Historic Newspapers: Search Results

THE DAILY JOURNAL, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, Sept. 2, 1891

• Cotopaxi train robbery - Colorado
• Denver & Rio Grande railroad
• Royal Gorge - Arkansas River

The front page has a half column report headed: "DARING TRAIN ROBBERS" "Seven Masked Men Stop an Express and Overpower the Messenger" "They Get Off With $3,600" "The Fight Was Likely While It Lasted, and a Posse with Bloodhounds Is After the Thieves with Orders to Take Them Dead or Alive". The report offers much detail.
The 1891 Cotopaxi train

NEW YORK TIMES, Jan. 17, 1874

• Arkansas stagecoach robbery - holdup
• Jesse James & Younger gang ? - outlaws

The front page includes: "Stage Robbery by Masked Highwaymen" being a brief report from Little Rock, Arkansas. Through research, this particular robbery may have been one of the very first stagecoach holdups by the famous Jesse James-Young Gang. 
Also on the front page: "The Coal Miners - Meeting in Wilkes Barre--The Delegates Adhere to the Demand for an Advance" reporting on the troubles

THE SILVER STATE, Winnemucca, Nevada, Sept. 19, 1877  Page 2 has a nice account of the infamous Big Springs train robbery.
This was a robbery of a Union Pacific train near present-day Big Springs, Nebraska on the day prior to this report. The robbery was perpetrated by a gang of six outlaws led by Sam Bass. 
It is headed: "The Overland Train Robbed--The Express Robbed of $75,000". The report notes the details. At the time it was not yet known that Sam Bass was the leader.
Four pages, very nice

BOSTON EVENING TRANSCRIPT, July 19, 1881

• Outlaw Jesse James-Younger gang
• Rock Island railroad train robbery
• Winston, Daviess County, Missouri

Page 2 begins with a quite lengthy account of what was the infamous Rock Island Railroad robbery by the James Gang.
It is headed: "The Great Train Robbery" and begins: "Charles Murray...was the messenger of the U.S. Express Company on the train robbed by the James gang...He gave a correspondent the following account of the affair so far as it came to his

ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Oct. 2, 1875  Page 3 has most of a column taken up with: "Were They The James Boys? "Two Men Stop a Texas Express Wagon & Rob It of a Large Amount of Money". The article is very detailed and is a terrific account of a stage coach robbery (see), but this robbery was apparently not the work of Jesse & Frank James.
Twelve pages, nice condition.

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Sept. 26, 1893

• Old west style train robbery

The front page has over a column of text headed; "TRAIN ROBBERS TRAPPED" "Police Filled The Cars" 'Two of the Outlaws Killed and Four Captured" "A Bandit Betrays His Fellows" and more. Actually a great report as it reads like a classic train robbery from the Wild West, the text beginning: "The Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs road foiled an attempt to-day to rob one of the passenger trains, killed tow of the bandits and

THE OMAHA DAILY BEE, Nebraska, Sept. 26, 1893  The ftpg. has a nice, full column report on a train robbery headed at the top: "ON THE WRONG TRAIN" "Express Robbers in Missouri Who Didn't Know It Was Loaded" "Successful Trick of the Authorities" "Sent Out a Dummy Train in Charge of Well Armed Officers" "Desperate Battle Waged in the Dark" '"Bandits Refused to Surrender & Fought Stubbornly to the Death" "Two of Them Killed in the Fight" and a bit more, with several subheads. The article carries

THE NEW YORK TIMES, August 15, 1871

• Ku Klux Klan - KKK
• Missouri train robbery

Page 5 has: "The KuKlux" "Arrest of a Gang with their Disguises in North Carolina..."

Also: "An Express Robbery" "How it Was Done..."

Page 3 has: "Base-Ball--Athletic vs. Atlantic'

This issue contains other news of the day. It is complete in 8 pages, and has two archival mends in unrelated areas. It is in nice condition.

