DAVID P. SMYTH
Wilmington, Delaware
The Death of David P. Smyth
Wilmington, Del., Oct. 30.—The friends of David P. Smyth, the well known jeweler, Market St., were surprised yesterday afternoon when crepe was placed upon his store, and the simple notice of his death placed there. Mr. Smyth was struck by a trolley car while returning from his store nearly a month ago. He was badly injured, and was also threatened with pneumonia from his injuries.
Some days ago it was announced that Mr. Smyth was better, and that he would soon be out again. Mr. Smyth was 63 years old and had been in the jewelry business in this city for many years.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 4th November 1896
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Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
JAMES McGLAFLIN
Boone, Iowa
A Jeweler named James McGlaflin recently attempted to commit suicide at the American Exchange Hotel, in Boone, by stabbing himself. McGlaflin was a young man highly respected, and had been in business at Boone about six months. He was formerly from New York, lately from State Center. Former financial trouble and disappointment in love are given as the causes of the rash act.
Source: The Lyons Weekly Mirror - 25th November 1876
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Boone, Iowa
A Jeweler named James McGlaflin recently attempted to commit suicide at the American Exchange Hotel, in Boone, by stabbing himself. McGlaflin was a young man highly respected, and had been in business at Boone about six months. He was formerly from New York, lately from State Center. Former financial trouble and disappointment in love are given as the causes of the rash act.
Source: The Lyons Weekly Mirror - 25th November 1876
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
E.S. SHOWALTER
Parkville, Missouri
E. S. Showalter, a Parkville (Mo.) jeweler, committed suicide last week.
Source: The Jewelers Review - 3rd May 1899
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Parkville, Missouri
E. S. Showalter, a Parkville (Mo.) jeweler, committed suicide last week.
Source: The Jewelers Review - 3rd May 1899
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
FRANCIS KESTER
New York
Francis Kester, watchmaker and clock repairer, 68 years old, shot himself last week at his home, 647 5th St. An ambulance was summoned, but Kester died almost immediately. He is said to have been despondent over bad business.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 19th July 1899
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New York
Francis Kester, watchmaker and clock repairer, 68 years old, shot himself last week at his home, 647 5th St. An ambulance was summoned, but Kester died almost immediately. He is said to have been despondent over bad business.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 19th July 1899
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
MURRAY M. HENRY
Greensburg, Pennsylvania
Jeweler Murray M. Henry Again Violently Insane
McKeesport, Pa., Oct. 16.—Murray M. Henry, jeweler, of Greensburg, who became insane a year ago, has again become violent. When he was taken to the Dixmont Hospital last Fall the specialists thought that a permanent cure could be effected in a few weeks, and shortly afterward he was discharged as cured. Ever since he has been in his usual mental health. A specialist from Greensburg yesterday says:
"Murray Henry, formerly a young jeweler at McKeesport, was arrested at Loyalhanna last night by Officer Fry, of Latrobe. He was put off the fast line at Derry on account of not having money to pay his fare. He is violently insane, and last evening was signaling trains, endeavoring to throw switches and lighting matches in Saxman's barnyard. He is a brother-in-law of Capt. O. C. Coon, of McKeesport, who was telegraphed regarding his condition.”
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 20th October 1897
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Greensburg, Pennsylvania
Jeweler Murray M. Henry Again Violently Insane
McKeesport, Pa., Oct. 16.—Murray M. Henry, jeweler, of Greensburg, who became insane a year ago, has again become violent. When he was taken to the Dixmont Hospital last Fall the specialists thought that a permanent cure could be effected in a few weeks, and shortly afterward he was discharged as cured. Ever since he has been in his usual mental health. A specialist from Greensburg yesterday says:
"Murray Henry, formerly a young jeweler at McKeesport, was arrested at Loyalhanna last night by Officer Fry, of Latrobe. He was put off the fast line at Derry on account of not having money to pay his fare. He is violently insane, and last evening was signaling trains, endeavoring to throw switches and lighting matches in Saxman's barnyard. He is a brother-in-law of Capt. O. C. Coon, of McKeesport, who was telegraphed regarding his condition.”
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 20th October 1897
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
S.T.J. BYAM
New York
S.T.J. Byam Commits Suicide Without Apparent Reason
S. T. J. Byam, the local manager for the Pratt & Whitney Tool Works, 138 Liberty St., New York, who committed suicide in his office early Monday morning, by firing two bullets from a 32 calibre safety-arm bull-dog revolver into his head, was well-known to many among the watch factories, having been prominently connected with several important watch companies. Mr. Byam was still alive when an ambulance arrived, but died five minutes after reaching the Hudson St. hospital. No reason for his suicide has yet been learned.
