The morning news., 1897-04-17
BANK ROBBERS SHED BLOOD.
CASHIERS THROAT CUT AFTER HE
HAD BEEN KNOCKED DOWN.

4
SOmerswOrth, N. H.-After Commit
ting the Murder the Robbers RAN
sack the Vault and Are Supposed
to Have Carried on About $4,000
in Cash-The Murdered Man Dies
Making a Desperate Fight For Ills
Life.
Somersworth, N. H., April 16.-While re-
sisting the entry of two desperate and
determined robbers and during a futile
struggle to protect $4,000 or more in
money and securities IN the compartments
of the open vault of the Greas Falls Ma
tional Bank of Somersworth, this after
noon, Cashier Joseph A. Stickney was
murdered near the desk which he had oc-
cupied for years.
After killing Stckney, the murderers
ransacked the vault and fed with all the
cash it contained with the exception of a
few five dollar gold pieces. AS near as
can be estimated about $1,000 was taken,
but it is possible that the loss will con-
sderably exceed this sum, as no one but
the dead cashier knew the exact amount
that was in the institution at the time. :.
The robbers, after knocking Stickney
down with black jack, cut his throat.
The most remarkable feature of the rob-
berry is the fact that 100000 in bonds of
the United States, which were kept in one
Of the drawers OF the vauls and which the
robbers evidently examined hastily, were
not taken. Neither was any of the nego-
table paper and securities of the bank
in fact, nothing is missing except the
cash.
No one was aware that there was any
thing wrong at the bank, until nearly
o'clock, or an hour after the murderous
work was done. The perpetrators had am
pie time to escape.
This evening scores of deputy sheriffs,
marshals, police and citizens are securing
this section of the state and Maine, which
from this city is just across the Salmon
river. The men made their visit to the
bank at the busiest time of the day in the
locality where the bank is situated, and
so completely and thoroughly did they ac-
complish the robbery that only an uncer-
tain clew and a very meager description
of them was obtainable.
Had the robbers been apprehended soon
after the murder and robbery became pub
lie, it would have been difficult to prevent
| a double lynching in the Granite state
| The murdered man, in addition to his po-
stion as cashier and director of the Great
| Falls Bank, was its treasurer. 1t had al
ways been customary for Cashier Stick
ney and the bank clerk, Mrs. Parker
| SWazey to close the bank at IL O'Clock and
not reopen it until 2. To-day Mrs. Swazey
| left her desk. at noon. The cashier re-
NAMED however, looking over the banks
| accounts, and 1t is thought he was pre-
pairing to go out when the robbers en-
tered
1t is not known exactly what tiMe the
bank was entered, but it was evidently
between l and lis O'Clock, as two men,
strangers, were seen going up. the hill not
very far from the bank at 10 O'Clock.
Frank b. Reed, d local merchant, was
the first to discover the crime. He went
up the staircase of the bank building at
clock and found the thick plate glass
in the hall door of the bank completely
shattered. He was considerably alarmed,
and without waiting to investigate, he
hurried from the building and notified
City Marshal Tilton. The latter respond
ed at once. They broke in the door and
then found evidences of a desperate strug-
gle. On the floor in a great pool of blood
was the lifeless body of Stickney His
head had been nearly severed from the
body. The robbers had cut his throat,
and the head was marked with several
deep gashes from heavy black jack, and
the skull was fractured. The body was COW
cred with blood and the walls and furni-
ture bore additional evidence of the terri
bic deed. Stickney had died fighting des-
perately.
The first clew was obtained from Mrs.
Joshua Smith, who lives near the bank,
and Dudley Cheney, who was passing on
the street. who reported seeing a man of
dark complexion hurry up the hill carry
ing bag heavily weighted over his shoul-
der. Mr. Cheney saw the man throw the
bag behind a stone wall, change some of
his clothes and finally get into a buggy
driven by another man, which started up
the hill The bag was also taken.
Other people reported seeing the buggy,
and In West Rochester dark sorrel
horse and buggy were observed headed for
Salmon's Falls river, which forms the
main state boundary. This outfit has mys-
teriously disappeared despite the fact
that the whole section hereabouts is be-
ing searched tonight.
Mr.. Stlckney's family consisted of his
wife, son and two daughters. He was
wealthy and well known in New England
banking circles. He had been cashier Of
the Great Falls National Bank for TWEEN
ty-lve years.
waltham. Mass, April 16.-Con Hart-
gan. the New England ex-ama-
teur, 125-pound boxing champion,
and Johnny Briggs were ar
rested this afternoon on suspicion Of
being concerned in ;he Teele robbery Of
Wednesday night. The officers had scarce
~ completed the search Of the two men,
which revealed $50, and some confederate
coin when a telegram was received from
the mayor of Somersworth, N. H., asking
that these men be apprehended. The first
telegram was followed In a few minutes
by second. and that In turn by third,
all urging the police to use their utmost
endeavors to secure the men.
The confederate coin was Identified be-
yond a doubt as having been stolen from
the Teelc residence.
After his arrest Hartgan is said to have
admitted to the police that he had been in
Somersworth to-day. He stated that both
he and Briggs went there on Wednesday.
but was positive Ia his statement that
both OF them left Somersworth at 10
O'Clock this morning going direct 70 Bos-
ton The police have not as yet found
any baggage belonging 10 the men.
Briggs is described as being OF rather
affghf buIId and weighing ahouf 40