Pinkerton Report - Jan 9, 1891
8 1/2" X 11" - Hand-written
Report from Pinkerton Operative McM (McManus) to Danbury Alderman Jos. M. Ives.
MS020_01_03_001-012
The first report from Pinkerton Operative McManus begins with his arrival in Danbury via the train from New York City on Friday, Jan 9, 1891, and then reveals that he is staying at the Turner House which was located at 73 Main Street.
The operative's first morning in the city brings him into conference with Joseph M. Ives, the Alderman to whom the Pinkerton reports are addressed. Mr. Ives gives him a brief outline of the city's expectations of his investigation, and then proceed to visit the sites of the fires currently under investigation -- Foster Brother's Lumber Yard, Clark's Box Factory, Osborne's Lumber Yard, Greene's Box Factory, and Reed's Machine Shop.
The operative is then introduced by J.M. Ives to the Mayor Lewis LeGrand Hopkins, Alderman to the Second Ward Mortimer G. Rundle, and Ellery J. (a.k.a William) McPhelemy who is a Councilman of the Fourth Ward and serves as a member of the Joint Standing Committee for the Fire Department.
Danbury's city administration expresses its strong suspicions of Howard Stevens and Eugene Lobdell (Lovedell).
The operative speaks to Stevens' wife who slurs Morris Meyers and Democrats and blames them for the fires while also saying that she knows who's responsible.
1891-01-13
New York Jany 13 , ‘91
Jos. M. Ives Esq.
257 Main St.
Danbury, Conn.
Sir,
Our operative J.T. McM. reports as follows.
Friday Jany 9. ‘01
Today in Danbury.
I arrived here last evening from New York at 11.45 pm and went to the Turner House.
At 7 am I arose and after breakfast called at the Mayors Office in City Hall but found that he had not yet arrived. I went to the store of Mr. J.M. Ives. I gave him letter of introduction, we went into private office and had conversation. Mr. Ives gave me a brief outline of what he desired, and then drove me through the section where all the fires had taken place, and I find that they have all been confined within the space of 1/8th of a mile and all near
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and in the vicinity of the Housatonic R & R yards, and all that have been reached in time, oil waste has been found, and at Osborne’s Lumber Yard oil was found poured on boards in lumber yard. The fires of the present investigation are:
Foster’s Lumber Yard and Shop
Clark’s Factory and Roundhouse
Osborne’s Lumber Yard
Greene’s Box Factory and Reed’s Machine Shop
We then drove to the factory of Mr. Rundle where I met Mayor Hopkins, Mortimer G. Rundle, J.M. Ives, and Elery J. McPhelemy. The conversation at once was regarding the fires, in the first place the names of Howard Stevens and Lobdell were only considered it being the firm belief of the Gentlemen present that both of these men if not the actual perpetrators of the acts, knew who was engaged in it.
At the Osborn fire Stevens was seen, yet he denies being at the fire or even in the town that night, his wife also says that Stevens was home that night. The Mayor told me that he would bring me proof that Stevens was within a few feet of the fire when it broke out and before the alarm was given. But at once got out of sight, and was not seen again during the evening. The feeling exists yet against the department by the (at least some of) members of the Kohanza Hose Company, as regards
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Lobdell, he has been discharged from the employ of the Railroad Company, but his friend Betts yet remains on the road running on the “branch”. Stevens has moved from the city and now lives out about seven miles on the borders of Taunton Lake. He keeps a boat house and sells liquor on the quiet.
Carlton Hack of the Truck Company is thought to be a tool of Stevens and Lobdell. Two barns that were burned in the month of December are not thought to be the work of the party that has been engaged in the other fires. These two barns were out at the further end of town. It is also a queer fact that all the fires take place between the hours of 10pm and 2am, and confined in the same section of the town and between the two railroad tracks. The committee feel convinced that there is someone that keeps the person engaged in this, informed as to the moves of all engaged in trying to unearth this, and it is the general belief that the “livewire”, is no less a person than the Chief of Police Keating, not that he does it to defeat the [cuds] of justice but more from a source of petty jealousy, he wishing to be the one to get at the bottom facts. It has also been evident that whoever the party is, that they must be either very bold and daring in their acts or insane
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for instance the fact of the Osborn Lumber yard fire, while that fire was in progress the Green and Reed buildings are set on fire but a short distance away.
At the Osborn fire the first person seen is Stevens, at the Green fire the first person seen is Ellwood. The fire at Osborn’s Yard was at 10:30pm at Green and Reeds at 1am. Mayor Hopkins said he would have Sargent Waggoner of the Police Department meet me this afternoon at the same place, as he had some important information to give me. None of the Gentlemen I met this morning had anything but hearsay evidence, but I told them that what I wanted was direct evidence and they promised to procure it. It was thought best to meet again at 2pm same place.
At 2pm I returned to Mr. Rundle’s office and met Sgt. Waggoner. It is fit to state here that there is a self-constituted committee formed unknown to outsiders who are doing their best to form some conclusion. That committee consists of Sgt. Waggoner, Mr. Portin of Hull & Portin hardware dealers, Main Street, and G.O. Holines, clerk of the city court. They have at the present time parties on the outside, who are keeping watch of all suspected parties and Mr. Holines is in with Stevens, giving Stevens to understand that he can have the money offered if he will give up the parties
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that are the firebugs.
At Mr. Rundle’s office, I met Mr. Rundle, Mayor Hopkins, Mr. J.M. Ives, Sgt. Waggoner, and Mr. Portin. Waggoner spoke as follows, “ I have been engaged in trying to get at the bottom of this for some time. My suspicions have been directed toward Stevens, Lovdell, Whiskey Davis, and a man named Archie Lake. How many more are engaged in it I cannot say. I am doing outside work on it, but have several men who are on the inside. There is no man in the city that knows the town as well as Howard Stevens in all its ins and outs. He is a keen, cunning, and careful man. While I do not think he is the real person, the person who set the match, I am convinced that he knows who did it. About 3 weeks ago a barn belonging to Lyons just on the edge of the city here was burned at 2am. Howard Stevens was in company with Whiskey Davis and Archie Lake at Wooster House, that same morning up till 12:20am, and they were intoxicated. Davis went to bed, and these men left. It would take about 30 minutes for a person on a good smart walk to walk from Wooster House to Lyons place where fire was first discovered. Whiskey Davis and Lake were the first persons there, yet they live in a different portion of the town. I got to the fire as soon as Engine got there
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And saw the men, and on their seeing me they at once left. Since then Davis has not been seen. Lake is here now.
A man Mr. Jennings standing near Davis heard Lake say to Davis, “There is Waggoner”. And at that both fled. It is my (Waggoner’s) opinion that Stevens put these men up to this job. Mr. Booth, manager of Wooster house, can swear to Stevens being with those two men that night in bar room of hotel.
