A.J. AUGUSTINE
Attica, Indiana
A. J. Augustine, traveling salesman for Duhme & Co. for many years, met with a painful and perhaps serious accident at Attica, Ind., on the 14th. Chas. Ankeny left for Attica upon receiving the intelligence and is now with him. He has returned word that Mr. Augustine is somewhat better. It seems he was on his way to the depot in a railroad omnibus when the horses ran away and he was thrown out and received serious scalp wounds. He remained unconscious two days.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 28th September 1892
Trev.
Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
MARCUS SCHWED
New Haven, Connecticut
Pain and Financial Embarassmcnts Lead Marcus Schwed to Take His Life
New Haven, Conn., June 13.—Yesterday morning at about 8:45 o’clock, Marcus Schwed, who conducted a jewelry and pawnbrokering business at 860 Chapel St., shot himself through the right temple, at his residence, 234 Columbia Ave. The wound was a mortal one, and although death was not instantaneous, the physician who arrived soon after the deed was committed announced that the case was helpless. He died at noon to-day, the physicians being surprised that he lived through the night.
Mr. Schwed attended to his business Thursday as usual, and returned home about 10 o’clock at night. He complained to his family that he was suffering from an attack of his old complaint, rheumatism, and that the pains in his head and limbs were more severe than usual. During the night he was nervous and restless and obtained but little rest.
The cause assigned for the rash act is a prolonged illness from rheumatism and neuralgia, combined with financial embarassment. The creditors of the suicide yesterday commenced to secure their claims. A forcible entrance was effected by Constable Pond, and an attachment of $1,000 in the interests of Leopold Weil & Co., 51 Maiden Lane, New York, was placed on the stock. It is believed that the deceased’s liabilities are about $4,000 or $5,000, and that the stock will fully cover the amount. The attachment will serve to prevent the stock being touched until a trustee is appointed by the Probate Court.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 17th June 1891
Mayer Schwed Arrested at His Father’s Funeral
New Haven, Conn., June 19.—There was a sensational and startling episode Tuesday afternoon at the funeral services of the late Marcus Schwed, who committed suicide last week as reported in The Circular. Mayer Schwed, son of the dead man, and formerly traveling salesman for a New York jewelry house was arrested by Sheriff Pond. The charge against him is fraud. He was arrested on four counts. They allege that he has given worthless checks, made misrepresentations in regard to the value of jewelry, disposed of valuable furniture bought on the instalment plan, and numerous other charges. He was released on $2,800 bonds furnished by Mr. Wurzburg.
Schwed has been in a number of scrapes in this city. He has given New Haven a wide berth, as he has numerous creditors looking for him and he very rarely stayed more than one night in the town. He visited his father just three days before the latter committed suicide, and came back here to attend the funeral. His father had paid over $1,000 of his erring son’s debts not long since. He was one of the first to originate the watch club movement, which had quite a season of popularity here until the authorities decided it was a lottery.
Mr. Howshield, a carriage maker, the complainant, alleges lending Schwed $1,000 to redeem watches, jewelry, etc., in pawn, which Schwed was to sell and divide profits. All Howshield got back was a worthless check. Another time Schwed took $150 worth of watches and jewelry belonging to Howshield to sell, the profits over a certain sum to be divided between them. Howshield claims he received nothing in return but another worthless check.
The will of the late Marcus Schwed was offered for probate in court yesterday morning. Mr. Schwed’s liabilities are about $5,000, and his assets $1,000 less.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 24th June 1891
Trev.
New Haven, Connecticut
Pain and Financial Embarassmcnts Lead Marcus Schwed to Take His Life
New Haven, Conn., June 13.—Yesterday morning at about 8:45 o’clock, Marcus Schwed, who conducted a jewelry and pawnbrokering business at 860 Chapel St., shot himself through the right temple, at his residence, 234 Columbia Ave. The wound was a mortal one, and although death was not instantaneous, the physician who arrived soon after the deed was committed announced that the case was helpless. He died at noon to-day, the physicians being surprised that he lived through the night.
Mr. Schwed attended to his business Thursday as usual, and returned home about 10 o’clock at night. He complained to his family that he was suffering from an attack of his old complaint, rheumatism, and that the pains in his head and limbs were more severe than usual. During the night he was nervous and restless and obtained but little rest.
