- Fairhaven
William A. Bennett
William Bennett (48), a resident of Lynn Massachusetts, went fishing on Fish Island with his son-in-law Warren Gould and Mr. Gould’s half-brother George Simmons, William realized he had forgotten his fishing box on the bridge. He went back to retrieve it, and the other men never saw him again. A witness, James Humphrey, told police that as he drove on Huttleston Avenue near the high school he saw “one man walks up to another, strike him, and run south on Main Street towards the center of Fairhaven,” in an article in the Fairhaven Star on 10/21/1916.
William died from a “hemorrhage within the skull” the on October 14, 1916. Police confirmed that Mr. Gould was at home with his family, a half mile from the crime scene, at the time of the assault. The theory is that his murder was a case of mistaken identity.
William is buried in an unmarked grave in Pine Grove Cemetery in Lynn, MA.
William Bennett (48), a resident of Lynn Massachusetts, went fishing on Fish Island with his son-in-law Warren Gould and Mr. Gould’s half-brother George Simmons, William realized he had forgotten his fishing box on the bridge. He went back to retrieve it, and the other men never saw him again. A witness, James Humphrey, told police that as he drove on Huttleston Avenue near the high school he saw “one man walks up to another, strike him, and run south on Main Street towards the center of Fairhaven,” in an article in the Fairhaven Star on 10/21/1916.
William died from a “hemorrhage within the skull” the on October 14, 1916. Police confirmed that Mr. Gould was at home with his family, a half mile from the crime scene, at the time of the assault. The theory is that his murder was a case of mistaken identity.
William is buried in an unmarked grave in Pine Grove Cemetery in Lynn, MA.
- Fall River
Sarah Marie Cornell Unsolved Murder 1832
Sarah apprenticed as a tailor and finally worked at several mills throughout New England. Between 1823 and 1826 while working as a weaver in the mills, she had a transformation to Methodism and sought to change her ways. In 1829 while working in Lowell MA she met a newly arrived Methodist minister, Ephraim Kingsbury Avery. It was at a Methodist Camp Meeting in Thompson, Connecticut at the end of August 1832 that Sarah once again crossed paths with Reverend Avery. By this time, Avery had become the minster in Bristol, RI. It was alleged that during the Thompson Camp meeting that Avery seduced Sarah. In October 1832, Sarah moved to Fall River and was showing signs of pregnancy.
Sarah Cornell Found Dead
On December 21, 1832, Sarah (28) was found hanging in a barn on the farm of John Durfee in Tiverton, RI. Her body was identified by her minister, Reverend Ira Bidwell. Among her personal effects at her residence was a note written by Cornell and dated December 20, 183 "If I should be missing, enquire of the Rev. Mr. Avery in Bristol. He will know where I am."
Other suspicious and incriminating letters were also discovered, as well as a conversation she had had with a doctor indicating the married Avery was the father of her unborn child. A coroner's jury was convened in Tiverton before any autopsy had been performed. This jury found that Cornell had "committed suicide by hanging herself upon a stake and was influenced to commit said crime by the wicked conduct of a married man." An autopsy was performed, and it was confirmed Cornell was four months pregnant at the time of her death.
Sarah Cornell Buried Twice
Sarah was buried on December 24, 1832, in an unmarked grave against a stonewall in the very field where she had been found. Her body was exhumed for a second autopsy. The Methodist Church rejected the responsibility of burying her the second time. The church claimed Cornell was a “probationary” member of the congregation and therefore the church wasn’t responsible for her burial. Responsibility for her burial was assumed by the Fall River Congregationalists, and Cornell was buried as an indigent, on December 24, 1832. Sarah was interred in Oak Grove Cemetery Plot 2733 on Whitethorn Path.
Ephraim Kingsbury Formally Accused
A second coroner's jury was convened, this time in Bristol, RI. This jury overruled the earlier finding of suicide and accused Ephraim Kingsbury Avery as the "principal or accessory" in her death. Avery was quickly arrested on a charge of murder, but just as quickly set free on his own recognizance.
In Bristol RI, two Justices found there to be insufficient evidence to try Avery for the crime of murder. The people of Fall River were outraged so the deputy sheriff of Fall River, Harvey Hamden, obtained a warrant from a Rhode Island Superior Court judge for Avery's arrest. When a Rhode Island Sheriff went to serve it, he discovered that Avery had already fled.
