Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-25
HAVE FAITH IN THE BOYS.
THE AGED PARENTS OF THE NICELYs
STILL HAVE HOPE
A Mothers Testimony for Her Sons-Prov-
ing an AIibi in the Country---WIves Of
Three Condemned Men Breaking
Down--The Conspiracy Case.

Farmer Nicely, the father of the men con-
victed of the Umberger murder, lives three
or four miles back of Ligonier He is a
straight, white-haired old gentleman, with
kindly, intelligent face. His wife is a
small. featured woman, retaining traces of
youthful beauty. Until the murder they
were happy in the enjoyment of the society
of their children and grandchildren and
were in easy circumstances. Farmer Nicely
was we'll known throughout Westmoreland
county, and the whole family was noted for
its probity.
Since the conviction of his sons the old
farmer has not spent much time at his
home. He has been going here and there,
seeking for new evidence or for cleuency
him just as he was leaving his home for
Somerset to consult with General Koontz as
to the best method of obtaining from Gov
ernor Psttison an extension of the date of
execution to allow time for obtaining new
and important evidence for which the
father is now searching.
A Mothers Faith in Her Boys.
Have you seen my boys ?" was the first
question of the anxious mother. "Are they
well 2"
"How can they say my Joe committed
that murder ?" she continued. "Joe never
gave me moments anxiety in his life, and
he never gave saucy wcrd to his father
Joe never disobeyed his father, and would
not to-day. Ny boys never did thai MUIR
der. They could not do it. David was too
sick to walk that far, and Joe was
here that night to supper. They say
they traced them by their footprints
There was soft snow on that
day-why did they not track them
homer They brought the pocketbook,
overcoat, handkerchief, hat and overalls as
evidence against them. The pocketbook
brought into court was not the one Dave
sent to his wife; the hat had no hole in it
when it was taken away, and the handker.
chief and overalls are just the same style
and pattern that everyone wears around
here. There must be thousands of them in
the two counties. Both my boys were in
dustrious and they had money. They did
not need TO murder and rob. Do you think
they Will uhnR 10y Uofs. Is luete NJ nope
for them?"
Still Hopes to Save His Sons.
81 have not given up hope yet" said the
white-haired old farmer. "If we can get an
extension of time from the Governor be-
| Iieye can prove the innocence of my sons
| They ought not TO have been tried in Som-
erset county. Everyone was against them
and the jury was afraid. It's going very
hard with my boys wives. Joe's wife is
breaking down, and so is Dawes wife. Joe
has seven children. Lorenzo, his oldest boy,
10 teaching the Centennial School this win
ter. Dave has three little ones. Joe has a
good little farm, and / had bought one for
Dave. He was to take possession Of it the
month after the murder.
"Over in Somerset they say that have
Umberger's money. Before this trouble 1
owned this farm clear of debt and L had
money in the bank. have spent all had,
and judgments for several thousand dollars
have been entered up against me in Green's
burg. 1 am not sure that so much money
was stolen from Umberger. l think it will