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ARTHUR WOLBERG

Attleboro


Arthur Wolberg, an employe of the Standard Button Co., lost a finger while working on a burring machine, last Friday.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 21st October 1908

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SAMUEL NEUBURGER

New York


Samuel Neuburger, a retired jeweler, and for many years well known in the trade, committed suicide last Thursday night while attending a performance at Proctor’s Theater at 58th St. near Third Ave. Mr. Neuburger entered the playhouse at about 6:30 p. M. and secured a seat in one of the front rows of the theater. A few moments later, as an usher passed, Mr. Neuburger was observed to arise to his feet, stagger and fall. He was taken to the coat room and an ambulance was summoned from the Flower Hospital, but when the surgeon arrived Mr. Neuburger was dead. Dr. Taylor, the ambulance surgeon, said that he could not be sure of the exact cause of death, but it was probably from poisoning. The body was removed to the E. 5lst St. police station, where it was later identified as that of Mr. Neuburger by a relative. There were a number of papers and other memoranda in his clothing, one note asking that a certain undertaker be notified. There was also found in his clothing a small bottle of which the contents were emptied marked “cyanide mixture.” Until about three years ago Mr. Neuburger conducted a large jewelry establishment on Broadway near 42d St. and accumulated a fortune which was estimated at $100,000. Through unfortunate speculation it is believed that he lost the bulk of his wealth, and, becoming despondent, decided upon self-destruction. It is stated that he had more than once threatened to commit suicide. Mr. Neuberger was 50 years of age and is survived by a widow and one daughter.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 29th January 1913

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EDWIN J. VAN NESS

Detroit


The body of Edwin J. Van Ness, a Detroit watchmaker, was found a week ago Sunday lying on the grave of his mother in Lakeside Cemetery, Port Huron. He left home in the morning, stating that he was not feeling well, and went to Port Huron, where he visited his brother-in-law and later went to the cemetery, where he took poison. His body was found half buried in the snow. Van Ness had been despondent for some time. He leaves a widow and two children.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 29th January 1913

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A.E. BOWER

Lewisburg, Ohio


Word was deceived here last week of an attack which was made upon A. E. Bower, a jeweler of Lewisburg, O. Mr. Bower was just closing his store when he was pounced upon by a man who hurled ammonia in his face and then attempted to force some of it down his throat. The aged jeweler struggled desperately and finally managed to throw off his assailant, who escaped. It was at first feared that Mr. Bower had been seriously injured by the ammonia, but he will recover.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 29th January 1913

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GEORGE W. STEFFINS

New York


George W. Steffins, living at 211 Highwood Ave., Weehawken, N.J., and for 20 years employed by Tiffany & Co. in this city, committed suicide, Monday, by inhaling illuminating gas. He was employed at Tiffany & Co.’s up to last Christmas time, when he was discharged. It is believed that he had been worrying until it made him despondent. Mrs. Steffins and the three children returned from calling on friends to find Steffins senseless in the bathroom. He was dead when a doctor arrived.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 1st February 1911

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PETER DESJARDINS

North Attleboro


Peter Desjardins had one of his fingers badly smashed av the W. & S. Blackinton Co.’s factory, last Wednesday.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 1st February 1911

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W.J. McKINNEY

Ohio


Ohio Jeweler, Struck by a Baseball, Loses Sight of One Eye

East Liverpool, O., June 6.—W. J. McMcKinney, head of the W. J. McMcKinney & Sons Co., one of the oldest best known jewelers and opticians in eastern Ohio, has lost the sight of his right eye as a result of an accident which he suffered about a month ago. Mr. McKinney was returning from Pittsburg May 9, and was struck by a baseball thrown by some boys. The ball struck him in the right eye with such force that he was rendered unconscious for an hour. At the time he had on a pair of rimless eyeglasses and was so badly cut about the eye that, although he was given the best medical attention, his sight has gone.

Mr. McKinney has been in the jewelry business for 42 years and has a wide circle of friends both in and out of the trade who deeply sympathize with him in his affliction.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 12th June 1907

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WILLIAM FLAIG

Georgetown, Kentucky


William Flaig, jeweler with Mrs. Sarah E. Barlow at Georgetown, Ky., selected a convenient place for an accident. He was alighting from his buggy in front of the White Oaks Sanitorium at Georgetown recently when he was run down by a passing automobile. His leg was broken and he was carried into the sanitorium, where he will remain tor a month or more.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 8th November 1916

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SAMUEL E. LEDERER

Providence, Rhode Island


TAKES HIS OWN LIFE

Samuel E. Lederer Committs Suicide in New Haven Hotel by Shooting Himself

Providence, R. I., Feb. 3.—Samuel E. Lederer, 22 years of age, son of Henry Lederer, of Henry Lederer & Bro., manufacturing jewelers, 150 Chestnut St., this city, committed suicide by shooting himself while in a room at Hotel Garde, at New Haven, Conn., last Monday night, just before midnight. The young man had been the New York representative of the concern for the past two years and no reason could be attributed for his act by his relatives here.

