For a Burgess descendant -- There is a postcard for sale on eBay postmarked Rockland, RI, July 6, 1908, from Grandma Burgess to her granddaughter, Betsey E. Burgess, Danielson, CT. I have no connection to the seller--just giving a heads up. Margaret

I think Donna has hit on the main reason -- lack of legal protection for children in that time, especially one too young to be able to work--thus a child with no economic value. But one factor may have been intent and premeditation (or lack of it). Counsel for Brown may have argued that Brown did not intend to kill the child--that he went into a wild rage, etc. Whereas Bailey intended to kill Pollock and may have planned the murder in advance. The witness who testified that Bailey said that either he or Pollock would be dead soon could have established premeditation. This is just speculation, but intent and premeditation have been factors in considering degrees of guilt for centuries. Margaret At 11:11 AM 3/16/2006, you wrote: >Hi Lisa, > I do know that there were no laws regarding child abuse until after > about 1875 when a little girl named Mary Ellen was abused in NYC. The > perpetrators were convicted under animal abuse laws with the argument > that a child is technically an animal. We had laws protecting animals > before we had child abuse statutes. Children were considered property by > many and child abuse was not really recognized as a serious problem until > the mid 1900s when Helfer and Kempe published their work on the Battered > Child Syndrome. Even now the punishment for abuse (that does not result > in death) is as little as 30 days in jail in one state! > I am guessing that this little girl may have been poor, perhaps > orphaned or otherwise disenfranchised, and had no one to advocate for > stronger punishment and that may be part of it. Hopefully the Judicial > Records archives will find the case and there will be more information in > there. > Interestingly, I found that several of William C. Brown's own children > died young - perhaps it was due to disease but I have to wonder... > Donna > > > > From: "Lisa Lepore" <llepore@comcast.net> > > Date: 2006/03/15 Wed PM 11:15:45 EST > > To: RIGENWEB-L@rootsweb.com > > Subject: Re: [RIGENWEB] Pollock Murder -- The Scoop > > > > Thanks for posting these fascinating articles. > > > > I don't understand why in this case Adonijah Baily > > was sentenced to death, but in the case of Mr. > > Brown, posted the other day, he got off virtually > > scott free. > > > > Was the life of child not valued as much as that of > > an adult man? Or, was it that corporal punishment > > was an accepted activity, but in the Brown case, > > the child *unfortunately* died? > > > > It would be interesting to know if anyone has studied > > the court cases of this time period to see what types > > of sentences were imposed for what types of crimes. > > > > Lisa > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: M. E. Potter > > To: RIGENWEB-L@rootsweb.com > > Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 6:50 PM > > Subject: Re: [RIGENWEB] Pollock Murder -- The Scoop > > > > > > Hi Jean, > > > > All of the following are from the same source, "Early American > > Newspapers, > > Series I, 1690 to 1876" available to members on the NEHGS website. > > > > First, the following popped up (in case you don't already know this): > > > > From the Rhode-Island Republican, Vol.. 13, Iss. 27, pg. 4, > > 1821-10-03: > > > > "WASHINGTON, ss. -- Supreme Judicial Court / October term, A. D. 1820. > > / > > WHEREAS Marvel Pollock of Exeter, in the county of Washington, wife of > > Jeremiah W. Pollock, now residing in parts unknown, has this day filed > > her > > petition, in my Office, praying, for certain reasons therein stated, > > that > > the bonds of matrimony subsisting between her and the said Jeremiah, > > may be > > dissolved. Notice is hereby given to the said Jeremiah, to be and > > appear, > > if he see fit, before the Honorable Supreme Judicial Court to be > > holden, at > > South-Kingstown, within and for the county of Washington, on the > > second > > Monday of October, 1821, to shew [sic] cause why the prayer of said > > petition, ought not to be granted. / JOHN SEGAR, Clerk. / South > > Kingstown, > > Aug. 18, 1821 [S.12]" > > > > [If you don't already have the divorce papers, you can get them, free > > of > > charge, by emailing <archives@courts.ri.gov> ] > > > > > > From the Norwich Courier, Vol. III, Iss. 42, pg. 3, 1825-01-19: > > "Trial > > for Murder. -- On Wednesday last, came on the trial of Adonijah > > Bailey, > > aged 80 years, for the murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, at the Superior > > Court, holden at Brooklyn -- Judges Peters and Brainard presiding. The > > jury > > retired about 20 minutes, and returned with a verdict of GUILTY. / We > > understand that the counsel for the prisoner have in arrest of > > judgment on > > the ground of one of the jurors not being a freeholder, and petitioned > > for > > a new trial on account of the misdirection of the Judge." > > > > > > From the Middlesex Gazette, Vol. XL, Iss. 2044 , pg. 2, > > 1825-01-26: "DOMESTIC. / On Wednesday last, the trial of Adonijah > > Baily > > [sic] for the murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, commenced at Brooklyn, in > > the > > county of Windham, and terminated on Friday evening. So much interest > > had > > been excited, that before the trial commenced, the town was thronged > > with > > people from all parts of the County. The Hon. Judge PETERS presided at > > the > > trial. When Bailey was brought in to plead, great anxiety was > > manifested to > > witness the solemn scene. The prisoner was brought in by the Sheriff > > and > > his deputies, and as he approached the bar of justice, at the age of > > 79, > > halting with infirmity, every soul present seemed deeply affected, > > exoept > > [sic] the prisoner, who though attentive was unmoved. The case was > > conducted on the part of the State, by Col. JUDSON, State Attorney, > > assisted by Wm. P. CLEAVELAND, Esq.; and on the part of the prisoner > > by C. > > GODDARD, and J. EATON, Esquires. / The testimony disclosed the most > > cruel > > and awful murder that has taken place in the State of Connecticut for > > many > > years. The substance of the testimony was as follows: -- / Pollock had > > for > > some weeks been at work at Baileys, in the town of Sterling, and on > > the 23d > > of Oct. last, Pollock was missing: search was made from day to day for > > the > > body, until Nov. 3d when it was found buried, one foot deep, eight > > rods > > from the place where Bailey and Pollock had been at work. On taking > > the > > body from the ground, it appeared that four wounds were made on the > > back > > part of the head, cut through the scull [sic] with an axe. Eight > > witnesses > > testified that Bailey said he was with Pollock, making shingles until > > 11 > > o'clock on the 23d of Oct. when Pollock went away, to go to a > > neighbouring > > store, and that he, Bailey, stayed to work till late dinner time, and > > immediately returned and continued work there all day. Traces of blood > > were > > discovered from the shingle place, to the place where the body was > > found, > > and a fire had been kindled with a view to burn up the bloody > > shavings, but > > many were found partly consumed and others covered up, all this within > > 30 > > rods of Bailey's house. Bailey was asked whether there was any fire on > > the > > spot on the day Pollock was missing, repeatedly said there was none, > > could > > not have been any, as he was in a situation to know, being there all > > the > > time. It was then proved beyond all doubt that a fire was seen to be > > kindled around the shingle place about 2 o'clock P. M. which remained > > to > > burn some time. On searching Bailey, a note and order belonging to > > Pollock > > were found in his possession. Pollock's trunk was found open, and all > > its > > contents taken out, and some papers belonging to Pollock were thrown > > into > > the fire, and identified, some of them were taken off by a witness > > before > > consumed. When Pollock was last seen he had money with him and Bailey > > was > > destitute of any, until after Pollock's death, when he passed money at > > the > > store, to a considerable amount. Pollock's pocket-book and watch have > > never > > been found. One witness swore that about 10 days before Pollock was > > murdered, Bailey said 'that he or Pollock should die soon.' After > > Bailey's > > arrest and while under the care of the officer he tried to bribe his > > keepers and get away from them. -- These together with many other > > circumstances rendered his case entirely hopeless. After a protracted > > trial > > of three days, the cause was committed to the Jury, who returned a > > verdict > > of GUILTY. / The next day the prisoner was set at the bar to receive > > sentence, and being asked whether he had any reasons why sentence of > > death > > should not be pronounced, the prisoner replied with perfect coolness, > > that > > 'he had none, for he was willing to submit to the law.' / Judge Peters > > then > > proceeded in a most solemn and impressive manner to conclude the > > scene. The > > sentence was pronounced, and the execution is to take place the 2d > > Wednesday of June next. -- N. L. Advocate." > > > > From the Rhode Island American, Vol. XVII, Iss. 35, pg. 2, > > 1825-01-28: "At a recent term of the Supreme Court of Connecticut in > > Windham county, Adonijah Bailey, aged eighty years, was convicted of > > the > > murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, and sentenced to be executed on the 8th > > of > > June next. It is stated that the testimony disclosed the most cruel > > and > > awful murder that has been committed in Connecticut for many years." > > > > From the Middlesex Gazette, Vol. XL, Iss. 2062, pg. 3, 1825-06-01: > > "On > > the night of the 24th inst. Adonijah Bailey who was sentenced to be > > executed on the 8th day of June next, for the murder of Jeremiah W. > > Pollock, evaded the sentence of the Judge by hanging himself, during > > the > > silence of the night in the dreary mansion of the Goal [sic], without > > any > > one to assist him. He made his rope of bandages which he took from his > > sore > > leg, and attached one end of it by a nail to the hinge of the door, > > and the > > other part of the rope round his neck, he was found hanging with his > > knees > > nearly to the floor, when the Goaler [sic] entered his room in the > > morning, > > the body was interred on Thursday. / Since his death we understand the > > Gaoler has found many papers in the room where he was confined which > > contain his confession of many black crimes, and among which, is the > > murder > > of Jeremiah W. Pollock, he has confessed how and in what manner he > > committed the bloody deed but not the cause, all of which will soon > > appear > > in a pamphlet containing also his trial. -- Brooklyn Obser." > > > > > > Perhaps you can track down that pamphlet, if it was ever actually > > published. Maybe a local historical society would have a copy. > > > > Regards, > > Margaret > > > > > > At 07:49 AM 3/15/2006, you wrote: > > >Hi Gang, > > >Here is another murder nightmare that I have in my genealogy. Maybe > > one of > > >you that have all this access to these great books can find > > something. > > >I certainly would appreciate it... > > >Jeremiah Wilson Pollock is my 5th gr grandfather..B 1769 > > Wakefield...died 23 > > >Oct 1824 Sterling, CT > > >Per Arnold...Jeremiah Wilson Pollock was a postal carrier and Whig > > >Also he was murdered in Sterling, Ct. as was his brother 2 months > > prior. > > >Wonder if the murders are related. > > > > > >Sincerely, Jean B > > > > > > > > > > > ==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== > > Support RootsWeb Genealogical Data Cooperative: http://www.rootsweb.com/ > > Surname Helper Search http://cgi.rootsweb.com/surhelp/srchall.html > > > > > > >==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== >Washington County RIGenWeb http://www.rootsweb.com/~riwashin/ >Scans of Rhode Island Maps are at http://www.rootsweb.com/~rigenweb/maps/

