Dauphin Co PA News Articles
Crimes

The Trial and Execution of James McGowan and James Jameson
For the Murder  of Jacob Eshelman

Huntingdon Gazette, September 25, 1806

Murder of Jacob Eshelmen of Dauphin County, Londonderry twp.

[Source: Bedford County and Huntingdon County newspapers. Unknown author, 1900 - Transcribed by Nancy Piper]

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.

A. Peter Brakeman Confessed to the Murder of Isaac Wills

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
August 9, 1820

It will be recollected that Mr. Isaac Wills of Harrisburg, was murdered in his store in April, 1814, and that the perpetrator of the crime could not be discovered. A Peter Brakeman executed at Newton, Sussex county, New Jersey, on the 30th of June last, for the murder of Francis E. Nichols, in the same county in December 1819, states in his confession, that in April 1814, he entered a store in Harrisburg, at night, where he found a young man whose throat he cut, and robbed the store of 125 dollars! Brakeman was then a recruiting sergeant in the service of the U. States. Franklin Repos.

Trial and Execution of Benjamin Stewart
For the Murder of Mrs. Overholzer

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
December 3, 1823 Page 2

Harrisburg, Nov. 27

Murder Trial - On Thursday last the trial of Benjamin Stewart, a colored man, for the murder of Mrs. Overholzer, came on in the court of Oyer and Terminer of Dauphin county. The Attorney-General, Elder, and J. M. Forster, conducted the prosecution; and G. Fisher, Maclean and Baldwin (appointed by the Court for that purpose) the defence. The testimony was gone through the same day. On Friday morning, Mr. Baldwin addressed the jury on the part of the prisoner, and Mr. Elder for the commonwealth. The jury after a consultation of about two hours, returned a verdict of guilty of murder in the first degree, and on Saturday morning sentence of death was passed upon the prisoner by Judge Franks. The evidence of the guilt of the prisoner was clear and decisive, and the circumstances under which the murder was perpetrated were of the most shocking character. In the course of the trial, and passage of sentence upon him, the prisoner displayed complete apathy and indifference. - Chron.

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
February 11, 1824 Page 3

Harrisburg, Feb. 6

The Execution

On Wednesday last, Benjamin Stewart was executed at this place. The Harrisburg volunteers were drawn up in a hollow square surrounding the criminal, and in that manner moved off; the unhappy man walked along with a due degree of firmness. On arriving at the place of execution, several of the clergymen ascended the platform, and addressed the surrounding crowd in a very able and appropriate manner, after which the criminal ascended, attended by two of the clergy, and remained in prayer for about fifteen minutes. The unfortunate being then took his station on the drop, while the sheriff adjusted the fatal rope, which launched him into eternity. It is supposed that there were about 4000 people present. - Commonwealth.

James Rutledge Imprisoned for the murder of Michael Rodgers

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania August 9, 1826

James Rutledge was committed to the gaol of Dauphin county on the 27th ultimo on the charge of having murdered Michael Rodgers. Both of them were employed as laborers on the Union Canal at or near Hummelstown. As the case will shortly (probably at the next term in August) receive judicial investigation, we avoid a statement of facts which may not prove correct or which at any rate, may forestall public opinion. - Oracle.

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) January 24 1827

Harrisburg, Jan. 12

An Awful Affair

Sometime in October last, Sophina Garman, of Hanover, in this county, left her mother's residence, on foot, with an illegitimate child of about a year old, for the purpose of visiting some friends in Lebanon county. From which time till last Tuesday, neither the mother nor child had been heard of. On that day we understand, some gunners had treed a wild cat on a small hill about half a mile from the late residence of Sophina; while ranging about this place, they observed fresh earth thrown together, with a number of wilted pine branches stuck over the same. This excited curiosity, which induced the gunners to throw aside some of the ground, when to their astonishment and dismay, they found the bodies of Sophina and child! The head of the former had the appearance of being horribly mangled, and the infant in her arms had its throat cut as with a penknife. Suspicion immediately fell upon the reputed father of the child, who was arrested shortly after and was committed to the jail of this place on Thursday last. From the respectable character heretofore sustained by the prisoner, we forbear further remarks, while our heart sickens, to reflect on the dreadful depravity that could influence such a horrid crime. - Oracle.

Trial of M'Ilheny and Burien for the Murder of Sophia Garman

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania May 2, 1827

Harrisburg, April 23.

Trial for Murder

On Thursday last in the Court of Oyer and Terminer of Dauphin County, the Grand Jury returned a bill of indictment against Col. Thomas M'Ilheny and Matthew Burien, for the murder of Sophia German and her infant child. The prisoners were arraigned, the same day, before Franks, President Judge, Bucher and Green associates. The prisoners plead not guilty - and stated that they were ready for trial. Friday forenoon was taken up in empanelling a traverse jury, and in the afternoon the examination of witnesses commenced and continues.

Counsel for the Commonwealth, Orth (Attorney General,) Wood and Forster. For the defendants, Ayers, Douglass and G. Fisher.