Information was received here Tuesday by the young man’s cousin, Walter Lederer, of S. & B. Lederer Co., who at once got in communication with the young man’s father, who was absent on business in the middle west. News of the young man’s death was a shock to his relatives and friends in this city, where he was well known. He was born in this city July 23, 1894, and after completing his education in the public schools had entered the employ of his father.

From New Haven word was received that he probably took a dose of bichloride of mercury before shooting himself. He left a note, reading as follows: “Notify Walter, Telephone Broad 394-W, Providence. Less said the better.”

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 7th February 1917

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ABE OSTROW

Denver, Colorado


WATCHMAKER ATTEMPTS SUICIDE

Abe Ostrow Found in Denver Park and Taken to Hospital After He Shot Himself

DENVER, Colo., Nov. 26—Abe Ostrow, 25 years old and a watchmaker, who came to Denver several months ago because he was suffering from tuberculosis, tried to end his life in a public park some time Sunday night. He was found by a park policeman, who had heard the revolver shot when Ostrow sent a bullet into his head. At the county hospital Wednesday morning it was stated that Ostrow will recover. Ostrow had been a patient at the National Jewish Hospital for Consumptives since he arrived here until a month ago, when he left the institution practically well. He then obtained employment at the pawnshop of Charles Bomash, on Curtis St.. as a watch repairer. He left Bomash a few days before he attempted suicide.

He has been only partially conscious since he was taken to the hospital, but stated incoherently that he has a brother in New York city, and that he made his first attempt at suicide in Waterbury, Conn., where he was employed by a large jewelry concern. It is believed at the hospital that he is mentally unbalanced.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 1st December 1915

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CHARLES H. CUSHING

Denver, Colorado


CHARLES H. CUSHING A SUICIDE

Denver Jewelry Manufacturer Takes His Own Life When Confronted with Blindness

Denver, Colo.. Nov. 26.—Charles H. Cushing, a manufacturing jeweler, shot and killed himself in his home here early Tuesday morning. He lost the sight of his right eye several months ago, and was 1nformed by a local specialist that a cataract forming in his left eye would result in total blindness eventually. He repeatedly said that he would end his life in that event, and has been very despondent for some time.

Tuesday morning Cushing asked his wife to get his breakfast after she had told him it was morning. Probably stricken with complete blindness at that time he took advantage of her absence, secured a loaded revolver conveniently near, and shot himself in the temple. Death followed almost instantly.

Mr. Cushing was known to practically every jeweler in Denver, as he had lived here continuously for 25 years. He has filled several positions during that time, and for 12 years was foreman of the manufacturing department of the H. H. Tammen Co. He was also in partnership with Clarence Johnson in the Arapahoe building for about four years.

He was born in 1858 at Medford, Mass. Thirty years ago he joined the Odd Fellows. Besides his widow. he is survived by two brothers, David Cushing, of New York city, and Fred C. Cushing, Medford, Mass.; several half sisters and a daughter, Mrs. L. A. Walrath, of Oakland, Cal.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 1st December 1915

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WILLIAM J. CLARK

Newark, New Jersey


William J. Clark, who was so brutally murdered in his garage at the back of his home, 218 Pennsylvania Ave., Hillside, N. J., was a silver worker at the William B. Kerr division of the Gorham Co.’s Newark plant. Samuel Clark, father of the slain man, is works’ manager at the silver plant. Since Tuesday, Nov. 3, when the murder occurred, the newspapers have been carrying frontpage stories telling how the silver worker was assaulted by a man who struck him over the head with a hammer. Mr. Clark was returning from an automobile ride with his wife and mother-in-law, and upon reaching his home alighted from his car and walked to his garage. A few moments later Mr. Clark staggered from the garage after he had been beaten over the head with a hammer. He died shortly afterwards.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 11th November 1925