Hi Lisa, I do know that there were no laws regarding child abuse until after about 1875 when a little girl named Mary Ellen was abused in NYC. The perpetrators were convicted under animal abuse laws with the argument that a child is technically an animal. We had laws protecting animals before we had child abuse statutes. Children were considered property by many and child abuse was not really recognized as a serious problem until the mid 1900s when Helfer and Kempe published their work on the Battered Child Syndrome. Even now the punishment for abuse (that does not result in death) is as little as 30 days in jail in one state! I am guessing that this little girl may have been poor, perhaps orphaned or otherwise disenfranchised, and had no one to advocate for stronger punishment and that may be part of it. Hopefully the Judicial Records archives will find the case and there will be more information in there. Interestingly, I found that several of William C. Brown's own children died young - perhaps it was due to disease but I have to wonder... Donna > > From: "Lisa Lepore" <llepore@comcast.net> > Date: 2006/03/15 Wed PM 11:15:45 EST > To: RIGENWEB-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: Re: [RIGENWEB] Pollock Murder -- The Scoop > > Thanks for posting these fascinating articles. > > I don't understand why in this case Adonijah Baily > was sentenced to death, but in the case of Mr. > Brown, posted the other day, he got off virtually > scott free. > > Was the life of child not valued as much as that of > an adult man? Or, was it that corporal punishment > was an accepted activity, but in the Brown case, > the child *unfortunately* died? > > It would be interesting to know if anyone has studied > the court cases of this time period to see what types > of sentences were imposed for what types of crimes. > > Lisa > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: M. E. Potter > To: RIGENWEB-L@rootsweb.com > Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 6:50 PM > Subject: Re: [RIGENWEB] Pollock Murder -- The Scoop > > > Hi Jean, > > All of the following are from the same source, "Early American > Newspapers, > Series I, 1690 to 1876" available to members on the NEHGS website. > > First, the following popped up (in case you don't already know this): > > From the Rhode-Island Republican, Vol.. 13, Iss. 27, pg. 4, > 1821-10-03: > > "WASHINGTON, ss. -- Supreme Judicial Court / October term, A. D. 1820. > / > WHEREAS Marvel Pollock of Exeter, in the county of Washington, wife of > Jeremiah W. Pollock, now residing in parts unknown, has this day filed > her > petition, in my Office, praying, for certain reasons therein stated, > that > the bonds of matrimony subsisting between her and the said Jeremiah, > may be > dissolved. Notice is hereby given to the said Jeremiah, to be and > appear, > if he see fit, before the Honorable Supreme Judicial Court to be > holden, at > South-Kingstown, within and for the county of Washington, on the > second > Monday of October, 1821, to shew [sic] cause why the prayer of said > petition, ought not to be granted. / JOHN SEGAR, Clerk. / South > Kingstown, > Aug. 18, 1821 [S.12]" > > [If you don't already have the divorce papers, you can get them, free > of > charge, by emailing <archives@courts.ri.gov> ] > > > From the Norwich Courier, Vol. III, Iss. 42, pg. 3, 1825-01-19: > "Trial > for Murder. -- On Wednesday last, came on the trial of Adonijah > Bailey, > aged 80 years, for the murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, at the Superior > Court, holden at Brooklyn -- Judges Peters and Brainard presiding. The > jury > retired about 20 minutes, and returned with a verdict of GUILTY. / We > understand that the counsel for the prisoner have in arrest of > judgment on > the ground of one of the jurors not being a freeholder, and petitioned > for > a new trial on account of the misdirection of the Judge." > > > From the Middlesex Gazette, Vol. XL, Iss. 2044 , pg. 2, > 1825-01-26: "DOMESTIC. / On Wednesday last, the trial of Adonijah > Baily > [sic] for the murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, commenced at Brooklyn, in > the > county of Windham, and terminated on Friday evening. So much interest > had > been excited, that before the trial commenced, the town was thronged > with > people from all parts of the County. The Hon. Judge PETERS presided at > the > trial. When Bailey was brought in to plead, great anxiety was > manifested to > witness the solemn scene. The prisoner was brought in by the Sheriff > and > his deputies, and as he approached the bar of justice, at the age of > 79, > halting with infirmity, every soul present seemed deeply affected, > exoept > [sic] the prisoner, who though attentive was unmoved. The case was > conducted on the part of the State, by Col. JUDSON, State Attorney, > assisted by Wm. P. CLEAVELAND, Esq.; and on the part of the prisoner > by C. > GODDARD, and J. EATON, Esquires. / The testimony disclosed the most > cruel > and awful murder that has taken place in the State of Connecticut for > many > years. The substance of the testimony was as follows: -- / Pollock had > for > some weeks been at work at Baileys, in the town of Sterling, and on > the 23d > of Oct. last, Pollock was missing: search was made from day to day for > the > body, until Nov. 3d when it was found buried, one foot deep, eight > rods > from the place where Bailey and Pollock had been at work. On taking > the > body from the ground, it appeared that four wounds were made on the > back > part of the head, cut through the scull [sic] with an axe. Eight > witnesses > testified that Bailey said he was with Pollock, making shingles until > 11 > o'clock on the 23d of Oct. when Pollock went away, to go to a > neighbouring > store, and that he, Bailey, stayed to work till late dinner time, and > immediately returned and continued work there all day. Traces of blood > were > discovered from the shingle place, to the place where the body was > found, > and a fire had been kindled with a view to burn up the bloody > shavings, but > many were found partly consumed and others covered up, all this within > 30 > rods of Bailey's house. Bailey was asked whether there was any fire on > the > spot on the day Pollock was missing, repeatedly said there was none, > could > not have been any, as he was in a situation to know, being there all > the > time. It was then proved beyond all doubt that a fire was seen to be > kindled around the shingle place about 2 o'clock P. M. which remained > to > burn some time. On searching Bailey, a note and order belonging to > Pollock > were found in his possession. Pollock's trunk was found open, and all > its > contents taken out, and some papers belonging to Pollock were thrown > into > the fire, and identified, some of them were taken off by a witness > before > consumed. When Pollock was last seen he had money with him and Bailey > was > destitute of any, until after Pollock's death, when he passed money at > the > store, to a considerable amount. Pollock's pocket-book and watch have > never > been found. One witness swore that about 10 days before Pollock was > murdered, Bailey said 'that he or Pollock should die soon.' After > Bailey's > arrest and while under the care of the officer he tried to bribe his > keepers and get away from them. -- These together with many other > circumstances rendered his case entirely hopeless. After a protracted > trial > of three days, the cause was committed to the Jury, who returned a > verdict > of GUILTY. / The next day the prisoner was set at the bar to receive > sentence, and being asked whether he had any reasons why sentence of > death > should not be pronounced, the prisoner replied with perfect coolness, > that > 'he had none, for he was willing to submit to the law.' / Judge Peters > then > proceeded in a most solemn and impressive manner to conclude the > scene. The > sentence was pronounced, and the execution is to take place the 2d > Wednesday of June next. -- N. L. Advocate." > > From the Rhode Island American, Vol. XVII, Iss. 35, pg. 2, > 1825-01-28: "At a recent term of the Supreme Court of Connecticut in > Windham county, Adonijah Bailey, aged eighty years, was convicted of > the > murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, and sentenced to be executed on the 8th > of > June next. It is stated that the testimony disclosed the most cruel > and > awful murder that has been committed in Connecticut for many years." > > From the Middlesex Gazette, Vol. XL, Iss. 2062, pg. 3, 1825-06-01: > "On > the night of the 24th inst. Adonijah Bailey who was sentenced to be > executed on the 8th day of June next, for the murder of Jeremiah W. > Pollock, evaded the sentence of the Judge by hanging himself, during > the > silence of the night in the dreary mansion of the Goal [sic], without > any > one to assist him. He made his rope of bandages which he took from his > sore > leg, and attached one end of it by a nail to the hinge of the door, > and the > other part of the rope round his neck, he was found hanging with his > knees > nearly to the floor, when the Goaler [sic] entered his room in the > morning, > the body was interred on Thursday. / Since his death we understand the > Gaoler has found many papers in the room where he was confined which > contain his confession of many black crimes, and among which, is the > murder > of Jeremiah W. Pollock, he has confessed how and in what manner he > committed the bloody deed but not the cause, all of which will soon > appear > in a pamphlet containing also his trial. -- Brooklyn Obser." > > > Perhaps you can track down that pamphlet, if it was ever actually > published. Maybe a local historical society would have a copy. > > Regards, > Margaret > > > At 07:49 AM 3/15/2006, you wrote: > >Hi Gang, > >Here is another murder nightmare that I have in my genealogy. Maybe > one of > >you that have all this access to these great books can find > something. > >I certainly would appreciate it... > >Jeremiah Wilson Pollock is my 5th gr grandfather..B 1769 > Wakefield...died 23 > >Oct 1824 Sterling, CT > >Per Arnold...Jeremiah Wilson Pollock was a postal carrier and Whig > >Also he was murdered in Sterling, Ct. as was his brother 2 months > prior. > >Wonder if the murders are related. > > > >Sincerely, Jean B > > > > > > ==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== > Support RootsWeb Genealogical Data Cooperative: http://www.rootsweb.com/ > Surname Helper Search http://cgi.rootsweb.com/surhelp/srchall.html > >

