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 RETURN to NEWSPAPER MAIN RETURN to BSU MAIN RETURN to BROOKLYN MAIN