Atrocities & Crimes
Updated 05/29/2023
An atrocity is defined as being an extremely wicked or cruel act, often involving physical violence or injury. A crime is defined as an action or omission that constitutes an offense that may be prosecuted and is punishable by law. This webpage is dedicated to those acts or omissions which involved the Auburn-area and are not necessarily covered within other webpages in this site. Not all prior qualifying acts can feasibly be included within this page but those of historic interest will be included if possible. (NOTE: A separate webpage is also dedicated for acts of "Manslaughter or Murder" under the sub-category of "Fatalities").
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Date Unknown/Offender Unknown/Alphabetical by Headline:
"AUBURN BURGLARIES. Hotels Entered and Robbed of Their Liquid Contents. Petty burglaries are numerous at Auburn, and the citizens are devising means to entrap the thieves. A sense of insecurity pervades the town and shot guns are being brought into play to check these midnight raids on the private property of people. The vaults of J. W. Reber's Delmonico (Delmonica?) Hotel were robbed of several kegs of beer. The same gang removed a quantity of meat from the butchering establishment of G. M. Fry, a near neighbor of Mr. Reber's. (Reber). The hotel of Lewis Henry was also entered and brandies and other liquids on the bar disappeared with the robbers. Mr. Henry has suffered by these losses very frequently within the last two years, and although he has exercised a great deal of vigilance to apprehend the house breakers, they have always given him the slip." - An excerpt from a news article of an undated and unidentified source.
"AUBURN SHALE. Auburn, Aug. 10. Some miscreant, whose appetite for a good square coon lunch got the best of his honor, stole a sleek and fat coon from the stable of David Berger, during Wednesday night. The coon had just been caught last winter and was just large enough to tempt the appetite of an epicurean. Mr. Berger is looking for the miscreant with a big stick." - Undated and unidentified source.
"AUBURN SHALE. Auburn, June 2. Two young men of this borough were brought up before Squire A. K. Frederici for fast driving and brutally treating a horse which had been tied to a post in front of Hotel Auburn and which they had unloosened and were driving through the streets of the borough. Bail was secured for their further appearance at court." - Undated and unidentified source.
"Burglars at Auburn. - On Saturday night burglars broke into the flour and feed store of William Nagle, at Auburn. Mr. Nagle's store was burglarized once before, and in order to make his premises thereafter absolutely secure, he bought an expensive duplex lock warranted proof against the most expert lock-pickers. On Sunday morning, he found that his new lock had not only been picked, but the thieves had carried it off. What amount of provisions was stolen he was unable to say." - News excerpt from an undated and unidentified source.
"KICKED IN A ROW. - As the result of a street brawl at Auburn on Saturday evening Samuel Bailey, a prominent young man, of Hamburg, is lying dangerously ill at his home at that place and may not recover. He alleges that he was kicked and beaten by a crowd of Auburn toughs and he is feared to have sustained internal injuries especially of the abdomen. Warrants for the arrest of his assailants will be sworn out today." - Excerpt of a news article from an undated and unidentified source.
(NO HEADLINE) - "Samuel Neiswender, living one mile northeast of Auburn, found two bicycles in his corn field and restored them to their owners. The bikes were stolen about 11 o'clock p.m. at the Read Church Sunday school picnic. It is hoped that the parties who stole them will be apprehended and receive a punishment to fit the crime." - News excerpt from an undated and unidentified source.
Date Published Known/Offender Unknown/Chronological Order:
"A Wife's Poison Charge - Mrs. Lucy Reichert, of Brunswick township, Schuylkill county, testified before Squire Reed that her husband made two attempts to poison here (her). While residing in South Manheim township, she said her husband endeavored to harm her by administering coffee strongly tinctured with Paris green. In Brunswick township, Reichert, it is alleged, again tried to poison his wife, who had, she testified, the coffee grounds analyzed by a physician, who declared that they were impregnated with Paris green. Bail in the sum of $1000 furnished." - Reading Daily Eagle, July 15, 1878.
"AUBURN. DEC. 19. - At a party held in Schaner's Valley, near this place, windows were broken, the man of the house beaten, and revolver drawn, and actually pointed at several persons." - Reading Eagle, Dec. 19, 1879.
"AUBURN. JAN. 28. - On Sunday a turkey was stolen from the farm of D. Bartolett." - Reading Daily Eagle, Jan. 28, 1880.
"AUBURN. FEB. 5. - A buffalo skin was stolen from the wagon of Andrew Reber worth five dollars." - Reading Eagle, Feb. 5, 1880.
"Home News - Last week thieves entered the store of Joseph Fredirici (Frederici), at Auburn and carried off $50 worth of clothing and jewelry." - Schuylkill County Herald, Pinegrove, PA Friday, February 27, 1880. Volume 2, No. 9, Page 3.