The cause assigned for the rash act is a prolonged illness from rheumatism and neuralgia, combined with financial embarassment. The creditors of the suicide yesterday commenced to secure their claims. A forcible entrance was effected by Constable Pond, and an attachment of $1,000 in the interests of Leopold Weil & Co., 51 Maiden Lane, New York, was placed on the stock. It is believed that the deceased’s liabilities are about $4,000 or $5,000, and that the stock will fully cover the amount. The attachment will serve to prevent the stock being touched until a trustee is appointed by the Probate Court.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 17th June 1891
Mayer Schwed Arrested at His Father’s Funeral
New Haven, Conn., June 19.—There was a sensational and startling episode Tuesday afternoon at the funeral services of the late Marcus Schwed, who committed suicide last week as reported in The Circular. Mayer Schwed, son of the dead man, and formerly traveling salesman for a New York jewelry house was arrested by Sheriff Pond. The charge against him is fraud. He was arrested on four counts. They allege that he has given worthless checks, made misrepresentations in regard to the value of jewelry, disposed of valuable furniture bought on the instalment plan, and numerous other charges. He was released on $2,800 bonds furnished by Mr. Wurzburg.
Schwed has been in a number of scrapes in this city. He has given New Haven a wide berth, as he has numerous creditors looking for him and he very rarely stayed more than one night in the town. He visited his father just three days before the latter committed suicide, and came back here to attend the funeral. His father had paid over $1,000 of his erring son’s debts not long since. He was one of the first to originate the watch club movement, which had quite a season of popularity here until the authorities decided it was a lottery.
Mr. Howshield, a carriage maker, the complainant, alleges lending Schwed $1,000 to redeem watches, jewelry, etc., in pawn, which Schwed was to sell and divide profits. All Howshield got back was a worthless check. Another time Schwed took $150 worth of watches and jewelry belonging to Howshield to sell, the profits over a certain sum to be divided between them. Howshield claims he received nothing in return but another worthless check.
The will of the late Marcus Schwed was offered for probate in court yesterday morning. Mr. Schwed’s liabilities are about $5,000, and his assets $1,000 less.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 24th June 1891
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
LEWIS HELLER
Dorrance, Pennsylvania
Lewis Heller, a jeweler of Dorrance, Pa., was asphyxiated in a room in the International Hotel, on Park Row, last Wednesday. It is supposed that he blew out the gas. Heller was visiting New York for the first time. Wednesday a chambermaid employed at the hotel detected an odor of gas coming from Heller’s room and gave the alarm. The door was broken open and the jeweler was found on the bed, a corpse. The body was taken to the Morgue and his friends notified.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 11th October 1893
Trev.
Dorrance, Pennsylvania
Lewis Heller, a jeweler of Dorrance, Pa., was asphyxiated in a room in the International Hotel, on Park Row, last Wednesday. It is supposed that he blew out the gas. Heller was visiting New York for the first time. Wednesday a chambermaid employed at the hotel detected an odor of gas coming from Heller’s room and gave the alarm. The door was broken open and the jeweler was found on the bed, a corpse. The body was taken to the Morgue and his friends notified.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 11th October 1893
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
TOMAS HERNANDEZ
Mexico City
Approaching End of a Desperate Bandit
City of Mexico, Mex., Dec. 22.— Several months ago Jesus Bruno Martinez, a famous bandit of Oaxaca, arrived in this city and resumed his criminal career here. A number of desperate and bold robberies were committed by him, but owing to his numerous friends among the lower classes, the police were unable to effect his capture. About two months ago he entered the jewelry establishment of Tomas Hernandez, on Profesa St. It was shortly after noon and Mr. Hernandez and several clerks were in the shop. Martinez evidently knew the proprietor by sight, as he walked straight up to him and drawing two large Mexican pistols, he covered the clerks with one and Mr. Hernandez with the other, and demanded that a tray of diamond rings and opals be turned over to him.
Mr. Hernandez acted as though to obey, but instead he reached for a pistol lying under the window. The robber was, however, too quick for him. He saw the movement and fired, the bullet taking effect in the head of Mr. Hernandez, killing him instantly. Then, grabbing what jewelry was
within easy reach, Martinez made his escape into the open street.
The clerks were terror-stricken, but they soon raised a general alarm in that part of the city, and a squad of officers were soon in pursuit of the fugitive murderer and thief. The latter sought refuge in the house of a friend, where he was discovered and placed under arrest after a desperate resistance, a few hours after committing the deed. He was given a speedy trial, the best legal talent of this city being employed in his defense by the bandit, who had accumulated a fortune. Notwithstanding that fact, he was convicted and condemned to death. An appeal was taken to the higher court, and the judgment of the lower court has been confirmed.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 30th December 1891
The End of the Noted Bandit, Jesus Bruno Martinez
City of Mexico, Jan. 8.—Jesus Bruno Martinez, convicted of the murder of Thomas Hernandez, jeweler of this city, in the early part of last year, under circumstances of peculiar atrocity, as reported in The Circular, was executed yesterday morning in the precincts of Belem prison.
