Pinkerton Report - Jan 20 1891
10pgs, 81/2" x 14"
McM investigates Manion fire attempt.
1891-01-24
MS020 1/10
New York Jan 24, 91.
Jos. M. Ives Esq.
257 Main St.
Danbury, Conn.
Sir.
Our Operative J. T. McM. further reports.
Tuesday Jan 20, 91.
Today in Danbury.
After breakfast I went to the Police station to get any facts regarding the attempt to set fire to Mr. Mannion’s house on Grand St. last night. I saw the Capt. of Police. He told me that it was a fact the attempt was made. I went to the house of James A. Mannion at No. #60 Grand St. It is a two story, double wood house, newly built, standing in some distance from the street and at quite an elevation above the roadway, one doorway of the house is numbered 60 and the other 60 ½ – on the stoop to #60 ½, I saw at once that oil had been spilt in such a quantity that it had run down the steps and over the side. Over the stoop is lattice work; this also
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was covered with oil, and spots on side of house under bay window showed traces where it looked as if the oil had spattered up against the side. I rubbed my hand on the place on the stoop where oil was, and saw that it was kerosene oil, in my opinion at least a quart (perhaps more) had been spilled; who ever did it spilled the oil on stoop close to building and under doorway. I looked over the stoop and along the side and found a match almost consumed, only having about ¼ of an inch. I took this remaining part of the match. I rang the bell of 60 ½ and Lady came to the door. I learned that Heber Pettit, a hatter, lives here. I asked the Lady regarding the attempt to set fire to the house, and she at once referred me to Mrs. Mannion at No. 60. I then called at No. 60 and saw Mrs. Mannion and going into sitting room she said, “About 11 o’clock last night, myself and husband were in bed asleep, I was awakened by some one calling my husband from the outs. I opened the window and saw that it was Mr. Parker who lives next door. He asked if Jim, my husband, was in, I said he was and asleep. He said, send him down at once. I called Jim and he dressed and went down there. He found quite a quantity of oil on the stoop of No. 60 ½ and was told by Mr. Parker
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how he had seen a man attempting to set fire to the stoop. My husband went at once to the police station and informed the police and a “Special” was sent out here. Mr. Parker, at McLeans dry goods store can give you the full particulars. All we know is what we have been told”. I returned up town, and saw the Mayor regarding this last attempt. The Mayor was quite sure that the fire bug was at work again. I went to McLean’s dry goods store at 221 Main St. and met Mr. James A. Parker. He is a middle aged man, trim grey hair and beard, and has the best of reputations in town. He lives on the north west cor. of Grand and Whittock Sts. and the first house south of Mr. Mannion’s house; he said,
“I returned home last night at about 10 p.m. Saw no person about the house that acted in any manner suspicious. At about 10:30 I had occasion to take some ashes out into the yard and noticed a tall man with long overcoat walking slowly past Mr. Mannion’s house. I did not pay any attention to him at that time and returned to the house. Not long after that I had occasion to go out to closet in yard, and saw that the man was still there. I sat in closet in yard and noticed the man was walking up and down the street. He would stop and
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look up at house, first at mine, and then at Mr. Mannion’s. As a stranger coming up Grand from Wooster, came into sight, the man I had noticed ran to the other side of the street and kept out of sight until he passed, he then came back on to our side of the street. There are two steps leading from roadway to street walk, then several steps from walk up to Mr. Mannion’s yard. I saw the man first sit down on steps from roadway. He remained here a short time, he then sat on steps leading to yard, he then sneaked up to stoop steps. By this time I had returned into house and was watching man from my bay window. The shadow therein by the electric light prevents me from seeing what the man was doing, but I could make out that he was doing some thing. While watching him I saw a faint light as if made by a match. The light went out, then again came another flash. It was held close to the stoop. I ran to my door, and no doubt the noise made by closing the door frightened the man, for he jumped up and ran away very fast down Grand to Wooster. I called out to him, “Hi there, what are you doing?” I could see the man run to Wooster St. It was such a bright moon light night, I ran at once to Mr. Mannion’s house, got him up and went to stoop. Then Mr. Mannion took up
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in his hand (scooped) kerosene oil, where was quite a quantity of it, I should think at least a gallon. We went at once to police station and gave the alarm. Strange as it may seem I cannot give any description of this man. I was watching him from about 10 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.; this was about the time that he ran away. I can only say that he was tall, about 5ft 9 and wore a long coat and derby hat. I cannot say if he was black or white, nor if he had any beard or not. I was not at any time less than seventy five feet to him. It never occurred to me that he perhaps might be about to attempt to burn the building, not until I saw him light the match. I now see that I did wrong to make any noise to attract his attention. I thought that perhaps he might be watching for some person.”
