HERBERT G. KELLY
Greencastle, Indiana
Suicide of Herbert G. Kelly
Greencastle, Ind., May 20.—Herbert G. Kelly, jeweler, of this city, took an overdose of morphine, last evening, from the effects of which he died soon after. Mr. Kelly was a bright business man, about 35 years of age, and leaves a widow and young daughter. Mrs. Simpson Stoner, a relative of the family, on learning of the death of Mr. Kelly, called at their home about 10 o’clock this morning, and on viewing the remains dropped to the floor and expired.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 29th May 1901
Trev.
Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
HAROLD J. SPANTON
Newark, New Jersey
Harold J. Spanton Drowned While Swimming
Harold J. Spanton. secretary of the Mockridge Jewelry Co.. Newark, N. J., and also a partner in Way & Co., exporters of watches, 19 Maiden Lane, New York, was drowned, Sunday morning, while swimming at Seaside Park. N. J. Mr. Spanton left Friday with a friend. Mr. Gerhardt, to stop a few days at the Berkeley Arms, Seaside Park. He was tall, strong and an athlete and expert swimmer, so that when he went swimming, Sunday morning, there was apparently not much danger, although a strong eddy was running outside the life lines. Mr. Spanton swam outside the lines and was about to come back when he was caught in the eddy. He is believed also to have had a cramp. D. F. Platt and Slocovitch, the Harvard foot ball players, who were stopping at the hotel, swam to Mr. Spanton’s assistance, but they too were caught in the eddy, and within a short time had to exert all their efforts to save themselves. Nothing was seen of Mr. Spanton’s body from the time that it went down, and it is doubtful whether it will ever be recovered.
Mr. Spanton was 26 years of age. and had been connected with the jewelry trade of this country for seven years. He was born in Buenos Ayres, S. A., and was the son of a grain merchant of that place. He first went into the jewelry trade in the employ of Alfred Selman, exporter of watches, and after Mr. Selman’s suicide, about five years ago, Spanton with A. F. Way succeeded to the business at 19 Maiden Lane, which from that time on was conducted under the name of Way & Co. The deceased was unmarried and had no relatives in this country. He lived at 9 Munn St., East Orange, N. J. Mr. Spanton was well known in Maiden Lane and to the exporters and foreign buyers of watches, but was not known to the jewelry trade generally, except through his position as secretary of the Mockridge Jewelry Co.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 23rd August 1899
The body of Harold J. Spanton, whose death by drowning at Seaside Park, N. J.. Aug. 20, was chronicled in last week's Circular, was recovered Thursday, six miles below the Berkeley Arms, in front of which place Spanton met his death. The deceased, as told last week, was a member of the firm of Way & Co., exporters of watches, 19 Maiden Lane, and was also secretary of the Mockridge Jewelry Co., of Newark. The body was sealed in a metal casket and put in a receiving vault in the Orange Cemetery. Funeral services will be held at Grace Church, Orange, N. J., Saturday. The remains will be held to await the instructions of Mr. Spanton's father, who is on the way to this country from Buenos Ayres.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 30th August 1899
Trev.
Newark, New Jersey
Harold J. Spanton Drowned While Swimming
Harold J. Spanton. secretary of the Mockridge Jewelry Co.. Newark, N. J., and also a partner in Way & Co., exporters of watches, 19 Maiden Lane, New York, was drowned, Sunday morning, while swimming at Seaside Park. N. J. Mr. Spanton left Friday with a friend. Mr. Gerhardt, to stop a few days at the Berkeley Arms, Seaside Park. He was tall, strong and an athlete and expert swimmer, so that when he went swimming, Sunday morning, there was apparently not much danger, although a strong eddy was running outside the life lines. Mr. Spanton swam outside the lines and was about to come back when he was caught in the eddy. He is believed also to have had a cramp. D. F. Platt and Slocovitch, the Harvard foot ball players, who were stopping at the hotel, swam to Mr. Spanton’s assistance, but they too were caught in the eddy, and within a short time had to exert all their efforts to save themselves. Nothing was seen of Mr. Spanton’s body from the time that it went down, and it is doubtful whether it will ever be recovered.
