The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1884-06-28
EXCITEMENT IN NEWARK!
JoSeph johnson Absoonds With $4,776.
A Race for Life.
A SHERIFF AND POSSE QUELL THE
DISTURBANCE.

~ OlNDFNNSIs
This town was thrown into state
of excitement on Monday, by the
reported abscondingof Joseph John.
son, of the firm of Johnson & Leech
contractors of the B. & o., and also
President of the Brick Manufacture
ing Company, with check of $4,-
776. Some time ago Johnson &
Leech took the contract that John
Gray threw up (the three sections
north of town. and suddenly skipped
leaving many heavy creditors.
The two men appeared to be do
ing well with the contract, and every.
thing went well until last pay day
which occurred on Monday. The
aforementioned check was given
to Johnson to have it cashed at the
bank here, but they asked three
days grace to do it. johnson left
the bank and went to Wilmington
where he obtained the money. Il
is said that he telegraphed to friend
that he did not intend to return.
The property of the Brick Com.
pany was Immediately taken posses.
sion of by the Newark Bank, which
will fully cover their claim.
When it was ascertained by the
employees that Johnson had left
they were very angry and terribly
excited, and serious results would
have followed if the enraged mer
could have laid hands on johnson
and Leech. There are many heavy
creditors but most of them are hope
full of getting their money.
There has been a large number O
men in town during the week, anC
more or less excitement has prevail
ed. One day the crowd of Italians
visited the works and hoisted a rec
flag from the pinnacle of the derrick
This signified their thirst for blood
Creditors are very reticent abou
their loss when interviewed.
Jos. johnson was born in Ceci
county, Md, near Elkton. He is
brickmason by trade, and has al
ways been known as steady, indus
trious young man. While in tn
brick business the corporation mad,
money, but contracting has shattered
the corporation and it has passed
into the hands of receiver.
Early on Thursday morning tn,
Italians and other employees of tn,
b. q o. began to gather in town il
great numbers. Trouble was rapid,
brewing, and the navvies were urge
on by the interpreters, and when con
tractor Leech appeared on the stree
"Frenchy" signaled the gang and a
once the mob took after the contraC
tor. Leech was at the corner c
Main and Chapel streets when tn
Interpreter saw him. Word was hun
riedly passed to the mob. Leec
suspecting trouble started dow
Chapel street at a brisk walk. B
the time he reached the railroad tn
mob was closely following him. TIL
frightened man started down tn
road bed toward the college, press
closely by the bowling mob. Itwa
close race for life. The colleg
building was reached by Leech
few minutes in advance of his pc
suers. Here they were eluded. Viii
the mob were searching around I'll
building Leech was snugly secrete
in one of the upper rooms. tt
mob howled around the buildir
making threats that they woul
have Leech dead or alive. Immed
ately work was sent to Sheriff Ma
tin at Wilmington, who, with
posse, fastened to this town. ]
the meantime the mob was gettiI
more force and appeared to be d
termined on bloodshed The me
numbered about $50 with numbe
, being added. On the arrival of Il
Sheriff the ringleaders were arrestt
Y and placed in the lookup. A wa
rant had been issued by Squire Va
a landigham, at the instance of M
+ VIM. Dean for the arrest of chi
. contractor Malloy.
, As the Sheriff was coming fro
= the college with Leech, he (Leecl
: was accosted by Malloy, and Il
3 Sheriff took him before Squire Vi
landigham who put him under S4I
= to keep the peace. The other fo
}, prisoners were brought before Il
g same Squire, and after hearing eN
dence, they were each placed und
l. $500 for their appearance at cou
It Being unable to obtain bail thu
i were taken to Wilmington and fro
Q Q then they go to New Castle.
= The town was considerably G
5, cited on Thursday night. ~
1t Town Commissioners fearing tn
o some of the many threats would
y carried out, appointed the followil
!. men who acted as patrolmen dr
d ing the night: Jos. T. Willis, WI
10 NJ. Gamble, Edward Guyer, Clol
IS Pierson, James Gilmore, Jos. Smit
. Alex. Perry. Bailiff Legates HI
IS charge of the men and placed the
4 on their beats.
d As we go to press everything
:, e quiet.