1871 NEWS
Brooklyn Standard Union

6 January 1871
MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES
ASSAULT - Johanna McFETCHER and John DOLAN were both found guilty of an
assault on Margaret FEENY, of No. 83 Degraw street, and were sentenced
by Justice DELMAR to pay a fine of $10 each.

OPEN DOORS - Officer ROCHE reports having found the door of J. T.
DONOVAN'S liquor store, corner of Smith and Dean, open at 12:40 this
A.M.  Officer CAMPBELL reports having found the door of John BURKE'S
grocery store No. 140 Columbus street, open at 12 M. (printed typo)  The
owners were notified.

ACCIDENT - James McGOVERN, who resides at No. 520 West Thirty-seventh
street, on getting into his wagon yesterday evening, at the corner of
Nineteenth street and Third avenue, fell against the curbstone and
sustained a severe cut on the head.  He was taken home by Roundsman
Sutton and medical attendance procured.  The injury was not dangerous.

TRUANTCY - a boy named CHARLES HALL was brought up before Justice DELMAR
this morning, charged by Thomas COOPER of 310 Atlantic street, with
wandering about without any lawful occupation instead of attending
school.  His Honor committed him to the Truant School.

10 January 1871
FOUND OPEN - Patrolman HEFFRON, of the First Precinct, at one o'clock
this morning, found Garrot CULLEY'S liquor store (at the corner of
Bridge and Tillary streets) open.

A CLOTHES LINE THIEF - Bernard DUNN was arrested last evening by Officer
COWAN on suspicion of having stolen some clothes from the line of Mrs.
BOWIE, of No. 29 Hudson avenue, on the 31st ult.

A BARBAROUS BRUTE 
A Husband by His Brutality Kills His Wife and Child - 
The Inquest Before the Coroner.
Coroner Jones commences an inquest this afternoon on the body of Mary
Ann Walsh, who resided at No. 450 Kent avenue, and who died yesterday
under very peculiar circumstances.  According to the evidence taken
before the Coroner, it appears that Walsh is a man of intemperate habits
and has been in the habit of treating his wife in a very inhuman manner,
and especially of late since his has been out of work.  On the 23d of
December Mrs. Walsh was confined and gave birth to a fine healthy
child.  The neighbors knowing that her husband did not work, kindly
rendered her all the assistance in their power, and provided a doctor
for her, a thing her husband never thought of doing.  Although the
neighbors did all in their power for the unfortunate woman, yet she was
not sufficiently provided for, and did not have enough clothes to cover
her.  About four days after the birth of the child, Walsh enter the
house in a state of BEASTLY INTOXICATION, and commenced to abuse his
wife.  She was too weak, poor thing, to say a word, but her
sister-in-law, who was present, resisted stoutly Walsh's ill-treatment. 
He becoming infuriated, SEIZED THE CHILD out of its cradle, and
attempted to throw it at his sick wife's head.  The sister-in-law,
however, grasped his arm in time to prevent this brutal act, and
possessed herself of the child.  Walsh then ran to the mantel piece and
seizing a knife shouted and swore that he'd MURDER THE D----D BRAT and
was in the act of rushing at the sister-in-law, when she made her
escape, and fled to her mother's with the infant clasped to her heart.

This unheard of and horribly brutal proceeding threw the mother into
convulsions, and finally killed her.  The child, deprived of its natural
nourishment died also.  The following is THE STATEMENT OF DORA BURNS,
who resided in the same house with deceased; "On the 23d of December
deceased was confined; I was with her part of the time she was in labor;
the deceased had no blankets on the bed, and the doctor ordered some to
be provided;  I went and borrowed a pair; there was no one with deceased
during the night after her confinement; the deceased did not have
sufficient nourishment; Ellen SMITH, who also resides in the same house,
testified that she was present at the confinement and after and that on
one occasion when she asked Mr. Walsh to get his wife some medicine, he
refused and said; "LET HER GO WITHOUT, LET HER DIE", Mr. Walsh was drunk
nearly all the time, while his wife never got any nourishment, except
such as was supplied by the neighbors. Case still on.

11 January 1871
A VERY SLIPPERY SPOUSE
SHE RUNS AWAY WITH $2,000 OF HER HUSBAND'S MONEY-A WORTHLESS CAPTAIN HER
CONSORT-GREENPOINT IN EXCITEMENT-TWO FAMILIES DISTRESSED.
The peaceful inhabitants of the unusually quiet village of Greenpoint
were on Monday morning last aroused into a state of gossiping
perturbation by one of those family denouments, which from the heroic
days of Hellen to the present hour, have from time to time occurred to
testify to the faithlessness of women as the baseness of man.  The
dramatis personae directly interested in the occurrence were Jacob
SCHMIDT, his wife, and a broken down military individual known as
CAPTAIN E. B. WARNER.

A HAPPY HOME.
The former had lived, up till that fatal morning, for eight years at the
corner of Norman avenue and Leonard street, where the husband was doing
a successful business in the butcher line, in the enjoyment of all the
comforts of home-with a pleasing consciousness that he possessed the
warm love of his wife, and that nothing could occur to mar their wedded
happiness.  He married his wife, then Miss PEASE, of very respectable
parentage, when she was only sixteen years of age, contrary, however, to
the wishes of her family, and a boy, now six years of age, blessed their
union and seemed, if anything were wanting, to unite them indissolubly.

