The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-09-25
BEAT DEATH ON HIS WHEEL
Speedy CycIer Saves Hundreds from
Drinking Poisoned MILK.

SHAMOKIN, Pa, Sept. "a. - With hun
dreds of lives trembling in the balance,
George Sober mounted a bicycle, and, after
an exciting run of six miles, reached here
from Shamolkin township in time to organ
ize body of men, who ran from house to
house warning psople not to drink the morn
ing's supply of milk delivered by the So
Der brothers A fiend, prompted by re-
venge had poured a lot of paris green into
the milk cans, in addition to feeding the
Sobers' cattle with the deadly stuff. Two
of the COWS died as the bicyclist sped on his
errand.
Isaac Lepply was arrested this evening,
charged with the crime, and when in JUS
tice Rowe's office crowd of excited people
were only restrained from doing him vio-
lence by the advice of those who wanted
the man to have a fair trial before the
Northumberland County Court. He was
taken to Jail here tonight.
The Sober brothers have a fine herd of
thirtythree cows, and milk from their dali
ry is sold exclusively to local customers.
At o'clock this morning the family arose
and began the days work. On going to
the barn they found the wagon shed in a
state of wreck. Five sets of harness, all
cut into shreds, were scattered about. A
laprobe, whip, horse blanket and several
sets of f1ynetS We're similarly DESTROYED The
dashboard of a buggy was smashed in and
the bolts of milk wagon and two spring
wagons were removed. There were many
other evidences of destruction. Further
examination revealed that the two best
cows on the farm, each valued at $3.50, We're
dying from poison. Paris green in great
quantity was found in the managers mixed
with wheat bran. There was every indi-
cation that the outrage had beer committed
by some one well acquainted with the place.
Lewis Sober, by the light of a lantern
found fresh footprints around the building
and upon taking up the trail he was led to
within one hundred yards of Butcher Leroy
was Isaac Lepply, who was discharged last
spring by the Sobers for alleged theft and
suspicion was at once directed toward him.
Mr. Sober went to Shamokin to swear out
q warrant for Lepply's arrest, riding with
Ellwood Hepner, the driver of the milk de-
livery wagon, who was starting on his
rounds.
Some time after Mr.. Sober and the driver
had left on their trip those employed about
the dairy began to clean the empty cans as
is customary for the next mornings milk
ing On taking off the strainers they found
paris green beneath They at once realized
patched George Sober on his bicycle to
Shamokin. The young man rode at break
neck speed and was nearly exhausted when
he reached here. Fortunately no one had
used the milk before he arrived, but many
narrow escapes were reported.
AS soon as the customers had been warned
Mr.. Sober secured the services of Attorney
Gillespie, and they went to Justice Rowe's
office, where information against Lepply
was laid on the charges of larceny, feloniOus
attempt to commit murder with paris green
administering poison to COWS and malicious
mischief. Warrants were placed in the
who arrested Lepply in q corndeld. The
prisoner declares his innocence.