Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-07-29
COOLEYS OUTWITTED.
They Lie in Wait for a Paymaster
and $1,000 in Cold Cash, but
THEIR PREY WAS FOREWARNED.
Sheriff Mccormick Not Anxious for An
other Wild Goose Chase.
NEWS FROM SEVERAL NEARBY TOWNS
ESPECIAL rrLrelAM TO THE DISPATCH,

ESPECIAL rELEGIAM TO THE DIsPATcHl
UN1oNrowN, July 28-The Cooley gang
had made all necessary arrangements yes
terday for q Wholesale robbery, but were
frustrated in their designs by the foresight
of Paymaster Mcdowell, of the Wynn
Works, their intended victim.
Mcdowell came to town yesterday and
drew the money from the bank to pay off
the employees of the Wynn Works. On
former occasions he went up on the
train to Oliphant's and from there
drove to the works, which are about
half way between there and Fairchance;
but yesterday, having an inkling of the
Cooleys' designs, he went to Fairhance on
the train and drove back to the works. By
this strategy he eluded the gang who were
lying in wait for him between Oliphant's
and the Wynn Works. This forethought
ON Mr.. McDowelrs part saved the company
about q, 900 and probably saved his own life,
as he is q fearless man and would not per-
NIT himself to be robbed without a show OF
fight.
Tho Gang Prooeeds to tho Ambush.
About noon yesterday the Cooley gang
were seen passing along the foot Of the
but none knew where they were going.
The persons who saw them knew some
scheme was brewing. for each Of the five
members Of tho gang were heavily armed.
They passed along the foot of the mountafns 9
until they reached the point where they
expected to waylay Paymaster Mcdowell
and then concealed themselves in the
laurels and underbrush. Mcdowell didn't
come at the expected time, and the bandits
came out of their hiding place and went
over to Ferd Longhead's barn, where they
waited for an hour.
To amuse themselves they began shooting
selves good marksmen. Longhead ordered
them to leave, but they opened fire on him
and compelled him to retreat behind tree.
They then started to go away and Long
head followed, but they drove him back,
firing several shots. some of which passed
uncomfortably close to him.
A rumor WAS current at Fairchance this
morning that the Cooleys had broken into
a springhouse last night and had drunk
some poisoned milk, but it could not be
verified.
The Community Truly Terrorizsd.
The mortal terror in which this gang is
held by the citizens of their neighborhood,
especially by the women and children, can
not be overestimated. The women never
venture away from home. 1t is said there
is less gossiping going on in this section
than In any equal community in the coun-
Paymaster Mcdowell was seen to-day and
declined to say anything about his escape
from the Cooleys. He said, however, he was
aware they were lying in wait for him and
would have robbed him had he ventured
near them.
In speaking of the $500 reward offered
yesterday by the Commissioners. Sheriff Nc
Cormick said he would not try to capture
the gang. "It is useless to do So" he said.
Il spent over $500 last winter in their pur
suit, but accomplished nothing. The very
YA w hn n1 1oi IN No for ri yoh q in,
sympathy with the gang, and render them
all the assistance they can. When I get
ready to mako raid the Cooleys know it
before leave"