JOHN H. KEIM
Manhattan, New York
JEWELRY FIRM HEAD COMMITS SUICIDE
John H. Keim, 69, of 270, Park Ave., Manhattan, committed suicide yesterday, according to the police, by shooting himself in the head while seated in a chair in his private office of the jewelry firm bearing his name which occupies the entire 12th floor of 10 E. 39th St., Manhattan. At Keim's home it was said his wife and a married daughter were out for the afternoon.
Source: The Brooklyn Daily Eagle - 30th October 1932
Trev.
Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
-------- OWEN
London
Yesterday morning ------ Owen, convicted of forging and publishing an order upon the Assay Office, at Goldsmiths' Hall, with intent to obtain several pairs of silver buckles sent there to be assayed and marked, who was ordered for execution last Wednesday, but respited the preceding day, was executed on the scaffold erected before the debtors' door of Newgate.
The convict came out of the prison about half-past seven o'clock, and prayed with every appearance of the most fervent devotion. After taking leave of him, in consequence of a signal from the unhappy young man, the Ordinary again went upon the scaffold, and continued with him about ten minutes in prayer. Mr. Villette having a second time retired, the cap was drawn over the face of the malefactor, who continued half-an hour, within a minute or two, appealing to Heaven for mercy in an audible tone of voice, and with the most impassioned gestures, all the while holding a white handkerchief in his hands, and making eight or ten motions, as if he intended to drop it by way of signal for the platform to fall; but at nine the platform sunk, and he still kept grasping the handkerchief while any signs of life were perceptible. His frequently raising his head while in the act of supplicating for mercy occasioned the noose to slip to the back of his neck, in consequence of which he appeared for several minutes to be in great agony.
This victim to the offended laws was but about twenty years of age ; he had served part of an apprenticeship, about three years, to the trade of a silversmith. He was executed in a new suit of mourning.
Source: The Leeds Mercury - 11th January 1785
Trev.
London
Yesterday morning ------ Owen, convicted of forging and publishing an order upon the Assay Office, at Goldsmiths' Hall, with intent to obtain several pairs of silver buckles sent there to be assayed and marked, who was ordered for execution last Wednesday, but respited the preceding day, was executed on the scaffold erected before the debtors' door of Newgate.
The convict came out of the prison about half-past seven o'clock, and prayed with every appearance of the most fervent devotion. After taking leave of him, in consequence of a signal from the unhappy young man, the Ordinary again went upon the scaffold, and continued with him about ten minutes in prayer. Mr. Villette having a second time retired, the cap was drawn over the face of the malefactor, who continued half-an hour, within a minute or two, appealing to Heaven for mercy in an audible tone of voice, and with the most impassioned gestures, all the while holding a white handkerchief in his hands, and making eight or ten motions, as if he intended to drop it by way of signal for the platform to fall; but at nine the platform sunk, and he still kept grasping the handkerchief while any signs of life were perceptible. His frequently raising his head while in the act of supplicating for mercy occasioned the noose to slip to the back of his neck, in consequence of which he appeared for several minutes to be in great agony.
This victim to the offended laws was but about twenty years of age ; he had served part of an apprenticeship, about three years, to the trade of a silversmith. He was executed in a new suit of mourning.
Source: The Leeds Mercury - 11th January 1785
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
HENRY P. BERG
Montreal
Montreal, Can., March 3.—The memhers of the trade in Montreal and vicinity were much pained to hear of the sudden death by drowning of Henry P. Berg, of this city, which occured near Prescott, Ont., on Monday last. Mr. Berg was traveling for the American Watch Co., Notre Dame St.
On Monday evening about 8 o’clock Mr. Berg and two other men left the Grand Trunk Station in a single sleigh to cross the St. Lawrence to Ogdensburg. They got off the track usually traveled by teams and drove into an air hole. The horse and sleigh went to the bottom in about 40 feet of water and two of the occupants were drowned. The bodies have not yet been recovered.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 7th March 1894
Trev.
Montreal
Montreal, Can., March 3.—The memhers of the trade in Montreal and vicinity were much pained to hear of the sudden death by drowning of Henry P. Berg, of this city, which occured near Prescott, Ont., on Monday last. Mr. Berg was traveling for the American Watch Co., Notre Dame St.
On Monday evening about 8 o’clock Mr. Berg and two other men left the Grand Trunk Station in a single sleigh to cross the St. Lawrence to Ogdensburg. They got off the track usually traveled by teams and drove into an air hole. The horse and sleigh went to the bottom in about 40 feet of water and two of the occupants were drowned. The bodies have not yet been recovered.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 7th March 1894
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
WILLIAM HARPER
Hackensack, New Jersey
Word was received in New York from Hackensack, N. J., Friday, that William Harper, 72 years old, who conducted a jewelry store in Hackensack for many years, had been killed by a railroad train near the Passaic St. crossing, Thursday night. Mr. Harper was on his way home from a prayer meeting. When he failed to appear at the proper time, his son instituted a search tor him. His body was found near the track, and it is thought that he was struck by the train while attempting to cross.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 4th February 1903
Trev.
Hackensack, New Jersey
Word was received in New York from Hackensack, N. J., Friday, that William Harper, 72 years old, who conducted a jewelry store in Hackensack for many years, had been killed by a railroad train near the Passaic St. crossing, Thursday night. Mr. Harper was on his way home from a prayer meeting. When he failed to appear at the proper time, his son instituted a search tor him. His body was found near the track, and it is thought that he was struck by the train while attempting to cross.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 4th February 1903
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
SOLOMON LOSOFSKY
Newark, New Jersey
Camp Dix, N.J., December 17 - Pvt. Solomon Losofsky, Co 12, Depot Brigade, a jeweler of Newark, sentenced to death by hanging by a general court-martial board here, was saved from death by President Wilson, who commuted his sentence to dishonorable discharge from the service and a term of 20 years at Fort Jay, N.Y.
Losofsky was found guilty of having made disloyal statements to the members of his company by declaring "I did not want to come to this dump in the first place and I don't have any respect for the flag or the country either." or words to that effect, to the prejudice of good order and military discipline. He was also charged with disobeying a command of Lt. E.D. Gill to put on leggins.
Col. Edward C. Wells presided over the court that tried the soldier, with Capt. J. Joseph Lilly of Brooklyn as assistant judge advocate. Two-thirds of the members of the court concurred in the sentence of death and the sentence was approved by Maj.-Gen. Hugh L. Scott, camp commander, and forwarded to President Wilson for approval.
Source: The Brooklyn Daily Eagle - 17th December 1918
Trev.
