In early December, 1900, the Villines and Carlton general store in Boxley was robbed.
Two strangers entered the store around 5 p.m., but they weren't there to purchase goods.
They pretended to browse until other customers had gone and only J. F. Carlton, one of the owners of the store, was there. They drew their revolvers and demanded Carlton empty the till, which he did.
They made off with $40 in cash. Mr. Carlton raised the alarm as soon as they were gone, and a posse was organized to track the thieves.
They were able to follow their trail as far as Pettigrew. The Harrison Times article Dec. 3, 1900) stated the outlaws disappeared. A reward of $100 was offered for their capture.
There were no articles indicating they were ever caught.
Barbara LeRoy is the author of “Which Side Were They On?,” a new 302 page book listing biographical sketches of the Newton Countians who were involved in the Civil War, available for sale either in the Bradley House Museum or by purchasing online at www.newtoncountyar.com. The book sells for $33.