Mr. Spanton was 26 years of age. and had been connected with the jewelry trade of this country for seven years. He was born in Buenos Ayres, S. A., and was the son of a grain merchant of that place. He first went into the jewelry trade in the employ of Alfred Selman, exporter of watches, and after Mr. Selman’s suicide, about five years ago, Spanton with A. F. Way succeeded to the business at 19 Maiden Lane, which from that time on was conducted under the name of Way & Co. The deceased was unmarried and had no relatives in this country. He lived at 9 Munn St., East Orange, N. J. Mr. Spanton was well known in Maiden Lane and to the exporters and foreign buyers of watches, but was not known to the jewelry trade generally, except through his position as secretary of the Mockridge Jewelry Co.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 23rd August 1899
The body of Harold J. Spanton, whose death by drowning at Seaside Park, N. J.. Aug. 20, was chronicled in last week's Circular, was recovered Thursday, six miles below the Berkeley Arms, in front of which place Spanton met his death. The deceased, as told last week, was a member of the firm of Way & Co., exporters of watches, 19 Maiden Lane, and was also secretary of the Mockridge Jewelry Co., of Newark. The body was sealed in a metal casket and put in a receiving vault in the Orange Cemetery. Funeral services will be held at Grace Church, Orange, N. J., Saturday. The remains will be held to await the instructions of Mr. Spanton's father, who is on the way to this country from Buenos Ayres.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 30th August 1899
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
W.E. HITT
Chilicothe, Missouri
Watchmaker W. E. Hitt Killed by the Cars
Big Springs, Tex., Nov. 20.— I. H. Park, jeweler, of this place, received a few days ago the sad intelligence of the death of his brother-in-law, W. E. Hitt, of Chilicothe, Mo. Mr. Hitt was killed by the cars at Mooresville, Mo. There were no witnesses to the accident, but it is believed to have resulted from an effort on his part to board a moving freight train. Deceased was well known here, having been employed for nearly two years in Mr. Park’s jewelry establishment. He was also well known in the jewelry trade of Chicago, St. Louis, and Kansas City.
Mr. Hitt was brother-in-law of I. H. Park, of this place, and of Dan. S. Park, Colorado, Tex., having married their sister. He leaves a wife and a two months’ old child.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 2nd December 1896
Trev.
Chilicothe, Missouri
Watchmaker W. E. Hitt Killed by the Cars
Big Springs, Tex., Nov. 20.— I. H. Park, jeweler, of this place, received a few days ago the sad intelligence of the death of his brother-in-law, W. E. Hitt, of Chilicothe, Mo. Mr. Hitt was killed by the cars at Mooresville, Mo. There were no witnesses to the accident, but it is believed to have resulted from an effort on his part to board a moving freight train. Deceased was well known here, having been employed for nearly two years in Mr. Park’s jewelry establishment. He was also well known in the jewelry trade of Chicago, St. Louis, and Kansas City.
Mr. Hitt was brother-in-law of I. H. Park, of this place, and of Dan. S. Park, Colorado, Tex., having married their sister. He leaves a wife and a two months’ old child.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 2nd December 1896
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
C.E. FULTZ
Canton, Ohio
Illness and Business Troubles Cause C. E. Fultz to Commit Suicide
Youngstown, O., Jan. 28.—After making deliberate preparations to end his life by asphyxiation, Col. C. E. Fultz, of Canton, O., turned on the gas in his room, in this place, last night, and was found dead there this morning. Col. Fultz was a well-known resident of Canton, and was formerly foreman in the balance department of the Hampden Watch Co., Canton. Mr, Fultz took a hose from a gas stove, and tying it firm in his mouth, turned on the gas, dying from asphyxiation a short time later. He left a note of farewell, as follows:
“For the past few years I have known that I am threatened with both insanity and paralysis, and the business troubles that I have had for the past few months have sent me at breakneck speed, and I feel that I can stand it no longer.’’
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 4th February 1903
Trev.
Canton, Ohio
Illness and Business Troubles Cause C. E. Fultz to Commit Suicide
Youngstown, O., Jan. 28.—After making deliberate preparations to end his life by asphyxiation, Col. C. E. Fultz, of Canton, O., turned on the gas in his room, in this place, last night, and was found dead there this morning. Col. Fultz was a well-known resident of Canton, and was formerly foreman in the balance department of the Hampden Watch Co., Canton. Mr, Fultz took a hose from a gas stove, and tying it firm in his mouth, turned on the gas, dying from asphyxiation a short time later. He left a note of farewell, as follows:
“For the past few years I have known that I am threatened with both insanity and paralysis, and the business troubles that I have had for the past few months have sent me at breakneck speed, and I feel that I can stand it no longer.’’
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 4th February 1903
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
DUDLEY REIS
Cincinnati
Salesman Alarms Hotel People by His Erratic Actions
Owensboro, Ky., -May 27.—Dudley Reis, of 1639 Clayton St., Cincinnati, O., who travels for the M. S. Benedict Mfg. Co., Chicago, went suddenly crazy at the Rudd house, in this city, Sunday night. Immediately after going to his bed he began to make blood curdling shrieks and finally turned in a fire alarm. He was quieted in a manner, but claimed he was being pursued and that everything he touched left a red stain on his hand. He was not drinking and has always been considered exceptionally bright by his friends. R. M. Raugh, who is engaged to Reis’s sister, of Cincinnati, took him home.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 5th June 1901
Trev.