Newark, New Jersey
Camp Dix, N.J., December 17 - Pvt. Solomon Losofsky, Co 12, Depot Brigade, a jeweler of Newark, sentenced to death by hanging by a general court-martial board here, was saved from death by President Wilson, who commuted his sentence to dishonorable discharge from the service and a term of 20 years at Fort Jay, N.Y.
Losofsky was found guilty of having made disloyal statements to the members of his company by declaring "I did not want to come to this dump in the first place and I don't have any respect for the flag or the country either." or words to that effect, to the prejudice of good order and military discipline. He was also charged with disobeying a command of Lt. E.D. Gill to put on leggins.
Col. Edward C. Wells presided over the court that tried the soldier, with Capt. J. Joseph Lilly of Brooklyn as assistant judge advocate. Two-thirds of the members of the court concurred in the sentence of death and the sentence was approved by Maj.-Gen. Hugh L. Scott, camp commander, and forwarded to President Wilson for approval.
Source: The Brooklyn Daily Eagle - 17th December 1918
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
JOHN WARRIS
Sheffield
DETERMINED SUICIDE AT SHEFFIELD
A most determined suicide was committed early on Monday morning by John Warris, aged 64, a time keeper, in the employ of Messrs. Henry Wilkinson and Co., electro-platers end manufacturers of silver and electro-plated goods, Norfolk-street. The deceased and his wife lived in a house adjoining the premises, and had charge of the establishment. For several days past the unfortunate man had evinced symptoms of an unsound mind, and although there was not the slightest cause, persisted in asserting that he was becoming unfit to perform the duties of his situation. He was in good circumstances, was on the greatest terms of friendship with all about the premises, and comfortable at home. On Saturday however, he attempted, in his wife's absence, to hang himself, and would have undoubtedly have succeeded had not the hook to which he had attached the rope broken. Mrs. Warris discovered him on the bedroom floor, with the rope around his neck, and in a state of insensibility. Yesterday morning he arose early, and was followed by his wife, but he managed to elude her, and threw himself into a cistern of water, where he was found quite dead after being immersed about an hour.
Source: Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register - 8th January 1859
Trev.
Sheffield
DETERMINED SUICIDE AT SHEFFIELD
A most determined suicide was committed early on Monday morning by John Warris, aged 64, a time keeper, in the employ of Messrs. Henry Wilkinson and Co., electro-platers end manufacturers of silver and electro-plated goods, Norfolk-street. The deceased and his wife lived in a house adjoining the premises, and had charge of the establishment. For several days past the unfortunate man had evinced symptoms of an unsound mind, and although there was not the slightest cause, persisted in asserting that he was becoming unfit to perform the duties of his situation. He was in good circumstances, was on the greatest terms of friendship with all about the premises, and comfortable at home. On Saturday however, he attempted, in his wife's absence, to hang himself, and would have undoubtedly have succeeded had not the hook to which he had attached the rope broken. Mrs. Warris discovered him on the bedroom floor, with the rope around his neck, and in a state of insensibility. Yesterday morning he arose early, and was followed by his wife, but he managed to elude her, and threw himself into a cistern of water, where he was found quite dead after being immersed about an hour.
Source: Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register - 8th January 1859
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
FREDERICK TIMM - (Frederick Ellis Timm & Co.)
Sheffield
Fatal Explosion in Sheffield
An inquest has been opened in Sheffield, on view of the body of Harriet Rodgers, aged 28 years. The deceased, who was house-keeper to Mr. Frederick Timm, silver plater, Regent-street, had on Monday morning last, accompanied by Mr. Timm, gone into the cellar for the purpose of putting oil into a gas refiner which is attached to the meter. When in the act of filling the vessel an explosion took place, by which Mrs. Rodgers and Mr. Timm were shockingly burned, and Mrs. Rodgers died on Thursday morning. The coroner stated that in consequence of the dangerous state in which Mr. Timm was at present, the inquest would be adjourned for a few days. Mr. Smith, agent for the Gas Improvement Company, attended and explained the patent apparatus by which the accident happened. It is a vessel which is placed beside the meter, through which the gas has to pass for the purpose of being refined, and which has to be filled with oil at stated times. It is supposed that the gas had not been turned off when the explosion took place.
Source: The Teesdale Mercury - 11th October 1865
Trev.
Sheffield
Fatal Explosion in Sheffield
An inquest has been opened in Sheffield, on view of the body of Harriet Rodgers, aged 28 years. The deceased, who was house-keeper to Mr. Frederick Timm, silver plater, Regent-street, had on Monday morning last, accompanied by Mr. Timm, gone into the cellar for the purpose of putting oil into a gas refiner which is attached to the meter. When in the act of filling the vessel an explosion took place, by which Mrs. Rodgers and Mr. Timm were shockingly burned, and Mrs. Rodgers died on Thursday morning. The coroner stated that in consequence of the dangerous state in which Mr. Timm was at present, the inquest would be adjourned for a few days. Mr. Smith, agent for the Gas Improvement Company, attended and explained the patent apparatus by which the accident happened. It is a vessel which is placed beside the meter, through which the gas has to pass for the purpose of being refined, and which has to be filled with oil at stated times. It is supposed that the gas had not been turned off when the explosion took place.
Source: The Teesdale Mercury - 11th October 1865
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
FRANK DE MAR
Philadelphia
Frank De Mar, who was killed by a Pennsylvania R. R. passenger train Sept. 29th, is reported to have been a silversmith, who was at the time seeking employment.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 11th October 1893
Trev.
Philadelphia
Frank De Mar, who was killed by a Pennsylvania R. R. passenger train Sept. 29th, is reported to have been a silversmith, who was at the time seeking employment.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 11th October 1893
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
MARCUS KOENIGHEIM
San Antonio, Texas
Marcus Koenigheim Foully Murdered by a Burglar
San Antonio, Tex., Oct. 10. — Marcus Koenigheim, one of the oldest, wealthiest and most highly respected citizens of San Antonio, was murdered and robbed some time last night, his dead body being found at 5 o'clock this morning, with a bullet hole through the head, lying in the hall at the foot of the front stairs of his residence.
Mr. Koenigheim had been for many years one of the most prominent jewelers of the city. In the back of the lower hall of his residence he had a large iron safe, which was opened with a key. In this safe he had a large stock of money and goods, amounting in value to fully $25,000. He and his family spent the evening with friends, returning home at 12 o'clock.
The safe was opened and rifled of all the money, jewels and valuables. The burglar had entered by way of the dining room window, and proceeding up stairs had secured Mr. Koenigheim’s trousers, from the pocket of which he took the key to the safe and a pocketbook containing a considerable sum of money. It is supposed that Mr. Koenigheim heard the noise and made some move to investigate when he met his death.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 18th October 1893
Trev.
