Statement of David Bradley
Handwritten report, 2pgs.
1891-01-16
MS020
Statement of David Bradley
Made at Danbury Conn.
Friday, Jan [6]['91]
Statement of David Bradley
Made at Danbury, Conn.
Friday Jan 16, ‘91
David Bradley. I am a policeman on the Danbury Police. I was presents at time of fire at Osborne’s Lumber Yard on Dec 20, box was pulled by Officer Diltmer (sp.), who I understand was first informed of the fire by night watchman at Meekers factory on Canal St. at about 1:30 am on Dec 21, and during the time that Osborn fire was in progress yet under control my attention was attracted by some men on Maple Ave calling out fire. I looked and could see flames bursting out of the sheds back of Reed and Becke’s (sp.) shop and on the R.R. side. I struck box #27 and then hurried to the fire, it is only about three minutes walk from where I was to this fire. A New England freight engine was on Maple Ave crossing at the time so that some delay was caused to Hose carriage in getting across. Also a delay was caused by having to pull up the wet hose by hand. I cannot say who was first at the fire. I have understood that the fire was discovered by an Engineer on New England R.R. Oil waste was claimed to have been found at the fire by [page break]
(Page 2 ) John H. Ellwood, an ex member of Kohanza #2, now a member of Kohanza Social Club.
I saw a man named Daniel McCreedy well known in this city, coming down Maple Ave. at between 11 and 12 midnight on the night of Dec 20th. I did not see him again. McCreedy has done two trips to State Prison for burglary and was once arrested for burning George Barnums barn here in the city, but that was quite a number of years ago. The charge was not proven, yet it was evident to everybody that he was guilty.
I know Howard Stevens but do not think he is guilty. I know all persons that are suspected, but do not know who to blame it upon. I have been detailed at different time to do special duty at night in fire district to look out for fire bug, but have not yet caught them. [page end]
Statement of Morris Meyers
8.5 x 14", Morris Meyers paid cheif of fire dept, discusses his views on the fires in the City of Danbury.
Meyers discusses the salaries issued to the fire department of Danbury; Meyers' relationship with Ellwood and Ellwood's subsequent resentment of Meyers' appointment as cheif of the department. He discusses his belief that Ellwood is behind setting the fires.
1891-01-15
MS020, 1/1
Statement of Morris Meyers
Chief Engineer Fire Dept
Made at Danbury, Conn.
Thursday Janu 15, ‘91
I have been connected with the Danbury Fire Dept since 1870, when it was the Old Volunteer Dept. The “paid dept” came into existence Feby 1- 1890.
The present department consists of nine separate companies, one being a steamer, and on the “Truck,” the rest being Hose Carriages. The full number of men should be forty (40) but at present there are only 30 men, twenty eight of these have handed in their resignations, and they are now in the hand of the Fire Committee. Previous to the paid dept system, pay was only given for “slushing” the hose after a fire, and at present the pay is
Chief Engineer $300.00
Asst. [so] $100.00
[Bunkers] $50.00
Call men $25.00
The object of the paid department was to get better service out of the men. The Pay when given was thought was not sufficient for the men not but that it would be raised to a better salary in a short time/ The $50 for Bunkers and $25 for call men was only understood would last for six months when a larger salary would be agreed upon, that six months have past [page break]
[Meyers Page 2]
and the men naturally ask and expect more. I at the request of the men sent in a petition to the Fire Commissioners asking for a raise, that the call men be raised to $50.00 and the bunkers to $100.00 and it was the Fire Commissioners that advocated the raise to $75 for call men and $200 for bunkers; theis was acted favorably upon by the Councilmen but was defeated by the Aldermen and as a result the wholesale resignations. Bunkers are supposed to be in the Engine house at 10p.m. if not they are reported, callmen are expected to keep clean the carriage and help slush the hose.
The feeling, so far as I am able to discover now in the department us good and all act and work in unison with each other. I can honestly say that so far I know I do not know one man not worthy of confidence, each performs his work assigned him in a good manner.
In regard to the two late fires, the alarm for the Osborn fire was given by Officer Dittman, and for Reed and [Beebe] fire on same night by Bradley. Osborn fire discovered by Officer Dittman and Reed and Beebe by John H. Ellwood.
