York County PA News
- Crimes
David Ramsey Murdered by Joseph Smith, John Smith, Samuel Montgomery, and Jacob Musser
The Adams Centinel, Gettysburg, PA
January 6, 1802
Murder committed at the house of Shedrach Corbin in Hopewell township, York county, on the night of the 24th of December last, by a certain Joseph Smith, John Smith, Samuel Montgomery, and Jacob Musser on the body of David Ramsey of Fawn township and said county. Application has since been made to the Civil Authorities and Joseph Smith was apprehended and afterwards effects his escape; the others as evidence of their guilt, have also absconded, or are secreted by their friends. All lovers of Justice, and friend to good order and society, are enjoined to use their endeavors to apprehend the perpetrators and have them brought to Justice.
Joseph Smith is about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, about 24 or 25 years of age, of a dark complexion, a native of Holland, speaks broken English and has the features almost of a Negro, had his hair tied and lisps much in speaking. He wore a blue jacket, a crossbar red swandown vest, blue trowsers and a fine high crowned furr hat.
John Smith is about 6 feet 1 or 2 inches high, about 22 years of age, an American, slender made, has fair hair which he wears tied: He wore a coat of winesane color, jacket and trowers of the same color, and a fine high-crowned hat.
Samuel Montgomery is about 30 years of age, about 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, sandy hair, much freckled in the face, and very lame in one leg when he walks: He wore a blue coat about half worn and gray coating trowsers.
Jacob Messer is about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, about 20 years of age or upward, a Blacksmith by trade, has fair hair and is slender made. He wore a linsey coat of winestone color, coarse gray coating trowsers, lisps in speaking, and has little of a German Brogue.
Any person apprehending the perpetrators of the above Murder, in that, they be brought to justice, shall receive 40 dollars reward or 10 dollars for either of them paid by
Samuel Ramsey
January 2, 1802
The Centinel (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania), Wednesday, May 11, 1808
York, April 30
We have to record another instance to sell the catalogue of human depravity. A mulatto woman of the name of Moore was committed to the goal of this county, on the charge of having poisoned her child, a boy of about two years of age. The body was opened by Dr. Morris and others in the presence of a coroner's inquest; arsenic was found in the stomach of the child. The verdict of the inquest was to the following effect, "That the child came to its death by poison administered by the mother." The mother having bought the arsenic in town on Saturday last, the day before she administered the dose, tends strongly to fix the stain in infamy on her of whom it ought to have been least expected. The child had been kept in the poorhouse of this county, from whence it appears the mother was solicitous to have it removed, in order to free her offspring of the opprobrious distinction of pauper; but for her effectual removal she is confined in the jail of this county, to take her trial before a proper tribunal.
John Charles Murders Henry Young
The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA, March 29 1809
Atrocious Murder
The circumstances accompanying the melancholy catastrophe, which we have today with pain to record, have been received verbally last evening, from a gentleman of Hanover, in this county, where the outrageous act was committed.
John Charles, a mulatto, came to Hanover some months ago; where he was in bad health, and for some time unable to pursue any employment. He became indebted considerably to his physician and others. Upon his recovery, Mr. Henry Young, Innkeeper, whom he ungratefully murdered, agreed with him to discharge his debts, and receive an indenture for seven months from him; tow of which are only expired. On Saturday last, Charles purchased a lock and key, at Mr. Wertz's store, which he soon afterwards returned and exchanged it for another, observing that it was too large; and the second key, it seems did not well answer the purpose of unlocking Mr. Young's desk: At about 8 o'clock the same evening; just as Charles was engaged at the desk, Mr. Young returned from a ride in the country; as he approached his house, he observed a light in an upper apartment; on entering his house, he enquired of his children who was upstairs, they answered that they did not know unless it was Charles. Mr. Young then went up, and upon perceiving his intentions, struck him several times with his riding whip. They came; Charles went out, and some time afterwards returned with a chisel, (gouge) which he kept concealed; he then was very insolent, Mr. Young got his wagon whip. Charles upon seeing this, ran with his head against Mr. Young's breast and stabbed him twice, one in the thigh, the other in the groin, which proved mortal. Mr. Young lived from Saturday, until Tuesday evening, at 8 o'clock; he labored under the most distressing pains. His remains were yesterday evening interred at Hanover, attended by a large and respectable concourse of his fellow citizens. He has left three children to lament his untimely death.
