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,
[page break]
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
[page break]
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.
[page break]
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
[page break]
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
[page break]
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”
[page break]
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
[page break]
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
[page break]
+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
[page break]
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
[page break]
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
[page break]
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
[page break]
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]
Pinkerton Report - Jan 23, 1891
81/2 x 14"
Jan 23, 1891
MS020 1/10
Chicago, Jan. 23d, 1891.
Joseph M. Ives Esq.
257 Main St.,
Danbury, Ct.
Dear Sir: --
The following you will please find report of Opt. P.L.G. whom I detailed to make investigations regarding the record of Edward Jennie who is alleged to have been employed at the Insurance Patrol on Monroe Street near La Salle, four or five years ago:
Thursday, Jan. 22nd, 1891.
Today in Chicago.
At 4:55 p.m. I left the agency and went to the Fire Insurance Patrol on Monroe near La Salle St. and saw Capt. O’Neil; of whom I inquired concerning Edward Jennie. In reply he said, “I have been in the service for eight years and in that time have not known of anyone by the name of Edward Jennie being employed here. However, you had better go up to the office and see the superintendent, as he possibly may remember of such a man being here prior to my time.”
I immediately went to the office and on making known my business to supt. Shepherd, he informed me that there had been no one of that name in the Insurance Patrol service for the last 15 years.
I then returned to the agency and reported.
Yours Respectfully,
Pinkertons Nat. Det. Agency,
by W. A. Pinkerton
Gen’l. Supt. West’n Div.
[END REPORT]
Pinkerton Report - Jan 16, 1891
81/2 x 14"
Jan 22, 1891
MS020 1/9
New York Jan 22, 91
Jos. M. Ives Esq.
257 Main St.
Danbury, Conn.
Sir,
Our operative J.T. McM. further reports.
Friday Jan 16, 91
Today in Danbury.
When Ellwood called at my room at 7:30 pm he was in a very uneasy frame of mind, at least he gave outside evidence of it, he could not keep still in his chair and kept hitching about. The color would come and go from his face, but generally very pale. To get him to feel at home I have him to understand that I had not heard his name mentioned in connection with the late fires and after that he acted better.
In all his talk he most plainly showed his bitter hatred of Morris Meyers. He evidently looks forward to the city disbanding the present department and he getting the “Chiefship.” He has an object
[page break]
in making Meyers appear as small and incapable as possible of management of fires. The total (almost) destruction of property as of late when it seemed almost needless has been to Ellwood a point that brings him so much nearer his cherished aim. In the story told by Meyers, and the story told by Ellwood, there are statements that clash – in such parts of the story as relates to the election of chief and their trouble. Meyers, I think, will be believed before Ellwood.
Can it be that Ellwood would go to such extreme ends to gain his point, as to be the author or instigator of these fires? I have just received the information that the Fire Dep’t has agreed to wait the one month to give the Council time to act on their request for larger salary.
Yours Resp’y,
Pinkertons Nat. Dect. Agy.
Robt. A. Pinkerton
Genl. Supt. E. Div.
[END REPORT]
Pinkerton Report - Jan 17-19, 1891
81/2 x 14"
Jan 21, 1891
MS020 1/8
New York Jan 21, 91
Jos. M. Ives, Esq.
257 Main St.
Danbury Conn.
Sir,
Our operative J.T. McM further reports.
Saturday Jan 17, 91
Today in Danbury.
I went to the Mayor’s office to learn the result of last night’s meeting of the Firemen on the question if they would accept the month asked by Fire Commissioners before which the question of a raise of salary could be settled. I did not see Mayor. I went to see Fire Commissioner McPhelemy at his place on White St. near Ives. I questioned him regarding the meeting and he said that the meeting had agreed to grant what the Firemen had requested. He had no doubt but that the salary would in that time be raised to a proper limit. I then had talk with him for over half an hour regarding information obtained
[page break]
and the probable result of the investigation. He said that it was true that there was a bitter feeling shown towards Mr. Meyers; he believes Mr. Meyers to be a man fully capable of performing his duties as Chief of Police. Before leaving Mr. McPhelemy’s place I had a glass of lager and cigar. I went to Police station to see Cap’t Keating to make an engagement to see a young man named Bert Cotrell that he said could give me some information. Cap’t Keating told me to be at the office at 2 pm and would meet me. It then being 12:30pm I went to the Hotel where I had dinner and changed my clothes, I having got quite wet during the storm in the morning. At 2 pm I returned to Cap’t Keating’s office and waited until 2:30 pm, but he did not come. I then went to telegraph office and sent message to Agency, stating “I cannot on account of engagement get away today, will leave tomorrow, answer.” I again went to Cap’t Keating’s office and met him, and then in company with him went to the residence of Bert Cotrell on River St. near White and Rundlet’s Shop. I met Mr. Cotrell, he is a young man about 20 years of age, quiet looking and lives with his parents who formerly lived on Ives St. next to Dillon’s place. He made a statement. He, in fact, knows nothing. I remained at the house with Cap’t Keating
[page break]
Until 5:15 pm when I left and went as far as Leley’s Saloon on Elm St near Main St.; here the Cap’t said I might get a spot on some of the men suspected. I went in and went to the bar where I had a cigar. At the time there was only the bartender and an old man in the place; none of them, the Cap’t said, were, but such as were known to be straight. I returned to Police Station with Cap’t who said he would go with me during the evening to Boliver Murry’s house on Main St. A man who was noticed going down Maple Ave. just before the fire at Reed and Beebe’s. I then returned to the Hotel, where I found the following telegram, “come in Monday with reports made out. Meyers statement is not full enough. See him at once. I want all he knows or suspects.”