Carlton Hack is a bunker of Hose No 2 but is at present on the sick list- he having a bummed foot.
Horatio Brown, Callman on Truck Company, Edward Lobdell is an Ex member of Hose Co No 2 [page break]
[Meyers Page 3]
was member of Company under the Volunteer system at time it was disbanded on Feb 1-1890- At that time the members of the dep’t could have been appointed as members of paid dep’t. had they so desired. Many of them did not accept, Lovedell was one of these that did not, he refused saying that if they were to be paid they ought to be paid a respectable sum for their work.
Howard Stevens was a member of the paid dep’t up to the time of his dismissal[.] I prepared charges against him, and discharged him for insolence and general misconduct and my action was approved by the Fire Commissioners, fires were quite frequent before the organization of paid dep’t and this was the real cause of the coming into existence of the paid dep’t. Stevens was always in favor of paid dep’t, Stevens was appointed Ass’t Engineer at the pay of thirty (30) cents an hour for actual service, and [G.F.] Eastwood Engineer at forty (40) cents an hour. I do not think that Stevens was ever a favorite with the company, he was too loud mouthed, he was also at one time Chief Engineer of Volunteer dep’t, but was not accepted on re-election by the Borough Committee. When the meeting of Hose Co’s 1 and 2 were held to talk over the raise of salary, I was appointed the person to present the petition[.] This was acted favorably upon by the lower house [page break]
[Meyers Page 4]
but laid over by the upper branch of the city government and as a result the resignations came, now the Boys are asked to wait one month longer to give the Aldermen time to act. There is a meeting tomorrow night, for on that day their resignations were to take effect, to see if they will stand by their original intentions and resign. I do not much think that they will, but will wait for the month, even if they all did resign there is not one but what would take a [head] this moment if a fire should take place.
The Kohanza Social Club is the outcome of the old Kohanza Hose No 2 disbanded and are the members that did not accept the terms made to them by the city on the advent of the paid dep’t, one of the most stringent rules of the Club was that no member of the Club shall be a member of the paid dep’t. This rule has been broken in two cases. One, that of Clifford Taylor Cap’t of Hose #2 and Myron Teller Callman of Hose #2. There has always been a most bitter feeling against the dep’t by the members of this club. Howard Stevens is not a member of this Club, but is admitted through Edward Lobdell. Their meeting room is cor[ner] of White and Ives Sts.
John H. Ellwood was Chief Engineer before the existence of paid dep’t.
In regard to John H. Ellwood it will be [page break]
[Meyers Page 5]
necessary for me to go back to the time Danbury became a city. While the charter was being drafted, John H. Ellwood came into my store one day and told me that he had got a notice from the Committee to appear before them to keep them in such matters as would relate to fire matters. I also received a notice and in Company I appeared before the Committee, and we both made suggestions that were accepted by Committee. We got the salary of Engineer to be placed at $300.00 and Ass’t Engineer at $100.00 at this time the Chief Engineer had not been appointed and Ellwood was an applicant for the place. He was a Republican. I was a Democrat[.] The Council was Democratic and the Alderman a tie, 2 and 2. I did not then want the place and used my efforts to get him appointed, it was seen afterwards that he could not be appointed, so he advised me to put in an application which I did. Up to this time we were the very best of friends, but he tried his very best with the members to throw me out using the most vile insinuations to effect his end, but at last I was elected, and at once took the oath of office on the street from Mayor Hopkins on Jan 15, 1890. At 10 pm that night I met Ellwood as I was leaving my store to go home , he stopped me on the [page break]
[Meyers Page 6]
street and said, “There will be hell for you before you are through with the Chief Engineer position.” We have not spoken since and he has always felt very bitter against me, if any man has had “hell” since then I have, his words in that respect have proved too true.
I want to say now, I do believe that we now have seen the last the “fire bugs.” My cause for saying so is this.
