Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1883-03-28
A Bold Thief.

On last Sunday week, 18th inst, Mr.
John Bortmess. who lives in Oakland
township, this county, about two miles
west Of Milerstown, was the victim of
the arts of as bold and bad thief as
has appeared in this county for some
time. A well dressed and genteel
looking gentleman visited that section
on Saturday, the day previous. He
first stopped at the farm house of Mr..
Simon S. Reep, neighbor to Mr..
Bortmess, and represented he was from
Mercer county, and in the search of a
couple of farms which he wished to
purchase. He showed paper he had,
with the names of Mr. Reep and Mr..
Bortmess upon it. as persons desiring
to sell their farms. This looked like
business, and be soon closed bargain
with Mr.. Reep for the purchase Of his
farm, stock, ETC., being in no ways
particular as to price, and agreeing to
make payment on coming lst of April,
when possession was to be given, etc.
He then went to see Mr. Bortness -
was also pleased with his farm and con-
Guided similar bargain for its puF.
chase. While negotiating with Mr.. b.
be asked to see his title papers, to show
him which Mr.. B. had to open a
bureau drawer The scamp by this
means discovered where Mr.. B. kept
his key, his money, etc. 1t is supposed
be saw some money that was in the
drawer 1t may be stated here that
Mr. b. is widower and living alone.
Night coming on the purchaser of real
estate concluded to stay all night, and
was permitted to do SO. They retired
to bed In the morning Mr.. b. got
up, leaving the purchaser of his farm
apparently asleep, and went to his barn
to feed his liocks. After being at the
barn for short time his guest came
out to the barn also, and, after the
salutations Of the morning, said to Mr..
B. he believed he would take stroll
over the farm to see the most suitable
site to erect good buildings. He went
and not returning for some time Mr..
B. began to get suspicious, but not un-
til some time in the afternoon did he
think Of looking in his drawer, which,
when he did, be found he was robbed
of his money, $25 in silver. No clue
has as yet been had of this adroit
rascal. II caught he should be hung.
His device and mode OF obtaining ac-
cess to the homes of honest farmers is
the latest and most dangerous that
could be designed To ward of sus-
picion for time he left light gray
overcoat in Mr. B. IS house before taking
his walk over the farm. He is descrb-
ed as about feet, s inches in height,
with side whiskers and dark clothing.
He appeared to be an educated man
and gaye his name as w. =. Warner.
His exploits are certainly "a acarning
to all
Prospect Normal Academy.
The Prospect Normal aud Classical Academy
will open the 9th Of April and continue
in session eleven weeks. Thorough instruc-
ton will be given in all the studies included
| in complete Normal and Scientific course and
also IN the Latin, Greek and Higher Mathe-
matcs, sufficient to enable students 10 enter
| Freshman and Sophomore classes OF best Col
| legcs.
per term; intermediate s., and those pursuing
| the higher studies, 80. Boarding cheap.
| Room rentextremey low.
| The ain ofthe school is TO prepare young
men and women Tor College; to fit teachers TO
| do the best work in the sGhoolroom, AMI u
| give those who do not intend 10 pursue
| course in College an opportunity of getting On
education suitable for all practical purposes in
| life. School building very commodiou3
The town is located in a very healthy part
o. the country People kind and very gener-
ous, and their intention is to make the Pros
pect Academy one of the permanent institu
| tlons of the country An assistant teacher and
| also tirst-class music teacher will be employ
ed. School non-scctarian. For further par
ticulars address any member Of the Board Of
| Trustees, who have made all necessary arrange
mentI regarding board, rooms &e
\. NJ. GROVE, A. b., Principal.
Prospect, Pa.
TRUSTEES.
4, JAMES WILsOs. II. YOUNG, J. Nj. LEIGHNER,
G. G. SULLIVAN, Prospect. Pa, DR. w. N.
CLARK, Whitestown, Pa.