From the Archives (1921): Daring Robbery with Violence at Sedgewick
Originally Published in the Sedgewick Sentinel – September 1921 – A visitor to Sedgewick, arriving by the east bound train which came in at 11:10 p.m. on Thursday evening last, was assaulted and nearly done to death by two men about midnight, who robbed her of a considerable sum of money and left her in an unconscious condition on the railway track a few rods west of the station platform.
Mary Hewitson of Calgary, the victim of the assault, arrived in Sedgewick in company with two men whom she met at Strome, her intention being to catch the 3 a.m. passenger back to Calgary.
The two men registered at the Pioneer Hotel, after which, in company with the woman, they entered the Vet Cafe, where they had luncheon. It was there suggested and agreed that they stroll about town until the west bound train arrived. It was during the stroll that the larger of the two men struck the woman in the mouth with his fist, exclaiming to his companion: “You get the money; I’ll fix her.”
The blow knocked out some teeth and caused temporary loss of consciousness, and in her fall Miss Hewitson’s head struck the rail, causing a bad cut in the back of her head.
The taller of the two men then picked up some stones which he threw at his victim, while the smaller of the two assailants took the money (about $80), which the woman had concealed in her stocking.
The stones thrown had hit the victim in the head, and she pleaded “Don’t kill me,” whereupon another stone was thrown, hitting her on the left temple and causing a terrible wound.
The two assailants then left the scene, running away in the direction of the town, and when Mary Hewitson had gathered enough strength, she arose and getting through the wire fence, awoke the occupants of a nearby residence, on the threshold of which she collapsed.
The two assailants were soon captured and are J. M. Rowen, aged 19, and L. A. Parker (alias B. Johnson), aged 35, both of Vancouver. They had just quit working for Mr. Baker, a farmer north of Killam.
