December 28, 2015 / Joanne Yeck

The Buckingham Outlaws: PART XI

arvonia, buckingham county, crime, politics

Tension Mounts

On October 1, 1908, news of a potential “showdown” between the Buckingham outlaws and the citizens of Arvonia spread across the nation. Articles reported that, on the evening of September 30th, the men of Arvonia announced that they would march at sunrise if the county authorities did not act, form a posse, and begin to search for the criminals. According to the Baltimore American:

The plans for tomorrow morning provide for a general movement on the stronghold of the outlaws at an early hour. The men are to move at a preconcerted signal and to shoot to kill. Men with Winchester rifles are to be stationed in tall trees overlooking the hiding place of the outlaws, and pick them off as fast as they appear. The outlaws themselves are said to be well prepared for any attempt to dislodge them. They are alleged to have cut the hearts from large trees commanding all approaches to their hiding place, from the interior of which positions they are keeping a sharp lookout day and night for attack through small port holes.

Instructions from Governor Swanson are momentarily expected, authorizing Sheriff Williams to proceed at once into the wild country where the clans are in hiding and bring the ringleaders to justice.

N.W. Gregory (sic), who was shot by the outlaws on Saturday night, is still alive. His physicians, however, give out little hope for his ultimate recovery.

. . . There is a belief here [Richmond] that the Zimmermans are the men who recently cracked the safe at the bank of Crozet. The men are said to be in possession of a quantity of dynamite secured from the slate quarries at Arvonia. It is known that members of the gang displayed considerable money for several days following the wrecking of the bank. It is certain to be a battle when an attempt is made to break up the gang.

Coming Next: EXTRA: Bank Robbery at Crozet

Need to catch up? Click here: The Buckingham Outlaws: Part I