This was excellent on the Pollock murder, I know people tracing some Pollocks...thanks Nancy-Jo Nunez A Genealogy Enthusiast ...Member of Rhode Island Genealogy Society, Connecticut Genealogy Society, New England Genealogical & Historical Society, Killingly Historical Society, Rhode Island Historical Society, Santa Clara California Genealogical Society, Northern California Genealogical Society. Searching...searching...searching... "History is a great teacher. Read it, understand it, ponder upon the first and last chapters as well as the middle. It makes the present so much more understandable and less perplexing."

Did I miss something on the Pollock name here? Nancy-Jo Nunez A Genealogy Enthusiast ...Member of Rhode Island Genealogy Society, Connecticut Genealogy Society, New England Genealogical & Historical Society, Killingly Historical Society, Rhode Island Historical Society, Santa Clara California Genealogical Society, Northern California Genealogical Society. Searching...searching...searching... "History is a great teacher. Read it, understand it, ponder upon the first and last chapters as well as the middle. It makes the present so much more understandable and less perplexing."

Bill - I suppose they did have plea bargaining or similar back in those days too. I'ver never had any reason to look into the law back in those days, so I don't know much about the differences between then and now. thanks for answering, Lisa ----- Original Message ----- From: Bill Waterhouse To: RIGENWEB-L@rootsweb.com Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 10:56 PM Subject: Re:Re: [RIGENWEB] Pollock Murder -- The Scoop (1 of 2) Lisa: I believe in the Brown case it was stated he was charged with either 2nd degree manslaughter or murder, which usually carries a much lesser sentence than 1st degree. The reason...there may have been something similar in those days to "Plea Bargaining" which is so common today. This happens as a result of admitting guilt to a less- er charge in exchange for a lesser sentence. In Bailey's case he took a 'shortcut' & ending up serving NO time...On earth, at least! BILL in CT -------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for posting these fascinating articles. I don't understand why in this case Adonijah Baily was sentenced to death, but in the case of Mr. Brown, posted the other day, he got off virtually scott free. Was the life of child not valued as much as that of an adult man? Or, was it that corporal punishment was an accepted activity, but in the Brown case, the child *unfortunately* died? It would be interesting to know if anyone has studied the court cases of this time period to see what types of sentences were imposed for what types of crimes. Lisa ----- Original Message ----- From: M. E. Potter To: RIGENWEB-L@rootsweb.com Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 6:50 PM Subject: Re: [RIGENWEB] Pollock Murder -- The Scoop Hi Jean, All of the following are from the same source, "Early American Newspapers, Series I, 1690 to 1876" available to members on the NEHGS website. First, the following popped up (in case you don't already know this): From the Rhode-Island Republican, Vol.. 13, Iss. 27, pg. 4, 1821-10-03: "WASHINGTON, ss. -- Supreme Judicial Court / October term, A. D. 1820. / WHEREAS Marvel Pollock of Exeter, in the county of Washington, wife of Jeremiah W. Pollock, now residing in parts unknown, has this day filed her petition, in my Office, praying, for certain reasons therein stated, that the bonds of matrimony subsisting between her and the said Jeremiah, may be dissolved. Notice is hereby given to the said Jeremiah, to be and appear, if he see fit, before the Honorable Supreme Judicial Court to be holden, at South-Kingstown, within and for the county of Washington, on the second Monday of October, 1821, to shew [sic] cause why the prayer of said petition, ought not to be granted. / JOHN SEGAR, Clerk. / South Kingstown, Aug. 18, 1821 [S.12]" [If you don't already have the divorce papers, you can get them, free of charge, by emailing <archives@courts.ri.gov> ] From the Norwich Courier, Vol. III, Iss. 42, pg. 3, 1825-01-19: "Trial for Murder. -- On Wednesday last, came on the trial of Adonijah Bailey, aged 80 years, for the murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, at the Superio ==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== The RI Archives http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ri/rifiles.htm RIGenWeb Archives Search http://www.rootsweb.com/usgenweb/ri/risearch.html

Lisa: I believe in the Brown case it was stated he was charged with either 2nd degree manslaughter or murder, which usually carries a much lesser sentence than 1st degree. The reason...there may have been something similar in those days to "Plea Bargaining" which is so common today. This happens as a result of admitting guilt to a less- er charge in exchange for a lesser sentence. In Bailey's case he took a 'shortcut' & ending up serving NO time...On earth, at least! BILL in CT -------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for posting these fascinating articles. I don't understand why in this case Adonijah Baily was sentenced to death, but in the case of Mr. Brown, posted the other day, he got off virtually scott free. Was the life of child not valued as much as that of an adult man? Or, was it that corporal punishment was an accepted activity, but in the Brown case, the child *unfortunately* died? It would be interesting to know if anyone has studied the court cases of this time period to see what types of sentences were imposed for what types of crimes. Lisa ----- Original Message ----- From: M. E. Potter To: RIGENWEB-L@rootsweb.com Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 6:50 PM Subject: Re: [RIGENWEB] Pollock Murder -- The Scoop Hi Jean, All of the following are from the same source, "Early American Newspapers, Series I, 1690 to 1876" available to members on the NEHGS website. First, the following popped up (in case you don't already know this): From the Rhode-Island Republican, Vol.. 13, Iss. 27, pg. 4, 1821-10-03: "WASHINGTON, ss. -- Supreme Judicial Court / October term, A. D. 1820. / WHEREAS Marvel Pollock of Exeter, in the county of Washington, wife of Jeremiah W. Pollock, now residing in parts unknown, has this day filed her petition, in my Office, praying, for certain reasons therein stated, that the bonds of matrimony subsisting between her and the said Jeremiah, may be dissolved. Notice is hereby given to the said Jeremiah, to be and appear, if he see fit, before the Honorable Supreme Judicial Court to be holden, at South-Kingstown, within and for the county of Washington, on the second Monday of October, 1821, to shew [sic] cause why the prayer of said petition, ought not to be granted. / JOHN SEGAR, Clerk. / South Kingstown, Aug. 18, 1821 [S.12]" [If you don't already have the divorce papers, you can get them, free of charge, by emailing <archives@courts.ri.gov> ] From the Norwich Courier, Vol. III, Iss. 42, pg. 3, 1825-01-19: "Trial for Murder. -- On Wednesday last, came on the trial of Adonijah Bailey, aged 80 years, for the murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, at the Superio