San Antonio, Texas
Marcus Koenigheim Foully Murdered by a Burglar
San Antonio, Tex., Oct. 10. — Marcus Koenigheim, one of the oldest, wealthiest and most highly respected citizens of San Antonio, was murdered and robbed some time last night, his dead body being found at 5 o'clock this morning, with a bullet hole through the head, lying in the hall at the foot of the front stairs of his residence.
Mr. Koenigheim had been for many years one of the most prominent jewelers of the city. In the back of the lower hall of his residence he had a large iron safe, which was opened with a key. In this safe he had a large stock of money and goods, amounting in value to fully $25,000. He and his family spent the evening with friends, returning home at 12 o'clock.
The safe was opened and rifled of all the money, jewels and valuables. The burglar had entered by way of the dining room window, and proceeding up stairs had secured Mr. Koenigheim’s trousers, from the pocket of which he took the key to the safe and a pocketbook containing a considerable sum of money. It is supposed that Mr. Koenigheim heard the noise and made some move to investigate when he met his death.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 18th October 1893
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
MARTIN BEARDMORE
London
TRAGEDY OF EXISTENCE
The out-of-work problem often presents only one solution to the aged workman - suicide. Two cases came before the coroners yesterday. One was that of Martin Beardmore, a silversmith, of 62, living near the Euston-road. He had been unemployed for some time. and frequently threatened to take his life, as he "did hot want to be a burden to anybody." On Monday he was as good as his word, and his daughter found him dying from a dose of spirits of salts.
The second case was that of Bernard Sampson, a lithographic printer of 61. He had been out of work for twelve months, and all his applications were met with the reply that he was too old. He wife, a dressmaker, found on Wednesday afternoon that he had hung himself from a bedstead.
A verdict of "Suicide while of unsound mind" was returned in each case*
Source: Evening Express - 9th May 1901
Trev.
London
TRAGEDY OF EXISTENCE
The out-of-work problem often presents only one solution to the aged workman - suicide. Two cases came before the coroners yesterday. One was that of Martin Beardmore, a silversmith, of 62, living near the Euston-road. He had been unemployed for some time. and frequently threatened to take his life, as he "did hot want to be a burden to anybody." On Monday he was as good as his word, and his daughter found him dying from a dose of spirits of salts.
The second case was that of Bernard Sampson, a lithographic printer of 61. He had been out of work for twelve months, and all his applications were met with the reply that he was too old. He wife, a dressmaker, found on Wednesday afternoon that he had hung himself from a bedstead.
A verdict of "Suicide while of unsound mind" was returned in each case*
Source: Evening Express - 9th May 1901
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
MATTHEW SALT
London
CHARGE OF SETTING A WIFE ON FIRE
Matthew Salt, aged 45, a silversmith, of 6, Easton-street, London, has been charged at the Clerkenwell Police-court, with setting fire to the clothing of his wife, Jane Salt, whereby she had been severely burnt, at about two o'clock that morning. It was stated that the woman was lying in the Royal Free Hospital, too severely injured to attend at the court. Mr. John Volks said he was a lodger at 6, Easton-street. His room was on the first floor, the prisoner and his wife occupying the back parlour downstairs. At about two o'clock a.m. witness heard the prisoner's wife scream. He went downstairs to the door of their room, and called out, requesting them to be quiet. He returned to his own room, but about a quarter of an hour later he was aroused by another scream from the back parlour. He went to the top of the stairs, and was met by a thick volume of smoke, which proceeded from the prisoner's room, and almost at the same moment the latter's wife ran into the back yard of the house in her night dress, one side of which was all on fire. Witness followed her into the yard, and tore the burning garment off her. He then left her, and went in search of the police. When he returned, some few minutes later, with a constable, he found that the woman had returned to her room and closed the door. Witness knocked at the door, and, receiving no answer, he and the officer forced the door open. He saw the woman sitting in a chair just as witness had left her in the yard. The prisoner was standing in a corner of the room. He did not utter a word, or attempt in any way to assist his wife. Police-constable Redwood, 313 G, said that he was called to the house by the last witness. When they entered the prisoner's room they found the woman sitting in a chair as described. The bed clothing in the room was on fire. The prisoner's wife repeated once or twice "He's done it." She was taken to the hospital, and the prisoner was taken into custody. Police-sergeant Leonard, 18 G, said he had visited the woman in the Royal Free Hospital, and had taken down her declaration. The surgeon said that she was very severely burnt, and he could not promise any change for some hours. The prisoner said he had no recollection of what had occurred. His wife must have set herself on fire, and was trying to lay the blame upon him. He was then remanded. Later in the afternoon, Police-Inspector Ford (G division) appeared before Mr. Barstow, and said that the surgeon at the Royal Free Hospital had informed him that the injured woman might relapse into unconsciousness at any moment, and it would be well that her depositions should be taken. Mr. Barstow accordingly visited the hospital with Mr. Lowris, the clerk, and the prisoner, and according to the statements made by the unfortunate woman it appeared that she was in bed at the hour mentioned by the witness Volks, and the prisoner was sitting in a chair. She got out of bed, and by some means the lamp was upset upon her. The whole thing occurred so suddenly that she could not tell how it happened. She was unable to recollect anything more and in her critical condition it was thought useless to press her further. Dr. Brooks, house surgeon, under whose care she is, stated that she is in imminent danger both from her injuries and the shock.
Source: The Cardigan Observer - 18th August 1883
BURNING A WIFE
The woman, Jane Salt, aged 44, of Eaton-street, Clerkenwell, who was seriously injured by burns, has expired in the Royal Free Hospital. Mathew Salt, a silversmith, the husband of the deceased, is under remand from the Clerkenwell Police-court, charged with having wilfully set fire to the clothing of the woman on the morning of Saturday, the 11th inst. The evidence given before the Magistrate was that the lodger heard the deceased and her husband quarrelling, and a short time afterwards, on going upstairs, he saw smoke coming from their apartment, and on his entering the room he found the woman running about the room with her clothes on fire, which he at once put out. Mrs Salt stated several times that her husband had done it, and was removed to the Hospital, where it was found that she had received extensive burns. The husband was taken into custody, and charged with causing the injuries, and when before the Magistrate he said that he had no recollection of what had taken place, and that his wife must have set herself on fire and was trying to lay the blame upon him. In consequence of the dangerous condition of the wife the Magistrate attended and took down the woman's deposition. She then stated that she got out of bed, and by some means the lamp was upset upon her. The whole thing occurred so suddenly that she could not tell how it happened.