Cincinnati
Salesman Alarms Hotel People by His Erratic Actions
Owensboro, Ky., -May 27.—Dudley Reis, of 1639 Clayton St., Cincinnati, O., who travels for the M. S. Benedict Mfg. Co., Chicago, went suddenly crazy at the Rudd house, in this city, Sunday night. Immediately after going to his bed he began to make blood curdling shrieks and finally turned in a fire alarm. He was quieted in a manner, but claimed he was being pursued and that everything he touched left a red stain on his hand. He was not drinking and has always been considered exceptionally bright by his friends. R. M. Raugh, who is engaged to Reis’s sister, of Cincinnati, took him home.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 5th June 1901
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
OAKES A. DRINKWATER
Boston, Massachusetts
Oakes A. Drinkwater Terminates His Life
Boston, Mass., July 29.—When the sun went down to-night its fading light rested upon a new-made grave in the cemetery at Saco, Me., wherein lay the body of Oakes A. Drinkwater, who was a few years ago one of the handsomest, brightest and most popular members of the Boston wholesale jewelry trade. Three times within three years he had attempted suicide. The last attempt, made on Saturday or Sunday, was successful. On Monday his lifeless body was found in bed, in his room at his residence, in the Allston district, by his brother. He had turned on the gas and slept his last sleep.
Mr. Drinkwater was only 43 years of age. He was born in Belfast, Me., and his early life was passed in Saco. About 25 years ago he came to Boston as a watchmaker, but later became an excellent salesman. He was for a while in the employ of George H. Richards, Jr., and later took a position with the Morrills, with whom eventually he became a partner, the firm name in those days being Morrill Bros. & Co. He remained with the house until the Morrill Bros. Co. were incorporated about three years ago, and retained a nominal connection as vice-president of the company afterward, although engaged actively in other business.
The stock market was his ruin. He carried on a brokerage business after giving up his jewelry interests, and was himself a speculator. Soon after he went out from the firm he took laudanum with suicidal intent on account of an unlucky venture, and a little over a year ago he was confined to his house upward of three months, recovering from the effect of a pistol shot in the head.
Recent losses had again made him morbid, and in the absence of his wife and child, who were away on a Summer outing, he took his life. That the affair was deliberately planned and committed is evident from the fact that on Saturday evening, as the postmark shows, he mailed a letter to Commodore Charles F. Morrill, his former partner, and requested him therein to attend to a few matters of business for him, look after his insurance for his family and wind up some other affairs in which he had been interested.
Deep regret is expressed among his former associates in the trade, for he was a most companionable gentleman while in daily contact with them in business. It is commented upon as a singular sequence to the deaths of Andrew Paul, George H. Richards, Jr,, and William A. Smith that Mr, Drinkwater should formerly have been in a building contiguous to the other three. If the Boston jewelers were superstitious they would move from the west side of Washington St.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 4th August 1897
Trev.
Boston, Massachusetts
Oakes A. Drinkwater Terminates His Life
Boston, Mass., July 29.—When the sun went down to-night its fading light rested upon a new-made grave in the cemetery at Saco, Me., wherein lay the body of Oakes A. Drinkwater, who was a few years ago one of the handsomest, brightest and most popular members of the Boston wholesale jewelry trade. Three times within three years he had attempted suicide. The last attempt, made on Saturday or Sunday, was successful. On Monday his lifeless body was found in bed, in his room at his residence, in the Allston district, by his brother. He had turned on the gas and slept his last sleep.
Mr. Drinkwater was only 43 years of age. He was born in Belfast, Me., and his early life was passed in Saco. About 25 years ago he came to Boston as a watchmaker, but later became an excellent salesman. He was for a while in the employ of George H. Richards, Jr., and later took a position with the Morrills, with whom eventually he became a partner, the firm name in those days being Morrill Bros. & Co. He remained with the house until the Morrill Bros. Co. were incorporated about three years ago, and retained a nominal connection as vice-president of the company afterward, although engaged actively in other business.
The stock market was his ruin. He carried on a brokerage business after giving up his jewelry interests, and was himself a speculator. Soon after he went out from the firm he took laudanum with suicidal intent on account of an unlucky venture, and a little over a year ago he was confined to his house upward of three months, recovering from the effect of a pistol shot in the head.
Recent losses had again made him morbid, and in the absence of his wife and child, who were away on a Summer outing, he took his life. That the affair was deliberately planned and committed is evident from the fact that on Saturday evening, as the postmark shows, he mailed a letter to Commodore Charles F. Morrill, his former partner, and requested him therein to attend to a few matters of business for him, look after his insurance for his family and wind up some other affairs in which he had been interested.
