Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1890-07-18
A Big Swindle.
Beaver Falls Tribune.

Beaver Falls Tribune.
The greatest swindle ever perpetrated in
this county has just been brought to light,
the victim being Joseph Shannon, a
wealthy farmer, residing at Homcwool,
FIVE miles west of this place. About year
ago a man of genteel appearance, walked
leisurely up to Farmer Shannon's door and
introduced himself as Harris E. Harper, Of
Pittsburg. He wanted to buy farm, he
said, and was willing to pay Mr.. Shannon
well for any trouble he might 60 to in
helping him select one. He had the utmost
confidence in Mr.. Shannon, as the latter
had been recommended by Judge Wick
ham and Lawyer Daugherty, of Beaver.
The Baker farm, short distance north of
Homewood, was selected, and The terms
agreed upon. Harper left and on two
occasions thereafter came back. He also
wrote letter dated at Pittsburg, in which
he regretted his inability to get down but
promised to call soon. He represented
himself as the son of banker, and wanted
the farm for a summer residence for an in
valid brother. He also took care to display
large sums Of money each time.
Last Monday Harper paid his third and
last visit to the Shannon homestead.
Harper stated that he had come to make
final arrangement to buy the farm, and in
company with Shannon started to the
Baker homestead in a buggy hired from
Graham's livery stable in this city. About
mile down the road, small man, who
talked like Southerner, came out from
under tree and engaged them in con-
versation and showed them how he had
won $4,000. A short time elapsed before
Harper became interested, and at last
stated that he could select marked card.
He did, and won $l1, 900 which the small
man handed over. Farmer Shannon was
told that it would not be gambling if he
guessed. he never gambled he said, but
thought he could pick out a. certain card.
This he did, and won So, 900, which the
stranger handed over in 81, 900 bills. Turn
ing to the two men, the little man told
them the money was theirs, but they must
prove to him that they could have pro-
duced that amount had they lost. Harper
agreed to go to Beaver Falls and get the
amount Farmer Shannon consented also,
and the two drove to this city. Shannon
went to the Exchange Bank and got q, ooO
on note payable in three days. From
there he went to the Economy Bank and
drew $4,000 in the same way. He was
soon found by Harper, and the two started
back to Homewood.
About half way back, in a secluded spot
in the road, the men were hailed by the
small man, and the two men put the pile
in big tin box, Harper claiming that he
did not get the full amount, but would 60
to Beaver for it. The little man agreed
to 20 with him, and the two consented to
allow Shannon to keep the box. The two
then took the buggy and started back,
Shannon walking towards home with his
treasure.
Three days passed and the men came
not Yesterday he opened the box. There
was nothing in it but brown paper and 9
note which read: "You gambled and lost
You are able to stand it. If you tell it.
everybody will think you the biggest foo
in the country" They had changed boxes
The two men then drove across to Wur
temburg and sent word to the livery stable
keeper to come and get his horse and
buggy. This is the last heard of them
Harper is about 35 years Of age and IL
about feet 10 inches, with auburn beard
His accomplice is about the same age
Joseph Shannon, the victim, is 63 years
old and orth $50, 900. He is considered
one of the shrewdest men in that locality
He offers $1,000 of the amount for the
arrest and conviction Of the men. Shannon
is one of the best known men in thu
county.
This morning he was in town flying
around like hen on q hot griddle, In
voking the aid of the police.
1t is said since that the parties came
here to buy farm, and offered Shannon
$40, 900 for it. He (Shannon) went Il
Beaver Falls, drew the money and paid i
over to the fellows, who disappeared and
have not yet been heard from.