Source: The Pembrokeshire Herald and General Advertiser - 31st August 1883
An inquest was held on Wednesday, at the Royal Free Hospital, Gray's Inn-road, London, on the body of Jane Salt, 44, of Easton-street, Clerkenwell, who died from the effects of severe burns received on Saturday, the 11th inst. Deceased's husband, Matthew Salt, silversmith, has been remanded charged with setting fire to her clothing. According to the evidence the parties frequently quarrelled, and on the night of the occurrence the lodgers heard quarrelling. A table in the room was upset and a lamp broken, deceased's clothing taking fire. She said her husband had done it. Verdict " Death from severe burns, caused accidentally through the upsetting of a lamp."
Source: The Cardiff Times - 1st September 1883
Trev.
London
CHARGE OF SETTING A WIFE ON FIRE
Matthew Salt, aged 45, a silversmith, of 6, Easton-street, London, has been charged at the Clerkenwell Police-court, with setting fire to the clothing of his wife, Jane Salt, whereby she had been severely burnt, at about two o'clock that morning. It was stated that the woman was lying in the Royal Free Hospital, too severely injured to attend at the court. Mr. John Volks said he was a lodger at 6, Easton-street. His room was on the first floor, the prisoner and his wife occupying the back parlour downstairs. At about two o'clock a.m. witness heard the prisoner's wife scream. He went downstairs to the door of their room, and called out, requesting them to be quiet. He returned to his own room, but about a quarter of an hour later he was aroused by another scream from the back parlour. He went to the top of the stairs, and was met by a thick volume of smoke, which proceeded from the prisoner's room, and almost at the same moment the latter's wife ran into the back yard of the house in her night dress, one side of which was all on fire. Witness followed her into the yard, and tore the burning garment off her. He then left her, and went in search of the police. When he returned, some few minutes later, with a constable, he found that the woman had returned to her room and closed the door. Witness knocked at the door, and, receiving no answer, he and the officer forced the door open. He saw the woman sitting in a chair just as witness had left her in the yard. The prisoner was standing in a corner of the room. He did not utter a word, or attempt in any way to assist his wife. Police-constable Redwood, 313 G, said that he was called to the house by the last witness. When they entered the prisoner's room they found the woman sitting in a chair as described. The bed clothing in the room was on fire. The prisoner's wife repeated once or twice "He's done it." She was taken to the hospital, and the prisoner was taken into custody. Police-sergeant Leonard, 18 G, said he had visited the woman in the Royal Free Hospital, and had taken down her declaration. The surgeon said that she was very severely burnt, and he could not promise any change for some hours. The prisoner said he had no recollection of what had occurred. His wife must have set herself on fire, and was trying to lay the blame upon him. He was then remanded. Later in the afternoon, Police-Inspector Ford (G division) appeared before Mr. Barstow, and said that the surgeon at the Royal Free Hospital had informed him that the injured woman might relapse into unconsciousness at any moment, and it would be well that her depositions should be taken. Mr. Barstow accordingly visited the hospital with Mr. Lowris, the clerk, and the prisoner, and according to the statements made by the unfortunate woman it appeared that she was in bed at the hour mentioned by the witness Volks, and the prisoner was sitting in a chair. She got out of bed, and by some means the lamp was upset upon her. The whole thing occurred so suddenly that she could not tell how it happened. She was unable to recollect anything more and in her critical condition it was thought useless to press her further. Dr. Brooks, house surgeon, under whose care she is, stated that she is in imminent danger both from her injuries and the shock.
Source: The Cardigan Observer - 18th August 1883
BURNING A WIFE
The woman, Jane Salt, aged 44, of Eaton-street, Clerkenwell, who was seriously injured by burns, has expired in the Royal Free Hospital. Mathew Salt, a silversmith, the husband of the deceased, is under remand from the Clerkenwell Police-court, charged with having wilfully set fire to the clothing of the woman on the morning of Saturday, the 11th inst. The evidence given before the Magistrate was that the lodger heard the deceased and her husband quarrelling, and a short time afterwards, on going upstairs, he saw smoke coming from their apartment, and on his entering the room he found the woman running about the room with her clothes on fire, which he at once put out. Mrs Salt stated several times that her husband had done it, and was removed to the Hospital, where it was found that she had received extensive burns. The husband was taken into custody, and charged with causing the injuries, and when before the Magistrate he said that he had no recollection of what had taken place, and that his wife must have set herself on fire and was trying to lay the blame upon him. In consequence of the dangerous condition of the wife the Magistrate attended and took down the woman's deposition. She then stated that she got out of bed, and by some means the lamp was upset upon her. The whole thing occurred so suddenly that she could not tell how it happened.
Source: The Pembrokeshire Herald and General Advertiser - 31st August 1883
An inquest was held on Wednesday, at the Royal Free Hospital, Gray's Inn-road, London, on the body of Jane Salt, 44, of Easton-street, Clerkenwell, who died from the effects of severe burns received on Saturday, the 11th inst. Deceased's husband, Matthew Salt, silversmith, has been remanded charged with setting fire to her clothing. According to the evidence the parties frequently quarrelled, and on the night of the occurrence the lodgers heard quarrelling. A table in the room was upset and a lamp broken, deceased's clothing taking fire. She said her husband had done it. Verdict " Death from severe burns, caused accidentally through the upsetting of a lamp."
Source: The Cardiff Times - 1st September 1883
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
THOMAS BOULTON a.k.a. WILLIAM ALLPORT
Handsworth, Birmingham
THE HANDSWORTH MURDER
At Tipton, to-day, Thomas Boulton, 47, army pensioner, and working jeweller, was charged with the wilful murder of his niece, Elizabeth Bunting, aged 16, at Handsworth. The prisoner appeared in a nervous depressed state, and seemed utterly worn out and dejected. Police-constable Morton, who arrested the prisoner at Bilston on Saturday afternoon, deposed that when he charged Boulton with the murder he replied, "I will go quietly; I will go by myself I am Boulton, the Handsworth murderer." Prisoner denied witness's statement, and said he only observed, I am wanted." He was remanded, and when he was driven off there were signs of disapprobation from the crowd.
Source: South Wales Echo - 27th April 1885
Thomas Boulton, the army pensioner, who is alleged to hare attacked his niece, named Elizabeth Bunting, aged 16 years, with a coal hammer and boot knife, on Monday last at Handsworth, near Birmingham, inflicting such severe injuries as to cause her death on the following day, was arrested at Bilston on Saturday afternoon. The accused was taken to West Bromwich, in which division i he crime was committed.