Just before undergoing the fatal sentence he was permitted to take leave of his friends and of the principal prison officials. While he was in the act of embracing, according to Mexican usage, the Chief of the Secret Police Cabrera, who had been peculiarly active in bringing Martinez to justice, the latter by a quick and dexterous movement drew a knife from under his coat and stabbed Cabrera three times, though not fatally. The bandit was overpowered and shot without further delay.
Up to the day of his execution certain Mexican journals had been pleading for mercy.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 13th January 1892
Trev.
Mexico City
Approaching End of a Desperate Bandit
City of Mexico, Mex., Dec. 22.— Several months ago Jesus Bruno Martinez, a famous bandit of Oaxaca, arrived in this city and resumed his criminal career here. A number of desperate and bold robberies were committed by him, but owing to his numerous friends among the lower classes, the police were unable to effect his capture. About two months ago he entered the jewelry establishment of Tomas Hernandez, on Profesa St. It was shortly after noon and Mr. Hernandez and several clerks were in the shop. Martinez evidently knew the proprietor by sight, as he walked straight up to him and drawing two large Mexican pistols, he covered the clerks with one and Mr. Hernandez with the other, and demanded that a tray of diamond rings and opals be turned over to him.
Mr. Hernandez acted as though to obey, but instead he reached for a pistol lying under the window. The robber was, however, too quick for him. He saw the movement and fired, the bullet taking effect in the head of Mr. Hernandez, killing him instantly. Then, grabbing what jewelry was
within easy reach, Martinez made his escape into the open street.
The clerks were terror-stricken, but they soon raised a general alarm in that part of the city, and a squad of officers were soon in pursuit of the fugitive murderer and thief. The latter sought refuge in the house of a friend, where he was discovered and placed under arrest after a desperate resistance, a few hours after committing the deed. He was given a speedy trial, the best legal talent of this city being employed in his defense by the bandit, who had accumulated a fortune. Notwithstanding that fact, he was convicted and condemned to death. An appeal was taken to the higher court, and the judgment of the lower court has been confirmed.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 30th December 1891
The End of the Noted Bandit, Jesus Bruno Martinez
City of Mexico, Jan. 8.—Jesus Bruno Martinez, convicted of the murder of Thomas Hernandez, jeweler of this city, in the early part of last year, under circumstances of peculiar atrocity, as reported in The Circular, was executed yesterday morning in the precincts of Belem prison.
Just before undergoing the fatal sentence he was permitted to take leave of his friends and of the principal prison officials. While he was in the act of embracing, according to Mexican usage, the Chief of the Secret Police Cabrera, who had been peculiarly active in bringing Martinez to justice, the latter by a quick and dexterous movement drew a knife from under his coat and stabbed Cabrera three times, though not fatally. The bandit was overpowered and shot without further delay.
Up to the day of his execution certain Mexican journals had been pleading for mercy.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 13th January 1892
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
J.B. HOLSINGER
Johnstown, Pennsylvania
A Can of Powder Explodes with Disastrous Results
Johnstown, Pa., Dec. 24.—Yesterday morning a terrific explosion was heard all over the town. J. B. Holsinger, the jeweler, had been in the habit of keeping a can of powder and some loading tools under the counter in his store. About 8.20 o’clock he lit a match so as to obtain a better view under the counter, when the powder in the can, of which there was about four pounds tightly compressed, took fire and exploded. The shock was terrific, the jewelry in the store being thrown across the street, the walls of the building bulged out, the shelves dropped to the floor with all their contents. The proprietor of the store was knocked down and fatally burned, all the hair being taken off his head. The loss is placed at $4,000.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 30th December 1891
Trev.
Johnstown, Pennsylvania
A Can of Powder Explodes with Disastrous Results
Johnstown, Pa., Dec. 24.—Yesterday morning a terrific explosion was heard all over the town. J. B. Holsinger, the jeweler, had been in the habit of keeping a can of powder and some loading tools under the counter in his store. About 8.20 o’clock he lit a match so as to obtain a better view under the counter, when the powder in the can, of which there was about four pounds tightly compressed, took fire and exploded. The shock was terrific, the jewelry in the store being thrown across the street, the walls of the building bulged out, the shelves dropped to the floor with all their contents. The proprietor of the store was knocked down and fatally burned, all the hair being taken off his head. The loss is placed at $4,000.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 30th December 1891
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
AUGUST BONING
Philadelphia
August Boning a Victim of Illuminating Gas
Philadelphia, Pa. Dec. 24.—August Boning, a well-known jeweler, of 331 W. Girard Ave., met his death by asphyxiation, early yesterday morning. Mr. Boning, who was fifty-three years of age, was in excellent health and in his usual cheerful spirit when he bade his assistant good-night and locked up his store on Tuesday evening. When the lad reached the place about seven o’clock yesterday morning, he was surprised to find the store closed. He notified a neighbor, who was an intimate friend of Boning, and that gentleman pounded on the door of the store. Receiving no response he informed a policeman, who burst open a rear door.