"That Auburn Shooting Affair - On the morning of the 5th of July, between the hours of one and two o'clock, a shooting affair occurred in Auburn which is nearly equal to the proceedings of the "Jesse James gang". A ball was given on the night of July 4th at the Delmonico Hotel and everything passed on pleasantly and quietly until some time after twelve o'clock, and as everyone present had seemed to enjoy themselves they began to make preparations to go home, with the exception of four roughs, who entered the bar room just as the proprietor of the hotel was closing. They demanded drinks, and in the meantime one of the roughs hit the hanging lamp a blow with a club and while the proprietor was carrying out the lamp, which was in a blaze, they began to hit him across the head and abuse him. While outside they began firing with revolvers, in all about twelve shots, hitting him twice, one bullet entering his right breast and another causing a slight scalp wound. A transient boarder hearing the shots came out to see what was going on when he was followed by flying bullets, but fortunately he escaped with but one wound, the bullet grazing the skin of his left arm. They then returned to the house and began to fire through the transoms and screen doors, very nearly hitting a few scared women belonging to the house, and who had not retired yet. The damage otherwise done to the house is considerable. Several arrests have been made since the occurrence of the affair." Newspaper source unidentified but dated July ?, 1887.
"That Auburn Bridge. - Many people have remarked the dilapidated appearance of the county bridge spanning the Schuylkill river near Auburn. A Republican reporter has been informed that it was newly weather boarded some years ago and that many of the weather boards have been torn off and used for fencing by people living not a thousand miles from the bridge. If this is so it reflects not too well upon that vicinity as a law abiding place." - Unidentified newspaper source, dated 1888.
"Robbery at Auburn. - Thieves broke into the clothing store of Levi Shappell, at Auburn, and stole about $100 worth of clothing and hats. They gained entrance by prying open a shutter, cutting out a pane of glass and reaching in and unlocking the door. In going down to the water station from the store, where it is supposed they took a coal train, they dropped some of the clothing, which was found by William Sowers, a railroader, who brought it to the proprietor, which was his first information of the robbery. This is the third time he has been robbed since he occupied the store." - The Weekly Miners' Journal, Friday, July 5, 1889.
Kershner, Emil (12/1865 - circa 01/1896) - "Found Dead in His Cabin with a Bullet in His Breast - - His Fellow Boatman Taken into Custody. - Auburn: The funeral of Emil Kershner took place from the residence of Geo. Mease. Deceased was 31 years and 4 days old, was engaged in boating on the Schuylkill (River) and made a trip to Reading (PA) and New Jersey. It is said he had considerable money just then. He was not seen about his boat and an investigation followed. He was found dead in his cabin with a bullet hole in his right breast and a revolver lying on the floor. It is suspected that his comrade performed the deed. He was taken into custody at that place...Interment in the old cemetery." - The Reading Eagle, Reading, PA Saturday, January 4, 1896 page 4.
(Note: The "old cemetery" would be the original Auburn Cemetery located adjacent to Mill Street, Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA; however, there is no physical evidence, nor burial or church records, nor listing on the website findagrave.com to support this information.)
(Note: The "old cemetery" would be the original Auburn Cemetery located adjacent to Mill Street, Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA; however, there is no physical evidence, nor burial or church records, nor listing on the website findagrave.com to support this information.)
"Hosiery Mill Robbed. 23 Dozen Half Hose Stolen. - Auburn: When Walter Berger entered the hosiery mill of Faust and Diefenderfer, at 5:55 a.m., he found the front door open. Directly he saw 2 men escaping through the rear door not having any plunder with them, but in examining the stock it was discovered that 23 dozen of fast black half hose, weighing about 200 pounds, are missing. No doubt the burglars made several trips to the mill, having a team handy for loading their booty. The only tool left behind is a home-made blacksmith chisel. The proprietors have put detectives to work. The mill suspended operations for today, owing to a steam pipe bursting." - Reading Eagle, circa 1896.
"STILL LOOKING FOR THE SOLDIER BOY SWINDLER - There are quite a number of residents of Schuylkill Haven still looking for the soldier boy swindler who prior to Christmas time pulled a good one over on a number of housewives. As stated in these columns before, the fellow claimed that he was from Pottsville. He said he was to receive a car of foodstuff from the government and that the articles could be delivered in Schuylkill Haven on certain specific dates. He offered different kinds of groceries at attractive prices. Most people felt ashamed to turn down the fellow because he wore a soldier's uniform and claimed to have been in the 28th Division and mentioned a number of other soldiers who were in the Division. The requirement in obtaining the groceries at special was that a portion of the bill had to be paid in advance. A number of people refused to do this but most persons did so and they have been looking for both their groceries and the fellow ever since. Officer Butz and the State Police have also been looking for the fellow who is said to have pulled the same trick on Cressona, Hamburg and Auburn people." - The Call of January 30, 1920
Offender(s) Surname(s)/Alphabetical Listing:
Entries will be listed alphabetically by the offender(s) surname then first name if known.
Anson, William; Dolan, John; Eckert, Jesse; and Wright, George - "John Dolan, George Wright, Jesse Eckert and William Anson, were arrested on Tuesday, at Auburn, for stealing rides on coal trains, by a coal and iron company officer, and committed to Pottsville Jail." - Reading Eagle circa 1884.
Bace, A. K. - "Squire Bace Arrested. - John B. Dissinger, of Auburn, entered a prosecution Tuesday before Squire Reed, against Justice of the Peace A. K. Bace, of Auburn, whom he charged with assault and battery. Squire Bace entered bail before Squire Frederici, of Auburn, in the sum of $300 for his appearance." - Weekly Miners' Journal, Friday, August 30, 1889.