Ephraim Kingsbury Captured in New Hampshire
On January 20, 1833, Sheriff Hamden tracked Avery to Rindge, N.H. Avery later claimed he had fled because he feared for his life, particularly at the hands of the mob that had surrounded his house. Hamden extradited Avery to Newport, RI, where Avery was put in jail.
His trial began in Newport, R.I. on May 6, 1833, and was heard by the Supreme Judicial Council. The trial lasted 27 days, and on June 2, 1833, after deliberating for 16 hours, the jury found Ephraim Kingsbury Avery "not guilty". The minister was set free and returned to his position in the Methodist Church, but the public opinion was that Avery had been wrongfully acquitted.
In 1836, Avery left the Methodist ministry, and took his family first to Connecticut, then upstate New York. He later resided in Ohio, became a farmer, and died on October 23, 1869
Sarah apprenticed as a tailor and finally worked at several mills throughout New England. Between 1823 and 1826 while working as a weaver in the mills, she had a transformation to Methodism and sought to change her ways. In 1829 while working in Lowell MA she met a newly arrived Methodist minister, Ephraim Kingsbury Avery. It was at a Methodist Camp Meeting in Thompson, Connecticut at the end of August 1832 that Sarah once again crossed paths with Reverend Avery. By this time, Avery had become the minster in Bristol, RI. It was alleged that during the Thompson Camp meeting that Avery seduced Sarah. In October 1832, Sarah moved to Fall River and was showing signs of pregnancy.
Sarah Cornell Found Dead
On December 21, 1832, Sarah (28) was found hanging in a barn on the farm of John Durfee in Tiverton, RI. Her body was identified by her minister, Reverend Ira Bidwell. Among her personal effects at her residence was a note written by Cornell and dated December 20, 183 "If I should be missing, enquire of the Rev. Mr. Avery in Bristol. He will know where I am."
Other suspicious and incriminating letters were also discovered, as well as a conversation she had had with a doctor indicating the married Avery was the father of her unborn child. A coroner's jury was convened in Tiverton before any autopsy had been performed. This jury found that Cornell had "committed suicide by hanging herself upon a stake and was influenced to commit said crime by the wicked conduct of a married man." An autopsy was performed, and it was confirmed Cornell was four months pregnant at the time of her death.
Sarah Cornell Buried Twice
Sarah was buried on December 24, 1832, in an unmarked grave against a stonewall in the very field where she had been found. Her body was exhumed for a second autopsy. The Methodist Church rejected the responsibility of burying her the second time. The church claimed Cornell was a “probationary” member of the congregation and therefore the church wasn’t responsible for her burial. Responsibility for her burial was assumed by the Fall River Congregationalists, and Cornell was buried as an indigent, on December 24, 1832. Sarah was interred in Oak Grove Cemetery Plot 2733 on Whitethorn Path.
Ephraim Kingsbury Formally Accused
A second coroner's jury was convened, this time in Bristol, RI. This jury overruled the earlier finding of suicide and accused Ephraim Kingsbury Avery as the "principal or accessory" in her death. Avery was quickly arrested on a charge of murder, but just as quickly set free on his own recognizance.
In Bristol RI, two Justices found there to be insufficient evidence to try Avery for the crime of murder. The people of Fall River were outraged so the deputy sheriff of Fall River, Harvey Hamden, obtained a warrant from a Rhode Island Superior Court judge for Avery's arrest. When a Rhode Island Sheriff went to serve it, he discovered that Avery had already fled.
Ephraim Kingsbury Captured in New Hampshire
On January 20, 1833, Sheriff Hamden tracked Avery to Rindge, N.H. Avery later claimed he had fled because he feared for his life, particularly at the hands of the mob that had surrounded his house. Hamden extradited Avery to Newport, RI, where Avery was put in jail.
His trial began in Newport, R.I. on May 6, 1833, and was heard by the Supreme Judicial Council. The trial lasted 27 days, and on June 2, 1833, after deliberating for 16 hours, the jury found Ephraim Kingsbury Avery "not guilty". The minister was set free and returned to his position in the Methodist Church, but the public opinion was that Avery had been wrongfully acquitted.
