Life in the Oil Regions
A Minister’s Encounter with a Highwayman
American and Commercial Advertiser, November 10, 1865
The Titusville (Pa.) Herald, published in the oil region, tells this story:
“On Tuesday last a clergyman of the was riding on horseback from Pithole to Titusville. He had nearly reached Pleasantville and was trotting quietly along humming a psalm tune, when a man stopped in his path, and seizing his horse’s bridle, presented a revolver at the parson and demanded his money. Nothing disconcerted, the traveler calmly remarked that he was only a poor Methodist preacher. And had but a little money, but would give up all he had.
“The robber made no reply, but maintained his threatening position. And patiently waited for the conference man to disgorge. The dominie eyed the freebooter pretty earnestly, and remarked with great solemnity: ‘You can have my money, friend. But for Christ’s sake, and for your own soul’s sake, give up this business of highway robbery.’ The freebooter dropped his pistol at his side, and in a voice of trembling with deep emotion, exclaimed: ‘You can pass on!’
“The reader may discredit this story, but it is true notwithstanding. The ministerial hero arrived safely in Titusville, and related his story to the Rev. J. H. Stubbs, who repeated it at the prayer and conference meeting in his own church on Thursday evening.”