John Charles, after perpetrating the act, took Mr. Young's horse and fled, he was pursued and overtaken near New Market, Frederick county, Maryland, and on Tuesday last committed to jail in this borough. -- York Expositor.
The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA, April 12, 1809
We learn by a gentleman from York, that John Charles, the mulatto man who killed Mr. Young, of Hanover, last week has his trial, was found guilty and sentence of death passed upon him. His is said to have evidenced a great degree of impudent hardihood on his trial.
The Execution of John Charles and Elizabeth Moore
The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA,June 14 1809
York, June 3.
In pursuance of the appointment of the governor of the commonwealth, John Charles and Elizabeth Moore, were on Saturday taken from the common jail to the place of execution. Charles was attended by the Roman Catholic and Moore by the Methodist clergy, who have respectively attended the culprits since their condemnation.
At about 10 o'clock the concourse of spectators were so immense, that the streets and avenues leading from the prison to the commons were filled. The multitude did not in the least attract the attention of the culprits, but they were wholly engaged in contemplating the frightful approachers of death, and earnestly imploring the pardon of their sins through a Redeemer. But though death is at all times dreadful, their behavior in their fatal extremity was resigned and unparalleled. About 20 minutes before 2 o'clock they were turned off into an unknown world, whence none who have gone ever returned. They died without much struggle - death appeared to be to them what it really is intended to be by the author of nature, a relief from a various being ever subject to sorrow and affliction.
Though they were strangers in this place they have, during their dreary abode, experienced the most humane and benevolent treatment. Charles was a Frenchman, and of the crew of the Insurgent French frigate. The number of people who attended to witness their exit were estimated to have been about 12,000.
Trial of Samuel Harman and Elizabeth Eaton for the Murder of Margaret Harmon
The Centinel (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) April 28, 1813
York, Pa., April 17
On Thursday the 8th inst., came on the trial of Samuel Harman and Elizabeth Eaton, mother of Samuel Harman, on indictment for the murder of Margaret Harman, wife of said Samuel Harmon.
The prisoners plead not guilty. David Casset and James Kelly, Esquires, were appointed by the by the court as counsel for the prisoners. John Stroman, Jr., Esq., attorney-general, on the part of the commonwealth. Verdict of the jury - Elizabeth Eaton, guilty of murder in the first degree, Samuel Harman in the second. In this case, it is very remarkable that the mother and son should be both tried and convicted for the perpetration of a crime at which human nature shudders.
The evidence adduced was voluminous and much to the credit of the witnesses, was given in the most impartial manner. The amount of the evidence was that Samuel Harman, the husband of the deceased, dragged Margaret Harman, who had been confined by sickness to her chamber, by the hair of her head out of bed with one of his hands, holding a psalm book in the other, dashed her face several times on the floor and kicked her in the side. To complete the tragical scene, Elizabeth Eaton dragged her out by the hair, beat her and exposed her to wet and cold in the yard. The deceased had nearly all the hair pulled out on one side of her head and many severe wounds and bruises which terminated her life on the 27th of Feb. last.
It appears from the testimony given on this trial that S. Harman was infatuated with a belief that his wife and mother-in-law were witches and that he was bewitched. He was advised to call on George Eisenhart, who pretends to be a necromancer and to have control over witches and who has for a long time been permitted, wish impunity, to impose on the simple credulity of the superstitious. The result of the interview with this notorious imposter was that Harman was bewitched and one of the witnesses says when he came home from Eisenhart, he declared that his wife, the deceased and his mother-in-law were witches. Another witness says that Eisenhart told Harman that his own mother was the witch. If Harman was told by Eisenhart that his wife and mother were witches and if that induced Harman to commit the murder, Eisenhart is not innocent of the crimes that followed and contributed to the wretched condition of the unfortunate criminals.
President Franklin after delivering a solemn, impressive and most eloquent address to the prisoners, pronounced the awful sentences which are, that Samuel Harman be imprisoned in the Penitentiary house at Philadelphia for eighteen years, five of which in solitary confinement. The dreadful sentence of death was passed on the unfortunate Elizabeth Eaton.