The third character in the drama, the black villain who does the bloody
work, is found in the person of Captain E. B. WARNER, a young man about
thirty five years of age, who resided with his wife and two children, in
Meserole avenue.  The SCHMIDT and WARNER families were on intimate
terms, and many kind offices were bestowed by the latter upon the
former.  It would seem that WARNER was a black wolf in sheep's clothing,
and that by gross deceit and falsehood, he not only imposed on the
unsuspecting SCHMIDT but on many of the inhabitants of the district. 
Too lazy to work, he represented that owing to a wound he received while
in the army, he was incapacitated from doing so, and concerts were
gotten up, and other means resorted to by his sympathetic neighbors to
relieve his own and his family's distress.  Among those who felt most
for him was the wife of SCHMIDT, and the scoundrel, forgetting all that
was due to his own and another man's wife, deliberately plotted her
ruin.  For some time past "coming events have cast their shadows before
them" and gossip's busy tongue had not been idle.  But it would seem
that the trusting husband never indulged the least suspicion of his
wife's fidelity, till New Year's day, when the most indubitable facts
disclosed the terrible truth, that his earthly happiness was blasted.

REVENGE
Maddened with the fearful thought, he determined to revenge himself on
the destroyer - the base ingrate presentment of a man - and would
assuredly have taken his life had he not in terror slunk away from the
merited fate which should have been his.  The future interviews between
Mr. SCHMIDT and his fallen wife were naturally of a wretched character,
and the woman, into whose ears Othello-like words were poured by a
dastardly Iago, consummated her infamy on Sunday last by eloping with
him to parts unknown, since which period their guilty lives are
enshrouded in congenial darkness.

MERCENARY MOTIVES.
This elopement is utterly devoid of all romantic sentimentalities which
sometimes cluster round such occurrences.  WARNER was a low, vile,
worn-out "roue" utterly bankrupt in mind, body, and estate, and in order
to add robbery to his other misdeeds, played upon the weakness of a
woman and prevailed upon her to leave her husband's home, with all the
possession, in money and otherwise which she could carry away.  It is
understood that $2,000 at least was in her possession when she left home.

INTERVIEW WITH THE INJURED HUSBAND.
A reporter of THE UNION called on Mr. SCHMIDT this morning, and found
him pursuing his usual business as if nothing had occurred.  On closer
inquiry, however, it was evident that he had "that within which passeth
show" and that the circumstances, already detailed, had left their
mournful impress behind them.  He said his wife was a very kind,
sympathetic woman, and that she had frequently assisted Mrs. WARNER when
pecuniary embarrassments oppressed her.  At first, he said that he was
almost distracted, would certainly have shot WARNER could he have
discovered him and scarcely cared to live himself, but that he now looks
upon the affair in a more philosophical light, and that he will make
himself quite cool under the circumstances.  His most anxious concern is
on account of his child, who is as yet too young to appreciate the loss
of a mother's care.  He protests that he will never under any
circumstances, receive his wife again.  He warmly sympathizes with Mrs.
WARNER and her children.

The inhabitants of the district unite in denunciation of WARREN and
heartily sympathize with the honest German butcher.  The wife of WARREN
is said to be an amiable woman, and very well connected, being the
daughter of a Canal Commissioner under Governor Fenton.  She and her two
children seem of all to be most deserving of pity.

12 January 1871
THE 1ST GRANT CLUB OF KINGS COUNTY
The first Grant Club of Kings County was organized in the Twentieth Ward
Tuesday evening.  The meetings was held on the corner of Carlton and
Fulton avenues.  About sixty persons were present.  Mr. Geo. W. SMOCK
called the meeting to order.  Captain E. C. PARKINSON, from the
Committee on Permanent Organization, reported a constitution for a Grant
Veteran Club, which was adopted.

The following officers were elected:
President, COLONEL J. MCLEAR; 
Vice Presidents, CAPTAIN E. C. PARKINSON,
OLIVER C. OLSON; 
Recording Secretary, CAPTAIN CHARLES WARREN;
Corresponding Secretary, JOSEPH H. BARTLETT; 
Treasurer, MAJOR CHARLES SCHURIG; 
Executive Committee, 
E.C. PARKINSON, 
G. W. SMOCK, 
JAMES HARE,
ED. MCLEER, G.A. WESSMAN; 
Finance Committee, 
GENERAL S. L. WOODFORD,
COLONEL A.G. RICE, 
CAPTAIN SAM'L GIBERSON.

The club will hold its meetings on the Third Tuesday of each month.

16 January 1871
DECKER - CHASE
Saturday evening, Jan. 14, at 8 o'clock at the
residence of and by the Rev. W. B. D'ORVILLE DOTY.  
Samuel Burr DECKER to Annie Pays CHASE, 
youngest daughter of James CHASE, Esq., all of Brooklyn.