Barrett, Michael - "Larkin and Barrett Guilty. Peter Larkin and Michael Barrett, of Lost Creek, were found guilty in Judge Marr's court, of a charge of breaking and entering a bunk care used by Italians employed in the repair gang of the P. & R. Railway Co., and stealing therefrom some handkerchiefs, razors, watch cases, chains, gloves and shears. The theft was committed on the afternoon of April 4th last, while the car was side-tracked at Auburn, and while the men occupying it were away working. Several witnesses testified to having seen the defendants at Auburn that day, and Levi Berger testified to having seen them on the bunk car. The defendants were arrested before they had left the village, but not, however, until they had returned after having taken a ride up the road a piece on a coal train. None of the stolen articles..." - Undated and unidentified news article source.
Bittner, Alexander - "FUGITIVE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ASYLUM INMATE ASKS FORTUNE. Alexander Bittner, Missing From Schuylkill Haven Hospital for Year, Mails His Demand To State Treasurer As Per "Agreement" He Made With Superintendent Bowers. Alexander Bittner, of New York, will be a wealthy man if the state of Pennsylvania pays him what he says is coming to him. State Treasurer Samuel S. Lewis has received from him a post card on which he demands the payment of $100,000,000 a month from September 24, 1925 to October 19, 1927 "as per agreement between Walter G. Bowers, superintendent of the Hospital for the Insane of Schuylkill and myself. Please make payment at National City Bank of New York" Bittner requests."
"Bittner was committed by the Schuylkill courts several years ago after an attempt to kidnap a six-year-old girl, of Auburn, his plea being that he was engaged to marry her having bought an engagement ring for her." - Excerpts from a news article printed in the Pottsville (Miners) Journal, November 2, 1927.
"Bittner was committed by the Schuylkill courts several years ago after an attempt to kidnap a six-year-old girl, of Auburn, his plea being that he was engaged to marry her having bought an engagement ring for her." - Excerpts from a news article printed in the Pottsville (Miners) Journal, November 2, 1927.
Christ, Ida - "BETRAYED, THEN DEATH - IDA CHRIST KILLS HER CHILD AND THEN HERSELF. A FRACKVILLE TRAGEDY. The Unfortunate Woman Tries to Hide Her Shame, But Her Sin Finds Her Out. - Ida Christ, of Frackville, driven to remorse after her sin had bound her out, committed suicide by strangling herself at the home of her uncle, David Christ, early yesterday morning. Ida was about 22 years of age. She was a light-hearted girl and a favorite among her companions. She was an orphan, and formerly lived at Auburn with her brother, William, an undertaker. Her brother Charles lives at Frackville. On Tuesday afternoon the girl gave birth to a male child in an outhouse. She tried to hide her shame by throwing the babe into a cesspool and covering it over with dirt. A neighbor suspected that she had committed the horrible deed, and the next morning Chief Burgess Douden was notified. That official made an investigation and found the dead body of the babe. Deputy Coronor Enterline was notified at once, and a jury composed of the following was empaneled: Abraham Taylor, William Sanner, Edward Dauden, Joseph Seaman and Joseph Duff. The girl at first denied her guilt, but later confessed. She was at once placed under arrest, but owing to her delicate condition she was allowed to remain at her uncle's home until such a time as she could be given a hearing before a magistrate. Early yesterday morning the family of Mr. Christ were aroused from their slumbers by the noise of a heavy object falling upon the dining room floor. An investigation of the cause led to the discovery of the girl dead upon the floor. Around her neck, bound very tightly, was a narrow strip of muslin that cut into the flesh. The unfortunate girl had stealthily left her room and deliberately ended her life by strangling herself. It is supposed she wet the muslin before tightening it around her neck and then threw herself upon a lounge. It was while writhing in the throes of death that her body fell to the floor, thus alarming the family. The remains were taken to Auburn over the Pennsylvania road, where they will be interred. Harry Faust, of Reading, whom the girl charged as author of her ruin, is now being looked for by the officers of the law. A warrant has been issued for his arrest by Chief Burgess Douden. An inquest was held over the body of the child, but a verdict will not be returned until Faust is heard from. Thomas Christ, the father of the girl, was swallowed up in a mine breach about nine years ago while working as a repairsman near Lost Creek. His body was never recovered. Her uncle, David Christ, is employed as a watchman at the Lawrence colliery, and Ida kept house for him." - News article from an undated and unidentified source.
Dolan, John - See "Anson, William..."