Gettysburg Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
June 26, 1822 Page 3
York, Pa, June 25
On Friday evening another person (named Joseph Smith) was committed to the jail of this county, on a charge of passing counterfeit paper. The counterfeits which have been uttered on the Harrisburg Bank, are among the best specimens of villainous talent, which we have seen. The paper - engraving - signatures, are completely imitated. In the filling up only, is the imitation not good. - Recorder.
Gettysburg Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
December 25 1822 Page 1
York, Pa. Dec 17
Henry Norbeck and his son, a youth of 14 years of age, were committed to the jail of York county, on Wednesday last, for stealing Mr. Hantz's 115 dollars in specie. Norbeck had been pardoned but 5 weeks before by the governor. He lodged at the house of Mr. Hantz on Saturday night and on Sunday morning. When it was found that the money was stolen, Norbeck voluntarily submitted to be searched, and remained until Monday morning to obviate suspicion. But being just from the penitentiary these precautions did not avail him, and after he left town he was followed to Hanover, where it was found that he had exchanged the specie for notes. But 50 dollars were found with him when arrested. He confesses his guilt but declares his son innocent. The mulatto boy who entered the store of Eli Kirk, and a certain James M'Dowell as an accomplice, were also commited to the jail of his county - Gazette.
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
February 5 1823 Page 1
York, Pa, Jan. 28
Robbery - On Thursday night last a robbery was committed at the house of John Kauffman, in York township, about three miles from this place, by three men who were armed with guns and pistols. Mr. Kauffman and his wife, who are both advanced in years, were the only persons in the house, and the robbers being armed, they were enabled to make a thorough search of the house without interruption. They ransacked every nook and corner and tore up the floor of the house in quest of the "root of all evil," and got for their pains only the paltry sum of six dollars. Mr. Kauffman fortunately having had his money deposited with a neighbor, and has since to make assurance doubly sure, removed about one thousand dollars from the deposit with his neighbor, and lodged it in the York bank. Suspicion has alighted on persons, whose names on the possibility of their innocence, we forbear to mention. - Gazette.
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
April 30 1823 Page 4
York, Pa., April 23
Robbers - We have repeatedly had occasion to mention the exploits of a trio or gang of robbers, in the neighborhood of York, within the last few months. Heretofore they confined their depredations to farm-houses. It appears they have now taken to the highway, where, from their boldness evinced on several occasions, they will soon rival a Robin Hood, or Rinaldini, if the justice of the country does not arrest their career. A Mr. Dinsmoore was in this place with a load of shad, which he disposed of, and having become known to the trio they waylaid and robbed him of about 70 dollars, on Friday night last, about 3 miles from town, on the Peach-bottom road.
On the same night a Mr. Sheffer, was stopped on the highway and robbed of a small sum of money.
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
April 21 1824
York Pa. April 13
The following account of a daring robbery was communicated to us by a gentleman residing in the vicinity where it occurred. The perpetrator is a hatter by trade, and was some time employed in this place, and was known here by the name of "Sailor John"
A Most Daring Robbery
Was committed on Friday the 2d inst. About 4 o'clock P.M. within a quarter of a mile from the village of M'Cannicksburg, Hopewell township, York county, Pa., on the road leading to the town of Shrewsbury, by a person who called himself John Young. But having since obtained more correct information, we ascertain that his name is William O'Donnald, and who is said to have been but a few days out of the Maryland Penitentiary. This O'Donnald, and Mr. Michael Cramling, had been some time together at the public house of Benedict Meads, in Hopewell. O'Donnald and Cramling agreed to accompany each other to Shrewsbury, but scarcely were they out of sight, when O'Donnald, being on foot, suddenly sprung forward and demanding Cramling's money, declaring himself a robber; and with a large club knocked him off his horse, and beat him severely when on the ground. But the club breaking, O'Donnald had recourse to stones, which he handled with great skill. Cramling, having recovered from the shock, made off, but O'Donnald, being determined to take his life, followed him within forty rods of Mr. Anstines' house, and in view of the place they started, where he rifled him of some money and left him, bending his course towards the York & Baltimore turnpike. The neighbors, after the alarm had been given, used their utmost endeavors to detect the villain; but night drawing on, he effected his escape. Any person viewing the place, and its nearness to the inhabitants, the blood on trees, stones and leaves, which issued from eleven deep wounds in Cramling's head, will undoubtedly believe it to be one of the most daring robberies ever committed in the Union; and nothing less than the immediate hand of Providence could have spared the life of Cramling, as that was the villain's object before he could secure the booty.