WORCESTER EVENING GAZETTE, November 18, 1874

• Train robbery
• Great Western railway
• Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

The front page have one column headings: "Daring Train Robbery" "The Baggageman and Expressman Bound and Gagged by Masked Men" See images for text here.
Other news of the day with several interesting advertisements throughout. Larger than normal issue measures 26 x 20 inches, complete in 4 pages, some spine wear, otherwise nice condition.

EVANSVILLE DAILY JOURNAL, Indiana, February 16, 1874

• Quincy, Illinois bank robbery

This uncommon title has news of the day with several interesting advertisements.
The front page has one column headings: "Quincy, Ill." "The Heavy Quincy, Ill., Bank Robbery--Over a Quarter Million Dollars Stolen" See image for brief text here.
Complete in 8 pages, irregular along the spine, otherwise nice.

THE CLEVELAND LEADER, Ohio, August 14 , 1878

• Winthrop Junction, Missouri
• Atchison KS Kansas
• Train holdup robbery

This uncommon 8 page issue has news of the with several interesting advertisements throughout.
The front page has one column headings: "A Cool Train Robbery Near Atchison, Kansas" "A Surprise Party" "A Train Coolly Captured by Robbers and $5,100 Made Off With" See image for text here.
Complete, minor margin wear, otherwise in good condition.

THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, Detroit, Michigan, November 15, 1883

• Old West train robbery

Page 2 has one column headings that include: "Train Robbery",
"Desperadoes Remove a Rail on the Mexican National Road and Derail a Train", "The Wreck Immediately Surrounded By Forty Masked Men" and more. See photos for interesting report here. Other news of the day. Light browning with some margin wear and tears, should be handled with care.

WELLSVILLE DAILY REPORTER, New York, July 15, 1902

• Marshall Pass, Colorado train robbery
• Narrow Gauge Railroad
• Wild Bunch ?

This 4 page newspaper has one column headlines on the front page: "MASKED MEN ROB TRAIN", "At Chester, Colo., 250 Miles West of Denver", "Blew Open Two Express Safes" and more. See photos for 1st report coverage on the Marshall Pass train robbery near Sargents, Colorado. Remnants of the Wild Bunch gang may have been responsible here.

Other news and  various advertisements

NEW YORK TIMES, March 21, 1874

• California outlaw Tiburcio Vasquez

Page 4 has over half a column taken up with: "California Bandits" "Two Men Capture A Regular Station, Receive & Plunder the Stage, and Corral the Passengers".
The article begins: "... gives the subjoined account of the recent robbery of a stage by the notorious Vasquez and one other man..." with considerable detail on the robbery of a stagecoach.
Tiburcio Vasquez was one of the more infamous outlaws of Southern California.
Eight

THE DAILY JOURNAL, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, Sept. 26, 1893  The front page has two-thirds of a column headed: "TRAIN ROBBERS SHOT" "They Held Up a rain Full of Armed Detectives" "Two Killed Three Captured" "The Train Was A Dummy Sent Out in Expectation of an Attempt at Robbery--All of the Rob beers Residents of St. Joseph, Mo."
The article is quite detailed and shown in the photos. A nice report of a classic, Old West train robbery.

Four pages, minor margin chipping and various small tears

ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Aug. 17, 1885

• Old West stage coach robbery
• University of Notre Dame

The ftpg. has some interesting articles including; "Battling With A Burglar" "Midnight Encounter with a Murderous Negro at Texarkana" "Slain by a Saloon-Keeper--Result of a Drunken Spree...".  "Daring Stage Robbery which is from Phoenix which reads like a classic Wild West holdup, including: "...stopped by two men with shotguns & Wells, Fargo's & co.'s box demanded...".
Page 3 has a nice ad for the

ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Nov. 4, 1883  Likely due to its location on the edge of the Western frontier, this newspaper typically contained a wealth sensational crime reports and events from the West, much more than any found in eastern newspapers. Page 6 has: "Reported Train Robbery In Illinois" provides some details, including: "...a most  daring robbery took place...four men...with drawn revolvers, ordered the passengers to hand out their money & valuables..." with more (see).
Twenty pages,

CLEVELAND DAILY HERALD, Cleveland, Ohio, May 12, 1876

• Texas highwaymen
• Stage coach robberies

This uncommon 8 page issue has news of the day with several interesting advertisements throughout.
The front page has one column headings: "Stages Robbed" "Two Stage Coaches in Texas Stopped by Highwaymen and Robbed of Money and Mails" See image for text here.
Complete in nice condition.

THE WHEELING INTELLIGENCER, Wheeling, West Virginia, May 15, 1889

• Cedar Springs, Arizona - ghost town
• Outlaws vs. Army paymaster Whamat

The front page has one column headlines that include: "A FIGHT WITH BANDITS", "Army Paymaster and his Guard Attacked by Highwaymen", "Who Secure Over $29,000" and more. 1st report coverage on the robbery of gold by outlaws at Cedar Springs, Arizona.

Other news and advertisements of the day. Complete in 4 pages, nice condition.

ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Missouri, January 24, 1881  The front page has a headline "A Daring Robbery" in which it was reporting that a train station at Wahoo, Nebraska, was robbed of $932.00.
Other news and advertisements of the day are within.
This is complete in 8 pages with an irregular left spine, edge tears and chipping. This should be handled with care.

THE SAN DIEGO UNION, California, Feb. 6, 1877

• Old West publication
• Arizona crime

Among the front page articles is: "Arizona" "Robbery of the California and Arizona Stage--The Robbers captured and Property Recovered". And this is followed by another report: "Later--Indignation Against the Robbers".
Four pages, small binding holes at the blank spine, generally good condition with some minor archival mends at margins. A bit fragile so should be handled carefully.

Background: On January 4, 1877,

ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, March 27, 1884  Page 2 has over half a column taken up with: "TEXAS BANDITS" "Bold Attempt to Rob a Bank at Wichita Falls" "One of the Robbers Shot Dead by a Ranger and Another Captured--A Book Agent's Peril". A great article, beginning: "At 3:30 p.m. to-day occurred here one of the most daring attempts at bank robbery this county has ever known..." with much more. A classic report from the Wild West.
Twelve pages, very nice condition.

THE DILLON TRIBUNE, Beaverhead County, M.T. (Montana Territory), July 30, 1881

• Very rare publication
• Wild Old West era

A quite rare newspaper from the Territory of Montana, it not becoming a state until 1889. Thisis the volume 1, number 24 issue.
Dillon was founded in the Beaverhead Valley as a railroad town in 1880 by Union Pacific Railroad President Sidney Dillon. The town's location was selected by the railroad because of its proximity to gold mines in the area.
The front page has both: "The

DESERET EVENING NEWS, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, October 22, 1890  Just what we hope to find on the front page of a newspaper from the Old West is in this issue: "Daring Robbery" "The Watchman Gagged & Bound and $2000 Secured" with some details. Not a lengthy nor conspicuous report, but great to have in this title.
Other news of the day with many interesting advertisements. Four pages, little creasing, otherwise good.

NEW YORK TIMES, April 9, 1874  The front page has: "A Highway Robbery In Texas--Passengers of a Stage-Coach Robbed" which is a classic report from the Old West.
Page 4 has an interesting article: "Ten Hours, or Eight?" which is a detailed report--taking over half a column--on the debate as to whether a work day should be 8 or 10 hours.
Page 5 hs: "the Expedition Against The Sioux" as well as "Hawaii" "Ceremonies At The Inauguration of the New King", being King Kalākaua.
Eight pages, four

ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Missouri, June 8, 1882

• Brookfield, Missouri
• Bank robbery - outlaws

The front page has an article headed: "Bank Robbers Abroad" "The Town of Brookfield Startled by a Visit from Desperadoes" and more. Detailed account during the heyday of outlaws and soon after the killing of Jesse James. Nice to have in a Missouri title.
Other news and advertisements of the day. Complete in 12 pages, a little margin wear, more so along the spine, otherwise good.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Jan. 16, 1892  Great full front page showing a train robbery, captioned: 'The Modern Dick Turpin' is a very displayable print. Full page shows 10: 'Beacons Along the South Coast'. Full page with 4 Remington prints on 'The 6th U.S. Cavalry Camp at Rapid Creek'. Nice Remington double page centerfold: 'A Good Day's Hunting in the Adirondacks'. Full page Remington: 'Gen. Carr Receiving the Report of a Scout'.

THE DAILY JOURNAL, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, Sept. 22, 1893  The front page has most of a column headed: "FOUGHT THE ROBBERS" "Desperate Battle With Bandits on a Western Train" 'Engineer and Fireman Shot" "One of the Robbers Mortally Wounded--There were Only Three of Them and They Were Daring. But They Encountered a Plucky Crew of Trainmen". The article has considerable detail.
Four pages, archivally rejoined at the irregular spine, some margin tears. Somewhat fragile & should be handled

CLEVELAND WEEKLY HERALD, Cleveland, Ohio, March 12, 1880

• Eureka NV Nevada
• Fore disaster

The front page has small one column headings: "Bold Robbers" "Bullion Worth $200,000 Stolen at Sidney, Neb.--The Greatest Excitement" See images for text here.
Other news and advertisements of the day throughout. Complete in  8 pages, nice condition.

THE BETHLEHEM TIMES, Pennsylvania, Aug. 31, 1900  The top of page 3 has column heads: "BANDITS GOT $100,000" "Thrilling Hold Up of Union Pacific Express Train" "Money Belonged to Uncle Sam" "it Was En Route for Manila to Pay American Soldiers--Famous Outlaw Band the Robbers--Now Fighting Desperately to Escape".
The report is datelined from "Table Rock, Wy." and takes over half a column with details of the robbery. This robbery is now ascribed to the work of Butch Cassidy and the "Hole In The

LIBERAL SENTINEL, Middletown, New York, July 23, 1881

• Outlaw Jesse James-Younger gang
• Rock Island railroad train robbery

Page 2 has a report noting: "A gang of outlaws, supposed to be the James gang, on Friday night captured a train on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific road...robbed the conductor & a passenger..." and a bit more.
The next page has a much more detailed account of the event, taking three-quarters of a column & headed: "Robbing A Train" "Eye-Witnesses Accounts of the Robbery at

THE SAN DIEGO UNION, California, Aug. 29, 1878

• George Parrott
• "Big Nose George"
• Stagecoach robbery

The front page has an article: "Cheyenne" "Train Robbers in Wyoming--Officers Murdered". This is a great & detailed account of a stagecoach robbery near Medicine Bow, Wyoming.
Four pages, irregular at the spine from disbinding, a bit fragile but in nice condition.

background: On June 2, 1878, near Medicine Bow, Wyoming, the outlaw Big Nose George Parrott and his gang attempted to rob a Union

TOMBSTONE PROSPECTOR, Arizona, Nov. 20, 1889

• Very rare wild West publication
• Gunfight at the O.K. Corral fame
• The Wham Paymaster Robbery trial

We have had a few other newspapers from the iconic Old West town of Tombstone, but this is is perhaps the most uncommon. The masthead features a great engraving of a miner on a mule.
The front page has nearly 1 1/3 columns taken cup with: "The Wham Trial" " 'Frankie' Campbell Relates Her Experience With the Robbers".
This trial concerns the robbery of U.S.