I then went down street as far as Wooster House, where I met “Special officer” Goodell. I went with him to private room over Huras’ saloon, and had a talk with him. He has been special on Stevens for some time and feels convinced that Stevens has had nothing to do with the late fires and he does not think that of all the suspects we have not yet struck the right person. He has been looking for the man seen by Mr. Parker last night. I had
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lager and cigar with Mr. Goddell and it now being noon, I returned to hotel for dinner. After dinner I went to Morris Meyer’s store to see if he had any information regarding last night’s attempt; he had none other than what I had. Stevens was in town last night, he said. I then went to McPheleney’s saloon on White Street, spoke to him about attempt. He told me to come in at 6 p.m. and he would give me a man that he thinks has run across this strange man seen by Mr. Parker and he thinks it is the same man that was seen by persons to go under Greene & Beebe’s shop a few nights before that place burned.
I went out and visited all the different saloons, such as might be visited by the “fire bug” and in each place I looked at the matches to see if they corresponded in shape to the remains of the one I found at #60 Grand St. At only one place did I find such a match, and that was at Dillen’s on Ives St. The match I found was grooved down the side. At Dillen’s I saw several such matches lying in end of bar near door. I looked at one and put it in my pocket and have it now saved up with
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the burnt match from Grand St.. At none of the saloons did I see Hack or Lobdell. It now being 5:45 p.m., I went to McPhelney’s saloon and was told by him that the man he spoke of had been in and had gone away and would be back on Wednesday night, and left word that he would meet me and by that time he could tell me more about the man with the long overcoat.
After supper I left hotel in company with Officer Bradley; we went through lower section of the city, went into such saloons as we came to, went up side streets but at no place could we find any man to answer the description given by Mr. Parker. At same saloons we visited I treated Officer Bradley to cigars. Tomorrow I will start early to drive out to Stevens’ house as I want to get rid of him. I would have gone there today only for the attempted fire last night.
I made inquiry last night regarding the reputation of Mr. Mannion and if malice might not be the object of the attempt, but I was told that Mr. Mannion was not known to have any enemies and had a good reputation.
Wednesday Jan 21, 91.
After breakfast I went to livery stable of Platt Osborn on Main St. where I engaged
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carriage to drive out to Taunton Lake to interview Howard Stevens. At 9 a.m. I left the hotel in company with Officer David Bradley. At 11 a.m. we arrived in sight of Howard Stevens’ house which is at the foot of a steep hill leading from Newtown road and on the banks of Taunton Lake. I left Officer Bradley at top of hill and I drove to the house alone. At the door I was met by Mrs. Howard Stevens who told me that Howard was out on the lake fishing. I told her I would like to see him. She then went to the rear of the house and called out loud to Howard who I could see about midway out on the ice; in about 5 minutes he came in and came to the sleigh where I was sitting. I told him I wanted to get some information from him regarding the Fire Dept. He invited me into the house. I put my horse and sleigh under the shed and went into the house. He introduced me to his wife who was just going out to drive. The house was very comfortably furnished. A large photo of Howard with uniform of Chief hangs on the wall of sitting room, and also a large photo of Chiefs of different sections of the country. Howard at once brought out some whiskey and invited me to drink. I drank with him. I then told him that I wanted him to give me
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his opinion of the origin of the late fires. He then made a statement, the greater part of his statement I paid no attention to as it related to his hatred for Meyers and how he will punch Meyers when ever he gets the chance. How to take his statement as regards Hack, I do not know If much weight can be given to it or not; he seems to be very positive as to what he says about him. At 1:30 p.m. I left Stevens’ house and met Bradley up the road. We returned to Danbury arriving there at 3:10 p.m., returned to stable where I paid $3.00 for use of sleigh. I went to Meads where I had lunch not having been able to get any thing to eat on the road. At 4 p.m. I returned to hotel where I waited until 8:30 p.m. for Stevens but he did not come. Thinking perhaps he might not have come in, I walked down town, and as I reached R.R. St. I saw Officer Goodell standing in front of Doods place. I felt certain that Stevens was in the saloon. I went in, saw Stevens with a large number of men among them was Granvill Holmes. Stevens was drinking. I went at once and was followed by Holmes. On the outside Holmes said to me, “Stevens has met Hack and there may be the devil to pay tonight. Keep a watch and follow us if we go out”. I did not return
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into saloon, as I did not want Stevens to talk to me in there. I then went as far as Wooster House, and saw that there were two shadows on Stevens besides Sargt. Waggoner; Granville Holmes and a young man named Dan; up till 10:30 they were still in the saloon and I discontinued.
Yours Respect[fully],
Pinkerton Nat. Dect. Agy.
Robt. A. Pinkerton
Genl. Supt. E. Div.