Source: The North Wales Express - 1st May 1885
THE WEST BROMWICH MURDER
At West Bromwich to-day, Thomas Boulton, alias William Allport, an army pensioner, and working jeweller, was committed for trial on a charge of wilfully murdering his niece, Elizabeth Buntin, aged 15, at Handsworth, near Birmingham, on April 20th. The prisoner preserved an unconcerned appearance.
Source: South Wales Echo - 2nd May 1885
Thomas Boulton, working jeweller, was, at West Bromwich on Saturday, committed for trial on a charge of having murdered his niece, Elizabeth Bunting, 15 years of age, at Handsworth, near Birmingham, on the night of April 20. The prisoner, who presented an unconcerned appearance, reserved his defence, and applied for copies of the depositions taken at the inquest and before the magistrates to assist him on his trial.
Source: The Tenby Observer - 7th May 1885
THE HANDSWORTH MURDER - SENTENCE OF DEATH
At Stafford on Saturday, before Mr Justice A. L. Smith, Thomas Boulton was tried for the murder of Elizabeth Bunting, at Handsworth on April 20th last. The prisoner, a man of 47, who had served for many years in the army, was working under a jeweller at Handsworth, and lived with a family of the name of Bunting, the deceased being one of the daughters. The prisoner had so lived for 15 months, and was on most friendly terms with the family, the only indication he had ever shown of ill-feeling being that he had once or twice shown a little jealousy of attention which had been paid to the deceased by another man. On the night in question the prisoner was sitting and talking with the Buntings in a friendly way before going to bed. Mrs Bunting, on going upstairs, left the prisoner and her daughter, who was reading. She had hardly got upstairs when she heard loud screams, and, running down the stairs, saw her daughter with blood on her throat, and the prisoner standing over her with a hammer in his hand. She pushed him on one side, and in so doing cut her hand against a knife which the prisoner held in his other hand. The prisoner exclaimed, "I am mad," and then again attacked the deceased, and was in the act of cutting her throat when a man who had heard the screams rushed in and pulled him away. In the confusion the prisoner for a moment made his escape, and was not arrested for four or five days, when upon being questioned as to his motive, he replied, "Drink - I must have been mad." The jury found the prisoner guilty, and the learned judge passed sentence of death in the usual form.
Source: South Wales Daily News - 3rd August 1885
EXECUTION AT STAFFORD
Thomas Boulton was executed at Stafford Gaol this morning for the murder of his niece in April last. The culprit passes a fairly quiet night. Shortly before eight Berry, the executioner, accompanied by the officials, proceeded to his cell. Boulton underwent the pinioning operations with firmness, and walked steadily to the scaffold. He repeated the responses after the chaplain. A drop of eight feet was given, and death appeared to be instantaneous.
Source: South Wales Echo - 17th August 1885
Trev.
Handsworth, Birmingham
THE HANDSWORTH MURDER
At Tipton, to-day, Thomas Boulton, 47, army pensioner, and working jeweller, was charged with the wilful murder of his niece, Elizabeth Bunting, aged 16, at Handsworth. The prisoner appeared in a nervous depressed state, and seemed utterly worn out and dejected. Police-constable Morton, who arrested the prisoner at Bilston on Saturday afternoon, deposed that when he charged Boulton with the murder he replied, "I will go quietly; I will go by myself I am Boulton, the Handsworth murderer." Prisoner denied witness's statement, and said he only observed, I am wanted." He was remanded, and when he was driven off there were signs of disapprobation from the crowd.
Source: South Wales Echo - 27th April 1885
Thomas Boulton, the army pensioner, who is alleged to hare attacked his niece, named Elizabeth Bunting, aged 16 years, with a coal hammer and boot knife, on Monday last at Handsworth, near Birmingham, inflicting such severe injuries as to cause her death on the following day, was arrested at Bilston on Saturday afternoon. The accused was taken to West Bromwich, in which division i he crime was committed.
Source: The North Wales Express - 1st May 1885
THE WEST BROMWICH MURDER
At West Bromwich to-day, Thomas Boulton, alias William Allport, an army pensioner, and working jeweller, was committed for trial on a charge of wilfully murdering his niece, Elizabeth Buntin, aged 15, at Handsworth, near Birmingham, on April 20th. The prisoner preserved an unconcerned appearance.
Source: South Wales Echo - 2nd May 1885
Thomas Boulton, working jeweller, was, at West Bromwich on Saturday, committed for trial on a charge of having murdered his niece, Elizabeth Bunting, 15 years of age, at Handsworth, near Birmingham, on the night of April 20. The prisoner, who presented an unconcerned appearance, reserved his defence, and applied for copies of the depositions taken at the inquest and before the magistrates to assist him on his trial.
Source: The Tenby Observer - 7th May 1885
THE HANDSWORTH MURDER - SENTENCE OF DEATH
At Stafford on Saturday, before Mr Justice A. L. Smith, Thomas Boulton was tried for the murder of Elizabeth Bunting, at Handsworth on April 20th last. The prisoner, a man of 47, who had served for many years in the army, was working under a jeweller at Handsworth, and lived with a family of the name of Bunting, the deceased being one of the daughters. The prisoner had so lived for 15 months, and was on most friendly terms with the family, the only indication he had ever shown of ill-feeling being that he had once or twice shown a little jealousy of attention which had been paid to the deceased by another man. On the night in question the prisoner was sitting and talking with the Buntings in a friendly way before going to bed. Mrs Bunting, on going upstairs, left the prisoner and her daughter, who was reading. She had hardly got upstairs when she heard loud screams, and, running down the stairs, saw her daughter with blood on her throat, and the prisoner standing over her with a hammer in his hand. She pushed him on one side, and in so doing cut her hand against a knife which the prisoner held in his other hand. The prisoner exclaimed, "I am mad," and then again attacked the deceased, and was in the act of cutting her throat when a man who had heard the screams rushed in and pulled him away. In the confusion the prisoner for a moment made his escape, and was not arrested for four or five days, when upon being questioned as to his motive, he replied, "Drink - I must have been mad." The jury found the prisoner guilty, and the learned judge passed sentence of death in the usual form.
Source: South Wales Daily News - 3rd August 1885
EXECUTION AT STAFFORD
Thomas Boulton was executed at Stafford Gaol this morning for the murder of his niece in April last. The culprit passes a fairly quiet night. Shortly before eight Berry, the executioner, accompanied by the officials, proceeded to his cell. Boulton underwent the pinioning operations with firmness, and walked steadily to the scaffold. He repeated the responses after the chaplain. A drop of eight feet was given, and death appeared to be instantaneous.