Thanks for posting these fascinating articles. I don't understand why in this case Adonijah Baily was sentenced to death, but in the case of Mr. Brown, posted the other day, he got off virtually scott free. Was the life of child not valued as much as that of an adult man? Or, was it that corporal punishment was an accepted activity, but in the Brown case, the child *unfortunately* died? It would be interesting to know if anyone has studied the court cases of this time period to see what types of sentences were imposed for what types of crimes. Lisa ----- Original Message ----- From: M. E. Potter To: RIGENWEB-L@rootsweb.com Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 6:50 PM Subject: Re: [RIGENWEB] Pollock Murder -- The Scoop Hi Jean, All of the following are from the same source, "Early American Newspapers, Series I, 1690 to 1876" available to members on the NEHGS website. First, the following popped up (in case you don't already know this): From the Rhode-Island Republican, Vol.. 13, Iss. 27, pg. 4, 1821-10-03: "WASHINGTON, ss. -- Supreme Judicial Court / October term, A. D. 1820. / WHEREAS Marvel Pollock of Exeter, in the county of Washington, wife of Jeremiah W. Pollock, now residing in parts unknown, has this day filed her petition, in my Office, praying, for certain reasons therein stated, that the bonds of matrimony subsisting between her and the said Jeremiah, may be dissolved. Notice is hereby given to the said Jeremiah, to be and appear, if he see fit, before the Honorable Supreme Judicial Court to be holden, at South-Kingstown, within and for the county of Washington, on the second Monday of October, 1821, to shew [sic] cause why the prayer of said petition, ought not to be granted. / JOHN SEGAR, Clerk. / South Kingstown, Aug. 18, 1821 [S.12]" [If you don't already have the divorce papers, you can get them, free of charge, by emailing <archives@courts.ri.gov> ] From the Norwich Courier, Vol. III, Iss. 42, pg. 3, 1825-01-19: "Trial for Murder. -- On Wednesday last, came on the trial of Adonijah Bailey, aged 80 years, for the murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, at the Superior Court, holden at Brooklyn -- Judges Peters and Brainard presiding. The jury retired about 20 minutes, and returned with a verdict of GUILTY. / We understand that the counsel for the prisoner have in arrest of judgment on the ground of one of the jurors not being a freeholder, and petitioned for a new trial on account of the misdirection of the Judge." From the Middlesex Gazette, Vol. XL, Iss. 2044 , pg. 2, 1825-01-26: "DOMESTIC. / On Wednesday last, the trial of Adonijah Baily [sic] for the murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, commenced at Brooklyn, in the county of Windham, and terminated on Friday evening. So much interest had been excited, that before the trial commenced, the town was thronged with people from all parts of the County. The Hon. Judge PETERS presided at the trial. When Bailey was brought in to plead, great anxiety was manifested to witness the solemn scene. The prisoner was brought in by the Sheriff and his deputies, and as he approached the bar of justice, at the age of 79, halting with infirmity, every soul present seemed deeply affected, exoept [sic] the prisoner, who though attentive was unmoved. The case was conducted on the part of the State, by Col. JUDSON, State Attorney, assisted by Wm. P. CLEAVELAND, Esq.; and on the part of the prisoner by C. GODDARD, and J. EATON, Esquires. / The testimony disclosed the most cruel and awful murder that has taken place in the State of Connecticut for many years. The substance of the testimony was as follows: -- / Pollock had for some weeks been at work at Baileys, in the town of Sterling, and on the 23d of Oct. last, Pollock was missing: search was made from day to day for the body, until Nov. 3d when it was found buried, one foot deep, eight rods from the place where Bailey and Pollock had been at work. On taking the body from the ground, it appeared that four wounds were made on the back part of the head, cut through the scull [sic] with an axe. Eight witnesses testified that Bailey said he was with Pollock, making shingles until 11 o'clock on the 23d of Oct. when Pollock went away, to go to a neighbouring store, and that he, Bailey, stayed to work till late dinner time, and immediately returned and continued work there all day. Traces of blood were discovered from the shingle place, to the place where the body was found, and a fire had been kindled with a view to burn up the bloody shavings, but many were found partly consumed and others covered up, all this within 30 rods of Bailey's house. Bailey was asked whether there was any fire on the spot on the day Pollock was missing, repeatedly said there was none, could not have been any, as he was in a situation to know, being there all the time. It was then proved beyond all doubt that a fire was seen to be kindled around the shingle place about 2 o'clock P. M. which remained to burn some time. On searching Bailey, a note and order belonging to Pollock were found in his possession. Pollock's trunk was found open, and all its contents taken out, and some papers belonging to Pollock were thrown into the fire, and identified, some of them were taken off by a witness before consumed. When Pollock was last seen he had money with him and Bailey was destitute of any, until after Pollock's death, when he passed money at the store, to a considerable amount. Pollock's pocket-book and watch have never been found. One witness swore that about 10 days before Pollock was murdered, Bailey said 'that he or Pollock should die soon.' After Bailey's arrest and while under the care of the officer he tried to bribe his keepers and get away from them. -- These together with many other circumstances rendered his case entirely hopeless. After a protracted trial of three days, the cause was committed to the Jury, who returned a verdict of GUILTY. / The next day the prisoner was set at the bar to receive sentence, and being asked whether he had any reasons why sentence of death should not be pronounced, the prisoner replied with perfect coolness, that 'he had none, for he was willing to submit to the law.' / Judge Peters then proceeded in a most solemn and impressive manner to conclude the scene. The sentence was pronounced, and the execution is to take place the 2d Wednesday of June next. -- N. L. Advocate." From the Rhode Island American, Vol. XVII, Iss. 35, pg. 2, 1825-01-28: "At a recent term of the Supreme Court of Connecticut in Windham county, Adonijah Bailey, aged eighty years, was convicted of the murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, and sentenced to be executed on the 8th of June next. It is stated that the testimony disclosed the most cruel and awful murder that has been committed in Connecticut for many years." From the Middlesex Gazette, Vol. XL, Iss. 2062, pg. 3, 1825-06-01: "On the night of the 24th inst. Adonijah Bailey who was sentenced to be executed on the 8th day of June next, for the murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, evaded the sentence of the Judge by hanging himself, during the silence of the night in the dreary mansion of the Goal [sic], without any one to assist him. He made his rope of bandages which he took from his sore leg, and attached one end of it by a nail to the hinge of the door, and the other part of the rope round his neck, he was found hanging with his knees nearly to the floor, when the Goaler [sic] entered his room in the morning, the body was interred on Thursday. / Since his death we understand the Gaoler has found many papers in the room where he was confined which contain his confession of many black crimes, and among which, is the murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, he has confessed how and in what manner he committed the bloody deed but not the cause, all of which will soon appear in a pamphlet containing also his trial. -- Brooklyn Obser." Perhaps you can track down that pamphlet, if it was ever actually published. Maybe a local historical society would have a copy. Regards, Margaret At 07:49 AM 3/15/2006, you wrote: >Hi Gang, >Here is another murder nightmare that I have in my genealogy. Maybe one of >you that have all this access to these great books can find something. >I certainly would appreciate it... >Jeremiah Wilson Pollock is my 5th gr grandfather..B 1769 Wakefield...died 23 >Oct 1824 Sterling, CT >Per Arnold...Jeremiah Wilson Pollock was a postal carrier and Whig >Also he was murdered in Sterling, Ct. as was his brother 2 months prior. >Wonder if the murders are related. > >Sincerely, Jean B >

