THE WAUPACA COUNTY REPUBLICAN

October 3, 1878

 

Last Saturday evening at about 8 o’clock an assault with the possible double intent to kill and commit a robbery upon his bank, was made upon Mr. H. C. Mead.  He went out the back door of his bank to cover up a pile of lumber near Browne & Bump’s office, which had been opened during the day, and as he was going back into his office, some one who had doubtless witnessed his actions, and had secreted himself near the door, struck him a heavy blow with some hard substance, inflicting a serious injury on his head, near the left temple.  Mr. Mead did not see the man, and heard nothing.  All he knows about it is the blow, which he says sounded to him like the discharge of a musket, and finally recovering consciousness, he found himself leaning up against a tree to which he had staggered back, ten or twelve feet from the door.  He was completely dazed, and it was some time before he gained control of his senses sufficient to know which way to go.  He got around to the street after a while, and walked down as far as Benlick’s market, where he sat down upon the steps.  He was soon discovered by Mr. Nordvi, who procured a light and assistance, and went around to the scene of Mr. Mead’s hard luck.  Nothing of the coward who assaulted him was seen.  The back door of the bank was still open, but there was no evidence of it having been entered.  An ugly gash was found to be cut in Mead’s head, and the doctor thought the bone was fractured.  He has a hard looking eye to show for it all.

            The theory is that some one who had in view the robbery of the bank was on the lookout for an opportunity, saw Mr. Mead go out, and quickly laid his plans.  When the blow was struck, Mr. Mead must have staggered back and out into the light reflected from the Episcopal church window, and this doubtless the reason why the assaulting party did not follow up his advantage, get Mr. Mead into his power, and draw him into the bank, where he would have had everything his own way, and with time enough to go through the safe unmolested.