Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-08-25

Into the City and Gone South to
Benwood or Bellaire-A High
Handed Piece Of Business.
One of the boldest and most desper-
ate robberies known to the annals OF
local crime occurred last night at TWEEN
ty minutes of nine o'clock. on the Ma
tional road, between Thompson's and
the stone bridge over Woods run.
There were five of the outlaws, and
they looted three well known citizens
of all they had on their persons worth
carrying away.
Up to one o'clock this morning no
arrests had been made, as the descrip-
tons of the highwaymen were too in
definite to permit of any good results
from the efforts of the police or de-
putty sheriffs, but the entire force was
at work at midnight, and every effort
will be made TO run the victims down.
The scene of the robbery was on the
pike, between Mrs. Thompson's and
the Woods run bridge, and buggies
and other vehicles, including bicycles,
were passing every moment. Mr.. John
Brill was driving along in a surrey
with his wife and family, enroute to
the city. Mr. Brill is the bookkeeper
for Greer & Laing, and is very well
known. When he reached point
about a hundred and fifty yards this
side of the blacksmith shop near the
Woods run bridge he was hailed and
stopped by five men, one Of whom aim
ed a revolver at him, while the others
commanded him to deliver up his valu-
ables. He surrendered gold watch
and what money he had, at the point
of the revolver, and then the highway
men made up the road a short distance,
going in the direction of the city. Just
after this robbery was over Messrs.
Gala Mitchell and Will Donaldson
came along in a buggy. They heard
the explanations of Mrs. Brill and
her cries for assistance, and Mr.. Nit
chell jumped out of the rig to go to
their assistance. Just as he struck the
ground a man showed a revolver in his
face anu demanded that he throw up
his hands and at the same time went
through his pockets, taking a gold
watch, a pocket book with about twelve
dollars in it and several gold coins and
masterpieces. Mr.. Mitchell was fur
ther compelled to hand over some
change he had in his pocket, but roll
of bills he had with him remained in
his possession. While this was going
on others of the gang covered Mr.. Don
aldson with revolvers and took from
him the money he had in his trousers
pockets. but like Mr.. Mitchell he saved
q roll of considerable value. After get
ting this booty the highwaymen disap-
peared, but are believed to have come
in the direction of the city.
As soon as the victims Of the outrage
got their bearings they telephoned to
the City Hall, but the word came just
too late for the officers to catch the
Q o'clock motor. An alarm was sent
out to the whole night force, how
ever. and Sheriff Richards was
communicated with at Wheeling Park,
he Immediately starting to work on the
case. Before ten o'clock Officer Knabe
saw crowd Of five men, one short and
heavy set and another wearing a straw
hat. corresponding to vague descrip-
tons given by the victims, coming into
town via East Wheeling, and he fol-
lowed them until they disappeared
down Seventeenth street in the direc-
ton of Market The officer, unfortun-
ately. did not know Of the robbery at
the time.
As soon as the case was we'll under
stood the Benwood and Bellaire police
were communicated with, and every
effort will be made to run the fascals
down.
The affair is the most sensational in
the robbery line ever known here
and savors too much Of the western
STYLE to go" about here. The police
have done some good work recently.
They have here a fine opportunity TO
add to their reputation for catching