Results for ‘CRIMES’
[People’s Press, 20 August 1907]
H. Beam, who is employed by T.L. Nichols on his farm on the Quaker Road, took Mr. Nichol’s horse and rig after he had been warned not to do so, and in company with Elmer Burgar, drove about all day lashing the horse into a foam. It was returned in the evening, but he was charged with theft and plead guilty. Magistrate Burgar assessed him constable’s fees and costs, amounting to $7.50, and Mr. Nichols presented a bill for $25 for damages and loss of service and expenses, which will have to be settled also.
[Welland Telegraph, 28 May 1912]
“Shady” Anderson, a bartender at the Commercial Hotel, was fined thirty dollars and costs in police court on Thursday afternoon. He was charged with selling liquor to three minors and he pleaded guilty.
The three young boys to whom the liquor was given became intoxicated and were fined in police court for being drunk and disorderly.
Pastor Pays $500 for Violation of Ontario Temperance Act
Twenty-Two Cans of Pure Alcohol Found in His Barn
[Welland Telegraph, 7 December 1917]
A new high-water mark in fines inflicted in Welland under the Ontario Temperance Act was reached on Tuesday when John Pastor, an Austrian living on Beatrice street, Maple Leaf Park, was touched for $500 and costs.
On Monday night a search was made of his place by Chief Laing, Inspector Ekins and Officers Angle, Goss, Putman and Carrocci. The search must have been somewhat thorough for the flooring of the horse stable was taken up, and underneath was found no less than 22 cans of pure alcohol.
Pastor was represented by L.B.Spencer and pleased guilty. He paid the fine promptly and without murmer.
Last week another foreigner living at the same place was fined $200 for having liquor, and Pastor, who was in court, stepped up and paid the fine.
It is alleged that Pastor has been selling the pure quill quite generally in the southern section of the town. It is said that he has purchased the alcohol in Montreal.
[Welland Tribune, 5 January 1883]
An ugly-featured old hag named Kate Burch, widow, aged 84, but evidently a century old in sin and almost in looks, and the boss, named Wright, were brought before Mr. Hellems last Friday, the woman charged with drunkenness and prostitution, and the boss with being caught in her company in a state of primitive simplicity as regards garmenture. Kate was living with an old man named S. Dwight in the 4th ward, who, it would seem is also a rather hard citizen. The boss plead Adam’s excuse that he did not eat of the forbidden fruit because the woman tempted him, and made an eloquent appeal to the sympathies of his fellow-men, the effect of which, however, was somewhat marred by an indiscreet allusion to the manner in which Justice Dennison, Toronto, did business. This being his first offence here, however, he was let off with $1 fine and a lecture, and given a week to collect the amount -$5.50 including costs. The woman, who is an old offender, and was also charged with having whilst costumed a la Eve, minus the fig leaf apron, danced a jig on a table for the amusement of an assembled company a few nights previous, was given three months in gaol without the option of a fine, with a notice that if she appeared before his worship here again he would certainly send her to the Mercer Reformatory for the longest tern allowable. Dwight was cautioned to beware of his conduct in the future.
[People's Press, 12 January 1904]
If the party who took the “Book Lovers Magazine,” from the library table does not return it at once she will be prosecuted, as she is well known.
We are authorized to insert the above, and the librarian informs us that every little while a magazine proves missing, and never is seen again. No person has any right to take a magazine from the library, and if taken with the intention of keeping it the act is, to say the least, a mean, low down trick. A number of the best magazines have been removed from the library.
[Welland Telegraph, 3 March 1876]
Yesterday a rather interesting trial was held here before Justice Daniel Willson. John Dunigan and Abraham Hendershot, Messrs. Alex. Griffith, Jos. McCallum, J.V. Strawn and Wm. Buchner were arraigned on a charge of furious driving on our public streets on Tuesday last. Joseph McMurray bid the information. Mr. Griffith was the first one called up for trial. Considerable evidence was adduced, the bulk of which went to show that the above mentioned gentlemen were out examining their horses and were driving at the rate of about eight miles an hour. Five witnesses were heard for the prosecution and six for the defence. As the fact of furious driving was not established, the case was dismissed. As the same evidence applied to all the parties, the whole of the cases were thus disposed of. Attorney Gilchriese appeared on behalf of the prosecution and A. Williams, Esq., for the defendant. Who pays the costs?