In 1836, Avery left the Methodist ministry, and took his family first to Connecticut, then upstate New York. He later resided in Ohio, became a farmer, and died on October 23, 1869
Borden Murders Unsolved Murder 1892
The Borden murders are difficult to accurately describe since there are so many books written, each with different interpretations, theories and opinions.
August 4, 1892, Murder at 92 Second Street
At approximately 930AM Abby Borden was killed in the second-floor guest room with a hatchet, striking her 19 times in the head. 90 minutes later approx. 11AM Andrew Borden was likewise attacked with a hatchet be stuck 11 times to the head as he was resting on the sofa in the sitting room.
The only present during this time frame was Lizzie and the house maid Bridget Sullivan. Emma, Lizzie's sister was in Fairhaven. Lizzie became as suspect due to her "odd" behavior, she expressed no emotion. Lizzie was arrested and charged with murder.
The trial began on June 5, 1893, in New Bedford Superior Court and lasted until June 20, 1893. The jury heard lots of testimony and viewed evidence presented evidence during the trial and then deliberated for barely one (1) hour before returning the verdict..."Not Guilty" at 3:42PM.
Lizzie A.Borden (1860-1927)
After the trial, Lizzie and Emma moved into a new house that Lizzie named "Maplecroft". The sisters settled all claims against them from Abby's side of the family, giving Abby Borden's family members everything, they wanted in order to avoid further lawsuits. It was determined that Abby died before Andrew, all of her estate legally went to Andrew, with Andrew's estate going to his daughters. The settlement reached between the Borden sisters and Abby's two sisters was substantial.
In June 1905, Lizzie and Emma Borden became estranged over differences in their lifestyles. Emma moved out of the house and moved in with her close friend Alice Lydia Buck.
Lizzie died of pneumonia on June 1, 1927. Lizzie's funeral details were not made public, and few people attended her burial. She was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery under the name "Lizbeth Andrew Borden", her footstone was inscribed "Lizbeth". Lizzie never married, and her will, left $30,000 to the Fall River Animal Rescue League, $500 in perpetual trust for the care of her father's grave. Much of her wealth was transferred to her cousin Grace H. Howe, and her closest friend Helen Leighton. Nine days later, on June 10, 1927, her sister Emma died
Bridget Sullivan (1869-1948)
According to trial transcripts Bridget testified she prepared a meal for the Borden's and then was sent by Abby Borden to wash the windows. After finishing the windows in the heat, she retired to her room on the third-floor attic to rest, as she felt ill.
At 11:10AM Lizzie called to her "Maggie come quick! Father's dead, somebody came in and killed him." It was Bridget that discovered the body of Abby Borden dead in her bedroom. Bridget provided key testimony at the inquest, preliminary hearing and final trial of Lizzie Borden, who was later acquitted of all charges.
Bridget was born in Ireland and emigrated to the USA on May 24, 1886, arriving in New York aboard the SS Republic. In 1888 Sullivan moved to Fall River Mass and worked as a cook for Lawyer Charles Reed, who resided in the Highland section of the city. In 1889 she then moved to the residence of Clinton Remington, also in the Highland section of the city. In November 1889 Bridget began her employment with the Borden Family.
After the trial in 1893, Bridget returned to Ireland with the help of Lizzie and Emma. Bridget later moved back to the USA and settled in Anaconda Montana, and in 1896 became the maid for Attorney George Winston (1861-1936). She remained employed by Winston until his death, never mentioning the murders in Massachusetts.
In 1905, Sullivan married John Sullivan (1868-1939). In 1910 they resided at 412 Monroe St., then later moved to 701 Alder St where they lived for many years. After John Sullivan's death in 1939 she moved to Butte Montana and resided there until her death. Bridget and John are buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Anaconda Montana.
The Borden murders are difficult to accurately describe since there are so many books written, each with different interpretations, theories and opinions.
August 4, 1892, Murder at 92 Second Street
At approximately 930AM Abby Borden was killed in the second-floor guest room with a hatchet, striking her 19 times in the head. 90 minutes later approx. 11AM Andrew Borden was likewise attacked with a hatchet be stuck 11 times to the head as he was resting on the sofa in the sitting room.
