The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1891-07-09
A POSSIBLE MURDER.
A Gang Of Young Bloods Attack
an Old Farmer
And Beat Him Until BE Is Un-
conscious.
The Boys Leave the City to Avoid
Arrest.
The Farmer Still in q Critical Condition,
But May Recover-.Particuiars Of the
Disgraceful Affair.

A German farmer named Kropf, living
one and one.half miles out Of the city on
the Waynesburg road, is in very preca-
rious condition,tho result OF blow on the
head inflicted by stone.
Last Sunday a gang OF fifteen young
men provided themselves with sufficient
beer and went out to grove on the farm
rented by Mr.. Kropf. The young men
enjoyed themselves all day long drinking
beer and playing cards, and as the after
noon waned they were in condition for
almost any deviltry.
They soon found something upon which
to exercise their brutal natures and pass
ed the time in ill.treating q COW belonging
TO Mr.. Kropf. The COW was chased around
the field, meanwhile being kicked, ,clubbed
and struck with stones. Hearing the dis
turbance Mr.. Kropf came down from the
house in company with John Reinhart.
They attempted TO drive the young men
away but the boys showed fight. Mr..
Kropf, who is about 60 years of age struck
one of the boys when they all turned on
him and began beating him with clubs and
stones. A sharp stone was thrown with
great force by one of the mob, which struck
the aged farmer behind the ear, telling
him to the ground.
Mr.. Reinhart had Jared better in the
melee and when the boys saw the old man
drop to the ground, they at once
left the scene and made good their
escape. Mr.. Kropf was carried into the
house and DIR. Ruckenbrod summoned. 1t
was found that he bad sustained severe
injuries about the head and body. He was
unconscious for some time but has re-
gained consciousness and although his
condition is critical he may recover. DIR.
Ruckenbrod Is of the opinion that there l.
fracture OF the base Of the skull, as there
is hemorrhage from the ear and from the
throat.
The police were notified and know the
parties who inflicted the injuries, buttheir
names are not given out. All have left the
city. The capture OF the lawless gang
would have been an easy matter hai not
Charles Bowling been arrested for enter
ing Ft. Wayne car and stealing some
watermelons. The gang Is the same as
was implicated in that affair and the ar
rest of Bowling frightened them so that
they are are keeping shady. Bowling Is
in the city prison but denies having been
with the gang who assaulted Mr.. Kropf.
A close watch is being kept on the boys
homes and their capture is but matter
of a short time. All are under twenty
years of age.
A gang of very tough youngsters have
come to grief and four of the lawless
young hoodlums are behind the bars on
charges which IL proven will send them to
the penitentiary.
The same gang which broke open the
car of watermelons on the Ft. Wayne
railroad July A, are implicated in the MUIR
derous assault made upon John Kropf,
the German farmer who lives on the
Waynesburg road. Late last evening
George Miller was arrested by Marshal
Gentry and was arraigned on the charge
of car breaking. He is also one of the
gang who assaulted the old farmer.
Officers Vogelgesang, Slagle and Jacobs
brought in three more of the tough youths
last evening. They were arrested at the
Bridge shop, where two of them had gone
to see their companion Walter Mesner of
East Fourth street. Officer Jacobs arrest
ed Mesner on the charge of car breaking,
but he is also guilty of the other offense.
w. Mesner was arraigned and entered
plea of not guilty. He was held under
$500 for an appearance Thursday at 8 a. m.
Officer Slagle arrested Eugene Owens
of South Cherry street, and lodged against
him charge of disturbing the peace.
Charles Offhalter of South Cherry street
was brought in by Officer Vogelgesang.
He is also. charged with disturbing the
peace. The charge against these boys,
who are about 1S years of age, may be
much more serious If Mr.. Kropf should
not recover. He is in a precarious condi-
ton at present, but hopes of his recovery