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.
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.
--------------
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.
Back to Pennsylvania Trails History and Genealogy