A few nights before the Green fire, Pat McCarty, well known here, saw two men near Green’s shop. Saw one go under shed and the other continued and crossed brook just back of the shop, out of the men the one that went under the shed, answers the descriptions of Davis, one was a tall and one was a short man, where the man came out and seeing that McCarty was watching him, he pretended to be quite drunk. This took place four nights before the fire. Whiskey Davis is said to have made the remark to Aldermen Foly and also Jacko De Barbier, an Italian, that Green’s would be the next place to go. Four nights before the Osborn fire, Lovdell in a small gathering at the Kohanza Hose Social Club made the following remark, “God damn the City-Fathers. God damn the department. You will see a bigger fire than Danbury has ever seen before this has ended.” (meaning trouble in fire dep’d) At the time of the Ives Court fire (about one year
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ago) At about 12:10 am Lobdell + Betts were seen in close conversation near the coal sheds just below the passenger depot of the Housatonic R.R. depot. This was just before it broke out, just as the alarm sounded they both ran towards the Engine tank. They were seen by Sup’t Payne of the R.R. who sent the night watchmen Grotty to inform the Police but the Police say that Grotty never came to report to them. Last spring Howard Stevens and his wife moved out to Taunton lake where they now keep a boat and fishing house.
And at the time of the Osborne fire, Charles Sherwood, who keeps a fish market about 100 ft away from where the fire started was standing in his doorway. This was about 10 pm he saw the flash of light and the blaze this was before the alarm was sounded. He ran towards the fire and passing by the telephone pole about 25 ft from the fire he saw Howard Stevens standing up close to that pole as if trying to hide himself. Sherwood passed him and went on to the fire. Stevens was not seen again that night or morning, yet Stevens wife and Stevens himself claim that he, (Howard) was not away from the house at Taunton lake that night. I should have stated while Sherwood in passing Stevens, Stevens spoke to Sherwood and said, “They will leave this time.” This was
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Before any person had yet arrived at the fire and before the alarm was given.
Three weeks before the Osborne fire John Spain, 2nd asst Engineer, Thomas Spain, his brother, Thomas Madden, a saloon keeper, and Edward McStay, had been out to Newtown for a drive and returning stopped at Stevens house at the lake for a drink and got into conversation with Mrs. Howard Stevens, and she made this remark, “God damn you democrats. You got Howard out of the department and that god damn sheeny (meaning Meyers) drove him out of the city. You have him down as the fire bug. He did not do it, but we know who did.” Howard came in at this time and heard her talking and became much excited and gave her a look enough to say “shut up.” There is one trouble here, and that is everyone is after Howard Stevens, and he is always on his guard. He gets all information of everything that is being done, and that information is from Chief Keating and policeman Reed. Lobdell and Stevens had been known to have been in town at every fire.
Serg’t Waggoner told me that he would have G. O. Holmes meet me tonight at Mr. Porters store.
At 7:30pm I went to Hull and Porters store and met Mr. Porter and Mr. Holmes before going on with Mr. Holmes story.
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It might be well to state facts regarding Mr. Holmes.
[Granville] O. Holmes is a well-known young man, is clerk of the city core, and a general all-rounder, knows everybody, and enjoys a good time. He is one of the committee that are trying to unearth the real person. He is a good friend of Howard Stevens and Stevens places confidence in him. Holmes gives him money now and then in small sums and pays for his lodging at Wooster house at different times and will take a social glass of liquor with him. Holmes is well to do, and besides being clerk is engaged in the real-estate business. Holmes feeling confident that Stevens was or did know the real culprit began working on Stevens. As a liar Holmes says that Stevens is a glittering success, or he is a most consummate villain. I had got so that Stevens had promised to turn up the parties to me if he would not be punished. He has already told me that he was engaged in the fires of two years ago, but is not in the present ones. Howard was to have an appointment with me the night of the Osborne fire but failed to keep it that night the fire took place. I, in company with a Mr. Mason, the next morning (Sunday) drove out to Stevens place to ask him why he had not kept his appointment. When
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we drove under the shed at his place he came out and helped us put up the horse. I asked him why he had not kept his appointment. He said he had company that night, first he said it was a Mr. Roscoe, and then changed it to a Mr. Minor, he said he went to bed at 10:30 pm. He then spoke about the two fires in town the night before and said the news boys told him about it that morning. (we arrived at Stevens house at 10:30 am) We then went into the house, held a general conversation. I then told Stevens I wanted to see him that night in the city. He said, “I guess I can.” He then spoke to his wife saying Holmes wants me to come over tonight. Mrs. Stevens then said, “Were there any fires in Danbury last night;” He said yes and told her what they were. (it seems strange that if Howard got his information from the news boy that he did not inform his wife) Now this is the night Stevens claims not to have been in the city, when Sherwood is positive about his identification of him not 25 ft from where the fire started. Stevens has told me that he could name Hack of Hook and Ladder Co. Waterman, hostler at Pat Osluis Stable and a young man named Freeland to set fires and would give me the tip when the trick was to be turned, so that they could be bagged all at once, he was to give the tip one hour before the job was to be done.
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A few nights before the Osborne fire, Stevens was at Dillons with Hack and Freeland but he afterwards told me he was shadowed so close by Reed and others that he could not make his appointments. Had Reed not followed him up so close that night I am positive that we would have got them all that night. When Hack came to the fire at Osborne’s he was very much excited and could hardly get on his coat, he is now suffering with a burned leg that he claims he burned while warming his feet in the oven of his stove after the fire. When Mr. Lyons barn burned two weeks ago Stevens, Whiskey Davis and Archy Lake were all at the Wooster house that night. Davis and Lake left at 12:20 am, Stevens had been in close conversation with them all evening, there were intoxicated and had gone to bed before they left at 1:40am. The fire was discovered by Mr. Lyons, the hired man who ran out followed by Mr. Lyons. The hired man got the horses and cows out of the barn. That night was cold and everything froze solid. The fire was set under the cow barn. Just after the hired man and Mr. Lyons had got out, two men came running up the walk to the barn; they did not make any outcry until almost up to the barn when the began yelling
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out, “Fire, Fire.” The hired man noticed that the tallest man’s (Whiskey Davis) clothes was covered with fresh cow manure and he said he got it in taking out the cows (cows were taken out by hired man). The only place he could get any fresh cow manure on his clothes was under the cow stable just where the fire was started. That Davis and his friend (who was no doubt Lake) the moment they saw Serg’t Waggoner come on to the ground disappeared, and were not seen again. Lake is here yet but Davis has not shown up since that night. Mr. Holmes feels convinced that Stevens is putting up these men to do these jobs and is always in town when they are done.
It was agreed that I should see Sherwood, Lyons and Meyers tomorrow. It was now 11 pm and I left the store in company with Mr. Porter and made several calls at Wooster House and Saloon to get spot on Hack or Stevens but did not see them. At 12:10 am I returned to my hotel.
Yours Respy
Pinkerton’s Nat-Dect Agy
Robt. A. Pinkerton
General Supt E
[END REPORT]
Pinkerton Report - Feb 2, 1891
81/2 x 14"
1891-02-05
MS020, 1/19
New York Feb 5, 91.
Jos. M. Ives Esq.
257 Main St
Danbury, Conn.
Sir.
Our operative J.T. McM. further reports.
Monday Feby 2/91
Today in Danbury.