Deep regret is expressed among his former associates in the trade, for he was a most companionable gentleman while in daily contact with them in business. It is commented upon as a singular sequence to the deaths of Andrew Paul, George H. Richards, Jr,, and William A. Smith that Mr, Drinkwater should formerly have been in a building contiguous to the other three. If the Boston jewelers were superstitious they would move from the west side of Washington St.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 4th August 1897
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
GEORGE DELEVURT
Denver, Colorado
A Fatal Explosion of a Gasoline Stove
Denver, Col., April 28.—George Delevurt, a watchmaker at 1950 Larimer St. was severely burned by the explosion of a gasoline stove in the rear of his store at 1 o’clock Monday afternoon. His injuries are probably fatal. His eyes are burned from their sockets, and the skin on his face and hands are burned to a crisp. The store room occupied by Delevurt is a complete wreck, as the force of the explosion threw the burning oil from one end of the room to the other. The total loss will probably reach $3,000. Delevurt is a Frenchman, about 30 years of age, and has been in America but a few years, having come at once to Denver.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 3rd May 1893
Trev.
Denver, Colorado
A Fatal Explosion of a Gasoline Stove
Denver, Col., April 28.—George Delevurt, a watchmaker at 1950 Larimer St. was severely burned by the explosion of a gasoline stove in the rear of his store at 1 o’clock Monday afternoon. His injuries are probably fatal. His eyes are burned from their sockets, and the skin on his face and hands are burned to a crisp. The store room occupied by Delevurt is a complete wreck, as the force of the explosion threw the burning oil from one end of the room to the other. The total loss will probably reach $3,000. Delevurt is a Frenchman, about 30 years of age, and has been in America but a few years, having come at once to Denver.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 3rd May 1893
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
WILLIAM K. VANDERSLICE
San Francisco
Jeweler William K. Vanderslice Sustains a Serious Fall
San Francisco, Cal., May 8.—William K. Vanderslice, one of the oldest jewelers in San Francisco, fell down the long flight of steps in front of his residence, 2702 California St., last Wednesday morning, and sustained injuries which are likely to prove fatal. There is a compound fracture of the left leg, the nose is broken and the whole body is seriously injured.
The fall was down the entire flight of twenty steps. He caught his heel in a doormat and was thrown headlong forward. The wide landing at the center of the steps did not check the downward course and Mr. Vanderslice rolled clear to the sidewalk. The broken bone of the leg projected through the flesh in two places above the knee, and even protruded through the heavy clothing. The physicians say that as Mr. Vanderslice has been a strong, vigorous man, he may recover, though the injuries he has received are particularly dangerous at his age. It is very probable that amputation of the leg will be resorted to.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 17th May 1893
Trev.
San Francisco
Jeweler William K. Vanderslice Sustains a Serious Fall
San Francisco, Cal., May 8.—William K. Vanderslice, one of the oldest jewelers in San Francisco, fell down the long flight of steps in front of his residence, 2702 California St., last Wednesday morning, and sustained injuries which are likely to prove fatal. There is a compound fracture of the left leg, the nose is broken and the whole body is seriously injured.
The fall was down the entire flight of twenty steps. He caught his heel in a doormat and was thrown headlong forward. The wide landing at the center of the steps did not check the downward course and Mr. Vanderslice rolled clear to the sidewalk. The broken bone of the leg projected through the flesh in two places above the knee, and even protruded through the heavy clothing. The physicians say that as Mr. Vanderslice has been a strong, vigorous man, he may recover, though the injuries he has received are particularly dangerous at his age. It is very probable that amputation of the leg will be resorted to.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 17th May 1893
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
BARTON O. DODSON
Pittston, Pennsylvania
Jeweler Dodson's Experience with a Dynamite Cap
Pittston, Pa., May 17.—Barton O. Dodson while at work in his store, Saturday afternoon, had occasion to use some copper, and finding a small cartridge in his drawer, took a wire and proceeded to clean some dirt out of it. The cartridge although it looked harmless, proved to be a dynamite exploding cap, and went off with terrible force, injuring several of his fingers quite severely. Nearly all of the flesh was torn from the ends of the thumb and first three fingers of the right hand, and the fingers of the left hand were badly lacerated.
A small piece of the shell struck Mr. Dodson in the neck, causing quite a bad flesh wound. He was driven to his home, and a physician was called, who dressed the wounds, and upon examination found that the bone in the middle finger of the right hand was shattered somewhat, but otherwise the bones were uninjured.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 24th May 1893
Trev.
Pittston, Pennsylvania
Jeweler Dodson's Experience with a Dynamite Cap
Pittston, Pa., May 17.—Barton O. Dodson while at work in his store, Saturday afternoon, had occasion to use some copper, and finding a small cartridge in his drawer, took a wire and proceeded to clean some dirt out of it. The cartridge although it looked harmless, proved to be a dynamite exploding cap, and went off with terrible force, injuring several of his fingers quite severely. Nearly all of the flesh was torn from the ends of the thumb and first three fingers of the right hand, and the fingers of the left hand were badly lacerated.
