TERRE HAUTE —
Thomas C. Anderson, cashier at Shannon’s Bank, 324 Ohio St. in Terre Haute, was trustworthy and gregarious.
On Wednesday, Feb. 15, 1882, Anderson was the sole employee on duty between 12:30 and 1 p.m., while proprietor Patrick Shannon was taking a lunch break.
A genteel-looking stranger, heavyset with side whiskers, wearing well-pressed dark clothes and a black, stiff hat, approached Anderson’s desk and asked him about a real estate advertisement in Tuesday’s Terre Haute Express.
The inquiry involved lots at First and Linton streets and Second and Eagle streets owned by Rufus St. John, recently deceased. Those interested were directed to contact George Planet, a paper-hanger, at John Armstrong’s locksmith shop, 10 N. Third St.
The newcomer asked about the location and ownership of the real estate and the reputations of Mr. Planet and Mr. St. John. In the course of the conversation, Anderson stood next to the customer for a while with his back to the front door.
The two men were still talking when Shannon returned, entering the bank by unbolting the back door. As Anderson turned to greet Shannon, he saw a man going out the front door. He did not suspect anything, assuming the man had entered the bank and departed upon seeing Anderson engaged with another customer.
When Anderson went behind the counter to get his coat before departing for lunch, he made a discovery which caused him to yell, “The bank has been robbed!”
Three packages of paper money — each containing $500 of national bank notes — were missing.
Shannon, already under the pressure of an investigation regarding a loss of $2,000, excitedly grabbed the man with the newspaper and accused him of complicity. He also triggered the police alarm. The stranger, who gave his name as Benjamin H. Simmons of Chicago, was placed under arrest.
Downtown Terre Haute erupted with excitement as anxious crowds assembled in the area encircled by Third, Fifth, Ohio and Wabash – the loci of several banks and the Vigo County Court House, locally referred to as “Wall Street.”
An Express reporter wrote:
“It isn’t often that Terre Haute is treated to a genuine New York broad daylight robbery and Terre Hauteans consequently did not know what to make of it.”
One reporter matched the anxiety with what happened eight or ten years ago “when the Prairie City Bank was robbed of $1,800 while a parade of Barnum’s Circus was taking place.”
The man who stole the $1,500 was gone and Anderson, the only person who saw him, got only a fleeting glance of a small man with a dark mustache, wearing a stiff hat.
Simmons was taken to the Vigo County jail at the northeast corner of Water and Ohio streets. In his pockets were a gold watch, a receipt from the Terre Haute House for a valise and $971.25 in cash.
Simmons had registered at the hotel on Tuesday evening at the same time “G.H. Ashton” of St. Louis checked in. They were assigned Rooms 48 and 25 respectively. On Wednesday morning, “C.S. Hunt” of St. Louis and “J.W. Harris” of Boston registered. At their request, the registrants were assigned to Room 55.
There seemed to be no additional relationship among the men until shortly after 1 p.m., Wednesday, when either Hunt or Harris, after paying for Room 55, agreed to pay Ashton’s bill. The man also asked for the valise but, because he did not have a receipt, was denied.
Police Lt. Charles E. Vandever arrested a small, thick-set man with red Burnside whiskers named Charles S. Hunt on N. Seventh St. at about 2:30 p.m. after chasing him from Union Depot. The man, who carried $219 and a gold watch, said he was a professional gambler. Before the day ended, Simmons and Hunt were indicted for theft by a grand jury. Bail for each was set at $5,000.
Vandever learned that a few “unfamiliar men,” including Simmons, were seen walking around Wall Street Wednesday morning. Demas Deming, president of the First National Bank at 401 Wabash, saw Simmons peer into his window around noon.
The chase for men matching the descriptions of Harris and Ashton took Vandever by horse and buggy through Ellsworth (now North Terre Haute), Atherton, Clinton Locks, Clinton and Hillsdale. The men were never apprehended.
Simmons engaged Terre Haute attorney Thomas Harper to represent him. A week later, Harper convinced Special Judge Richard Dunnigan to reduce Simmons’ bond to $1,500 and Hunt’s to $1,000. Though the men declared they did not know each other, a man named John Haley of New York professed to be a friend of both and posted bonds for them.
On Friday, March 5, prosecuting attorney Albert J. Kelley and Lt. Vandever expressed concern about the status of the investigation.
“We have used all means in our power to find out who these men are, and to get the other men, but so far have failed to discover anything of importance about them,” Kelley told the Terre Haute Daily Express on March 5.