As soon as the officer entered the apartment he detected a sickening odor, which he discovered was gas. Boning was lying in bed dead. The gas was on full head. It was evident that upon retiring Boning extinguished the light and accidentally turned the key around, allowing the gas to escape, The coroner’s inquest was held to-day.
Testimony was heard to the effect that the deceased had been suffering from melancholia for some time, but it was not known whether he committed suicide. The jury rendered a verdict of death by suffocation from illuminating gas.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 30th December 1891
Trev.
Philadelphia
August Boning a Victim of Illuminating Gas
Philadelphia, Pa. Dec. 24.—August Boning, a well-known jeweler, of 331 W. Girard Ave., met his death by asphyxiation, early yesterday morning. Mr. Boning, who was fifty-three years of age, was in excellent health and in his usual cheerful spirit when he bade his assistant good-night and locked up his store on Tuesday evening. When the lad reached the place about seven o’clock yesterday morning, he was surprised to find the store closed. He notified a neighbor, who was an intimate friend of Boning, and that gentleman pounded on the door of the store. Receiving no response he informed a policeman, who burst open a rear door.
As soon as the officer entered the apartment he detected a sickening odor, which he discovered was gas. Boning was lying in bed dead. The gas was on full head. It was evident that upon retiring Boning extinguished the light and accidentally turned the key around, allowing the gas to escape, The coroner’s inquest was held to-day.
Testimony was heard to the effect that the deceased had been suffering from melancholia for some time, but it was not known whether he committed suicide. The jury rendered a verdict of death by suffocation from illuminating gas.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 30th December 1891
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
GEORGE WALLINGFORD
Cuero, Texas
Suicide Without any Apparent Cause
Cuero.Tex., Jan. 28.—George Wallingford, a jeweler and an old and respected citizen, committed suicide early Thursday morning by taking strychnine. No cause can be surmised why he should have done so, as he was doing a nice business and had a comfortable home, with the most pleasant surroundings. The deceased leaves a wife and several children.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 3rd February 1892
Trev.
Cuero, Texas
Suicide Without any Apparent Cause
Cuero.Tex., Jan. 28.—George Wallingford, a jeweler and an old and respected citizen, committed suicide early Thursday morning by taking strychnine. No cause can be surmised why he should have done so, as he was doing a nice business and had a comfortable home, with the most pleasant surroundings. The deceased leaves a wife and several children.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 3rd February 1892
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
ROBERT F. EBERT
Cleveland, Ohio
A Promising Young jeweler Commits Suicide
Cleveland, O., Feb. 17.—Robert F. Ebert, foreman in the manufacturing jewelry establishment of F. Gunzenhauser, 208 Superior St., committed suicide yesterday by shooting himself in the head.
Several weeks ago he had an attack of the grip but seemed to have recovered, with the exception of complaining of severe pains in his head. This grew upon nim and soon he could not sleep. He became forgetful and would get lost in sight of his own home. Yesterday he started for a doctor and when his wife next saw him he was brought home a corpse.
Ebert was a prominent Knight of Pythias and he will be buried by that order. He was 27 years old.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 24th February 1892
Trev.
Cleveland, Ohio
A Promising Young jeweler Commits Suicide
Cleveland, O., Feb. 17.—Robert F. Ebert, foreman in the manufacturing jewelry establishment of F. Gunzenhauser, 208 Superior St., committed suicide yesterday by shooting himself in the head.
Several weeks ago he had an attack of the grip but seemed to have recovered, with the exception of complaining of severe pains in his head. This grew upon nim and soon he could not sleep. He became forgetful and would get lost in sight of his own home. Yesterday he started for a doctor and when his wife next saw him he was brought home a corpse.
Ebert was a prominent Knight of Pythias and he will be buried by that order. He was 27 years old.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 24th February 1892
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
S. SIMON
Fresno, California
He Could not Bear to Face Disgrace
Fresno, Cal., Feb. 9.—S. Simon, of S. Simon & Co., and a well known jeweler of this place, suicided last Tuesday evening by shooting himself twice in the mouth, causing instant death. He had a few days ago sold his jewelry business here and bought a hotel in Sanger. This was attached by two or three parties and he was arrested.