A small piece of the shell struck Mr. Dodson in the neck, causing quite a bad flesh wound. He was driven to his home, and a physician was called, who dressed the wounds, and upon examination found that the bone in the middle finger of the right hand was shattered somewhat, but otherwise the bones were uninjured.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 24th May 1893
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
GEORGE AUTENITH
Andrews, Indiana
G. A. Autenith, a jeweler, was killed some days ago at Gold Creek, Mon., while stealing a ride on a freight train. From papers found on the body it was learned that he was a Mason in good standing and a native of Andrews, Ind.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 14th June 1893
Trev.
Andrews, Indiana
G. A. Autenith, a jeweler, was killed some days ago at Gold Creek, Mon., while stealing a ride on a freight train. From papers found on the body it was learned that he was a Mason in good standing and a native of Andrews, Ind.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 14th June 1893
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
FLOYD H. ALFORD
Canandaigua, New York
Jeweler Alford’s Serious Experience with a Pair of Kicking Colts
Canandaigua, N. Y., July 27.—Floyd H. Alford, the East Side jeweler, received serious injuries by being kicked by a team of horses on Saturday night. With a friend he was out driving when the team became frightened at the cars and began backing, nearly overturning the buggy. Mr. Alford in an attempt to save himself, was thrown over the dashboard, fairly upon the heels of the frightened animals, which immediately began kicking
furiously.
When he was extricated from his dangerous position it was found that he was seriously hurt, and he was removed to his home. His limbs and body are cut in several places, and it will be a long time before he fully recovers from his experience.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 3rd August 1892
Trev.
Canandaigua, New York
Jeweler Alford’s Serious Experience with a Pair of Kicking Colts
Canandaigua, N. Y., July 27.—Floyd H. Alford, the East Side jeweler, received serious injuries by being kicked by a team of horses on Saturday night. With a friend he was out driving when the team became frightened at the cars and began backing, nearly overturning the buggy. Mr. Alford in an attempt to save himself, was thrown over the dashboard, fairly upon the heels of the frightened animals, which immediately began kicking
furiously.
When he was extricated from his dangerous position it was found that he was seriously hurt, and he was removed to his home. His limbs and body are cut in several places, and it will be a long time before he fully recovers from his experience.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 3rd August 1892
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
WILLIAM F. MURPHY
Newark, New Jersey
Because he was unable to find work at his trade as a jeweler, William F. Murphy, of 14 Warwick St., committed suicide last week by severing the arteries of both wrists. It is believed that Murphy’s mind became unbalanced through despondency. He left a widow and two children.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 5th May 1909
Trev.
Newark, New Jersey
Because he was unable to find work at his trade as a jeweler, William F. Murphy, of 14 Warwick St., committed suicide last week by severing the arteries of both wrists. It is believed that Murphy’s mind became unbalanced through despondency. He left a widow and two children.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 5th May 1909
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
HUGO WALTERS
New York
Hugo Walters, a working jeweler, killed himself with gas Sunday at his home, 433 E. 16th St. Walters had been out of work for the past three months.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 4th May 1898
Trev.
New York
Hugo Walters, a working jeweler, killed himself with gas Sunday at his home, 433 E. 16th St. Walters had been out of work for the past three months.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 4th May 1898
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
HENRY R. SELLECK
Seneca Falls, New York
Financial Worries Drive Henry R. Selleck to Attempt his Life
Seneca Falls, N. Y., Feb. 3.—Henry R. Selleck tried to commit suicide Sunday morning in his jewelry shop. He cut a gash three and a half inches in his throat, exposing the jugular vein and windpipe, but fortunately did not cut through the jugular. He remained in the shop until three o'clock, expecting to bleed to death, but the flow of blood gradually closed and he then gave himself up to the police, at the same time surrendering the jack knife with which he had done the deed. Selleck was very weak and said he had no home and was taken to the hotel. His home is here with Leslie Selleck.
The act was caused by a fit of despondency over his finances. It is said that after it was done he fully realized and regretted it. He is noted for his social qualities.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 10th February 1897
Trev.
Seneca Falls, New York
Financial Worries Drive Henry R. Selleck to Attempt his Life
Seneca Falls, N. Y., Feb. 3.—Henry R. Selleck tried to commit suicide Sunday morning in his jewelry shop. He cut a gash three and a half inches in his throat, exposing the jugular vein and windpipe, but fortunately did not cut through the jugular. He remained in the shop until three o'clock, expecting to bleed to death, but the flow of blood gradually closed and he then gave himself up to the police, at the same time surrendering the jack knife with which he had done the deed. Selleck was very weak and said he had no home and was taken to the hotel. His home is here with Leslie Selleck.
