Part 9 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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DETAILS OF THE DEED.
The Diagram Which Frank Drew Yesterday Detailing Operations.
At the visit made to the jail on Wednesday an account of which appeared in the issue of the same day, reference was made to the account of the murder given by Frank. At the same time Frank produced a sketch and presented it to the [Harrisburg Daily] INDEPENDENT in connection with his account, and as it was one of his last statements and acts
IT IS ALL THE MORE INTERESTING
at this time. We give the sketch or diagram today and his account of the crime, which he earnestly maintained was correct, and under the diagram he has written these words: “God knows this is all true that I have said about this sad crime. His account preceding the attempt of robbery implicates several others, and as it will do no good here is omitted. He began by stating that a short time previous to the murder Henry approached him and desired his aid in robbing a doctor’s safe in Tremont of $3,000. Frank stated that he was out of that business and refused. Henry solicited his aid as he knew Frank could tap a safe but he was probably afraid of being suspected as he was on night shift and his absence would be noted. He described the interview with Henry concerning the Troutman, relating the conversation; that Henry had knowledge of $900 to $1,100 in Troutman’s possession, which he knew was in the house as Mr. Troutman had no account at bank; Henry
SUPPLIED THE REVOLVER
and cartridges and stated as there was a singing school, no one would be at home except Mr. and Mrs. Troutman. When they approached the house they tied their horse and drew near the house by the road R in diagram. The fence A B C and D surrounds the house and at P they halted, when Frank asked Henry for a plan of the house. Henry could not make himself understood and Fran states that here he discovered Henry’s courage failing him; he dwelt on this fact and in connection with it states that his zeal in the robbery or “job” in a manner left him
WHILE IN THE HOUSE
as he saw Henry leaving the work for him. Henry told Frank at the consultation at the fence P that the door was at E and they would have to search the house as he did not know where the “dust” was. They arrived at the door E, crossed the kitchen to Y and stopped at the bedroom where they had another whispered consultation. Frank favored searching, but Henry wanted the “old man” awakened. This want of harmony frustrated their plans for Frank states the valise with the money in readiness to be taken to bank in the morning was
STANDING ON THE TABLE K.
They awoke the old gentleman with a “Hello.” The old lady pushed Mr. Troutman, who asked what they wanted. Frank placed his revolver at his breast and said, “We want your money.” I was going to knock him down, but could not, he was too old a man; we allowed him to go to the window, after which he returned and went to the bed; he jumped up on the bed and got his gun; I said I can shoot too, but did not shoot at him; this was the only time I shot, and if I killed him I shot him while on the bed; the old man then said, “now get;” I got hold of the gun and we all got to the door; Henry turned and ran from E to W on the plan; I ran to the right toward F; the old man followed Henry; I came back to E when I
HEARD A LOUD REPORT
and then a faint one; I cannot say the latter was Henry’s revolver; I then saw the old man reel along the lines N from W to A and fall against the fence at P; I then saw the old man reel along the line N from W to A and fall against the fence a; Henry ran and fell over the fence at P; I went up to the old man and asked him if he knew who shot him; he said he did but didn’t tell me the name; I then went toward the house but cannot say what my purpose was; we then ran out along the line marked T, and when we got to about S, I told Henry to run; he said he couldn’t; he said he couldn’t; I pulled out my revolver and said if you don’t I will do what you did to the old man. The rest you know.”
The above account differs but little from his confession in another portion of today’s paper.
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News article from Newspapers.com.
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