The attachments were the outcome of jewelry transactions and the amount involved is not large. Friends immediately set to work to fix the matter up, and ten minutes after the suicide happened everything was satisfactory, as near as can be learned. Mr. Simon was about 35 years of age, and generally liked. He leaves a widow, who is at present in McKeesport, Pa.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 24th February 1892
Trev.
Fresno, California
He Could not Bear to Face Disgrace
Fresno, Cal., Feb. 9.—S. Simon, of S. Simon & Co., and a well known jeweler of this place, suicided last Tuesday evening by shooting himself twice in the mouth, causing instant death. He had a few days ago sold his jewelry business here and bought a hotel in Sanger. This was attached by two or three parties and he was arrested.
The attachments were the outcome of jewelry transactions and the amount involved is not large. Friends immediately set to work to fix the matter up, and ten minutes after the suicide happened everything was satisfactory, as near as can be learned. Mr. Simon was about 35 years of age, and generally liked. He leaves a widow, who is at present in McKeesport, Pa.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 24th February 1892
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
J.M. LORD
Honey Grove, Texas
J. M. Lord, the oldest jeweler of Honey Grove, Tex., committed suicide a few days ago by taking an overdose of morphine. Despondency was the cause of the act.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 22nd February 1893
Trev.
Honey Grove, Texas
J. M. Lord, the oldest jeweler of Honey Grove, Tex., committed suicide a few days ago by taking an overdose of morphine. Despondency was the cause of the act.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 22nd February 1893
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
EDWARD SANROPE
Black River Falls, Wisconsin
Jeweler Sanrope Commits Suicide in Jail
Black River Falls, Wis , Feb. 23.—Edward Sanrope, a jeweler of this city, aged 39 years, committed suicide in the county jail this week, where he had been confined for he night on a charge of disorderly conduct. The deceased who had been a heavy drinker, took the Keeley cure last May, and for a time it looked as though his appetite had been conquered, but he soon took to drinking again and ended the chapter by hanging himself to the cell with a piece of blanket. He leaves a wife and five small children.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 1st March 1893
Trev.
Black River Falls, Wisconsin
Jeweler Sanrope Commits Suicide in Jail
Black River Falls, Wis , Feb. 23.—Edward Sanrope, a jeweler of this city, aged 39 years, committed suicide in the county jail this week, where he had been confined for he night on a charge of disorderly conduct. The deceased who had been a heavy drinker, took the Keeley cure last May, and for a time it looked as though his appetite had been conquered, but he soon took to drinking again and ended the chapter by hanging himself to the cell with a piece of blanket. He leaves a wife and five small children.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 1st March 1893
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
JAMES H. McDONALD
Pittusville, Alabama
A Salesman Murdered in Alabama
Birmingham, Ala., Dec. 26.—James H. McDonald, who traveled for a New Orleans jewelry house selling spectacles and clocks chiefly, was foully murdered near Pittusville, this State, yesterday. He had gone from Athens to Elk wood, and as that place hired a sixteen-year-old boy named De Foe to pilot him to a small town near the Tennessee line.
They went by private conveyance, and when in a lonely place De Foe assaulted McDonald with a club and knocked his brains out. The object of the murder was robbery. De Foe was pursued by officers into Tennessee and captured near Pulaski, where he was lodged in jail. It is feared if brought back to Athens he will be lynched.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 30th December 1891
Trev.
Pittusville, Alabama
A Salesman Murdered in Alabama
Birmingham, Ala., Dec. 26.—James H. McDonald, who traveled for a New Orleans jewelry house selling spectacles and clocks chiefly, was foully murdered near Pittusville, this State, yesterday. He had gone from Athens to Elk wood, and as that place hired a sixteen-year-old boy named De Foe to pilot him to a small town near the Tennessee line.
They went by private conveyance, and when in a lonely place De Foe assaulted McDonald with a club and knocked his brains out. The object of the murder was robbery. De Foe was pursued by officers into Tennessee and captured near Pulaski, where he was lodged in jail. It is feared if brought back to Athens he will be lynched.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 30th December 1891
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
JAMES D. McCULLOCH
Hamilton, Ontario
A Leading Dominion Jeweler Burned to Death
Hamilton, Ont., Dec. 26.—Just three weeks ago to-day Jas. D. McCulloh, the genial junior partner of Davis & McCulloch was a happy groom, but to-day he lies still in death. Mr. and Mrs. McCulloch had spent Christmas with friends, but had returned home and retired about 11 p. m. Mr. McCulloch awoke about 1 A. M., and finding the house cold, proceeded to the cellar to stir up the furnace.
