Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1895-01-31
&. II. DOBBS.
HiIIsboro. Pocnhonta. County. I,.m.

On last Friday Mr.. Jasper Payne.
While on his way from the railroad met
two colored men near Falling Spring
coming this way walking One of them
he recognized as Alex. Armstrong. who
formerly lived in this neighborhood.-
knowing that Armstrong had been
suspected Of having hand in the rob-
berry of Capt. A. NJ. Edgar, about that
time in "a, it occurred to him that the
people here would like to apprehend
him. So he went to Mr.. Thomas Ed
gar, who lives near Failing Spring, and
put him in possession of what he knew
MIR. Edgar Immediately set out for this
place, and arriving considerably.in adj
vance of Armstrong and his associate
made all necessary preparation for their
arrest. They reached here about dark.
Armstrong wearing a visor, and his
hat closely drawn about his face. They
were allowed to pass through and short ly
afterward Deputy Sheriff r. X. Burns,
with three men started after them and
overlook them near Marvin Chapel
With little show of resistance they
were arrested and relieved of two re-
volvers, Il mace, some gunpowder and
box of vaseline. Armstrong, who
told different parties on his way here
that his name was Biggs now, gave his
true name, and his associate said his
was Cumberland. The officers brought
them back to Capt. Edgar's, where they
were kept during the night. The next
day Prosecuting Attorney, L. NJ. Nc
Clintic, VINO had been sent for, arrived
and the prisoners were brought to the
ii. Nj. q +. Academy for a preliminary
hearing before Justice G.. r.. Curry
Considerable excitement prevailed and
old and young, big and little from the
town and surrounding country eager to
hear, filled the building to it's utmost
capacity. The testimony of Capt. and
Mrs. Edgar, Mrs. Isaac Smith and
daughter, Mr.. Edgar Beard, Charles
Lee and Edgar Stuart was taken.-
Capt. and Mrs. Edgar testified that the
men in many ways bore strong resem.
blance to the parties who robbed them
in January '94, and that they believed
they were the same men. Mrs. Isaac
Smith and daughter testified that they
were very much like the men who ate
breakfast at their house q short time
before the robbery, and that they be-
lieved they were the same men, The
other witnesses testified that they bore
a very marked resemblance to the mel
they had seen in the neighborhoOd just
before the robbery. Charles Lee. col ID
stated that" they filed the bill exactly. >
Justice Curry finding the evidence suf
ficient to hold the prisoners, and they
not being able to defend themselves OF
give bail, sent them to Jail to await tn,
action Of the next grand jury Court
Cumberland, who was travelling will
Armstrong is a dark mulattO, of toll
erably heavy build, stoops little as b,
walks, and has very repulsve face
He says he can prove himself clear O
the charge against him, and that he ant
Armstrong were on there way to Batl
county, Va, to visit friends. Arm
strong Is a bright mulatto, stoutl,
built and smooth talker. He wa
born in Highland county, Va, ant
brought here when quite young. H
lived here until about IL years ago
when he went to Marietta, o., where h.
says he has been living since that time
He is now about 3s or 40 years OF age
He says he is not guilty, and that h
and Cumberland can prove an allbi.-
He bears an unsavory reputation, an,
the evidence given against him at tn
trial, and his covert way of coming il
to the country all tend to strengthen
the belief of many persons here tina
he is guilty of the crime with which h
is charged. II. q.