The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-06-23
Geo. O'Brien, Wealthy Farmer,
Escapes Frightful End.
Slugged by Highwaymen OF
Wednesday Afternoon.
MONEY is ALL TAKEN.
Robbers Took Sis in Cash
From Unconscious Man.
Placed Him on Railway Track
to Be Mangled by Train.

All last night and all the forenoon
men of the city police department
have been hunting the men who as
saulted George O'Brien, wealthy
farmer living on Rock Creek about
fourteen miles from Topeka. O'Brien
escaped dangerous injury but the
thugs got about $115 of his money,
part of which has been recovered. The
assault occurred near the south end
of the Rock Island bridge soon after
noon Wednesday.
Fred Wheat, negro. was brought
in to the police headquarters just be-
fore 10 o'clock last night by Plain
clothesman Will Hutton and Officers
Matthews and Pinkston. He was one
of the parties to the crime. From the
description of the white man who
participated in the affair, the officers
have been looking for a local charac-
ter known as Peterson and this morn
ing Chief of Police Jenkins with other
officers went in an automobile down
the Granville road on a rumor that
their man had been seen there. But
the report proved erroneous.
AS nearly as the facts can be OBJ
tanned O'Brien, had been in converse
ton with Wheat and Peterson at Ben
Jordan's place on Railroad street in
North Topeka at noon yesterday.
CNCAOOi II IIldI was 1llS
duced his victim to go to south To-
peka by way of the Rock Island
bridge. He led O'Brien across the
bridge and into the weeds on the
south side of the river to a place he
had appointed with Wheat. When
their prey was at the proper place
the negro, who had previously con-
cealed himself in the weeds, slugged
O'Brien, from behind, also hitting him
across the left eye after he had fallen.
The blow stunned O'Brien and his as
sailants went through his pockets for
the money he was known to have. They
afterwards laid him on the railroad
track, his head resting upon one OF
the rails. 1t was in this position that
O'Brien found himself when he recov-
cred consciousness 20 minutes later.
O'Brien's wounds are not serious for
he was able to spend all this morning
at the police station, waiting Tor Peter
son to be brought in. The officers al
ready have the case well in hand, have
found where Peterson disposed of a
part Of the money, buying himself
suit Of new clothes and giving a part
of the money to a woman with whom
he was friendly. About SIT was recov-
cred from her by the police.
In every detail of the case, thus far,
the police officers have done efficient
and rapid work. From the rather vague
descriptions given by O Brien, Detective
Hutton. who for years has made
specially of the tough element of the
town, was able, with the assistance of
Matthews and Pinkston, to get Wheat
within a few hours. They also traced
the crime through its execution and
a,-ere pressing Peterson close before the
night was over. The officers are still
hopeful of locating Peterson before
many hours as they are convinced that
he is the one who generated the crime.
Wheat has yet refused to make any
confession but is being held at the city
jail.
O'Brien, who owns go acres Of fine
land half way between Meriden and
Perry on Rock Creek, had been in
town visiting and on business. He
stated TO the police that the white man
had offered to show him where he
could buy two bottles of beer which he
wanted to take home. He started in
good faith but had begun to have some
nisgivings when he felt the crushing
blow from behind. He fought until the
second blow laid open his forehead and
rendered h51n unconscious.
He has remained in town to help cap
ture his assailants.