Some Macabre Stories of the Silver Trade

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FRANK W. SCHULTZ

Erickson & Co., Chicago


DEATH OF F. W. SCHULTZ

Secretary of Erickson & Co., Chicago, Receives Fatal Injury in Automobile Accident

Chicago, Sept. 21.–The funeral of Frank W. Schultz, secretary of Erickson & Co., 10 S. Wabash Ave, who was killed in an automobile accident last Sunday, was held at his home, yesterday, at 6229 S. Marshfield Ave.
Mr. Schultz and his family accompanied his brother-in-law, Otto Slade, and his family on an automobile trip to Chicago Heights, where they were to attend a picnic. In trying to avoid a collision Mr. Slade lost control of the car and ran into a ditch. In attempting to drive out of the ditch the car overturned, resulting in a fatal injury to Mr. Schultz, and serious injury to his wife, mother and his sister, the wife of Mr. Slade. and to Mr. Slade. The two children of Mr. Schultz were uninjured.

Mr. Schultz was born in Chicago 37 years ago and is survived by his widow, two children, two brothers, two sisters and his mother. Mr. Schultz was married to Miss Anna Leimbcck on Sept. 16, 1914, and they had celebrated their wedding anniversary on the day before he was killed.

Deceased learned his trade as a platinum worker with Wendell & Co., of this city, and became associated with the Ericksen Hinterlichtner Co. in 1913. Two years ago when the company was reorganized as Ericksen & Co. he was elected secretary.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 27th September 1922

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BRUNO SCHWARTZ

New York


Bruno Schwartz, watch maker, 114 3d St.. while suffering from suicidal mania, shot himself twice Thursday morning. Both bullets pierced his left breast and went clear through his body. Schwartz is said to have brooded over the Guldensuppe murder until he became insane. He was removed to Bellevue Hospital in a dying condition.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 5th October 1898

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HAMPTON WATCH Co.


A Body Identified Through a Watch

One of the saddest deaths reported in the newspapers last week was that of Irvin W. Adams, a young man of Providence, who has been employed by J. B. Barnaby & Co., of that city. When the Coroner's inquest was held it was found that almost every precaution had been used to prevent recognition, even a fire having been built where his papers were destroyed.

Upon the body of Mr. Adams was found a Dueber-Hampden watch. On the morning of Jan. 25, the Hampden Watch Co., of Canton, O., received a telegram from the Coroner of Alton, Ill., stating, in substance, that a body had been found there with a Hampden watch upon same, giving the number of the movement, and asking for identification, if possible.

The Hampden Co., through the complete system of records kept by them of all watches sold, was able to give the name of the jobber to whom they sold the watch— who was J. C. Sawyer, wholesale dealer in watches, 60 Summer St., Boston, Mass. Also, through the Hampden Co.'s rebate voucher system, which voucher contains the name of the retail watch dealer and the name of the party buying the watch, in all instances —and which is now so popular with all retail watch dealers—it was ascertained that the watch in question was sold by Mr. Sawyer to G. R. Alexander, retail jeweler, 45 Dorrance St., Providence, R. I., and by him sold to Irvin W. Adams, of Providence. Thus establishing the identity of the body found at Alton, Ill.

Had it not been for the system of records of watches sold, kept by the Hampden Watch Co., and their unrivaled system of rebate vouchers, for the use and protection of parties selling their watches, the identity of Mr. Adams might never have been established.—East Greenwich (R. I.) Pendulum.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 17th February 1897

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PAUL MAYER

Pittsburgh


Paul Mayer, aged 62, who was well known to the trade as an engraver committed suicide last week at his home 170 O'Neida St., this city. He is said to have been despondent for some time, most of his trouble, however, being due to ill health. He had many friends in the trade and in other circles.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 21st November 1917

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PAUL ROEHRICHT

New York


New York Jeweler Shot Dead by a Tenant

Paul Roehricht, who was shot and killed at North Plainfield, N. J., Sept. 12, while trying to evict Mrs. Catherine Fingerhut. as told in last week's daily newspapers, was a jeweler of New York, who had carried on a small business at 2155 Seventh Ave. since 1893. As told in the daily papers, Roehricht was the proprietor of Somerset Park and had engaged the husband of Mrs. Fingerhut as a landscape gardener for that place, giving them a little farm house to live in. He recently discharged the Fingerhuts, and when they refused to vacate he attempted last week to evict them by force. Mr. Fingerhut had been called away to answer a charge of trespass and had left his wife at home with instructions to let no one in.

When Roehricht and a lawyer attempted to put Mrs. Fingerhut out she drew a revolver and barricaded the house. She drove the lawyer away from one window, and when Roehricht attempted to force an entrance through another she fired at him, killing him instantly. Mrs. Fingerhut was arrested, as was her husband on his return, and also their son. They are all now in the jail at Somerville, N. J., awaiting the action of the grand jury.

