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In 1883, William Julius is fined for Fast Driving in downtown York; and vows Vengeance on Yorkers

Depiction of William Julius fast driving down West Market Street in York, PA on April 24, 1883 (2015 S. H. Smith modification of an image on a Duke’s Cigarette Insert Card, a Wikimedia Commons Image, by removal of seaside background)
Depiction of William Julius fast driving down West Market Street in York, PA on April 24, 1883 (2015 S. H. Smith modification of an image on a Duke’s Cigarette Insert Card, a Wikimedia Commons Image, by removal of seaside background)

On April 24, 1883, William Julius was fined for fast driving down West Market Street in downtown York. He tried to get even and ultimately ended up vowing vengeance on Yorkers. His story is told in the following article from the April 25, 1883, issue of the York Daily:

Yesterday William Julius, who hails from Adams county, desirous of showing the qualities of his fast nag, drove through the Square at a dangerous speed, nearly running over a girl at Jordon’s corner, and then drove at full speed down Market street to west of the bridge. Officer Hedrick witnessing the act followed Julius, arresting him and took him before Justice Patterson on a charge of fast driving. The Justice after a hearing imposed a fine of $10 and costs.

Julius who left the office in a rather unpleasant frame of mind, returned in less than two hours, and entered complaint against David Kauffman for fast driving. Kauffman was arrested and brought before the Justice.

The accuser failing to substantiate the charge, Kauffman was discharged and Julius was compelled to pay the costs. This decision of the Justice was too much for Julius’ good temper and he vowed vengeance, threatening to retaliate on all Yorkers who should visit East Berlin and make a plunge with their fast nags.

Other general interest posts from the late 1800s:

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