Source: South Wales Echo - 17th August 1885
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
WILLIAM C. SCHWENK
New York
ATTACKS WRONG MAN IN AUTO; BOTH FALL TO DEATH FROM VIADUCT NEAR CENTRAL BRIDGE
Two men who struggled violently in a speeding motorcar yesterday, neither one knowing who the other was or what the struggle was about, are dead today. The car in which they fought plunged over the viaduct over Macomb's Dam Park, at E. 155th st. and the Harlem River, and crashed 60 feet below. One man died immediately. The other died as he was being hurried to a hospital.
The dead are William Ashworth, 26, of 421 E. 154th st., and William C. Schwenk, 34, of 275 E. 168th st. both in the Bronx. Pantus Lyons, a garage worker, of 259, W. 152d st., the chief witness of the tradgedy, told the police what had occurred.
There had been a party at Ashworth's home Saturday night, which continued into the early hours yesterday. There was some drinking at the party, wine among other beverages. When the party broke up Ashworth insisted on accompanying Pantus to his home on W. 152d st. As both men were passing Macomb's pl. and 155th st. they came near being run down by a passing automobile. Ashworth became enraged at the driver and challenged him to a fight. The driver stepped down and gave Ashworth a licking. Then he drove away.
Ashworth ran after the car, shaking his fist and pouring out threats. But the chase was futile and he gave it up. Over and over again he repeated what he would have done to his assailant had he caught him. Then, from the direction in which the assailant had driven off he seemed to be coming back. At least it was the same make of car, according to Lyons, and in the dark Ashworth thought it the same car and the same man. As the machine moved along slowly he jumped on the running board and struck out at the driver.
It was not the same man. It was Schwenk, assistant New York manager for the Towle Manufacturing Company, silversmiths. Schwenk did not know what it was all about.
He found himself clutched violently by the throat. He kept one hand on the steering wheel and thrust out with the other. Then there was a crash. The car tore up 12 feet of guard-rail at the edge of the viaduct and plunged 60 feet to the coal yard below. Schwenk was killed instantly.
Source: The Brooklyn Daily Eagle - 4th May 1925
Trev.
New York
ATTACKS WRONG MAN IN AUTO; BOTH FALL TO DEATH FROM VIADUCT NEAR CENTRAL BRIDGE
Two men who struggled violently in a speeding motorcar yesterday, neither one knowing who the other was or what the struggle was about, are dead today. The car in which they fought plunged over the viaduct over Macomb's Dam Park, at E. 155th st. and the Harlem River, and crashed 60 feet below. One man died immediately. The other died as he was being hurried to a hospital.
The dead are William Ashworth, 26, of 421 E. 154th st., and William C. Schwenk, 34, of 275 E. 168th st. both in the Bronx. Pantus Lyons, a garage worker, of 259, W. 152d st., the chief witness of the tradgedy, told the police what had occurred.
There had been a party at Ashworth's home Saturday night, which continued into the early hours yesterday. There was some drinking at the party, wine among other beverages. When the party broke up Ashworth insisted on accompanying Pantus to his home on W. 152d st. As both men were passing Macomb's pl. and 155th st. they came near being run down by a passing automobile. Ashworth became enraged at the driver and challenged him to a fight. The driver stepped down and gave Ashworth a licking. Then he drove away.
Ashworth ran after the car, shaking his fist and pouring out threats. But the chase was futile and he gave it up. Over and over again he repeated what he would have done to his assailant had he caught him. Then, from the direction in which the assailant had driven off he seemed to be coming back. At least it was the same make of car, according to Lyons, and in the dark Ashworth thought it the same car and the same man. As the machine moved along slowly he jumped on the running board and struck out at the driver.
It was not the same man. It was Schwenk, assistant New York manager for the Towle Manufacturing Company, silversmiths. Schwenk did not know what it was all about.
He found himself clutched violently by the throat. He kept one hand on the steering wheel and thrust out with the other. Then there was a crash. The car tore up 12 feet of guard-rail at the edge of the viaduct and plunged 60 feet to the coal yard below. Schwenk was killed instantly.
Source: The Brooklyn Daily Eagle - 4th May 1925
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
F.G. HOUCK
Syracuse, New York
F. G. Houck Dies While in the Detention Hospital Awaiting Examination
Syracuse, N. Y., Nov. 3.—Frank G. Houck, well known as a jeweler, died last evening in the Detention Hospital, awaiting an examination as to his sanity.
Mr. Houck, who had been conducting a jewelry store at 828 S. Salina St. and lived at 113 McLennan Ave., was found wandering in East Water St. yesterday morning by a patrolman who took him to police headquarters and later brought him before Justice Shove, who ordered him sent to the Detention Hospital. While in this place an attendant saw him climb up the side of the wire cage and spoke to him, when he suddenly slipped and fell, the body striking the bed in its descent. Medical attendance was summoned, but Mr. Houck died before the doctor arrived. His death is pronounced due to a ruptured blood vessel at the base of the brain.
Mr. Houck, who was 42 years old, came here from Oswego and for 15 years was employed as a jeweler by a local firm. In July of last year he opened up his own establishment on S. Salina St. and apparently prospered. Of late his health had been poor, but his condition was not considered serious.
He is survived by a widow and a seven-year-old son.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 10th November 1909
Trev.
Syracuse, New York
F. G. Houck Dies While in the Detention Hospital Awaiting Examination
Syracuse, N. Y., Nov. 3.—Frank G. Houck, well known as a jeweler, died last evening in the Detention Hospital, awaiting an examination as to his sanity.
Mr. Houck, who had been conducting a jewelry store at 828 S. Salina St. and lived at 113 McLennan Ave., was found wandering in East Water St. yesterday morning by a patrolman who took him to police headquarters and later brought him before Justice Shove, who ordered him sent to the Detention Hospital. While in this place an attendant saw him climb up the side of the wire cage and spoke to him, when he suddenly slipped and fell, the body striking the bed in its descent. Medical attendance was summoned, but Mr. Houck died before the doctor arrived. His death is pronounced due to a ruptured blood vessel at the base of the brain.
Mr. Houck, who was 42 years old, came here from Oswego and for 15 years was employed as a jeweler by a local firm. In July of last year he opened up his own establishment on S. Salina St. and apparently prospered. Of late his health had been poor, but his condition was not considered serious.
He is survived by a widow and a seven-year-old son.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 10th November 1909
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
ALFRED GLEIWYTZ
Birmingham
Alfred Gleiwytz, a young silversmith, died at Birmingham on Monday from injuries sustained on Saturday in a football match between St. George's Institute and Harborne. Deceased received a kick in the abdomen, and was removed to the hospital, where an operation was performed from which he died, not rallying.
