Part 7 of 9. On 14 November 1880, Daniel Troutman, a farmer living in Pillow, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, was killed at his home during an attempted robbery. Two men, Frank Rumberger and Henry Rumberger were arrested and charged with the crime. They were tried in Dauphin County Court, found guilty, and executed, in March 1882.
In its edition of 24 March 1882, in conjunction with the hanging, the Harrisburg Daily Independent published a summary of the crime and the trials. Here following is the text of that article, in nine parts.
For all other parts of this story, see: The Murder of Daniel Troutman, 1880.
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AT BREAK OF MORNING
Eating Their Last Breakfast and receiving the First Callers
The day of the execution opened brightly outside the jail walls, but by seven o’clock the sun was hidden by clouds, and the prospects for rain were good. The two men, who on this day were to pay the death penalty were aroused at 5:30, and bot expressed themselves as having slept.
A GOOD NIGHT’S REST.
Both arose and dressed themselves carefully. At 6:30 a breakfast was served of fried eggs, liver, bread and butter and coffee. Henry partook with relish and in the usual quantity, but it was with a great effort that Frank choked down a great effort that Frank choked down a few mouthfuls of the tempting meal and drank a little of the coffee. The first caller upon the men was Rev. Keller, and he was closeted with Henry for about three quarters of an hour. Shortly after the departure of Minister Keller, Rev. Rinek called and was in earnest prayer with the doomed man for a long time.
THE CROWD IN THE OFFING.
The crowd began to assemble around the jail about 7:30 and continued to grow until it was with difficulty that the passage way was kept open. Keeper Duey determined that none should be admitted before 9 o’clock and this rule was rigidly observed. While the crowd of eager humanity were outside the walls, within was a far different scene. Every official was busy with the last sad details previous to the execution, while in the yard the ropes were being fastened
AROUND THE CROSSBEAMS
Of the gallows, the drop being prepared and adjusted and upon every countenance was a down cast and solemn look. By half past eight everything was in order and nothing remained but to quietly await the dreadful hour. The bell rang incessantly and Underkeeper VanHorn was taxed to his utmost to keep the applicants back. Through the clouds the sun appeared at times during the morning but the weather was considered raw for this time of the year. Rev. Heilman arrived about 8:30 and was taken to Frank’s cell at once, where he remained and was followed shortly afterward by Rev. Studebaker. Religious services consisting of singing and prayer were conducted almost without interruption throughout the morning in the cells of both the condemned men.
At 9 o’clock the policemen arrived and stationed themselves outside the door and at intervals along the corridor to keep order and
RETAIN THE EAGER CROWD
from interrupting the devotions going on in the cell. An hour after the doors had been opened the inside of the jail was swarmed with those who had in some way gained admission.
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News article from Newspapers.com.
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