be upset by abso-
lutte facts.
The qualification ofthe public at the re-
covery Ofthe bonds is mingled with sorrow
over the fall of young man of fine pros
poets and previous good character. His
department has been unexceptionabls, so
far as known. He was very industrious,
quiet. UnobtrusiVe man, had no bad asso-
,iates, but few scquaintances, and was not
expensive in his habits. In his confession
ne alleged that the act was almost the i'm
Dulss of an hour, and had not been con-
emplated by him week before its execu-
ion. He is now in Jail awaiting his trial
which will probably take place at the ne xt
quarter Sessions.