$25,000 Worth of Diamonds Stolen in Philadelphia in 1868

Earlier this afternoon, two thieves robbed the new James E Caldwell store on Chestnut Street of over 25,000 dollars worth of diamonds. They entered the store, grabbed two trays of diamonds and left without notice. The worker who usually attended to customers at the counter was gone at the time. Customers eventually detected and reported the heist to the police. Police tracked down and arrested one of the two men, a Chicagoan named Martin Bailey, hiding out at a nearby restaurant. Bailey snatched over 40 diamond clusters and rings. His partner, whose identity has yet to be determined, remains at large. 

~Sam Peck

Trains Crash in the Fog 1889

Earlier this morning, two freight trains collided in a violent head on crash, leaving many injured and several dead. It is believed that dense fog near Bradley’s Station caused the crash.  The train engineers did not realize the situation until it was too late for prevention. The trains collided head on causing ten of the thirteen cars transporting cotton to tumble down a steep hill.  Engineer George Dean died instantly when the coal car rapidly flew off the track and crushed him. Dean’s fireman, Kennedy of Danbury, suffered major injuries and was pronounced dead at Dr. Delaney’s office a few hours later. Additionally, several brakemen were minorly injured and the engineer and fireman on the other train made a daring escape by leaping off the train and tumbling straight down into the dirt below. The damage to the locomotives will not exceed $10,000. The tracks were cleared of debris by 3 P.M.  

Murder or Accidental Death? 1879

Breaking News: Thomas Lyons died of fatal injuries earlier this morning at Stony Brook Farm where Lyons lived and worked.  Dr. Fanning was dispatched to the scene after Lyons was discovered in the barn by Mr. Sherry, Lyon’s employer.  Lyons suffered from injuries including a crushed skull, split scalp. Lyons was treated on site but died a few hours later at the scene. Several employees were questioned released.  Pending further investigation, Lyon’s death was ruled an accident.  He died at 24 years old. 

A Bold Train Robbery 1885

Breaking news- a train robbery occurred on the Chicago and Alton railroad. Four masked bandits reportedly entered the train through the smoking car. With drawn revolvers the men entered the car demanding the passengers to give them their belongings. Eyewitnesses say the robbers made no attempt of taking jewelry. John Henson, a passenger on the train told police that as the train was moving, they became frightened and hid most of their valuables. Barely any loot was secured as the west bound train left the city of Blue Springs. As the men reached the middle of the car they became alarmed and sprang from the train as it raced to its destination. Conductor, James Bogge alerted the authorities when the train reached the telegraph station. The robbers are still at large.  
~Andrew Garner

Original article provided courtesy of New York Times Historical Archive