At the time of the Osborn fire Augustus Ising had his leg broken by the fall of a pile of lumber. He was not a paid dep’t man but helped at my request. I feel very sorry that anything should happen to him and I said I would apply to the State Association of Firemen for relief for him and said I would do anything to aid him that I could. Ising is a member of the Kohanza Social Club. [The] first I knew an invitation to come to a meeting at the Kohanza Club, this is the first time that I or even any of my friends ever saw the inside of the Club. When I knocked at the door it was opened and standing inside was Ellwood; his face when he saw me turned red, but he would not speak but turned away. I remained at the meeting and was appointed on a committee to help arrange a big benefit for Ising. After the meeting was over one of the members [page break]
[Meyers Page 7]
whose name I do not now recall, met me at the door and thanked me for coming up, and just ahead of me were two members and I heard one of them say “Well the fire bug is through now we will have no more fires,” this has as you know taken place since the last fire in December. I do not think for one moment that any person within the dep’t. has any hand in any of these fires. I think and have always thought that the trouble came from the Kohanza social club or its friends. As regards Stevens, I do not think that he has got the backbone to do anything of the sort. He in my opinion is half-crazy but he would be just the person to get someone to set a fire and this for the sake of a reward turn them up. Lovvdell, for the first time in two years, was in my store on last Saturday night.
There are some very funny things in regard to Ellwood’s discovery of the Reed fire, he claims to have discovered it, but why should he a man who takes such an interest in fires and fire matters be near Reed’s factory, when such a large fire was in progress at Osborn’s. Then again, he claims to have got part of the oil waste that it is claimed was used to set fire to the building. This waste he turned over to the Police Dep’t.
Statement of David Bradley
8.5 x 14",
Bradley discusses his location during the Osborne fire on December 21, 1891; suspicion is cast on Daniel McCready and others. It is his duty to figure out whom is starting the fires.
1891-01
MS020, 1/1
Statement of David Bradley
Made at Danbury, Conn.
Friday Jan 16, ‘91
David Bradley. I am a policeman on the Danbury Police. I was presents at time of fire at Osborne’s Lumber Yard on Dec 20, box was pulled by Officer Diltmer (sp.), who I understand was first informed of the fire by night watchman at Meekers factory on Canal St. at about 1:30 am on Dec 21, and during the time that Osborn fire was in progress yet under control my attention was attracted by some men on Maple Ave calling out fire. I looked and could see flames bursting out of the sheds back of Reed and Becke’s (sp.) shop and on the R.R. side. I struck box #27 and then hurried to the fire, it is only about three minutes walk from where I was to this fire. A New England freight engine was on Maple Ave crossing at the time so that some delay was caused to Hose carriage in getting across. Also a delay was caused by having to pull up the wet hose by hand. I cannot say who was first at the fire. I have understood that the fire was discovered by an Engineer on New England R.R. Oil waste was claimed to have been found at the fire [page break]
[Bradley Page 2]
John H. Ellwood, an ex member of Kohanza #2, now a member of Kohanza Social Club.
I saw a man named Daniel McCreedy well known in this city, coming down Maple Ave. at between 11 and 12 midnight on the night of Dec 20th. I did not see him again. McCreedy has done two trips to State Prison for burglary and was once arrested for burning George Barnums barn here in the city, but that was quite a number of years ago. The charge was not proven, yet it was evident to everybody that he was guilty.
I know Howard Stevens but do not think he is guilty. I know all persons that are suspected, but do not know who to blame it upon. I have been detailed at different time to do special duty at night in fire district to look out for fire bug, but have not yet caught them. [page end]
Statement of John H. Ellwood
8.5" x 14",
Ellwood discusses the night of the Osborne fire, the waste found between the floorboard. Ellwood’s sour relationship with Meyers’ is conversed about, along with the suspision of who is behind seeting the fires.
1891-01-16
MS020, 1/1
Statement of John H. Elwood
Made at Danbury, Conn.
