The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1891-08-23
WAS TRAPPED BY AFARMER.
CAPTURE OF AN OUTLAW VINO WAS
HIDING ~ THE MOUNTAINS.

John Enrnst Saved Alleged Trnmp's
life In the Night. Oa,y to Find that the
Tramp Was - Farmer Detective who Be-
trnyed Him Into Capture for n Reward.
NuMEDIA. Pa. Aug. 22,-John Earnst, tho
outlaw. and his brother. William. who two
weeks ago, dubbed their elder brother into in
sonsibllty and then stabbed a bystand.
CIR. innicting fatal wound. were cap
tured to-day. While the grangers Of
this section Of the State were holding picnic
at Johnston's Park two weeks ago a general
riot took place In which john. William, and
joseph Earnst participated.
GThey were under the Influence OF linuor and
tho younger boys set upon their elder brother
because he refused to drink with them. Brit
Cleaver, q bystander. intcrfcred and at
tempted to luell the disturbance. John Earnst
drew large knife and plunged 1t into Clea-
vcr's loft lung.
lie was carried homo in m unconscious con
dition and has been lingering between life and
doath over since. John Earnst ESCAPE during
the excitement aud hnsened TO his home.
Constable Beaver hurried to the house. and
when about to force open tho front door, which
was locked. II voico from the second story win
dow attracted his attention. Looking up he
saw John Enrnst leaning forward with u brace
OF revol, ors in his hands.
The officer beat a retreat md tho out.
law jumped out Of the building at tho
rear and fed to. tho woods. A posse
several days IN search OF the, fugitive,
ami when about 10 give IN the chase they
His brother William had joined linn. fearing
that they would he lynched Il caught. they at
once drow their weapons and opened fire. The
pursuers retanted, but not until three OF the
posse were wounded did the trusts make their
es S1
in short time bands OF citizens from other
sections were on the sceno. but TOO late to 10
Rewards were then offered for the capture Of
started on the, track. Night and day the search
gent watch kept on the country for miles
It remained for plain Samuel Reeler. consta.
bio OF Franklin township. to make the arrest.
eas onsns syes on ,he nO
hs ~ hG%e he ssi% no,Iins q hs
and that whom he returned he would be- fieh
lie armed himself with brace Of rovolvers
and and a, WINCHESTER rifle lie boarded train.
aIiehted at q smal st"tion " ''''NI 0''''''''
~, None . 81 the other ocers had ever visited
abode: During tho day he visited all the farm.
meadows. and mountains. and alopt out OF
doors.
Between l and 2 O'Clock this morning he
was suddenly awakened by q man falling over
him in the darkness. Half awake. he looked
UP and recoenizcd John Earnst. The teSperado
turned around to ace what had caused his
tumble. When he saw II was n man he flashed
n revolver. and threatened 10 blow out Reelcrs
brains. Tho latter pleaded for his lie. saying
that he was only a tramp.
Ten @ MIN nna h &
TO rough i together. To-day it was arranged
that Roaler was to visit Elyshurg and beg
somethinE to eat, which was willingly agreed
Chief burgess was informed Of Enrnst Where's
woods.
:, They scattered In all directions and when
Resler declared that he Was not n tramp and
claimed Earnst his prisoner. the latter
resisted, whereunon hundred peoplo
rushed in nron him. and. realizing that
ESCAPE was impossible. he surrendered. and
was taken to The station house at Catawssa.
Here hea,ing took place. and in default OF
$4,000 bail Earnest was committed to the Co.
lunbia county Jail at bloomsbury.