Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-10
MURDER AT A PICNIC.
A Dispute Over a Glass of Beer Re-
suits in Charles Soyle's Death.
THE HOMICIDE GIVES HIMSELF UP.
Shooting and Fighting Distinguishes o
Social Reunion.
A WILD REIGN OF TERROR ON A TRAIN

L6ruaY al the CaStle OndnuOu OrONc. 1uc
attendance consisted entirely of colored peo-
pie, and, in addition to the regular events
on the programme, features were introduced
in the shape of one murder, two shooting al
trays, one of which was serious, and any
number of fights.
rison, % years old, employed at Clark's
Solar Iron Works and living at No. 81 Car
penter's alley, walked up to Castle Shannon
station, about half mile from the grove, to
get drink at William Young's saloon. The
saloon was closed, the proprietor having
anticipated trouble from the disorderly
crowd attending the picnic. Morrison went
to Rhilander's blacksmith shop near by,
and the smith, with whom he was ac-
quainted, and three other friends of Morri.
son, contributed money for the purchase of
q keg of beer. Morrison came to town, got
the beer, and returned to the blacksmith.
Several thirsty picnickers saw Morrison
carrying the beer and wanted to get share
OF it. They walked into the blacksmith
shop and drank glass or two, among them
being Charles or "Pete" Soyle.
THE sLAYER's STORY.
According to Morrison's story, Soyle got
into an alteration with Rhilander and
Morrison interfered, asking Soyle to behave
himself. Then, Morrison claims, Soyle chased
him around the blacksmith shop, holding IN
his hand something that cleaned like
the blade of razor. Morrison was afraid that
Soyle would close with him. and, being un-
armed, picked up one of the blacksmith's ham,
mers and hurled it at Soyle. Ihe mead OF tne
hammer struck Soyle in the pit of the stomach,
and the handle few up and hit him under the
chin. Soyle fell dead.
Morrison left the blacksmith shop. thinking
that Soyle was only stunned, but on being told
that he had killed the man, he went to Frank
Bockstoces store and asked to be placed under
arrest Word was telephoned to the city, and
Mr. Bockstoce was deputed to take charge OF
telligent and has the appearance of
being peaceable fellow. stayed IN
the store until number of the picnickers, who
had succeeded in getting drunk and ugly,
came around and insisted on Morrison being
released. To escape the annoyance Morrison
went across the street to Mr.. Boekstoce's resi-
dence. and there calmly awaited the arrival OF
the officers from the city.
Down a. the picnic grounds things were pro-
ceedlng at q lively rate. Miss Jennie Hallman.
who lives on Jones avenue, had gone to the
picnic with her beau. John or Jock" Allen.
About the time of the killing of Soyle Allen
accused the girl Of making away with 81 um-
preiia belonging to him.
A RED-Hor QUARREL.
rel resulted, which was ended by Allen
pulling his revolver and shooting Jen-
ME Hallman above the right knee.
The girl started down the railroad track on
run for over mile shouting Jack Allen shot
me-" Then her strength gave out and she
tainted. Some friends went after her, revived
her, bandaged her wound and carried her back
to the picnic grove.
A number of women had been playing
well in 10 rrrnv l.1H
the banker. and she refused to settle and
started away. Several of the players were
armed and at once pulled revolvers and began
popping away at the retreating banker. None
of the shots took effect, but the firing scared
the Hallman girl. who was then being carried
back into the grove. that she tainted again.
AS soon as the news of the murder reached
the city. Coroner Mcdowell, Chief Clerk Grant
Miller, Captain Stewart, and Detectives Fitz-
gerald. Robinson and Darlington, and Under
taker Williams went to the scene. They found
Morrison calmly awaiting their arrival, and
perfectly willing to accompany the officers to
Pittsburg.
The body of soyle. who is about 25 years old.
was found lying in hollow about 100 yards
from where he was killed, having been carried
there with the hope of reviving him. Soyle
had been working at Steelton. Pa, until few
days ago when he obtained employment build
ing tunnel at Bowerstown, on the Panhandle
road.
A POST MoRTEM NECESSARY.
DR.. s. McGogney had made a superficial ex-
animation of the deceased, but could find no
marks of violence except slight bruise in the
pit of the stomach and an abrasion under the
chin. He said it would take post mortem to
determine the cause of death. The body was
put in a rough box for Shipment to town.
The officers then prepared for their return to
the city. By making inquiries they came to
the conclusion that Edward n. E. Gertz
strongly-built colored man, would be valu-
able witness for the Commonwealth, and at
once placed him under arrest. He resisted,
and made a terrific fight for liberty and a
number of his friends made hostile demonstra-
tions. Detective Robinson, Captain Stewart
and Grant Miller, and after all four
had rolled over the ground several
times succeeded in reducing him to submls-
and threatening crowd in check, All this time
Frank Morrison, the homicide, pleaded with
his friends to be quiet, as they were only
The party then boarded the train, Gertz
making a desperate resistance his friends
crowding around and attempting to over
whelm the small party of officers. The first
grove, and about 100 picnickers got on board,
among them the wounded Jennie Hall
man and John Allen. Detective Fitz-
gerald placed Allen under arrest.
Allen refused to consider the proposition, and
in moment the train was in turmoil, guns
and razors were flashed, and general riot
seemed imminent. Again the coolness and
was disarmed of his revolver by Fitzgerald,
whom he was endeavoring to shoot.
MORE TROUBLE TO COME.
The trouble was not over by any means; a
dozen times along the route pistols knives and
razors were fourished, and threats made to
massacre the officials and had there been
leader there is no doubt that they would have
all been killed. When the train reached Beltz-
hoover Inspector McKelvey and several officers
boarded the train and took possession of the
cars At the Castle Shannon station more de-
tectives and officers were ia waiting and at the
foot of the incline was patrol wagon and an
other squad of officers.
By the time the train reached Pittsburg the
picnickers were pretty well subdued and the
officers picked out the people they wanted and
took the party to the Central station. Beside
Morrison and Allen the following persons
were arrested and held as witnesses:
Edward N. E. Gertz William Gibson, Rob
ert Armstrong, Isaac Jones, Albert Daas David
Madden, John Gray and Wash Walls. Jennie
Hallman, whose wound Is not considered seri-
Gus, was taken to the Homeopathic Hospital.
Coroner Mcdowell will hold an inquest this
morning on the body of Soyle,