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Gazette & Courier - Monday, September 13, 1875
A man murdered in Coleraine
A man murdered in Coleraine - He is killed and robbed by two young ruffians - It is now 8 years since Simeon Peck killed Miss Cheney at Griswoldville, and Coleraine is again the scene of a tragedy, which in all its details has never had a parallel in the criminal annals of the County. The victim of this terrible crime is Joseph R. Farnsworth [i.e. Joseph Riley Farnsworth], known among his townsmen as "Riley", a quiet, inoffensive man, who dwelt with his wife and two children on his mother’s farm, on what is known as "Catamount Hill", some 2 miles and a half from Shelburne Falls.
The circumstances of the affair are these: On Tues. last Farnsworth, who served in the late war, went to Greenfield to be examined by a surgeon, as required, before making out an application for pension. He went back to Shelburne Falls on the train, and at the office of H.M. Puffer Esq., had his pension paper made out. When this business was finished, he started for home, getting a chance to ride with Levi Davenport, a neighbor.
They rode together until they came to the fork of two roads which led to the mountain. Farnsworth took the road up the ravine on the easterly side, while Davenport went the other way to his home. It had by this time begun to grow dark, and Farnsworth pushed along alone through a wood and came to a place where the road separates, a path leading up to Jack Woodard’s on the one hand and to his mother’s place on the other.
At this point someone steps suddenly from the cover of bushes by the roadside and, without a word of warning, strikes him a blow upon the forehead with a stick which prostrates him upon the ground. The blow is followed up with others or with kicks, until the man’s head is covered with ghastly wounds. He is then robbed of the few dollars which he had in his pocket book.
Farnsworth was not long wholly unconscious. Within half an hour he must have rallied sufficient strength to get upon his feet, and staggering and frequently falling, he made his way home, some one hundred rods distant, and which he reached by half past 7. He was able to tell his mother and a neighbor present a part of what had happened, and Dr. Canedy of Shelburne Falls was immediately sent for.
He arrived in the evening, but found the man so badly wounded there was little that could be done for him. Farnsworth could not tell who struck him, and becoming unconscious, he lingered until about 10 o’clock Wed. morning, when he died.
The news of the affair had by this time spread over the town, and efforts made to ascertain who were the perpetrators of the crime. Suspicion soon rested upon two young men who live in the vicinity, and who had not been seen since the murder. These were Daniel Dwight, a son of Josiah J. Dwight, and Herbert Davenport, a son of widow Roxana Davenport, and a nephew of the murdered man.
The former is 19 years of age and the latter 18, and both had borne a hard name among the people of the town. Going to the scene of the assault, a heavy print of a shoe was found, where the desperado stood when he gave the murderous blow, and a few feet in front was found the pool of blood which flowed from the wounds of his victim, and a bloody trail was made by Farnsworth as he rested and stumbled home.
Not far from his place a hickory stub was found where the stick, about an inch in diameter, had been cut; and in another direction the stick itself was discovered, which corresponded with the stub, and which had been thrown away after the assault. The stick, which is in the possession of one of the officers, was evidently cut by a left handed person. Dwight is known to be left handed.
It seems that the two boys had been to Farnsworth’s house the afternoon that he was away, borrowed fifty cents from his wife, all the money that she had - they agreeing to pay her back before the time of the county fair, when she wanted to spend it. They also took away a cheap watch which belonged to Farnsworth.
Before going to Greenfield Farnsworth had made known his errand to the neighbors, and the boys probably thought that he was going to bring home his pension money and so made their plans to waylay and rob him. But the money Farnsworth had on his person could not have exceeded 2 or 3 dollars. There had been ill feeling between the boys and Farnsworth before. He had not got along happily with his wife, being frequently jealous, it is thought by some, without cause, and the fellows had taken her part.
They have been heard to threaten him on her account. Dwight, who was married and lived with his wife in a house on his father’s farm, took away with him two suits of clothes, but young Davenport is not known to have carried away only such clothes as he happened to have on, and left behind a little money and a bank book.