17 January 1871
KENNION - In this city on Jan. 16, the wife of John W. KENNION, of a
son, the third; all doing well.

17 January 1871
MARRIED
STARR-HARLBUTT  --  At Georgetown, Conn., on Thursday, Jan. 19, at the
residence of the bride's father, by the Rev. Mr. St. John, O. S. STARR
to ?. ADELE, second daughter of E. S. HARLBUTT, Esq.

23 January 1871
HICKS-MORGAN  --  At Perry, Wyoming Co., by Rev. J.P. Root on Wednesday,
Jan. 18, Geo. A. HICKS of this city to HELEN L., daughter of Lyman G.
MORGAN, Esq., of the former place.

RAKESTRAW-FISHER  --  On Sunday, Jan. 22, by the Rev. Dr. Seatles,
RICHARD S. RAKESTRAW, to ELIZA O. FISHER, both of this city.

26 January 1871
PERRY-JONES  --  On Wednesday, January 25th, at the residence of Mrs. W.
S. PACKER, Brooklyn, by the Rev. S.R. STORES, D.D.,  JOHN S. PERRY, of
Albany to ADELAID L., daughter of the late H. P. Jones, Esq., of Clyde,NY.

TURNBULL-LITCHFIELD --  On Tuesday, January 24th, in Brooklyn, at the
residence of the bride's parents by the Rev. Dr. Paddock, assisted by
the Right Rev. Bishop Littlejohn.  LAWRENCE TURNBULL, of Baltimore to
FRANCESE H. LITCHFIELD, daughter of Edwin C. LITCHFIELD.

28 January 1871
HOLMES-ALDEN  --  At Boston, Mass, Thursday, Jan. 26, by Rev. A. C.
THOMPSON, D.D.  EDWIN T. HOLMES of Brooklyn, NY to BESSIE L., daughter
of George ALDEN, of Boston.

BIRTHS
FRENCH - On Saturday morning, Jan 28, at 544 Willoughby avenue, MATTIE,
wife of Andrew A. FRENCH, of a daughter, both doing well.

2 February 1871
SENSATION at Middle Island
Middle Island, a small hamlet and great scrub oak district in the
eastern part of Long Island, has recently had a genuine sensation.
Although the inhabitants of this village are few and far between, there
is an important and growing interest felt in the rights of woman by the
fair sex.  Not a few of the men also adhere to the doctrines promulgated
by the strong-minded.  Anything performed by the stronger sex they claim
can be done equally well by woman.  A few days since a gushing maiden of
this sect aged about forty and about as prepossessing as the worn-out
disciples of this doctrine of equal age, undertook the job of uniting in
marriage two youths of Middle Island.  The ceremony was performed before
a large concourse of people. Everything seemed propitious.  The knot was
tied as well and why not as secure.  The bride was satisfied, and what
objection should the bridegroom have.  In about a week, things began to
look shaky. People talked, the local ministers preached on the
subject, the magistrates threatened and the entire county was aroused.
In passing the house, travellers shook their heads and finally a
minister was called in to do the marriage over again.  Not as the bride
says, to make it more secure, but to allay public opinion.

10 February 1871
Yaphank Poorhouse
   A bill has been introduced into the Senate authorizing Suffolk County to raise
$35,000 for the purpose of completing the County Poorhouse at Yaphank.  The building
is presently under construction and when completed as they expect by early summer,
the county will have the finest poorhouse in the state outside of King County and New York.

13 February 1871
MILLER Divorce Case
   The divorce suit of Mrs. N. I. MILLER against her husband resulted today in a
verdict granting her a divorce.  This case attracted much attention in consequence of
the high social position of the parties and of the witnesses.  The ground of the
complaint was habitual drunkenness and abuse.  The defence was a counter charge of
the adultery of the plaintiff with Judge George F. SHAPLEY of the United States
Circuit Court.  The wife proved her case, while the husband failed to establish his
charge of improper conduct on the part of his wife. The question of alimony is yet to
be decided.  Mrs. MILLER is the daughter of Charles PETERS of Brooklyn, N.Y.

15 February 1871
Long Island Shipwreck
   The schooner Alice N. Lewis, of Boston, from Newfoundland to New York, and laden
with frozen herrings, came on the beach near Jones’ Inlet on Monday evening about 9
o’clock.  There were five persons on board including the captain, who remained on
board until about midnight, and then left her in the yawl landing on Rockaway Beach.
Two of the crew were on the 5 ½ train of the Southside Railroad last night and said
that she could not last through the storm.

7 April 1871
About half past six 0'clock last evening a youth named Henry STOREY, residing 
at No. 777 Fulton Avenue, was accidentally run over by car No. 38 of the 
Fulton Avenue line, and had his right arm broken in two places.  He was 
taken to his residence, and a surgeon was called in attendance.

Thrown From A Wagon  -- About seven o'clock last evening a horse attached 
to a light wagon, owned by Amos FREE, of Jamaica Street, took fright in 
Atlantic Street, and ran off, coming in contact with a lamp post at the 
corner of Bond street, throwing Mr. FREE out of the vehicle, who cut his 
head severely.  He, however, was able to reach his destination, but the 
wagon was badly broken.

FIRE IN VARNISH FACTORY
At nine o'clock this morning the boiling over of oil in a kettle in 
the varnish factory of 
W. Davoe & Co., North Ninth street, E.D., caused a fire which damaged 
the building to the extent of $100.