After supper I went to Police station to meet Cap’t Keating, but did not find him. Not waiting for him, I went to New England R.R. depot. I made enquiry for Engineer or Fireman named Jennings. I could not find that there was any such person. I went to [Hura’s] Saloon where I met Porter and had a drink with him. I inquired if Stevens was in town. Porter said it had not yet been reported that he was, and that he did not think that he was. At 9:30 pm I returned to Hotel.
[page break]
Sunday Jan 18, 91
After breakfast I waited for Morris Meyers, I having requested him to come to the Hotel this morning. At 9:30 am Mr. Meyers came and remained with me until 12:20 pm. I told him I wanted him to tell me all he knew about the fires that had taken place and any suspicions, and the cause of such suspicions, with names and all circumstances.
He then made another statement; much of his time was taken up in repeating what he had previously told me. I had great trouble in getting out of him what he told me regarding Taylor and Reinheart; it struck me as if he was wanting to keep his suspicions regarding Taylor and Reinhart to himself and to work out that end. He also wished to impress me with the fact several times that he thought we had reached the end of the fires. Now that he had become friends with the Kohanza Social Club, he stated that the entire manner of the members had changed. I asked Mr. Meyers to have a bottle of Lager that I had in my room but he declined. I have seen him drink several times. After he left I went to dinner. At 2 pm, I met Cap’t Keating who came to the Hotel. He said this evening “I will bring you to a young man named Boliver Murry who lives just
[page break]
below the Hotel, and see if he can give us any information.” Cap’t said he had made enquiry of all that he could think of and had special watch put on some but he was still in the dark. I went to my room where I wrote out statement of Meyers. At 6pm went to supper. At 7pm I met Cap’t Keating and went to residence of Boliver Murry on Main St., a few houses from Hotel, on other side of street, but upon enquiry found that he was out. I then left with the Captain and after walking down for some time found Murry standing with several companions on South St. near Main. He is a young man about 28 years of age and what I should call a confirmed drinker. Upon questioning him he said that he had been drinking that evening and came to Osborns fire long after it had started and was standing at New England House when the fire started at Green and Beebe’s and he with the crowd ran down to it. Here at this fire he worked in laying hose. He did not know who could have done it, knows that he was not around there that night previous to the fire. I saw it was no use to spend time with this man, so leaving the Cap’t I went to Police station where I met Serg’t Waggoner. I questioned him regarding young Taylor and Reinhart. He said they both were perfect devils and would
[page break]
not hesitate to do anything no matter what it is. Both were hard drinkers, and both had hard names. Taylor lived on Balmforth Ave and Reinhart on White St. somewhere near No. 79.
Waggoner said he would not be surprised to learn that either or both of them were engaged in the business, but that he would stick to his first opinion and that was that Howard Stevens knew who it was that was engaged in the business and that John H. Ellwood could, if he wished, put his finger in the man. He would still continue to keep trace of Stevens and Ellwood until he was positive that he was wrong, yet he firmly delivers that he was right and as I had spoken of Taylor’s name he would also keep good watch of him.
Waggoner had questioned and made enquiries of Lobdell and Hack and had found that they knew nothing and that it was time wasted to spend talking with them.
“This Department has done,” said Waggoner, “all that it possibly can to get at the bottom of this affair. We have got friends on the inside of crowd at Engine at Social Club, who report to us every move made. Yet we fail to get anything on which to base any suspicion that will
[page break]
hold. Stevens is an inveterate liar and I do not think can tell the truth, yet he is cunning.
Monday Jan 19, 91
After Breakfast, I called at Mr. Ives store, then took the 9:05am train for New York, arriving at 11:25am. Reported at Agency, and received further instructions from Asst. Supt. Loader.