Wed. aft. upwards of 50 men were out scouring the woods of Coleraine, Whitingham and Heath, under Officers Henry A. Howard of Coleraine and Deputy Sheriff [?] S. Frost of Shelburne Falls, and the search by some of the party was kept up all night, but was fruitless. Dwight and Davenport are both familiar with the woods for miles around, having hunted and roamed over them together.
It was thought that perhaps the fugitives had gone in the direction of North Adams, and an officer was sent there Thurs. morning, while the general search was partly abandoned. Though the young ruffians may evade their pursuers for a while, it is hardly possible to make a successful escape. Their photographs and descriptions will be sent broadcast. The Selectmen have offered a reward of $500 for their recovery, and mean to bring them to justice.
As there is no coroner in the vicinity, S.D. Bardwell Esq. of Shelburne Falls, as a Justice of the Peace, summoned a jury to view the remains. The jury consists of Hezekiah Smith, C.W. Shattuck, A.A. Smith, Thomas D. Purrington, H.C. Millington and Russell J. Smith. They visited the scene of the murder Wed. aft., and will meet again today, when probably a verdict in accordance with the facts we have related will be rendered.
Farnsworth’s funeral took place Thurs. morning and was largely attended by the people of the town. Rev. Mr. Cole, the Methodist clergyman of Coleraine, conducted the services. Farnsworth leaves a boy of 9 and a girl of 7. His age was about 35, and his mother, with whom he lived, is about 75. The family, though poor and ignorant, were considered of average respectability. The mother of the Davenport boy has always opposed his keeping company with Dwight, who is generally supposed to have been the leader in the matter, but the two were together a great deal, and had become hardened and desperate.
A note received by J.B. Clark, one of the Selectmen of the town on Sat., stated that there was no trace then of the murderers, but that the watch supposed to have been stolen by one of the boys, was found, and was in his possession.
Latest - Intelligence from Shelburne Falls yesterday, states that Dwight was caught about half past 10 Sat. eve. Half a dozen men were laying in wait for him around his house, and he came home at that time and fell into their clutches. The whereabouts of Davenport is not known. Dwight was put into the lock-up at Shelburne Falls yesterday morning.
[A followup to this murder can be found on p. 371 of Google Books "Publications of the American Statistical Association", 1892 - 1893. There is also mention of the sentence on p. 5 of Google Books "Public Documents of Massachusetts", 1876].
Gazette & Courier - Monday, September 6, 1875
Turners Falls
Turners Falls - The savings bank finds business rather dull this month. A fine portrait of the late Alvah Crocker, first President of the national bank, has been placed in the bank rooms.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 30, 1875
A gathering of cousins
Seldom has there been a reunion of more downright pleasure to the parties interested than attended the gathering of 13 cousins last week at the farm house of Sardis Skinner in Dana. They assembled on Mon. and continued their visit until Thurs. These cousins are the descendants of Captain Ely Strong of Granville http://www.cartania.com/history/ancestors.html and are scattered over the State from Plymouth Rock to the Hoosac Tunnel.