Source: Evening Express - 19th September 1905
Trev.
Birmingham
Alfred Gleiwytz, a young silversmith, died at Birmingham on Monday from injuries sustained on Saturday in a football match between St. George's Institute and Harborne. Deceased received a kick in the abdomen, and was removed to the hospital, where an operation was performed from which he died, not rallying.
Source: Evening Express - 19th September 1905
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
JOHN GRAY
Thomaston, Connecticut
John Gray, Thomaston, who has been employed in the watch department of the Seth Thomas Clock Co. as a belt repairer and machine tender, met with a painful accident, Friday morning, while he was mending some shafting. His blouse caught in the shafting and he was hurled into the machinery. He received many severe lacerations and contusions and is reported to be in a critical condition.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 17th November 1909
Trev.
Thomaston, Connecticut
John Gray, Thomaston, who has been employed in the watch department of the Seth Thomas Clock Co. as a belt repairer and machine tender, met with a painful accident, Friday morning, while he was mending some shafting. His blouse caught in the shafting and he was hurled into the machinery. He received many severe lacerations and contusions and is reported to be in a critical condition.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 17th November 1909
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
WILLIAM KYTE
Beckenham, London
DEATH MASK AGAIN
A London woman's ingenious suicide by means of a paper mask, connected by a tube with the gas bracket, caused a sensation some time back.
A similar suicide was reported from Beckenham yesterday, when, at an inquest, it was stated that William Kyte, a local silversmith, was found on his bed, his head covered by a paper bag, which a tube connected with the gas bracket.
The paper bag was made by placing two large sheets of paper together and pasting brown paper round the edges. It had evidently been made for the occasion by deceased.
Source: Evening Express - 21st March 1908
Trev.
Beckenham, London
DEATH MASK AGAIN
A London woman's ingenious suicide by means of a paper mask, connected by a tube with the gas bracket, caused a sensation some time back.
A similar suicide was reported from Beckenham yesterday, when, at an inquest, it was stated that William Kyte, a local silversmith, was found on his bed, his head covered by a paper bag, which a tube connected with the gas bracket.
The paper bag was made by placing two large sheets of paper together and pasting brown paper round the edges. It had evidently been made for the occasion by deceased.
Source: Evening Express - 21st March 1908
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
S.S. NEWTON
Winsted, Connecticut
Jeweler S. S. Newton Terribly Injured
Winsted, Conn., June 10.—Jeweler S. S. Newton, of this place, was found lying senseless by the road on a pile of rocks near the town, Saturday afternoon. He was conveyed to his home. His arm was broken at the elbow, part of the bone being torn away. One of his ribs was fractured and he had a large cut on the back of his head, besides various bruises.
Mr. Newton had started out in the afternoon to exercise his horse, and it is supposed that he was run into by a runaway team and thrown out and dragged some distance. Mr. Newton’s carriage is damaged. Mr. Newton’s advanced age makes the chances of the recovery of the gentleman doubtful. He is one of the oldest business men of Winsted, and has carried on the jewelry business here for 40 years.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 12th June 1895
Trev.
Winsted, Connecticut
Jeweler S. S. Newton Terribly Injured
Winsted, Conn., June 10.—Jeweler S. S. Newton, of this place, was found lying senseless by the road on a pile of rocks near the town, Saturday afternoon. He was conveyed to his home. His arm was broken at the elbow, part of the bone being torn away. One of his ribs was fractured and he had a large cut on the back of his head, besides various bruises.
Mr. Newton had started out in the afternoon to exercise his horse, and it is supposed that he was run into by a runaway team and thrown out and dragged some distance. Mr. Newton’s carriage is damaged. Mr. Newton’s advanced age makes the chances of the recovery of the gentleman doubtful. He is one of the oldest business men of Winsted, and has carried on the jewelry business here for 40 years.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 12th June 1895
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
ALFRED SELMAN
New York
Alfred Selman in a Critical Condition Through a Pistol Wound
Alfred Selman, exporter of watches, 21 Maiden Lane, New York, was taken to the New York Hospital Monday night suffering from a pistol shot wound. It is believed that he shot himself while in his bachelor apartments in the Mendelssohn Club House, at 1 13 W. 40th St., Monday. He did
not rise at the usual time, and at 1.30 p. m. the janitor of the building, becoming uneasy, opened the door with a pass-key and found Selman lying in bed in his nightclothes, bleeding profusely. The wound was behind the right ear. In his right hand was held a revolver, one chamber of which had been discharged. Selman was taken in an ambulance to the hospital.
At his office yesterday morning a Circular reporter was told that Mr. Selman was still alive and there was a chance of his recovery. It is not known, said The Circular’s informant, whether the shooting was intentional or accidental.
Mr. Selman, whose name was originally Alfred Seligman, was born in Frankfort, Germany, 41 years ago. When a young man he came to this country and shortly afterward was employed as a clerk with the Gorham Mfg. Co. A year later he entered the employ of Robbins & Appleton as entry clerk, and remained with this house until last year, having advanced to the head of their export department. In May 1st, 1893, Mr. Selman started in business for himself as an exporter of watches, at 21 Maiden Lane. For many years he has been a sufferer from acute rheumatism, and had traveled all over the world in search of permanent relief. His friends believe that if the shooting was intentional, it was due to his great suffering from this disease.
Mr, Selman is known as a well educated man and a scholar. He possesses a knowledge of many languages.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 18th April 1894
Trev.
New York
Alfred Selman in a Critical Condition Through a Pistol Wound
Alfred Selman, exporter of watches, 21 Maiden Lane, New York, was taken to the New York Hospital Monday night suffering from a pistol shot wound. It is believed that he shot himself while in his bachelor apartments in the Mendelssohn Club House, at 1 13 W. 40th St., Monday. He did
not rise at the usual time, and at 1.30 p. m. the janitor of the building, becoming uneasy, opened the door with a pass-key and found Selman lying in bed in his nightclothes, bleeding profusely. The wound was behind the right ear. In his right hand was held a revolver, one chamber of which had been discharged. Selman was taken in an ambulance to the hospital.
At his office yesterday morning a Circular reporter was told that Mr. Selman was still alive and there was a chance of his recovery. It is not known, said The Circular’s informant, whether the shooting was intentional or accidental.