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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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]
Pinkerton Report, Jan 10, 1891
81/2 x 14"
1891-01-16
MS020 1/5
New York Jan, 16.91
Jos. M. Ives Esq.
259 Main St
Danbury, Conn.
Sir,
Our operative J.I.McM further reports.
Saturday, Jan 10.91
To-day in Danbury,
At 8:30 am, I arose and after breakfast I called on Mr. Ives and received further instructions. I went to the store of Hull and Porter on Main St. I saw Mr. Porter, he gave me a list of the late fires prepared by Sg’t Waggonre of Police Dep’t. They are as follows
#60. Nov. 16.90. Foster Bros. Shop Lumber Yard and Tenement house time 2.30 am
#61. Nov. 30.90. Dwilling House #69 West Wooster St. time 2.40 am
#62. Dec. 1.90. H.R.R. Engine House oil waste found. time 12.27 am
#64, Dec. 6.90. [Tomatson Bros.] Barn, Morris St. time 12.53 am
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#66. Dec. 20.90 Osborn Bros. Lumber Yard and part of H.R.R. freight house time 10pm
#67. Dec. 21.90 Green and Beebe’s Box Shop
[Chas] ReedsMachine Shop
Ges. Barmount Dwelling oil waste found time 1.37 am
#68. Dec. 23.90. Lyon’s Barn and out-house time 2. Am
The above are all the recent fires and the fires that are to be investigated at the present time, it was now Mr. Porters wish that I get “spot” on the man. Hack, Lovdell and Stevens. I asked Mr. Porter if he could send for Sherwood on White St as I wanted to interview him, and wanted to do it undercover. Mr. Porter then sent for Mr. Sherwood. We went into a rear room and he made the following statement.
“I keep a Fish Market at #81 White St and about two hundred feet from where the fire started in Osborn’s Lumber Yard on the night of Dec. 20 as near as I can judge it was about 10 pm or a little after that. I was standing in the doorway of my store when I saw the flames burst up from a pile of lumber in lumber yard. I called to my man by name of [Hens] and said “look some place is on fire over there.” I then ran towards the fire and at the teo telegraph poles at the cor. of White and Canal St. I met and saw Howard Stevens. I recognized him and said “Hello”. He (Stevens) said
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“well they will have me down for this fire I suppose.” He was not standing but was walking away from the fire. He did not appear to be in a hurry and spoke in a natural manner. This was before the alarm was sounded and before any one by myself was running to the fire. The moment I saw him it flashed upon my mind that the talk about Howard Steven being generally supposed to be the fire bug, and I wondered that he should be walking away from the fire when I should think that a person would be going to the fire, at the time it was burning up quite brightly, where Stevens went I do not know. I did not see him again that night. I am not mistaken in my identity of this man Howard Stevens. I know him personally and have known him for years and any willing to swear to my identity of the man and the fact of my seeing him, time, circumstances and place.
“An Engineer on New England R.R. who had just come in from a run claims to have seen a man going down the track with oil waste in his hand in the direction of Reeds shop just before the Reed fire. I do not know this man’s name (Engineer) but I can find out by Monday morning and let you know. Where I first noticed Stevens was about 40 feet away from where fire first broke out in Osborn’s Lumber Yard. I will see you on Monday and give you
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name of Engineer who claims to have seen man go down track with oil waste in hand.”
It now being 12.20 pm, I went to dinner after which I remained to meet Mr. Porter he was to drive me out to a point where he thought I could meet Hack. At 1.30 pm I left with Mr. Porter, but kept up search for Hack until 3 pm, but could not find any-thing of Hack. I returned to Porters store where I met Mr. Lyons; his barn was burned on the night of Dec. 23. Mr. Lyons is Sec’y and Treas. of the Danbury Fan Company and lives on Park Ave. He makes the following Statement.
