The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1909-08-21
JOHNSON NOW
yAEF IN J4LL
Recapfured ~ Farmer And
Constable Near York, "a.
Claims ne Killed Mc1lIfsfsr
In Self Defense

Sheriff Hager with Scott Johnson in
charge, arrived here on the 4:44 p. m.
Peninsula Train, on Saturday, and
placed him in jail here, where his bro
ther. James Johnson. is also confined
in separate cell. Scott, the story OF
whose sensational escape by diving
headforemost through the trapdoor,
on the rear platform OF the vestibulcd
sleeper, on the train on which he and
the Sheriff were travelling from Harris
burg to Baltimore, just outside the
limits OF York, Pa, on the morning Of
August IL, was told last week, was re-
captured last Friday evening about 10
miles from York.
William Stambaugh, who was driv-
ing IN Dayton wagon, passed Scott
ON the York and Berlin road and re-
cognized him by his description and
the clothes he wore. He drove by
roundabout way toward York and
met his brother, Henry Stambaugh,
constable OF Paradise township, who
was on the hunt for Scott. They
drove back and found Johnson lying
along the road. He at first denied
his identity, but finally said: "Of course
] am Johnson. Can't you see that for
yoursevesS" He had a cut on the
palm Of his right hand, which he got
when he dove from the sleeper He
said he struck out for the country and
managed to pick up some food from
farmers, but had been going along in
a daze, though he had sense enough
to keep off the main roads.
The news of his capture spread like
wild-fire. and great throng witness
ed the arrival OF the Stambaugh's and
their prisoner AT the station house in
York. He said the notion to escape
came upon him suddenly, when he saw
that he was Tor a moment unobseryed
upon the rear car, and he went through
the trap door, below the vestibule
door, going headioremost with hands
extended in front and struck them
against the track.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Hager and Chief
had gone to Glen Rock to run down
one oi the several suspects that had
been arrested, were notified. The
Sheriff was overjoyed at the news and
hurried to York. Scott greeted him
calmly and promised TO give no fur
ther trouble. The Sheriff got his first
square meal since the escape and
good nights rest. He paid the Siam
baughs the S2oo reward he had offered
for SCOTS capture and also stood ex-
penses OF the organized pursuit made
for the fugitive He and Scott and
Detective White left York at 40 p. m.
on Saturday for Baltimore. Scott se-
curely handcuffed, was transferred to
the Peninsula train which arrived here
on time.
Quite a crowd witnessed SCOTS ar
rival. but a far larger one had gather
ed for the 2.26 train on which il was
reported he would reach here. Scott
was taken to jail and placed in sep
arate cell from that occupied by his
brother James. who is held as a pos
sible accomplice in McAllster's MUIR
de-, He knows that Scott is in jail,
but Scott does not know that Jim" is
there.
Scott was interviewed in York By re-
por,ers. and claims TO have struck Nc
Allister in self-dciense. He says they
were working in adjoining fields aud
had some words II walked toward
him. and when | was within reach OF
him he drew a gun. plainly saw the
gun then raised the hatchet and
struck at him once, perhaps twice"
He said he left the body on the
ground with the gun alongside. He
said no woman was involved in the
trouble. They had been drinking and
had quarrel over the drinks. He
said he wished to see his people again,
but did not try very hard to get away
after leaving the train. Il knew they
could catch me II they wanted 70 do
So"
Johnsor's story of the crime does
not square with what was brought out
at the Coroner's inquest. aud il would
, appear that there is more 10 he told
or discovered than has yet been learn
ed Johnson is about ~ years old. s
feet or 2 inches in height. weighs
about I16 lbs. has light blue eyes and
sandy hair and impresses strangers
favorably. His brothers, Joel and Ell
mer. are reported to have removed to
Chester county