Donahue, James - "AN INNOCENT MAN. - Tuesday's Journal says: At the June term of the criminal court in 1878, James Donahue, a young man of Mt. Carbon, was tried for receiving stolen goods, stealing chickens, robbing Frederick Ritzel's store at Auburn, and stealing a quantity of eatables from the cellar of a farm house near Auburn. Donahue was found guilty of the four charges, and sentenced on June 28, 1878, to serve one year for robbing the store, one year for stealing the eatables and three months for each of the other cases, making in all two years and six months. Donahue admitted that he had, with three companions, stolen something to eat from the house; but denied his guilt in the other cases. His companions testified that he was innocent; but on the testimony of a half-witted fellow, named George Rice, he was convicted and sentenced as stated above. Donahue has been in jail ever since and has never lost an opportunity to protest his innocence. For several months no attention was paid to his story, but finally some persons, who were struck by his pertinacity, investigated the matter and it was discovered that he is really suffering imprisonment for crimes he never committed. George Rice, the man on whose testimony Donahue was convicted, now states he mistook Donahue for another man who was the guilty person. Rice has made an affidavit before Justice Fernsler to the effect that Donahue is innocent. Rice stated that he heard Ritzel say he would give $100 if Donahue was convicted, and desiring to earn that amount he had testified without adhering to the facts in the case and Donahue was convicted. Ritzel, however did not give Rice the $100, so he made a clean breast of the matter and declared Donahue was not guilty of the crimes he was charged with. Donahue's case is now in the hands of J. F. Grady, who will carry it before the board of pardons. It is expected that Donahue's application for pardon will be supported by recommendations from the judges and district attorney." - Schuylkill County Herald, Pinegrove, PA Friday, March 19, 1880. Volume 2, No. 12, Page 2.
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914 Days in Jail - James Donohue was discharged from jail Wednesday after spending two years and six months in that institution. He was convicted of stealing goods from a store in Auburn and sentenced to one year and six months, and one year in jail on two indictments. After he had been in jail for some time a man named Geo. Rice called at the prison and stated that he had been promised $100 if he would testify to Donohue's guilt in one of the cases. He so testified and not receiving the promised reward concluded to tell the authorities he had perjured himself. As Donnohue, who had been a canal boatman, had no money and seemed to have no friends, the matter was worked up and he served his term. Rice is now in jail himself." - News excerpt from an undated and unidentified source believed to have been published circa 1880.
NOTE: While Donohue himself admitted to having stolen food from a house, he was wrongfully convicted of the other crimes; yet in a gross miscarriage of justice in Schuylkill County, even though the sole witness to the crime recanted his testimony, admitted to perjuring himself and was himself imprisoned for that perjury, Donohue was kept in jail to serve the remaining term of his wrongful imprisonment based on such "deciding factors" as he was a "canal boatman", "had no money" and "seemed to have no friends".
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914 Days in Jail - James Donohue was discharged from jail Wednesday after spending two years and six months in that institution. He was convicted of stealing goods from a store in Auburn and sentenced to one year and six months, and one year in jail on two indictments. After he had been in jail for some time a man named Geo. Rice called at the prison and stated that he had been promised $100 if he would testify to Donohue's guilt in one of the cases. He so testified and not receiving the promised reward concluded to tell the authorities he had perjured himself. As Donnohue, who had been a canal boatman, had no money and seemed to have no friends, the matter was worked up and he served his term. Rice is now in jail himself." - News excerpt from an undated and unidentified source believed to have been published circa 1880.
NOTE: While Donohue himself admitted to having stolen food from a house, he was wrongfully convicted of the other crimes; yet in a gross miscarriage of justice in Schuylkill County, even though the sole witness to the crime recanted his testimony, admitted to perjuring himself and was himself imprisoned for that perjury, Donohue was kept in jail to serve the remaining term of his wrongful imprisonment based on such "deciding factors" as he was a "canal boatman", "had no money" and "seemed to have no friends".
Duffert, W. H. - "The Jail Docket. W. H. Duffert was sent to jail by Squire Bace, of Auburn, on the charge of indecent exposure." - The Weekly Miners' Journal, Friday, July 13, 1886.
Eckert, Jesse - See "Anson, William..."
Hurley, James - "ACCIDENT TO P. & R. TRAIN. The Passengers Jostled and Terribly Frightened. - The passenger train which passes through Reading at 6:15 p.m. on its way from Philadelphia to Pottsville met with an accident at Auburn last evening. A misplaced switch caused it to run off the main track to the siding, where four cars jumped off the track and ran against some coal cars. The noise and the jostling greatly alarmed the passengers, and the women screamed. The steps of the passenger car were broken off and two of the cars were thrown off the trucks and the trucks were broken. Fortunately the passengers escaped without any being hurt, barring a few slight bruises. A newsboy in the baggage car was hurt quite severely. The accident blocked the up track, which had not yet been cleared when the 7:45 p.m. passenger train came along, and the wreck was passed by switching over and going up on the down track. Later advices give the following additional particulars of the accident: The train, which was in charge of Conductor Boone, and drawn by an engine driven by Squire Lufkins, had an uneventful run from the city, and a few minutes after & was running at about twenty miles an hour, being then only a quarter of a mile from Auburn Station. Suddenly the engine jumped the track, owning to a misplaced switch, at some sidings. Lufkins was thrown violently upon his back but quickly comprehending the situation he sprang up and applied the air-brakes. The engine regained the track of the siding and breaking from the train, continued on, running into a freight train and smashing the cow-catcher. Lufkins jumped off, but his fireman remained at his post. The first four cars were thrown from the track and from their trucks, the end of the mail car being hurled against some empty coal cars on the second siding. The rear of the baggage car and the front of the mail car were badly wrecked, and the railings of the other t ow cars were broken. The four cars were thrown in to a sort of zigzag shape across the track. The rest of the cars were thrown partially off the track. For a while the terror of the situation was indescribably (indescribable). The shock of the bumping and jolting was the first intimation that anything had gone wrong. The ladies screamed and moaned in their terror, and for some minutes the confusion was very great. James Walker, who was in the mail car, was cut in the head; Mrs. Acorn, wife of the former Primitive Method minister, had her hand forced through the glass of the window and cut and lost her pocketbook, and Mrs. Jno. P. Bertram lost a pocketbook." - The Reading Eagle, September 24, 1878.