The only present during this time frame was Lizzie and the house maid Bridget Sullivan. Emma, Lizzie's sister was in Fairhaven. Lizzie became as suspect due to her "odd" behavior, she expressed no emotion. Lizzie was arrested and charged with murder.
The trial began on June 5, 1893, in New Bedford Superior Court and lasted until June 20, 1893. The jury heard lots of testimony and viewed evidence presented evidence during the trial and then deliberated for barely one (1) hour before returning the verdict..."Not Guilty" at 3:42PM.
Lizzie A.Borden (1860-1927)
After the trial, Lizzie and Emma moved into a new house that Lizzie named "Maplecroft". The sisters settled all claims against them from Abby's side of the family, giving Abby Borden's family members everything, they wanted in order to avoid further lawsuits. It was determined that Abby died before Andrew, all of her estate legally went to Andrew, with Andrew's estate going to his daughters. The settlement reached between the Borden sisters and Abby's two sisters was substantial.
In June 1905, Lizzie and Emma Borden became estranged over differences in their lifestyles. Emma moved out of the house and moved in with her close friend Alice Lydia Buck.
Lizzie died of pneumonia on June 1, 1927. Lizzie's funeral details were not made public, and few people attended her burial. She was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery under the name "Lizbeth Andrew Borden", her footstone was inscribed "Lizbeth". Lizzie never married, and her will, left $30,000 to the Fall River Animal Rescue League, $500 in perpetual trust for the care of her father's grave. Much of her wealth was transferred to her cousin Grace H. Howe, and her closest friend Helen Leighton. Nine days later, on June 10, 1927, her sister Emma died
Bridget Sullivan (1869-1948)
According to trial transcripts Bridget testified she prepared a meal for the Borden's and then was sent by Abby Borden to wash the windows. After finishing the windows in the heat, she retired to her room on the third-floor attic to rest, as she felt ill.
At 11:10AM Lizzie called to her "Maggie come quick! Father's dead, somebody came in and killed him." It was Bridget that discovered the body of Abby Borden dead in her bedroom. Bridget provided key testimony at the inquest, preliminary hearing and final trial of Lizzie Borden, who was later acquitted of all charges.
Bridget was born in Ireland and emigrated to the USA on May 24, 1886, arriving in New York aboard the SS Republic. In 1888 Sullivan moved to Fall River Mass and worked as a cook for Lawyer Charles Reed, who resided in the Highland section of the city. In 1889 she then moved to the residence of Clinton Remington, also in the Highland section of the city. In November 1889 Bridget began her employment with the Borden Family.
After the trial in 1893, Bridget returned to Ireland with the help of Lizzie and Emma. Bridget later moved back to the USA and settled in Anaconda Montana, and in 1896 became the maid for Attorney George Winston (1861-1936). She remained employed by Winston until his death, never mentioning the murders in Massachusetts.
In 1905, Sullivan married John Sullivan (1868-1939). In 1910 they resided at 412 Monroe St., then later moved to 701 Alder St where they lived for many years. After John Sullivan's death in 1939 she moved to Butte Montana and resided there until her death. Bridget and John are buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Anaconda Montana.
Louis Chouinard Unsolved Murder 1925
On December 5, 1925, Louis Chouinard, along with his son Auguste, pulled up in front of their home at 31 Choate Street. As Louis was exiting his vehicle two (2) unknown men brandished firearms in an attempt to rob him of the proceeds from their family-owned grocery store at 221 Flint Street ($1000).
Louis was shot in the abdomen and died on December 10, 1925, from blood poisoning from being shot. Auguste had a weapon placed against his head, the assailant pulled the trigger, but the firearm failed to discharge, he was then pistol-whipped. Auguste began shouting for help, resulting in the suspects fleeing the scene without any money.
Fall River Police Officer Calsse who resided on the third floor of the tenement house gave chase of the suspects. He chased one of the suspects thru backyards but lost sight of him near Notre Dame Church.
A handkerchief was recovered near the scene of the robbery, for the first time in history German Shepards owned by a local doctor were brought in to attempt to locate the suspects.
On December 5, 1925, Louis Chouinard, along with his son Auguste, pulled up in front of their home at 31 Choate Street. As Louis was exiting his vehicle two (2) unknown men brandished firearms in an attempt to rob him of the proceeds from their family-owned grocery store at 221 Flint Street ($1000).