At 7 a.m. I arose and had breakfast. After breakfast, I received a telephone call from Mr. James Porter asking me to come at once to his store. I at once left the Hotel and proceeded by horse car to Porter’s store, where I met him. He told me that a man had been arrested and that oil and matches had been found at Beers lumber yard on Main st. I went at once to the lumber yard, which is situated just at the New England R.R. crossing on Main st. The yard consists of a long shed through the center of which runs a track for the use of Beers to load and unload lumber. The lower end of yard is devoted
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to coal. The sides of the shed are open. The shed runs East and West, on the South side of shed are piled matched flooring boards. They were not piled solid, but at different points, there were spaces where some of the lumber had been taken out, in one of these spaces about midway down the shed, and facing the main track of the New England track, my attention was called to stains on the boards. I rubbed my hands on the boards, and then smelled them and at once saw that it was kerosene oil. The oil had been poured upon the boards, and thrown up on the sides of the piles of lumber near by, about two feet further or nearer the street, the oil was used in the same way. On getting up on to the lumber, I saw that the oil had been used there also. After looking over the lumber, I took a car and went to station house with Mr. Porter. I went at once into the prison where I saw Mayor Hopkins and several men questioning a man who stood in their midst. I at once recognized him as a man that I saw in Johnsonville, New York, last Fall. He was there in shee[] an heotie and on a drunk. I asked that time if he belonged there, and was told that he did not.
I did not enter into the questioning
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only after they got through. I turned to the man, and asked him when he left Johnsonville. He said, “Young fellow, I guess you are mistaken. I do not know such a place, and was never there.” I said no more, but came out, and went up to the Mayor’s office.
I told the Mayor that I wanted to get statements from the men that found this man. The mayor said he would send for the men. After this I went to Ronans saloon on Keeler st. I described the man that was arrested, and asked if such a man had been in. He said that yesterday, at about 11 a.m., that man came in, drank beer, and spent twenty five cents, left there at 12 noon, came back at 2 p.m. but was so intoxicated that they would not give him any thing, came in again at 4 p.m., was quite drunk, would not sell him any thing, did not see him again. While he was in here, he made enquiry for a blacksmith shop. I then returned to the Mayor’s office, but the men had not yet arrived.
I went to telegraph office where I sent dispatch to agency stating that “Stranger arrested last night. Oil and matches found. Am making investigation, will advise you later.”
I returned to the Mayor’s office where
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I met Vergil E. Barnum and Frederich Bevans. I had them make statements to me in the presence of Mayor Hopkins, James Porter, Morris Meyers and Arthur H. Averill, prosecuting attorney for the City of Danbury.
One word in regard to Vergil Barnum, he is a man worth about $75,000. He has not got the greatest respect of all the citizens of Danbury, and some think that he is not over and above doing the very act that he wishes the public to think this man done, for the sake of the name of catching the man and the $3,000 reward.
Bevans is a poor man that has worked for Barnum in times past and who has been arrested for stealing a watch, but was let off by returning the stolen property. The entire affair has caused a quiet laugh throughout the city today.
I finished statements at about 12 noon. I then went with Mr. Averill to lumber yard to show him the place that oil was found.
I also met Silas Mead; he claimed to me to have found a bottle in which was found a small quantity of kerosene oil. That bottle is now in the possession of Mayor Hopkins. Silas Mead then made a statement.
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After dinner I saw prosecuting attorney at Kings eating house, No. 50 White st. He is not at all backward in saying that he doubts the story of Barnum and Bevans.
I went to the Mayors office where I wrote out the statements of Barnum and Bevans. When I had them finished I told the Mayor to send for Mr. Barnum and Bevans. On their arrival, I read the statements to them, after which they took oath to them, before George Wakeman, [] of Sup. Court.
I went to McLeans dry goods store where I saw Mr. parker, and asked him to come to station house with me. He came over, I told him a man was locked up, that I wanted him to see, and seeif he could recognize as having seen before. I then took him into the prison part, and going to this man’s cell, called him to the door, with the light full on his face, had him in conversation for about five minutes, Mr. Parker stood behind me. After giving Parker chance enough to view the man, I came out locking the door, had conversation with Parker, he said he could not tell if that was the man or not, all he could say was, that this man was about the same build of the man that he saw the night of Manion’s fire, that he
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said, is all I can say.
I then told him that I would bring his daughter up to see him, and see if she could identify him. He said he would let her come.
I then saw the mayor in regard to the matches. He said he was informed of the attempt early this morning. He went at once to the lumber yard and got the two partly burned matches and they are now in his possession. He showed them to me, they are almost burned up, but enough are left to show that they were the grooved match which is the style of the parlor match, such as found on Manion’s house steps.
The mayor does not know what to think of this man James Preston, the matches found in his pocket this morning when searched, were all of the black head, round match; no parlor matches were found.
I will get full statement from mayor in the morning, as the mayor was about to go home.
I then went into prison where I had a talk with James Preston, the man arrested for this attempt. He is a wild looking fellow, this look being no doubt the effect of the long spree that he has been on. He is about 5 feet 10 inches in height, slim build, black mustache
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rather long, weight about 170 pounds, dark hear, wears cap, medium length dark coat, somewhat worn, dark pants. He is getting over his drunk and begins to see the fix that he is in. I questioned him, he did not seem to want to talk much, but sticks to it that he was not intending to set any fire, nor did he make any attempt.
I went into Sergt Waggoners office and got statement from him.
Yours Resp[]
Pinkertons Nat. Dect Agy
Robt. A. Pinkerton
Genl Supt Ediv.
[END REPORT]
Pinkerton Report - Feb 2, 1891
81/2 x 14"
1891-02-04
MS020 1/18
New York Feb 4, 91.
Jos. M. Ives Esq.
257 Main St
Danbury, Conn.
Sir.
Our operative J.T. McM. further reports.
Monday Feby 2/91
Today in Danbury.
After breakfast, I went to the vicinity of Maple ave and White st where I began watch for Frank Gaylord. I had not up till 10:30 a.m. seen him.
I went to Bartley’s Court where I went to rooms occupied by his mother. I rapped quite a number of times, but got no answer.
I then came up town and re3mained about the vicinity of Ives and White sts and Main & White sts but did not see the young man.
I met Mr. Porter; he spoke to me about Mike McMahon. He said in his opinion that Mike was the man that had been seen at the South end. This is also the
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opinion of Sergt Waggoner, and Granvill Holmes.
I returned to the Hotel, and had dinner, after which, I went out by Division st. cars to end of road, and from there walked to the switch on the New England R.R. At entrance to the Fair Grounds, just at end of deep cut through rocks near crossing, is a switch one half mile further in, is another at end of siding. I saw that lamps were still unlit, back of the first switch were the remains of a bonfire in a crevice of the rocks. I waited at crossing until just dusk, but saw no person come to light switch lights. I then started down the track, and walked all the way into depot but did not see Gaylord during my entire walk.
I met Mr. Bartram at the crossing and asked him if Gaylord had yet gone up the track. He said he had not seem him today, and that it was time for him to get more oil, that he would have to get it tomorrow. I told Bartram not to say any thing to Gaylord, but let him go, just as he had previously, so that he would not suspect that he was watched. Mr. Bartram said that he and Supervisor Hogan had long ago spoken of the possibility of Gaylord being the party that had set these fires.