Friday Jan 16-1891
I am a foreman for Beckerle & Co., Hat Company, and live at no 14 Baeufort [sp.] Ave. At about 1:30 am on the morning of Dec 21 I was awakened out of a sounds sleep by hearing the alarm sounded by Engine whistle, and pulling on my pants rushed out. I saw a small fire over at sheds back of [New] & Beebes on Maple Ave. which is just a few steps away from my house. I had been at the Osborn fire where I had remained until 12 midnight when I went home. When I ran out I saw an Engine in the Maple Ave crossing. I saw the flames on side of shed and also working up on inside. I could see this through the cracks in boards where they had warped. When I got there, I saw two R.R. men running to shed to help put out fire, one if the R.R. men I believe is named Jennings, an Engineer. I heard him say, where has that ladder gone. There was one laying up against this building a moment ago, but it is now gone. I then started to look for the ladder, and saw flames bursting out further down the shed. The flames were such as would be made by oil, giving out a heavy black smoke. I picked up a [page break]
[Ellwood Page 2]
stick and pried off one of the boards and saw oil waste packed in tight between the boards. I pulled out some extinguished and afterwards gave the waste to Serg’t Waggoner. Quite a quantity of oil was in the waste for it got onto my hands when I took it up. I have been informed that these two R.R. men saw at the time they discovered the fire two men running across the lots on the other side of the R.R. track towards Main St and away from the fire. When I first arrived at the fire there were but a very few at fire, perhaps eight or 10 there. I do not remember who they were. I worked at this fire as many can tell you. I did my best to help extinguish it, although I am not now a member of the Fire dep’t. The fire spread very rapidly but under control in about one hour and a half. I am almost positive that fire was set.
You ask me for my opinion of the Fire Dep’t in general and of Morris Meyers. I may give it as you think in a bias manner. I will try not to do so, but give it just as fair as I can, and as the majority of manufacturers in this city would do.
Morris Meyers in the first place is not the man for the place as Chief Engineer of the Dep’t. he has no energy, no ambition, no head, where he might be able to cope with [page break]
[Elwood Page 3]
a small fire, he is incapable to manage one of any magnitude. through his own fault, we have suffered the losses that we have of late. At a fire, instead of going at it from above, he will go at it from below and drive it to the roof. his intentions are good enough but he fails to act at important moments. he has not the respect of his men, he has not the respect of the majority of the citizens. I am at present a member of the “Fire Police,” our duty is that of stretching the “Fire line” and looking after exposed property in danger of theft at fires. No pay is attached to this duty[.] On Feby 1-1889[,] Kohanza and Humane Company’s and Hook and Ladder Co.’s disbanded; up to this time two men only got paid in the Dep’t, one the driver at $800.00 and the other $700.00. I was a member of Kohanza #2 and I with the rest would not accept a place on the paid dep’t on account of the very small salary. We were willing to work without pay, but when they put the salary at $25 and $50, we looked at it more as an insult than anything else. It put us under restraint and did not let us act as freely as we had been used to, if the salary was of decent amount we would not have any objections. I was acting Chief previous to Feb 1-1889 and Meyers was appointed on June 15-1889. At that time the council stood 6 Democrats
[page break]
[Elwood Page 4]
2 Republicans, Alderman 3 Democrats and 1 Republican, at the time that Meyers was appointed there were four applicants, Morris Meyers- -P.J. Fisher—Frank Gallagher—John H. Ellwood. They all were in the race until Meyers was elected, and it was only after four meetings that he was elected[.] At the final ballot, Meyers got 7 votes, Fisher got 2 votes and I got 3 votes. I had a petition signed by all the leading manufacturers in the city, which was presented at the time, but I stood no show partly because I was a Republican and partly because of the dirty work done by Meyers. I was put before the last meeting a sure winner and Meyers seeing this went to some of the members he was not sure of, and told them I was out of the race and got them pledged [to him].
Up to this time I was a good friend of Meyers and in fact was so for a month after. The cause of our falling out was this. One morning about a month after the election there was a small fire. I was running that day with Kohanza#2 and we were the first at the fire. It has been the regular custom for years past in the Dep’t, in “taking up” to have the “first come” “first go,” but Meyers who was near me (I standing near a hydrant with my foreman) ordered two other companies to “take up” and I said to our foreman, “what [page break]
[Elwood Page 5]
[“]is the matter with our going home.” Meyers then turned upon me and gave me the worst setting out I ever got in my life. he threatened me in every way, that he would have me arrested and locked up. I kept my temper and I am always thankful that I did, for if I had not, instead of having one eye he would not have any now. Since that time we have only spoken once, and that was at the Osborn fire, when he came to me and said “I understand you found some waste.” I said “I did and gave it to Sergt Waggoner.” Meyers always had a grudge against me for when he was appointed Chief I held the badge and keys to fire alarm system and instead of turning them over to him, I turned them over to the “Fire Committee,” as I had no official notice from the Board.
