Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade

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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade

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WILLIAM HIGGINS

London


The son of a silversmith at Hatton-garden, London, William Higgins, has committed suicide in consequence of an impression he had that he was not rendering sufficient help to his father in the business.

Source: The County Observer and Monmouthshire Central Advertiser - 3rd July 1869

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JOHN HOWE

Cardiff


John Howe, a silversmith, of Wells-street, has been remanded on a charge of manslaughter, by knocking a man down at the door of a public-house and killing him.

Source: The Cardiff Times - 15th August 1868

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JAMES FOSSEY

London


A FEARFUL ATTEMPT AT SUICIDE

On Saturday evening a lad named James Fossey, aged sixteen years, the son of a pawnbroker and salesman, carrying on a large business in Salmon-lane, Limehouse, made a determined attempt to commit suicide on the Blackwall Railway. He went down the line by the half-past seven o'clock train from London, came out at the Limehouse station, and remained on the platform. On the arrival of the next train, a quarter of an hour afterwards, he raised his arms and deliberately threw himself on the line in front of the engine. No one expected to see him alive again, but, singularly enough, he escaped the rails, and the wheels and tender never touched him. The ashpan under the engine caught his body and twirled it over and over until the train was brought to a stand. He was lifted, dreadfully injured, from the line and conveyed by Mr. Barry, an inspector of police in the service of the Great Eastern Railway Company, to the London Hospital. On examination it was ascertained that both his legs were fractured, and amputation followed soon afterwards. Notwithstanding all these fearful injuries, the lad is said at the hospital to be going on favourably, and that he is likely to recover. Young Fossey was in the employ of a silversmith in London, with whom he quarrelled on the day of his attempted suicide. At home he was described as a lad of morose and stubborn temper.


Source: The Pontypool Free Press - 1st June 1867

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JAMES DAVIS

Leominster, Herefordshire


DIED

On Wednesday last, at Leominster, in the 53d year of his age, Mr. James Davis, silversmith. The proximate cause leading to his decease originated in mistaking and tasting a bottle of vitriolic acid, placed amongst others in his son's drug warehouse, for a bottle of beer supposed to have been left by workmen recently employed on the premises.


Source: The Cambrian - 9th August 1828

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GEORGE JOSEPH EASTWOOD

London


COULD NOT FACE HIS MATES

George Joseph Eastwood was a silver polisher, of 26, Broad Street, Golden Square, London. His body was found in the Thames. At the inquest it was explained that he was employed by a firm of silversmiths in Air Street, Piccadilly, were the workmen had a loan and sharing-out club, of which Eastwood was secretary. One day his landlord found the following note on the table : "Tom, I am money short in the club, but before they find it out it will be all over with me, as I cannot face the chaps, so I wish you good-bye." Eastwood's foreman said he was afraid the deceased had given way to betting. The jury returned a verdict of "Suicide."


Source: The Journal - 13th May 1899

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....... CORCORAN

Dublin


A surgical-instument maker named Corcoran committed suicide at his house in Dublin on Saturday by taking prussic acid.

Source: The Aberdare Times - 23rd May 1896

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EDWIN EARNSHAW

Bradford


TRAGEDY AT BRADFORD

The Bradford coroner held an adjourned inquest on Monday on the body of Edwin Earnshaw, Jeweller, who was found on the 17th Sept. in a dying condition behind some warehouses in Broad-street. The evidence showed that deceased had been attacked, robbed, injured on the head, and thrown into a crane pit of the warehouse. The deceased, it was stated, came to Bradford for a spree and got into the company of loose women and their associates.


Source: South Wales Daily News - 8th October 1899

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GEORGE W. COBB

Newark, New Jersey


George W. Cobb, a watch case maker, got into an altercation with a colored man on the platform of an electric car one day last week and was severely injured. Slight hopes are entertained for his recovery.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 23rd November 1892


Geo. W. Cobb, the watch case maker who was badly injured in an altercation on one of the electric cars, is recovering from his injuries. His assailant, George Parker, is held for the grand jury.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 30th November 1892

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CHARLES MITCHELMORE

Cardiff


BOY DROWNED IN CARDIFF DOCKS

On Tuesday afternoon, shortly before two o'clock, Charles Mitchelmore, aged fifteen, an apprentice in the employ of Mr. Abbott, watchmaker and jeweller, of George-street, Docks, was accidentally drowned at the East Bute Dock. Mitchelmore and two other lads got into a boat, which was lying at her mooring, and while sculling the oar slipped from the socket and he fell into the water. His companions, who were unable to swim, threw one or two pieces of pitwood to the lad, but he failed to take advantage of them, and sank before assistance could be rendered. Mitchelmore resided with a widowed mother at Cathays.