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they had no proof, but from the general character of the boy. His father who works for Meeker the feed man is so far as known, a hard working man, likewise honest. I remained with Bartram until 6:10 p.m. but did not see Gaylord.
I went to Hotel, had supper, and then went up street again, and stood at cor of maple ave and White st until 10:05 p.m. but did not see Gaylord.
Yours Resp[]
Pinkertons Nat. Dect Agy
Robt. A. Pinkerton
Genl Supt Ediv.
[END REPORT]
Pinkerton Report - Feb 1, 1891 - No. 1
81/2 x 14"
1891-02-04
MS020 1/17
New York Feb 4, 91.
Jos. M. Ives Esq.
257 Main St
Danbury, Conn.
Sir.
Our operative J.T. McM. further reports.
Sunday Feby 1/91
After breakfast, I went to the vicinity of White st and Maple ave. I remained here for the purpose of shadowing Frank Gaylord. I remained in this vicinity until 12:45 p.m. but did not see him. I returned to the Hotel.
At 3 p.m. I again went to the vicinity to watch for him. I found that I was attracting too much attention from the gangs that hang about the R.R. crossing.
At 4:30 p.m. I returned to the Hotel concluding that I could not work to any advantage on Sunday in this vicinity.
At 8:30 p.m. I went to station in answer to telephone from Waggoner. I saw that David McCready was on
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the black board as “drunk”. I asked Waggoner if I could see McCready. He then brought him out. McCready claimed not to know me, but at last acknowledged to have remembered me in State Prison.
It is said, that there is one very peculiar thing about Dan, and that is that, the sound of a fire bell, or the sight of a fire will make him almost wild, that when he hears a fire bell, he will yell and scream with delight It is a well known fact that he burned Mr. Barnum’s barn about 12 years ago, during the time he was at Wethersfield, he was transferred to Middletown Insane Asylum. An incident has taken place within the past forty eight hours, that may be the means of clearing up the matter of the “stranger” at the south end of the town.
There is a man here named Michael McMahon, living alone in a room over Morris Meyer’s cigar store. He is crazy to some degree, has no friends but has a fancied wrong against James McNiff, saloon keeper cor of Turner & Main sts, but living at No 9 Whitock st, McNiff is the brother-in-law of McMahon. On Satruday night, when I returned to the Hotel, I was told by Mike the porter that there was a man sitting on the front stoop with a revolver waiting for McNiff to come out, as he intended to
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shoot McNiff. I went out to look at the man and saw that he was a middle aged man, full beard, soft hat, and greyish coat. He had his revolver in his hand, he was talking to two men, they prevailed upon him to come into the hotel where they took from him a large size American Bull dog revolver, and got him into a room. I did not think anything more of the incident until this evening, when in conversation with Waggoner, he said that the man was a dangerous man. he had already shot at one man, and would at McNiff, if he got a good chance, that McNiff owned some property out near Manion’s house, and that it may have been McMahon that put the oil on Petitt steps having mistaken in the house, that McMahon was a man that wandered about nights looking after women, in some respects he answers the description of the strange man at South end.
Tomorrow I will look further into the history, and doings of the Gaylord family.
Yours Resp[]
Pinkertons Nat. Dect Agy
Robt. A. Pinkerton
Genl Supt Ediv.
[END REPORT]
Pinkerton Report - Jan 31, 1891
81/2 x 14"
Feb 3, 1891
MS020 1/16
New York Feby 3, 91.
Jos. M. Ives Esq.
257 Main St
Danbury, Conn.
Sir.
Our operative J.T. McM. further reports.
Saturday Jan 31, 91.
Today in Danbury.
After breakfast, I mailed my reports. I then received telephone from J.M. Ives to call on him at 10.30 a.m.
I called upon Mr Ives, and gave him a brief of what I had thus far learned, and remained with him until 11.40 a.m. talking over the matter, and receiving further instructions.
After dinner, I walked over to the vicinity of the New England freight house for the purpose of watching how young Frank Gaylord done his work, and the quantity of waste and oil he took away. I did not see him up till 3.15 p.m. and I returned to Hotel. While there I received a telephone message to call
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Upon Mr Ives, at his store which I did and received further instructions.
I went to the New York and New England R.R. freight depot, where I met Mr Pierce the Freight Agent. I made enquiry of him regarding Frank Gaylord. He said he knew nothing about him, but referred me to Mr Hogan the supervisor of the Road.
I called on Mr Hogan, he said in answer to my questions, regarding Gaylord, that Gaylord was employed by him as switch lighter on Nov 22 1890, at a salary of $1.84 per week. He knew but very little about him, only that he could say that he never had any complaints, but that he had done his work, that Wm Bartman [Bartram] at the White st crossing could give me full information about him, and all his duties, and Mr Bartram was the man that had charge of him. I then went with Mr Hogan to the gatemans house and saw Mr Bartram, and returned to Mr Hogan’s office with him, where he made a statement.
I called on Mr Walter H. Stiles 47 White st. who keeps a large “general store”. On enquiry of him regarding Gaylord he said, “Where you cannot say any thing good of a person, there is no use in saying any thing bad. He never worked regular for me, he hung around the store. I would not say that he would steal but we have missed articles while he was here, and
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I should not place any great confidence in his word. Any way I do not want to say any thing about him. He is a funny fellow and does not account to much”[.]
I tried to get Mr Stiles to make some pointed statement but he would not. I told him that I would call on him again. I returned to the Hotel.
At 7.10 p.m. McCarty came to see me. I told him that he could discontinue his work, and that when I wanted him again I would let him know. He said that he was broke, and asked me if I could let him have two (2) dollars. I gave him the amount. He has put in eight and one half days (8 ½) which the Mayor will pay him for. I was instructed by the Mayor to hire the young man, and he would see that he was paid.
I can say for the young man that he has been very faithful in his work. He was at work last night over near New England track where I saw him on out look for suspicious persons.
It not began to rain quite hard when I went up town. I first went to McPhelemey’s saloon, where I had drink and a cigar. I then went as far as Meekers feed store, saw young Gaylord on street in front of Guitys saloon. I went into saloon thinking that Gaylord would
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come in. I remained there 35 minutes and had there drink and a cigar. Gaylord did not come in. I went out say Gaylord was still in front of feed store.
At 8.15 p.m. Gaylord went into his house and I then left, it raining at this time quite hard. I went to Hull + Porters store where I men Mr. Porter. he had no news for me. I met there Sergt Waggoner who asked me to call at the “Station” at 11 p.m. and he would talk with me. I then went with Mr Porter to Hurds saloon where I remained a short time, and had several drinks. I then remained about town until 11.15 p.m. when I went to the Police station where I had a talk with Sergt Waggoner. I questioned him as to how long the warrant for the arrest for Darragan [Derrigan],had been in the office. He said it had been laying in the office for some time, but that he did not know if Keating had seen the young man or not, during the time.
In regard to Edward Jenne he said he had got from reliable source that Jenne was never in Chicago, that he was born in Danbury, but had worked for some time in Bridgeport, at his trade as a wire worker. He also knew Frank Gaylord but did not know any thing bad of him, never heard any thing that connected his name with the fires.