At 4:01pm, left New York arriving at Danbury, Conn. At 5:55pm and went to Turner House.
At 7:45pm I had telephone from Police Station. I went out and met Sergt Waggoner and he asked me to get into sleigh. He told me that a house had been robbed, Lady assaulted, bucked and gagged, and man got away. I did not go with the Serg’t as this was out of my line, but returned to Hotel. I did not make any inquiry tonight wishing to start in early tomorrow morning.
At 12pm I got telephone from station that an attempt had been made to fire Mr. Marrion’s house on Grand St. but was unsuccessful, that a special man had been put out there to watch the house. Also that Howard Stevens was in town tonight. It was too late to go out to make investigation, and too dark to accomplish anything.
Yours Resp
Pinkertons Nat. Det. Agy.
Robert A. Pinkerton
Exec. Sup. [Ensi.]
[END REPORT]
Pinkerton Report - Jan 16, 1891
81/2 x 14"
1891-01-19
MS020 1/7
New York Jany 19, 91
Jos. M. Ives Esq
257 Main Street
Danbury, Conn.
Sir,
Our Operative J.T. McM further reports.
Friday Jany 16, 91
Today in Danbury,
At 9 am I went to the office of the Cap’t of Police Michael Keating. I had to wait some time so that I could have an uninterrupted talk with him but as soon as he was finished his talk, he had locked the door to his office. I told him I wanted a statement from him regarding the fire, what suspicion he had, and what he knew personally, regarding the reputation of the individual members of the present Fire Dept and those of the Kohanza Social Club.
I remained with Cap’t Keating until 11:50 am, when I went to the Hotel. First agreeing to meet Cap’t Keating at 2 pm as he said he wanted to take and show
[page break]
me several portions of the fire district and to explain his idea of the fire. I returned to Turner House to dinner, after which I made out statement of Cap’t Keating up to time that I left him.
At 2 pm, I returned to Police station, and met Serg’t Waggoner who introduced me to a lawyer, who chanced to be sitting in the Cap’t’s office, but introduced me under some other name than my own. After the man had left, I told the Serg’t that it was foolish to introduce under any other name than my own, for if the Cap’t had come in and called me McManus thus it would show me up in a very poor light. Serg’t Waggoner seemed surprised to know that I had met the Captain, and acted as if he did not like it.
The real fact of the matter is, in all the departments so far as I have been brought in contact with them a petty jealousy exists, each member of the various departments wants to be the real one, in the Poilce and Fire department. This spirit is a self-evident fact, that I think the special committee in charge of this matter have by this time fully realized. I questioned Waggoner as to what the result would be of tonights meeting of the members of the Fire dept. in connection with their resignations. Waggoner said he did not know, but hoped that they
[page break]
would stay a month longer. I suggested that the best course for the city to do would be to accept the entire batch of resignations, re-organize the entire force on a different basis, throw out al objectionable persons, take in only those that are known to be reliable men irrespective of party, put them under living wages, under rules to be lived up to, have the Engine house for the sole use of Firemen, and not an annex for Dillon’s, Madden’s, Dougherty’s, Terrell’s, and Bartley’s saloons. If good men can be found in the Kohanza Social Club, take them. That a department could be had that might be an ornament to the city, and that old feeling of hatred would be wiped out that has and is now existing between the Kohanza Club and the Fire Dept. Waggoner did not say that he fully agreed with me on that subject, he wanted to know what the Cap’t had told me, but I threw him off, and told him that I got no information from the Cap’t.
At 2:30 pm, the Cap’t returned and with him I went out. He wanted to point out different places. We left and went out West to Deerhill Ave, to River St. At the corner Cap’t Keating pointed out to me a man going out Elm St; he said his name was Dan McCreedy who I am positive I recognized as a man that worked in Shop No. 5 at Conn State Prison
[page break]
some six or eight years ago. What his crime was now I am not positive of. Captain Keating told me that this man had been mentioned as a possible “fire bug.” I noticed that McCreedy, after I had passed, got behind a fence to watch me. Cap’t Keating and I continued over to the site of Green + Beebe Shop and looked at ruins, and Cap’t pointed out spot that the fire was set. If the Cap’t is right the person evidently came to shop from and left by railroad as places were fired not from Maple Ave. side but from the R.R. side. From there we went to Osborn Yard and went through that place. I got no further additional information; we continued through back of the building on Main St. in Fire district and back to the office where we arrived at 5 pm where I met Officer Bradley and got statement from him.
