Centerville Stagecoach Robbery: Iowa Time Machine May 6, 1865

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On May 6, 1865, a stagecoach robbery occurred in Centerville. 

Shortly after a Western Stage Company coach rolled into town with six passengers and the town’s mail aboard, a passenger suddenly pulled a revolver on driver F.J. Leach. “You’re in the hands of the rebels!” he snarled, as five more armed men inside the coach revealed themselves. 

“You’re in the hands of the rebels!” he snarled, as five more armed men inside the coach revealed themselves. The gang unhitched horses, slashed open mail sacks, and looted cash, kicking off a brazen multi-robbery spree. Minutes later, they ambushed another stagecoach and stole six horses, leaving stunned victims with a mocking “Good evening, gentlemen!” as they galloped away.

With a $50 reward posted, lawmen from three counties pursued the gang, armed with vivid descriptions: a tall man in a soldier-style overcoat, a red-faced, heavy-set accomplice, and a small curly-haired suspect. Even the stolen horses were ID’d, one with a star on its forehead, another with sore eyes. The robbers’ trail led to stolen saddles and farmhouses, but their fate remains shrouded in history’s fog. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar