News Articles: Dauphin Co PA Crimes
The Murder of Jacob Eshelman
The Centinel (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
January 7, 1807
Harrisburgh, January 3
On Monday last, the sentence of the law was executed on James McGowan, in the suburbs of this borough, for the murder of Jacob Eshelman. Although the day was one of the coldest experienced this season, a large number of both sexes assembled at an early hour about the jail with a view to catch a sight of the unhappy object. About 12 o'clock, the culprit was brought out of the prison, when a lane was formed by the several militia companies which attended on the occasion; in this opening he marched with much firmness, behind the car which contained his coffin, to the gallows. Here he expressed a desire to address the spectators, and begged a little liquor to exhilarate his spirits; as he was thinly clad, and the weather intensely cold, some of the gentlemen on duty, offered him a bottle, containing about half a pint, to taste: This he took, and before any inference could be made, he drained it to the last drop. The effects of this, rather changed the tragedy to a farce. He became enraged with the executioner - tore off part of the mask the latter had put on to conceal himself, and even knocked him down from the cart. Indeed, such was his behavior, in these his last moments, that it in a great degree, eradicated that compassion which many felt for him during his confinement. He was launched into eternity precisely at one o'clock.
The Sprig of Liberty, Gettysburg, PA
January 9, 1807
On the 6th ult. at Harrisburg, James Jameson and James Magowan had their trial for the murder of Jacob Eshelman. The court continued until Sunday night and the following morning the jury returned a verdict of murder in the first degree. The judge then pronounced on them the sentence of Death, which they received with composure and deliberation. The day of execution was fixed on Monday the 29th, but Jameson on Saturday evening the 30th made his escape out of the prison door. The Jailer and family, and some other persons, suspected of having furthered his escape, are held in durance, and must stand their trial. A reward of 300 dollars is offered for him by the jailer.
The Centinel (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
January 7, 1807
300 Dollars Reward!
Broke the Jail of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania between the hours of 6 and 7, on the evening of the 20th of December, instant, a certain James Jameson under sentence of death, for the murder of Jacob Eshelman. Said Jameson is about 30 years of age, about 5 feet, 5 or 6 inches high, sandy complexion, long sandy hair, which he generally wears up with a comb. Had on when he broke Jail, a brownish colored Coat, dark colored Jacket and pantaloons, light blue woolen stockings, calfskin shoes; tied with silk strings, and a fur Hat; but, as he has heretofore changed his dress to women's clothes, it is probable he may appear in that apparel.
At the time he made his escape, he had an iron collar round his neck, which he can easily conceal with his handkerchief. By trade a tailor - speaks both the English and German languages correctly. It is said, that on one of his feet, part of three toes are missing, and on the other foot, tow - which he lost by getting his feet frozen. He is noted, as a villain, in every state of the Union.
Whoever apprehends, and secures said Murderer, shall receive the above reward; and if brought back, all reasonable charges paid, by
Jacob Meck, Jailer.
December 20, 1806
The Centinel (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
January 14, 1807
James Jamison, who made his escape from Harrisburgh jail on the 20th ult. has been apprehended and again lodged in that jail. He was caught at his mother's house in Reading, concealed in bed; and on taking him, made no resistance whatever, but willingly delivered himself up. We hear that he was executed on Saturday last.
The Centinel (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
January 21, 1807
Harrisburg, Jan. 17
On Saturday last, the public curiosity again witnessed the melancholy exit of a miserable being, agreeable to sentence. The wretched James Jameson, who made his escape from the gaol of this town a few days previous to that fixed on for his execution - after wandering up and down the country, bewildered and lost, sometimes lodging in barns and subsisting on the grain he there found, at others, secreting himself under haystacks, &c. at last, on the (?)teenth day, made out to reach the humble dwelling of his poor afflicted parent, in Reading (only 50 miles distant), about 3 o'clock in the morning. Here he was discovered a few hours after, by one of the neighbors, and taken from between a bed and sacking bottom, in the chamber of his mother. He was without loss of time, reconducted to the gaol of this town, and a fresh warrant immediately issued fixing his execution on Saturday last.
Before 10 o'clock in the morning the street leading from the prison to the place of execution, was entirely filled with spectators, and about 11 o'clock the prisoner was brought out, attended by the usual officers. The militia companies having opened a lane, he was conducted by a slow and melancholy step to the gallows: on his way there he wept immoderately; but soon grew more calm and unconcerned. On being asked, if he would wish someone to pray for him that was present, he replied that he didn't think it worth while, for it would do no good. But the question being put to him about an hour after, he hesitatingly consented; when an excellent and appropriate prayer was made; which appeared however to have but little effect of the depraved culprit, who kept his seat during the time, quite unmoved. Precisely at 1 o'clock he was launched into eternity. Although the human feeling will naturally shudder at a sight so awful, the deprivation of life, in the full vigor of health and youthfulness; yet, calm reflection will lead us to acquiesce in the just and necessary course of the law, in making a public example of a creature possessed of so much depravity and wickedness. - Oracle.
D. H. Seltzer, Palmyra Responsible For the Death of Galen Koons
Harrisburg, Pa., Today (AP) Daniel H. Seltzer, Palmyra was held responsible today by a coroner's jury for the death of Galen A. Koons, Penbrook. Seltzer struck Koons on October 15, while he was driving cattle along a highway. Seltzer posted $1,500 bail for a hearing here tomorrow on a charge of involuntary manslaughter. [Lebanon Daily News, Thursday Evening, November 5, 1931, Page 20 - Transcribed by Nancy Piper]
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