At 2 am on the morning of Dec. 23rd 1890 my wife who awoke from a sound sleep looked out the window and looked out the window and saw that the Cow barns some distance away from the house were on fire. She awoke me, I at once called my hired man who sleeps up stairs. My man ran out to the barns first and I followed. The first thing the man did was to let out the two cows. He and I then got out the nine horses and their harness and carriages. My barn is built on the side of a small hill that bring the front of barn on level with the ground, while at the rear leaves an open space but is enclosed by sliding door. In this space is manure and dry leaves that I mix in with the manure. A trap door in barn floor opens directly into this manure pit. The manure in the pit was soft and
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not frozen as it was in the barn yard. I saw at once on going to the barn that the fire had consumed and was burning directly in this manure pit, and directly under the trap door, my man had no sooner got out the cows that the entire cow barn was engulfed in flames and impossible for anyone to enter. While I was engaged in getting gout the harness, I saw two men coming up the yard walk and just before they got to the barn they both commenced to yell out “fire”. Who these men were I do not know; they both began to act as if helping me but insisted on putting harness into wagon would throw them on the floor. I told them if they did not stop I would break their “damned heads”. I did not like their looks and was at once suspicious of them; up to this time there was no one there but myself, my man and these two strangers; by this time the neighbors and Engineers had arrived and with their help we pulled down the cart shed which was between the Cow barn and horse barn and so saved the horse barn. After the fire was under control I went to the house and got four bottles of whiskey for the firemen when a man named Jennigs said to me “it was lucky that Davis got here in time to save your cows, and in doing so got his clothes covered with cow manure.” Now as a matter of fact, hired man took the cows the first thing
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he did on discovery of fire and barely had time to do that, the flames spread so rapidly. My man and this this man Jennings said that Davis’ clothes one side were covered with cow manure, and he and his companion did not show up until after cows, horses and carriages had been saved. Jennings also said he overheard one of the men say when Serg’t Waggoner came to the fire “There is Waggoner; let us get out”, they both then left and Davis has not been seen since. I was informed that these men were, one a man known as Whiskey Davis and the other Archie Lake. Lake, I understand, is still in Danbury, but just where Davis is I do not know. The last person to enter barn before the fire was my hired man and that was between 7 and 8 pm.
I could detect the smell of whiskey on these two men but they were not intoxicated”. It now being 5.15pm I returned to Hotel and after supper I went to Councilman McPhelemy’s saloon, where I had a walk with him in company with [Granville] Holmes. McPhelemy was to let me know if Lobdell was about town tonight and was [is now] at 8 pm. I went to Wooster House and met Mr. Porter by appointment, he told me that Lobdell was at that time in Meyer’s cigar store near R.R. depot on Main St, I went to Meyer’s cigar store
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and form description picked up Lobdell; he was in conversation with Meyer’s. I remained in long enough to get a good spot on him, and I then came out and met Holmes and Porter; they introduced me to a young man named Burke connected with the Opera House. They asked me to go with Burke and visit the saloons and Burke would give me “spot” on such of the gang could be formed, Stevens in particular, as he was in town. Nothing would be suspicious by going around with Burke for then it would be thought that I was connected with some troupe in company with Burke. I visited Hurd’s saloon and Wooster House and then going to Ives St went to Madden’s , Dougherty’s, Dillen’s, Bertley’s and Terrell’s saloons the going to White Street visited McPhelemy’s and Gagahagen’s, back to Wooster House and Hurd’s saloon; not finding any of them went to Terell’s on Ives St where I saw Stevens sitting at saloon stove. He remained in here a short while when he went out, first taking a drink at bar. He went then into Bartley’s. Here he met a man about 48 years of age, full black beard, he stood at the bar with him until 11.15 pm. I stood at the bar next to him talking show business with Burke and trying to overhear conversation of Steven’s. I could catch the word “fire” once in a while but could not make out any connected conversation
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there being so much noise in the saloon at 11.15 pm. he left the saloon and I also did a few moments later, the moment I got on the street I detected that a “shadow” was on Stevens and was giving him a very close one. I saw Stevens go to cor. of Ives and White St where he was hailed by Serg’t Waggoner. I kept right on and went to Wooster House.
I learned from Mr. Booth, Prop. Wooster House, that on the night of the Lyon’s fire Whiskey Davis and Charlie Lake were put out of the hotel at 12.20 am; they were intoxicated at the time. Stevens was also at Hotel that night and went to bed at about 12 midnight. Do[es] not remember of seeing Davis or Lake that night in conversation with Stevens.
Your [Respectfully]
Pinkerton Nat. Dect. Agy.
Robt. A Pinkerton
Genr. Supr. Ediv.
[END REPORT]
Pinkerton Report - Jan 13-14, 1891 - typed transcription
81/2" x 14"
Jan 13, 1891
MS020 1/3
Jos. M. Ives, Esq.,
257 Main Street, Danbury, Conn.,
Sir:
Our Operative J.T. McM. Further reports as follows, relative to the fires in Danbury, Conn.:
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 1891.
“To-day in Danbury. After breakfast, I started out to call at the office of Osborn Bros., lumber dealers. On the way to the yard, I met Granville Holmes, who suggested that and inquiry be made regarding “Whiskey Davis”. We both, then, made inquiry at different places and at last learned from policeman Bradley that Davis was in town on Saturday night but has not been seen since. Bradley said he would learn to-day, if possible, whether he had left, or was still in the city.
I called at the office of Osborn Brothers, on White Street, near the scene of the late fire. I met Mr. Chester C. Osborn, one of the members of the firm. I explained my business to him and he at once took me into the yard and showed me the grounds and site of the burned buildings. After examining the grounds, we returned to the office and Mr. Osborn made the following statement:
“The fire took place on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 20, 1890, at about 10:30 pm. Just who discovered it, I do not know, but heard it was discovered by a man who happened to be passing at the time.
