A Daring Hold-Up

Editor’s Note: This article is from the front page of the Aug. 5, 1897, edition of the Herald. Publisher’s Assistant Lugene Shelly, who assembles the Years Ago excerpts, thought readers would find it interesting, but it was too lengthy for the Years Ago column. Lugene typed the article out for the Herald to reprint in full.

Before the close of the dinner hour Thursday last the citizens of Hollidaysburg were indignantly terrified by the announcement of the perpetration of a daring outrage and audacious attempt to murder and rob a Blair county citizen at high noon on the public highway, almost within the borough limits. Mr. Crawford Black, a well-known huckster and merchant of Fredericksburg, Clover Creek, the victim, had been in Altoona all morning, and, having disposed of his load, was returning home. Near Dunphry’s hotel he was accosted by a stranger, who asked permission to ride a short distance into the country. Black consented and generously shared his seat with the stranger. On the way the stranger said he had worked for Mr. Biddle, the Altoona cattle dealer, for the past fifteen years, and that Biddle had purchased some cattle from Mr. Sparr at Williamsburg, and that he was now on his way to meet the men half way and assist in bringing the cattle to Altoona. Nothing unusual occurred on the way until Ant Hill woods were reached when Black was suddenly startled by the report of a shot. The horses started to run and Black exclaimed “What does this mean?” The stranger, who had fired the shot, caught hold of the lines and assisted in stopping the team and, in reply to Black said: “ I don’t know.” Then two more shots rang out in rapid succession. The team ran around in a ring and the wagon caught in a tree. The stranger then reached for the steelyards, which were lying behind in the wagon. Black, in his dazed condition, reached for his assailant who at that instant fell out and his hat fell off. He started to run, but returned and got the hat. By this time Black had alighted and attempted to throw a stone after the villain, but fell down. The murderous villain then hurriedly fled taking a northwesterly course.

Joseph Ketner, a Frankstown huckster, and his little girl, were returning from Altoona in the rear of Black’s team. He heard the shot and hurriedly came to the rescue, but the daring outlaw made good his escape. Mr. Ketner, realizing that an attempt had been made to murder Mr. Black and that his awful condition required immediate medical aid, placed the victim about the wagon and driving to Hollidaysburg, took him to Dr. H. H. Brotherlin’s, who with the assistance of Dr. D. S. Hayes, removed the two bullets. The third bullet entered the head obliquely and had passed out without affecting the scalp.

Mr. Black described his murderous assailant as a man about five feet nine inches, rather stout, light complectioned having a sort of Roman nose, a smooth face, one front tooth built of gold half way, and having on dark clothes, in fair condition and wearing a Derby hat.

About 2 o’clock Sheriff Bell organized and fully equipped a large posse of citizens who patrolled the surrounding mountains and obscure hiding places.

It is said that the description given by Black of his assailant answers to that of a man named James Markey, who formerly was employed for several years by the Biddle family. Markey was taken out of the almshouse by the Biddle family when a boy, and is now about 26 years of age. Mr. Black says that his assailant evidently knows the Biddle family well, because he told him about matters connected with that family that a stranger could not possibly know.

Mr. Black resides at Fredericksburg, where he keeps a small store, and is also postmaster at Clover Creek. He was removed to the Kellerman House. His wife and child arrived in the evening and were present at his bedside. He was quite sick early in the evening, but after vomiting felt very much relieved. He was removed to his home on Friday evening.

Mr. Blair Brown found a five chamber 32-caliber revolver, covered with blood, near the scene of the assault. Three chambers contained exploded cartridges and one chamber was loaded and one was entirely empty.

On Sunday afternoon Mr. Black was feeling fairly good and made information before a justice of this place, charging one James Markey with aggravating assault and battery, with intent to commit robbery and murder on the public highway within the county of Blair. A warrant was issued and placed in the hands of an officer.

Hopes of Mr. Black’s ultimate recovery are based upon good grounds. His would-be murderer has not yet been captured.