BODY OF A MAN FOUND AT ATLANTIC DOCK
This morning the body of an unknown man was found floating in the river at 
Atlantic Dock Basin.  The Coroner was notified.

FIRE
About 7 P.M. a slight fire occurred in the house No. 497 Myrtle avenue, 
owned and occupied by Adam Smith.  It was caused by children playing 
with matches in a bedroom.  Damage trifling:  insured.

SHOPLIFTING    
Teresa Meschute alias Van Rouk, was arrested by Detective Charles Frost 
yesterday, for having stolen a piece of black lace from the store of 
T.K. Horton & Co. of Fulton avenue.  The lace was valued at $100.

ROBBERY
Mr. John Vanderbilt on Wednesday evening moved a portion of his furniture to 
No. 205 Flatbush avenue and locked up the place.  Yesterday morning, Mrs. Vanderbilt, 
upon entering the premises missed two cut glass decanters, valued at $3, 
which must have been stolen.

PICKPOCKETS AT THE FERRY
Ellen Murphy and Caroline Holmes, were arrested by Detective Corwin, of the 
Central Office at the Fulton ferry last evening, where they were caught 
attempting to pick the pockets of the female passengers.  They will be taken to court.

ATTEMPTED BURGLARY
Some time on the night of the fifth inst., an attempt was made to burglarize the 
liquor store of Christopher O'Neil, No. 143 Hudson avenue, by forcing a rear door, 
and also by attempting to force open a window.  It is supposed that the thieves 
were frightened away, as they failed to effect an entrance.

10 April 1871
ALLEGED BURGLARY
    Peter DEMEREST and Charles PETTIT were apprehended yesterday, between 
3 and 4 o'clock, P.M., on a charge of burglary, preferred by Richard KING, 
but the case was this morning dismissed by Judge DELMAR, as it was more of
a civil that a criminal nature.

CORNER LOUNGING
    Dennis CALLAGHAN, a lad aged ten years, was arrested by Officer GILL, 
charged with corner lounging on the charge being sustained, he was fined $5 
or five days imprisonment in the County jail.

CORNER LOAFING
    James BRYSON, who was caught loafing in Myrtle avenue, at the corner 
of Graham street was brought before Justice BUCKLEY in Riley Court this morning.  
The Judge suspended sentence on promise of better future behavior on the part of BRYSON.

STOLE A WATCH   
Alfred PERRY was arrested on Saturday, on a warrant issued by Justice BUCKLEY, 
in which he is charged with having stolen a watch worth $100 from John ROSSTADT.  
Detective QUINN made the arrest.

FIRE IN BRIDGE STREET
    At midnight, on Saturday, a kerosene lamp was upset in Mr. Robert MURRAY'S
house, No. 250 Bridge street, and set fire to the floor.  It was put out by 
Mrs. MURRAY without damage, except to her dress.

BURGLARY
    Some time this morning, the grocery store of Jacob BOYLAN, No. 105 Park avenue, 
was entered, the thieves prying open the front door.  Fire half-chests of tea, 
valued at $220, were stolen.  Two men named Daniel CALLAHAN and John SAVAGE, 
were arrested on suspicion of having committed the burglary.

V. C. O.
    Patrick MALONE was arrested on Saturday for obstructing the street with 
sand and stone, at the corner of Willoughby avenue and Skillman street.  
Judge BUCKLEY committed him to jail for five days for violating the city ordinance.

HIGHWAY ROBBERY
    At one o'clock yesterday morning a man named Michael KERWIN, who resides 
in Love lane, reported that, at the time above given, he was assaulted and 
knocked down by some men, and robbed of a silver watch and six dollars in 
currency.  Being a stranger in the city he was unable to tell where the 
assault was committed, but said it was east of and not far from Bridge street 
?n Myrtle avenue.

OUT OF THE CHURCH
    Detective FROST, yesterday morning, arrested a man, named Henry HENDERSON,
in the Plymouth Church, on suspicion of his being a pickpocket.  His actions 
in the sacred edifice warranted the detective in arresting him.  Upon being 
brought before Chief CAMPBELL he was questioned and searched.  Nothing being 
found on him, he was discharged.

BURGLARY IN COURT STREET    
    About 11 o'clock yesterday morning, the dyeing establishment of Mr. RETALLICK 
at 370 Court street, was entered by thieves, and the following property was stolen:  
two dozen silver plated teaspoons, marked J.D.S., one ladie's dress of a light color, 
trimmed with black velvet, and $3 in currency.  Total value of stolen property $33. 
The thieves obtained an ingress by means of false keys.

12 April 1871
A STRONG-WILLED WOMAN-WEDDED AND DIVORCED IN COURTLANDT COUNTY---
MARRIED AGAIN IN PATCHOUGE---HOW SHE ENJOYED HER MARRIAGE LIFE -- 
SHE TWICE ATTEMPTS TO MURDER HER HUSBAND---A HUSBAND'S COMPLAINT.