The pleasant farm has many attractions, and the party during their visit were entertained with an unceasing round of enjoyment. One of the circle, a photographer from Boston, took an excellent picture of the group, which will be retained as a pleasant reminder of the joyous occasion, and the parting was with many earnest wishes for a repetition of the good time.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 16, 1875
Hawley
Albert B. Clark [Albert Burdette Clark] has recently had a nice picture of his family taken by Mr. Patch, consisting of himself, his wife and 6 children, 4 boys and 2 girls: the oldest 10 years of age and the youngest 3. It looks as though Hawley wouldn’t be totally depopulated just at present.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 16, 1875
Mr. George Rockwood
Mr. George G. Rockwood, photographer of New York, is with his family at Bernardston for the summer. Mr. Rockwood is justly counted in the profession a very capable hand in making a flattering picture, so we excuse the following panegyric. He writes: "This region is the Eden of this country, an is now in its fullest glory. Magnificent old hills stand sentry over this peaceful, beautiful valley of the Connecticut, and drive or walk where you will, you are met with new, ever changing and surprisingly beautiful pictures. Paraphrasing Washington Irving, every Yankee thanks God he was born in New England". N.Y. Home Journal.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, August 9, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
Judge Conant and Register Thomas are endeavoring to collect pictures of all their predecessors in office in the county. Any one who can aid them by contributing photographs, or pictures from which photographs can be copied, will receive their grateful acknowledgement.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, July 26, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
The relatives of the late Col. George D. Wells http://www.civilwarhome.com/wellsnewmarket.htm have contributed towards the fund for the Soldiers’ Tablet. Besides the check they also sent to E.E. Day Post a large photograph of Col. Wells’ horse ’Charlie’. He was assigned a place in the recent grand procession at the Bunker Hill Centennial, and his war record, which is printed beneath the photograph, is as follows:
In June 1861, Charlie, then 10 or 12 years old, was in an army wagon in Washington City. From this he was purchased by Lieut. Col. George D. Wells of the 1st Mass. Volunteers. He was first under fire at Blackburn’s Ford, July 18, 1861, and received a flesh wound from a spent cannon ball. With the First Regiment he passed through the seige of Yorktown, the battle of Williamsburg, the camp life in White Oak Swamp, and the great retreat.
In Aug. 1862 he changed his regiment, his master having been appointed Colonel of the 34th Mass. The next winter was passed at Fort Lynn, where Charlie learned the cavalry drill. The following year was spent in skirmishing with the rebels in and near Harper’s Ferry. then came a year of hard marching and fighting up and down the Shenandoah Valley, during which the regiment marched over a thousand miles, fought 9 battles besides numerous skirmishes, and lost 661 men and 88 officers.
On the 13th of Oct. 1864, in a reconnaisance near Cedar Creek, Col. Wells was killed. hCarlie was not carrying him at the time, but he was saddled and in reserve. He was himself wounded in two places in this same skirmish, and came back to Boston with a bullet in his hip, in charge of the officers who brought home his master’s body. Under good care he recovered and is now perfectly well, except that his age sometimes shows itself in the wounded leg.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, July 12, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
Davis has succeeded in taking some excellent views of Leyden Glen and the Connecticut from Poet's Seat. All admirers of our local scenery should possess them. [I don't know how long these postcards will be avaiable at this site, but you've got to take a look at them! http://www.cardcow.c...chusetts-greenfield/ ].
Gazette & Courier - Monday, July 5, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
Captain H.H. Pierce, a native of this town, and a brother of Captain George Pierce Jr., has received some handsome compliments from West Virginia University, with which institution he has been connected for 6 years as professor of mathematics and instructor in military tactics. Capt. Pierce, who was a graduate of Trinity College, Hartford, enlisted in the war as a sergeant in the 1st Conn. Heavy Artillery, and was promoted to major, and at the close of the war commissioned in the regular army.
He has just been called to active service at Fort Wallawalla, Washington Territory, and as a token of the high esteem for his professional and personal character, the students of the university purchased an exceedingly handsome sword and trappings, which were presented to him by Col. D.D. Johnson in a neat speech, in which he expressed the sincere regret that was felt at the sundering of the ties of friendship that had been formed while under his instruction. Capt. Pierce, who was taken completely by surprise, responded with evident feeling, expressing in earnest language his gratitude for the gift and the feeling which prompted it. [I actually managed to find a photo of him taken in 1864 at the Life Photo Archive].
