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Story
December 12, 1884
The Sun
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
In New London, store owner George S. Avery's pit trap for burglars catches a thief but later injures innocent keeper Daniel Lake, who sues for $5,000 damages. Avery also faces a similar suit from a jilted widow.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
CATCHING BURGLARS.
The Trap Worked Well, but Finally Caught the Wrong Man.
New LONDON, Dec. 11.—Daniel Lake of this city brought suit against George S. Avery of Groton yesterday to recover $5,000 damages for injuries received. Avery keeps a flour and feed store. About two years ago his store was entered by burglars several times. Avery removed a portion of the floor and dug underneath a pit seventeen feet deep. Then he arranged the flooring so that the next burglar who walked over it would be precipitated into the pit. The plan worked well, and on the very next Saturday night the trap caught a burglar, who remained at the bottom of the pit until Monday morning, when he was pulled out more dead than alive and handed over to the police.
Not long ago Avery made an assignment. While his store was in the Sheriff's hands Daniel Lake was employed as keeper. He roamed around the store in ignorance of the existence of the burglar trap, until it suddenly sprung and dropped Lake to the bottom of the pit. His ankle was fractured and he was tattered with black and blue spots from head to foot. He brought suit against Avery for $5,000.
Avery has also on hand a suit for breach of promise of marriage, in which a young widow is the plaintiff. She, too, wants $5,000, putting the same value on her wounded affections that Lake does on his ankle.
The Trap Worked Well, but Finally Caught the Wrong Man.
New LONDON, Dec. 11.—Daniel Lake of this city brought suit against George S. Avery of Groton yesterday to recover $5,000 damages for injuries received. Avery keeps a flour and feed store. About two years ago his store was entered by burglars several times. Avery removed a portion of the floor and dug underneath a pit seventeen feet deep. Then he arranged the flooring so that the next burglar who walked over it would be precipitated into the pit. The plan worked well, and on the very next Saturday night the trap caught a burglar, who remained at the bottom of the pit until Monday morning, when he was pulled out more dead than alive and handed over to the police.
Not long ago Avery made an assignment. While his store was in the Sheriff's hands Daniel Lake was employed as keeper. He roamed around the store in ignorance of the existence of the burglar trap, until it suddenly sprung and dropped Lake to the bottom of the pit. His ankle was fractured and he was tattered with black and blue spots from head to foot. He brought suit against Avery for $5,000.
Avery has also on hand a suit for breach of promise of marriage, in which a young widow is the plaintiff. She, too, wants $5,000, putting the same value on her wounded affections that Lake does on his ankle.
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Story
Curiosity
What themes does it cover?
Crime Punishment
Misfortune
What keywords are associated?
Burglar Trap
Pitfall
Lawsuit
New London
George Avery
Daniel Lake
What entities or persons were involved?
Daniel Lake
George S. Avery
Where did it happen?
New London
Story Details
Key Persons
Daniel Lake
George S. Avery
Location
New London
Event Date
About Two Years Ago; Not Long Ago
Story Details
George S. Avery dug a pit trap in his store to catch burglars, which succeeded in trapping one burglar overnight. Later, while the store was under sheriff's control, keeper Daniel Lake fell into the trap, fracturing his ankle and suffering injuries, leading him to sue Avery for $5,000. Avery also faces a $5,000 breach of promise suit from a young widow.