I spoke to him about the remark laid to him that there would be Hell for him (Meyers, before he got through being Chief). I never made any such remark to him and did not see him that night after the appointment was made. Meyers would lie to accomplish his ends. If I remember right Meyers joined the Dep’t in 1870 a year or two after he came here. I think he came from London, England. I worked at the Reed fire until it was under control, when I went home. I have been in the [page break]
[Elwood Page 6]
department since 1877. I am candid when I say that I do not think that any member of the present dep’t or any member of Kohanza Social Club would engage in anything like the business that has been going on. I confess I am puzzled as to who to lay it to.
The real feeling is, as is well known, between Old and New Dep’t.
Morris Meyers, out of complement, was appointed on the Committee at the Isinge Benefit for Jan 30th, I am free to confess that I do not like Morris Meyers and I do not think there is any love lost between us. The Department would be far better were they to reorganize, put a man at the head that men could look up to and respect. I would give my time to get at the bottom of this matter. I know quite well Howard Stevens and know that he has been the suspected one, but I feel confident that he is not engaged in this business. he is a poor innocent devil, his only trouble is he talks and imagines that he is tougher than he is. I do not think that he would have the sand to work up to the pitch of setting a fire. I know Edward Lobdell quite well. He is not so much a friend of Stevens as he is of Stevens’ wife. Lobdell is a member of the Kohanza Social Club. I feel confident that he is not engaged in [page break]
[Elwood Page 7]
this business nor that he knows who is doing it. I do not know who to blame for it, but think that the cause is universal dislike to Meyers. If any person is ever found who is engaged in this business, I will be greatly surprised if it is not found to be some worthless bum here in the city. I will aid you in any manner that you may see fit, anytime that you may wish to call upon me.
Statement of Morris Meyers Number 2
81/2 x 14 in.
Second statement made by Meyers where he discusses his suspicion on who is the “fire bug.”
1891-01-18
MS020, 1/1
Second Statement of Morris Meyers
Made at Danbury, Conn. Sunday Jan 18, ‘91
In regards to who I suspect as being engaged in setting any of these fires, I am at a loss to say who I suspect; that the fires are a deliberate act is well known. I feel confident that no member of the Fire Dep’t is engaged in it and I would be greatly surprised if it would turn out that such should be the case. So far as I have been able to find out, and I have given it very close attention, the best feeling exists now the Dep’t one towards the other. As to who it was that first raised the question for the raise of salary, it was Clifford Taylor Capt of Hose No 2, he said he would not stay unless the pay was raised, and he got the men to get up the petition. Yet he was the very first to advocate waiting the month to see what the Council would do. He has always had a good reputation, he has quite a number of Brothers, five in number. His father is a Hat Manuf’r at Sturtevant Place. The family of boys consist of Clifford—Rollin—Samuel—Bernard and William. Rollin and William are employed at Opera House. Samuel does nothing much except get drunk, is at the Engine House at times and will sometimes run with Hose Company. [page break]
[Meyer Page 2]
I have had my suspicions at times raised in regard to this Sam Taylor and yet I have nothing to base my suspicions upon. I have also had some suspicions regarding a young man named Reinhart, an ex-member of Kohanza #2 and a great friend of Sam Taylors. As to Reinhart he always shows up after the fire has been in progress for some time. I remember seeing him at the Osborn fire; he was requested to help by one of the foremen, but he would not help at all. I did not see him at the Green & Beebe fire at all. I have watched all my men in action, but cannot in anyway see but what they work with a will and appear to want to save the property.
Frank Eastwood, the engineer, is a good faithful and efficient man. So far as position he occupies is concerned, he will spend all he earns, is one of the best and most practical men in the Hat business, is a little quick tempered.
Earnes Hieser [sp.], the Asst Engineer, is a man of exceptional character.