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Dr. Rider, a dentist on Main Street, was on of the first to get here. He was walking through White Street. The buildings that were destroyed were the regulation lumber sheds, open in front with slanting roof, a platform running the entire length of each, half way up, so that lumber could be put away. A bridge across from the platforms, at both ends enabled a man to go from each shed without going on the ground. The buildings were two stories high, running north and south. Dr. Rider said that when he reached there he saw a distinct fire, like a barn fire, at the north end of the upper story and a train of fire from there to the bridge at the south end of shed, to another spot of fire like a barn fire, the train of fire continuing around the bridge to the west shed, to another large blaze, which to Dr. Rider looked like a blaze from oil. We have not employed any night watchmen for some time. We did not employ one when so many fires took place, two years ago. I have my own opinion as to who can be the originator of these fires and that is Stevens, Hack and a man named Horatio Brown. In regard to Carlton Hack, at the time of the Anderson fire in Ives’ court, Fred Olmstead saw a man running away and he said he was positive it was Carlton Hack. Freight Agent Burr, of the Housatonic R.R., will tell you of three men he saw standing in front of the yard and talking about the sheds. There is a very singular incident connected with the fires and that is, that a man named John Ray was here about two years ago, during the time of the fires and he was suspected of them, but left the city and went to Norwalk, where fires at once became frequent. I understand that he is back here not, but cannot get any definite information as to whether he is or not. Hack is
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in this city and has a lame foot, which he claims is burned. The loss to us, is, as near as we can judge, about $28,000. It is evident that a crude oil was used, for it was seen on the ground, in the gangway between the sheds. This oil was evidently obtained from an oil car, which stood at the further end of the yard. That it was a deliberate act to destroy my property, I have not the slightest doubt.”
At the close of the interview, it was 12:15p.m. and I returned to the hotel, first meeting Mr. Holmes at Dow’s saloon.
At 1:45 p.m. I called on Dr. Rider, dentist on Main Street and made inquiry of him regarding the fire at Osborne Bros. He said:
“At about 10 p.m. on that evening I heard the alarm of ire sounded. I was on White Street near the Wooster House. I ran down to the yard of Osborne Brothers. There were quite a number in the yard when I reached there. I saw a large fire at the north end of shed, in the second story and a trail of fire to the south end of shed, to another large fire over the south bridge, to a large fire in the south end of west shed. It was my opinion that the trail of fire was caused by oil but I could not smell any oil. I helped save the books and papers in the office. I cannot recall any persons I saw that night at the fire. I did not see Stevens that night. It is my opinion that the fire was set. I took particular notice of the trail of fire from one end to the other.” As this was all the information I could obtain from Rider, I called on freight agent Burr. He was busy and could not see me until 4 p.m. At the latter time I again called on him and he made the following statement regarding the fire:
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“I have been employed here only since November, 1890. I think it was two days before the fire, and some time in the afternoon, that I left my office to go up White Street. As I left the yard, I saw three men standing on the side walk, facing the gangway between the two sheds. The best description I ca[n] give of them is as follows:
No. 1 – About 35 years of age, 5 ft. 10 ins., stout build, dark complexion and dark mustache, wore derby hat and kind of gray over coat, a little stoop shouldered.
No. 2 – About 40 years of age, the same height as No. 1, slim build and mustache slightly gray, wore dark suit and hat.
No. 3 – About 25 years of age, wore dark suit, had no beard. I cannot give any real description of this man. The first man I could identify were I to see him again, but I do not think that I could identify the others. They were in earnest conversation and the stout man was pointing toward the east shed and as I passed, I heard him say, “Right there (pointing) and there.” I at first thought that something was the matter in the yard so I glanced through the gangway and then passed on, as I saw nothing. I did not go to the fire, in fact, I did not know of it until Sunday morning. On Sunday afternoon when reviewing the matter, the memory of those three men recurred to my mind and I told Mr. Osborne of it. IO am unacqua[i]nted in Danbury and these three men were strangers to me but I am sure I could pick out the stout man were I to see him again.” Mr. Burr and I then went out into the yard and going to the rear end, he showed me where the oil car stood. It was at the end of the lumber yard. It was received on Dec. 4th and taken away on Dec. 24th. Mr. Burr said that he would at
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any time in the evening visit the different places in the city, to see if he could pick out his man with me. Mr. Burr lives at 144 Main Street. The description given of the first man is a duplicate of that of Howard Stevens, the second is part of that of Lobdell and the third is uncertain.