Louis was shot in the abdomen and died on December 10, 1925, from blood poisoning from being shot. Auguste had a weapon placed against his head, the assailant pulled the trigger, but the firearm failed to discharge, he was then pistol-whipped. Auguste began shouting for help, resulting in the suspects fleeing the scene without any money.
Fall River Police Officer Calsse who resided on the third floor of the tenement house gave chase of the suspects. He chased one of the suspects thru backyards but lost sight of him near Notre Dame Church.
A handkerchief was recovered near the scene of the robbery, for the first time in history German Shepards owned by a local doctor were brought in to attempt to locate the suspects.
Ernest Pelletier Unsolved Murder 1927
On August 27, 1927 approximately 10:30 PM Ernest Pelletier (46) was shot in the back while sitting on the porch of 94 East Main Street. There were several individuals walking along the roadway who heard the shot, but saw no one leaving the house
On August 31, 1927 a firearm was recovered in Cook Pond. Ballistic testing confirmed the bullet that Killed Ernest was fired from that firearm.
Investigation led to Ernest's brother, Napoleon Pelletier (30), who had recently purchased the firearm thru the mail. Mail order records confirmed the purchase.
On September 19, 1927 Napoleon was arrested and charged with Ernest's murder. Napoleon plead not guilty to the charges. Investigators theorized the murder was a result of a family dispute or life insurance money.
Verdict 1928 Napoleon Pelletier
Acquitted of all charges
On August 27, 1927 approximately 10:30 PM Ernest Pelletier (46) was shot in the back while sitting on the porch of 94 East Main Street. There were several individuals walking along the roadway who heard the shot, but saw no one leaving the house
On August 31, 1927 a firearm was recovered in Cook Pond. Ballistic testing confirmed the bullet that Killed Ernest was fired from that firearm.
Investigation led to Ernest's brother, Napoleon Pelletier (30), who had recently purchased the firearm thru the mail. Mail order records confirmed the purchase.
On September 19, 1927 Napoleon was arrested and charged with Ernest's murder. Napoleon plead not guilty to the charges. Investigators theorized the murder was a result of a family dispute or life insurance money.
Verdict 1928 Napoleon Pelletier
Acquitted of all charges
- New Bedford
Hattie V. (Johnson) Carter
On April 28, 1909, the body of Hattie V. Carter (28) was discovered the second-floor apartment at 9 So. Water Street. Her body was hidden between two (2) mattresses, her head was covered with a blood-soaked sheet. At the time of the discovery her identify was unknown, until her sister Louisa Johnson from Newport R.I., contacted police regarding her sister.
No official cause of death was able to be determined due to the advanced decomposition of the body; however, suicide was ruled out. Investigators determined Hattie had died several weeks prior before the discovery of her remains. No suspects were ever identified. She was buried in Newport R.I.
On April 28, 1909, the body of Hattie V. Carter (28) was discovered the second-floor apartment at 9 So. Water Street. Her body was hidden between two (2) mattresses, her head was covered with a blood-soaked sheet. At the time of the discovery her identify was unknown, until her sister Louisa Johnson from Newport R.I., contacted police regarding her sister.
No official cause of death was able to be determined due to the advanced decomposition of the body; however, suicide was ruled out. Investigators determined Hattie had died several weeks prior before the discovery of her remains. No suspects were ever identified. She was buried in Newport R.I.
Anna Geoffrey
On April 1, 1916, Peter Smirnow (26) shot Anna Geoffrey (21) three (3) times and dragged her body down a flight of stairs and hid her body in a bathroom where her body was discovered at 8PM. Immediately after murdering Anna, Peter turned the gun on himself and attempted to commit suicide. He later presented at St. Luke's Hospital suffering from a gunshot wound.
Peter confessed to the crime, claiming they had argued over money. Peter then retracted and claimed male known to him shot him. Investigators located the male and was charged with assault to commit murder. A witness came forward and identified Peter as being with Anna that day. Peter then confessed to killing Anna again. The male previously arrested was released and all charges were dropped. Peter was held at St. Luke's Hospital on murder charges.
Verdict Peter Smirnow Deceased 1916
Peter died on May 5, 1916, at St. Luke's Hospital awaiting trial.