O'Donnald is about 5 feet 2 or 3 inches high, marked on the breast and the back of his hands with Indian ink, had a scar on the cheek, large head, and very wide between the eyes and shoulders; otherwise light made; has a scar on the left little finger, funning from the knuckle joint to the hand. His clothing consisted of a blue coat, white spotted vest, and cotton olive-green pantaloons. He is about 24 years of age.
Printers in the different parts of the Union will confer a favor upon their fellow-citizens, by giving the above statement publicity, so that the villain may be stopt in his career, and brought to justice. The reward will be considerable, but as the person robbed is not capable at this time to act his part, and his life much despaired of, the sum is yet uncertain. - Gazette.
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Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
May 12 1824
A letter dated Washington, Pennsylvania, April 26th 1824, to the Sheriff of York County, states that O'Donald, the robber of Michael Cramling of this county, was on that day arrested and put in prison at Washington. He called himself William Jackson, and denied ever being a scaman, but a Mr. Baxter of Washington, says he knows him, and that he served his apprenticeship with his brother. The writer of the letter suggests that a warrant be issued by the prosecuting attorney for his removal, and that some person should proceed to Washington to identify him. Mr. Cramling, if he has got over his wounds, would be the proper person for that purpose. - York Gaz.
Michael Mathias, Samuel Fetro and Henry Fetro Tried for Assault and Battery on a Runaway Slave
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) January 19 1825
York, Pa. Jan. 11
Last week, at a Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace, held for the county of York, Michael, Mathias, Samuel and Henry Fetro were tried for a riot, assault and battery, and assault with intent to kill. It appeared from the evidence that a runaway slave, the property of Thomas H. Gist of Baltimore county, Md. Was in the employ of Joseph Garretson, of Newbury township, York county - that a reward of one hundred dollars was offered for his apprehension. The defendants, armed with a gun, sometime in August last, went to the house of Mr. Garretson to take the Negro. When the negro saw them approaching, he secreted himself in the house. The defendants, without any authority, entered the house and searched every part of it. The negro on perceiving them jumped out of a window and fled into a neighboring cornfield to which the defendants pursued him and after chasing him through the field and finding themselves unable to seize him, they discharged the gun, which had the desired effect - being severely wounded, he surrendered himself, when they bound and carried him back to his master. The defendants had a printed advertisement, giving a description of the runaway and although proved to be a slave, it was decided by the Court that a printed paper conveyed no authority for his apprehension. They jury found three of the defendants, Michael, Mathias, and Samuel guilty of a riot and of an assault and battery on negro George - and acquitted the defendant Henry.
The court sentenced each of the defendants found guilty of the riot, twenty dollars and each of them found guilty of the assault and battery on Negro George fourteen dollars and to pay the costs of prosecution.
The fine and costs of prosecution amount to upwards of 180 dollars. - Gazette.
Jordon's Barn destroyed by Arsonist
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) March 30, 1825
York, Pa., March 22.
The barn of Mr. Joseph Jordon, with its contents, a quantity of grain and hay, was destroyed by fire on Friday night last. It was set on fire by his black servant boy about 17 years old, who is now in jail and confesses the fact. It was one of the most valuable barns in Hopewell township. - Gazette.
August 1825 Court Sentences
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) August 27 1825
York, Pa., Aug. 9.
August Court
Joseph S. Butler was last week found guilty of arson and sentenced to the Penitentiary for five years; nine months of which to be solitary confinement.
Samuel Bower was convicted of larceny and sentenced to 3 months imprisonment in the county jail.
George Jacobs was found guilty of assault and battery.
Process was awarded against Abraham Lammot, Elijah Jacoby, John Sherman, Conrad Gramm, David Von Souberon, William Meyers, John Stover, John Ehrhart, Sen., John Ehrhart, Jr., and John Forry, for keeping tippling houses. - Recorder.