Probably the most strong-minded woman of the age is Mrs. Betsy
HORTON, of Patchouge, Long Island.  Her ideas of woman's rights are wholly 
without parallel, and are not likely to be imitated by any woman of this 
generation.  She evidently believes in acts, not words, and to suggest 
is to act.  Her maiden name was Betsy SMITH, and she was for a long time 
a resident of Courtland County.
She was a school techer for a number of years, and eight yuears ago married 
a man named JACOBS.  After eight months of wedded life she procured a divorce,
and soon after became a mother.  She soon after removed to Patchogue, where 
three-fourths of the people are SMITHS, and her fine talents and commanding 
appearance soon won for her many friends.  The story of her wrongs was a most 
pathetic one, and she found unbounded sympathyl  At the time she arrived in 
Patchogue the district school was closed for want of a competent instructor, 
and her friends thought it a good opportunity to provide for her.  She had a 
distant relative in the village, who immediately made application inher behalf. 
She offered innumerable references, and the School Commissioner placed her 
under a most regid examination.  But she proved herself not only competent, 
but more than a match for the head functionaries.  There was a difference 
between the trustees and herself as to salary, they offering her!
$100 per month, and she demanding $25 additional.  Finally she was about to 
depart,for "fresh fields and pastures new," when she was brought into the 
companionship of Edward HORTON.  HORTON had but recently buried his wife, 
and he was left in the possession of one child, so that as to kin they were 
alike.  HORTON was a member of the Board of Education, and at first sight 
became infatuated with Betsy.  He was about to take some friends on a beach 
party, and asked her to become one of the group.  They landed safely at 
Fire Island, after which the party divided into groups of two and three 
for social chat.  HORTON paid particular attention to Betsy, which excited 
comment among the villagers.
Being on of the trustees, he had considerable influence, and told Betsy to 
immediately take charge of the school, and te would be responsible for her wages.  
He visited the school oftener than usual, and induced her to take up her abode 
in the locality in which he lived.  Time passed, and the pair courted day and 
night, and HORTON began to neglect his business.  For this he was chided by 
his relatives, but with little effect.  At last he proposed to Betsy, and she 
accepted, and soon after the twain wer made one.  The marriage furnished gossip 
for the villagers, and his friends expressed the utmost surprise, and even 
indignation, that he should marry a divorced woman.
Matters went smooth enough with them for a time, but a length the quiet spell 
was broken, and by degrees they learned to hate each other with as much avidity 
as they had loved.
They quarrelled incessantly, and often resorted to fisticuffs, until about one 
year ago, when she returned home at sunrise in the morning, armed with a four 
barrel revolver.  She accused him of infidelity, and drawing the trigger, fired 
two shots at him and then fled.  By degrees HORTON's rage subsided, and he again 
allowed her the hospitality of his house.  But they could not agree.  Jealousy 
seemed to inspire her every thought, and the scenes that were enacted beggar 
description.  But the life-long quarrel was brought to a close on Monday night.  
She had not been in the house for some time before.  At the hour of eleven o'clock 
she left her room and went to that of her husband, and awoke him.  She told him 
to come out and see the pretty lights, the naure of which he could not explain.  
When HORTON made his exit from the room she said "Look!" and immediately discharged 
a pistol at his head.  The ball clipped his hair as it passed, and imbedded 
itself in the door casing.!
She then rushed into her own room, bolted the door, and and escaped through a window.
The apartment being small, was easily filled with smoke, and HORTON stood as 
dumb as a statue.  He did not know what course to pursue, and not being aware 
of the fact that she had departed, began throwing every available article of 
furniture toward the place in which she had stood.  Feeling his way to the door 
he threw it open, and the moonlight made everything visible.  While he stood 
musing, she returned, probably with the intention of making another attempt 
on his life, when he began the assault by throwing chairs at her, breaking 
the wall in several places.  She says two of the chairs struck her, and then 
she fled.  But HORTON had no arms, and did not dare to follow her.  The noise 
aroused several of the neighbors, who hurried to the house, and some of them 
passed the night with HORTON.
She was arrested, and yesterday arraigned before Justice SMITH.  HORTON swore 
positively to the facts above narrated.  Betsy denied every word of it.  She 
said he (HORTON) had often threatened to put her in an asylum or prison, and 
had concocted this plan to aid his purpose.  She accuses him of infidelity and 
cruel treatment, and says he has often knocked her down with chairs.
The Justice does not deem the evidence sufficient to hold her for the Grand Jury.  
HORTON has now applied for a peace warrant, and as it is not probable that she 
will be able to furnish bail, she will be given free quarters in the Riverhead jail, 
where she has been before.
HORTON tells a hard story about her.  He says she is an habitual drunkard.  
One year ago she attempted to take his life.  She then tried to pursuade him 
to remove from Patchouge, and to have the house insured for thrice its value, 
and then lay it in ashes.  That she has a hundred times threatened his life, 
and also to burn the house.  He has been in mortal agony for two years, not 
knowing when he was likely to meet with a premature death.
The people regard it as an even fight, with the odds somewhat in favor of Betsy.  
Our reported endeavored to obtain na interview with Betsy, but she could not be found.