I called again on Mr. Osborne and he said that on Friday evening before the fire, he saw Capt. Keating going through the yard several times. Finally, he came to the office and asked, “Do you keep a night watchman?” Mr. Osborne said, “I was surprised at that as he knew we did not keep one and I told him “No.” He then paid a little bill that he owed and left. On the Monday after the fire, I met Capt. Keating on the street and he asked, “Do you remember what I asked you?” This has ever since kept me thinking. The first time that I saw Hack since the fire, was on Jan 10th, near the Wooster House. He acted as if he did not want to see me and kept looking away from me.”
I remained with Mr. Osborne until 5:10 p.m. when I went to the Wooster House and saw Mr. Holmes and went with him to Dowd’s saloon, where he entered the private room and had several drinks. He said that he and the committee wanted me to be at the special session of the Councilmen to-night at 8 o’clock, as all the members of the fire department had sent in their resignations and they were to be acted upon and without doubt there would be many of the firemen present and they wanted to designate some of them to me, also, that it would be a good night for a fire and Stevens would no doubt be in. I remained with Mr. Holmes until 5:55 p.m., when I went to the hotel and had supper.
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At 7:30 pm. I was at the City Hall, where I met Mayor Hopkins, Councilman McPhelemy, Mr. Holmes and the fire commissioners, also the special committee on the late fires. At 8 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Mayor Hopkins. The object of the meeting was to act on the resignation of the entire fire department, with the exception of two members. It seems that the Councilmen had granted an increase of pay to the members some time ago but the Aldermen could not concur with the lower body, thus killing the act of the Councilmen. The men asked for a uniform salary of $200 for bunkers and $75 for call men per year. There appeared to be a divided feeling as to how to act. Some desired to accept the resignations and to reconstruct the entire department, while others thought to grant the request. After considerable discussion it was voted to ask the members of the department to continue for one month longer and then give the Alderman and Councilmen a chance to act on the question and arrive at some kind of a conclusion. The call men now get $25.00 per year, or as they term it, $.07 per day. They are willing to do anything for the city to save it from disaster, free, but if they are to be known as a paid department, they want a sum suitable for the work performed. From inquiry made, it appears that the masses think that the firemen are just in their demands, but do not like what is here termed a “strike” on the part of the department. Chief Meyers was an interested spectator during the entire proceedings. The resignations were to take effect on Jan. 16th. It was stated by Councilman McPhelemy that he was sure the members would wait for the month asked of them. The outcome of this undoubtedly will be that the advance will be granted but many
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of the old members will be dropped, by first accepting the resignation then granting the increase and then making appointment of such members of the present force, as will be thought best. The meeting lasted until 9 p.m.. None of the firemen were present but Chief Meyers. Word was sent to Mr. Holmes, Mr. Porter and myself that Stevens had not come to town as was expected. I then returned to the hotel.
So far, there are good grounds for suspecting Stevens in regard to the Osborne fire. First, he has an appointment with Holmes on Saturday night, when Holmes is given to understand that Stevens is to divulge the names of any that are engaged in the business. He fails to keep that engagement and a fire occurs that very night. On Sunday, at 10:30 a.m., when Mr. Holmes drives out to Stevens’ place, Stevens speaks of two fires, as news obtained from news-boy, when he could have only got news of one, if he had stayed at home, as he claims was the case. Then, again, he contradicts himself as to who his company was that night. Again, Sherwood, the market man, at No. 81 White Street and Ed Hews, his book-keeper, claim to have seen Stevens walking away from the fire just at the time when it was discovered. Again, the description given by the freight agent (Burr) at the Housatonic Railroad depot, of the man he saw in company with two other men, two days before the fire, at the gangway leading to the lumber yard and who was pointing to the shed where the fire was set, is enough to justify a most rigid examination of him.
As to the fire at Lyon’s barn, “Whiskey” Davis, if he is ever found, may with a little pressure, tell all that he knows and if he does, may be able to explain where and how he got the cow manure on
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-8-
his clothes. The person who set the Osborne fire is the person who set the others.
There is but one solution to these fires and that is an attempt to show up the inability of the present fire department to cope with fires.
It has been at the request of the parties in charge of this matter that I have refrained from questioning any of the suspects, but by so doing they may be able to get from them some clue. I suggest that each be interviewed and get them to explain some facts that as they stand now, do not place them in a good light.”
Wednesday, Jan. 14, 1891.