On April 1, 1916, Peter Smirnow (26) shot Anna Geoffrey (21) three (3) times and dragged her body down a flight of stairs and hid her body in a bathroom where her body was discovered at 8PM. Immediately after murdering Anna, Peter turned the gun on himself and attempted to commit suicide. He later presented at St. Luke's Hospital suffering from a gunshot wound.
Peter confessed to the crime, claiming they had argued over money. Peter then retracted and claimed male known to him shot him. Investigators located the male and was charged with assault to commit murder. A witness came forward and identified Peter as being with Anna that day. Peter then confessed to killing Anna again. The male previously arrested was released and all charges were dropped. Peter was held at St. Luke's Hospital on murder charges.
Verdict Peter Smirnow Deceased 1916
Peter died on May 5, 1916, at St. Luke's Hospital awaiting trial.
- Taunton
George G. Pittsley
On June 7, 1890, the body of George G. Pittsley (30) was discovered in a burlap sack in the Taunton River. The initial cause of death was listed an "Accidental drowning".
George had been in Taunton drinking and became intoxicated and started to drive home at nightfall. According to ex-City Marshall James Seaver (1840-1916), George was abusing his horse and Marshall Seaver stepped in to arrest George. George struck Marshall Seaver and then fled to avoid arrest.
A few days later, George's wife traveled to Taunton in an attempt to locate George, who had failed to return home. The following day George's body was discovered three (3) miles from where he was last seen alive. George's body was transported to the Medical Examiner's Office, where it was documented that George had accidentally fallen into the Taunton River and drowned while alluding Marshall Seaver.
In September 1890, with new information, George Pittsley was disinterred and an examination of his remains were conducted. During the examination, evidence of a wound on the head, apparently made by a blunt weapon. The body was covered with bruises and scars with cause of death obviously blunt force trauma to the head. Even more appalling, George had been buried nude and in a cheap pine coffin, the body packed in sand. George was later interred in Braley East Cemetery in Freetown. George had two (2) children Clarence Pittsley (1879-1960) and Myron Pittsley (1884-1936). George's widow, Emma later remarried John Wilbur in August 1893 and had several more children.
James Seaver
James Seaver served in the Civil War in Company D of the 7th Massachusetts Infantry Civil War from June 1861- November 1863, when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Lieutenant. He was City Marshall of Taunton from January 1884 to December 1885, and at the end of 1894 was appointed Chairman of the Board of Health. Upon his death in 1916, James, was the last surviving Civil War Veteran in Taunton. He is buried in Plain Cemetery in Taunton.
On June 7, 1890, the body of George G. Pittsley (30) was discovered in a burlap sack in the Taunton River. The initial cause of death was listed an "Accidental drowning".
George had been in Taunton drinking and became intoxicated and started to drive home at nightfall. According to ex-City Marshall James Seaver (1840-1916), George was abusing his horse and Marshall Seaver stepped in to arrest George. George struck Marshall Seaver and then fled to avoid arrest.
A few days later, George's wife traveled to Taunton in an attempt to locate George, who had failed to return home. The following day George's body was discovered three (3) miles from where he was last seen alive. George's body was transported to the Medical Examiner's Office, where it was documented that George had accidentally fallen into the Taunton River and drowned while alluding Marshall Seaver.
In September 1890, with new information, George Pittsley was disinterred and an examination of his remains were conducted. During the examination, evidence of a wound on the head, apparently made by a blunt weapon. The body was covered with bruises and scars with cause of death obviously blunt force trauma to the head. Even more appalling, George had been buried nude and in a cheap pine coffin, the body packed in sand. George was later interred in Braley East Cemetery in Freetown. George had two (2) children Clarence Pittsley (1879-1960) and Myron Pittsley (1884-1936). George's widow, Emma later remarried John Wilbur in August 1893 and had several more children.
James Seaver
James Seaver served in the Civil War in Company D of the 7th Massachusetts Infantry Civil War from June 1861- November 1863, when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Lieutenant. He was City Marshall of Taunton from January 1884 to December 1885, and at the end of 1894 was appointed Chairman of the Board of Health. Upon his death in 1916, James, was the last surviving Civil War Veteran in Taunton. He is buried in Plain Cemetery in Taunton.