April 12, 1871
THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF MISS ANN OLMSTEAD.
The Missing Girl Of Williamburg-Was She Murdered, Has She Committed 
Suicide, Or Is She Still Living-Was The Alleged Letter Ever Written.  
From the New York Sun
The whereabouts of Annie OLMSTEAD, the Williamsburg School-girl, who 
disappeared from her home on Monday week, is a mystery which her 
friends and the detectives have as yet failed to unravel.  Annie had
been playing truant with her younger brother, and learning that her 
parents had found her out, rather than meet their displeasure she 
resolved to leave home, perhaps forever.  She called at her aunt's 
(Mrs. Plunkett's) on Grand street, between Eighth and Ninth streets, 
on the afternoon of the day she disappeared, but did not make known 
the fact that she had been playing truant, or that she intended to run away.  
Looking out of the front window, she saw her uncle, Arthur J. Higgins, on the opposite 
side of the street, and fearing that he might see her, she slipped out 
of the house, ran around the corner of Ninth street to North First, 
and entered the apartments of Mrs. McKenna.  No one was at home but 
Miss McKenna, a young girl about the age of Annie, and she was about 
going out to her work on the corner of Grand and Ninth streets.

The Manner of Her Disappearance.
Annie had been there but a few minutes, when, on looking out of the 
window she saw her mother pass.  "My God!" she exclaimed, "mother 
has found me out, and she is looking for me."  She then began to cry, 
and told the McKenna girl that she had been playing truant, and was 
afraid to go home until it was time for school to be out; but now 
that her mother had found her out she would go around to her aunt's 
and invent some excuse and make it all right.  The two girls then went 
out, the McKenna girl for the purpose of going to her work.  While 
walking toward Grand street Annie remarked to her companion that perhaps 
she would not go home at all that night, that she would go over to 
New York and get work or drown herself.  They parted on the corner of 
Grand and Ninth streets.  The McKenna girl watched Annie as she ran 
down Grand street, and saw her enter the front door of her aunt's 
residence.  Since this door closed upon her she has been shut out, 
as far as the reporter could ascer!
tain, from the sight of her relatives and friends.  Her school books 
were afterward found in the cellar.  Mrs. Plunkett says she did not
come up stairs into her apartments at this time.  The inference then 
is that she went into the cellar and left her books; and, perhaps, 
remained there waiting for the darkness to aid her in her escape.

The Mysterious Letter
The next heard of her is through a girl of about her own age, who 
says she met Annie at noon on the following day, within about two 
blocks of her home.  Could she have been so near her father's house 
without visiting it, or being seen by some one of her many relatives
and friends?  On Wednesday morning her uncle, Mr. Arthur J. Higgins, 
as he alleges, received a letter bearing her signature, and postmarked 
"New York, April 4, 9 PM" in which she announced that that night 
(Tuesday) would be her last on earth; that she would drown herself at 
12 o'clock.  The Sun reporter asked the privilege of copying this letter, 
but Mr. Higgins declined.  The reporter, however, was shown the direction
on the envelope, which was written in a large, bold hand, like that of a
man who was not very proficient in the use of the pen.  The contents of 
this letter, as published in the Sun, are what was dictated to the 
reporter by Mr. Higgins himself.

The Police At Work
The New York police were not informed of Annie's disappearance 
until Friday last.  On Saturday a reward of $100 was offered for 
the recovery of her body, dead or alive.  It may be well to mention 
that none of her friends believed that she had committed suicide.  
The New York detectives arrested a girl on Saturday who answered 
the description given in the Sun, and detained her until Mr. Olmstead 
could be summoned to identify her.  It was not Annie.  Since then 
various rumors have been afloat in Williamsburg in relation to the 
missing girl.  One that she was seen in Grand street on Wednesday 
and again on Sunday night in the company of a young man, and another 
that she was at work in a shop somewhere in Dutch Town; but non of 
these rumors could be traced to an authentic source.  The question 
then comes back again with peculiar force.

Where Is Annie Olmstead?
Has she been murdered, or has she thrown herself despairingly into 
the dark flowing river?  The latter question must soon be solved, 
for the sea will sooner or later give up its dead.  If murdered, 
when and by whom?  Has she hidden herself from her friends in one 
of the thousand workshops in this great city or has she drifted 
into some den of vice?  The detective police of the metropolis are 
called upon for an answer.  Over a week has passed since Annie Olmstead 
disappeared, and yet no authentic tidings have been received from her, 
except that alleged letter announcing that she was about to end her life 
by suicide.  She could not have been more effectively lost to the world 
if she had wandered into the jungles of Africa, or been dropped upon 
an unknown island in the sea.
The Sun reporter yesterday inquired among some of Annie's friends and 
companions in relation to the personal appearance, disposition, and 
habits of the missing girl.  All spoke of her Remarkable Beauty,and said 
that though only 14 years of age, she had the physical development of 
a woman of 18 or 20.  Her father lives over a liquor store kept by 
her uncles, the Higgins Brothers.  Annie had been in the habit of 
visiting this store, sometimes remaining behind the bar until late at night, 
coming in contact with men of every shade of character.  Her father and 
uncles were very indulgent of her, supplying her with all the money she 
required, and with all the clothing and ornaments her woman's fancy 
would suggest.  She was withall a little wild and precocious 
for one of her years, and delighted to be upon the street and in the company 
of the opposite sex.  A Williamsburg policeman remarked that her companionship 
was "all bad", but likely to lead her on the downward road.
If she has not been put out of the way, this is the only other explanation 
of her mysterious disappearance.

24 April 1871
THE PROPOSED TESTIMONIAL TO PRESIDENT FOWLER.
At an adjourned meeting of prominent citizens held in the office of the 
County Clerk, on Saturday evening, in relation to the proposed testimonial 
to President FOWLER of the Water Board, the following gentlemen were appointed 
a Committee to select the articles which are to make up the service of 
silver plate of which he is to be made the recipient:  
G.M. WOODWARD,
William D. VEED?R, 
C.A. SPRAGUE, 
Jeremiah F. ROBINSON, 
Geo. G. HERMAN, 
Winchester BRITTON, 
Thos. S. FIELD, D.D. 
Briggs, A.M. BLIAS, 
M.F. RODMAN, and John H. BERGEN.
The articles are to be placed on exhibition at the Long Island Club Rooms 
on Saturday and Monday next, and on Tuesday following the presentation 
will take place at Mr. FOWLER's residence.

26 April 1871
SUSPICIOUS
Jennie JOHNSTON, aged 25, was yesterday arrested by Sargeant Cain, of the 
Second Precinct, on suspicion of having stolen a piece of cloth which she 
had in her possession.  On inquiry, it was found to be the property of H. SCHWARTZ, 
of No. 45 Main street, it being a portion of the cloth stolen from his store 
on the night of the 24th inst., when sundry ready-made garments and several 
remnants, valued at $300. were stolen.  Jennie was held.

RECOVERED
A large reflector was offered for sale at the store of Mr. HORAN, No. 45 
Fulton street, some days ago for $5.  It was worth $40.  The two boys, 
seeing they couldn't sell it, left it there, and Mr. HORAN  sent it to the 
Second Precinct Police Station.  It was found to be the property of Mr. J.V. FRINK, 
of No. 551 Pearl street, N.Y.  It had been stolen by one of his employees 
named JOHNSON, who is now under arrest.

FELONIOUS ASSAULT
About ten o'clock yesterday morning, Christopher SMITH, of 199 B?o?me street, 
New York, was feloniously assaulted by Peter MONAHAN, Patrick GILLEN, and 
Patrick DEVINE, also of New York, at Valentine's Save Foundry, corner of 
Summit and Imley (?) streets, were they all work.  The men beat SMITH on 
the head with a bar of iron, cutting him severely, and then hastened to 
escape from the building, but were arrested by Office CONNOR, of the Third
Precinct, who conveyed them to the Station house.

AN ABSCONDING SEDUCER
Timothy CURTIN, of No. 12 Fourth place, was arrested yesterday by officers 
SLATTERY and ROACH, of the Third Precinct, on a warrant issued by Judge DELMAR, 
on complaint of Mary ENGLISH, who charges him with having seduced hen under 
promise of marriage.  CURTIN, who is an Irishman, about 81 years of age, was 
at the time an employed in an iron foundry, in Van Brunt street.  On Monday 
he was visited by his victim, who urged him to carry out his promise of 
marrying her, and upon her departure he left his employment, and started to 
visit a brother in Percipney, New Jersey, where he was arrested.

May 1871
The History Of An Unoccupied House
Strange Visitors and Suspicious Neighbors - How Furniture was Carried from a 
Marble Mansion in Second Place-The Case in Court-An Unsatisfactory Conclusion.
About twelve months ago, Mr. BEACH left his residence at No. 33 Second Place 
and took up his abode in Madison Avenue, New York.  His Brooklyn residence 
was splendidly furnished and when he left for New York the furniture was not 
removed.  He left the house in the hands of Mr. BAILEY, a real estate agent 
doing business at 24 Court Street who was commissioned to sell or let it as 
might seem most desirable to him.  From some cause the house has up to the 
present time remained untenanted.  Adjoining Mr. BEACH's house is one 
occupied by Mr. PETER FROBCHET, a German, whose attention has been 
particularly directed to the Beach Mansion, not that he observed any ghosts 
circulating through the spacious rooms, or heard any unearthly noises.