“I left on the 7:36 a.m. train for New York where I received instructions to obtain statements from some of the more respectable members of the fire department and the police department. I left New York on the 1 p.m. train and arrived in Danbury at 3:45 p.m. I met Mr. Porter at the depot and he told me to go to Hurd’s saloon as Stevens was there. I entered the saloon and had a drink. Stevens had just arrived in town and was about to go out to his mother’s house. While I was standing at the bar with Mr. Porter, Stevens came up and stood near us. We all treated. I did not care to spend much time with him and left and went to Morris Meyer’s cigar store. Mr. Meyers was not in and I left word to have him call at the Turner House this evening. I returned to the hotel where I waited until 8:30 p.m. but
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-9-
as Mr. Meyers had not made his appearance up to that time I went about town again. I saw Meyers in his store but as there was a crowd in there I did not enter. At Hurd’s saloon I met Mr. Holmes and Mr. Porter. They informed me that Carlton Hack was on Ives Street at the present time and in an intoxicated condition and it might be a good time to see him. I went immediately to Ives Street, where I looked into the saloons but saw nothing of Hack. I visited McPhelemy’s saloon on White Street and had been there but a short time when Morris Meyers entered with a crowd of men. They all treated. The entire conversation was on the management of firemen at fires. could not find an opportunity to make an appointment with Meyers without attracting attention.
I returned to my hotel at 11p.m. To-morrow at 8 a.m. I shall call on Mr. Meyers at his store and obtain a statement from him there.”
Yours Respectfully,
Pinkerton’s Nat’l Det. Agency.
Robt. A. Pinkerton
Gen’l Supt. East. Div.
Statement of Howard Stevens Number 2
81/2" x 14"
1891-01-22
MS020 1/2
Statement of Howard Stevens Made to J.T. McM.
Danbury Jan. 22, 1891
I promised to call here yesterday, but did not get into the town before 8 pm and I met Holmes and some of the boys and got drunk, but I have done the best that I could.
I want to speak of Bill Freeland a friend of Carlton Hack; he is an old broken down horse Jockey and is mean enough to steal a horse if he got a good chance. I saw Freeland with this man that I described to you yesterday. The day Tomlinson’s barn was burned, they were both standing on the depot platform at Hawleyville. I was there on business the same day they both had been drinking some. A freight stood on side track just waiting to pull out. This was train known as 76. I heard this Freeland say. “I must go over to see Carl.” I drove back to my house and then walked over to depot and caught the train that gets here at about 11:15 pm. On my arrival here I met officer Sullivan. I asked him to go to Engine house to see if Hack was in. Sullivan would not go claiming that he had been on day duty and would not do anymore that night. Not long after I saw Freeland drive past the Wooster house. I was standing on Wooster house veranda at this time. This strange man was with him; they were driving west. It was then time for train No. 76 to have arrived here and be on side track at Fair Grounds quite close to the barn that
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was burned about one hour after I saw them. I know Ed Jennie- he was formerly living in Chicago four years ago- and I met him while I was at Fireman’s convention there. Now there is a man that I have brought his name prominently before the public for the place now held by that “[Sherney];” he is one of the most prominent men in that line and would make one of the very best of men in such a place; he was formerly connected with the Patrol on La Salle St., Chicago, but left for some cause I do not know what; if he could get the place I will get a place under him. John H. Elwood is also one of the “whitest” men in the city and ought to be chief in the Fire department. I could also get a place, as I told you yesterday I believe this trouble comes part from the inside and part from the outside of the department, and the one on the is inside is Carlton Hack. I perhaps ought not to say this for I do not know that he is the real one but I know this much that he made a very strange remark when he said one day in the Engine house about “more fires, more pay” and he always acted very funny to me when I have seen him working at fires that I have been at. I may be wrong in all this matter but I do not think that I am. I do not think that Ed Lofdel ever had anything to do with any of these
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fires; he is not that kind of man. If there is any of the department engaged in it, it is Hack and Freeland. I am very intimate with Hack and saw him last night; in fact was speaking to him; if the proper person were to get in with Hack, a great many things might be got out of him; he is very easy to lead; while I am speaking of this I want to tell you of a little affair that you no doubt have heard of and that is, the murder of young Walton last Summer- the Sunday night of the Ives court fire when the body of the man was found in the ruins. Nick Grier, Ed O’Donnell, Mick McCay, Dave Walton, Picolo Jack and Yaco Murry were all standing in passage way between Engine house and Danbury house[;] they had a war of words between them. I was in the Engine house working about my engine, I heard Mic McCay say to Walton, “If you ever give up what you know I will kill you.” Walton was found dead sometime after, and I have always had the impression that McCay did it; he was arrested for it but the state could not make out a case and he was discharged.
[END]
Statement of Howard Stevens
81/2" x 14"
Tells McM that he has since the Foster Brothers fire believed that five persons on the inside of the Department are responsible for the fires. He tells McM how it was that he has been the first to arrive at the fires - he would always hear a policeman tap his nightstick on the curb across the street from his house when there was a fire arlarm. And he claims he knows who is setting the fires.