Mr. Byam was 48 years old and lived at 19 Tisca St., Newark. He was married, but had no children. He had been manager of the salesrooms of the Pratt & Whitney Tool Works, which is situated on the ground floor of the Electrical Exchange building, 138 Liberty St., since last March. He was a well-known figure among watch factory men. At one time he was with the American Waltham Watch Co. and after leaving them went with the Waterbury Watch Co. where he took charge of their train department. When the New Haven (now Trenton,) Watch Co. organized about 1884 Mr. Byam became superintendent of their factory, a position he retained until about four years ago. Mr. Byam's brother now has charge of one of the principal departments in the American Waltham Watch Co., while another brother is with the Waterbury Watch Co.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 9th January 1895
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New York
S.T.J. Byam Commits Suicide Without Apparent Reason
S. T. J. Byam, the local manager for the Pratt & Whitney Tool Works, 138 Liberty St., New York, who committed suicide in his office early Monday morning, by firing two bullets from a 32 calibre safety-arm bull-dog revolver into his head, was well-known to many among the watch factories, having been prominently connected with several important watch companies. Mr. Byam was still alive when an ambulance arrived, but died five minutes after reaching the Hudson St. hospital. No reason for his suicide has yet been learned.
Mr. Byam was 48 years old and lived at 19 Tisca St., Newark. He was married, but had no children. He had been manager of the salesrooms of the Pratt & Whitney Tool Works, which is situated on the ground floor of the Electrical Exchange building, 138 Liberty St., since last March. He was a well-known figure among watch factory men. At one time he was with the American Waltham Watch Co. and after leaving them went with the Waterbury Watch Co. where he took charge of their train department. When the New Haven (now Trenton,) Watch Co. organized about 1884 Mr. Byam became superintendent of their factory, a position he retained until about four years ago. Mr. Byam's brother now has charge of one of the principal departments in the American Waltham Watch Co., while another brother is with the Waterbury Watch Co.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 9th January 1895
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
JOHN J. SHERIDAN
Philadelphia
A Splash Was All That Told of John J. Sheridan’s Death
Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 2.—The mystery surrounding the drowning of John J. Sheridan, jeweler, 1225 Watkins St., was not dispelled at the inquest yesterday before Coroner Ashbridge. Friends of the dead man are expressing great surprise at the manner in which Sheridan met his death.
The testimony at the inquest was to the effect that Mr. Sheridan, with a number of friends, went out sailing from Cooper’s Point. They went down as far as Gloucester, and while passing Kaighn’s Point on the return trip a splash was heard. The witnesses stated that they heard no cry of alarm and Sheridan was not seen to fall into the water and that he never came to the surface again.
The body was found floating off League Island Wednesday. The jury rendered a a verdict of drowning. Mr. Sheridan, who was 31 years old, leaves a wife and four children.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 7th September 1892
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Philadelphia
A Splash Was All That Told of John J. Sheridan’s Death
Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 2.—The mystery surrounding the drowning of John J. Sheridan, jeweler, 1225 Watkins St., was not dispelled at the inquest yesterday before Coroner Ashbridge. Friends of the dead man are expressing great surprise at the manner in which Sheridan met his death.
The testimony at the inquest was to the effect that Mr. Sheridan, with a number of friends, went out sailing from Cooper’s Point. They went down as far as Gloucester, and while passing Kaighn’s Point on the return trip a splash was heard. The witnesses stated that they heard no cry of alarm and Sheridan was not seen to fall into the water and that he never came to the surface again.
The body was found floating off League Island Wednesday. The jury rendered a a verdict of drowning. Mr. Sheridan, who was 31 years old, leaves a wife and four children.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 7th September 1892
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
OTTO J. PFEIFER
Oxford, Ohio
Jeweler Pfeifer’s Painful Experience from a Simple Cause
Oxford,O., Dec. 6. —Otto J. Pfeifer, the jeweler, while working at his bench last Wednesday morning, attempted to light a spirit lamp. The end of the match broke off just as it ignited and flew into the large show window, the bottom of which was covered with cotton. The whole window was ablaze in a moment and destroyed all the drapery.