Gazette & Courier - Monday, June 21, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
Childs & Payne had the awning in front of their store ruined the other day by the upsetting of a jar of nitrate of silver from the window of Davis' photograph rooms above it.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, June 21, 1875
The Spiritualist Camp meeting
The managers of the Spiritualists and Liberalists’ camp meeting at Lake Pleasant in August have issued circulars of details, and are looking for a large attendance at this, their second annual gathering. Many will take up their residence on the grounds on the 4th, but the meeting proper will not take place until the 13th, lasting until the 30th. Excursion tickets will be issued over the railroad, and a special train will be run from Boston on Sun. the 15th, and special trains from Fitchburg and Springfield on this and the two succeeding Sundays.
The Fitchburg Cornet Band and Russell’s Orchestra who contributed so much to last summer’s enjoyment, will be present during the meeting, and lead the dance each eve. There will be the usual number and variety of speakers and mediums, and the accommodations will be better than ever, including even a photograph gallery and a printing office. http://memorialhall....ev=3&wid=400&hei=255
Gazette & Courier - Monday, June 14, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
One of the finest photographic pictures we have ever seen has just been made by Popkins. It is the portrait of O.F. Hale of Gill, his wife and daughter, in a large oval picture, in which the likenesses are brought out with the most remarkable clearness. The work is finished off in India ink by a city artist, and mounted in a beautiful frame, the whole making a specimen of skill and good taste of which the subjects and artist may well be proud.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, June 7, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
There was a very brilliant gathering on Tues. eve. at the residence of Alonzo Parker, Esq. on Congress Street, to witness the marriage of his daughter, Miss Carrie Parker, to H.J. Davis, the well known photographer. The guests, numbering some 200, represented the best of Greenfield society, and many of the toilets of the ladies were very fine [I guess I'll never get over the use of that word in this context!]. A little before 9, the interesting ceremony was performed by Rev. F. A. Warfield, who used a brief and appropriate service.
/ The bride was beautifully attired in white, with a long court train and veil. After the twain had been made one, they led the way to the dining room, where blessing was invoked by Rev. Warfield, and the choicest cake, cream and other refreshments were served under the direction of J.J. Richardson, our popular caterer. The evening was very agreeably spent, and congratulations were showered upon the united pair in lavish profusion. The bride's presents were abundant, including articles of silver ware from her relatives and friends, pictures and the usual souvenirs of utility and adornment, a magnificent ice pitcher, salver and goblets were the united gift of some invited guests. The bride, who has for two or three years held the position of organist at the Second Congregational Church, will still continue her engagement. Mr. Davis some time ago purchased the Bailey cottage on Main Street, which has been fitted up and furnished, and the pair enter at once upon the pleasures and cares of housekeeping.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, May 24, 1875
Shelburne Falls
J.K. Patch has embraced his last opportunity to take stereoscopic views from the round sand hill near the depot, and has secured 7 excellent ones, covering the whole village from the Woodward House to S.D. Bardwell's sunny side.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, May 17, 1875
Photographs recently prepared from likenesses of Mary Lyon
Photographs recently prepared from likenesses of Mary Lyon, which were taken, one during her life in Ipswich, and others later, can be obtained from S.E. Eastman, South Hadley. There are also many excellent stereoscopic pictures of Mount Holyoke Seminary and grounds, including several views of the interior of the library, seminary, hall and gymnasium. Any of the above will be sent by mail at 25 cents apiece.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, May 3, 1875
The panel phtoograph! [i.e. Panel photograph]
The latest novelty in photographs may be seen at Popkins' Gallery. The satin finish and the cameo, are daily increasing in popularity. If you want any size or style picture, finished in the most skillful and artistic manner, go to Popkins.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, April 5, 1875
Photographs in the harem
As an instance of the spread of liberal ideas in Turkey, it may be mentioned that the Sultan has lately allowed the photograph to be taken of his only daughter, Saliyeh Sultana. The princess is over 13 years of age, long past the time when, according to Mohammedan custom, she should be strictly confined to the harem, and her uncovered face seen by none but females and her nearest kindred.
