Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade

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CHARLES SPAULDING

New Haven, Connecticut


Two young men in the employ of General Ford, the well-known jeweler of New Haven, have been systematically robbing their employer for some months. One of them, named Charles Spaulding, fled to New York, where he was arrested by one of Pinkerton’s detectives, and taken to the Seldon House, New Haven. In the course of the evening Spaulding shot himself, inflicting five distinct wounds, and on the following morning died in great agony. The deceased belonged to a popular club in New Haven, but was regarded as fast. W. A. Dart, an accomplice, was also arrested, and charges were made against him. The amount of goods stolen by the accused parties is estimated at $2,000.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - May 1884

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LOUIS A. KIEFER

Indianapolis


A Spring Gun Intended for Burglars Works Mischief

Indianapolis, Ind., April 18.—Louis A. Kiefer thinks that he owes his life to a tobacco pouch carried in his trousers pocket ; as it was he was badly wounded by the accidental discharge of a spring gun, and it was necessary to remove him to his home in a carriage. For some time L. F. Kiefer
& Son have known that burglars have been trying to effect an entrance through the rear door of their jewelry store, 95 N. Delaware St., and fearing that one of the oft repeated attempts might prove successful, they arranged a spring gun which would be discharged the moment any one entered the rear window after business hours.

Louis F. Kiefer, the junior member of the firm, opened the store about 7.30 o’clock yesterday morning. In some way his coat caught on a wire that connected the shot gun with the rear door and instantly the gun was fired and the load of shot lodged in Kiefer’s side. A number of people gathered at the sound of the shot and found that although Kiefer was suffering from the effects of the shot, he was not dangerously wounded. His life had no doubt been saved by a tobacoo pouch which he carried in his pocket and which received most of the shot.

The same gun had been accidentally discharged a few days before, and narrowly missed one of the clerks.


Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 24th April 1895

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WILLIAM WILLIAMSON

Toronto


Lost Four Fingers

While at work on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 22nd, in the Toronto Silver Plate Company's factory, William Williamson, a lad of 15 years of age, met with an accident through which he lost the four fingers of his left hand. He was operating a pressing machine at the time, and in some manner his hand was caught between the rollers. When his hand was extricated it was found that the four fingers were crushed to a pulp. He was taken to the Emergency Hospital.


Source: The Trader & Canadian Jeweller - June 1900

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W.S. McNEIL

Iola, Kansas


Iola, Kan., May 19.—W. S. McNeil, who committed suicide here May 14 by hanging, was a prominent local jeweler and a member of the firm of McNeil Bros. Ill-health is the supposed cause of his rash act.

Mr. McNeil came here from Morantown and started in business in 1894. In the Spring of 1900 he was joined by his brother, when the firm of McNeil Bros, was formed.

Deceased was highly regarded in the vicinity and his death is generally regretted.


Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 26th May 1909

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AUGUST POOS

St. Louis


St. Louis, Mo., Jeweler Shoots Wife After He Had Been Shot by His Son

St. Louis, Mo., May 17. — August Poos, head of the firm of August Poos & Son, was shot and mortally wounded to-day in his jewelry store, 3564 South Broadway, by his son and clerk, Edward Poos, 19 years old. Edward says he shot in defense of his mother's good name.

As Mrs. Poos ran into the store her husband shot her and both fell to the floor. They were both sent to the city hospital in the same ambulance, but Poos died on the way. The hospital doctors say that Mrs. Poos will die.

Edward Poos is under arrest. He says he shot his father because of a slurring remark that he made about Mrs. Poos.


Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 19th May 1909

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THOMAS McGUIRE

Atlanta


In attempting to cross the Clinch River at Clinton, Tenn., on the night of May 6, Thomas McGuire, said to be a jeweler and optician of Atlanta, and his sister were drowned, and their team of horses and $3,000 worth of jewelry were lost.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 15th May 1895

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ADOLPH W. LUCKHARDT

Johnstown, Pennsylvania


A. W. Luckhardt Killed While on His Way Home from New York

A. W. Luckhardt. a jeweler of Johnstown, Pa., was killed by falling from a train near Jersey City, Thursday evening. He was on his way home, and got on board of a New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad train at the Pennsylvania Railroad depot in Jersey City instead of on a Pennsylvania Railroad train. He did not discover his mistake until the train turned north from the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks at West Newark Ave., and then he ran out of the car and jumped from the platform. The train was stopped, and he was picked up and taken to the Marion station. He retained consciousness long enough to give his name anti address, while awaiting the arrival of an ambulance from the City Hospital. He died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.