Mr. Pfeifer sprang to the window to save the jewelry, and in doing so, burned his hands until the skin peeled off. He received several burns on the face, while his moustache and hair on the front of his head were burned off. He is in a bad condition.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 14th December 1892
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Oxford, Ohio
Jeweler Pfeifer’s Painful Experience from a Simple Cause
Oxford,O., Dec. 6. —Otto J. Pfeifer, the jeweler, while working at his bench last Wednesday morning, attempted to light a spirit lamp. The end of the match broke off just as it ignited and flew into the large show window, the bottom of which was covered with cotton. The whole window was ablaze in a moment and destroyed all the drapery.
Mr. Pfeifer sprang to the window to save the jewelry, and in doing so, burned his hands until the skin peeled off. He received several burns on the face, while his moustache and hair on the front of his head were burned off. He is in a bad condition.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 14th December 1892
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
J.P. WILCOX
Wichita, Kansas
An explosion occurred recently in the store of J. P. Wilcox, Wichita, Kan., in which Mr. Wilcox was quite severely burned. The rear of the store is used in connection with the millinery store of Mrs. Wilcox. An iron used for smoothing in the dressmaking department is heated by gasoline. While heating, it began to fiz and sputter, and when one of the women attempted to extinguish the fire the flames burst out from it. Mr. Wilcox was called in and immediately dropped a box over it. In a moment the thing exploded, setting fire to his clothing and burning the side of his face and back of his head. Mr. Wilcox has suffered great pain from the burns.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 6th May 1891
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Wichita, Kansas
An explosion occurred recently in the store of J. P. Wilcox, Wichita, Kan., in which Mr. Wilcox was quite severely burned. The rear of the store is used in connection with the millinery store of Mrs. Wilcox. An iron used for smoothing in the dressmaking department is heated by gasoline. While heating, it began to fiz and sputter, and when one of the women attempted to extinguish the fire the flames burst out from it. Mr. Wilcox was called in and immediately dropped a box over it. In a moment the thing exploded, setting fire to his clothing and burning the side of his face and back of his head. Mr. Wilcox has suffered great pain from the burns.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 6th May 1891
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
M.L. KERN
Providence, Rhode Island
The body of M. L. Kern was found at 1.30 o’clock on Friday by his son in the cellar of 44 Page St., where he carried on the business of glass cutter and lapidary. The head of the deceased was found immersed in a tank of water and the medical examiner gave a verdict of death by intentional drowning, it being supposed that Mr. Kern was influenced to take his life by ill-health and business troubles. None of his employes were at the shop at the time. A few years ago the deceased did a large business cutting glass initials for jewelers’ purposes, and has always made a specialty of cutting glass and imitation stones for jewelers. He was about 45 years of age and leaves a widow and two children.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 6th May 1891
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Providence, Rhode Island
The body of M. L. Kern was found at 1.30 o’clock on Friday by his son in the cellar of 44 Page St., where he carried on the business of glass cutter and lapidary. The head of the deceased was found immersed in a tank of water and the medical examiner gave a verdict of death by intentional drowning, it being supposed that Mr. Kern was influenced to take his life by ill-health and business troubles. None of his employes were at the shop at the time. A few years ago the deceased did a large business cutting glass initials for jewelers’ purposes, and has always made a specialty of cutting glass and imitation stones for jewelers. He was about 45 years of age and leaves a widow and two children.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 6th May 1891
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
JULIUS DREYFUS
Carthage, Missouri
Julius Dreyfus, of the Dreyfus Mfg. Co., 61 Beekman St., was seriously hurt in a railroad wreck which occurred near Carthage, Mo., last week. He is now in a hospital with injured back and hips. The engineer and fireman were killed and about 50 persons injured. The engine left the track while rounding a sharp curve, and the cars followed it. The engine turned over twice and plunged into a river. Mr. Dreyfus was on a trip for the firm at the time the accident occurred.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 30th September 1908
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Carthage, Missouri
Julius Dreyfus, of the Dreyfus Mfg. Co., 61 Beekman St., was seriously hurt in a railroad wreck which occurred near Carthage, Mo., last week. He is now in a hospital with injured back and hips. The engineer and fireman were killed and about 50 persons injured. The engine left the track while rounding a sharp curve, and the cars followed it. The engine turned over twice and plunged into a river. Mr. Dreyfus was on a trip for the firm at the time the accident occurred.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 30th September 1908
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
A.M. OHLER
Kansas City
A stranger entered Baker’s jewelry store, at Kansas City, recently, and asked to see some diamonds. Upon being shown them he grabbed a handful and started for the door. One of the two clerks present, named R. H. Mold, jumped over the counter and clutched the robber, who beat him over the head with a revolver. The other clerk, A. M. Ohler, came to Mold’s assistance, and was shot in the neck. The robber then got away and ran. Cries on the street of “Stop thief!” brought out C. H. Surrels, a carpenter, who tried to stop the thief and received a bullet in the mouth, which lodged in the back of his neck. The unknown robber then escaped, leaving a hat as the only clue to his identity. The diamonds were recovered.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - March 1886
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Kansas City
A stranger entered Baker’s jewelry store, at Kansas City, recently, and asked to see some diamonds. Upon being shown them he grabbed a handful and started for the door. One of the two clerks present, named R. H. Mold, jumped over the counter and clutched the robber, who beat him over the head with a revolver. The other clerk, A. M. Ohler, came to Mold’s assistance, and was shot in the neck. The robber then got away and ran. Cries on the street of “Stop thief!” brought out C. H. Surrels, a carpenter, who tried to stop the thief and received a bullet in the mouth, which lodged in the back of his neck. The unknown robber then escaped, leaving a hat as the only clue to his identity. The diamonds were recovered.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - March 1886
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
JOHN H. FIELDS
Charlotte and Greensboro, North Carolina
John H. Fields, 46, owner of jewelry stores in Charlotte and Greensboro, N.C. died July 14th after being struck by an automobile and a truck at a street intersection in Charlotte. For the last ten years, Mr. Fields had lived in Charlotte and in addition to being the owner of Fields Jewelers there, he owned the Jewel Box in Greensboro. He is survived by two brothers and two sisters.