The photograph is by Abdullah Freres http://maviboncuk.bl...abdullah-freres.html to whom the reproduction and sale of the young Sultana’s likeness is strictly restricted by an imperial decree. The portrait is that of a girl in complete European costume, with a pleasant and attractive face. Photography has proved to be of great assistance to young people in Turkey who are anxious to marry, for now the young man need no longer trust so implicitly in the report of his female relatives, as he was heretofore obliged to do.
Young women, too, can now send their photographs to anyone of the opposite sex whose appearance and manner may take their fancy, and so manage to create an impression resulting eventually in a proposal of marriage through the ordinary channel: a female go-between.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, March 29, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
H.J. Davis has made photographs of several persons in Mother Goose and Dickens costumes, which are very nicely taken. All those wishing pictures in costume the coming week will find that in front of Davis' new fancy and elegant background is the place to have them taken.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, March 29, 1875
News about home: Greenfield items
Popkins, our popular photographer, is always on the alert for the improvements and new developments of his art. The latest novelty is the panel or promenade picture, and a very good style it is, representing the person at full length and about the usual cabinet size. It promises to be a kind that will meet with popular favor. Mr. P. is finishing pictures now with an illuminated border, which adds very much to the attractiveness of the portraits.
The house of Reuben R. Dodge (see "History of the town of Sutton, Massachusetts from 1704 to 1876" in Google books) in Sutton was burnt on the 9th, but the ancient family Bible, brought from England, which belonged to Secretary Edward Rawson (see Wikipedia), having passed through 8 generations and is 250 years old, was saved, together with a large number of photographs of his descendants, and the steel plates for engravings of Secretary Rawson and his daughter Rebecca.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, March 29, 1875
Foreign
One of the latest European scandals is to the effect that the Duchess Sophia , youngest sister of the Empress of Austria, and wife of the Duke d'Alencon, an Orleans prince, has fled to the United States with Haufstenzel, a Bavarian photographer, with whom she has long been infatuated.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, March 8, 1875
News about home
(Greenfield) Mrs. Skewton http://tinyurl.com/5qj52l the Pickwick Club, and others of the recent Dickens party, have been photographed by Poplins, who has produced some very fine pictures that will be treasured as precious mementoes [sic] of the pleasant occasion,
Gazette & Courier - Monday, February 22, 1875
What it cost to paint a boy's nose
What it cost to paint a boy's nose - At Cleveland Ohio a few days ago, a very singular case was tried before a jury, the result being a payment of $100 by a facetious artist for the fun of having a little joke at a colored boy's expense. The suit was brought on behalf of the boy, named Alexander Coran, against Trompe l'oeil painting D. Scott Evans [also seen as http://www.famousamericans.net/descottevans/ De Scott Evans , or David Scott Evans, a master of Trompe l'oeil painting], a portrait painter, and the amount sued for was $300. The boy had gone to the studio about two weeks before to seek a job, and the result is told in the following words: Mr. Evans found nothing for the boy to do, but offered him five cents to let him paint his nose, and after a few minutes hesitation he consented. The artist proceeded to put a coat of red paint on the ebony nose of the boy that caused it to look like that of an old toper. The paint was skillfully applied, and the rubicund pug and rosy cheeks showed plainly that they had not been rouged by the hand of any mere novice in the art. Alexander Coran was then sent with his war paint on, to a young lady up stairs and told to ask her to take his picture, and the boy with him, to say that the young African was of royal blood. Evans also sent the boy to the studio of a fellow artist, and then with a note written by him to no. 23 Hamilton Street; but he first put another coat of carnation on his nose. The note was read by one of the attorneys. It was written in a facetious vein and stated that the bearer was of royal blood and an imp of fame; that he had a pedigree which was the color of his nose. America Coran, the mother of the boy, testified that he came home, and after she had recovered from her fright, she removed the paint by an application of soap and water. She went afterward to Evans' studio, and after talking a few minutes, was ordered to leave. The testimony in regard to the red nose was continued for some time, and the witness stated that Evans had told her that he could make one or two dollars on his pictures if he would have them taken. Reliable witnesses were examined on the part of the defense and said that the boy was improved very much by the painting. This improvement of art upon nature was not appreciated by the fond mother, and hence the suit. The attorney for the defense made a short argument, urging that Mr. Evans had painted the boy's face just for the fun of it, and that it was a very trivial matter. The plaintiff's attorney waxed exceedingly eloquent and gave a startling definition of the word pedigree, used in the letter and said it was an insult to send the same to a lady. The jury, who had remained spellbound during the making of the plea, were recalled to the world of stern reality by the voice of Justice Green and retired into their room, and after laying their heads together for a few minutes, they returned with a verdict of $100 damages against the defendant.
