Name/Title
Train Robbery account 1895Entry/Object ID
2021.67.04aScope and Content
Three typed pages transcribing an account of an 1895 train robbery between New Richmond and Fennville as reported in the August 23 Lake Shore Commercial newspaper.
Transcript:
Saugatuck—oldays
May 1
[Handwritten note]
1895 train robbery netted bandits
Bandit gang $7, two watches
“The Great Train Robbery” was one of the first movies made, but it could not better the robbery of the C. & W.M., train between New Richmond and Fennville. It happened in 1895 and was related in the Lake Shore Commercial August 23, and the attendant excitement is still remembered by old residenters around here.
"The Chicago & West Michigan fast train from Chicago was held up by five robbers Tuesday evening at a point about midway between New Richmond and Fennville. The only booty secured, however, was $7 from the conductor and two watches from the engineer and fireman.
"The Robbers were evidently mistaken in their plans, having expected to make a rich haul from the express car. In this they were disappointed, as this train carries no express whatsoever. The passengers were not molested but all were badly frightened.
"The train left Fennville at 9:26, about five minutes late, and was running at an ordinary rate of speed when the engineer noticed a white light some distance ahead signaling him to stop.
"As the train came to a standstill a fusillade of shots was started, coupled with the command, “throw up your hands!" which was obeyed with great alacrity. The place is an ideal one for a holdup. A heavy growth of timber skirts the road on either side, and there are no houses for a mile in either direction.
"As soon as the train stopped the rear brakeman started back to attend to his duties as flagman, when one of the robbers ordered him to get back on the train, emphasizing his remarks by firing several shots at him, one of which took effect in the left side, inflicting a slight flesh wound.
"While this was going on the other robbers were paying their attentions to the front end of the train. Two men were left to guard the engineer and fireman, the two others—evidently the leaders of the gang — forcing an entrance to the baggage car.
“Conductor Rice stepped out on the platform and asked what was wanted but was summarily ordered to get inside, three shots being fired at him as he hastened to obey. He secured the door after him and threw his pocketbook, containing considerable money, behind a pile of baggage.
"One of the robbers then placed a stick of dynamite under the side door of the car, the explosion tearing it completely loose from its hangings. Leaping into the car the bandit leveled a revolver at the inmates and commanded ‘Hands up!’
"He inquired what valuables were on board, and on being told there were none, he went through the conductor’s pockets, securing about $7 in silver. He also took the conductor’s watch ,but afterward returned it to him. He afterward blew open the safe with dynamite but it is reported he got nothing for his pains.
"The engineer and fireman were both relieved of their watches. After the robbers left it was discovered that a number of ties were placed on the track a short distance ahead and as soon as these were removed the train proceeded. The holdup only occupied about twenty minutes.
“The authorities at Fennville were immediately notified, also Sheriff Stratton at Allegan, and a posse began a search for the desperadoes early Wednesday morning. The band undoubtedly separated after the perpretation of the robbery and their detection will be a difficult task.”Context
Filler material culled from back issues of local or regional newspapers by Commercial Record editor Bill Simmons in the 1950s.Collection
Transporation: Rail - other than Interurban, True crimeCataloged By
Winthers, SallyAcquisition
Accession
2021.67Acquisition Method
FoundLocation
Box
164 General local historyCondition
Notes
Placed in plastic sleeve to compartmentalize the acidic paper. Text has been OCR scanned. No recommendations to preserve the paper.Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Lake Shore Commercial Newspaper, Simmons, William "Bill" R. 1890/1-1966Create Date
October 25, 2021Update Date
April 24, 2024