How the accident really occurred which caused his death can only be surmised. He had been gone but a few minutes when his wife was startled by cries and rushed to the cellar in her night robe. Through the smoke she saw a sight which has been burned into her brain. Her husband lay a few feet from the furnace, writhing in agony and moaning and enveloped in dull, flickering flames. It was by the light of these flames that she saw him. Mrs. McCulloch rushed up stairs, snatched a heavy overcoat from the rack, and hurrying into the cellar, threw it over her husband, and pressing it around him, endeavored to smother the flames. In doing this her own hands were terribly burned. But the fire had already done its work and it was too late to save him.
The neighbors were aroused and three physicians soon arrived, but all they could do was to administer opiates to dull the senses of the sufferer. They knew they could not save him. Mr. McCulloch’s father and brothers were summoned and remained by his bed-side until he died, three hours later.
The only vestige of clothing remaining on Mr. McCulloch were the wristbands of his nightshirt. His body was burned all over, and in many places the flesh was burned black.
It is probable that the accident was caused by Mr. McCulloch’s attempt to make the furnace burn better by throwing coal oil into it. He probably poured some oil into the funnel, stopping the end with his figure, and, opening the furnace door, threw in the oil. The oil was thus suddenly converted into burning gas, and flew out before Mr. McCulloch could shut the door.
Mr. McCulloch was in his thirty-first year. He was born in Hamilton. He was educated in the city schools, and when yet a lad began to learn the jewelry business with Alex. Campbell. In the same store was William Davis, and the two young men, forming a strong friendship, determined to start in business for themselves. This they did in 1880, and their partnership in the prosperous business of Davis & McCulloh continued uninterrupted until to-day. Few young business men of the city have been more widely known than he, and he has been a general favorite.
Mr. McCulloch carried a heavy life insurance—altogether, it is said, more than $25,000. Only a few weeks ago he took out a fresh policy in the New York Life for $10,000. A shrewd and careful business man, he had amassed a respectable fortune, and was accounted one of the wealthiest of the younger merchants of the city.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 30th December 1891
Trev.
Hamilton, Ontario
A Leading Dominion Jeweler Burned to Death
Hamilton, Ont., Dec. 26.—Just three weeks ago to-day Jas. D. McCulloh, the genial junior partner of Davis & McCulloch was a happy groom, but to-day he lies still in death. Mr. and Mrs. McCulloch had spent Christmas with friends, but had returned home and retired about 11 p. m. Mr. McCulloch awoke about 1 A. M., and finding the house cold, proceeded to the cellar to stir up the furnace.
How the accident really occurred which caused his death can only be surmised. He had been gone but a few minutes when his wife was startled by cries and rushed to the cellar in her night robe. Through the smoke she saw a sight which has been burned into her brain. Her husband lay a few feet from the furnace, writhing in agony and moaning and enveloped in dull, flickering flames. It was by the light of these flames that she saw him. Mrs. McCulloch rushed up stairs, snatched a heavy overcoat from the rack, and hurrying into the cellar, threw it over her husband, and pressing it around him, endeavored to smother the flames. In doing this her own hands were terribly burned. But the fire had already done its work and it was too late to save him.
The neighbors were aroused and three physicians soon arrived, but all they could do was to administer opiates to dull the senses of the sufferer. They knew they could not save him. Mr. McCulloch’s father and brothers were summoned and remained by his bed-side until he died, three hours later.
The only vestige of clothing remaining on Mr. McCulloch were the wristbands of his nightshirt. His body was burned all over, and in many places the flesh was burned black.
It is probable that the accident was caused by Mr. McCulloch’s attempt to make the furnace burn better by throwing coal oil into it. He probably poured some oil into the funnel, stopping the end with his figure, and, opening the furnace door, threw in the oil. The oil was thus suddenly converted into burning gas, and flew out before Mr. McCulloch could shut the door.
Mr. McCulloch was in his thirty-first year. He was born in Hamilton. He was educated in the city schools, and when yet a lad began to learn the jewelry business with Alex. Campbell. In the same store was William Davis, and the two young men, forming a strong friendship, determined to start in business for themselves. This they did in 1880, and their partnership in the prosperous business of Davis & McCulloh continued uninterrupted until to-day. Few young business men of the city have been more widely known than he, and he has been a general favorite.