The act was caused by a fit of despondency over his finances. It is said that after it was done he fully realized and regretted it. He is noted for his social qualities.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 10th February 1897
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
EMANUEL COLIN
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, R. I., May 7—Emanuel Colin, a Frenchman, apparently about 30 years of age, committed suicide by drinking prussic acid after a protracted spree at his residence, 233 Orms St., last Friday evening at 6 o’clock. A search was made by Medical Examiner Wilcox to see what property there was in his house, and it was found to be a somewhat unique establishment. He manufactured imitation diamonds, or, at least, he put on the foil backs. It is stated that he was the only person in America who did this kind of work. He furnished the stones, when finished, to Albert Lorsch & Co. The suicide had been in this country about two years, and for the previous eight years was in the same business in Paris. He failed in Paris just previous to his emigration to this country, losing all his money. That discouraged him. Since he has been here he has been drinking by spells and acted very crazy on several occasions, so that the police had to help him home. For three weeks past he had been on a spree and he visited his physician, Dr. Etienne, three days ago and wanted something for his nervousness. He had been rescued from running upon the railroad track near his home once or twice.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 13th May 1891
Trev.
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, R. I., May 7—Emanuel Colin, a Frenchman, apparently about 30 years of age, committed suicide by drinking prussic acid after a protracted spree at his residence, 233 Orms St., last Friday evening at 6 o’clock. A search was made by Medical Examiner Wilcox to see what property there was in his house, and it was found to be a somewhat unique establishment. He manufactured imitation diamonds, or, at least, he put on the foil backs. It is stated that he was the only person in America who did this kind of work. He furnished the stones, when finished, to Albert Lorsch & Co. The suicide had been in this country about two years, and for the previous eight years was in the same business in Paris. He failed in Paris just previous to his emigration to this country, losing all his money. That discouraged him. Since he has been here he has been drinking by spells and acted very crazy on several occasions, so that the police had to help him home. For three weeks past he had been on a spree and he visited his physician, Dr. Etienne, three days ago and wanted something for his nervousness. He had been rescued from running upon the railroad track near his home once or twice.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 13th May 1891
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
JOHN HALLSTROM
Chicago
City Salesman John Hallstrom Weary of Life’s Struggles
Chicago, Ill ., Nov. 14.—John Hallstrom, for five years city salesman for Benj. Allen & Co., committed suicide Thursday morning, in Lincoln Park. He was found by the park police unconscious from the effects of cyanide of potassium and died on the way to the hospital.
A few years ago he invested his savings in the furniture business in this city and lost all. For the past year he had been downhearted and discouraged, and to intimate friends had several times declared he was weary of life’s struggles. Mr. Hallstrom was 45 years old, and leaves a wife and nine children. He was insured in the Jewelers’ League.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 16th November 1892
Trev.
Chicago
City Salesman John Hallstrom Weary of Life’s Struggles
Chicago, Ill ., Nov. 14.—John Hallstrom, for five years city salesman for Benj. Allen & Co., committed suicide Thursday morning, in Lincoln Park. He was found by the park police unconscious from the effects of cyanide of potassium and died on the way to the hospital.
A few years ago he invested his savings in the furniture business in this city and lost all. For the past year he had been downhearted and discouraged, and to intimate friends had several times declared he was weary of life’s struggles. Mr. Hallstrom was 45 years old, and leaves a wife and nine children. He was insured in the Jewelers’ League.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 16th November 1892
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
WILLIAM HOOVER
Penfield, Pennsylvania
William Hoover Dying from a Peculiar Ailment
Bellefonte, Pa., Nov. 23.—William Hoover, the Penfield jeweler, is likely to die from a curious ailment. Three months ago his collar button rubbed a little raw place on the back of his neck. It became a sore which has grown until it has eaten a hole in his neck as large as a saucer, and the physicians do not seem able to stop its progress. The patient has become so weak and emaciated that his stomach refuses to hold food, and death stares him in the face.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 30th November 1892
Trev.
Penfield, Pennsylvania
William Hoover Dying from a Peculiar Ailment
Bellefonte, Pa., Nov. 23.—William Hoover, the Penfield jeweler, is likely to die from a curious ailment. Three months ago his collar button rubbed a little raw place on the back of his neck. It became a sore which has grown until it has eaten a hole in his neck as large as a saucer, and the physicians do not seem able to stop its progress. The patient has become so weak and emaciated that his stomach refuses to hold food, and death stares him in the face.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 30th November 1892
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
WILLIAM W. HAYDEN
Newark, New Jersey
Wm. W. Hayden, While Suffering from Grippe, Commits Suicide at His Home
Wm. W. Hayden, of the Wm. W. Hayden Co., which has its New York offices at 320 Fifth Ave., and has its silver factory at 105 Oliver St., Newark, N. J., shot himself in the head at his home, 146 Broad St., Newark, Monday morning. He had been suffering for two weeks with the grippe and had frequently complained of distress which he felt in his head. His friends believe that his physical trouble made him temporarily insane.