“We can’t find the stolen bank notes or anything but slim circumstantial evidence of a conspiracy,” he added. “And we can’t find that any of them have a criminal record.”
Attorney Harper acknowledged that the defendants paid Shannon’s Bank $1,500, the sum stolen. He also disclosed that he and lawyer Sidney B. Davis each received a $1,000 fee to defend them and expected the indictments to be quashed.
According to Harper, Simmons and Hunt were “sporting men” who “stopped over here on their way north after attending a prize fight in New Orleans. They claim not to know each other but the man Haley, who came from New York, knew them both.”
After about two months of daily newspaper coverage, the case soon faded from the front page. It may still be pending.
History
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: The 1882 theft at Patrick Shannon’s Bank
- History
-
-
Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
As another spring blossoms, it is time for another season of baseball to descend upon the city of Terre Haute.
-
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: George Lance dominates intercity golf rivalry in 1927
What was expected to be a close match between two Terre Haute golfers for the 1927 Indiana Amateur Golf championship turned out to be a cakewalk.
-
GENEALOGY: Follow ‘Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs’
I recently read an article called “Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs,” by Tamara Hemmerlein, Hoosier Heritage Alliance Coordinator for the Indiana Historical Society
-
LOOKING BACK: 1988: Teachers issued rubber gloves to use in management of blood, other body fluids
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
-
Historical Perspective: Wabash Valley is home to prominent comedy opera stars
Comic opera, a genre consisting of light hearted musicals, was introduced in Europe during the 17th century.
In the 19th century, several female vocalists from the Wabash Valley, earned national celebrity by using that art form to excel. -
Looking back: In 2003, Storm rips off half of Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof
A Saturday morning storm ripped off half of the Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof and caused heavy damage in Allendale. Wind gusts topping 60 miles an hour brought down power lines and trees throughout the county. Hail almost an inch thick and 1.5 inches of rain fell in less than an hour.
-
Abundance of shoe stores existed downtown
Spring to me means putting away heavy winter sweaters and bringing out fun lighter sundresses. It also means the possibility of shopping for a new dress or even new shoes.
-
Genalogy: Handwriting in 1700s-1800s Copperplate or English Round Hand
The primary style of old handwriting in the mid 1700s through the 1800s is sometimes called Copperplate or English Round Hand. This style of writing is much more recognizable and readable than the older Secretary Hand style discussed last week, and it is much less ornate as well.
-
The death of Irish Kate Preston
The lifeless body of Catherine Preston, commonly referred to as “Irish Kate,” was found Saturday morning, Oct. 5, 1895, on a sandbar at the western edge of the Wabash River wagon bridge.
-
Looking back: 2003: Sherertz sets nine-hole school record
Terre Haute North Vigo High School’s nine-hole record at Hulman Links was broken by golf team member Matt Sherertz who shot a 4-under-par 32 in a team-record win over Northview.
-
Historical perspectives: Railroads were models of innovation and growth in Haute
Railroads have played an important part in the building of our nation and in the history of Terre Haute. It is no small wonder that these amazing machines were turned into children’s toys, as well as models for the more mature train enthusiast.
-
‘Foreign’ letters to confuse a genealogist
Any serious family researcher will at some time or another encounter old documents in an older handwriting style that need to be read and deciphered.
-
1988: 700 teachers unite in protest
At least 700 teachers were absent from their Vigo County School Corp. schools as part of a job action to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations.
-
Genealogy: Vigo County Gold Star Honor Roll
FamilySearch International recently announced “the release of significant new enhancements to its web services that allow visitors to collaboratively build their family tree online, preserve and share precious family photos and stories, and receive personal research assistance–all for free.”
-
‘Far-sound’ rings in a new era
This week’s Historic Treasure is an invention that changed life, as we know it in a great way, the telephone.
-
Historical perspective: Venard: soldier in the War of 1812
His name was Stephen Venard. For more than 50 years he resided in Terre Haute, without fanfare, with his wife and a daughter. Much of that time was spent in the 400 block on N. First St.
-
Looking Back: 2003: Mark Cook brings blues home
Mark Cook returned to Terre Haute to play with fellow musicians in the Cook-N-Blues group at Brazil and Terre Haute.