Paul Roehricht, the deceased, had been since 1877 in the jewelry business at various places in New York. His business was sold out in December, 1880, and he remained out of the trade until 1893, when he started again on Seventh Ave. His store was known to Harlemites on account of a large clock with many faces, which he had in his window, giving the time in the different large cities of the world.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 20th September 1899

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J.C. SHARER

Alliance, Ohio


News from Alliance, O., is to the effect that Mrs. J. C. Sharer, wife of the jeweler there of that name, both of whom were poisoned at a dinner at the country club, died 18 hours following her husband. Mrs. Sharer made a will. She was able to write but not able to speak, because of the effect of the poison on her throat. She is survived by a daughter eight years old, who is the beneficiary of the estate. The child was given into the custody of a sister of Mrs. Sharer. The funeral for the six who lost their lives is said to have been the largest in the history of Ohio. It is also reported that some foreign plotters had a hand in the poison affair, and that their deviltry was aimed at others they did not succeed in reaching, at least that is the information brought to Pittsburgh from the Ohio town.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 10th September 1919

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FRANK NEWBRO

Grand Rapids, Michigan


Frank Newbro, a jewelry engraver, failed to find employment at Portland, Ore., and became so despondent that he killed himself some days ago. He was from Grand Rapids, Mich.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 29th March 1893

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HENRY ERBSMEHL

Laurel, Delaware


Henry Erbsmehl, Missing Since Dec. 19, Found Drowned

Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 9.—Henry Erbsmehl. about 40 years old, a watchmaker and jeweler of Laurel, Del., was found drowned in a dock at Walnut St. wharf, Delaware River, yesterday. At noon a colored man named Allen Evans was watching the bubbling of the water caused by a sewer which empties into the dock, when he noticed a man's shoulder in the water. He had seen the object several times before, but at first thought it to be only a coat. He called a watchman who was nearby, and with a boat hook they pulled the body from the water. The body was badly decomposed, and the head was cut in several places, evidently by the logs which float in the dock. The body could not have been washed in from the river, as a large stone bulkhead separates the dock from the river. The body was sent to the Morgue, where it was subsequently identified.

Mr. Erbsmehl had been missing from his home since Dec. 19, when he came to this city to have some silver ware engraved. He had a considerable sum of money with him, it is said. A watch and fob chain and a Masonic mark were found on the body.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 11th January 1899

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GEORGE PEDRO

Rochester, N.Y.


George Pedro Near Death's Door

Batavia. N. Y., April 20.—George Pedro, who claims to be a Rochester jeweler, made an attempt to commit suicide at the Columbia boarding house Monday night. Tuesday morning B. P. Bird, the proprietor of the house, discovered that Pedro was breathing heavily in his room. Dr. Baker was called and entrance was gained to the room through a window over a porch. The gas was turned on full, and Pedro was unconscious. Artificial respiration was immediately resorted to, but late this evening the man had not regained consciousness.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 26th April 1899

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FRITZ ALBRIGHT

Atlanta, Georgia


Fritz Albright, jeweler, Atlanta, Ga., has been arrested on the charge of insanity. He was sent to the Tower, where he tried to kill himself by beating his head against the iron bars.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 26th April 1899

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ADOLPH THOMMEN

Richardson Mfg. Co., Newark, New Jersey


Adolph Thommen Shoots Himself in the Head

Newark, N. J., Jan. 23.—Adolph Thommen, residing at 19 Tichenor St., a member of the Richardson Mfg. Co., and general superintendent of the factory, made an attempt at suicide yesterday morning by shooting himself in the head, while crossing Lincoln Park, on his way to the factory.

Mr. Thommen was taken to St Barnabas Hospital, where he lies in a critical condition. The domestic relations of Mr. Thommen are said to be most pleasant, and no reason is assigned for his rash act. He had tied a paper tag to the lapel of his coat on which was written his name and address, proving that his intention was premeditated and deliberate.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 24th January 1894

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TIFFANY & Co.

Forest Hill, Newark, N.J.


Harry Comley Sherlock, air mail pilot, was killed when his airplane struck one of the big chimneys at the silverware plant of Tiffany & Co., near the Forest Hill station of the Erie Railroad. On crashing into the chimney, which was 75 feet high, his machine dropped to the ground and the aviator was buried in the wreckage. It was found that his neck, jawbones, both collarbones and three ribs were broken. It was stated later at his home, 27 N. 18th St., East Orange, that he had predicted such a fate, as it is difficult to land at Heller's Field without flying low in approaching it. This field is the terminal for New York air mail.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 7th April 1920

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FRANK AND GEORGE BAILEY

Stockbridge, Michigan


Frank Bailey Kills His Brother, Then Himself

Detroit, Mich., Nov. 24.—The village of Stockbridge was excited yesterday by a double tragedy, the victims being Frank and George Bailey, jewelry and bicycle dealers in that town. George entered the store from the rear at 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, and Frank, who had partially disrobed, shot him from the rear, the bullet passing through the neck. The murderer then shot himself between the eyes with the rifle and died almost instantly. He left a letter giving minute directions for the funeral arrangements, but gave no reason for his crime. The authorities can find no motive except insanity. This theory is borne out by the fact that the murderer had been under the physician's care for a year because of an affection of the mind. They conducted a successful business and were always of a friendly disposition towards each other and the citizens of the village.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 29th November 1899

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H.H. TAMMEN CURIO Co.

