Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1882-06-07
Mason. the Bandit.


early times was man named Mason. He
first established himself at the ''Cave in
Rock" remarkable limestone formation
about one hundred miles above the .nouth
OF the Ohio. where, under the guise of
keeping a store for the accommodation of
boatmen and emigran.s, he enilced them
into his power. After numbering these
victims OF treachery he would, by the
bands Of his confederates, send their boats
to New orleans for sale. He finally dis
appeared from his old quarters and estab-
through the wilderness of Mississippi and
Tennessee by the fat boatmen and traders
while returning, by land, from New Or
leans TO their homes in the west. Mason
increased in power. and with his organized
band, became so celebrated for his robber-
les and murders that ne was dreaded from
the banks of the Mississippi to the high
lands of Tennessee. Over this vast extent
of country, if the buzzards were seen high
In the air circling over any particular
spot, the remark was made: ..Another
murder has been committed by Mason and
his gang"
Numerous attempts were made to arrest
him, but he always managed to escape.
A party Of gentlemen, mostly wealthy
planters from the vicinity of NatcheZ,
once organized themselves into party and
went in pursuit of the bold robber. Com
ing to the banks of Pearl river signs
were manifest that his gang was in the
vicinity. Before attempting to make the
n. ca,r : dato n
the horses and partake OF refreshments.
These things having been accomplished,
two of the party, seduced by the beauty
and coolness of the stream, went in to
bathe. an the course Of their recreation
they crossed to the opposite bank. and
found themselves in the hands of Mason.
The outlaw, aware that he was pursued,
determined TO effect by stratagem what
he did not deem policy to effect by force.
1t was therefore that he rushed down and
seized the two prisoners. The party on
the opposite shore saw the maneuvre and
Instantly seized their arms. Mason, who
fhad commanding figure, admirably set
off by hunters dress, presented bold
front. and announced that any further
hostile demonstrations would result in the
instant death OF his helpless captivss. lie
then ordered his pursuers, if they desired
to save the lives of their friends, to obey
hIm implicitly and at olce-that for the
time being he was willing TO negotiate for
the safety of himself and men. He then
ordered the party to stack their arms and
deposit their ammunition on the beach,
stating that he would send for them,
but that upon any vioisnce offered to his
messenger, CT any visible hesitation tc
obey. he should destroy his prisoners; il
otherwise, they were TO be set at liberty.
Mason pIedging bis hon that he would
not take any advantage OF his victory.
There was no choice, The weapon:
were duly deposited as directed, and two
of Masen's gang, out of a number who
had arrived, dashed into the stream to TAXI
possession of them, the prisoners mean
while Standing in full sight with rife:
pointing at their heads. The desired prop
erty wa. finally placed in the outlaws pos
session, whereupon he released his pris
oners, and waving a good humored fare
well, he disappeared In the deep shadows
of the surrounding wilderness Treachery
however, at last effected what courage anC
enterprise could not accomplish. Il citi
lizen of great responsibility, passing witt
his two sons through the forest, was plum
dered by the bandits. The public we
aroused. Governor Claiborne of the Mis-
sissippi territory offered a large reward
for the outlaw, dead or alive. The proc
lamation was widely distributed; a cop.
reached Mason, and was to HIM q sourc
of intense merriment. Two OF his band
however, were determined to obtain tn
reward, and while they were engaged viii
Mason IN counting some money, one
them drove a tomahawk into his BRAIN
| Ills head was severed from the body
placed in a sack, and borne in triumph Il
Washington, then the seat OF the terrific
rial government,
The head of the Iobber was recognizes
by many of the citizens who saw it Larg
crowds from the surrounding country as
sembled to assure themselves that thel
enemy was really dead, and curious to sc
the individuals whose daring prowess ha
removed the country of a scourge. Anon
the spectators were the two young me
! who, unfortunately for the hero TRAITORS
!, recognized them as the robbers OF the
father and themselves. The wretch'
were seized, tried for their crrmes ar
hung. Thus ended the last and mo
noted gang of robbers that infested Il
r s.NatcheZ and Nashville trace"