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"James Hurley, charged with wrecking a passenger train at Auburn some months ago, has been released from jail at Pottsville, as he seemed to be insane. The man had, when arrested, the reputation of being weak-minded." - Reading Eagle, January 15, 1879.
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"James Hurley, the Auburn train-wrecker, having given evidence of insanity since his arrest, was released on Monday by order of District Attorney Schalck. (Book 1, page 28)." - Schuylkill County Herald of 1879.
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"James Hurley, charged with wrecking a passenger train at Auburn some months ago, has been released from jail at Pottsville, as he seemed to be insane. The man had, when arrested, the reputation of being weak-minded." - Reading Eagle, January 15, 1879.
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"James Hurley, the Auburn train-wrecker, having given evidence of insanity since his arrest, was released on Monday by order of District Attorney Schalck. (Book 1, page 28)." - Schuylkill County Herald of 1879.
Kanter, Mary - "LOCAL WOMAN SERIOUSLY CHARGED - Mrs. Mary Kantner, of Number 32 William Street, waived a hearing before Alderman Freiler of Pottsville and entered bail in the sum of $2,000 for her appearance at the September term of criminal court. Mrs. Kantner was arrested by C. A. Davies of the State Police force, on a charge of malpractice, it being alleged that Mrs. Kantner performed an illegal operation upon Mrs. Alice Strouse, aged thirty-seven of Auburn. The latter died at her home in Auburn on the twenty seventh day of June last. A coroner's jury found that Mrs. Strouse came to her death by reason of an abortion performed upon her by Mrs. Kantner of Schuylkill Haven, to whom she was taken by a man unknown to the coroner's jury. The penalty in case of conviction for abortion is a fine not to exceed $500 and seven years at separate and solitary confinement at hard labor. It is alleged that the man in the case is a local resident." - The Call of July 13, 1917
Koons, William - "WANTED TO SHOOT UP THE TOWN - William Koons, aged 22 years, giving his residence as Yorkville, endeavored to shoot up the town Saturday night and got himself into all kinds of trouble with the local authorities. Armed with a revolver he invited a number of bystanders to fight him. A tussle followed but Koons escaped. Officer Butz was informed of the matter and went in search of him. Koons pulled his gun on Officer Butz but was unable to scare the officer and in a short time found himself disarmed and manacled to that officer by a strong pair of knippers. Koons spent the night in the borough coupe. He was given a hearing before Squire Moyer and sent to jail on the charge of carrying and pointing concealed weapons. It is said Koons at one time resided in Auburn. The officers state he has been in the toils of the law on previous occasions and is a bad man. He will be given a hearing at the January term of criminal court. The jail term for this offense is anywhere from three to six months to two years." - The Call of November 28, 1913
Lamb, Charles - "Costs on Defendants. Claude Mengel and Chas. Lamb were acquitted, in Judge Marr's court, of a charge of a. and b. (assault and battery), preferred by Mauro Celantuourno (Editor's note: name partially illegible in source article), but were directed to pay the costs. The trouble occurred at Auburn. The jury retired at the adjournment of court Friday evening and brought in a sealed verdict Saturday morning." - Undated and unidentified news article source.
Larkin, Peter - "Larkin and Barrett Guilty. Peter Larkin and Michael Barrett, of Lost Creek, were found guilty in Judge Marr's court, of a charge of breaking and entering a bunk care used by Italians employed in the repair gang of the P. & R. Railway Co., and stealing therefrom some handkerchiefs, razors, watch cases, chains, gloves and shears. The theft was committed on the afternoon of April 4th last, while the car was side-tracked at Auburn, and while the men occupying it were away working. Several witnesses testified to having seen the defendants at Auburn that day, and Levi Berger testified to having seen them on the bunk car. The defendants were arrested before they had left the village, but not, however, until they had returned after having taken a ride up the road a piece on a coal train. None of the stolen articles..." - Undated and unidentified news article source.
Mengel, Claude - "Costs on Defendants. Claude Mengel and Chas. Lamb were acquitted, in Judge Marr's court, of a charge of a. and b. (assault and battery), preferred by Mauro Celantuourno (Editor's note: name partially illegible in source article), but were directed to pay the costs. The trouble occurred at Auburn. The jury retired at the adjournment of court Friday evening and brought in a sealed verdict Saturday morning." - Undated and unidentified news article source.
Mengel, Jonathan - "TAKEN TO THE ASYLUM - The oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Mengel, about 2 miles south of town was removed to the state asylum at Harrisburg by county officials. The boy was kept in a store box from childhood. Some time ago the "Eagle" contained a full description of him." - Reading Eagle, February 12, 1896.