Denver, Colorado


H. H. Tammen and His Partner Both Shot

Denver, Col., Jan. 13.—Frederick G. Bonfils and H. H. Tammen, proprietors of the 'Evening Post', the latter also being proprietor of the H. H. Tammen Curio Co.. were both shot in their office at noon to-day by W. W. Anderson, a local attorney. Both were able to walk to carriages that carried them home. After the shooting Anderson walked out of the office unmolested, but later was arrested. It is understood that Anderson objected to something that had appeared in the 'Post' and demanded retraction, and that Bonfils and Tammen both attempted to put him out of the office. Then he commenced to shoot. He claims he used his revolver in self-defense. Tammen and Bonfils say that Anderson walked into their office and commenced shooting without more ado. Anderson fired five shots. Tammen was shot in the shoulder, the bullet going into his breast. The physicians, from their hasty examinations, declared the wounds were not dangerous, although a closer examination may show them to be otherwise.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 17th January 1900

See: http://www.925-1000.com/americansilver_T.html

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EXETER

An Exeter jeweller died on March 16 in dramatic circumstances. The police were searching his premises under a warrant on suspicion of his possessing stolen property, when he seized a small pot containing oxalic acid and drank the contents. He died soon after admission to the hospital.

Source: The Pharmaceutical Journal - 21st March 1908

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ROBERT ALEXANDER

Kensington, London


Laudanum.-A Kensington jeweller's traveller named Robert Alexander (58) has ended his life by taking laudanum.

Source: The Pharmaceutical Journal - 4th January 1908

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DAVID AUER

Albany, New York


David Auer Killed by a Fall from a Window

Albany, N. Y., July 1.—Early this morning David Auer, a prominent wholesale jeweler of this city, lost his balance while looking from the window of his place of business at 44 State St. and fell to the street, a distance of 30 feet. He was instantly killed. He struck on his head, crushing the skull, breaking both arms and fracturing several ribs. Matthew Quinn. a bookkeeper in the place, saw the accident. He says Mr. Auer either lost his balance or was overcome by heat while looking from the window.

Mr. Auer leaves a wife and three young daughters. He was a prominent Mason and a leading member of the Adelnhi Club.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 6th July 1898

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ARTHUR H. PITCAIRN

Philadelphia


Arthur H. Pitcairn, of Philadelphia, Pa., has a pair of gold backed cuff buttons, fashioned from pieces of his own skull. His cranium was trephined four times, the last operation yielding a piece of bone 4½ inches in circumference. It was a brilliant idea to utilize his superfluous osseous matter, in the form of jewelry. Manufacturing jewelers seeking suggestions may take advantage of this one.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 6th December 1893

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PHILLIP SANDOZ

Wabash, Indiana


Watchmaker Sandoz Killed By An Express Train

Wabash, Ind. June 15 - The fast East-bound express on the Wabash killed Phillip Sandoz, an aged Frenchman of this city, Saturday morning, as he was walking on the track in the western part of the city. Mr. Sandoz was struck facing the engine, and though the engine bell was ringing and the whistle was blowing he did not appear to be aware of his danger. He was thrown 25 feet from the point where he was struck. He lived for 10 minutes after the accident.

Mr. Sandoz was born in France 70 years ago, and had lived in Wabash since 1865. He was a jeweler and expert watchmaker.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 23rd June 1897

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WILLIAM PRESTON STUNZ

Baltimore


William P. Stunz Killed Himself in His Workshop

Baltimore, Md., Dec 8.—William Preston Stunz, a jewelry engraver, committed suicide some time Monday night. He shot himself in the right temple with a revolver. The discovery was made by Fernando Volkmar, of G. T. Sadtler & Sons, opticians, over whose store Stunz had his workshop.

The cause of the suicide is said to have been melancholia, superinduced by bad health and reverses in business. Stunz lived with his wife and five children at 1219 Mosher St. He was 52 years of age, a native of Baltimore, and had been in business about 32 years. He occupied a room with Carl A. Boucsein, a jeweler, who left him early Monday evening. He had plenty of work, but seemed depressed for days.

Mr. Stunz was a good-looking man, and had an extended reputation as an engraver. The members of the firm of Sadtler & Sons, for whom he worked a number of years, gave him an excellent reputation. John F. Stunz, jeweler, of 430 N. Gay St., is a brother of deceased, and said he could not account for the suicide, unless it was caused by bad health and melancholia.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 13th December 1893

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