The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-03-07

Der II, 1886, occurred bold train robbery,
during which three Texans took five re-
yolvefs from forty trembling men.
Three robbers, unmasked, reached the
water tank few minutes before the cars,
and, pistol in hand, ordered the engineer
and fireman to alight, robbed them OF their
valuables and then went through" the
train One OF the passengers saw the men
coming and notified his companions, who
did their utmost TO hide their valuables,
many OF the male passengers handing their
watches and pocket-books to the ladies.
One lady had charge Of $1,000 and another
lady was custodian OF S5,0C0 and the re-
suit was that about $4,000 in money and
"a, 600 worth OF diamonds were overlooked
by the robbers. From the male passen-
gers five reyoyers, sos in money, three
gold watches, ten silver watches and one
gold ring were taken. The robbers did not
search the ladies.
An attempt was made 10 rob the express
train on the Louisville, New Albany x
Chicago Railroad near Bainbridge, KY,
early in the morning OF August 8, 1886.
When the north bound train was
about two miles south OF that place
Baggagemaster John p. Winchester
were sitting in the express and baggage car
when knock was heard at the car door.
Thinking IL was the conductor, the bag
gage master opened the door, and a
stranger, pistol in each hand, thrust him
self into the car and opened fire upon the
baggage master. Expressman Perkins
promptly grasped pistol and returned the
robbers fire, whereupon the latter jumped
a.. Naturalization
shot through the right breast.
BRUTAL MURDER OF A GALLANT OFFICIAL.
An express car Of an early morning train
from Joliet, ILL.,, on March u, 1886, was
the scene OF brutal murder and robbery,
in which $25, 600 was stolen. This tragedy
occurred on tho Chicago, Rock Island x
Pacific west bound express between Joliet
and Morris. The baggage man heard a rap
at the door OF his car, opened II and was
confronted by several masked men, who
demanded the key OF the express car. The
key was surrendered under the threat OF
death, and one robber, who was on top OF
the baggage car, kept a revolver pointed ut
the baggage master through transon in
the roof Of tho car while his coniederates
turned their attention 10 the express car.
Being set upon by the robbers, Messen.
ger Nichols fought desperately for his life
and for the property under his care, Tho
interior OF the express car showed that he
fought the robbers from one end Of the car
to the other, but succumbed at last 10 the
murdcrous blows Of an iron poker with
which he was savagely beaten over the
head. His pockets were riiled and he was
left dead in his ear. After securing the
dead mans keys the robbers opened the
safe and appropriated its contents, FROM
80, 900 TO 100000.
Nothing was known OF the robbery, APP
parcntly, until the train reached Morris,
where local messenger opened the door
and discovered Nicholas blood-stained
body. In the dead messengers right
hand was lock OF dark colored hair torn
from the head Of one Of his assailants.
In nearly all cases, It will DO noticed
the train robbers have escaped unhurt
and in nearly all cases they have managed
TO eludo arrest.