Source: The Weekly Mail - 18th May 1901

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MRS. KEMSHEAD

Market Street, Manchester


About ten o'clock, Saturday evening, the neighbourhood of Market-street, was thrown into a state of considerable alarm by a loud report like the discharge of a piece of artillery, followed by a tremendous crash, it was found to proceed from the shop of Mrs. Kemshead, silversmith, Market-street. The shutters, which were put up at the windows of the shop, were forced into the street, and costly articles of jewellery and a number of watches were blown through the window with great force. In that window, nearest Newall's Buildings not a whole square of glass remained. Great consternation prevailed for a short time, but Inspector Taylor, of the watch, who was near the spot, rushed into the shop, and at the far end discovered that it was on fire. Several gentlemen came to his assistance, and speedily extinguished the flames. From the intolerable smell it was supposed that the accident had been caused by an explosion of gas. However, immediate steps were taken to prevent further consequences, and a couple of watchmen were dispatched for Mr. Rose, who arrived in a few moments. In the meantime, Mrs. Kemshead was found lying on the pavement, near to the door; she had fallen in a complete fright from the explosion. There was also a boy found, who had been forced by the explosion out at the shop door, which was open at the time, and near which he was standing, he was also lying on the flags, and had received an injury on his arm from the fall. When lanterns were procured, the scene which presented itself would be difficult to describe. Valuable articles of jewellery lay scattered about in all directions. The floor of the shop had been forced up in several places, and a quantity of jewellery had fallen into the cellar; the glass cases had been torn from the walls, and not a single square of glass remained entire. It was the most complete scene of demolition of properly that we ever witnessed. As soon as Mrs. Kemshead had in some measure recovered from the agitation caused by the occurrence, she stated that a man had been in her shop a short time before, and had said that, in consequence of her servant girl having washed the shop floor, some water had got through the crevices of the boards, and had penetrated to a ceiling of a room underneath, belonging to the Swan Inn, kept by Mr. Deeming, and had spoilt his painting (It appears that he had been painting the ceiling). As he was insolent in his language, Mrs. Kemshead requested to know by what authority he presumed to use such language to her, when he replied that if the water was not stopped he would cut the gas pipe for her and deprive her of light. In a few minutes after he had gone the gas lights went out, and Mrs. Kemshead went to Mr. Deeming to inform him of this. The only person present was Mrs. Deeming, who was at the time busily engaged, and Mrs. Kemshead went to Mr. Henry Neild's shop, next door, and while there the explosion took place. In attempting to get to her own shop, Mrs. Kemshead had fallen and was raised from the ground in manner we have described, by Inspector Taylor. In consequence of this statement immediate steps were taken to secure this man, and as it was known that his name was Wolstenholme, and that he was a painter, residing in the neighbourhood of Liverpool-road. Inspector Taylor succeeded in finding him in Newmarket-street, Liverpool-road. He took him into custody, and on Monday he was brought up at the New Bailey for examination. Evidence of his threat to wrench off the gas pipe and cause an explosion was given, together with proof of the circumstances, which left no doubt of his guilt, and he was accordingly committed for trial, at the Liverpool assizes, under the act 7 and 8 Geo. IV cap. 30, sec, 2, for setting fire to the house, it being proved by a police officer that the premises were on fire. The damage is said to amount to from £2,000. to £4,000., but at present it cannot be accurately estimated.

Source: Manchester Guardian - January 1837

The events took place on the evening of the 7th January 1837 at the premises of Kemshead & Son, 28, Market Street, Manchester, formerly the business of Hervey Kemshead.

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Re: Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade

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ALFRED MORPHY

London, Ontario


Word has reached Detroit that Alfred Morphy, retail jeweler at London, Ont., and well known here, was severely injured when struck by an automobile, as he was crossing the street in London Friday afternoon, July 28. He was removed to St. John's hospital in London.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 6th August 1919

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WILLIAM J. McKEE

Philadelphia


William J. McKee, Philadelphia Jeweler, Dies as the Result of Burns Caused by Explosion of Benzine

Philadelphia, March 14.—William J. McKee, a jeweler of 4086 Lancaster Ave., following severe burns sustained on Friday, March 4, died on March 8 in the Presbyterian Hospital. The funeral services were held from his home on Friday, March 11, at 2 p. M., with interment in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

The report of the accident as given by the police blames Mr. McKee's death upon the use of benzine to clean a large grandfather's clock in too close proximity to a burning furnace. An explosion started a fire which was extinguished with slight loss, but the jeweler in addition to severe burns on the hands, arms and face, is thought to have inhaled some of the flames.


Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 16th March 1921

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...... POPE

Cardiff


SUICIDE IN A PUBLIC HOUSE AT CARDIFF

On Friday night a working Jeweller named Pope, who was addicted to drink went into the Red Lion Inn, Crockherbtown, Cardiff, and after obtaining two pennyworth of whiskey put poison in it, swallowed the whole, and died almost immediately. An inquest was held and the jury returned a verdict that the deceased took poison while in a state of temporary insanity.


Source: Pontypridd Chronicle - 26th March 1881

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SAMUEL ORLICK

Brooklyn, New York


ORLICK CUT THROAT AND DIED

Samuel Orlick, 27 years old, a silversmith, living in a furnished room at 12 Spencer Court, committed suicide yesterday by cutting his throat with a razor. Although no cause was given for his act, it is said he had been suffering from despondency.