Mr. McCulloch carried a heavy life insurance—altogether, it is said, more than $25,000. Only a few weeks ago he took out a fresh policy in the New York Life for $10,000. A shrewd and careful business man, he had amassed a respectable fortune, and was accounted one of the wealthiest of the younger merchants of the city.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 30th December 1891
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
C.E. WEIDLICH
Bridgeport, Connecticut
William Weidlich and E. C. Weidlich, of William Weidlich & Bro., and Frank Weidlich, 1022 Hodiamont Ave., were called to Bridgeport, Conn., last week, by the death of their brother, C. E. Weidlich, treasurer of the Weidlich Bros. Mfg. Co., of that place. Mr. Weidlich was killed in a street car
accident, the coach having jumped the track and mangled him in a frightful manner, causing instant death.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 27th June 1906
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Bridgeport, Connecticut
William Weidlich and E. C. Weidlich, of William Weidlich & Bro., and Frank Weidlich, 1022 Hodiamont Ave., were called to Bridgeport, Conn., last week, by the death of their brother, C. E. Weidlich, treasurer of the Weidlich Bros. Mfg. Co., of that place. Mr. Weidlich was killed in a street car
accident, the coach having jumped the track and mangled him in a frightful manner, causing instant death.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 27th June 1906
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
ALFRED WECHLER
Brooklyn, New York
Alfred Wechler, a diamond cutter who was found unconscious Dec. 17 in his home, 69 Stanhope St.. Brooklyn, near the dead body of his wife, who had been poisoned by illuminating gas, is still in St. Mary’s Hospital, but greatly improved. Wechler, before becoming unconscious, had turned the gas stove off by the stove cock, and, forgetting that the poisonous fumes were still coming through the tube from the chandelier, raised the tube and fastened it in a knot above his head.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 28th December 1898
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Brooklyn, New York
Alfred Wechler, a diamond cutter who was found unconscious Dec. 17 in his home, 69 Stanhope St.. Brooklyn, near the dead body of his wife, who had been poisoned by illuminating gas, is still in St. Mary’s Hospital, but greatly improved. Wechler, before becoming unconscious, had turned the gas stove off by the stove cock, and, forgetting that the poisonous fumes were still coming through the tube from the chandelier, raised the tube and fastened it in a knot above his head.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 28th December 1898
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
EMIL WEILER
Hoboken, New Jersey
Emil Weiler, a diamond dealer, living at 936 Hudson St., Hoboken, N. J., committed suicide at his home Wednesday by shooting himself through the heart. The dead man was 40 years old, and leaves a widow and three children. He had been in business in this city for many years. He had complained recently of depression, and when he retired on Tuesday night said he was not well. Worrying over business losses is the only cause that his relatives can assign for the suicide. Mr. Weller was a member of the German Club and was also a member of the Masonic order.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 3rd October 1894
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Hoboken, New Jersey
Emil Weiler, a diamond dealer, living at 936 Hudson St., Hoboken, N. J., committed suicide at his home Wednesday by shooting himself through the heart. The dead man was 40 years old, and leaves a widow and three children. He had been in business in this city for many years. He had complained recently of depression, and when he retired on Tuesday night said he was not well. Worrying over business losses is the only cause that his relatives can assign for the suicide. Mr. Weller was a member of the German Club and was also a member of the Masonic order.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 3rd October 1894
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
W.S. BAILY
Pomona, California
KILLED IN AUTO ACCIDENT
W. S. Baily, Pomona, Cal., Meets Sudden Death When Car Overturns
San Francisco, Cal., Sept. 5.—W. S. Baily, aged 53, a pioneer jeweler of Pomona, Cal., was killed in an automobile accident on the Torry Pine grade a few days ago, when the machine in which he was riding overturned. Mr. Baily was pinned beneath the car and died before aid could reach him. It is believed that he was returning from a trip to Camp Kearny to see his son, Lieut. LeRoy Baily, off on his journey to France.
Mr. Baily came to California and settled in the Pomona valley in 1885. During the greater part of the time he conducted a jewelry business, selling out about 15 years ago to Fred C. Trickey.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 11th September 1918
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Pomona, California
KILLED IN AUTO ACCIDENT
W. S. Baily, Pomona, Cal., Meets Sudden Death When Car Overturns
San Francisco, Cal., Sept. 5.—W. S. Baily, aged 53, a pioneer jeweler of Pomona, Cal., was killed in an automobile accident on the Torry Pine grade a few days ago, when the machine in which he was riding overturned. Mr. Baily was pinned beneath the car and died before aid could reach him. It is believed that he was returning from a trip to Camp Kearny to see his son, Lieut. LeRoy Baily, off on his journey to France.