Stevens had been a suspect since August and he was aware that he was being trailed. He in turn tells of a man he has been following who has been conspicuous at many of the recent fires and describes the man as 50 to 55 years old, height 5' 9", weight 180 to 185, with a sandy beard and mustache wearing a long faded black overcoat and old derby hat. He links the man to Carlton Hack in the Fire Department. Stevens claims that he heard Hack say that “if we have more fires we will have more pay.”
1891-01-21
MS020 1/2
Statement of Howard Stevens
Made at Taunton, Conn.
Wednesday Jan 21, 91
You want my opinion, well I am going into Danbury this afternoon and I can see you there any place that you may name where I would have more time than I have at present. I am fishing now and have not much time.
I have had ever since the Foster Bros fire my opinion as to the fires, and I believe that some person on the inside of the Dep’t has something to do with them. I do not know if you have in your mind how many are engaged in it, but I put the number down at about 5, and I think that at least two of those five are members of the Dep’t.
I have had the name of setting the fires I got it from being about the first there. I will explain to you how it was that I used to be the first.
Watchmen Sutton for White + Rudle on River St. whenever he would hear the cry of fire, would run across the street from the factory which was just across the street from my house and rap his nightstick on my stoop and awaken me. I would get right out, many times getting out of the house before the bell rang. I never knew I was watched until the fire Aug. 3rd 1889. That night I was awakened by the
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[Stevens page 2]
watchman rapping. I ran out and ran right into a man standing at my door. I did not think anything more of that until while at the fire, I was standing at my engine, and saw the same man in company with Cap’t Keating, and I heard Keating say to the man, “was he at home.” The man said yes, and he knocked me down when he came out. That morning while I was in front of the Engine house [drowning] my fire, a [trampish] looking man tall with sandy mustache came up to me and said, “well young fellow you had lots it last night, but you will get more of it before long.” I did not pay any attention to this man and did not look to see where he had gone. I did not see him again until after the Danbury House fire. I noticed him back of my house, he left there went up River St. to a place called “Shirt-tail-bend” past the factory of D.E. Leowe, and in back of Mallory’s up the hill and back to Rose St. to the high R.R. trestle to Penfield in back of Penfield to Bears Lumber Yard, then over to New England R.R. station and then to Ives St. I then set in to watch this man feeling that I was suspected, I wanted to put myself in a good light before the public and catch the man if possible. I lost him that night, and we had no fires, on the
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[Stevens page 3]
Following Saturday morning. I saw him buying a drink in Mrs. Dillens on Ives St. he was that same night on Ives St. until 11:30 pm. when he walked to N.E. R.R. track to back of Beckerleys Shop where he got into a box car. I saw him again on Sunday morning back of New England Hotel, I heard that he went through “Mill Plain” (3 miles out) at 10 am.
I moved out here on Jan 1st 1890. I did not see this man again until time of Foster Bros. fire. I did not see him that night but saw him Tuesday night after. I kept watch on him until 2 am where he jumped on train N.E.R.R. going west. On last Saturday night this same man got on east bound freight train going towards Waterbury.
The best description I can give of this man is age 50 to 55- height 5 8 ½ to 5 ft 9- weight 180 to 185- beard. Sandy mustache rough sandy- 4 weeks growth of beard on face. Dressed long faded black overcoat and old derby hat.
Now I have seen this man at different times in conversations with Carlton Hack in[ Terrees] Saloon on Ives St. I could not catch on to what was said. Hack is one of the men in the Dep’t that I have down for being one of the fire bugs, and I think it will be proven
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[Stevens Page 4]
So sometime. Hack is a man no mind of his own, and very easy to be led, will do anything that he is asked to do. On the night of John R. Spain’s factory fire I was in Engine house just before the bell struck. I heard hollering I ran to door and Mr. Hack just coming in I said what is up. He said John R. Spain’s factory. I said how do you know. He said I have just come from there. Three or four times I have seen Hack come from direction of fire before the alarm has been struck. Hack made the remark to me one night in the Engine house, “If we have more fires we will have more pay.” Most of the fires have taken place nights that I have been in town, and Hack has always known that I was here and I think that they are set by him, knowing that I was in town and that it would be laid to me. The night of Tomlinson’s barn fire I drove in from Hawleyville and went to Wooster House where I stayed. I asked Officer Sullivan if Hack was about he said no. Well anyway we had our fire as usual.
I know I am shadowed every place I go that I cannot put my foot into Danbury without at least a dozen are right on top of me. If you want to get at the bottom of this keep your
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[Stevens Page 5]
eye on Hack and Lewis the driver of Hose No 1.
I will tell you all I know at any time that you may state, when I have more time than I have now. I want to finish my fishing to depot so as to catch train for Danbury. I am going in to see my mother on River St. If I can spare the time I will run up to your hotel and see you.
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