Indiana County PA Archives News.....Arrest of Mardis Counterfeiters June 6, 1873
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Donald Buncie http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00034.html#0008389 October 14, 2022, 12:56 am

The Cambria Freeman. (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938 June 6, 1873
We noticed on Saturday last the fact of a man, desired to be known as "Tom Simmons,"
having been arrested for alleged shoving of counterfeit money. This arrest was
quietly effected at the gate leading to Sandy Vale Cemetery, the previous day, while
a large crowd was present assisting in the exercises of Decoration Day. The officers
concerned in the arrest were L. B. Whitney, of the United States Secret Service,
Cleveland, Ohio, and Chief of Police Harris, of this city. 
The correct name of the man arrested, is Winfield Scott Mardis, and his place of
residence is about three miles from a small place in Indiana county, known as
Dilltown, and some five miles distant from Armagh. The fact has been known to the
detective officer for some time past that Mardis was engaged in shoving counterfeit
money, and his arrest could have been effected some time ago but from revelations
made by an uncle of his, who was engaged in the same business, and who was recently
captured in Cleveland, and, although not knowing the names of the parties that were
furnishing the money, informed the officer who made the arrest that his nephew
could, if he would, give all the necessary facts in regard to the matter.
Young Mardis has accordingly been kept under constant and strict surveillance for
some time past, in the hope that by watching his motions, his accomplices might be
discovered. An elder brother, named John Mardis, was accused some time ago of
passing counterfeits, and although from the information made against him a true bill
had been found in his case in the United States District Court, the knowledge of
this fact was kept from the public, so as to subserve the ends of justice, the
authorities not arresting him at that time.
On Friday last the detective concluded to spring the trap upon Scott Mardis, and he
was captured at the time and place stated. The officer immediately conveyed him to
Pittsburgh, and returning the following evening, he, in company with officer Harris,
left this city for Armagh, at a late hour that night. At half-past four o'clock on
Sunday morning they arrived at the house of the Mardis family, and without any
difficulty succeeded in arresting John Mardis, the oldest son, against whom a true
bill had already been found.
The officers searched the premises and found letters and papers which will likely
lead to the capture of the entire gang connected with the counterfeiting and
shoving. John was taken to Pittsburgh that same evening, and immediately located in
jail. His father went to the city yesterday to see if he could enter into
recognizance for the appearance of his sons, and thus liberate them for the present.
The Marshal before whom the information was made, agreed to take bail in the sum of
$3,000 in Scott's case, but he had no power to interfere with the case of the other
brother. Mr, Mardis then stated that he would give security in that amount for the
appearance of the younger brother, but as the officer was not satisfied that the old
gentleman could justify in that sum, he refused to liberate him.
We understand that Mr. Mardis is comparatively well to do, being the owner of a
pretty good farm, and has erected thereon a steam saw-mill. For several years past
suspicion has been rife in the locality where this family resides that they were
engaged in the nefarious business of shoving counterfeit money, but it was only
quite recently that the attention of the authorities was called to the supposed
fact.
The principal in this business is thought to be a man named Ely, and the officers
have a sure thing of his arrest during the present week. We understand he is in this
county at present, but as there is no possibility of his escape, we are not
betraying confidence in publishing this. It is to be hoped that these men, if
guilty, will receive the severest penalty that attaches to a crime of such great
magnitude as passing counterfeit money. Johnstown Tribune, 3d 


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