| Transcribed by Norma Knotts Shaffer from microfilm
of the Calhoun Chronicle dated 9/25/1913.
Girl Defends Her Home
A bold attempt at robbery which was only frustrated by the bravery of
a girl, occurred on Slab Camp of Steer Creek late Saturday night of week
before last.
Two masked men appeared at the home of Harvey Philipps, an old man who,
with his step-daughter, lives on that run. The men pretended to be
members of a vigilance committee, coming to punish Philipps for misdeeds,
and after a brief parley attacked him with clubs and began beating him
savagely.
At this juncture the girl jumped out of bed and interfered. One
of the men struck her on the head, near the temple, inflicting a deep gash
and dazing her for a few minutes. When she fully regained her senses
she found both men again beating the old man with their clubs.
Grabbing up a poker, the girl attacked the men and struck one of them
a severe blow putting (illegible) for the time being. Then followed
a fearful fight between the girl and the other fellow. He proved
to be too much for her, and after knocking her down for the second time
he with his crony, left the house.
In the fight the girl was repeatedly struck over the head, and her scanty
clothing was literally torn off of her. She fought so desperately
with the ruffian, however, that she succeeded in tearing off his mask and
recognizing him.
The next morning Lon Collins' bloodhounds were brought into requisition
and upon striking the trail they made directly for the homes of two
men by the names of McCartney and Richards, the former being the one whom
the girl had recognized when she tore the mask off his face.
The two men were arrested and had their preliminary hearing before Squire
Vanhorn, (the affair having occurred in the edge of Gilmer county) who
bound them over to answer an indictment before the next grand jury of that
county.
Old Mr. Phillips kept his money at home, which fact was well known,
and it is the general sentiment that the motive of the men was robbery
and that they would have succeeded but for the plucky fight put up by Miss
Collins. | 