NEW VISITORS
One afternoon last winter when the approach to the BEACH house was 
completely blockaded by piles of untrodden snow, and when MR. FROCHET was 
gazing upon the scene from his stoop, he was surprised to see a carriage 
draw up in front of the next house, and further so when two ladies and a 
gentleman alighted from it and began to make their way toward the door, 
which had not for months moved on its hinges.  The appearance of the parties 
was such that Mr. F. was at once prepossed in their favor.  They were 
elegantly dressed and the style and accent betokened respectability.  During 
their progress throught the snow, a conversation took place between Mr. F. 
and the well-dressed trio.  They told him that they had rented the house.  
Mr. F. experssed his delight and instantly went in and told his wife about 
the nice neighbors they were soon going to have.  He did not observe them 
leave the house that evening, but afterwards he has seen them go in and come 
out at intervals of a week or so, the gentleman being usually accompanied by 
only one lady.  Finally, the honest German began to suspect that all was not 
right.  MR. BEACH and the agent of the property were communicated with and 
about two weeks ago an investigation of the house took place which revealed 
the astounding fact that a considerable portion of the valuable furniture 
had been mysteriously carried away.  To Mr. F., however, the matter was no 
mystery at all, for he at once connected the nice young man, whom he had 
first seen on the snowy afternoon with the disappearance of Mr. BEACH's 
property.  Mr. F. and his neighbor had seen this same young man take away 
pictures and other articles from time to time but thinking that he had a 
right to do so, their suspicioins were not in any way excited.  It was 
finally determined to call in the services of Detective SKILL and a close 
watch was kept over the quiet premises.  The neighbors promised their 
co-operation in the matter.  Yesterday their wise determination resulted in
A DISCOVERY
About four o'clock yesterday afternoon, the nice young man  the the nice 
young lady once more ascended the stoop, and opening the door entered the 
unoccupied mansion.  For two hours several officers and citizens kept watch 
outside, waiting for them to make their appearance.  At length the patience 
of the watchers was exhausted and an entrance efected, which resulted in the 
capture of the duo, who were quietly reposing in easy chairs in the front 
parlor.  They were accused of doing dark deeds and notwithstanding their 
earnest pretestation, were taken to the Third Precinct Station House, where 
they made the acquaintance of CAPTAIN FERRY.  The then gave their name as 
S.S. SMITH and ESTER M. SMITH, man and wife, and their residence as Lee 
Avenue.  In explanation of the freedom they took with Mr. BEACH's, the 
husband said his father-in-law had purchased it some time before, and that 
he had given his permission to remove the furniture.  This explanation not 
proving satisfactory, they were kept in the station house all night, where 
they received several visits from fashionably-dressed young men who seemed 
to be much interested in his welfare.  An officer was sent to New York to 
hunt up Mr BEACH, but was unsuccessful in doing so.  The case was ventilated 
in Justice DELMAR's Court yesterday morning.  The prisoners were dressed in 
the height of fashion, were surrounded with a group of fast-looking young 
men and were defended by ex-Judge MOORE.  As Mr. BEACH was not present to prosecute
A DEAD LOCK
was caused in the proceedings and Judge MOORE strongly urged that his 
clients could not be retained.  At the last moment, word was received that 
Mr. BEACH had gone to N??? and that he had been telegraphed for MR. BESSELL, 
who appeared for Mr. BEACH, asked the judge to hold the prisoners 
on bail, but this application was derated and the prisoners left the court, 
but by no means free from the suspicion which attaches to them.  A more 
thorough investigation into the strange case will take place in a few days 
when Mr. BEACH returns, but some doubts are expressed about being able to 
discover readily the whereabouts of festive members of the SMITH family, 
who have figured so prominently in this strange case.

24 June 1871
The Montauk Indian Litigation No Right to Marry Out of the Tribe
Half a Million Dollars' Worth of Property in Dispute - A Singular Mode of Extermination.
The number on Indians at present living on Montauk hills, Long Island, are
limited scarcely one-third of the number there was five years ago.  The
District Attorney of Queens County is rferee in a suit brought by the
proprietors of the lands against the Indians.  The land includes nine
hundred acres.  These proprietors, as they are called, claim that these nine
hundred acres belong to them.  Over two hundred years ago the land in
dispute was purchased by Thomas BAKER, Robert BOND, Thomas JAMES, Zion
GARDINER, John MULFORD, John HAND, and Bonioman PRICE, of the Sachem squaw,
wife of Wyandanch, then deceased, and of her sons Wiancomhone, Zoquabone,
Skebanon, Mopaquia, Tombo and Gontoman, the consideration being ten pounds
sterling per year for ten years.  At the time this bargain was made, the
Indians reserved certain rights, which now form the question of dispute.
There are five hundred shareholders in the lands the shares being five
hundred dollars each.  On account of the increse of proprietors, these
shares have been subdivided into eighths, and are scattered over the entire
eastern end of Suffolk County.  From time to time the trustees appointed by
the proprietors have obtained additional grants from the Indians, restricted
the legal rights of the proprietors.  There are suspicions as to the manner
in which it was done, some thinking that an advantage was taken of their
ignorance.  A preposterous stipulation was made, by which it was the
intention to exterminate the tribe in a few years.  The proprietors in order
to prevent an increase of the tribe, made them execute a bond agreeing to
forfeit L100 for each person to intermarry with a Shinnecock Indian or a
stranger.  This bond was given, the object being the same, and in 1754 a
third bond was required.  Thus the Montauk Indians were forced to intermarry
in their own tribe and blood, or lose their inheritance.  This has caused a
very immoral state of society among both tribes, and they can be termed in
all fitness free lovers.  Mormons, or polygamists.  While the Indians tilled
the lands the white people received the benefits; but now the numbers of the
tribe have become too small to cultivate the lands, the proprietors are in a
quandry to get possession of them, valued as they are at half a million
dollars.  The object, therefore is to enforce the bonds restraining
marriage, so that the few Indians now left may become extinct.  This is the
"East End" philanthropy.

Transcribers:
Marilyn Wright
Dawn Golda
Joan Hartman
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