Democratic Sentinel, Volume 3, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 October 1879 — Daring Train Robbery. [ARTICLE]

Daring Train Robbery.

A bold and successful train robbery was perpetrated on the evening of the 7th inst, at Glendale, a small station on the Chicago and Alton railroad only fifteen miles from Kansas City, by a party of twelve bushwhackers. Particulars of the crime are given as follows by a correspondent: The night express of the Chicago and Alton, which left Kansas City i,t 6 o’clock this evening, bound for Chicago and St. Louis, met with a thrilling adventure soon after its wheels had commenced to tell off the miles across the fields and forests of Missouri. The country for many miles this side of Kansas City has a noted history as having been for many years the abode of bands of desperadoes and robbers. Between Independence and the town of Blue Springs, and about twenty miles from Kansas City, is the village of Glendale, which consists of a water-tank, a small station-house and a few dwelling* These nestle in the dark shadows of a hollow—a dismal and forlorn place. About 7 this evening, a few minutes before the express train from Kansas City was due, twelve masked men entered the station and took possession, enforcing strict obedience with wicked looking revolvers and other weapons. Mr. W. E. Bridges, Assistant Auditor of the road, was in the office, with Agent Mclntire. The robbers ordered them to throw up their hands, which they did at once. They then relieved them es all of their effects, and took what they chose of the contents of the office. They then placed them under guard and demolished the telegraph instruments. Having done this they cut the wires outside the office. They then awaited the arrival of the express. Soon the train arrived, and the engine stopped at the tank, and the masked men took possession of the train. Three men, climbing into the express car, ordered the startled messenger to surrender and deliver his keys to them. When he manifested a disposition to defend the property of the company, he was struck on the head with the butt of a heavy revolver and knocked down and overpowered. The robbers seized his keys and took packages estimated to contain about $35,000 in curreney from the safe. Meantime the rest stood guard, offering no violence, and not disturbing the passengers. They immediately went away, mounting horses and scattering, while the train departed for the east The whole affair occupied less than five minutes. When the train reached Blue Springs the facta were reported. Soon after a special tram was ordered to take a heavy force of men from Kansas City to Glendale, and in a few minutes they were in hot pursuit. The leader of the gaug, a tall man with a heavy sandy beard, has been seen several times lately in the vicinity of Glendale.