Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-07-20
Biddeford journal.
The Terror of Lebanon.
ORRIN f. BIcKFoRD. LEADER OF GANG OF
DEsPERADoEs. CAPTURED.

For some time past there has been in York
county a band Of despersdoes, who have
caused the people of Lebanon and that vicin-
ity, great deal of trouble. The ring-leader
of the gang was Orrin f. Bickford. Last
January Bicktord made an assault on a Mr.
Roach of Lebanon, with the intention of kill
ing him. Attempts were made to capture
Bckford, but they were of no avail, anu he
said that he never would be taken alive.
Last W ednesday County Attorney Higgins,
of Limerick, sent for State Detective Robert
A. Davis Of Portland. Mr.. Davis went to
Alfred, when a writ was placed in his hands
for the arrest of Bickford. In company with
Mr.. Fowler, Davis went to Lebanon, and
stationed themselves in an ambuscade near a
place where it was expected that Bckford
would pass. About three o'clock Thursday
morning Rickford, with another man, came
along in team, and Detective Davis stepped
into the road and called upon the outlaw to
surrender Instead of doing SO Bickford took
the rams from the hands of his comrade, and
striking the horse with his whip started off at
n rattling pace. Davis, who had double
bsrreled shot gun in his hand, fred one
| shot. but it did not take effect. and he quick
" fired the remaining charge which struck
Bickford, who jumped or fell from the wagon
in such way that he struck upon his head
and shoulders and received injuries which
| rendered him unconscious, and " hen he came
| to h is senses he found himself 10 irons. He
was taken to Alfred, where he was safely
lodged in Jail.
| Bickford, who is large, powerful man
about 30 years of age, is in every sense OF
the word tough character. He has been
concerned in a bank robbery in New Hamp-
shire, and in many other criminal affairs. To
1 A. ..skT -
! and has conducted himself in a high-handed
manner. The people have stood in great fear
! of him, and he, as it is reported, has appro-
priated property to his own use at pleasure.
The citizens in York county are jubilant over
| the capture Of Bickford, and feel deeply
| grateful To Detective Davis for his success
in srresting him.
| Bickford and his gang lived in a camp In
the woods, and many stories are told of their
wild life and the outrsges they have commit.
ted Ii 10 said tina, Bickford, the rinsleader,
was in the habit of walking into stores and
taking any article which he desired and tina,
no one would attempt to stop him. He hs.
lately many times said that he would never
/ be captured. He has been accompanied in
his travels by very large and ferocious dog,
| Mr.. Davis, in his daring and successful
! attempt to take Bickford, has added much tc
his already well-earned reputation of being q
! skillful aud courageous detective.
| Credit is also due County Attorney Higgins
/ for the interest he has shown in working UT
! the case against Bickford, who, it is hoped
will now have to pay the full penalty for hi.
crimes.
Fat Bickford is the third of this notorious
gang of horse thieves who is in jail, and the
/, gang is nov thoroughly broken up. II was
fine shot which WAS fred at Bickford BY
+ Davis, and injured him only little, but an.
swered the purpose of bringing him to bay
and thus causing his arrest.
Z Frank Bickford, brother of the prisoner
is now in States prison on three years sen.
tence, having been tried and sentenced at the
January term of the Supreme Court held a,
T, Saco in 1885, for assault with intent to kill.
I VIM. A. Gerrish. another member of the