Hi Jean, All of the following are from the same source, "Early American Newspapers, Series I, 1690 to 1876" available to members on the NEHGS website. First, the following popped up (in case you don't already know this): From the Rhode-Island Republican, Vol.. 13, Iss. 27, pg. 4, 1821-10-03: "WASHINGTON, ss. -- Supreme Judicial Court / October term, A. D. 1820. / WHEREAS Marvel Pollock of Exeter, in the county of Washington, wife of Jeremiah W. Pollock, now residing in parts unknown, has this day filed her petition, in my Office, praying, for certain reasons therein stated, that the bonds of matrimony subsisting between her and the said Jeremiah, may be dissolved. Notice is hereby given to the said Jeremiah, to be and appear, if he see fit, before the Honorable Supreme Judicial Court to be holden, at South-Kingstown, within and for the county of Washington, on the second Monday of October, 1821, to shew [sic] cause why the prayer of said petition, ought not to be granted. / JOHN SEGAR, Clerk. / South Kingstown, Aug. 18, 1821 [S.12]" [If you don't already have the divorce papers, you can get them, free of charge, by emailing <archives@courts.ri.gov> ] From the Norwich Courier, Vol. III, Iss. 42, pg. 3, 1825-01-19: "Trial for Murder. -- On Wednesday last, came on the trial of Adonijah Bailey, aged 80 years, for the murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, at the Superior Court, holden at Brooklyn -- Judges Peters and Brainard presiding. The jury retired about 20 minutes, and returned with a verdict of GUILTY. / We understand that the counsel for the prisoner have in arrest of judgment on the ground of one of the jurors not being a freeholder, and petitioned for a new trial on account of the misdirection of the Judge." From the Middlesex Gazette, Vol. XL, Iss. 2044 , pg. 2, 1825-01-26: "DOMESTIC. / On Wednesday last, the trial of Adonijah Baily [sic] for the murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, commenced at Brooklyn, in the county of Windham, and terminated on Friday evening. So much interest had been excited, that before the trial commenced, the town was thronged with people from all parts of the County. The Hon. Judge PETERS presided at the trial. When Bailey was brought in to plead, great anxiety was manifested to witness the solemn scene. The prisoner was brought in by the Sheriff and his deputies, and as he approached the bar of justice, at the age of 79, halting with infirmity, every soul present seemed deeply affected, exoept [sic] the prisoner, who though attentive was unmoved. The case was conducted on the part of the State, by Col. JUDSON, State Attorney, assisted by Wm. P. CLEAVELAND, Esq.; and on the part of the prisoner by C. GODDARD, and J. EATON, Esquires. / The testimony disclosed the most cruel and awful murder that has taken place in the State of Connecticut for many years. The substance of the testimony was as follows: -- / Pollock had for some weeks been at work at Baileys, in the town of Sterling, and on the 23d of Oct. last, Pollock was missing: search was made from day to day for the body, until Nov. 3d when it was found buried, one foot deep, eight rods from the place where Bailey and Pollock had been at work. On taking the body from the ground, it appeared that four wounds were made on the back part of the head, cut through the scull [sic] with an axe. Eight witnesses testified that Bailey said he was with Pollock, making shingles until 11 o'clock on the 23d of Oct. when Pollock went away, to go to a neighbouring store, and that he, Bailey, stayed to work till late dinner time, and immediately returned and continued work there all day. Traces of blood were discovered from the shingle place, to the place where the body was found, and a fire had been kindled with a view to burn up the bloody shavings, but many were found partly consumed and others covered up, all this within 30 rods of Bailey's house. Bailey was asked whether there was any fire on the spot on the day Pollock was missing, repeatedly said there was none, could not have been any, as he was in a situation to know, being there all the time. It was then proved beyond all doubt that a fire was seen to be kindled around the shingle place about 2 o'clock P. M. which remained to burn some time. On searching Bailey, a note and order belonging to Pollock were found in his possession. Pollock's trunk was found open, and all its contents taken out, and some papers belonging to Pollock were thrown into the fire, and identified, some of them were taken off by a witness before consumed. When Pollock was last seen he had money with him and Bailey was destitute of any, until after Pollock's death, when he passed money at the store, to a considerable amount. Pollock's pocket-book and watch have never been found. One witness swore that about 10 days before Pollock was murdered, Bailey said 'that he or Pollock should die soon.' After Bailey's arrest and while under the care of the officer he tried to bribe his keepers and get away from them. -- These together with many other circumstances rendered his case entirely hopeless. After a protracted trial of three days, the cause was committed to the Jury, who returned a verdict of GUILTY. / The next day the prisoner was set at the bar to receive sentence, and being asked whether he had any reasons why sentence of death should not be pronounced, the prisoner replied with perfect coolness, that 'he had none, for he was willing to submit to the law.' / Judge Peters then proceeded in a most solemn and impressive manner to conclude the scene. The sentence was pronounced, and the execution is to take place the 2d Wednesday of June next. -- N. L. Advocate." From the Rhode Island American, Vol. XVII, Iss. 35, pg. 2, 1825-01-28: "At a recent term of the Supreme Court of Connecticut in Windham county, Adonijah Bailey, aged eighty years, was convicted of the murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, and sentenced to be executed on the 8th of June next. It is stated that the testimony disclosed the most cruel and awful murder that has been committed in Connecticut for many years." From the Middlesex Gazette, Vol. XL, Iss. 2062, pg. 3, 1825-06-01: "On the night of the 24th inst. Adonijah Bailey who was sentenced to be executed on the 8th day of June next, for the murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, evaded the sentence of the Judge by hanging himself, during the silence of the night in the dreary mansion of the Goal [sic], without any one to assist him. He made his rope of bandages which he took from his sore leg, and attached one end of it by a nail to the hinge of the door, and the other part of the rope round his neck, he was found hanging with his knees nearly to the floor, when the Goaler [sic] entered his room in the morning, the body was interred on Thursday. / Since his death we understand the Gaoler has found many papers in the room where he was confined which contain his confession of many black crimes, and among which, is the murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, he has confessed how and in what manner he committed the bloody deed but not the cause, all of which will soon appear in a pamphlet containing also his trial. -- Brooklyn Obser." Perhaps you can track down that pamphlet, if it was ever actually published. Maybe a local historical society would have a copy. Regards, Margaret At 07:49 AM 3/15/2006, you wrote: >Hi Gang, >Here is another murder nightmare that I have in my genealogy. Maybe one of >you that have all this access to these great books can find something. >I certainly would appreciate it... >Jeremiah Wilson Pollock is my 5th gr grandfather..B 1769 Wakefield...died 23 >Oct 1824 Sterling, CT >Per Arnold...Jeremiah Wilson Pollock was a postal carrier and Whig >Also he was murdered in Sterling, Ct. as was his brother 2 months prior. >Wonder if the murders are related. > >Sincerely, Jean B > > >==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== >The RI Archives http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ri/rifiles.htm >RIGenWeb Archives Search http://www.rootsweb.com/usgenweb/ri/risearch.html At 07:49 AM 3/15/2006, you wrote: >Hi Gang, >Here is another murder nightmare that I have in my genealogy. Maybe one of >you that have all this access to these great books can find something. >I certainly would appreciate it... >Jeremiah Wilson Pollock is my 5th gr grandfather..B 1769 Wakefield...died 23 >Oct 1824 Sterling, CT >Per Arnold...Jeremiah Wilson Pollock was a postal carrier and Whig >Also he was murdered in Sterling, Ct. as was his brother 2 months prior. >Wonder if the murders are related. > >Sincerely, Jean B > > >==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== >The RI Archives http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ri/rifiles.htm >RIGenWeb Archives Search http://www.rootsweb.com/usgenweb/ri/risearch.html

