This Dominie is A Terror

New York, 1895

A Slungshot in his Sleeve and a Razor Hidden in his Boot.

Edward Hicks, who was arrested for throwing stones at a Long Island railroad train at Wantagh, made a confession when arraigned before Justice Seaman which implicates his father, who is a colored clergyman. The youth said he was forced to throw stones at the train by his father and do other violent things. Last December, he said, his father compelled him to place stones and ties on the railroad tracks to wreck a train. He alleged that the clergyman had stolen a number of articles from the neighbors, and told where they could be found. A search warrant was issued and the stolen property was found under the minister's bed. The old man was arrested and brought into court. When he came to the room the youth shouted: "Look out for him! He's got a knife and razor."

At this point the minister made an attempt to leave the court. He was stopped by officers and searched. A slungshot was found hidden up his sleeve and a razor in his boot. The clergyman carried a large knife in his belt. The preacher was sent to jail to await examination.

The boy, who is 16 years old, was committed to the house of refuge. In making a statement to the justice the clergyman admitted that he had spent two years in prison for bigamy.

Justice Seaman sent Hicks to the county jail for six months.

Note: "Slungshot" is the word used in the article, twice. Original article about Edward Hicks throwing the stones.


Robbed the Charity Boxes

Thieves broke into St. John's Lutheran church at College Point Friday night and robbed the contribution boxes. The boxes were torn from their fastenings.

—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 8, 1895, p. 1.