The Taylor boys are, as a rule, small and Sam in particular, small hands and feet. At time of J.M. Ives fire the person who got in to the room got in through a small space. It will be remembered the foot prints outside of the [page break]
[Meyers Page 3]
window were small and the hand prints on the window sash were the prints of a small hand. I at the time linked his name with that crime, but have never mentioned it, but have watched him at such times as I might see him, but never have got anything that would justify my using his name in connection with the fires. I know that he is a tough young man. On the night of the Chichester barn fire (I cannot now recall the date) I was in the Union barber shop on the 2 floor of building cor. of Ives and White St and Sam Taylor and Reinhart were standing under the window in company with one or two others that I do not remember. I saw them and listened to their conversation, the drift of which was regarding myself. They used the expression quite a number of times “d—the Chief.” That night July 6th Chichesters barn at 2:20 am was burned. The barn is the first barn on the left side of track going East Danbury after you cross R.R. and the fourth building from Taylors. Taylor lives on Balmforth Ave near North. Oil waste was discovered in this fire as building was saved. Waste was shoved up inside the manger[.] The alarm was given by track walker. Taylor was not seen by me that evening nor by anyone that I know of at the fire. [page break]
[Meyers Page 4]
I saw Taylor at Reed’s but not at Osborne fire. As regards what Ellwood said to me that there would be “Hell for me before I got through being Chief Engineer” he did say this.
John H. Ellwood is no longer President of the Kohanza Social Club, in his place is Mr. Isinge the one that the benefit is to be given on Jan 31.
Now I have never before mentioned my suspicions regarding Taylor and Reinhart, thinking that I might be wrong, but you ask me to give you any suspicions and I have done so. I will state that I have kept my eye upon these two men for some time past; as I told you before I am pretty well satisfied that we have seen the last of the fires after my invitation to the Kohanza Social Rooms. Stevens I consider a poor miserable insane fellow that would be better off [in] an insane asylum, but I will state that I have got permission from the Mayor to carry a gun as Stevens last week made the public threat that he would kill me the first chance that he got.
You have now got all that I know regarding the fires. I can positively say that I do not know who to blame these fires upon, but my suspicions that I have told you regarding Taylor I have [page break]
[Meyers Page 5]
never spoken to anyone. I can say that I do not believe that anyone in the dep’t would do this. as perfect feeling seems to exist there.
Anonymous letter addressed to Alderman Rundle
8 x 13" front and back -
Anonymous letter sent to Alderman Rundal discussing who is to blame for the Danbury fires; mysterious person believes the paid fire departmed should be held responsible for the fires and blackmail.
1891-01-21
MS020 1/2
Danbury January 21, 1891
Alderman Rundle
Dear Sir,
I desire to thank you as citizen of Danbury for your [far seton] in regard to the increase of pay for the firemen. The town or the men of wealth in it should employ a first class New York detective agency to [run down] the fire bugs. The paid firemen are the fire bugs. The first series of fires was to blackmail the town into giving them pay instead leaving them as volunteers. The second batch of fires was to blackmail the town into increasing their pay. Unless law and order be maintained in the town and all such outlaw business be suppressed the bright future of Danbury will be destroyed.
Men with capital will not invest in such a place. Troy New York has been almost ruined by not maintaining order and law [in it until property] is of no value.
Put a good New York detective among the paid firemen and [page break]
[Alderman Page 2]
Instruct him to obtain their confidence and he will soon get hold of the fire bug or bugs. The paid firemen should be sent to prison and new men fill their places. Incendiaries for firemen are like burglars for policemen.
Your paid firemen (allow me to state again) contain the incendiaries. You may remember that the first series of incendiary fires was before their attempt to get pay, and the second series immediately preceding their application to obtain increased pay. There is no end to blackmail; the town allowed itself blackmailed once and now it is blackmailed again.
A true friend to the property and growth of Danbury.
Statement of Bert Contrell
81/2 x 14"
Contrell discusses the fires at Dougherty’s salon and the Danbury house fire; townsmen suspect it was caused by R.R. workers. No one knows for sure.
1891-01-17
MS020 1/1
Statement of Bert Cotrell
Made at Danbury Conn.
Saturday Jan 17, ‘91
My name is Bert Cotrell, am 21 years of age, have always lived here. I do not know anything regarding the fires that have taken place in this city, was out of the city in Durham during the late fires, returned here Christmas Eve.