Margaret: Thank you so very much for finding these sources. Amazing story! I was surprised to learn that Marvel filed for a divorce. I have had much trouble finding info on her. My material states she was fna Marvel Perkins. Sincerely, Suzanne Pollock Hough ----- Original Message ----- From: "M. E. Potter" <potter@inch.com> To: <RIGENWEB-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 5:50 PM Subject: Re: [RIGENWEB] Pollock Murder -- The Scoop > Hi Jean, > > All of the following are from the same source, "Early American Newspapers, > Series I, 1690 to 1876" available to members on the NEHGS website. > > First, the following popped up (in case you don't already know this): > > From the Rhode-Island Republican, Vol.. 13, Iss. 27, pg. 4, 1821-10-03: > > "WASHINGTON, ss. -- Supreme Judicial Court / October term, A. D. 1820. / > WHEREAS Marvel Pollock of Exeter, in the county of Washington, wife of > Jeremiah W. Pollock, now residing in parts unknown, has this day filed her > petition, in my Office, praying, for certain reasons therein stated, that > the bonds of matrimony subsisting between her and the said Jeremiah, may > be dissolved. Notice is hereby given to the said Jeremiah, to be and > appear, if he see fit, before the Honorable Supreme Judicial Court to be > holden, at South-Kingstown, within and for the county of Washington, on > the second Monday of October, 1821, to shew [sic] cause why the prayer of > said petition, ought not to be granted. / JOHN SEGAR, Clerk. / South > Kingstown, Aug. 18, 1821 [S.12]" > > [If you don't already have the divorce papers, you can get them, free of > charge, by emailing <archives@courts.ri.gov> ] > > > From the Norwich Courier, Vol. III, Iss. 42, pg. 3, 1825-01-19: "Trial > for Murder. -- On Wednesday last, came on the trial of Adonijah Bailey, > aged 80 years, for the murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, at the Superior > Court, holden at Brooklyn -- Judges Peters and Brainard presiding. The > jury retired about 20 minutes, and returned with a verdict of GUILTY. / We > understand that the counsel for the prisoner have in arrest of judgment on > the ground of one of the jurors not being a freeholder, and petitioned for > a new trial on account of the misdirection of the Judge." > > > From the Middlesex Gazette, Vol. XL, Iss. 2044 , pg. 2, 1825-01-26: > "DOMESTIC. / On Wednesday last, the trial of Adonijah Baily [sic] for the > murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, commenced at Brooklyn, in the county of > Windham, and terminated on Friday evening. So much interest had been > excited, that before the trial commenced, the town was thronged with > people from all parts of the County. The Hon. Judge PETERS presided at the > trial. When Bailey was brought in to plead, great anxiety was manifested > to witness the solemn scene. The prisoner was brought in by the Sheriff > and his deputies, and as he approached the bar of justice, at the age of > 79, halting with infirmity, every soul present seemed deeply affected, > exoept [sic] the prisoner, who though attentive was unmoved. The case was > conducted on the part of the State, by Col. JUDSON, State Attorney, > assisted by Wm. P. CLEAVELAND, Esq.; and on the part of the prisoner by C. > GODDARD, and J. EATON, Esquires. / The testimony disclosed the most cruel > and awful murder that has taken place in the State of Connecticut for many > years. The substance of the testimony was as follows: -- / Pollock had for > some weeks been at work at Baileys, in the town of Sterling, and on the > 23d of Oct. last, Pollock was missing: search was made from day to day for > the body, until Nov. 3d when it was found buried, one foot deep, eight > rods from the place where Bailey and Pollock had been at work. On taking > the body from the ground, it appeared that four wounds were made on the > back part of the head, cut through the scull [sic] with an axe. Eight > witnesses testified that Bailey said he was with Pollock, making shingles > until 11 o'clock on the 23d of Oct. when Pollock went away, to go to a > neighbouring store, and that he, Bailey, stayed to work till late dinner > time, and immediately returned and continued work there all day. Traces of > blood were discovered from the shingle place, to the place where the body > was found, and a fire had been kindled with a view to burn up the bloody > shavings, but many were found partly consumed and others covered up, all > this within 30 rods of Bailey's house. Bailey was asked whether there was > any fire on the spot on the day Pollock was missing, repeatedly said there > was none, could not have been any, as he was in a situation to know, being > there all the time. It was then proved beyond all doubt that a fire was > seen to be kindled around the shingle place about 2 o'clock P. M. which > remained to burn some time. On searching Bailey, a note and order > belonging to Pollock were found in his possession. Pollock's trunk was > found open, and all its contents taken out, and some papers belonging to > Pollock were thrown into the fire, and identified, some of them were taken > off by a witness before consumed. When Pollock was last seen he had money > with him and Bailey was destitute of any, until after Pollock's death, > when he passed money at the store, to a considerable amount. Pollock's > pocket-book and watch have never been found. One witness swore that about > 10 days before Pollock was murdered, Bailey said 'that he or Pollock > should die soon.' After Bailey's arrest and while under the care of the > officer he tried to bribe his keepers and get away from them. -- These > together with many other circumstances rendered his case entirely > hopeless. After a protracted trial of three days, the cause was committed > to the Jury, who returned a verdict of GUILTY. / The next day the prisoner > was set at the bar to receive sentence, and being asked whether he had any > reasons why sentence of death should not be pronounced, the prisoner > replied with perfect coolness, that 'he had none, for he was willing to > submit to the law.' / Judge Peters then proceeded in a most solemn and > impressive manner to conclude the scene. The sentence was pronounced, and > the execution is to take place the 2d Wednesday of June next. -- N. L. > Advocate." > > From the Rhode Island American, Vol. XVII, Iss. 35, pg. 2, 1825-01-28: > "At a recent term of the Supreme Court of Connecticut in Windham county, > Adonijah Bailey, aged eighty years, was convicted of the murder of > Jeremiah W. Pollock, and sentenced to be executed on the 8th of June next. > It is stated that the testimony disclosed the most cruel and awful murder > that has been committed in Connecticut for many years." > > From the Middlesex Gazette, Vol. XL, Iss. 2062, pg. 3, 1825-06-01: "On > the night of the 24th inst. Adonijah Bailey who was sentenced to be > executed on the 8th day of June next, for the murder of Jeremiah W. > Pollock, evaded the sentence of the Judge by hanging himself, during the > silence of the night in the dreary mansion of the Goal [sic], without any > one to assist him. He made his rope of bandages which he took from his > sore leg, and attached one end of it by a nail to the hinge of the door, > and the other part of the rope round his neck, he was found hanging with > his knees nearly to the floor, when the Goaler [sic] entered his room in > the morning, the body was interred on Thursday. / Since his death we > understand the Gaoler has found many papers in the room where he was > confined which contain his confession of many black crimes, and among > which, is the murder of Jeremiah W. Pollock, he has confessed how and in > what manner he committed the bloody deed but not the cause, all of which > will soon appear in a pamphlet containing also his trial. -- Brooklyn > Obser." > > > Perhaps you can track down that pamphlet, if it was ever actually > published. Maybe a local historical society would have a copy. > > Regards, > Margaret > > > > At 07:49 AM 3/15/2006, you wrote: >>Hi Gang, >>Here is another murder nightmare that I have in my genealogy. Maybe one >>of >>you that have all this access to these great books can find something. >>I certainly would appreciate it... >>Jeremiah Wilson Pollock is my 5th gr grandfather..B 1769 Wakefield...died >>23 >>Oct 1824 Sterling, CT >>Per Arnold...Jeremiah Wilson Pollock was a postal carrier and Whig >>Also he was murdered in Sterling, Ct. as was his brother 2 months prior. >>Wonder if the murders are related. >> >>Sincerely, Jean B >> >> >>==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== >>The RI Archives http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ri/rifiles.htm >>RIGenWeb Archives Search http://www.rootsweb.com/usgenweb/ri/risearch.html > > > > > > > > At 07:49 AM 3/15/2006, you wrote: >>Hi Gang, >>Here is another murder nightmare that I have in my genealogy. Maybe one >>of >>you that have all this access to these great books can find something. >>I certainly would appreciate it... >>Jeremiah Wilson Pollock is my 5th gr grandfather..B 1769 Wakefield...died >>23 >>Oct 1824 Sterling, CT >>Per Arnold...Jeremiah Wilson Pollock was a postal carrier and Whig >>Also he was murdered in Sterling, Ct. as was his brother 2 months prior. >>Wonder if the murders are related. >> >>Sincerely, Jean B >> >> >>==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== >>The RI Archives http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ri/rifiles.htm >>RIGenWeb Archives Search http://www.rootsweb.com/usgenweb/ri/risearch.html > > > > ==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== > Kent County RIGenWeb http://www.rootsweb.com/~rikent/ > Search the RIGenWeb Pages http://www.rootsweb.com/~rigenweb/search.html >

JeanB: Jeremiah Willson Pollock is my 3rd great-grandfather. I, too, wish to know more about his murder. Purportedly, the first two newspaper reports in the American Mercury and Hartford Courant gave his name as Abraham W. Polluck when they reported the murder in Sterling on Nov. 23, 1824. However, the Connecticut Herald on Nov. 30 said Jeremiah W. and gave the date of death as Oct. 23, 1824. American Mercury repeated the story on Jan. 25, 1825, perhaps to correct the name, or possibly with some account of the murderer's trial. Can anyone find details of the trial? Thanks in advance. Suzanne Pollock Hough ----- Original Message ----- From: "JeanB" <gentlesunset@cox.net> To: <RIGENWEB-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 6:49 AM Subject: [RIGENWEB] Another murder question > Hi Gang, > Here is another murder nightmare that I have in my genealogy. Maybe one > of > you that have all this access to these great books can find something. > I certainly would appreciate it... > Jeremiah Wilson Pollock is my 5th gr grandfather..B 1769 Wakefield...died > 23 > Oct 1824 Sterling, CT > Per Arnold...Jeremiah Wilson Pollock was a postal carrier and Whig > Also he was murdered in Sterling, Ct. as was his brother 2 months prior. > Wonder if the murders are related. > > Sincerely, Jean B > > > ==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== > The RI Archives http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ri/rifiles.htm > RIGenWeb Archives Search http://www.rootsweb.com/usgenweb/ri/risearch.html >

For a Burgess descendant -- There is a postcard for sale on eBay postmarked Rockland, RI, July 6, 1908, from Grandma Burgess to her granddaughter, Betsey E. Burgess, Danielson, CT. I have no connection to the seller--just giving a heads up. Margaret

Sounds like the laws were as bad then as they are now, go free for murder and rape, go to prison for 15 years for stealing a snickers candy bar, (that actually happened in Texas) Arlan Maguire...

Hi Gang, Here is another murder nightmare that I have in my genealogy. Maybe one of you that have all this access to these great books can find something. I certainly would appreciate it... Jeremiah Wilson Pollock is my 5th gr grandfather..B 1769 Wakefield...died 23 Oct 1824 Sterling, CT Per Arnold...Jeremiah Wilson Pollock was a postal carrier and Whig Also he was murdered in Sterling, Ct. as was his brother 2 months prior. Wonder if the murders are related. Sincerely, Jean B

Amen Nancy-Jo Nunez A Genealogy Enthusiast ...Member of Rhode Island Genealogy Society, Connecticut Genealogy Society, New England Genealogical & Historical Society, Killingly Historical Society, Rhode Island Historical Society, Santa Clara California Genealogical Society, Northern California Genealogical Society. Searching...searching...searching... "History is a great teacher. Read it, understand it, ponder upon the first and last chapters as well as the middle. It makes the present so much more understandable and less perplexing."

