The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1889-10-16
RoBsER JOHN RAMSAY.
The Last of the McCIeIIandtown
Gang Still at Large.

From The Connellsyilie COURIER.
John Ramsay, an uncaptnred member of
the famous McClellandtown gang of robbers
who terrorized the county several months
ago has resumed operations again on his own
account. and is as bold as ever. Numerous
depredations are credited to him. The Cath
olic church at Leisenring was broken into
last Thursday night. The thieves deseerated
the altar and stole the crncifixes. candelabra
and saeramental vessels. Ramsay and COM
panion named BeaIs who had been seen in
the neighborhood by several persons. we're
suspected of the crime. The afternoon fol-
lowing, Patrick Kavanaugh, who keeps
small grocery store along the Ieisenring
road, saw man boldly approach his store
and exSact the key from the door. He was
in the back part Of the store, but had a fair
view of the man, whom be recognized as
John Ramsay, having seen him several times
when the McClellandtown gang were opera
ting in franklin township. Kavanaugh, ex-
pecting visit from the robber that night.
sat guard over his house, bat was not dis
tura ed. In the morning. however. he con-
elnded that his property was not safe. Ram
say, having the key Of the store door. might
at any time make an attempt at robbery. On
the advice of Father Malady, priest of the
Catholic church, he came to Connellsville
and swore ont a warrant for the arrest Of the
man who was the boldest and most daring
of the gang which committed such heartless
crueliies in Franklin ard German townships
last March.
The warrant was given to Constable Frank
Campbell TO serve. warrant was also is
sued to search house in which Ramsay and
hiscompanion were supposed TO be stopping.
Campbell deputized George Mccormick, and
on Saturday morning both went to Leisen-
ring to arrest Rsmsay The house was
searched but neither OF the robbers could BE
found The officers also visited the works
and coke ovens, and half the day was spent
in looking for the men. Campbell finally
gave up the search and returned TO Connelis-
vile. He afterwards learned that Ramsay
had been hiding in a house near the one
which was searched, aud had closely watched
the officers movements. Several parsons
have heard Ramsay say that he would never
be taken alive, but would kill any officer who
attempted TO arrest him. He is constantly
armed, and from what IS known OF his des-
perate character, it is thought he would not
hesitate to carry out his threat
slfa f.se ..-..s,l- L.
Robert Hogsett, at the Mt Braddock coke
works was robbed of quantity of groceries
and dry goods. Several revolvers and lot
OF ammunition were also stolen The thieves
broke open the door Of the room occupied by
Ewing Rpdiy. Superintendent of the works,
pried open two trunks and toOk every arti-
Gle Of clothing in them. A considerable sum
OF money, iewelry and two revolyers were
also stolen Ramsay was seen by number
Of people wearing the clothing stolen from
Roddy Others claim TO have heard him
boast Of the robbery, and Of his ability TO
live without working. Farmers in Dunbar
township suffer nightly the loss of provis-
ions. etc, and all these petty robberies are
laid 10 Ramsay
The Commissioners Of Fsyeite county of
fere,l a reward OF 500 for the arrest and con
viction of any member OF the McClelland-
town gang. This was last March, immedi-
aiely sfier the outrage on ]. Calvin Core Of
Franklin township and Andrew J. Lilly of
German township. The crueIties praeticed
upon Lilly were Of such brutal nature that
thA Commissioners we're moved TO offer the
reward The gang broke into Liliy's house,
beat him and held heated irons to his feet to
make him reveal the hiding place Of his
money In April, Charles j. Lewis, Decatur
Tasker Marshall and Jackson Sullivan were
arrested at Markieysburg by posse of Som
erset county officers. They were tried in
Somerset for these rob5eries and for the out
rage upon Christian Yoder, an old member
of the Amish church. The four men were
found guilty and sentenced ten years in the
Western Penitentiary. Ramsay was with
the gang at Markleysburg when the arrest
was made. but managed 10 escape The
reward for him still holds good, and this
fact is no doubt stimulating the officers in
the search.