Gazette & Courier - Monday, February 22, 1875
Dan's photograph
Dan’s photograph - the queerest fellow, without exception, in all Westford was Daniel Battles. He was 16 years of age, yet he had the reputation of possessing as much knowledge about old and out of the way things as any 10 average lads [long story about a boy named Dan].
Gazette & Courier - Monday, February 15, 1875
The first train through the tunnel
The first train through the tunnel - The first train to pass through the tunnel was made up on Tues. aft., and was composed of an engine, three platform cars and a box car. The party who are here to enjoy the notoriety of making this first trip was composed of http://www.naplibrary.com/HTHistoricNotes.html engineer Granger , Chief Engineer http://www.naplibrary.com/HTCollnotes.html Frost , Austin Bond, Dr. Hawks and Conductor Wright of North Adams, N.C. Munson, the contractor Edward Rice of Boston, H.J. Davis of Greenfield, Charles B. Mayhew of Charlemont, a few reporters and others, in all about one hundred. The first mile was made in 7 minutes, the 2nd in 6; the central shaft was passed without slowing or stopping and then it was down grade to the western portal, which was reached in 30 minutes from the time of starting. The air in the tunnel was considerably warmer than that outside; the change as the party came out into the daylight was quite perceptible. Though there were frequent allusions to the danger of falling rock, the trip was made without the slightest accident. Perfect drainage is secured from the central shaft westward by a stone drain, 2 ft. square and covered with flagging; eastward from the shaft an iron pipe is laid about the entire efficiency of which we believe there is some question. The brick arching already completed extends from the western portal to the west shaft, and beyond this limit portions of the tunnel where the rock is not self-sustaining must be arched, the experts who have been looking up this question under the direction of the board of state corporators differing widely in their estimates of the arching required. It seems to be the general judgment however, that some 12,000 ft., or about half of the tunnel must be bricked; a notable feature of the roof of the tunnel today being the daubs of white paint indicating where the arching is required. A yellow circle, semicircular in shape and of enormous weight is used at the process of arching...The central shaft is being cleared of timber and debris, a very dangerous work. After the shaft has been closed...It is now settled that freight trains will be running through the tunnel at no distant date...The following persons went through on the train: V.P. Granger, Chief Engineer, Thomas Doane, consulting do., George E. Fuller, 1st assistant, E.R. Hamilton, 2d do., John Rhood, road master, W.R. Monroe, road man, John Newman, axe man, A.R. Dalton, express messenger, T.A. Halpin of North Adams, I.D. Hawks of Zoar, John Blue, superintendent in tunnel, George G. Merrill [of Shelburne Falls], inspector of stone work, B.H. Ford, contractor, K.C. Hawks of Charlemont, Edwards Brothers, I.S. Miller, conductor, S.J. Talmadge, Hoosac Tunnel, Fred Rice, Rice Hotel, Robert Campbell, Supt. tunnel, H.J. Davis of Greenfield, who took a photograph of the first engine through the tunnel. George Cheney, engineer, Mr. Richmond of the Richmond House, north Adams, N.C. Monson, contractor. A large number of workmen also went through. Alvin P. Dutton, messenger for the U.S. & C. Express Co. was the first Express Messenger who carried express matter through the Hoosac Tunnel to North Adams.
- Sat, Feb 21, 2009