Hi Don, I have wondered why he only got six years myself - the brutality of the crime (which i did not completely spell out in my original post) certainly made my skin crawl. The other thing I wonder is why none of the three adults who stood by and watched it happen were not charged in the murder! Donna > > From: "Don Taylor" <dtaylor120@cfl.rr.com> > Date: 2006/03/14 Tue PM 06:31:05 EST > To: RIGENWEB-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: Re: [RIGENWEB] Murder in South County in early 1800s committed by Wm C Brown > > Six years for killing a five year old? They should have hung him by his > fingers and toes. > Don T. > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "M. E. Potter" <potter@inch.com> > To: <RIGENWEB-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 5:07 PM > Subject: Re: [RIGENWEB] Murder in South County in early 1800s committed by > Wm C Brown > > > > Hi Donna, > > > > From the database of "Early American Newspapers, Series I, 1690-1876, > > available to members on the NEHGS website, I found the following: > > > > From the Portland Gazette, and Maine Advertiser, Vol. XVII, Iss. 5, pg. > > 2, 1814-05-09: "In Rhode Island, last week, William C. Brown, was tried > > for the murder of Mary Hallowell [or Halloway--see below] aged 5. An > > account of the manner of committing the crime was published in Feb. last. > > She was punished with such horrid barbarities for not telling the letter > P. > > as to cause her death. Brown was found guilty of murder in the second > > degree and sentenced to six years imprisonment and a fine of 2000 > dollars." > > > > From the Constitutionalist and Weekly Magazine, Vol. III, Iss. 47, pg. 3, > > 1814-05-10: "PROVIDENCE, MAY 3. / At the late term of the Supreme > > Judicial Court, in Washington County, William C. Brown, a schoolmaster, > was > > tried for the murder of Mary Halloway, an infant of five years old, whom > he > > punished for not pronouncing a letter as he ordered, in such a brutal > > manner as to occasion her death. Forty-nine witnesses were examined, and > > the Jury returned a verdict of guilty of murder of the second degree. He > > has been sentenced to six years imprisonment and a fine of 2000 dollars." > > > > From the Connecticut Gazette, Vol. LI, Iss. 2636, pg. 4, > > 1814-05-18: "PROVIDENCE, May 3. / INTERESTING TRIAL. / At the April term > > of the Supreme Judicial Court, holden the last week, in the county of > > Washington, William C. Brown, of South-Kingston, was indicted for a murder > > committed the 27th day of December, 1813, on the body of Mary Halloway, an > > infant of five years of age. The trial commenced on Friday morning at 9 > > o'clock. Forty-nine witnesses were sworn and examined, and the arguments > > of counsel were not finished until between 5 and 6 o'clock on Saturday > > morning. The Jury retired, and about 8 o'clock the same morning, returned > > a verdict of guilty of murder of the second degree. On the same day, the > > sentence of the Court was pronounced upon the prisoner, which was > > imprisonment for six years and a fine of two thousand dollars. / Samuel W. > > Bridgham, Esq. Attorney General was counsel in behalf of the State, and > > John Whipple and Levi Trotten [unclear, perhaps Trotter], Esqrs. for the > > prisoner." > > > > Regards, > > Margaret > > > > > > > > > > > > At 12:31 PM 3/9/2006, you wrote: > > >In doing some research on the Peleg Brown family, I ran across an item in > > >an old newspaper, the Rhode Island American of January 28, 1814. They had > > >published a letter written by someone to a family member stationed at > Fort > > >Trumbull. The letter went into detail about how on the 27th of "December > > >last" William C. Brown, son of Peleg Brown, had murdered a 4-5 year old > > >child who lived with him. He killed the child because she was having > > >trouble learning her alphabet. There was a description of a horrific > > >crime, and then the writer added that the whole scene was witnessed by > > >Brown's wife and "Baker and his wife" - none of whom did anything to stop > > >the crime. > > > > > >I have been trying to find out the name of the little girl as well as any > > >info on a trial, jail sentence, etc. There's a big gap in the births of > > >children to William and his wife, Sally Kenyon, which may be accounted > for > > >by the fact that he could have been incarcerated, but I can find nothing > > >else on the crime to support that. > > > > > >Have any of you South County history experts heard of this crime? Any > info > > >is appreciated. > > >Donna in RI > > > > > > > > > > > >==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== > > >Visit RootsWeb Genealogical Data Cooperative: http://www.rootsweb.com/ > > >WorldConnect Project -- Connecting the World One GEDCOM at a Time > > >http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/ > > > > > > ==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== > > Newport County RIGenWeb http://www.rootsweb.com/~rinewpor/ > > To unsubscribe: http://www.rootsweb.com/~rigenweb/mailist.html#unsubscribe > > > ==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== > Support RootsWeb Genealogical Data Cooperative: http://www.rootsweb.com/ > Surname Helper Search http://cgi.rootsweb.com/surhelp/srchall.html > >

Hi Margaret, Thank you so much for that information! I really appreciate it. I still cannot believe the atrocity of the crime and the fact that three other people stood by and allowed it to happen. Donna > > From: "M. E. Potter" <potter@inch.com> > Date: 2006/03/14 Tue PM 05:07:55 EST > To: RIGENWEB-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: Re: [RIGENWEB] Murder in South County in early 1800s committed > by Wm C Brown > > Hi Donna, > > From the database of "Early American Newspapers, Series I, 1690-1876, > available to members on the NEHGS website, I found the following: > > From the Portland Gazette, and Maine Advertiser, Vol. XVII, Iss. 5, pg. > 2, 1814-05-09: "In Rhode Island, last week, William C. Brown, was tried > for the murder of Mary Hallowell [or Halloway--see below] aged 5. An > account of the manner of committing the crime was published in Feb. last. > She was punished with such horrid barbarities for not telling the letter P. > as to cause her death. Brown was found guilty of murder in the second > degree and sentenced to six years imprisonment and a fine of 2000 dollars." > > From the Constitutionalist and Weekly Magazine, Vol. III, Iss. 47, pg. 3, > 1814-05-10: "PROVIDENCE, MAY 3. / At the late term of the Supreme > Judicial Court, in Washington County, William C. Brown, a schoolmaster, was > tried for the murder of Mary Halloway, an infant of five years old, whom he > punished for not pronouncing a letter as he ordered, in such a brutal > manner as to occasion her death. Forty-nine witnesses were examined, and > the Jury returned a verdict of guilty of murder of the second degree. He > has been sentenced to six years imprisonment and a fine of 2000 dollars." > > From the Connecticut Gazette, Vol. LI, Iss. 2636, pg. 4, > 1814-05-18: "PROVIDENCE, May 3. / INTERESTING TRIAL. / At the April term > of the Supreme Judicial Court, holden the last week, in the county of > Washington, William C. Brown, of South-Kingston, was indicted for a murder > committed the 27th day of December, 1813, on the body of Mary Halloway, an > infant of five years of age. The trial commenced on Friday morning at 9 > o'clock. Forty-nine witnesses were sworn and examined, and the arguments > of counsel were not finished until between 5 and 6 o'clock on Saturday > morning. The Jury retired, and about 8 o'clock the same morning, returned > a verdict of guilty of murder of the second degree. On the same day, the > sentence of the Court was pronounced upon the prisoner, which was > imprisonment for six years and a fine of two thousand dollars. / Samuel W. > Bridgham, Esq. Attorney General was counsel in behalf of the State, and > John Whipple and Levi Trotten [unclear, perhaps Trotter], Esqrs. for the > prisoner." > > Regards, > Margaret > > > > > > At 12:31 PM 3/9/2006, you wrote: > >In doing some research on the Peleg Brown family, I ran across an item in > >an old newspaper, the Rhode Island American of January 28, 1814. They had > >published a letter written by someone to a family member stationed at Fort > >Trumbull. The letter went into detail about how on the 27th of "December > >last" William C. Brown, son of Peleg Brown, had murdered a 4-5 year old > >child who lived with him. He killed the child because she was having > >trouble learning her alphabet. There was a description of a horrific > >crime, and then the writer added that the whole scene was witnessed by > >Brown's wife and "Baker and his wife" - none of whom did anything to stop > >the crime. > > > >I have been trying to find out the name of the little girl as well as any > >info on a trial, jail sentence, etc. There's a big gap in the births of > >children to William and his wife, Sally Kenyon, which may be accounted for > >by the fact that he could have been incarcerated, but I can find nothing > >else on the crime to support that. > > > >Have any of you South County history experts heard of this crime? Any info > >is appreciated. > >Donna in RI > > > > > > > >==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== > >Visit RootsWeb Genealogical Data Cooperative: http://www.rootsweb.com/ > >WorldConnect Project -- Connecting the World One GEDCOM at a Time > >http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/ > > > ==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== > Newport County RIGenWeb http://www.rootsweb.com/~rinewpor/ > To unsubscribe: http://www.rootsweb.com/~rigenweb/mailist.html#unsubscribe > >