Mr. Selman, whose name was originally Alfred Seligman, was born in Frankfort, Germany, 41 years ago. When a young man he came to this country and shortly afterward was employed as a clerk with the Gorham Mfg. Co. A year later he entered the employ of Robbins & Appleton as entry clerk, and remained with this house until last year, having advanced to the head of their export department. In May 1st, 1893, Mr. Selman started in business for himself as an exporter of watches, at 21 Maiden Lane. For many years he has been a sufferer from acute rheumatism, and had traveled all over the world in search of permanent relief. His friends believe that if the shooting was intentional, it was due to his great suffering from this disease.
Mr, Selman is known as a well educated man and a scholar. He possesses a knowledge of many languages.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 18th April 1894
Trev.
Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade
BERNARD B. BROWN
Bronx, New York
Bronx Jeweler Killed by Bandit
Four Bullets Strike Bernard B. Brown as He Grapples with One of a Trio of Desperados—Taken to Hospital in Serious Condition and Succumbs on Operating Table
For resisting three hold-up men in their attempt to rob his store on Monday morning, Bernard B. Brown, a jeweler at 805 Tremont Ave., New York, was critically wounded and several hours later died in Fordham Hospital with four bullet wounds in his body. While the jeweler was fighting for his life, the police were scouring the city for the men who committed the daring deed, but since the victim's death the authorities have doubled their efforts to run down the culprits. The bandits made their escape in an automobile after a chase of several blocks in which a swarm of machines took part.
Before the ambulance arrived at the jewelry store to take Mr. Brown to the hospital, he told the police that he had just opened his store and unlocked the safe when three men came into the place. The jeweler, who was at the far end of his store, near the safe, was told to get into the back room. Instead of doing this, Mr. Brown stepped to the safe, slammed the doors and then twirled the combination knob, locking the strong box, after which he deliberately walked toward the bandits. While he advanced toward one of the trio holding a gun, the other two began backing out of the store. They walked to a car waiting at the curb. In the meantime the jeweler grabbed the third bandit's gun arm and began struggling with the man. Mr. Brown told the police, he finally succeeded in getting the bandit as far as the open front door, when the thief wrenched the weapon free. He then pressed the gun against the jeweler's stomach and fired four shots into Mr. Brown's body.
By this time the other two men were in the car. The assailant jumped in after them and the car, facing west on Tremont Ave., started off. Mr. Brown toppled over on the threshold of his store, screaming with pain.
Alarm spread rapidly along the busy thoroughfare, and in a few seconds half a dozen cars had started in pursuit of the bandits. One chauffeur, Peter Drook, whose address the police refuse to disclose, was driving east on Tremont Ave. when he saw the struggle and shooting, followed in quick succession by the bandits' departure.
Noticing the escaping machine turn north into Mapes Ave., on two wheels, the chauffeur followed. He was quickly surrounded by the fleet of other pursuers, and at 180th St. the bandits' machine turned west. When the pursuers arrived at that corner they became tangled in a traffic jam, and the holdup men escaped.
In the meantime, Patrolman Murphy, of the Bathgate Ave. station, summoned an ambulance from Fordham Hospital. Police reserves under Capt. O'Connor were summoned with detectives.
They found a brown Boston bag, which the victim declared was carried by one of the hold-up men, a black derby hat and a blackjack. The only thing in the bag was a length of rope, similar to clothesline, probably intended to bind Mr. Brown with after he had been forced into the rear room.
The jeweler was finally removed to Fordham Hospital but passed away at 1.30 P. M., while on the operating table.
The chauffeur gave a good description of the men and the license number of the machine. A general alarm bearing this number and a description of the bandits has been broadcasted.
Mr. Brown established himself in the store only two months ago. Previous to that time he had a jewelry store at 749 Tremont Ave. About four years ago he was held up there. He is married and has three children.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 2nd January 1924
Trev.
Bronx, New York
Bronx Jeweler Killed by Bandit
Four Bullets Strike Bernard B. Brown as He Grapples with One of a Trio of Desperados—Taken to Hospital in Serious Condition and Succumbs on Operating Table
For resisting three hold-up men in their attempt to rob his store on Monday morning, Bernard B. Brown, a jeweler at 805 Tremont Ave., New York, was critically wounded and several hours later died in Fordham Hospital with four bullet wounds in his body. While the jeweler was fighting for his life, the police were scouring the city for the men who committed the daring deed, but since the victim's death the authorities have doubled their efforts to run down the culprits. The bandits made their escape in an automobile after a chase of several blocks in which a swarm of machines took part.
Before the ambulance arrived at the jewelry store to take Mr. Brown to the hospital, he told the police that he had just opened his store and unlocked the safe when three men came into the place. The jeweler, who was at the far end of his store, near the safe, was told to get into the back room. Instead of doing this, Mr. Brown stepped to the safe, slammed the doors and then twirled the combination knob, locking the strong box, after which he deliberately walked toward the bandits. While he advanced toward one of the trio holding a gun, the other two began backing out of the store. They walked to a car waiting at the curb. In the meantime the jeweler grabbed the third bandit's gun arm and began struggling with the man. Mr. Brown told the police, he finally succeeded in getting the bandit as far as the open front door, when the thief wrenched the weapon free. He then pressed the gun against the jeweler's stomach and fired four shots into Mr. Brown's body.
By this time the other two men were in the car. The assailant jumped in after them and the car, facing west on Tremont Ave., started off. Mr. Brown toppled over on the threshold of his store, screaming with pain.
Alarm spread rapidly along the busy thoroughfare, and in a few seconds half a dozen cars had started in pursuit of the bandits. One chauffeur, Peter Drook, whose address the police refuse to disclose, was driving east on Tremont Ave. when he saw the struggle and shooting, followed in quick succession by the bandits' departure.
Noticing the escaping machine turn north into Mapes Ave., on two wheels, the chauffeur followed. He was quickly surrounded by the fleet of other pursuers, and at 180th St. the bandits' machine turned west. When the pursuers arrived at that corner they became tangled in a traffic jam, and the holdup men escaped.
In the meantime, Patrolman Murphy, of the Bathgate Ave. station, summoned an ambulance from Fordham Hospital. Police reserves under Capt. O'Connor were summoned with detectives.
They found a brown Boston bag, which the victim declared was carried by one of the hold-up men, a black derby hat and a blackjack. The only thing in the bag was a length of rope, similar to clothesline, probably intended to bind Mr. Brown with after he had been forced into the rear room.
The jeweler was finally removed to Fordham Hospital but passed away at 1.30 P. M., while on the operating table.
The chauffeur gave a good description of the men and the license number of the machine. A general alarm bearing this number and a description of the bandits has been broadcasted.
Mr. Brown established himself in the store only two months ago. Previous to that time he had a jewelry store at 749 Tremont Ave. About four years ago he was held up there. He is married and has three children.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 2nd January 1924
Trev.