Carbon County PA News - Crimes
The Mollie Maguires
The Hanging of the Four Mollie Maguires
Chester Daily Times (Chester, Pennsylvania)
June 20 1877
The proposed hanging of the four Mollie Maguires at Mauch Chunk on Thursday has created a great sensation, and it is believed that an attempt will be made to rescue the men now in jail there.
For some days past secret meetings of the friends of the condemned men have been held for the ostensible purpose of making arrangements to receive the bodies of their late comrades after the hanging is over.
These gatherings have been held in secluded spots, as is usual just before the time when some outbrake is expected.
A large number of the Coal and Iron Police have been placed on duty at the Mauch Chunk jail, and a posse of Deputy Sheriffs sworn in who will endeavor to protect the law. The authorities say that if a rescue, it will require more than one regiment of soldiers to drive them out of the town, on account of the high hills around it from which they could pour volley after volley into the place.
Some trouble is anticipated at Pottsville, but the fear is not so great as at Mauch Chunk. Application has been made to the Governor for some troops.
The Hand Upon the Wall
New Oxford Item (New Oxford, Pennsylvania)
March 27, 1896
Upon the wall of cell No. 7 in the County Jail at Mauch Chunk, Penn., is the imprint of a man's hand, which would not attract attention were it not for the strange story connected with it - a story which can be vouched for by many of the town's citizens.
Alexander Campbell, of Lansford, was an occupant of the cell in June, 1877. The Mollie Maguires were holding their reign of terror throughout the coal regions at that time and he was arrested and sentenced to be hanged in connection with the murder of John P. Jones. He stoutly asserted his innocence, and it was only through the confessions of his comrades in crime that he was convicted. The night before he was hanged he stood on his cot, and, it is said, placing his hand upon the wall, he declared that in proof of his innocence the imprint would remain upon the wall forever. The impression of the hand can be as plainly seen now as if placed there yesterday, though the walls have been whitewashed often. The phenomenon has been viewed by many, but none of them has been able to suggest a plausible solution of the mystery. The cell is regarded with awe by the prisoners in the jail, and if any of them become unruly the warden has only to threaten them with a night in cell No. 7 - New York Herald.
Anton Kloefel Murders Wife
The Indiana Weekly Messenger (Indiana, Pennsylvania)
January 12, 1881
A Husband's Crime
Bethlehem, Pa, Jan. 3, 1880
One of the most brutal and unprovoked murders which has ever disgraced this section of the State was committed last night at Big Creek, near Weissport, Carbon county under the following circumstances: Anton Kloefel, of New York and wife came to spend the holiday with Mrs. Kloefel's parents, Bauchspiese by name, who reside on a farm at Big Creek, about three miles from Weissport, on the Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroad, twelve miles below Mauch Chunk. Last night the family were engaged in singing hymns and songs. Mr. and Mrs. Kleofel taking the principal part in the evening pastime. Kloeful requested his wife to sing a song and she refused, when he seized a shotgun, took deliberate aim at her and fired, the shot taking effect in the left eye penetrating the brain and causing her instant death. Constable H. P. Levan of Weissport hearing of the murder hastened to Big Creek and arrested the murder Kloefel in the house in which the murder was committed.
While he was being taken from the house by Constable Levant her was such cries as "Serve him like the Northhampton murderer!" etc. The murderer coolly said, "All righ, give me a revolver and I will fix myself!" taking a percussion cap out of his pocket, he said, "This cap is for me, only give me the gun and a little time," These words and the coolness of the murderer seemed to bring the crowd to its senses and there were no more demands to lynch the murderer. He offered no resistance to the officer, and was safely lodged by the constable in the Mauch Chunk Jail. On the road to the jail Kloefel told Constable Levan that he shot his wife, "that when she refused to sing for him as he requested he pointed the gun at her in fun, and then the devil took possession of him and he pulled the trigger and shot and killed her." The Constable says the murderer did not seem to realize the enormity of his crime, or at least seemed a self-possessed indifference. Mrs. Kloefel, the murdered woman, had she not been killed by the man who a few short months ago wedded her and swore to protect, cherish and defend her, would have been 19 years old today. Anton Kloefel, the murderer is employed as a clerk in a bakery on Broadway in New York City. He is a young man about six fee tall and quite good looking. The couple have been married about four months only. The terrible tragedy has caused great excitement in the usually quiet town of Weissport and the surrounding villages and hamlets. There would have been another lynching, but for the better cousel which prevailed at the last moment.
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