Six years for killing a five year old? They should have hung him by his fingers and toes. Don T. ----- Original Message ----- From: "M. E. Potter" <potter@inch.com> To: <RIGENWEB-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 5:07 PM Subject: Re: [RIGENWEB] Murder in South County in early 1800s committed by Wm C Brown > Hi Donna, > > From the database of "Early American Newspapers, Series I, 1690-1876, > available to members on the NEHGS website, I found the following: > > From the Portland Gazette, and Maine Advertiser, Vol. XVII, Iss. 5, pg. > 2, 1814-05-09: "In Rhode Island, last week, William C. Brown, was tried > for the murder of Mary Hallowell [or Halloway--see below] aged 5. An > account of the manner of committing the crime was published in Feb. last. > She was punished with such horrid barbarities for not telling the letter P. > as to cause her death. Brown was found guilty of murder in the second > degree and sentenced to six years imprisonment and a fine of 2000 dollars." > > From the Constitutionalist and Weekly Magazine, Vol. III, Iss. 47, pg. 3, > 1814-05-10: "PROVIDENCE, MAY 3. / At the late term of the Supreme > Judicial Court, in Washington County, William C. Brown, a schoolmaster, was > tried for the murder of Mary Halloway, an infant of five years old, whom he > punished for not pronouncing a letter as he ordered, in such a brutal > manner as to occasion her death. Forty-nine witnesses were examined, and > the Jury returned a verdict of guilty of murder of the second degree. He > has been sentenced to six years imprisonment and a fine of 2000 dollars." > > From the Connecticut Gazette, Vol. LI, Iss. 2636, pg. 4, > 1814-05-18: "PROVIDENCE, May 3. / INTERESTING TRIAL. / At the April term > of the Supreme Judicial Court, holden the last week, in the county of > Washington, William C. Brown, of South-Kingston, was indicted for a murder > committed the 27th day of December, 1813, on the body of Mary Halloway, an > infant of five years of age. The trial commenced on Friday morning at 9 > o'clock. Forty-nine witnesses were sworn and examined, and the arguments > of counsel were not finished until between 5 and 6 o'clock on Saturday > morning. The Jury retired, and about 8 o'clock the same morning, returned > a verdict of guilty of murder of the second degree. On the same day, the > sentence of the Court was pronounced upon the prisoner, which was > imprisonment for six years and a fine of two thousand dollars. / Samuel W. > Bridgham, Esq. Attorney General was counsel in behalf of the State, and > John Whipple and Levi Trotten [unclear, perhaps Trotter], Esqrs. for the > prisoner." > > Regards, > Margaret > > > > > > At 12:31 PM 3/9/2006, you wrote: > >In doing some research on the Peleg Brown family, I ran across an item in > >an old newspaper, the Rhode Island American of January 28, 1814. They had > >published a letter written by someone to a family member stationed at Fort > >Trumbull. The letter went into detail about how on the 27th of "December > >last" William C. Brown, son of Peleg Brown, had murdered a 4-5 year old > >child who lived with him. He killed the child because she was having > >trouble learning her alphabet. There was a description of a horrific > >crime, and then the writer added that the whole scene was witnessed by > >Brown's wife and "Baker and his wife" - none of whom did anything to stop > >the crime. > > > >I have been trying to find out the name of the little girl as well as any > >info on a trial, jail sentence, etc. There's a big gap in the births of > >children to William and his wife, Sally Kenyon, which may be accounted for > >by the fact that he could have been incarcerated, but I can find nothing > >else on the crime to support that. > > > >Have any of you South County history experts heard of this crime? Any info > >is appreciated. > >Donna in RI > > > > > > > >==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== > >Visit RootsWeb Genealogical Data Cooperative: http://www.rootsweb.com/ > >WorldConnect Project -- Connecting the World One GEDCOM at a Time > >http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/ > > > ==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== > Newport County RIGenWeb http://www.rootsweb.com/~rinewpor/ > To unsubscribe: http://www.rootsweb.com/~rigenweb/mailist.html#unsubscribe

Hi Donna, From the database of "Early American Newspapers, Series I, 1690-1876, available to members on the NEHGS website, I found the following: From the Portland Gazette, and Maine Advertiser, Vol. XVII, Iss. 5, pg. 2, 1814-05-09: "In Rhode Island, last week, William C. Brown, was tried for the murder of Mary Hallowell [or Halloway--see below] aged 5. An account of the manner of committing the crime was published in Feb. last. She was punished with such horrid barbarities for not telling the letter P. as to cause her death. Brown was found guilty of murder in the second degree and sentenced to six years imprisonment and a fine of 2000 dollars." From the Constitutionalist and Weekly Magazine, Vol. III, Iss. 47, pg. 3, 1814-05-10: "PROVIDENCE, MAY 3. / At the late term of the Supreme Judicial Court, in Washington County, William C. Brown, a schoolmaster, was tried for the murder of Mary Halloway, an infant of five years old, whom he punished for not pronouncing a letter as he ordered, in such a brutal manner as to occasion her death. Forty-nine witnesses were examined, and the Jury returned a verdict of guilty of murder of the second degree. He has been sentenced to six years imprisonment and a fine of 2000 dollars." From the Connecticut Gazette, Vol. LI, Iss. 2636, pg. 4, 1814-05-18: "PROVIDENCE, May 3. / INTERESTING TRIAL. / At the April term of the Supreme Judicial Court, holden the last week, in the county of Washington, William C. Brown, of South-Kingston, was indicted for a murder committed the 27th day of December, 1813, on the body of Mary Halloway, an infant of five years of age. The trial commenced on Friday morning at 9 o'clock. Forty-nine witnesses were sworn and examined, and the arguments of counsel were not finished until between 5 and 6 o'clock on Saturday morning. The Jury retired, and about 8 o'clock the same morning, returned a verdict of guilty of murder of the second degree. On the same day, the sentence of the Court was pronounced upon the prisoner, which was imprisonment for six years and a fine of two thousand dollars. / Samuel W. Bridgham, Esq. Attorney General was counsel in behalf of the State, and John Whipple and Levi Trotten [unclear, perhaps Trotter], Esqrs. for the prisoner." Regards, Margaret At 12:31 PM 3/9/2006, you wrote: >In doing some research on the Peleg Brown family, I ran across an item in >an old newspaper, the Rhode Island American of January 28, 1814. They had >published a letter written by someone to a family member stationed at Fort >Trumbull. The letter went into detail about how on the 27th of "December >last" William C. Brown, son of Peleg Brown, had murdered a 4-5 year old >child who lived with him. He killed the child because she was having >trouble learning her alphabet. There was a description of a horrific >crime, and then the writer added that the whole scene was witnessed by >Brown's wife and "Baker and his wife" - none of whom did anything to stop >the crime. > >I have been trying to find out the name of the little girl as well as any >info on a trial, jail sentence, etc. There's a big gap in the births of >children to William and his wife, Sally Kenyon, which may be accounted for >by the fact that he could have been incarcerated, but I can find nothing >else on the crime to support that. > >Have any of you South County history experts heard of this crime? Any info >is appreciated. >Donna in RI > > > >==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== >Visit RootsWeb Genealogical Data Cooperative: http://www.rootsweb.com/ >WorldConnect Project -- Connecting the World One GEDCOM at a Time >http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/

Donna - I may have found something on this - in the Wood Detective Agency. Records, 1865-1945 : Finding Aid. at the website of the Harvard Law School Library Scroll down till you get to this section - Series 4: Clippings of the Cases of James Rodney Wood Jr. 5-19 Brown, Annie D. Account of Her Murder by William Brown, 1918. Written by Paul Whelton. "True Detective Stories from the New England Police Annals" which were presented daily by the Boston Evening American and the Boston Sunday Advertiser. The names could be a coincidence, then again...... You may be able to find the newspaper articles elsewhere. Hope this is the one, Lisa ----- Original Message ----- From: "Donna Potter" <uriramfan@cox.net> To: <RIGENWEB-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2006 12:31 PM Subject: [RIGENWEB] Murder in South County in early 1800s committed by Wm C Brown > In doing some research on the Peleg Brown family, I ran across an item in an old newspaper, the Rhode Island American of January 28, 1814. They had published a letter written by someone to a family member stationed at Fort Trumbull. The letter went into detail about how on the 27th of "December last" William C. Brown, son of Peleg Brown, had murdered a 4-5 year old child who lived with him. He killed the child because she was having trouble learning her alphabet. There was a description of a horrific crime, and then the writer added that the whole scene was witnessed by Brown's wife and "Baker and his wife" - none of whom did anything to stop the crime. > > I have been trying to find out the name of the little girl as well as any info on a trial, jail sentence, etc. There's a big gap in the births of children to William and his wife, Sally Kenyon, which may be accounted for by the fact that he could have been incarcerated, but I can find nothing else on the crime to support that. > > Have any of you South County history experts heard of this crime? Any info is appreciated. > Donna in RI > > > > ==== RIGENWEB Mailing List ==== > Visit RootsWeb Genealogical Data Cooperative: http://www.rootsweb.com/ > WorldConnect Project -- Connecting the World One GEDCOM at a Time > http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/ > >