Source: Jewelers' Circular Keystone - August 1950
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Charlotte and Greensboro, North Carolina
John H. Fields, 46, owner of jewelry stores in Charlotte and Greensboro, N.C. died July 14th after being struck by an automobile and a truck at a street intersection in Charlotte. For the last ten years, Mr. Fields had lived in Charlotte and in addition to being the owner of Fields Jewelers there, he owned the Jewel Box in Greensboro. He is survived by two brothers and two sisters.
Source: Jewelers' Circular Keystone - August 1950
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
ELLSWORTH VAN DUYNE
Newark, New Jersey
As he was leaving a trolley car at Washington Ave. and Elliot St., Ellsworth Van Duyne, of 274 Washington Ave., was knocked down by a jitney and seriously injured. His left leg was crushed and much of the flesh from the knee to the foot was torn loose. He was unconscious when picked up and taken to the City Hospital, where it was said his condition was serious. Mr. Van Duyne is 57 years old and a silversmith. The driver of the truck was Timothy Ryan, of 358 Woodside Ave.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 31st January 1923
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Newark, New Jersey
As he was leaving a trolley car at Washington Ave. and Elliot St., Ellsworth Van Duyne, of 274 Washington Ave., was knocked down by a jitney and seriously injured. His left leg was crushed and much of the flesh from the knee to the foot was torn loose. He was unconscious when picked up and taken to the City Hospital, where it was said his condition was serious. Mr. Van Duyne is 57 years old and a silversmith. The driver of the truck was Timothy Ryan, of 358 Woodside Ave.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 31st January 1923
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
JOHN HENLEY
New York
John Henley, an engraver, 343, Fourth avenue, New York, fell down stairs on August 19 and was instantly killed. He was sixty years of age.
Source: The American Stationer - 20th August 1896
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New York
John Henley, an engraver, 343, Fourth avenue, New York, fell down stairs on August 19 and was instantly killed. He was sixty years of age.
Source: The American Stationer - 20th August 1896
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
DONA LA PALM
Attleboro, Massachusetts
Dona La Palm, while working at the press in the factory of the Watson- Newell Co., last week, lost one of his fingers, which was severed close to the hand.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 5th May 1909
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Attleboro, Massachusetts
Dona La Palm, while working at the press in the factory of the Watson- Newell Co., last week, lost one of his fingers, which was severed close to the hand.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 5th May 1909
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
WILLIAM E. BIDWELL
Brooklyn
Wm. E. Bidwell, who on Dec. 30th was found dead in bed at his home, 387 Jefferson Ave., Brooklyn, is believed to have poisoned himself. An autopsy disclosed carbolic acid in his stomach; whether the acid was taken with suicidal intent or accidentally could not be determined. Mr. Bidwell was a member of the Jas. H. Hart corporation of Brooklyn, who went into liquidation last March. He was born in Burnside, Connecticut, in 1846 and passed his early youth in this town. He served in the Sixteenth Connecticut Regiment, and after the war went into the jewelry business near Exchange corner, Hartford, removing in a year or two to Brooklyn. He married twice. His second wife and two sons by his first wife survive him.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 9th January 1895
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Brooklyn
Wm. E. Bidwell, who on Dec. 30th was found dead in bed at his home, 387 Jefferson Ave., Brooklyn, is believed to have poisoned himself. An autopsy disclosed carbolic acid in his stomach; whether the acid was taken with suicidal intent or accidentally could not be determined. Mr. Bidwell was a member of the Jas. H. Hart corporation of Brooklyn, who went into liquidation last March. He was born in Burnside, Connecticut, in 1846 and passed his early youth in this town. He served in the Sixteenth Connecticut Regiment, and after the war went into the jewelry business near Exchange corner, Hartford, removing in a year or two to Brooklyn. He married twice. His second wife and two sons by his first wife survive him.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 9th January 1895
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
HENRY WRIGHT
Paterson, New Jersey
Did Jeweler Henry Wright Commit Suicide?