Moyer, Joseph - "Illegal Car Riders. Notwithstanding the railroad company are determined to put a stop to the practice of stealing rides upon coal trains, by the arrest of every one caught thus violating the law, there is a class of people that persist in running the risk, hoping by good luck to evade the officers. The latest violators of the law, who now languish in jail for their smartness, are Joseph Moyer and Bright Saylor, of town, who were arrested at Auburn, Monday morning, by officers Boone, Kern and Burgert. They were commited by Justice Reed." - The Weekly Miners' Journal, Friday, February 29, 1884.
OBrien, Tim - Special to the Miners' Journal. Tamaqua, Aug. 12. - Ten tramps were arrested today for drunkenness and disorderly conduct in the eastern portion of the town. Their names were John Wilson, Philadelphia; Harry Coleman, Scranton; George Wilson, South Bethlehem; Tim O'Brien, Auburn; Edward Mullen, Catassqua; Joseph McGee, Philadelphia; James Mullen, Easton; James McDonald, Oil City; John Douglass, Sunbury and James Brynan, Phoenixville. Brynan is an expert counterfeiter and sharper (Editor's note: a "sharper" is a slang term for a swindler or cheat at cards) and has served a term of two and a half years for counterfeiting. The others, while not quite so hardened are either desperate or worthless characters and were arrested only after considerable trouble.
The gang was discovered about noon today raising cain (Cain) over a keg of beer. Some time previous they had made an onslaught on a beer wagon that passed along the road and, knocking in the bung, soon drank the most of the beer. Shortly after that Officers Merget, Rimbold and Walter swooped down upon them and after considerable trouble headed them for the station house. When they reached the corner of Centre street, the two in Merget's charge made a dash for liberty, but the latter pluckily gave chase, drawing his revolver as he ran. Merget fired twice to frighten them, and finally hurled his revolver at the runners, striking one of them on the back of the head with terrific force. (Editor's note: Certainly not a law-enforcement tactic which would be approved of today..."so then I threw my loaded gun as the perpetrators..." "Wait! You did WHAT???") They were then recaptured and run in.
Brynan and John Wilson were put in Cell No. 1 together. About 3 o'clock the officers returned to the station house and discovered the two men in the corridor. They had torn up the floor of their cell and descended into the cellar, making their way from there upstairs. (Editor's note: This crime, arrest and detention sounds like a possible script for the Keystone Kops...) A number of extra guards will be kept on duty tonight to prevent any further demonstrations. Tomorrow morning Brynan, Wilson and Douglas will be sent to Pottsville, the two former to stand trial, the latter for six days. The remaining seven were all given forty-eight hours here." - An undated and unidentified news article source.
The gang was discovered about noon today raising cain (Cain) over a keg of beer. Some time previous they had made an onslaught on a beer wagon that passed along the road and, knocking in the bung, soon drank the most of the beer. Shortly after that Officers Merget, Rimbold and Walter swooped down upon them and after considerable trouble headed them for the station house. When they reached the corner of Centre street, the two in Merget's charge made a dash for liberty, but the latter pluckily gave chase, drawing his revolver as he ran. Merget fired twice to frighten them, and finally hurled his revolver at the runners, striking one of them on the back of the head with terrific force. (Editor's note: Certainly not a law-enforcement tactic which would be approved of today..."so then I threw my loaded gun as the perpetrators..." "Wait! You did WHAT???") They were then recaptured and run in.
Brynan and John Wilson were put in Cell No. 1 together. About 3 o'clock the officers returned to the station house and discovered the two men in the corridor. They had torn up the floor of their cell and descended into the cellar, making their way from there upstairs. (Editor's note: This crime, arrest and detention sounds like a possible script for the Keystone Kops...) A number of extra guards will be kept on duty tonight to prevent any further demonstrations. Tomorrow morning Brynan, Wilson and Douglas will be sent to Pottsville, the two former to stand trial, the latter for six days. The remaining seven were all given forty-eight hours here." - An undated and unidentified news article source.
Orlando, Frank - "ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO RAPE - Frank Orlando, residing near Auburn, employed as track walker for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, was arrested by Officer Butz and given a hearing before Squire Moyer Tuesday afternoon on the charge of assault with intent to rape. It was stated that Orlando attacked the daughter of Robert Reichert below the tunnel. That he threw the girl to the ground and tore her clothing and later offered her five dollars. Orlando denied the charge stating that he ordered the girl off the tracks and when she refused, he pushed her off. In default of bail Orlando was committed to jail for trial at the May term of court." - The Call of May 2, 1919
Reschell, Amelia - "The Coal Thieves Still Locked Up. - READING, Nov. 13. - The Port Clinton people who were arrested on the charge of stealing coal, are still locked up, being unable to secure bail. Mrs. W. N. Heckman, one of the women, is about fifty-eight years of age, and is the mother of sixteen children, eight of whom are still living, two being of tender age. Amelia Reschell, another one of the prisoners, is about thirty-five years of age and has about six children, one of them being a baby about eight months old. Mrs. Reschell formerly resided in Auburn, and moved to Port Clinton about two weeks since. She is very poor and a window, her husband having died at Auburn recently. The colored woman (Heckman?) is single and was arrested before, charged with keeping a disorderly house in the upper part of the county, above Hamburg." - News excerpt from an undated and unidentified news source but believed to have been possibly from the Miners' Journal circa 1890.