I remember the fire that was discovered in the cellar of Dougherty’s Saloon one year ago last summer. Fire was discovered by Eddie O’Donnell and Mickie McCoy who came from in back of Dougherty’s Saloon and called out “fire.” The fire was put out without much damage. Oil waste was found stuffed in up over the floor because it was always thought that the place was set on fire, but I never heard any persons name mentioned in connection with it. I knew all the boys about there, but I never heard any persons’ name mentioned, I lived at the time at No. 12 Ives St. I have heard it said at different times that it was thought that these fires were set by R.R. men, as all the fires that have taken place have been on the line of Railroads, and a train always chanced to be standing on the track at the time. There are always a number of R.R. men hanging about here, for crews change here. [page break]
[Cotrell Page 2]
At the time of car shop fire over a year ago at noon time, oil waste was found stuffed in the side of the clapboards. I always heard that this was set by R.R. men.
Not fifteen minutes after the Dougherty fire was put out, the Danbury House fire was put out. The Old Danbury House was found to be on fire. Oil waste was found here stuffed into the space in clapboards on side nearest the Engine house, a narrow passage way divides the Engine House from the Danbury House. I have heard it said that it was set by someone from the Engine House, but do not remember who it was said it. The Danbury House was set on fire three times. At one of the attempts the hose was laid before the box was struck. Just which of the fires it was I do not now remember. I know all the members at the Engine House, have never heard them talking about the fires, and never have heard the names of any of them as suspected of being the fire bug. If I had ever heard I would have told Capt Keating before this. have known of no fires since my return to the city.
Statement of William Bartram
81/2 x 14"
Bantram discusses Frank Gaylord known as “Nasty Gaylord”; there is a possibility he is behind the fires due to his access to oil and waste.
1891-01-31
MS020, 1/2
Statement of William Bartram
Made at Danbury Conn.
Saturday, January 31, 1891
I am gateman at White St. Crossing for New England RR in this city. I am personally acquainted with Frank Gaylord known as “Nasty Gaylord” have known him for quite a number of years, I knew him to work for the Housatonic RR drying sand at the Engine House for that road.
Gaylord is employed here to fire three switch lights between here and the Fair Grounds, he has been employed here about 2 months, each of his lights take one half pint of oil each night. He has now a one gal [gallon] can that he gets filled one week once, and the next week twice. When he first took the place he brought his lamps from the switch post to the shanty to fill them, but he complained that they were too heavy, and so he got a can, and now fills or has it filled at shanty with oil. He takes the can home and when it is empty he comes and has it refilled. He also is given a quantity of waste with which he cleans the glass in switch lamps. As I said he first brought his lamps to the shanty where we keep the oil and filled them there. [page break]
[Bartram page 2]
Then he complained of it being too heavy a task to carry them up to the fair ground. I gave him a can to keep his oil in, he used to come twice a week but I told him that he could not use all that oil. So now he comes about every four days, quite a number of times. I have had to speak to him about the quantity of oil he was using, but once he said that he had to build a fire to warm his hands when up the track and again he said he fell and spilled the oil, when comes I generally go to the shanty which is at the end of the depot platform and get the oil and waste for him, but if I am busy I give him the key and let him get it himself and in that case I would not know how much he did get either of oil or waste. He tells me that he keeps the oil and waste at home. He got waste the day before yesterday, and I noticed that he got quite a quantity of it. He does not get any matches from this company at all as the company does not furnish them. Mr. Hogan once gave him five cents to buy a box of matches.
When these fires were taking place I and Mr. Hogan spoke of this very boy. He lives as you very well know in the very heart of the fire district.
I must say one thing of him, and [page break]
[Bartram page 3]
that is that he has done his work while here in a proper manner, and no fault can be found with him. He is a most powerful liar, and for the truth of that see Mr. Stiles the store keeper on White Street.
It would be a very easy thing for him to get more oil than he is supposed to take. The oil that he gets is kerosene oil, not black oil. The nearest place to get that is at Brewster’s. He is supposed to have his lights lit by five p.m.
The only keys to the oil shanty are one in my keeping, and one in the keeping of the section. He may have been to the shanty five or six times since he has commenced to work here but he is and always has been hanging around here. He is generally very dirty and is queer in his actions.
Statement of Edward Darragan
Statement of Edward Derrigan
81/2 x 14"
Darragan discusses his encounters with “Sleepy Galylor” where they found oil waste and matches. He also talks about a man with a sandy mustache and complexion, who was found to be creeping around Danbury, whom will be hopefully seen by the Pinkerton agent.