Nothing unusual was noted in Mr. Hayden’s conduct at the breakfast table, it is said, but a few minutes later he retired to his room, and then, the report of a pistol was heard by the members of his family, who rushed to his side and found him lying on the floor with a bullet wound over his right eye. Dr. Chas. H. Randell and Dr. Jos. H. Smith were summoned by telephone.
It was announced later that the bullet which entered over his eye had come out over his nose, and the physicians at first gave hope of his recovery.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 20th February 1907
HAYDEN JEWELRY BUSINESS SOLD
In the Chancery Court in Newark yesterday, the jewelry business known as William W. Hayden & Co., was sold at public auction to Charles M. Vail, of Vail & Byron, of East 19th street, New York, for $15,326. The business had been conducted by William W. Hayden and Frank J. Wiley until it became financially Involved to such an extent that it drove Hayden crazy. He shot and killed himself at his home in Newark some weeks ago.
Source: New York Tribune - 20th March 1907
Trev.
Newark, New Jersey
Wm. W. Hayden, While Suffering from Grippe, Commits Suicide at His Home
Wm. W. Hayden, of the Wm. W. Hayden Co., which has its New York offices at 320 Fifth Ave., and has its silver factory at 105 Oliver St., Newark, N. J., shot himself in the head at his home, 146 Broad St., Newark, Monday morning. He had been suffering for two weeks with the grippe and had frequently complained of distress which he felt in his head. His friends believe that his physical trouble made him temporarily insane.
Nothing unusual was noted in Mr. Hayden’s conduct at the breakfast table, it is said, but a few minutes later he retired to his room, and then, the report of a pistol was heard by the members of his family, who rushed to his side and found him lying on the floor with a bullet wound over his right eye. Dr. Chas. H. Randell and Dr. Jos. H. Smith were summoned by telephone.
It was announced later that the bullet which entered over his eye had come out over his nose, and the physicians at first gave hope of his recovery.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 20th February 1907
HAYDEN JEWELRY BUSINESS SOLD
In the Chancery Court in Newark yesterday, the jewelry business known as William W. Hayden & Co., was sold at public auction to Charles M. Vail, of Vail & Byron, of East 19th street, New York, for $15,326. The business had been conducted by William W. Hayden and Frank J. Wiley until it became financially Involved to such an extent that it drove Hayden crazy. He shot and killed himself at his home in Newark some weeks ago.
Source: New York Tribune - 20th March 1907
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
M.C. SMITH
Tecumseh, Nebraska
A man giving the name of M. C. Smith and claiming residence in Dubuque, Ia., was run over by a train in Tecumseh, Nebr., recently, his right leg having been cut off above the ankle. Smith and two companions had been trying to sell cheap jewelry in the streets during the day, and had been drinking. He was attempting to take a train out of town when he fell under the cars.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 7th November 1906
Trev.
Tecumseh, Nebraska
A man giving the name of M. C. Smith and claiming residence in Dubuque, Ia., was run over by a train in Tecumseh, Nebr., recently, his right leg having been cut off above the ankle. Smith and two companions had been trying to sell cheap jewelry in the streets during the day, and had been drinking. He was attempting to take a train out of town when he fell under the cars.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 7th November 1906
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
FREDERICK G. TREFZER
Union, South Carolina
Suicide of Frederick G. Trefzer, Union, S. C., Who Disappeared Feb. 7.
Word was received in New York, Friday, that Frederick G. Trefzer, a jeweler at Union, S. C., had committed suicide. No details were given, but it is believed that the act was committed some time ago, because he had been missing since Feb. 7.
On the day that he disappeared Trefzer left home without breakfast, and after getting his mail took it in to his store, where he turned it over to his wife, who was there, together with the keys of the safe. He then went to his home, in Union Heights, and telling his daughter that he was going to take a short trip, departed. That was the last seen of him, although it was learned later that he went to Buffalo, a town four miles from Union. When he did not appear for two or three days, his relatives became very much worried and instituted a search.
It is said that of late Trefzer had been unusually despondent, and that his condition was due partly to his bad health and poor eyesight, which troubled him, and particularly to the death of a brother, which occurred in Georgia some time ago.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 22nd February 1905
Career of the Late F. G. Trefzer
THE LATE FREDERICK G. TREFZER
Atlanta, Ga., Feb. 22.—The body of F. G. Trefzer, the well-known jeweler of Union, S. C., whose death was noted in the last issue of The Circular-Weekly, was found Feb. 16 in the forest near that city, where he is supposed to have committed suicide while in a state of mental aberration. After his disappearance Feb 7 the keenest anxiety had prevailed, and searching parties scoured the country, but though many indications pointed to his body being in the forest, nothing could really be done, as the stream was greatly swollen on account of the recent melting of the snows, and not until Thursday afternoon was it possible to take out a boat and institute a thorough search. The body was then discovered, and a wound near his heart, apparently made by a 38- caliber pistol ball, led to the inference that he had committed suicide. The discovery was made at the bend in the forest in a stream about six miles west of Union, half a mile below a big bridge, and the body was kept under water by some willow trees.