In regard to the Ives Court fires he
[page break]
Felt convinced that James Dillon and Burt Cotrell were the parties connected with that fire, for they came into the station house about 25 minutes after the fire, with some oil waste, and their hands were all oil. They claimed to have found the waste in the Leonard building back of the Ives Court.
Dillon is at present out under $500- bail for Highway robbery. He seems to be an especial favorite of Capt Keating also as is Burt Cotrell. Cotrell is claimed to act as “stool” for Keating. Cotrell has been arrested several times for theft, drunks, and breach of the peace. He in company with Jim Dillon done up a barber in Dillons saloon some time ago, took $90 away from him, and fled to New York. After they had spent the money they came back here, but nothing was done. Some time ago a man named George Meed was arrested for burglary and jewelry [too] was found in the money till of Mrs Dillons, at her saloon on Ives st and among the other things was found was a fire key. It was found by tracing the key by the number on it, that it was one that was assigned to Capt Keating. Keating has always denied that it was his key, yet he has no key to show.
I remained with Sergt Waggoner until 1.10 a.m. when I returned to the Hotel.
Yours Resp[]
Pinkerton Nat. Dect Agy
Robt. A. Pinkerton
Genl Supt Ediv.
[END REPORT]
Pinkerton Report - Jan 29, 1891 - No. 2
81/2 x 14"
1891-01-31
MS020 1/15
New York Jan 31, 91.
Jos. M. Ives Esq.
257 Main St
Danbury, Conn.
Sir.
Our operative J.T. McM. further reports.
Thursday Jan 29, 91.
Today in Danbury.
After breakfast, I went down town and started out to investigate the fire said to have taken place on Wednesday night at the residence of William Turbush at 19 Henry st.
I met James Cosgrove, city reporter on Danbury News. I enquired of him how he got his information, he said the information came from Beckerle’s shop where Mr. Turnbush worked, and that so far as he knew the information was right. he had not been out to see if right or not.
I got into a hack and went out to vicinity of 19 Henry st. it was raining quite hard at the time[.]
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before going into house, I examined the house thoroughly, but did not see the least indication of any fire having been there. No 19 Henry st is a two story frame building, with front veranda, such as is quite common in Danbury. After failing to find any indications of fire, I met Mrs Turnbush[.] I asked her to show me where the fire was, that had been noticed in the News. She said, [“]No such fire ever took place, the entire thing was given out as a joke by my husband at the shop. The boys at the shop fool him quite a good deal, and he thought, that he would fool them, and that is how the whole thing came about. My husband did not see any fire, he was very foolish in telling the story. He is a mute and the boys try to have fun with him, and he thought he would have fun with them.[“]
Finding no truth in the reported fire I returned to the city, and again met James Cosgrove, and told him that the entire account was untrue, but told him not to say anything about it, but to let it go as it was, and not deny it.
I again went to Hawley’s Court to interview Gaylor, but was unsuccessful. I learned in Meekers store, that the boy was about some where, but just
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where was not known. I left word to have him come to the Hotel to see me, when he came around.
I met Pat McCarthy and instructed him to go to South end of town, and keep on the look out for the strange man. he told me that he went out the first thing this morning to vicinity of Highland ave and Henry st but could not hear of the stranger being out there.
After dinner I continued on the Geroge Roff matter. I cannot find that Miss Petitt ever went with this young man. She as a general rule, comes home with her father, who goes down to the store at about 8p.m. to meet her.
The Police are on the look out for this stranger. I do not know what end Capt Keating is working at now. I am satisfied that he has not obtained any information, he still keeps shadow on McNab, but has failed to get him identified as the strange man.
At 2.30 p.m. I sent dispatch to agency denying the report of fire, at 19 Henry st as was stated in “News” and New York papers.
While standing at telegraph office I was approached by a man who asked me to buy a ticket for the Ising Ball on Friday night. I bought the ticket but will no go, as on that night (tomorrow)
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It is thought by some, that if any fires are to be started, they will be started then, it being a good chance, as all the firemen will be at the Ball.
This afternoon I was informed by Mr Cosgrove, that the information of the Henry st fire came from John Ellwood, he working in the same shop with “Turnbush”.
I went out to residence of Ellwood on Balmforth ave, but John was not at home, but I could see him in the evening.
At 7.30 p.m. I went out to his house and learned that he was down town. I went to the Kohanza Club Rooms but he was not in there. I waited about half an hour for him, but he did not come.
I went to South st where I saw McCarty. He was watching for “Stranger” but had not seen him. I remained with him a short time, and then discontinued.
Yours Resp[]
Pinkerton Nat. Dect Agy
Robt. A. Pinkerton
Genl Supt Ediv.
[END REPORT]
Pinkerton Report - Jan 27, 1891 - No. 1
81/2 x 14"
Jan 31, 1891
MS020 1/14
New York Jan 31, 91.
Jos. M. Ives Esq.
257 Main St
Danbury, Conn.
Sir.
Our operative J.T. McM. further reports.
Tuesday Jan 27, 91.
After breakfast, I went to the shop of Rundle and White on River st. I had heard last night a rumor of an attempt at fire out that way, on last Friday night. I met Mr Rundle but such a story was news to him. His book-keeper told me to go to Seamans fur shop on Rose Hill (Elm st) and I could get the particulars.
I went to Seamans fur hat shop and met Mr. B.W. Seamans, the proprietor of the shop. It is a small shop, employing only about five or six hands on[.] Elm st runs at right angles with River st for a short distance, then makes a turn over the hill that brings the rear of the Elm st building on to River st.
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Seamans shop is no 87 Elm and he lives at No 97 Elm. His shop is in the rear of No 87, and back of his shop, is a large barn, and at south end of barn, is a wagon shed (open) that runs at right angles with barn, at west end of wagon shed, is a square hole through back of wagon shed, and path leading down into yard of house, formerly occupied by Howard Stevens. the first house south of No 87, is a house occupied by the McCreedy family, Dan McCreedy an ex-convict from Wethersfield living there. Mr Seamans said, “last Friday night I was coming home at about 10.15 p.m. and as I came to lane leading to shop, I thought I would go in. I walked in through land, and as I got about half way down the lane, I heard a noise as if a man had run against the tongue of a double wagon that was under the shed. At once I stopped and looking saw a man go to stable door, and try to push it back. I chanced to be standing on some crust of snow, and my weight broke the crust and made a noise. The man turned and ran under the shed. I waited a few moments to see if he would come out again, but not seeing him, I walked up easy to shed and looking in did not see him, but saw where he had gone through the hole
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at the rear of the wagon shed, and no doubt by the path down to River st. I at first thought it might be Dan McCreedy but was afterwards satisfied it was not. I can only say the man was of medium height, dark suit, dark medium length overcoat, clean shaven, and derby hat. it may have been, that the man was only trying to get into barn to sleep. the barn is owned by a Mr. Sturtevant. A barn on the spot where this shop now stands was burned a few years ago. I might know the man if I were to see him again, he was a stranger to me.”