1891-01-26
MS020, 1/2
Statement of Edward Darragan
Made at Danbury, Conn.
Monday Jan 26, ‘91
My name is Edward Darragan and I live at the first house on lefthand side of Mountainvill Ave from South Street.
On last Tuesday afternoon between 4 and 5 p.m. I, in company with Edward O’Donnell and Frank Garvey, were going down to New England track; it was our intention to get on a freight train to get a ride to Waterbury. Just as we got to the Round House, we saw “Sleepy Galylor”, a young man about 16 years of age, and who lives at Bartley’s Lane on White Street near the Bridge. As I saw Gaylor, I said in fooling, “Here, Ed (meaning Ed O’Donnell), I have got the fire bug,” at the same time, catching hold of Gaylor. He wore an overcoat. I ran my hands into his outside pockets and found a lot of oil waste and a large handful of snapper matches (parlor matches). Gaylor said something that sounded like, “You go away now”, he does not speak plain and is somewhat foolish. I put the waste and matches back in his pocket and left him, after which we went to see if we could get on train, but we could not. I came back and [page break]
[Darragan page 2]
Saw Gaylor on White Street. When he saw me he crossed over to the other side of the street. Every time since then, whenever he sees any of us, he will cross the street. Gaylor is foolish, is called Greasy Gaylor – Hasty Gaylor – or Sleepy Gaylor. He can always be found along the R.R. track and around the engine house. Jack Stringer, a fireman on switch engine and who lives on Nichols Street saw me when I took the waste out of Gaylor’s pocket.
Gaylor is about 16 years of age, five foot six in height, slim build, weighs about one hundred and ten pounds.
A little over a week ago, I cannot now recall the exact day, I was going home down Mountainvill Ave. when I saw a man near Harris Cider Mill at about eight p.m. I went into house, in a short time I went out of house, and went to closet in yard. I saw the same man going across the lot towards the woods. He was about five foot ten or eleven inches in height, sandy mustache, and of a sandy complexion, wore derby hat, and wore long light colored overcoat, looked like a grey fuzzy goods.
Again the night of Wilson Show (Jan 17th), I saw the same man on cor of Main and South Streets. When he saw [page break]
[Darragan page 3]
me, he walked to other side of the street, I passed on and on looking back saw him back in his place again.
On last night at 10 pm I was on South Street. I saw the same man coming down from Deer Hill Ave. and went down and went through Mountainvill Ave. I noticed that when he came in sight of any person, he would cross the street, and get behind a tree.
I met a young man who said he was looking for Officer Fisher, to tell him about the man who was hanging about the hill.
I would know the man if I were to see him again. I will go over that way tonight with McCarty, and yourself, and see if I can see that man. I will be there at 7 p.m., and hope I may be able to point out the man I have been speaking of.
Statement of Mrs. T. E. Brady
81/2 x 14"
Mrs. T. E. Brady discusses her encounters with a strange man around Danbury and admits she does not know anyone by the name of James McNab.
1891-01-26
MS020 1/2
Statement of Mrs. T.E. Brady
Wife of Terence Brady
Made at Danbury, Conn.
Monday Jan 26, ‘91
I am the wife of Terence E. Brady and live at sixty-four Grand Street. All that I can say is I first saw the man spoken of on Thursday night before the attempt. I was walking home with my boy at about eight-thirty p.m. He was sitting on the top rail of “Town Pound”. I did not wish to pass him, and I turned back and met my husband, and walked back up with him. I told my husband about the man and he said he thought the man was waiting for some girl. I saw the man on the following Friday and Monday when I was returning home from the store. From the way he sat I thought he was tall, just how tall I could not say, he had on a long dark coat. I could tell that he was a white man, wore what I took to be a round cap. He might have had a beard for all I could see as he held his hands up to his face. I cannot tell how old he was, but should judge him to be about middle-aged.
We always stay up ‘till about eleven-thirty p.m. and keep a light burning in our front room all night. heard [page break]
[Brady page 2]
no disturbance on Monday night. I have not seen the man since. Learned of the attempt from my husband on the next day. I do not know this man you call James McNab.