Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1921-05-17
STATE POLICE
ENFORCE LAWS
WITH BULLETS.
ARMED GUNMEN, WHO TERROR
lied RAILROAD MEN AND PUB
Lie, ROUTED BY TROOPER
IN MiNGO COUNTY.
$50 ARRESTS ARE MADE

Particularly valuable service has
been rendered by the West Virginia
State Police in putting an end to the
reign Of terror caused by armed ruff
fans at various points along the Nor
folk & Western railroads in Mingo
and adjoining counties.
Until the State took hold of the
situation and sent state police into
the unruly districts, the lives Of the
travelling public and train crews were
jeopardized by gangs of ruffians who
would shoot at .trainmen as trains
passed, shatter signal lights, shoot
the bells off locomotives and lanterns
from switchmens hands.
Desiring ride, they would climb on
board, intimidate the crew with re-
volvers and stop the train when they
reached their destination by angle
cooking a car, which means to discon-
meet the air-brake. Reports were re-
ceived from the railroad company Of
locomotives being uncoupled from the
remainder of the train, the engineer
and firemen forced from the cab at
gun point and the engine in the hands
of the outlaws, run up and down the
track with bell jingling and whistle
footing loudly.
Conditions reached climax when
a 16-car freight train was ditched. The
state was asked to aid and state police
were stationed at points along the
line and every train was searched.
Troopers also rode the locomotives
with trainmen throughout particularly
dangerous sections. Over $50 arrests
were made in four months.
The State police made thorough
cleanup but not without considerable
shooting. They were often fired upon
and more than one trooper braved
death in the course of duty.
The most troublesome spot on the
entire system was at Breeding, Mingo
county. Conditions became so bad at
this point that trainmen were resign
ing their jobs rather than make a run
through that place. The State Police
were obliged to use stern tactics and
a considerable amount OF buck-shot
was necessary before the Breeding
gang was put out of business.
Many were jailed. Others went to
hospitals. John Marcum. leader OF
this gang was killed in gun-hght
with State trooper. Breeding Is TO-
dav one of the most peaceful spots on
the N G w. line.
Complaint was recently received at
temporary State Police headquarters
at Borderland, Mingo county on the
main line of the Norfolk & Western
that tresspassers on long freight
trains were becoming so bold as to
close blocks, cut signal wires and
angle cock trains. The practice was
growing general and was interfering
with traffic.
Sergeant Brown and detail OF
State Police was sent to Naugatuck to
search all trains. They captured as
high as 10 men riding a single train.
How we'll Sergeant Brown and his
men followed instructions is attested
nv 40 arrests in March. All were con-
yicted in Williamson police court.
One State Trooper, Private r. r.
Manown was fired upon by Harry Car
tom. no home or occupation. Carton,
who was in a box-car fired three times
at the officer who ordered him to
come out. Manown fired into the car
and Carton Jumped out and started for
Kentucky. Manawn pursued him to
the edge of Tug river where Carton
surrendered. He was sent to jail for
six months. After serving this SEN
tence he must stand trial for assault
with intent to kill.