Runkle, Al - "AL RUNKLE ARRESTED - Albert F. Runkle, who was for a number of years yard master at Mine Hill crossing and who it will be remembered, left town suddenly about four months ago, was arrested at Buffalo last Friday evening. The whereabouts of Mr. Runkle have been known since the sixth of December. When he left, town he went direct to Buffalo where he was engaged in attending switches on the L. V. R. R. He remained there until about two weeks ago, when he accepted a position as night clerk at the largest hotel in Buffalo. After being at Buffalo about two weeks he was joined by a woman from Pottsville, whom he was living with when arrested. He was arrested by one of the detectives of Buffalo while at work in the hotel in the evening. The charge against him is non-support and not adultery as has been elsewhere stated. Mrs. Runkle was accompanied by her aunt, Mrs. Kate Jacobs, and Daniel Fister, a P and R detective. They left here February 14th and went direct to Buffalo, where they found Runkle and wife number two living together. He was arrested and is now in jail in Buffalo under $300 bail. The saddest circumstance connected with this affair is that Runkle left behind a faithful and industrious wife. She was formerly Miss Kate Shultz of Auburn and has been a resident of our town for a number of years." - The Call of February 24, 1900
Saylor, Bright - "Illegal Car Riders. Notwithstanding the railroad company are determined to put a stop to the practice of stealing rides upon coal trains, by the arrest of every one caught thus violating the law, there is a class of people that persist in running the risk, hoping by good luck to evade the officers. The latest violators of the law, who now languish in jail for their smartness, are Joseph Moyer and Bright Saylor, of town, who were arrested at Auburn, Monday morning, by officers Boone, Kern and Burgert. They were committed by Justice Reed." - The Weekly Miners' Journal, Friday, February 29, 1884.
Staller, William H. - "YOUNG AUBURN MEN ARRESTED HERE - J. R. Wildermuth and William H. Staller, two young men of Auburn, were arrested here on Tuesday evening by Coal and Iron Policeman D. L. Jenkins, of Pottsville, on a charge of having damaged some P and R Railroad property. The accused young men had come to this place on that evening on the train which arrives here at 5:26 o'clock. After alighting here, the conductor who had experienced considerable trouble in collecting the young men's fares, discovered that a long piece of plush, about eighteen inches square, had been cut out of one of the car seats and the young men, who were under the influence of liquor and were the only occupants of the car were suspected of having committed the mischief. The authorities were notified and the arrests followed. They are held under $300 bail to appear at the January term of court." - The Call of December 21, 1900
Steffe, Daniel* - "While Louis Reber, baker, this place (Auburn), was on his way home in the evening, from a trip, a man jumped out from behind a bank at a lonely place, about 2 miles west of town. As usual, Mr. Reber drives at a good gait and the speed of the team knocked the man down as he was about to grab the horses. Upon investigation, it proved to be Daniel Steffe, living about 2 1/2 miles west of town. Subsequently Steffe assaulted A. Z. Mohn, proprietor of the Jefferson Hotel, and also broke a lot of furniture. Mr. Mohn had him arrested and Steffe is lodged in jail awaiting trial." - Reading Eagle, circa 1896.
Steffee, Daniel* - "Other News - Daniel Steffee was committed to jail by Squire Webber, of South Manheim, in default of $300 bail, charged on oath of Allen C. Mohn, with assault and battery." - The Reading Eagle, January 2, 1896
Steffy, Daniel* - "WOMAN SEEKS SHELTER AT ALMSHOUSE - Margaret Steffy and six children are being cared for at the Almshouse in Schuylkill Haven after having her husband, Daniel Steffy, arrested on a warrant issued by Squire Martin charging him with assault and battery. He waived a hearing before Squire Frederici, of Auburn, and entered the bail in the sum of $500 for court. Mrs. Steffy gave a story to the Squire that she is the mother of six children and several months ago the husband threatened to kill her and attempted to carry out his threat with a shotgun but missed. On several occasions, she says, he beat her, and the other day the climax was reached, when he told her to get back from market at a certain hour or he would repeat the dose. The woman, being unable to do so, left with the six children and went to the Almshouse for protection." - Reading Times, August 17, 1914.
*NOTE: While it is uncertain whether Daniel Steffe, Daniel Steffee & Daniel Steffy are all the same individual, the events occurred within an eighteen year time span so the likelihood of this being the same person is definitely possible.
*NOTE: While it is uncertain whether Daniel Steffe, Daniel Steffee & Daniel Steffy are all the same individual, the events occurred within an eighteen year time span so the likelihood of this being the same person is definitely possible.
Steffe, William* - "CRIMINAL CASE SETTLED. - The case in which Wm. Steffe, of Auburn, was charged with assault and battery by his wife, was settled yesterday upon payment of the costs." - Excerpt from an undated and unidentified news article source.