I went out and looked at barn and wagon shed. the snow storm of last Sunday had so covered up every thing, that no trace could be found.
I went to Huras saloon where I met Mr. James Porter. I had a drink with him, he asked me to see Fred De Klyne, the baker on Main st near Liberty st in regard to a man, that had been seen out Deerhill ave last Friday night.
I at once went to Mr De Klyne’s Bakery, and saw De Klyne. He said he had only heard a rumor of a man being seen, it was told by his nurse girl Lizzie Barry, that he would see her this noon, get the facts from her, and asked me to call again at 4 p.m.
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I then set out to look for Sleepy Gaylor. I made search through White st and through Bartley’s court in company with Officer Dittma[r]. I found where Gaylor lives, but there was no one at home. I learned that sometimes Gaylor worked for the Housatonic R.R. as a “wiper” that the week before last he was working, but was not this week. I went down through the yard, and about the Engine house, but could not find him. I was told that it was just as likely as not Gaylor might be out on the Road somewhere as he often took trips out that way. Jack Stringer who is claimed saw Darrigan take the waste and matches out of Gaylors pocket, was out with his Engine, and I could not see him until tomorrow.
After dinner, I wrote up my report to the present time, after that I went to McPhelemys where I waited to meet McCarty. he said he in company with Darrigan, watched from Darrigan’s house till 2 a.m. but did not see the man spoken of. I had a drink and cigar with Mccarty, after which I went to Fred De Klyne’s bakery, and saw him. He gave me the name of Jack Barry who lived in the last house on Deerhill ave. Jack said he saw the man on Sunday night, and could tell me all about it.
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I then started out and walked to Barry’s house. it is at the farther end of Deerhill ave, at the foot of the hill, on the way out. I met Jim Flynn the young man I saw last night. He said “the man he saw on Monday night was the “Special”. he is watching that crazy man McNab.”
I got to Barry’s house at 5.45p.m. and waited a short time for Jack Barry to come from the hat shop. I questioned him about the man he saw on Sunday night. He said he had since found out that the man he saw, was the “Special Policeman” stationed at Deerhill ave and Wilson. But this was not the person that his sister saw, that I could see her at Mr De Klyne’s house tomorrow and she could give me a description of the man that followed her.
Yours Resp[]
Pinkerton Nat. Dect Agy
Robt. A. Pinkerton
Genl Supt Ediv.
[END REPORT]
Pinkerton Report - Jan 26, 1891
81/2 x 14"
Jan 30, 1891
MS020 1/13
New York Jan 30, 91.
Jos. M. Ives Esq.
257 Main St
Danbury, Conn.
Sir.
Our operative J.T. McM. further reports.
Monday Jan 26, 91.
After breakfast, I went to Grand st where I again made a house to house enquiry for some information regarding the mysterious man of one week ago. At No. 64 Grand st lives Mr. Terence E. Brady. I learned that he could be found at his store on Keeler st near Main st. I went to Mr. Brady’s store where I found him. I told him that I wanted to make some enquiry if he or any of his family had seen any strangers about his house of late, he then made me a statement.
It will be seen that he made the statement that Capt Keating told him to say nothing about it, so that it is very easy to see that Cap’t Keating is
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putting every thing that he possibly can in my way, from my getting any information, it was evident from his reluctance in giving me the name of James McNab, as his suspect and it shows more so tonight, in the arrest of the young man Derrigan [Darrigan], as will be noted later on in my report.
After getting the statement of Brady I went again to Grand stt. And made enquiry at houses of William Allen and Henry Auethenk on Wooster st. near cor of Grand st. no notice had been taken of any man hanging around the corner by any of the families.
I again returned to the store of Mr. Bradey and got statement of Mrs Brady. When I had finished with her, it was 11.50 a.m and I returned to the hotel and had dinner. I then left to look up McCarty. I found him on White st. I instructed him to come to my room. I wanted his report on Hack. I returned to my room where I waited about 5 minutes when McCarty came. He stated, “I met Hack about 7.30 on Saturday night on White st. and went to Grand Central Hotel bar. had drinks with him, remained there until 8p.m. when I went to Geiser’s saloon and played two games of seven-up with him
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and after the games were finished, I said to him, ‘I see they have not yet got the fire bugs.’ And Hack said “No, and I hope when they do, that they will hang every one of them.’ Hack was joined at this time by several R.R. men with whom he sta[y]ed with until 10 p.m. when I saw him go home. I did not see Jenne on Saturday night, nor did I see Hack or Jenne on Sunday, they were not on Main, Ives or White sts. Stevens was not in town on Saturday or Sunday night.”
McCarty then told me that he had got hold of a story this morning, that he did not know how much there was in it, but that it was worth looking into, that he would bring the young man to me, and let him tell his own story, that he could have the4 man there in 3minutes if I would wait. I told him, I would wait. McCarty then left and at 3.10 p.m. returned with Edward Darrigan, a young man about 18 years old. Darrigan has a hard name but tells a very straight forward story, and one that chimes in with that told by Parker, his daughter and Mr and Mrs Brady; and I have good grounds to believe that the party seen by them are one and the same party. His story
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regarding “Sleepy” Gaylor, is worth looking into, which I will do tomorrow morning, the first thing. Derrigan then made a statement.
At 4.15 p.m. I went to Mr Parker’s house cor of Grand and Whitlock sts where I had met his daughter, Maude, age 13 years. Her story is the same as told by her father as will be seen.
I called on James Scanlon and James Flynn on Deerhill ave. they both made statements.
I returned to the Hotel and at 7p.m. I went to the cor of Mountainvill ave to meet McCarty and Derrigan as agreed upon, to see if the strange man spoken of in Darrigan’s statement could be seen. On my way down Main st, I met Capt Keating. He did not seem to want to stop to speak, but I stopped him, and said, “Cap’t, have you a special out on Deerhill ave.” he said “Yes, I have one out there”. He did not seem inclined to talk, so I passed on. I stood at cor of Mountainvill ave and South st which is the extreme southern end of the city, and had been there about 5 minutes when I saw Officer Fisher come down South st. when he got to me, he stopped and began speaking about the “Special” on Deerhill ave
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Saying that Keating had one out there. While we were talking, McCarty and Derrigan came along, and Fisher said to me, “Excuse me for a moment, here is a fellow I want to see.” With that he walked up to and away with McCarty and Derrigan. I did not like the look of things, so I shadowed Fisher and the two young men, saw all three enter the Station House. I waited awhile, saw McCarty come out, and asked him what the matter was. He said that Keating had seen Derrigan with him today and had an old charge of eight months ago brought up against Derrigan, the charge was for stealing a pair of pants from infront of Spenc’s on Main st.
Now the real cause of Derrigan’s arrest was in my opinion, Keating does not like McCarty. Keating knows that McCarty has had conversations with me, and thinks he is giving me information. He saw Derrigan with him, and was afraid that Derrigan, belonging to the Ives st gang, and a friend of McCarty’s, might give me information, and to stop any such information, brings up this old charge of eight months ago, when he has been in the city almost all the
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time.