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JOHN BILAT

Milwaukee


Carbon monoxide gas, inhaled while he was working under his automobile in the garage at the rear of his home last week, almost instantly killed John Bilat, watchmaker at the Bunde & Upmeyer Co. He went to work on his car shortly after dinner. Failing to find a wrench in the garage he sent his daughter into the house to get one. The child returned within five minutes, and being unable to arouse her father called a roomer, who saw that Mr. Bilat was unconscious and called the police. Mr. Bilat was taken to Emergency Hospital and was pronounced dead. He had lived in Milwaukee for the past four years.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 11th November 1925

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SAMUEL MARMAROS

Cleveland, Ohio


“GUNMAN” SHOOTS JEWELER

Pistol Battle Follows Sensational Attempt to Rob Cleveland Jewelry Store and Proprietor Is Dangerously Wounded

CLEVELAND, Jan. 12.—One of the most sensational attempts to rob a jewelry store in the heart of the city was frustrated Saturday when Samuel Marmaros, who was shot six times in a gun battle with a bandit who attempted to hold up the store of the S. & H. Marmaros Jewelry Co., 2827 Central Ave.

Marmaros, although seriously wounded by the first shot from the bandit’s gun, fired four times as the bandit backed out of the store, shooting as he fled. The bandit’s gun was emptied, each bullet finding a mark in the store owner’s body. It is not thought any of Marmaros’ shots took effect, as a window of the store was broken by one bullet and two show cases shattered by other shots.

Several persons attracted to the scene of the attempted robbery by the shots found the store owner unconscious behind a counter. No trace of the bandit was found.

The “gun man” entered the store when Marmaros was alone and commanded him to turn over his cash. Marmaros reached into his pocket for a revolver, but before he could draw it the bandit opened fire and continued to shoot until his ammunition was exhausted. Physicians said Marmaros cannot live. His home is at 7408 Central Ave., and he is well known to a large circle of friends and patrons.

Marmaros told detectives that the thug entered the store during the forenoon and looked around, leaving with the words, “I'll see you again later, Sam. There are too many folks around now.”

About 1:30 p. mM. the man returned and demanded all the cash in the store.

Marmaros is 45 and has a wife and son.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 14th January 1920

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RAPHAEL CHRISTOPHER

Providence, Rhode Island


Raphael Christopher, while working about a piece of machinery at the manufacturing jewelry plant of the Wightman Hough Co. 7 Beverly St., last Jan. 6, accidentally caught one of his hands in the gearing, with the result that three fingers were later amputated at the Rhode Island Hospital.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 14th January 1920

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JAMES A. TODD

Chicago


An image of James A. Todd, Chicago manager and vice-president of the Towle Manufacturing Company, who committed suicide by the inhalation of gas in the toilet room in the offices of the company in the evening of the 23rd December 1901. He was 50 years of age.



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GEORGE LAMONT

Chicago


George LaMont, well known to jewelers in Chicago as a messenger for the American Optical Co., was killed on Monday of last week when he was struck by an automobile. Mr. LaMont was on his way home and was crossing the street when the accident happened. He was 76 years of age and for the past three years was associated with the American Optical Co. He made his home at King’s Home for the Aged, at 360 E. Garfield Blvd. Funeral services were held on Friday afternoon at the Day Light Church, 47th and St. Lawrence Ave., and interment was at Graceland Cemetery.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 5th October 1927

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ALBERT MOLMANS

Cincinnati


JEWELER ENDS HIS LIFE

Albert Molmans, Cincinnati Manufacturer, Despondent Over Ill Health, Puts Bullet Into His Head

Cincinnati, O., Aug. 23.—Albert Molmans, manufacturing jeweler in room 49 of the Cambridge building, 604 Race St., ended his life by shooting himself through the right eye Saturday morning. He sat on the wall that borders the edge of Eden Park reservoir in Eden Park when firing the fatal shot.

The body was found, with head submerged in the water, by two youths who were wandering through the park, and when they saw the body they ran to the park lodge and notified John Beyerel, park caretaker, who summoned the police. The crew of Auto Patrol 2 and bystanders formed two human lines down the steep bank in order to recover the body.

Coroner D. C. Handley, who was summoned by Patrolmen Edwards and Wendell, ordered the body sent to the morgue after he had made a superficial examination. When the clothes were examined, a check was found, made out to cash for $20, signed by A. Molmans. It was drawn on the Provident Bank. Through this check identification was completed.

Coroner Handley returned a verdict of suicide.

