125 years ago in 1899

Taken directly from the pages of The Youngstown Vindicator:

“The attempt of a quartette of tramps to murder Detective McNabb of the Erie Railroad and his drawing a revolver to save his life, as reported in a special from Cleveland to the Vindicator on Wednesday, attracted wide attention in this section where the officer is well known and enjoys the reputation of being a brave and courageous man.

“Detective McNabb returned home last night and was seen by the Vindicator on Thursday morning, as he was boarding a train to Cleveland. He was suffering intensely from the numerous bruises received at the hands of the gang, whose intention, as expressed by their actions and language, was to murder the officer for doing his duty in protecting the interests of the company in whose service he has for many years been employed.

“‘The gang wanted my life and they would surely have murdered me had I not used my gun in self-defense,’ said McNabb. ‘All their talk and action showed conclusively that they were desperate men. Until I realized that my life was in danger, I did not fire at them, and when I did it was only to protect myself.’

“Regarding the case and showing that Detective McNabb was justified in using his revolver, the Cleveland Leader today says: ‘As a result of the hand-to-hand fight between a railroad detective, three patrolmen and six tramps on Wednesday morning, one man lies at St. Alexis Hospital in a dying condition, another is nursing a badly bruised head at the Sixth Precinct police station and Railroad Detective McNabb of the Erie Railroad is at home suffering from painful bruises.’

“For some time past, train men on the Erie Railroad have had all kinds of trouble with tramps who desired to steal rides to out-of-town points. Of late, these tramps have been more bold than usual and at times have openly defied the trainmen.

Detective McNabb boarded a train at Cliff Street near the Central Viaduct on Wednesday morning with the intention of bringing some of the tramps to time. He succeeded beyond his expectations, but nearly sacrificed his life in doing so.

As the train passed Seneca Street, six tramps boarded the train. McNabb requested them to get off, but they refused, and accompanied their refusal with considerable abuse.

“McNabb renewed his request, whereupon the men attacked him by throwing iron ore at him. McNabb was knocked down, and was in danger of being seriously handled by the tramps when he drew his revolver and fired at them. Three of the shots took effect.

McNabb then left the train and called up the Sixth Precinct police station and advised the officers to send a wagon to Wilson Avenue where the tramps could be intercepted.

“Acting upon the suggestion, a wagon containing Patrolmen Mylechraine, Trojan and Reddy was sent by the police to the Wilson Avenue crossing. The train soon came into sight and five of the tramps were seen to be standing over their wounded companion. The train was stopped and then there was another fight. In the skirmish, two of the tramps escaped.”