I at once saw Granville Holmes at Hura’s saloon, and told him, that I did not want to appear in this affair, that he should go to Station House, see Derrigan, and tell him to say nothing as to what he knows, regarding this strange man or “Sleepy” Gaylor, as I firmly believed that Keating would do anything to defeat me in my efforts.
I saw Alderman Foley and told him of the arrest of Derrigan which he said was an outrage. It is a common expression in the town that Keating would spoil any person who he thought was getting any information in regard to the fires.
I thought best to let matters remain until morning, and see the mayor before Court opened, and try and arrange it that the charge be squelched or laid over, as I believed that Derrigan can pick up that man, if he comes out his way again. The man[,] who ever he is, is in my opinion crazy.
At 11.10 p.m. I saw Derrigan pass the Hotel. I spoke to him. He told me that he was discharged by Waggoner, Mr. McPhelemy, and Alderman Foley, haven spoken to Sergt Waggoner for him.
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I intend to see the Mayor in the morning regarding the actions of Cap’t Keating in this matter. although it is quite evident to me on Friday of last week, I was shadowed by Officer Reed, although I said nothing about it excepting to the Mayor.
At 11.30 p.m. I went to the vicinity of South st and Mountainvill ave where I remained until 12.45 p.m. but did not see any person to answer descriptions of man.
Yours Resp[]
Pinkerton Nat. Dect Agy
Robt. A. Pinkerton
Genl Supt Ediv.
[END REPORT]
Pinkerton Report - Jan 24-25, 1891
Jan 28, 1891
MS020 1/12
New York Jan 28,91.
Jos. M. Ives Esq.
257 Main St
Danbury, Conn.
Sir.
Our operative J.T. McM. further reports.
Saturday Jan 24/ 91.
After breakfast, I went out to the vicinity of No 65 Deerhill ave to get spot on James McNab. It was 11 a.m. before I saw him come out, he then came out with a basket of washing, and hung them up on a line. He is quite tall about 5ft 11inches, medium stout, a little round shouldered, and has what looks to be a sandy mustache. After getting a view of him, I went to the vicinity of White and Ives sts. To get a spot on Edward Jenne. Spot was given me at 12.20 p.m. by John Foley bartender for M.McPhelemy. I was him as he left his shop back of Ackers lunch rooms on White st. Jenne is about 5ft 11inches in height, weighs about 180 pounds, straight, has a heavy mustache. After getting spot on him I went to dinner,
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After which, I called on Mayor Hopkins who instructed me to use Pat McCarty for a few days for the purpose of watching the movements of Jenne and McNab. the mayor said, he had cause to suspect McNab was the man, that he had full confidence in the story related by Mr. Parker.
I went to the saloon of M.McPhelemy where I met McCarty. I instructed him to pick up Hack just as soon as he could to watch and see if he connected with either Stevens or Jenne, and if so to get on to any conversation that they might have, or if he met Jenne first, to get into conversation with him and learn from him what part of the fire department he was a member of in Chicago, to report to me on Sunday, at the hotel. McCarty then left me to look for Hack or Jenne.
I went out and met Capt Keating at the cor of Ives and White sts. He said he was not positive that McNab would be out tonight, but they would do their best to get him to come out, and to have Parker get a look at him. After I left Keating, I went to Hull and Porters store, where I met Porter. He told me that officer Dittma[r] wanted to see me on important business. I left and walked down White st. and near the bridge, I met Officer Dittma[r]. he told me that a William Washburn had served a term
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In prison in New York, for setting fires just like these set in Danbury, while living in Brewster N.Y. and was now living in Danbury, that he was waiting not to learn where in Danbury the man lived, and would let me know. I told him that I would meet him at the cor of Ives and White sts.
I called again upon Capt Keating and enquired regarding Washburn. He said that some time ago, they made a search for Washburn, but could not find him in the city, and that he had not yet been informed that Washburn was here, that he took no stock in the story regarding Washburn excepting the fact that the man had just served a sentence for arson from Brewster.
I returned to cor of Ives and White sts, and at 5.20 p.m. I met officer Dittma[r]. he told me that William Washburn was living now on West st second house from the corner of Williams and next to the residence of Sam Brewer. William Washburn lived on 2nd floor, that he was there now, that he had got his information from a brother-in-law of Washburns who had told him, that it would be a good thing to watch him.
I went to supper, and then to the vicinity of 65 Deerhill ave, the house which sets back a distance from the street was dark, no lights were burning in it, at the time.
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I waited there until 8p.m. but there being no indications of any person coming out of it during the evening. I again went to the vicinity of Ives st to watch for McCarty, but I could not find him. I did not see during the entire night, Hack, Stevens or Jenne.
The match that I found on stoop at Manions’s house, I have at only one place been able to find one like it, and that was at Dillons saloon. As I said in a previous report, I found one on the end of the bar at that place, that without doubt is the same make.
Identification by Parker or his daughter of the man seen by them, I am positive can never be got, as they say they cannot give any description of him, only as to the height, coat and hat, and that they would not know him even if they were placed face to face. No one has cause to doubt the story of Mr. Parker so far as I have been able to learn, nor question the honesty of Mr. Manion, that the attempt was made is evident by the oil marks, and match found on stoop.
Sunday Jan 25/91.
I did not leave my room until 11.20 a.m. today, as I am suffering with a heavy cold contracted one week ago last
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Saturday. I did not feel well enough to go out in such a storm as we have had today. I returned to my room at 1.30 where I remained the rest of the day.
Yours Res[ting]
Pinkerton Nat. Dect Agy
Robt. A. Pinkerton
Genl Supt Ediv.
[END REPORT]
Pinkerton Report - Jan 22-23, 1891
81/2 x 14"
1891-01-26
MS020 1/11
Jos. M. Ives Esq.
259 Main St.
Danbury, Conn.
Sir.
Our operative J. I. M.M. further reports,
Thursday Jan, 22.91
To-day in Danbury.
After breakfast I went to Wooster house to see if Howard Stevens was there as he had promised me to call last night. In passing Hurd’s saloon I saw Mr. Porter, we both went in. I saw Howard Stevens with his head down on a table in side room. As we came in, he looked up and seeing us come out, he came up to me and said, “I was drunk last night, and did not get in until late, so I could not see you, but I am not going out to my Mother’s to see her, and I will be right down to see you. I have a point I want to give you.” I told him I would go back to the hotel, inside of fifteen minutes and that I would wait for him. I then
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made some purchases in turn, after standing treat for Porten, Stevens, and Dan Lyons. I went to hotel, when I waited until 11:10 am. It was storming so hard at the time, that I did not think he would come but he did, and had about as much liquor as he could stand, and talk straight. He came to my room, and excused himself, for being away so long, saying that he was up the night before, and had to get some sleep. He commenced his talk by telling his conversations and fights with Meyers. I told him, that I did not want to hear anything about that, but that I wanted him to get right down to business, and let me know what he knew. He stated that we would be square with me, and tell me the truth. He then made a statement, but ran much of what he stated yesterday into it. I got him to speak of his friend Jennie, but I find later that the name is Edward D. Jenne and he is a wire worker, and lives at #35 Locust-ave. The record of Jenne while in “Patrol” in Chicago is worth looking into. Stevens remained with me until 12:35 pm when we went into the bar-room of hotel and had a drink, he then left at 1:45 pm. I went down town and went to Main St Bridge to see the raise in the water. I there met Morris Meyers. I enquired of him about Ed. Jenne, “Oh! He is all right”
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said Meyers, “do not let any one let you anything about him.” I did not like the way that Meyers [cornered] me, so I said no more.