THE EVENING TRIBUNE, San Diego, Aug. 6, 1901

• 1901 Selby Smelting Works heist
• 900 pound of gold bullion robbery
• Contra Costra County, California

The top of the front page has a one column heading: "GIGANTIC ROBBERY" with subheads. (see images) Surprisingly this issue is in good condition being from the "wood pulp" era. Very hard to find issues that are not totally fragile from this era in paper.
Complete with 8 pages, a few tiny binding holes along the spine, nice condition.

Background: The 1901

ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Oct. 9, 1884  Page 2 has: "The Mormon Problem" reports on political issues, noting in part: "...semi-annual post-conference session of the Mormon Constitution Convention...composed largely of polygamists, being a continuous body...John T. Caine reported on his efforts to have Utah admitted as a state..." with more.
Page 3 has several crime-related reports: "A Colored Man Riddled with Buckshot While Seated at the Supper Table" "Arrest of an 'Arkansas Assassin" "Texas

THE SAN DIEGO UNION, California, Sept. 15, 1878  The front page has an article: "Another Stage Robbery in Wyoming--An Exciting Affair--Fight with the Robbers".
This is a great & detailed account of a stagecoach robbery near Hot Creek, Wyoming.
Four pages, some archival strengthening at the irregular spine, a bit fragile but in nice condition.

WORCESTER EVENING GAZETTE, Worcester, Massachusetts, April 8, 1872

• Samuel 'Worcester Sam' Perris
• burglar, safe cracker and bank robber

Page 2 has a half column article headed: "Local Matters" "THE ESCAPE OF SAM. PERRIS" "The Condition of the Jail-Other Escapes". This is the notorious bank robbery 'Worcester' Sam Perris, who was called one of the most notorious criminals in America. It is said Perris participated in nearly every major bank robbery in the United States during a 20-year period.

WORCESTER EVENING GAZETTE, Massachusetts, April 6, 1872

• Samuel 'Worcester Sam' Perris
• burglar, safe cracker and bank robber
• Jail escape - best title to have

Page 2 has a half column article headed: "Local Matters" "A DARING ESCAPE" "Sam Perris at Liberty" "How He Broke Jail". This is the notorious bank robbery 'Worcester' Sam Perris, who was called one of the most notorious criminals in America. It is said Perris participated in nearly every major bank robbery in the United States during a

THE ROCHESTER EVENING EXPRESS, New York, July 11 1876  The front page has: "The Missouri Railroad Robbers" with subheads: "Bodies of Men in Pursuit of the Outlaws--Their Capture Hourly Expected--The Adams Express Company's Loss".
This is a nice & timely account of the robbery of the Missouri Pacific Railroad by Jesse James & the Younger brothers. It concludes with: "...There is reason to believe that the notorious Missouri bandits, the James and Younger boys, were engaged in the robbery."
History

THE WHEELING INTELLIGENCER, West Virginia, March 15, 1886

• Nonpareil Dempsey (Jack Dempsey)
• Early boxing match - pugilists
• Railroad train robbery

The front page has a small one column heading: "Witness a Hard Fought Battle Between Dempsey and Lablanche"
Also on the front page is: "Daring Express Robbery" "And Murder on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Road"
Other news and advertisements of the day. Complete in 4 pages, large sized paper measuring 25 x 19 1/2 inches, irregular along spine,

NEW-YORK TIMES, March 20, 1875

• Tiburcio Vasquez execution death (1st report)
• Los Angeles, California outlaw bandit

The front page has: "Execution Of The Bandit Vasquez" "Hanged At San Jose, Cal., Yesterday--No Attempt At Rescue--He Is Cool To The Last."
The report about the execution of this colorful outlaw who claimed he never killed a man, reads in part: "The bandit Vasquez was executed today at San Jose...Everything passed off quietly Vasquez asserted to the last his innocence of the crime

ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Nov. 9, 1884  Likely due to its location on the edge of the Western frontier, this newspaper typically contained a wealth sensational crime reports and events from the West than found in eastern newspapers.
Page 7 has: "Frontier Gamblers" "The Games & Dealers of the Wild Southwest" & more. An interesting article on one of the iconic professions of the Wild West. Also in this issue: "The Man in the Iron Mask" & "The Robbery Record".
Eighteen pages, very nice condition.