The body of Henry Wright, of 384 Main St., Paterson, N. J., which was found in the East River, was buried on Tuesday. Mr Wright came to New York to kiss the relic of St. Ann, as he was suffering from a chronic ailment and hoped to receive some benefit. As he did not return home, his wife went to New York and after several days search located his body in the morgue.
Although there were no marks of violence on the remains, the widow thought that he had been foully dealt with. He had money in his pocket at the time of his disappearance and several diamonds which he had obtained from a Maiden Lane house. Chief Inspector Steers, when seen by a reporter of The Circular did not believe that Mr. Wright had been the victim of assault, as his jewelry had not been taken. He had probably become discouraged and committed suicide.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 1st June 1892
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Paterson, New Jersey
Did Jeweler Henry Wright Commit Suicide?
The body of Henry Wright, of 384 Main St., Paterson, N. J., which was found in the East River, was buried on Tuesday. Mr Wright came to New York to kiss the relic of St. Ann, as he was suffering from a chronic ailment and hoped to receive some benefit. As he did not return home, his wife went to New York and after several days search located his body in the morgue.
Although there were no marks of violence on the remains, the widow thought that he had been foully dealt with. He had money in his pocket at the time of his disappearance and several diamonds which he had obtained from a Maiden Lane house. Chief Inspector Steers, when seen by a reporter of The Circular did not believe that Mr. Wright had been the victim of assault, as his jewelry had not been taken. He had probably become discouraged and committed suicide.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 1st June 1892
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
W.E. WANGELIN
Belleville, Illinois
Died from an Overdose of Medicine
Belleville, Ill ., May 20.—W. E. Wangelin, of this city, was found in an unconscious condition in his room at the Thomas House on Sunday, and the physician, who was speedily summoned to attend him, pronounced his case hopeless. The unfortunate man retired to his room at an early hour
Saturday morning, and it is supposed that he took an overdose of medicine he was accustomed to use to quiet his nerves. Although remedies were used to revive him he died at six o'clock Sunday evening without regaining consciousness. He leaves a wife and two grown children residing in St. Louis.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 27th May 1891
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Belleville, Illinois
Died from an Overdose of Medicine
Belleville, Ill ., May 20.—W. E. Wangelin, of this city, was found in an unconscious condition in his room at the Thomas House on Sunday, and the physician, who was speedily summoned to attend him, pronounced his case hopeless. The unfortunate man retired to his room at an early hour
Saturday morning, and it is supposed that he took an overdose of medicine he was accustomed to use to quiet his nerves. Although remedies were used to revive him he died at six o'clock Sunday evening without regaining consciousness. He leaves a wife and two grown children residing in St. Louis.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 27th May 1891
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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
R.S. HARLESS
Sweetwater, Tennessee
Jeweler Harless Stabs his Opponent in a Fight
Sweetwater, Tenn., Aug. 1.—A difficulty occurred here last week between R. S. Harless, jeweler, and Joe McAmis, in which Harless seriously, if not fatally, stabbed McAmis. The trouble, which occurred on the main street, is said to have originated over a trivial matter. Hot, hasty words led to a blow by McAmis, when Harless stabbed him three times, one blow entering the chest in the region of the heart, and the others in the arm and shoulder.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 7th August 1895
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Sweetwater, Tennessee
Jeweler Harless Stabs his Opponent in a Fight
Sweetwater, Tenn., Aug. 1.—A difficulty occurred here last week between R. S. Harless, jeweler, and Joe McAmis, in which Harless seriously, if not fatally, stabbed McAmis. The trouble, which occurred on the main street, is said to have originated over a trivial matter. Hot, hasty words led to a blow by McAmis, when Harless stabbed him three times, one blow entering the chest in the region of the heart, and the others in the arm and shoulder.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 7th August 1895
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