Steffy, William* - AUBURN SHALE: "Mrs. Wm. Steffy, living on Bear Creek street, has entered suit against her husband, who last Tuesday beat her most brutally, so that at one time it was feared that the one eye was destroyed. Steffy was waited upon by Capt. Reppard (Reppert) and in default of bail, he was given transportation to the castle on the hill (Pottsville's jailhouse), in Pottsville. Mrs. Steffy is under the doctor's care." - Excerpt from an undated and unidentified news article source.
*NOTE: While it is uncertain whether William Steffe & William Steffy are the same individual, the events detailed in the articles suggest the likelihood of this being the same person is very probable.
*NOTE: While it is uncertain whether William Steffe & William Steffy are the same individual, the events detailed in the articles suggest the likelihood of this being the same person is very probable.
The Steffes (or Steffys) - William and Daniel: While the newspaper articles listed above regarding Daniel Steffe, Daniel Steffy, William Steffe and William Steffy do not positively identify these highly abusive and abhorrent individuals beyond any reasonable doubt, both individuals are documented as being affiliated with Auburn, with Daniel's pathetic criminal behavior having spanned at least from 1896 until at least 1914, and possibly much earlier and much later. A Daniel Oliver Steffy was born in Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA, in 1872, and he died in, and was interred within, Schuylkill County in 1948. He had a brother, William Henry Steffy, who was born in Auburn in 1877 and died in Schuylkill County, and was interred within the Auburn Cemetery, Mill Street, Auburn. William was confirmed to have owned and operated a barroom out of his residence located on Bear Creek Street...the same street mentioned on one of the aforementioned articles. Their parents were Samuel Steffy and Louise Miller Steffy. The likelihood of these two individuals being the same ones mentioned within the articles posted here are highly probable. One would have to wonder if the irrationally violent siblings were abusive to their spouses (and others) as a result of having been raised in a potentially violent household, and as such, are repeating a pattern of abuse they observed. The Auburn Area Historical Society is highly critical of, and denounces, any form of emotional, mental or physical abuse of any human being (or even animals) as there is no justification for such cowardly and despicable acitons.
Ulhorn, Otto - "Otto Ulhorn's Case. An order of court was issued yesterday directing the Sheriff to remove Otto Ulhorn from the county prison to the Insane Department at the Schuylkill County Almshouse, where he will be kept until his case is called for trial. The prisoner is the watchmaker from Auburn, who beat his wife while temporarily insane. He carries on in such a manner in jail that his removal is necessary. A short time before he was taken to the Almshouse he kicked a window light to pieces." - Excerpt of a news article from an undated and unidentified source circa 1890.
Wenrich, William - "LANDED AT LAST - After being on his trail for several weeks, Officer John Butz finally landed William Wenrich of Jefferson near Auburn and placed him behind the bars in the county prison. Wenrich has been guilty of putting all kinds of tricks across on the people of this vicinity, short change, collecting money for goods that he never delivered, horse stealing, entering into contracts that he never intended to fulfill and swindling in almost every shape and form. Some time ago baker George Ehly was duped for five dollars by Wenrich on the plea that he was the son of Frank Reber and had left for market without his change and asked that Mr. Ehly loan him change in order to do business. A phone message was also sent to Mr. Ehly concerning the matter, presumably by Wenrich. At Hotel Grand he met a local painter. He represented himself as a prosperous farmer, inquired the rates for painting, etc., and made a contract with the local painter, Morris Kline, to have his house painted. He then asked for a loan of several dollars because he was short and on the strength of the contract the request was granted. That was the last of Wenrich. Many other tricks pulled on local residents could be given. Wenrich was given a hearing before squire W. C. Kline and was held under $500 bail and on default of the same was placed in the county pen to await trial at the next session of criminal court." - The Call of February 6, 1914
Wildermuth, Edward - "COMMITTED TO PRISON - Squire Frederici, of Auburn, committed Edward Wildermuth to prison on a charge of burglary, preferred by Charles Kauffman." - Excerpt of a news article from an undated and unidentified source.
Wildermuth, J. R. - "YOUNG AUBURN MEN ARRESTED HERE - J. R. Wildermuth and William H. Staller, two young men of Auburn, were arrested here on Tuesday evening by Coal and Iron Policeman D. L. Jenkins, of Pottsville, on a charge of having damaged some P and R Railroad property. The accused young men had come to this place on that evening on the train which arrives here at 5:26 o'clock. After alighting here, the conductor who had experienced considerable trouble in collecting the young men's fares, discovered that a long piece of plush, about eighteen inches square, had been cut out of one of the car seats and the young men, who were under the influence of liquor and were the only occupants of the car were suspected of having committed the mischief. The authorities were notified and the arrests followed. They are held under $300 bail to appear at the January term of court." - The Call of December 21, 1900
(Note: The website findagrave.com has no listing for anyone with the initials "J. R." and the surname of Wildermuth as having been interred anywhere within Pennsylvania.)
(Note: The website findagrave.com has no listing for anyone with the initials "J. R." and the surname of Wildermuth as having been interred anywhere within Pennsylvania.)
Wright, George - See "Anson, William..."