Bedford County PA News From the Past
Transcribed by Nancy Piper unless otherwise stated
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
March 10, 1824
Bedford, Pa, March 5
Robbery
On Saturday night lst, a villain named John Helverson, broke into the store of Mr. Jacob Schell, of Schelisburg, and took therefrom upwards of 400 dollars in cash, and 4 or 5 watches - he then went to the stable of Mr. Henry Horn, from which he took an elegant mare, mounted her, and was not overtaken until he reached Shippensburg, in Cumberland county, a distance of 75 miles, where he was apprehended in bed, in a public house, about 3 o'clock on Monday morning. He was brought back till about two miles west of Loudon, where he escaped from custody, ran up the mountain, and night coming on, could not be overtaken, although so near was Mr. Shugart, that he got the prisoner's hat. The prisoner spent that night, and the greater part of Tuesday, in the mountain, on Tuesday evening he came to the house of a Mr. Merrison, at Dickey's Mill, got his supper, staid all night, procured a hat, took his breakfast next morning, and set out in the direction of Greencastle. Shortly after his departure, a Mr. Williamson came to the mill, who had seen Helverson in Loudon on Monday night when in custody, and as soon as he learned from Mr. Morrison the singular appearance and description of the stranger he had the night before entertained, began to suspect that it might be the robber that so lately escaped from Shugart and Andrews. A party was formed and went in pursuit, which ending in capturing the villain near Irwin's Mill, about 5 miles from Mercersburg, after a considerable chase over fields, fences, &c. &c. and on Thursday evening he was lodged in the Jail of this place.
Much credit is due to Mr. Abraham Andrews, of Schellsburg, and Mr. Shugart, who keeps a public house about two miles west of M'Connellsburg. Mr. Shugart not only furnished Mr. Andrews with a fresh horse, but mounted one himself and jointed the pursuit, which has fortunately terminated in bringing a scoundrel to justice. Helverson had been but a short time in Schellsburg, where he worked as a journeyman carpenter. - True American.
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
March 17, 1824
Bedford, Pa., March 12
An incessant fall of rain on Sunday last, together with a great flow of water from the mountains, which were covered with a deep snow, occasioned an unusual flood in our branch of the Juniata and Dunning's creek. We regret to state that two of the arches of the large stone bridge on the Turnpike east of this pace, gave way on the lower side and fell. The bridge has been so much injured that, we understand doubts are entertained as to the propriety of attempting to repair it. Notwithstanding this accident, by the exertions of the managers of the road and other citizens, the old circuitous road, by Dunnings creek bridge, was so soon repaired as to cause but little delay to the wagoners and other travelers. We have heard that the Turnpike bridge over Turtle creek has also been destroyed. - Gazette.
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
July 21, 1824
Bedford, Pa., July 16
We have crowded out considerable matter prepared for this week's paper, to make room for the account of the late interesting trial between John Compher of this county, and James M'Cullough, of the city of Baltimore.
M'Cullough had purchased a horse from Compher, and paid him in counterfeit money, for which Compher had him arrested and held to (?), to answer the charge. M'Cullough to screen himself from this base transaction, employed a hack and pursued Compher in the night, came up to Compher's wagon, and secretly deposited therein a tin box, containing counterfeit money, he then attempted to make it appear that Compher was engaged in passing counterfeit money. But we are happy to find the saddle on the right horse, and M'Cullough, who is an old offender, and for a long time been engaged in this business, has received his just reward - a sentence of ten years to the penitentiary. - Amer.
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
July 21, 1824
Bedford Springs
We have the pleasure to say, that our Springs are increasing in celebrity, and, notwithstanding the unusually late season, are more frequented this, than in any preceding year. The improvements have been greatly extended - the accommodations are of a superior order, and greatly increased by the present proprietor. Amongst the numerous visitors now attending the Springs, we are gratified to see Mrs. J. Q. Adams and family; the Hon. Mr. Williams, Senator in Congress from Mississippi; the Hon. Mr. Rankin, member of Congress from the same state; Gen. Stricker and family; and many other ladies and gentlemen of distinction from various parts of the United States
The season, heretofore very wet, has become delightful - and from the reports of strangers now here, we anticipate a great accession of company, large parties of whom are now on their way to this place. - Ib.