Source: The Brooklyn Daily Eagle - 27th November 1908

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JOHN R. KANDLER

Wellington, Kansas


Mystery in Death of Wellington, Kans., Jeweler, Whose Body was Found on Railroad Track

Wellington, Kans., Mar. 8.—John R. Kandler, a well-known jeweler and engraver, and brother of Richard O. Kandler, the head of the well-known engraving school, Chicago, met his death here in a mysterious manner Thursday morning, and it is the general impression that he was murdered. Mr. Kandler’s body was found on the C., R. I. & P. railroad tracks about four blocks north of the depot, but there was nothing to show that he had been struck by a train, and a closer examination showed a blow on the back of his head, which looked as though it had been caused by a sandbag. The examination of Mr. Kandler’s clothes disclosed the fact that a $10 bill was missing. A stranger was seen in the jeweler’s company a short time before his death.

The deceased, who was well known both as a jeweler and engraver here, had worked for several people, among others E. B. Rosser, 108 N. Washington Ave. Recently he had done some work for Fred. Sellers, 106 N. Washington Ave. Mr. Kandler was married 18 months ago to Miss Pearl Gray, of this city, and was believed to be on his way to see his wife, who had gone on a visit to Missouri, when he met his death.


Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 13th March 1907

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CHARLES STANLEY

Providence, Rhode Island


The Gorman Mfg. Co., has been sued for $3,000 damages by Charles Stanley, who claims that Nov. 6 of last year the drop of a press upon which he was at work fell unexpectedly, crushing the index finger of his left hand so badly that it had to be amputated. He further asserts that on Nov. 19 the drop of a press fell, crushing two fingers of his right hand. He alleges that the presses were defective.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 13th March 1907

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WILLIAM H. LOFTUS

New York


FAMILY OVERCOME BY GAS

BABY DEAD AND PARENTS THOUGHT TO BE DYING


William H. Loftus, 32 years old, his wife and their 4 weeks old child were overcome by gas this morning in their home, 1,009 Lebanon street, New York. The child died and the man and wife were removed to Fordham hospital.

The house is a three story frame one, arranged for two families. Loftus, who Is a silversmith, formerly employed by the Gorham Manufacturing company, occupied the upper apartments. The owner of the house, George Loesch, occupies the lower portion. When Mr. Loesch awoke this morning he smelled gas. He knocked on the floor of the Loftus apartments and received no response. Then he and a passing iceman smashed in the door. Loftus, his wife and infant child were found In one bed. The place was full of gas. Mr. and Mrs. Loftus were unconscious and the infant was dead. One gas Jet in the bed room was turned partially on. A call for an ambulance was sent to the Fordham hospital and Loftus and his wife were taken there. They were still unconscious and the doctors think they will both die.

The asphyxiation was apparently purely accidental. The jet had been left burning low evidently on account of the child.


Source: The Brooklyn Daily Eagle - 30th March 1896

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WILLIAM BARLOW

Jersey City


KILLED BY AN AUTOMOBILE

William Barlow, Jersey City Jeweler, Run Down by a "Jitney" in That City


Trenton, N. J., Jan. 28— William Barlow, a jeweler residing at 92 Lexington Ave., Jersey City, was killed shortly after 7 o'clock yesterday morning by being run down by a "jitney" filled with shipyard workers at West Side and Communipaw Aves., Jersey City. The driver of the vehicle was Thomas Lemmere, 23 years old, of 265 Kearny Ave., Jersey City. He was arrested'on a charge of manslaughter, and, after being arraigned before judge Sullivan in the First Criminal Court of Jersey City, was held without bail for the Hudson County Grand Jury.

It is understood that a trolley switch at the point where the tragedy occurred was open, and necessitated the conductor of a trolley car leaving his position on the platform and going forward to close the switch. He is said to have been doing this, when the "jitney" came along. Lemmere is said to have claimed that he saw the conductor, and swerved his machine so as to avoid running down the trolleyman, and in doing so, the "jitney" struck the jeweler.

The "jitneyman" asserts that he did not see Barlow, and was horrified to find that he had caused his death. Both wheels of the vehicle passed over the victim. He was pronounced dead when an ambulance bearing him reached the City Hospital at Jersey City. Barlow is survived by a widow and one son.


Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 2nd February 1921

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J.A. MOSHER

Burlington, Kansas


Jeweler J. A. Mosher Attempts to Commit Suicide After a Fire

Burlington, Kan., May 15.—Last Thursday night about 9 o’clock, the business block in this city occupied by J. A. Mosher’s jewelry establishment was destroyed by fire. The contents were nearly all saved, and everything was fully insured. The fire was probably the work of an incendiary.

The excitement of the fire had nearly passed when people were startled with the news that Mr. Mosher had attempted suicide by taking morphine. Physicians got him out of danger by 3 o’clock the next morning. No cause for his rash act can be learned.


Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 22nd May 1895

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EMILE MOESCHLER

New York


While his wife struggled with him Emile Moeschler, of 577 Eighth Ave., committed suicide last Friday afternoon by shooting himself in the mouth. Moescher was a jeweler, with a store at that address, and lived with his wife in the rear. For several years he had been suffering from cancer of the stomach.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 18th August 1908

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