The Belsano Train Robbery, Cambria County, PA

[Rich in Central PA]

On October 11, 1924, a train carrying a safe containing a payroll of $33,000 was robbed just outside the Cambria County, Pennsylvania in the town of Belsano. During the course of the robbery, one of the men who was guarding the safe was shot and killed.

Police in several neighbouring states joined the manhunt for Michelo Bassi and Anthony Pezzi and the murderous duo were apprehended two weeks after the robbery in Terre Haute, Indiana. Each had a gun and $3,000 in cash. The men were convicted of first degree murder and in February 1925, they were executed in the state's electric chair.

The safe and some of the money was never recovered. Legend has it that it may be buried or hidden near the site of the robbery.

 

[JackH]

Hello Rich,

This is the msg. I have sent on this morning: The Belsano Job - robbery & murder on C&I RailRoad

To: webmaster@nantyglo.com

Mon 5/23/16 8:39 AM

webmaster@nantyglo.com (webmaster@nantyglo.com)

[TD="class: ReadMsgHeaderCol1"] Sent:[/TD]

[TD="class: ReadMsgHeaderCol1"] To:[/TD]

Hello Webmaster,


Back in the early 1970’s working with my brother-in-laws for a
company (Penn Lines) that did brush and line clearance, we
found a SAFE.


The SAFE was all shot up and had heavy impacts of different
calibers shot into it. It was open and very heavy. The size was
about 2-2 1/2 ft cube. It had been there for years.


We traveled from Coalport thru Thomas Mills each morning
to the job site. Possibly 5 miles from Thomas Mills.


The Safe was just a few feet off a road, at this time I’m thinking
a wide unpaved road near a large ravine and power lines. So we
must have been clearing brush under the lines.


It may still be out there.


Just thought you would like to know.


Jack Herman
Altoona.

 

[jeff of pa]

cool ! Sure would be nice to see Pictures