The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1867-06-08
SENECA ITEMS.
rron our regular correspondent, June -

On Monday evening Iast tnere occurred near
this place one of most bold but unsuccessful
attempts at horse-thieving that we have heard of
lately. Two men came to the barn Of David L.
Carpenter, one mile west Of Seneca, about IL
o'clock, for the purpose of taking two of Mr.. C's
best horses; but in this they were foiled, for
son of Mr.. c., young man IL or IL years OF age,
was Just returning from Seneca, where he had
remained rather late, and as he neared home saw
two men, one just going out the gate, the other
US emerging from the barn, each with horse,
which he recognized as belonging to his father.
He at once picked up a club lying near and
struck the hinder man senseless to the ground,
at the same time seizing the horse by the bride.
He then stepped into the house and gave the
alarm, and told them that he would follow the
other man and bring back his horse. He imme-
diately jumped on the horse, and, without tell
ing which way he was going, after he had
rode for about quarter of a mile, overlook the
thief; but here he did not know what to do,
fearing to make himself known. or even to shoot
the man, although he had just that evening
bought himself revolver, but was yet unused
W AAe thicA ScoAb youiAS ", tooh hAAA AoA
his comrade, and very familiarly called him
"George," and asked him how he succeeded"
to which he replied "irst-rate." In this way
they rode over two miles together, the thief
talking and asking questions, telling about his
operations, plans, &c. He stated that, as soon
as they got another black horse at Ezra Carpen-
ter's they would strike for Plano, when they
would stop at Jack Harris, and would then be
safe. Young c. told him he had dropped one ot
his revovers, and asked how we'll he was armed,
to which he replied that he had two revolvers
and a bowie knife. Coming to Ezra Carpenters,
he at once dismounted at the gate and was pro-
ceeding to hitch his horse when young G. said
they had better hitch inside the gate, and then
they would not get away, when they did 30.
They then started to the barn through the door
yard. Coming opposite the house, young c.
remarked that it would be well for him to stand
guard, while the other got the horse, to which
he said that would not do, but he must go along.
Young C. objected, when the thief looked closely
into his face and said he was fooled, at the same
time raised his pistol and fred at the boy. The
boy then fired also, but both without effect.
Then young c. dropped his pistol and clinched
with the man, throwing him down. During the
scuffle, two shots were fired through the rim of
Carpenters hat. Before assistance came, the
man succeeded in getting up and made his
escape. Nr. c. fred several shots after him, and
thought he had probably wounded the thief.
Young Carpenter deserves great praise for his
courage, the next morning he found three
shots in his hat, one through the crown and two
others through the rim. besides having his coat
cut in several places by knife. The next day
large parties went out in search of the supposed
wounded man, but to no effect.
There must be regular band of these persons
in this part OF the country, for about three or
four weeks ago Mr.. Irons, living some or 10
miles southeast, in Grundy Co., had horse
stolen. 1t was found here the next day, going
the road towards home. Supposed TO have been
rode down the river on the south side, and cross
ed at Marseilles The horse was old, somewhat
stiff and unable to travel,-probably taken by
mistake for q very fine horse Of same color stand.
ing beside him in the barn.
Two horses were taken on Sunday night
week ago from the barn of j. Crotty. They
were found loose with brides on at Holdernan's
Grove, s or miles from home
A few nights after there was an attempt to
take the matched team of G. d. Parish, but the
thieves were scared away before getting them.
"a We have an account by two Seneca cor
1
certain U. 8. Official ex-oicial, of the gay and
frisky age Of 20; but as the venerable swain is
doubtless already sufficiently punished, our cor.
respondents we think, will agree that no good
purpose can be served by his further implement