Mr. Luckhardt started in business in McKeesport, Pa., in 1880, where he failed five years later. He started again in Johnstown about 1885 and was one of the survivors of that city's flood in 1889, but lost his wife, father and other relatives. Mr. Luckhardt assigned last May.


Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 1st September 1897


Last Honors Paid to Adolph W. Luckhardt

Johnstown, Pa., Sept, 1.—It was with services that were appropriate to the late Adolph W. Luckhardt that his remains were interred in Grand View cemetery Sunday afternoon in the presence of probably the largest crowd of persons that ever witnessed an interment at that beautiful burial ground. At the home the funeral services were conducted by the Rev. G. W. W. Amick, of the Trinity Lutheran church, while the Rev. F. S. Schultz, of the Morrellville church conducted the services at the grave, of which services the fellow members of Johnstown lodge of the A. O. U. W. had charge.

The procession that followed the hearse to Grand View cemetery was the largest funeral cortege since the funeral of the late Daniel J. Morrell some years ago. It was led by the Austrian band, escorting the hearse and the members of the German-Austrian Musical and Beneficial society, together with the members of the A. O. U. W. and the Woodmen of the World. The Germania Quartette club and the Protected Home Circle were also represented. There were in line 18 carriages containing the near friends and the relatives of the family, while there were over 40 others that contained the business associates and other friends of the unfortunate jeweler. The floral offerings were numerous.

The deceased leaves to his wife $40,000 insurance and to his son $10,000 insurance.


Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 8th September 1897

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JOHN WHITE

Meriden, Connecticut


John White, aged 55 years, and until recently in the employ of the International Silver Co., Meriden, died, about a week ago, as a result of drinking several ounces of laudanum.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 15th November 1905

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JOSEPH SCHWEITZER

San Francisco


Death of Joseph Schweitzer

San Francisco, Cal., Nov. 15.—Joseph Schweitzer, who committed suicide Nov. 11, by shooting himself in the head, had been engaged in business in this city at 707 Market St. It is said that despondency caused by dissipation was the direct cause which led to his act. His despondency was made suddenly acute by the knowledge that some of his relatives and friends had applied to the court to have his affairs placed in the hands of a guardian.

Immediately upon receiving a summons to appear in court for an examination, Mr. Schweitzer went out of the store and procured a revolver and some cartridges. He then returned to the store, entered a back room and closed the door. A moment later those in the front of the establishment were suddenly startled by hearing a revolver shot. On entering the back room they found the jeweler lying on the floor with the revolver clasped tightly in his hand and a bullet wound in the temple. He was removed at once to the emergency hospital, where he died within an hour.


Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 22nd November 1905

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NEWELL G. BENJAMIN

Springfield, Massachusetts


Newell G. Benjamin Commits Suicide

Springfield, Mass., Dec. 17.—Newell G. Benjamin, aged 37 years, a prominent jeweler of Pittsfield, committed suicide by shooting himself through the head, at his home, this morning. He went to Albany yesterday and did not return until this morning. When he came home his wife noticed that he acted strangely, and in fear she ran upstairs to her room. Her husband stepped into the parlor and placing the pistol against his tempie shot himself, He died almost instantly.


Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 19th December 1894

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L.C. PHILLIPS

Carbon, Indiana


L. C. Phillips Seriously Wounded by Shots from “ Movers.”

Brazil, Ind., May 4.—This morning, about 1 o'clock, as L. C. Phillips, of Carbon, was returning from a bicycle ride, he passed a “movers’ ’’ camp and a dog ran out and tried to bite him. He shot the dog and instantly the owner of the canine emptied the contents of a shotgun into Mr. Phillips’s body and legs, making very serious wounds. He was carried home by two companions. The “movers” left their camping ground at once and have not yet been captured.

Mr. Phillips is a man of many interests and businesses, but one of the most important is that of watchmaker and jeweler.


Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 15th May 1901

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BERNHARD RYDBURG

Red Lodge, Montana


Jeweler Rydburg Almost Kills Himself for Love

Red Lodge, Mont.. May 20.—Bernhard Rydburg, jeweler, calmly swallowed a large dose of morphine, enough to kill a dozen men, lighted a cigar and smilingly awaited the coming death. The motive was unrequited affection, and the act was committed in the presence of Miss Katie Patterson, who is the innocent cause of Rydburg’s trouble. When the physician arrived Rydburg had almost passed the fatal point, haying just enough consciousness left to refuse the doctor’s assistance. The latter with several assistants worked heroically and after several hours brought Rydburg back to the possibility of life. He is now recovering.


Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 5th June 1901

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A.R. CROSBY

Attleboro, Massachusetts


A. R. Crosby Seriously Injured in a Collision

Attleboro, Mass., June 15.—A.R. Crosby, of Smith & Crosby is now lying in bed watched over by anxious friends and his condition carefully noted. Tuesday afternoon Mr. Crosby was out enjoying his daily drive. In turning to S. Main St. it was necessary to cross the Old Colony crossing, the gates not being down, the driver, Thomas Robbins, had no cause for hesitating to cross the track.

Just as the horses got fairly on the track a wild engine was seen coming down the parade. The coachman lashed the horses in order to escape the seemingly inevitable collision, but almost too late. All but the far off wheel had passed over the rails when the engine struck it. The carriage was completely overturned and its occupants violently deposited on the ground. The bystanders hurried to the place expecting to pick up the inanimate body of Mr. Crosby, but fortunately he was not thrown under the horses as was the driver, who was badly injured.

Mr. Crosby was taken to his home and there a physician found him to be badly bruised and cut. His chances for recovery seem good, but yesterday the physician stated that he feared Mr. Crosby is injured internally.


Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 21st June 1893

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JOHN V. WEBB

Forrest City, Arkansas


The Drowning of John V. Webb

Forrest City, Ark., May 4.—John V. Webb was drowned last Tuesday morning in Keathley Lake by the upsetting of the dugout from which he and a friend had been fishing. When the body was recovered, the forehead indicated that Mr. Webb in falling struck the boat or a snag and was stunned.

John V. Webb was born at Waverly, Mo.. Jan. 6, 1868. He moved with his parents to Arkansas in 1879. In June, 1891, he came to Forrest City and opened a jewelry business. His personal worth attracted a large circle of friends, and his close application to business drew to him a lucrative trade. He was universally esteemed a promising business man, and his loss will be severely felt in local commercial circles.


Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 11th May 1892

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CHARLES GRAECIMAN

New York


Charles Graeciman, a jeweler, sixty-nine years of age, killed himself in his home. 434 E. 83d St., last Thursday morning. He had been suffering from a cancer in the stomach for several years and had become despondent through loss of hope of recovery. Soon after 6 A.M. on Thursday morning members of his family heard a pistol shot in his room. He had shot himself in the head with a 32-calibre revolver. It is believed that his illness unsettled his mind, as no other cause for the suicide is known.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 9th December 1891

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CHARLES BYRNE

Cleveland, Ohio


Charles Byrne, aged 35 and a watchmaker of Cleveland, attempted to commit suicide at Canton by cutting three large gashes in his throat. He imagined people were talking about him.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 1st December 1897

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ARTHUR L. JOHNSON

Edinboro, Pennsylvania


A recent report from Corry, Pa., announces the suicide of Arthur L. Johnson, a jeweler of Edinboro, who shot himself through the head with a revolver. Worry over business troubles is alleged to have caused him to end his life. He went to the bank of Edinboro Lake and killed himself. The body was found later. Johnson is survived by a widow and two children.

Source: The Jewelers’ Circular - 23rd December 1908

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JOSEPH C. OAKEY

Bridgeport, Connecticut


The body of a man found in the water near Bridgeport, last week, has been identified as that of Joseph C. Oakey, a silver worker, formerly in the employ of the Holmes & Edwards Silver Co.

Source: The Jewelers’ Circular - 17th October 1906

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ADLOR JACOBS

North Attleboro, Massachusetts


An accident took place at the factory of the Webster Co. last Friday, but fortunately it will not result seriously. An employe, Adlor Jacobs, poured some lacquer into a receptacle used for burning refuse. The fluid ignited and an explosion followed. The receptacle was hurled in the air, the lacquer spattered over Jacobs and fell on his arms inflicting horrible burns.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 22nd August 1906

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E.A. EAVES

Idaho Springs, Colorado


E. A. Eaves, who is a pioneer jeweler of Idaho Springs, is lying in a hospital at that place as the result of an automobile accident Friday morning, Oct 25. R. V. Peecher, city clerk of Idaho Springs, was instantly killed, and Rev. L. B. Mytton, pastor of the Presbyterian church there, was also seriously injured. Mr. Eaves and Rev. Mytton are reported to have sustained internal injuries, and Mr. Evans (sic) also sustained severe face and body bruises. The three men had been to Denver to attend a meeting of the American Red Cross, and were on their way home when the accident occurred. The car in which they were riding left the road at a point near Floyd hill, not far from Idaho Springs, and plunged over an embankment. Evans (sic) and the preacher were pinned beneath the automobile. Mytton was able to call for assistance before he lapsed into unconsciousness, and nearby residents answering the call, lifted the car and it was then learned that Peecher was dead. The latter and the two injured men were taken into Idaho Springs where they still remain.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 7th November 1917

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