THE DAILY JOURNAL, Wilmington, North Carolina, July 28, 1876

• Red Hill, South Carolina
• Negro lynching

An uncommon title from the South during the post Civil War reconstruction era. Contains news of the day with many interesting advertisements.
The front page has one column headings that include: "Lynch Law and Robbery In South Carolina" and more. 1st report coverage on a Negro lynching in Red Hill. South Carolina

Complete in 4 pages, a little margin wear, otherwise good.

THE GLOBE, South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Oct. 18, 1898

• Outlaw Jesse James' son

The bottom of page 3 has a small & somewhat inconspicuous article headed: "Jesse James Indicted" which begins: "The grand jury yesterday returned indictments against Jesse James, son of the noted outlaw..." (see). The following year he would be acquitted of robbery of a Missouri Pacific train.
Four pages, margin toning, very nice condition, should be handled carefully.

NEW YORK TIMES, Feb. 24, 1874

• North Carolina resistance
• Lowry War - Pembroke
• Steve Lowry killed

The front page has a brief yet notable article on the Lowry War in North Carolina: "The Last of the Robeson County (N.C.) Outlaws Killed", noting in part: "...Steve Lowery, the last survivor of the notorious band of Robeson County outlaws, was instantly killed...by three citizens...He was tuning his banjo...when three shots were fired...killing him instantly...".
Page 2 has 1 1/2 columns on: "Negroes

NEW YORK TIMES, March 4, 1874  The front page includes: "California" "The Vasquez Band of Robbers Heard From--The Apaches" which begins: "The notorious Vasquez & his gang of outlaws have again been heard from..." concerning the robbery of a stagecoach (see).
Page 5 has: "The Temperance Crusade--Enthusiastic Meeting in Brooklyn Last Evening" "Addresses by Rev. Dr. Cuyler, Dr. Duryea, Rev. Sarah Smiley, and Others" which takes 1 1/2 columns.
Ten pages, evenly toned & browned at the margins

ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Jan. 25, 1883  The first two columns on page 5 are headed: "The Bandit At The Bar" "Frank James as He Appeared in the Kansas City Court Room" and more (see). One of the subheads: "Prospects of Acquittal of the Charge of Complicity in the Blue Cut Robbery".
Twelve pages, bit irregular at the blank spine, nice condition.

ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Nov. 8, 1883  Likely due to its location on the edge of the Western frontier, this newspaper typically contained a wealth sensational crime reports and events from the West, much more than any found in eastern newspapers.
Among the reports are: "Assassinated in a Saloon" "The Danville Junction Train Robbery" "Masked Robbers" "Frank James at Independence" "Lynched by Masked Men" "Missouri Mail Robbers" "Deadman's Gulch" & so much more.
Twelve pages, very nice

ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Oct. 13, 1884  Page 2 has a somewhat brief report: "Denied by Mormons" which is a report from Salt Lake, Utah, noting in part that: "President John Taylor...leaders of the Mormon Church...repudiated the statements...that the Mormon Church had appropriated money to aid in the election of the Democratic Presidential ticket...".
Among the page 3 articles: "Raided by Burglars" " "Chain-Gang and Whipping-Post" "Stabbing Affray in a Gambling House" "Hunting Horse Thieves in

ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Nov. 7, 1879

• Zerelda Samuel interview
• Mother of Jesse & Frank James
• Notorious Missouri outlaws

The top of pg. 2 has column heads: "RIDDLED BY RANGERS" "A Pitched Battle in Which Two Robbers Were Killed" "The Aged Mother of the James Boys Interviews". The interview with Jesse James' mother takes almost a full column.
Eight pages, slightly irregular at the spine, very nice condition.

Background: The November 1879 media campaign by Zerelda Samuel—mother of the notorious