Jacob Hay's House Robbed
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) January 25, 1826
York, Jan. 17
Burglary & Thieving
These crimes were committed under circumstances of unparalleled boldness, on Thursday night last in this borough. The house of Jacob Hay, Esq., was entered through breaking open the shutter and lifting the kitchen window by several persons, probably three or more. Their object was to get into the store. They were at considerable pains in filing down a key to unlock the door leading to the store in the entry but not succeeding in fitting it, they broke it in the attempt to unlock it. They also broke a piece off the file which they stuck between the door and the jamb with a view to wrench it open. Foiled in their designs upon the store, they ransacked the house and stole and carried away divers articles of which we annex a minute description in order that in offering them for sale in this or any of the neighboring towns, they may be recognized and lead to the detection of the thieves. Among the stolen articles were half dozen silver table spoons, eight teaspoons, a large soup spoon, a pair of sugar tongs, a pair of pint goblets, (goblets merely plated) an eight quarter black merino shawl with narrow border and a black waterloo shawl. The large spoons were marked with the letter H., the teaspoons and sugar tongs with J.M.H.
Mr. Hay has offered twenty dollars reward to any person who will give such information as will lead to a detection of the thieves.
We are informed that on Saturday night last, the bread room at the Poorhouse was opened and out of it six loaves of bread stolen. - Gaz.
Jacob Worley's Tavern Robbed
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) Feb 15, 1826
York, Feb. 7
More Burglary
On Friday night the tavern of Mr. Jacob Worley was entered by forcing open a back door; a parcel of wearing apparel, a half dozen silver teaspoons, and a small sum of money left in the till of the bar were stolen. The perpetrators of the theft likewise very deliberately treated themselves before their departure with such refreshments as the bar supplied.
On the same night an attempt was made to enter the dwelling of the Rev. Dr. Schmucker. A number of holes were bored through a panel of the front door which it was doubtless intended to cut out. But before the person had completed his task, he was interrupted by a waggoner who came out of Mr. Meredith's tavern, (adjoining) to see after his horses. As the villain's object was not suspected he was suffered to walk off and thus escaped detection. A brace and bit, with which the holes had been bores and stolen from a cabinetmaker's shop were found next day in an ice cellar into which they had been thrown. - Rec.
Mr. Henry Kretzinger Attacked and Robbed
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) March 22, 1826
York, Pa., March 14.
Robbery
On Saturday evening a robbery was committed, attended with circumstances of the greatest enormity. Mr. Henry Kretzinger who had been at the house of Mr. Peter Butt, in Westmanchester township, York county, was on his way home. On arriving at the turnpike a short distance west of Mr. Geroge Hoke's Tavern, met by a man carrying a small bundle and having a stout sword cane in his hand, who enquired how far it was to the next tavern. On being told he raised his cane and with it struck Mr. K so gymnastically as to prostrate him on the ground and then with the sword made several gashes about his head so deep as to open some of the blood vessels from which the blood flowed incessantly until next morning when surgical aid was required to stop it. The villain robbed Mr. K of all he had - 25 cents and a plug of tobacco. He lay about three hours before he recovered his senses so far as to walk home. - Gaz.
William Gardner's Store is Robbed
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania October 4, 1826
Robbery
The Store of Mr. William Gardner, at Petersburg, (York Springs) was robbed on Saturday night the 23d ultimo of goods to the amount (we understand) of about 500 dollars. A reward of 60 dollars is offered by Mr. Gardner for the recovery of the goods and apprehension of the robbers.
Jacob Baidt Runs Off with Profit From Col. Henry Stover's Load of Whiskey
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania June 6, 1827
York, May 22
A Rogue - Jacob Baidt, who had been residing with Col. Henry Stover of Conewago township, about 13 months, as a laborer and teamster, was lately sent to Baltimore by Mr. Stover, with a load of whiskey, to be sold. He disposed of it in the city, and on Wednesday last returned with the team to a tavern a few miles from York. He there fed his horses, left them standing with the wagon, paid his bill and under pretext of going to a house in the vicinity for apples, marched off, taking with him the proceeds of the sale -about one hundred and thirty dollars - and has not since been heard of. - Recorder
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