Connecticut western news., 1883-08-22
THE HORSE THIEVES CAPT.
 URED.
An Important Arress.

TkNE HORSE THIEVES CAPT.
 URED.
 An Important Arrest.
 Sheriff Van Deusen ssm.aintsaims his
 courage" by Deeds, not Words.
 About noon on Saturday Aug. 18th two men called at the house of col ored man named Phillips who resides short distance south of Ashley Falls, Mass. These men asked for something to eat, which was given them. They then proceeded to the outskirts of 8 dense grove of pines near by. MT William German was at work in field near this grove and observed the men closely. He soon discovered one of them was watching him. It occurred to him that they might be the horse thieves who attacked Sheriff Van Deusen on Aug. l near Pine Grove camp ground. He retired from the field and when out of sight of the men proceeded to Ca- naan with all possible speed to give Sheriff Van Deusen description of the men. MT Van Dusen, Mir German and Rev. R. s. G. McNel of Bridgeport, MT George T. Lawrence, deputy sheriff from New-York City. then drove up to Ashley Falls, where they called on the following gentlemen to assist them. Arthur W. Parsons, Henry Joyner, W. S.Ferris, Patsey Nolan and two or three others whose names we have not learned. This posse then pro- ceeded to the grove before mentioned, but did not have time to surround the same before they were confronted by the two thieves whom Van Deusen had encountered Aug. l. After 8 short, desperate resistance the thieves were overpowered and handcuffed. There were also two companions of the thieves in the woods, but they made their escape. while the struggle was go- ing on with the first two Mir German pursued the fugitives across the railroad and through piece of corn, and emp tied all the chambers of his revolver at them. They turned and shot at him af- ter he had expended all his ammunition and he was forced to abandon the pur- suit. These two swam through the river and escaped. The captured thieves were brought to Canaan by MT. Van Deusen and placed in the lookup. Mir. Van Deusen, Mr. J. w. Peet and MT. George T. Lawrence returned to the grove and searched the premises. Un- der rock they found complete kit of burglars tools sufficient to crack almost any safe in the country and even some bank vaults. MT Shaw of Van Deusen- vile, Mass, was notified that the thieves were captured, and arrived at 6:30 P M. The thieves were taken before Justice Bennett to whom they gave their names as Richard Hadley and Frank Howard, although when arrested Hadley claim ed his name was Smith. Undoubtedly the names given to Justice Bennett are ficticious ones. They are pro bably old offenders and desperate men. They speak in the highest terms of MT Van Densen's bravery and the largest man said ''Sheriff Van Deusen is the pluck fest old Sheriff I have ever encountered and hope you countrymen appreciate him, for he is gamey old rooster and the best man for the position I ever met" MT Van Deusen identified the men as the ones who attacked him near Pine Grove camp ground on August l and who were in possession of the robes and blankets which were taken from the wagon stolen from MT. Shaw, and MT. Shaw identified the robes, blankets, etc. The thieves were each placed under $5,OOO bonds to appear at the next term of the Superior court at Litchfeld, Ct. They were unable to furnish bonds, were placed in the lookup over night and on Sunday morning Sheriff Van Deusen, Sheriff WV .Langdon of Great Barring ton and MT David Holmes of Canaan, ,es- corted the thievesto Litchfield and lodge ed them in jail. Too much credit can not be awarded MT. German for notify ing MT Van Deusen of the presence of these horse thieves and for his assistance in capturing and guarding them over night. The citizens of Canaan appre- ciate the service he has done them and they have raised large sum of money which will be expended in purchasing clothing and provisions for MT German and his family. The village was well guarded Saturday night as it was feared the thieves companions would attempt 8 rescue, but this part of the story is given in the amusing article entitled Bob Rogers version of the Night of Terrors."