At 5:15 pm I left office with Officer Bradley and went to Mead’s saloon next to Wooster House where we had two drinks of hot whiskey and cigars. I went to the house of John Ellwood but did not find him. I returned to Wooster House where I sent a note to Ellwood by telegraph asking him to meet me at my room, No. 55 Turner House, this evening between 7 + 8pm. I returned to Hotel and after supper went to my room. At 7:30pm John H. Ellwood came to my room and I received him.
[page break]
I told him I wanted to make some enquiry of him regarding the late fires and fire department. He said he was willing to give them. I then ordered 2 bottles of Lager to be brought to my room. I was not struck with his appearance while he was in my room. He appeared ill at ease and was quite pale when talking until I got him talking about Morris Meyers. He then got quite flushed and seemed excited; he all the time spoke in a very slow manner seeming to weigh his words; he made a statement; he remained with me until 9:40 pm. When I had got enough, we went down stairs where I ordered 2 more bottles of lager. After he left, it was too late for me to go down town, so I called up by telephone the Police Station to find out what action the Firemen had taken tonight at their meeting. I could not get telephone to work, but in 20 minutes Serg’t Waggoner came to Hotel to see me. He said he had not got any word from the meeting as to how they had acted. He said that Ellwood had come into station just before he came to see me and said that some Gentleman at the Turner House wanted to see him, but he did not know what for. He further said that Ellwood was in some trouble of some kind, for just after he (Ellwood) left the office two women
[page break]
came in very much excited and inquired for Ellwood, not finding him. After they had left a man (the husband of one of the women) came in and inquired for Ellwood. He was quite mad and excited and wanted to see Ellwood. Not finding him he left vowing vengeance on Ellwood. I questioned Waggoner as to who he would believe, Ellwood or Meyers, he said Ellwood. He and I remained in parlor and had bottle of lager and a cigar until 10:50 pm, when he left and I went to my room.
Yours Resp’y
Pinkertons Nat Det Agy
Robert A. Pinkerton
Genl Supr [Exec]
[END REPORT]
Pinkerton Report - Jan 15, 1891
81/2 x 14"
1891-01-17
MS020 1/6
New York Jan. 17.91.
Jos. M. Ives. Esq.
259 Main St.
Danbury. Conn.
Sir.
Our operative J.I.McM. further reports.
Thursday Jan 15, 1891
To-day in Danbury
After breakfast, I called at the office of Mayor Hopkins, but did not find him, he not having yet arrived. I wanted to see him before I called on Morris Meyers Chief of the Fire Dep’t. It was 9.45am when I met Mayor Hopkins. I told him that I desired that he fix it with Mr. Meyers so that Meyers would have no hesitation ingiving me a plan straightforward statement as regard the members of the Fire Dep’t and to any trouble or feeling that there may be in connection with the present salary received. The Mayor then in reference to Stevens said that Steves late yesterday made some very violent
[page break]
threats against Mr. Meyers, and the Dep’t to a Mr. V.E. Barnum of 404 Main St the Mayor is of the opinion that Stevens is insane on this subject and gave various reasons for thinking so. I then went with the Mayor to meet Cap’t Keating to arrange for a talk with him, the Cap’t. was not in his office at the time but we saw Mr. Meyers out on the street and the mayor called him in. I was introduced to Mr. Meyers and made arrangements to meet him at the Turner House at 1:30 p.m. today. The mayor brought in Cap’t. Keating of the Police Dep’t. and introduced him to me. He said he would at any time during the day give me any information in his power. He left and returned to his office. I went to store of J.M. Ives where I got a small map of the city that will serve for the purpose of showing location of fires. I returned to the hotel to be ready to meet Mr. Meyers after diner. At 3 p.m. Mr. Meyers came, his delay being caused by a slight fire on Liberty St. caused by a servant girl smoking a pipe. I told Mr. Meyers I wanted him to give me full and impartial account of the fire dep’t and also of its troubles and its individual members, also any suspicions that he might have as to the authorship to the origin of the late fires. I took his statement up ‘till 5 p.m. when he had
[page break]
to discontinue to go to the Engine House, but will continue at any time that I wish him to do so. I left the Hotel with him and walked up town with him where I learned that the Engine on going to fire at noon overturned at the cor. of White and Ives St.s and was badly damaged and the driver hurt. I went as far as post office and then returned to Hotel and had supper. I met Mayor Hopkins; he has great confidence in Morris Meyers’ word and places great weight in what he says.
I was informed by Granville Holmes tonight that there was a report that he cannot place. That there was an attempt last night to fire some houses on Ives Court, but he could not get any confirmation to the rumor.
Yours Resp’y,
Pinkertons Nat. Dect. Agy.
Robt. A Pinkerton Genl. Supt. E. Div.
[END REPORT]