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This newspaper page contains 11 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Pittsburgh Dispatch
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Date
Mar 25, 1891
Page
12
A detailed narrative follows the murder of Herman Umberger on February 27 1889 and the Nicely brothers Joseph and David whom a year and a half later face a death sentence. The report covers evidence mob influence and a dramatic jail break.
The 1888 Somerset County crime tale centers on Herman Umberger, a thrifty farmer who kept large sums at home. Two disguised men robbed him as his wife and granddaughter watched, killing him, with $16,000 to $20,000 in gold and notes missing from two pocketbooks. The case ties to the nearby Nicely family as suspects and follows vigilante reactions and rewards.
The article recounts the May indictment of Joseph and David Nicely for a farmer Umberger murder and the McClellandtown gang influence. It notes requests for venue change, public danger fears, trial proceedings from May 31 to June, and the prosecution's case with witnesses.
Defense presents multiple witnesses to place Joseph and David Nicely away from the crime scene between the afternoon and early evening hours. Testimony tracks Joseph at home then aiding a neighbor, and David seen at home or en route with a cant-hook. Medical expert cites heart disease making long mountain travel unlikely, while alibi items and pocketbooks are debated for substitution risks.
Alarm bells rang as two girls fled a dark country road after a shooting at the Umberger home. Farmer Umberger lay dead ten minutes after the alarm, with Mrs. Umberger still nearby and neighbors gathering. The murderers and robbers escaped into the night, leaving no trace.
Somerset farmers demand justice as rewards rise for conviction of Umberger killers. Witnesses place Jones and David Nicely near the crime scene. tracks in snow link suspects to the house and a mountain path. Police seize hats boots and a revolver. trials hinge on chain of evidence from pocketbook to clothing.
Prosecutors claim the victim’s pocketbook could implicate the defendant as he rested under arrest at the National Hotel in Ligonier. The hat with a brim hole tied to Joseph, while defense witnesses deny any hole and date patches after the crime. Handkerchief and overalls are argued as common patterns hindering identification.
The Yeard jury found the defendants guilty of first degree murder in the Amberger case. After crowded scenes and alleged juror intimidation, a new trial request was denied on August 19. The brothers were sentenced to hang, with an appeal to the Supreme Court failing. execution fixed for April 2.
Corroborative testimony surfaces as a phrenologist and a mysterious visitor are linked to the Amberger farm killing. John Beach allegedly signed a long confession, naming Miller and Sipe, with Justice King swearing to it. Authorities seek Beach and an extension of the execution deadline as they press for the missing men.
The Nicely brothers and accomplice repeatedly escaped from a jail amid a campaign of freedom threats. They first broke through a wall in 1889 and later broke through a wall in 1800, aided by outside friends with revolvers and tools. The Turnkey Milton McMillan was wounded. the fugitives were recaptured after mob intimidation and a long manhunt.
Joseph Nicely tells The Dist patchman in his cell at Somerset jail that he and his brothers are innocent and confident criminals will be found. The two Nicely boys share adjoining cells in the second story of the brick jail between the Court House and the Sheriff's residence. The jail features iron sheathing and heavy grated doors.
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