Public curiosity is wound up to a high pitch in relation to this trial. It is said that 150 witnesses have been subpoenaed to give testimony. Our town is literally swarming with witnesses and persons attracted by curiosity.

M'Ilheny and Burien Acquitted of Murder

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania May 9, 1827

Harrisburg, May 1

The very arduous and laborious trial of Thomas McIlheny and Matthew Burlin, for the murder of Miss Garman, terminated yesterday. The jury went out on Sunday afternoon about five o'clock and yesterday at 9 o'clock delivered their verdict, which pronounced both defendants not guilty. They were however, remanded to await their trial at the next court, in August, for the murder of the child of Miss Garman. In the mean time, we presume an attempt will be made by their counsel to have them discharged under the habeas corpus act, they having been apprehended and imprisoned prior to the last January court. The murder of both these persons was committed at the same time; but the accused are indicted for each offence specially.

We are pleased to say that we never saw a trial conducted with greater solemnity than this. The court, the counsel and the jury, seemed alike deeply impressed with its importance. The jury, particularly, merit great praise for their untiring attention to the evidence, and the arguments of attorneys on both sides. - Intel.

Trial of McEtheny (McIlheny) and Burlin for Murder of Margaret Etheney (McIlheny)

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania), September 12 1827

Harrisburg, Sept. 4

The criminal court in this county, ended on Wednesday last, after having disposed of a great amount of business in the quarter sessions, and the trial of Thomas McEtheny & Mathew Burlin, for the murder of Margaret McEtheny, in the Oyer and Terminer. These same men were tried and acquitted at the last April court, on an indictment charging them with the murder of Sophia German, the mother of Margaret McEtheny. In the case last before the court, the attorneys for the commonwealth, viz. Messieurs Orth, Wood and Forster submitted many points of evidence to the court in writing - which were ably defended by them and resisted by Messrs. Fisher, Douglass and Ayers, the prisoners' counsel. They involve important principles in circumstantial evidence and were the main grounds upon which rested the accusation against McEtheny and Burlin. The court, however, rejected them as inadmissible offers. - Intelligencer.

Charles Wood and John Smith Convicted of Robbery

Star and Republican Banner (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
February 18, 1840

Charles Wood and John Smith, recently convicted of robbing a canal boat at Harrisburg last summer, have been sentenced to the penitentiary for three years each.

Tramp Tried to Steal Jacob Matter's Son

Chester Times (Chester, Pennsylvania)
March 28, 1882

The Elizabethville Independent, published in the upper end of Dauphin County, says:  "A few days ago a peddler, or rather a professional tramp, tried to steal a child, an interesting little son of Mr. Jacob Matter, residing about one mile east of this place.  The child was playing at a short distance from the house, on a public road, with several companions, when the tramp happened to pass.  He took hold of the little fellow, first persuading him to go along with him and aftewards compelling him to do so.  The other children informed the mother of the boy of what had taken place.  She immediately started pursuit and after proceeding about a mile, she overtook the scoundrel, who absconded on perceiving her, leaving the child in the road to be recovered by its mother.  No effort was made we believe, to arrest the kidnapper and this is to be regretted, because the country is running full of pretended peddlers, their pack serving merely to gain them entrance into the homes of unsuspecting people, plunder being their prime object when a favorable opportunity presents itself."

John Leitzel Cuts Housekeepers Throat

Taken From the Indiana Evening Gazette, Indiana Pennsylvania
December 15 1906

Harrisburg PA, Dec. 15 - John K. Leitzel of Hummelstown cut his housekeeper's throat with a razor, attacked her niece with a hammer and attempted suicide by cutting his throat. He was brought to the hospital here and may die. The woman is in a critical condition, but the nieces injuries are not serious.  Lietzel is an epileptic and is 60 years of age.

Daniel Pierce Shot to Death - Mrs. Tillie Pierce Beaten with Hammer

Contributed by Melissa Rodriguez

The Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, New York
Saturday 07 Jan 1922

Donated by Melissa Rodriguez

MAN DEAD, WIFE SENSELESS MAKE FOR NEW MYSTERY
DANIEL PIERCE IS SHOT AND WOMAN FROM WHOM HE HAD BEEN SEPARATED HAS BROKEN SKULL

Harrisburg, Pa., Jan 7 – State and local police were baffled today by the mysterious shooting to death of Daniel Pierce, 54, of Wormleysburg, near here.

Last night Pierce was found in a half-constructed bungalow, his head torn open by bullet wounds and three bullet holes in his back. In his hand was clutched a revolver. The position of the body indicated he had been running when shot and that then the assailant had fired into his back as Pierce lay on his face.

Outside the bungalow was a pool of blood from which a trail of blood trickled some distance into an adjoining field and there disappeared.

Thursday night, pierce’s wife, Mrs. Tille Pierce, who had been separated from him for three years, but who was known to meet him occasionally, staggered into her home and collapsed. She had been beaten over the head with some instrument, which was thought to have been a nail-studded hammer, according to the nature of the wounds.

She has been unconscious in a Harrisburg hospital since early Friday. Her skull was fractured and it was not believed she would regain consciousness.

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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