The Butler weekly times. (Butler, Mo.) 1881-1918, 1884-05-07
RANK ROBBERY.
n.Snerate Attempt of Four Men
tn Rob Kansas Bank.
The President and Cashier Killed
Robbers Lynched.
,.s Maxwell Murders his Broth
er-in-law in Cass County.
THE GALLOWS CHEAlED.

Kansas City Times.
Harper, Kan, April ga cour-
yer inst in states that bold, but un-
successful attempt was made tins
morning at 10 o'clock to rob the
Medicine Valley bank of Medicine
Lodge, Barber county, IN which
George Geppert, cashier, was IN
stantly killed, and L. w. fayne,
nresident. fatally wounded. Four
men. well armed with Winchester
repeating rifles and revolvers. rode
M TO the bank soon after 1t opened,
two remaining with the horses while
the others entered and demanded the
money. Both the president and
cashier refused to comply, and were
at once fred upon as above stated.
lust then the city marshal appeared
and taking in the situation att glance
openei fire on those inside, which
soon attracted others. and seeing
their game was up the robbers
mounted and rode awav without the
swag. Within ten minutes thirty
men were in hot persuit and doubt
less ere this have captured the ban
dts and sent them to jo,n their VIC
tim.
Harper. Kan. May 1.-The ter
rible tragedy at Medicine Lodge yes
tertlay, caused by the attempted rob-
berry OF the Barber county bank,
had terrible sequal last night,
when the four robbers and murder
ers were lynched by the excited pop
ulace, who followed them from the
bank Immediately after the killing
of Mr.. Geppert, the cashier, and
mortal wounding of Mr.. Payne, the
president. There has been great
excitement at this point since the
news arrived by courier. and this
morning a number of citizens went
to Medicine Lodge to view tor them
selves the scene OF the unfortunate
and cowardly killing and to taks
part in the persuit and punishment
of the robbers it their assistance was
needed. Long before the seat of
action was reached, however, the
four men who planned the attack up
on the bank which resulted in the
death of Mr.. Geppert, had been
tried, found guilty and executed by
Judge Lynch. and the verdict of the
entire section of Kansas is that they
only received their just dues.
The latest particulars of the at
tempted robbery go to show tina
the affair was planned several dav
since at Harper. or some point cas-
or south, and it was the work of th'
four men who so quickly paid tn
penalty of their crime. Their name
are Henry Brown, at one time mar
shal of Caldwell, Kan. Ben Wheel
er, eX-aSSistant marshal of the SAM
place; John Westlev, noted cow
boy,
DESPERATE AND DEAD-SHoT.
and William Smith, by occupatio
A cowboy.
Thew reached Medicine Lodg
some time on Tuesday, but did nc
show themselves together until jus
before the attack. The streets dur
ing Wednesday were almost deser
ed IN consequence of the heavy raj
which had been falling since earl
morning. Watching their opportu
nifty the four men approached tn
bank a tew minutes past 10 o'cloc
and while two of them entered til
remaining two staid out side. a
the time the cashier and presidel
We're alone. \ third party who Ia
Deem tfansacting some business. pas
ing out as the robbers entered NJ
| oeppert looked up as the robbie
came into the bank and when orde
ed to throw up his hands, turned a,
| uied to reach his revolver. but w:
instantly killed by one of the me
supposed to have been Westlc
Mr. Payne was also shot throus
The body and fell TO the floor al
promiscuou> firing eusued.
The nr>t animation any one h;
W the ironble was the report Of pi
'oi shots and cowboy wells IN Il
eanS, which was taken up b> ii
tWo outside. who yelled and fir,
nromscously. This quickly drew
crowd, who retained the fire vi
spirit. making 1t so hot that the roI
aefS mounted their horses and quic
" started tor the Indian Tcrritor
instantly the citizens began ar MI