I went to Will McPhelney’s saloon where I had an engagement to meet Patrick McCarty who saw the two suspicious men one week before the Reed and Beebe’s fire. McCarty has not in the past [come] a very good reputation, but Mr. McPhelney said what McCarty said could be relied upon. He tells a very straightforward story, and I give a great amount of confidence to it. The party (tall) that he speaks of is about the same description that both Stevens and Parker give. McCarty then made a Statement. I told McCarty that the best thing for him to do was to meet me at 7 om, and walk up and down the street, through Elm, Ives, Main, and White St’s, and see if we could see our man.
At 6:15 pm I returned to the hotel, had supper. I left the hotel and met Cap’t Keating He told me to meet him between 9 and 9:30 am tomorrow morning, and that the was positive that he could put me onto the “Grand St Man”, the one that tried to set the house of Mr. Manion on fire. He would not tell me first where the man lived, but that the man was considered and little crazy. I promised to be on hand, and 9 am, tomorrow.
I met Patrick McCarty at Wooster
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House, and walked the streets until 9 pm. we then visited Hurd’s saloon, McPhelney’s, Dillon’s, Bartley’s, Turrell’s, Dougherty’s, and Madden’s on Ives St. On White St we visited Gagahan’s, and on Elm Street we went into Lehey’s. At no saloon would McCarty drink any beer or liquor. He took cigars. He would not meet or see any person, he promises to keep up the search tomorrow, and report to McPhelney if he should see and such person.
At 9:30 pm, I discontinued leaving McCarty in fron of Hura’s Saloon.
Friday, Jan 23.91
At 9 am, I met Cap’t Keating in his office when I asked him if he had any news from his man. (meaning the one that he told me that he would inform me of this morning) He said, “You wait here, and I will go out and see.” He then left me in the station and went out and returned in three quarters of an hour. He told me that the man was in the house as he thought – drunk. I had to do a great deal of talking before I could get this man’s name, at last Cap’t Keating said it was James McNab, living on Deerhill ave, a worthless drunken bum. That he was the identical description given by me, as the one spoken of by McCarty, as the one going under Reed
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+Beebe’s steps one week before the fire, and answered descriptions small as it was of man seen by Mr. Parker.
I left the station and obtaining directory found that James McNab lived at 65 Deerhill ave, was a laborer. Deerhill ave is first back of Grand St and no 65 is not far out of a line from Manions House.
I called with Cap’t Keating on Mr. Parker again. He cannot give the faintest description that might lead to the identification of this man. He can onle say, that he was tall, and wore and long coat and derby hat, cannot even say if he was black or white, his young daughter who had a look at the man also cannot give any idea of him. Mr. Parker said he could not identify this man well if he was to see him again.
It is my opinion, is a clear case of “scare”, on the part of Mr. Parker. On last Monday night, and he did his best to scare the man away, Cap’t Keating is feeling quite sure, that the right man has been got at this time. Cap’t Keating will arrange it, that he will have Parker see this James McNab. On Saturday night he intends to have one of the residents of Deerhil[l] Ave that McNab does odd jobs for, take a note to McLeans dry goods store, and see
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if Parker can say it is the same man.
Cap’t Keating in answer to my questions regarding Jenne (not Jennie as was given by Howard Stevens) said he remembers him, his name is Edward D. Jenne, that he came to this city about 4 years ago selling a patent fire extinguisher, but now is working in a small shop back on Crosby lane, as a blacksmith. He lives out on Locust ave, is a man that gets drunk, quite often. While we were talking Morris Meyers came in and upon inquiry he said that Jenne was, he thought, a member of Hose No [7] Independent, that he did not know him very well, but that he would look up his record. As he remembers him, he was a very officious man at a fire, and one that liked to give a great many orders; further than this he does not know.
On returning to the Hotel I found dispatch from Agency, informing me of the fact that no such man as Jennie was ever connected with the “Patrol” in Chicago, just at this time I received an telephone from Mr. J.M. Ives asking me to call at his store at 3 pm for interview.
After dinner, I went out to Grand St where I made inquiry at all houses but could not find any that had seen any strange man about there nor
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could I find this stranger that Mr. Parker speaks of as coming through the street during the time that the late man was on the street.
Upon making inquiry regarding Manion, I find that Manion is very well thought of, is a hatter by trade. The double house No’s 60 and 601/2 is owned by his Father, Timothy Manion, a man in fair circumstances, living at No 19 Wooster St and is a very reputable man. So far as known neither of these men have and enemy in the world. A search had been made after Cap’t Keating and I had made the search on Monday for any bottles or such like vessel, that oil might have been carried in that Monday night, but no such article was found.
A Special Policeman had been put on in this section, with others to look out for any Strange Man.
I then took car to J.M. Ives store where I met Mr. Ives and Mr. Rundle and received further instructions.
After supper I went to the house of Heber Pettit of 601/2 Grand St. I had a talk with him, he stated that neither he, his wife, nor any of his family knew of the attempt made until at breakfast the next morning, when Mr. Manion came in and told them, saying he did not call him the night before, because he knew
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he was asleep, and that it would do no good at the time, as the man was gone. Mr. Pettit said he then went out on the front stoop, and saw where the oil was. He did not know as to the quantity, but saw that there must have been over a pint. It had soaked into the wood, and down the side of the stoop. Mr. Pettit said it could not have been done through any spite against him, as he was friends with everybody. He could not give any reason, except that it was set out of pure delight to see a fire.
The reputation of Mr. Parker is given by everybody as one of the very best. A strict member of Church, a man that would not see any such notice, as he has got the past four days. It is the opinion of the Mayor, Mr. Ives, Rundle, McPhelney, and by the Police that Parker was frightened so much by the sight of the man, that the memory is knocked all out of him. His story is believed by all. It would be of no use to have him go out to look up his man, for he is positive in his statement that he would not know him again, if he was brought face to face with the man that he saw that night. His daughter cannot give any descriptions of the man, not even as much as the father, but it is hoped
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by Cap’t Keating and myself that Parker can form some conclusion, when he gets a view of McNab.
At 8:30 pm, I met with McCarty at cor. of Main and Railroad, and went with him. I went through White, Ives, and Main St to pick up Jenne, or to see if McCarty could pick out the man that he has described. We visited a number of saloons, remaining in the same 10 or 15 minutes, but could not see either of the men.
At 11:15 pm I went out to the vicinity of No. 65 Deerhill accce, but I saw no light in the house. It is evident that Cap’t Keating is having the house shadowed, as I saw a man standing in shadow of a fence just across the street from the house. This man I do not know by name, but have always had the opinion that he was a special policeman
Yours Respect[fully]
Pinkerton Nat. Dect. Agy.
Robt. A. Pinkerton
Genl. Supt. Ediv.
[END REPORT]