The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-08-10
Adventures Of a Young and Dashing
HighWayman.

During the last week or two, says the
St. Joseph (Mo.) Gazette, the eastern
portion of jackson County has been
somewhat excited over the daring and
dashing operations of a youthful high
wayman, who has cried "Stand and de-
liver" to several worthy citizens return
ing home to their farms from the coun-
ty-seat. He appeared at several differ
emit places in the vicinity of lndepend-
ence during Friday and Saturday, and
relieved three or four different parties
of their wealth His operations have
been of the boldest. They would have
won the admiration of the bold Dick
Turpin, or Vasquez, the California road
agent. He did not appear to fear crea-
ture, or care for Identification. lie wore
no mask, sought no concealment under
the shadow of night, and rode no fast
sBlack Bess'' to leap over fences and
hedges when closely pressed by pursu-
ers. He was, in fact, bold highway
man of the foolhardy sort.
Last Friday three honest, hard-work-
ing farmers were on their way to their
homes east of Independence. He came
upon them suddenly, and, presenting his
pistol, commanded them to stand and
deliver to him all their money. He
took only three dollars from this unhap-
by trio, and he courteously babe them
90 home and rest in peace. He disap-
peared in the woods, and, owing to the
small amount of money taken, no at
tempt was made for his capture. On
the follow night Saturday he made a
better haul. Meeting a man named ST.
las Gibson he relieved him of about ten
dollars, and a cOlored man named Polk
Rose acceded to his demands and gave
fifteen dollars. Having supplied him
self with cash, he proceeded to the farm
of Edward Hallar, near Blue Springs,
on the Sni Hills, and, selecting two
horse buggy from his stable, cut out
the tongue and supplied its place with
a pair of shafts. After Harvesting up
his horse with Il fine set of harness be-
longing to Hallar, he drove away on
the Jacksonville Road, no doubt feeling
as jelly as it is possible for a reckless
highwayman to feel.
1t appears that this eccentric young
MAI is devotedly inclined and admires
female lOveliness. With view of pay
ing his devotion to deity and beauty at
one and the same time, he drove up to
the farmhouse of well-to-dO citizen in
Brookingtown and engaged lodging for
the night. His polite department and
interesting conversation won the conf
dence of the farmer, and his gay and
dashing appearance won the good graces
of the two pretty daughters. The
stranger had no difficulty in inducing
the girls to accompany him to church,
where he appeared to pay earnest at
tention to the services and sermon.
While he was listening to the good
words which fell from the pulpit, divid-
ing his time between the parson and the
two pretty girls by his side, the church
was surrounded by posse of citizens
and the highwayn1an called upon to
come out and surrender. He apologized
to the two young ladies for leaving
them before the service was through,
remarking smilingly, "Business before
pleasure, ladies'" and then drove of
with his captors to Independence.
There was great excitement in Inde-
D6nucUc6 WIFI OlC lily HNtl1 man w 90
brought in on Sunday afternoon. He
made no signs of an attempt to escape
until he reached Independence. Then
the prospect of a jail excited his dare
devil spirit, and before he could be pre-
vented he jumped from the buggy, and,
bursting from the hold of his captors,
made a dash for liberty. Six pistol shots
were fired, but none took effect. He was
run down and captured after sharp
race and escorted to Jail.
The prisoner is a young man, evident
ly not more than % years of age. He
has a smooth, beardless face, has dark
hair and dark eyes, the latter bright
and restless, but showing evidence of a
fearless, daredevil disposition. He is
not heavily built, and is not more than
five feet eight or nine inches high. He
is dressed quite respectfully in dark
blue clothing, and is evidently well con-
nected. He is quite reticent, and re-
fused to converse with any one after his
capture. He gave his name as George
Demasters, and said his home is in La
fayette County, near Wellington. 1t is
said, however, in this city, by those
claiming to know him, that he is from
Ray County. He had preliminary ex-
animation yesterday in Independence,
and was committed for trial in default
of $751; 900 bail. He is strange, dare
devil sort of a youth, more foolhardy
than brave.