Mr. Baily came to California and settled in the Pomona valley in 1885. During the greater part of the time he conducted a jewelry business, selling out about 15 years ago to Fred C. Trickey.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 11th September 1918
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
C.F. FISCHER
Johnson (Johnstown?), Pennsylvania
Word was received at Washington. Pa., last week, of the fact that C. F. Fischer, a young man who had just started in the jewelry business at Johnson, had been run down by an engine of the P. & L. E. Railroad, near Fayette City. His legs were crushed close to the body and he expired before aid could reach him. Mr. Fischer, who was about 20 years old, had just opened his jewelry store and was distributing hand bills to the houses along the railroad advertising his business. The body was taken to the home of his parents in Smithton, where the funeral was held Thursday afternoon.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular- 19th February 1908
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Johnson (Johnstown?), Pennsylvania
Word was received at Washington. Pa., last week, of the fact that C. F. Fischer, a young man who had just started in the jewelry business at Johnson, had been run down by an engine of the P. & L. E. Railroad, near Fayette City. His legs were crushed close to the body and he expired before aid could reach him. Mr. Fischer, who was about 20 years old, had just opened his jewelry store and was distributing hand bills to the houses along the railroad advertising his business. The body was taken to the home of his parents in Smithton, where the funeral was held Thursday afternoon.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular- 19th February 1908
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
H.S. LESTER
Shelby, Mississippi
Jeweler H. S. Lester Adjudged to Be Demented
Chicago, Ill., Aug. 30.—H. S. Lester, jeweler, Shelby, Miss., en route to New Orleans, was taken into custody yesterday afternoon by detective-sergeants. Lester was pronounced demented by physicians of the health department and taken to the detention hospital by the police. Lester is known to Lapp & Flershem, the State St. jewelers. He called on that firm yesterday and told a rambling story about a lawsuit which he wanted handled. Lapp & Flershem referred him to the law office of Flower, Smith & Musgrave. From the statement there submitted that firm decided the business was somewhat out of their line, and referred Lester to Ross & Todd. When Lester was received at this office it is said he became much excited, and those present were unable to elicit an intelligible answer from him. Finally the police were called upon, and Lester was taken to the Central police station. Lieutenant Perry called upon Health Commissioner Reynolds for the services of doctors, and after a brief examination they decided Lester was demented, and he was sent to the detention hospital.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular- 6th September 1899
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Shelby, Mississippi
Jeweler H. S. Lester Adjudged to Be Demented
Chicago, Ill., Aug. 30.—H. S. Lester, jeweler, Shelby, Miss., en route to New Orleans, was taken into custody yesterday afternoon by detective-sergeants. Lester was pronounced demented by physicians of the health department and taken to the detention hospital by the police. Lester is known to Lapp & Flershem, the State St. jewelers. He called on that firm yesterday and told a rambling story about a lawsuit which he wanted handled. Lapp & Flershem referred him to the law office of Flower, Smith & Musgrave. From the statement there submitted that firm decided the business was somewhat out of their line, and referred Lester to Ross & Todd. When Lester was received at this office it is said he became much excited, and those present were unable to elicit an intelligible answer from him. Finally the police were called upon, and Lester was taken to the Central police station. Lieutenant Perry called upon Health Commissioner Reynolds for the services of doctors, and after a brief examination they decided Lester was demented, and he was sent to the detention hospital.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular- 6th September 1899
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
JULIUS KOEBLER
Denver, Colorado
Julius Koebler, Denver, Colo., Jeweler, Commits Suicide Near That City
Denver, Colo., Aug. 2.—The body of Julius Koebler, who disappeared from his home at 235 W. Ellsworth St., Saturday morning, was discovered on Sunday in a vacant lot at MontcIair, a Denver suburb, where, with a revolver he had carried out an often-repeated threat to end his life.
Tucked under the band in his hat was a farewell note, written in German and addressed to his daughter, Mrs. Charles E. Meyers, with whom he had made his home for years. His life had become a burden because of deafness and the infirmities of advanced years.
Mr. Koebler was 72 years of age. He came to Denver from Cleveland, O., 12 years ago, and until two years ago was employed by the J. C. Bloom & Co. He gave up his position because of his deafness, which resulted from an injury received in a street car accident in Cleveland 20 years ago.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular- 9th August 1911
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Denver, Colorado
Julius Koebler, Denver, Colo., Jeweler, Commits Suicide Near That City
Denver, Colo., Aug. 2.—The body of Julius Koebler, who disappeared from his home at 235 W. Ellsworth St., Saturday morning, was discovered on Sunday in a vacant lot at MontcIair, a Denver suburb, where, with a revolver he had carried out an often-repeated threat to end his life.
Tucked under the band in his hat was a farewell note, written in German and addressed to his daughter, Mrs. Charles E. Meyers, with whom he had made his home for years. His life had become a burden because of deafness and the infirmities of advanced years.
Mr. Koebler was 72 years of age. He came to Denver from Cleveland, O., 12 years ago, and until two years ago was employed by the J. C. Bloom & Co. He gave up his position because of his deafness, which resulted from an injury received in a street car accident in Cleveland 20 years ago.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular- 9th August 1911
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