John Beyerel, the caretaker, told Coroner Handley that he had seen Molmans sitting on a park bench several score feet away from the scene of the suicide only a half hour previous to the time the shot was fired. Molmans was reading a morning newspaper, Beyerel said, and appeared normal.

Mr. Molmans had been despondent for several weeks, Mrs. Molmans, his widow, said. He had been worrying over ill-health and business difficulties. Mrs. Molmans said that her husband did not return home Friday night. She continued to call his office, but was unable to receive any answer. She was about to report her husband missing to the police when she received a call from the coroner’s office. Deceased, in addition to his widow, leaves two daughters, 17 and 13 years old. He was 48 years old.

His home was at 4332 Sullivan Ave., St. Bernard, which is beyond the limits of Cincinnati.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 25th August 1926

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JOHN MERLE

New York


ENGRAVER FOUND DEAD

John Merle, of Reliable Encrusting Co., New York, Strangles Himself with Rope Following Nervous Trouble

John Merle, a member of the Reliable Encrusting Co., which firm was formerly known as George Merle & Sons, 101 Beekman Si., New York, was found strangled in the bathroom of his home, 1677 Gates Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y., last Wednesday morning. Mr. Merle was found by his wife with a rope tied around his neck and the other end fastened to a faucet in the tub. Funeral services were held at his home on Saturday and at the grave in Lutheran Cemetery, where the remains were interred.

For the past five years Mr. Merle has been doing work for the trade with his brother, George Merle, Jr., under the style of the Reliable Encrusting Co. On Tuesday, he came into the office with a ball of light weight rope which he told his brother he was going to use in packing, preparatory to moving. He left the place on Tuesday night apparently in good spirits. About 1 o’clock the following morning he rose from the bed and told his wife that he was going to the bathroom to have a smoke. It was not until shortly after 6 o’clock Wednesday morning that his wife awoke and found her husband in a kneeling position in the bathroom. She called to him, but when he did not respond looked closer and discovered that he was dead.

Examination showed that he had taken a rope, and after fastening it around his neck tied it to the faucet in the tub, and then fell away from the tub, and in this manner strangled himself. In an apparent effort to boost up his courage it was discovered that he had smoked an entire package of cigarettes before passing away. Nervous trouble is said to have caused him to take his life.

Mr. Merle was born in Brooklyn and was 25 years old. He had been engaged in the encrusting business for the past 10 year, having learned his trade with Nathan Hyman. About five years ago, with his brother, George Merle, Jr., he started the Reliable Encrusting Co.

The deceased is survived by his widow and a two-year-old daughter.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 25th August 1926

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OSCAR C. LANE

Boston, Massachusetts


DEATH OF O. C. LANE

Well Known Member of Silver Trade Fatally Injured in Fall Down Stairway in Boston

Boston, Mass., Sept. 30.—Oscar C. Lane, for 35 years a representative of the Reed & Barton Co., Taunton, was fatally injured last night by a fall down a flight of steps leading to the South Station from the Boston elevated structure.

The news of his death was a most painful shock to thousands of jewelers in and around Boston who had known Mr. Lane for more than 25 years through his association with the trade during that period. He possessed a most engaging personality which had endeared him to everyone who knew him.

Identification of the body was made this morning at the southern mortuary, city hospital. Owing to the absence of his wife, Mrs. Anne E. Lane, on an overnight trip to Cape Cod, it was impossible to secure a definite identification of the body until today. She returned home about noon and learned of the death of her husband. It is believed that Mr. Lane’s fall was the result of a sudden indisposition that seized him while on the stairway.

Mr. Lane was born in Taunton and was graduated from the Taunton High School and became associated with the silversmith business as a young man. He came to Winchester, near Boston, from Taunton about 14 years ago. He was a member of William Parkman Lodge of Masons, the Boston Jewelers’ Club, and several silverware and jewelry trade organizations. For 30 years he had been in charge of the Reed and Barton sales department in this city.

He is survived by his widow, two sons, Kenneth Lane, of Ridgewood, N. J., and Robert C. Lane, a junior at the University of Maine. A third son died while in the service during the World War. Two sisters, Mrs. Mary A. Nichols and Mrs. Minnie Dean, both of Lowell, also survive him.

The sympathy of the trade is extended to the bereaved. In every wholesale and retail house hereabouts there was a most marked note of sadness caused by the loss of one who had been a welcomed and deeply respected figure in jewelry circles for more than a generation. Always genial, obliging above the ordinary, lending his counsel and words of cheer to all with whom he came in contact, his departure is deeply mourned.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 6th October 1926

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