Frederick Gustav Trefzer was born in Mulihelm, Baden. Germany. Jan. 20, 1858. He came to this country when a young man and located in Union, where he opened a jewelry store in 1885. The next year he married Miss Florence Foster, and of this union five children were born. About 1891 Mr. Trefzer left Union for Elberton, Ga., where he conducted a jewelry establishment for 10 years, returning to Union about three years ago.
Mr. Trefzer was an expert watchmaker and of quite an inventive turn of mind. During his first residence in Union he became very much interested in perpetual motion, and gave so much thought to this that he became mentally unbalanced, though he afterward seemed to recover. It was while in Elberton that he met with a terrible accident in mending a piece of jewelry, which destroyed the sight of one eye entirely and came near killing him, since that time his wife has had to devote almost her entire time to the business.
Deceased was a member of the First Baptist Church and was also a Mason and a Beaver. He had two brothers in this country, but both have died within the past few years, and one brother and a sister still reside in Germany. It is known that a letter Mr. Trefzer received from his brother in Germany a few days before the tragedy, charging him with having grossly misrepresented the amount of insurance carried by another brother in this country, for whom Mr. Trefzer at Union was administrator, had caused intense mental anguish.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 1st March 1905
Trev.
Union, South Carolina
Suicide of Frederick G. Trefzer, Union, S. C., Who Disappeared Feb. 7.
Word was received in New York, Friday, that Frederick G. Trefzer, a jeweler at Union, S. C., had committed suicide. No details were given, but it is believed that the act was committed some time ago, because he had been missing since Feb. 7.
On the day that he disappeared Trefzer left home without breakfast, and after getting his mail took it in to his store, where he turned it over to his wife, who was there, together with the keys of the safe. He then went to his home, in Union Heights, and telling his daughter that he was going to take a short trip, departed. That was the last seen of him, although it was learned later that he went to Buffalo, a town four miles from Union. When he did not appear for two or three days, his relatives became very much worried and instituted a search.
It is said that of late Trefzer had been unusually despondent, and that his condition was due partly to his bad health and poor eyesight, which troubled him, and particularly to the death of a brother, which occurred in Georgia some time ago.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 22nd February 1905
Career of the Late F. G. Trefzer
THE LATE FREDERICK G. TREFZER
Atlanta, Ga., Feb. 22.—The body of F. G. Trefzer, the well-known jeweler of Union, S. C., whose death was noted in the last issue of The Circular-Weekly, was found Feb. 16 in the forest near that city, where he is supposed to have committed suicide while in a state of mental aberration. After his disappearance Feb 7 the keenest anxiety had prevailed, and searching parties scoured the country, but though many indications pointed to his body being in the forest, nothing could really be done, as the stream was greatly swollen on account of the recent melting of the snows, and not until Thursday afternoon was it possible to take out a boat and institute a thorough search. The body was then discovered, and a wound near his heart, apparently made by a 38- caliber pistol ball, led to the inference that he had committed suicide. The discovery was made at the bend in the forest in a stream about six miles west of Union, half a mile below a big bridge, and the body was kept under water by some willow trees.
Frederick Gustav Trefzer was born in Mulihelm, Baden. Germany. Jan. 20, 1858. He came to this country when a young man and located in Union, where he opened a jewelry store in 1885. The next year he married Miss Florence Foster, and of this union five children were born. About 1891 Mr. Trefzer left Union for Elberton, Ga., where he conducted a jewelry establishment for 10 years, returning to Union about three years ago.
Mr. Trefzer was an expert watchmaker and of quite an inventive turn of mind. During his first residence in Union he became very much interested in perpetual motion, and gave so much thought to this that he became mentally unbalanced, though he afterward seemed to recover. It was while in Elberton that he met with a terrible accident in mending a piece of jewelry, which destroyed the sight of one eye entirely and came near killing him, since that time his wife has had to devote almost her entire time to the business.
Deceased was a member of the First Baptist Church and was also a Mason and a Beaver. He had two brothers in this country, but both have died within the past few years, and one brother and a sister still reside in Germany. It is known that a letter Mr. Trefzer received from his brother in Germany a few days before the tragedy, charging him with having grossly misrepresented the amount of insurance carried by another brother in this country, for whom Mr. Trefzer at Union was administrator, had caused intense mental anguish.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 1st March 1905
Trev.