Geppert was the cashier of Medicine Valley Bank in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. On April 30, 1884, four bandits led by Henry Brown, the town marshal of Caldwell, KS, attempted to rob the bank. Geppert locked the vault and was immediately shot by the outlaws. The bank president, E.W. Payne, reached for his pistol and was also shot. The robbers fled without any loot when the townspeople were alerted, but were captured by a posse later in the day. Three of them were lynched that night by a mob and Brown was shot attempting to escape. Geppert died immediately on being shot and Payne died of his wounds the following day. A local newspaper published the following in their May 8 edition, speaking of cashier Geppert: "Of the deceased, who was shot down in such cold blood yesterday, we have not space to sneak in fitting eulogy. He had been a resident of our town for some four years past and was widely known and universally respected by all his acquaintances. A man of excellent business capacity, he had already accumulated a handsome competence. In the prime of life and vigor of his manhood, with a most comfortable home and pleasant family; the future seemed to have in store for him abundant years filled with golden fruitage of happiness. The respect of his fellow citizens was shown by the fact that the business houses of the town, we believe without an exception, were draped in mourning. His death has aroused the deepest and most general sympathy. We have lost a most excellent man, a kind husband and father and one of our most enterprising citizens.
Geppert was the cashier of Medicine Valley Bank in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. On April 30, 1884, four bandits led by Henry Brown, the town marshal of Caldwell, KS, attempted to rob the bank. Geppert locked the vault and was immediately shot by the outlaws. The bank president, E.W. Payne, reached for his pistol and was also shot. The robbers fled without any loot when the townspeople were alerted, but were captured by a posse later in the day. Three of them were lynched that night by a mob and Brown was shot attempting to escape. Geppert died immediately on being shot and Payne died of his wounds the following day. A local newspaper published the following in their May 8 edition, speaking of cashier Geppert: "Of the deceased, who was shot down in such cold blood yesterday, we have not space to sneak in fitting eulogy. He had been a resident of our town for some four years past and was widely known and universally respected by all his acquaintances. A man of excellent business capacity, he had already accumulated a handsome competence. In the prime of life and vigor of his manhood, with a most comfortable home and pleasant family; the future seemed to have in store for him abundant years filled with golden fruitage of happiness. The respect of his fellow citizens was shown by the fact that the business houses of the town, we believe without an exception, were draped in mourning. His death has aroused the deepest and most general sympathy. We have lost a most excellent man, a kind husband and father and one of our most enterprising citizens.
Gravesite Details
age 42
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