-
Historical perspective: Attempted carriage-jacking thwarted
Nineteenth century newspapers covered several topics that might astonish current readers. For example, the front page of the Terre Haute Weekly Gazette on Nov. 16, 1878 – 135 years ago – reported on the bold attempt by four “villains” to rob two women riding in a carriage immediately west of the fairgrounds at Brown and Wabash avenues:
-
Genealogy: Dutchman seeks family of missing soldier
Query: I live in the Netherlands and recently I have adopted the name of American PFC Joseph P. Nelson at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten. He was killed in action on Dec. 5, 1944, and his name is on the Walls of the Missing.
-
Sewing Society keeps hospital in linen, supplies
When Tracy Pruitt came across a small box of old ledgers and receipt books recently, his first impulse was to throw it away. But he decided to sit down and examine its contents. In doing so, he discovered a story.
-
Looking Back: 1963: Officials prepare for disaster
City officials were studying survival plans in case of a natural disaster or attack by an enemy source. Gilbert Leonard was the director of Vigo County Defense.
-
Genealogy: Gold Star Honor Roll: Vigo County
This week continues with the Gold Star Honor Roll (those who died in WW I) from the Wabash Valley. The Vigo County list is long and will be run in three parts.
-
River boat models capture glory of former culture
In the River portion of the latest exhibit at the Vigo County Historical Society museum are two models of river paddle boats created by Alfred F. Nehf.
-
Historical perspective: Babe Holland: advocate for equality
Wherever Terre Haute native William Sylvester Holland roamed, he made an impact.
-
Historical Perspective: Terre Haute’s architectural heritage
Much more than is commonly recognized, Terre Haute has a rich and diverse legacy of landscapes designed by some of the nation’s most talented architects.
-
Genealogy: A search for names from broken stones
This week there is a query about an old cemetery in Parke County, that is believed to have been destroyed:
-
Hidden treasures: Laborers phased out by machines
Today’s historical treasure will intone to many people an early experience of practical labor. For others, this artifact might lack a contextual notion.
-
Looking back: 2003: Two men rob Terre Haute First National Bank
Two men robbed Terre Haute First National Bank’s banking center at Southland Plaza, South Seventh Street and Margaret Avenue. It was the first bank robbery in Terre Haute since November 2000.
-
Interurban makes city Crossroads of America
Electric transportation is not a new technology. With the arrival of the electric car we are reminded that electric technology has a long history in Terre Haute.
-
The tale of the Wabash River
On March 14, 1913, the Indiana General Assembly adopted “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away,” by Terre Haute native Paul Dresser, as Indiana’s state song.
- More History Headlines
-
Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
Coffee Run Leads to Hatchet Hitchhiker Arrest
Probe Begins After Conn. Commuter Trains Crash
NTSB Begins Investigation Into Conn. Train Crash
Conn. Commuter Trains Collide; 60 Go to Hospital
Lotto Fever Sweeps the Country
Fmr. IRS Head Insists No Politics in Targeting
Raw: Texas Gov. Flies Over Tornado Damage
NM Mom Chases Down Child Abductor
Raw: Driver Ejected From Truck, Over Bridge
CDC: Fecal Bacteria Common in Swimming Pools
Raw: Gun Scare Mars Cannes Film Festival
Raw: Obama Sits Down With Elementary Kids
Dying Man's Blinks Lead to Murder Conviction
Raw: Germany Protestors Picket Barbie House
China, Others Want What's Under the Arctic Ice
Raw: Crash Sends Car Into Fla. Pool
Raw: 6 Die in Russian Ship Fire
Ousted IRS Chief: Errors Not Caused by Politics
Raw: Suicide Bomber Kills 2 Americans, 13 Others
Officials Arrest Man in Idaho in Terrorism Case
Twiggy, the Water Skiing Squirrel
Sailor Surprises His Mom At Her CU Denver Graduation Ceremony
Official: ‘Amazing’ No One Was Killed In CT Train Crash
Coffee Stop Leads To Arrest Of YouTube Sensation Wanted For Murder
Bearded Dragon Reunited With Owner
Marine Reunited with Warzone Companion
Beyonce Is Pregnant!
SF baseball player overpaid $500,000 RETURNS money -- and team says KEEP IT
$1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest
Dad returns from Afghanistan, surprises family during Rays' first pitch
See Jennifer Lopez's New $10m Hamptons Mansion
Woman tricked into taking abortion pill
Emma Watson Goes Pantless
IRS scandal: Republicans seek to tie Obama to agency's woes
Play of the Day: Flipping to Safety
Pregnant Kim Kardashian Squeezes Her Swollen Feet Into Stilettos
Top Videos of the Week: Angry Taco Bell Guy, Glacier Moves on House, Dog Hates Baths
Cindy Crawford Stuns At Cannes
