James Lavender of Irwinton, Georgia, tries to elude his bondsmen but is found and dragged out. [more]

A special from Irwinton, Ga., September 12, says: At the April term of Wilkinson Superior Court James Lavender was indicted for shooting at another. Three gentlemen became bondsmen for him. About two months ago it was found he had disappeared. His bondsmen offered a reward for him, and detectives were soon upon his trail, and soon succeeded in settling the fact that he lodged at home, as he was seen to enter the house. The bondsmen were notified of this fact, and they secreted themselves near the house, saw him enter, followed close upon him and demanded admittance. After some delay, were admitted, and a thorough search was instituted, but no Lavender could be found. This was repeated two or three times, when at last on Saturday night last, they again saw him enter the house, and knew he was surely there. They resolved to find him if the ashes had to be sifted. In moving the furniture around, a small trunk was found to be very heavy, and suspicion fell upon this as being the hiding place of the prisoner, but how a man six feet tall could pack himself in so small a trunk was the question. The key was demanded, but Mrs. Lavender said the trunk belonged to her sister who lived three miles away. The party decided to send for the key and investigate contents. A messenger was dispatched for the key and the party sat down to await his return. Something could be heard inside the trunk as a man breathing. In due time the messenger arrived, the trunk was opened, and the imping six-foot Lavender was found coiled up the small trunk. He was brought here yesterday and lodged in jail to await trial in October.

Reprinted from National Police Gazette, October 1, 1887.

A gang of pickpockets go through an excursion train near Wabash, Ind. [more]

The excursion train from Goshen, Ind., on Wednesday night was raided by a gang of pickpockets, who inaugurated a reign of terror on the train. In one of the coaches reserved for ladies from Warsaw men climbed all over the seats, and it is estimated that fully two hundred people were jammed into the coach. Fights and brawls were frequent, during which the light-fingered gentry ton in their work, and whenever the trainmen rushed in to quell a disturbance the terrorized passengers would not dare to point out the thieves. The crooks, besides taking watches and pocketbooks, boldly stole checks out of passengers’ hats and rode on them. Several pistol shots were fired and one man was severely wounded. He was taken off the train at Warsaw. The ladies on the train screamed almost constantly and it is reported that several fainted.

Reprinted from National Police Gazette, November 3, 1888.