DAVE "ROBBER" LEWIS

Re: DAVE "ROBBER" LEWIS

Pennsylvania's "Robin Hood?

Born in Carlisle Pa.

Born March 4, 1790. Died in 1820.

Started his career as a counterfeiter, and then highway robbery. There were lots of stories of him stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, though its probably not all that true. There are some newspaper articles about him helping some poor folks, though. He definitely was personally popular, because many of the local folks helped him escape and helped him to evade the law. He called himself the "equalizer".

He used the extensive caves in Pa to escape and also to hide his loot. One is open to the public - Indian Caverns. The tour gives some background
on the man.

He was snagged many times, but broke out of jail, or escaped from custody on many occasions - until 1820, when a posse was after him and they shot him - he died from the gunshot wounds. He died in Bellefonte Jail, but he wrote a series of things that he called his autobiography and some newspapers printed - which are still available for reading in some libraries.


http://www.indiancaverns.com/History02.html



Beth
 

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