Seemed Unmoved as He Mounted Scaffold at Hamilton Yesterday Morning
KILLED WELLAND WOMAN
Spiritual Adviser Said Barty Repeatedly Asked God for Assistance
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 13 January 1927]
John Barty was hanged at the Hamilton jail yesterday morning for murdering Mrs. Nancy Cook of Welland by hitting her over the head with a hammer last summer. The prisoner dropped through the trap at 7.22 and twelve minutes later was pronounced dead. Arthur Ellis was the hangman.
Barty was roused about 5.30 to prepare for his death. His last moments, which were described by Envoy McDougall of the Salvation Army, were evidently devoid of any terror or nervousness. He took his last hours as calmly as if he were settling down before the fireplace for an evening’s smoke.
Gave Some Confidence
“I was there for an hour and a half before his death,” Mr. McDougall said. “He did not make any reference to the crime he was alleged to have committed, but he did tell me several things which did have a bearing on his past life, and as his confessor, he asked me to keep them to myself.”
“Was he at all perturbed?” queried the reporter.
“Not in the least,” said the envoy. “Quite the contrary, it was really astonishing. I never before saw anybody face death the way he did.”
“Did he eat a good breakfast?”
Ate a Good Breakfast
“With the exception of some bread crusts he ate everything that was put before him. He drank everything they gave him to drink. And during the time I was with him, over and over again he asked God for his grace and help. He continuously affirmed his faith in the Lord.”
A Silent Crowd
Meanwhile as Barty was with his spiritual advisor, the jurors and officials and representatives of the press were gathering in the front rooms of the jail. They sat around and talked quietly-there was a noticeable absence of the laughter that usually characterizes the occasion when a group of men get together. The jail governor stood at the door and admitted the men as they came, scrutinizing each letter or pass as it was handed to him. Outside a crowd of the curious gathered, evidently believing that the hanging was going to be visible from the street. Or perhaps some morbid motive impelled them to hover around the place where death was whetting his scythe. The motor cars, the street cars and the wagons all slowed up, and the occupants craned their necks at the jail, which was unusually illuminated for that hour of the morning.
Into Death Chamber
Finally the hour for the hanging drew near, and the whole gathering followed single file out into the jail across the jail yard and finally into the death house itself.
Freshly whitewashed, the place was as spick and span as if some more happy event was going to take place there. The scaffold was in the southeast corner and was some dozen or more steps above the level of the floor. On top, quite a floor space was provided around the trap. The whole room was illuminated only by two electric lights bunched together. These lighted up the scaffold very well, but the distance from the light at the far end gave rise to queer shadows when a figure silhouetted itself against the bulbs. It was like some fantastic grotto at times in the dimly lit far end.
An Ominous Sight
The scaffold itself had been white-washed and a brand new rope hung ominously from the support to the floor, with a formidable big knot leaving a large loop below it. On the noose itself was hung the black hood.
The gathering stood around in the cold air, shivering and waiting with gruesome anticipation. There was some attempt at conversation, but it was rather feeble.
Finally, somebody peered out the door and said, “Here they come!” Into the chamber he would never leave alive walked Barty. He was handcuffed, and was guarded by turnkeys. With him were the deputy sheriff, the governor and Hangman Arthur Ellis.
Mounted Scaffold
With a slow step and impassive eye he walked slowly on, his hands handcuffed behind his back. He had on a rugged blue shirt, and an old pair of trousers. He looked neither right nor left, but kept on walking. Slowly he mounted the scaffold. It proved too much for one man, and he left hurriedly.
They stood around in a little semi-circle with Barty in the centre. Ellis quickly slipped the black cap over his head, and adjusted the noose in proper place, the noose holding the cap snug and tight.
Called for Prayer
The Hangman Ellis took charge. He waved the others back, walked over to the levers, and said: “Chaplain, say the Lord’s prayer.”
“Our Father, “commenced Envoy McDougall, “which art in”____
The hangman jerked the lever and Barty dropped from sight.
The drop was 7 feet 2 inches.
The death cell was then cleared, and the gathering filed slowly out. Some tried to go underneath and see the dying man’s convulsions, but the governor would not even admit the jail surgeon at the moment.
Just as Usual
The onlookers walked slowly across the jail yard as the first feeble rays of day began to throw its wan light over the sky. Outside a freight train rang its bell and somebody across the street laughed. Crunch, crunch went the feet on the frozen ground till they got into the jail once more. Envoy McDougall slipped quietly away, but the jurors were gathered into a room by Coroner Rennie, who did not witness the hanging.
They were told by Dr. Rennie that they were assembled to determine how and by what means Barty came to his death. They filed out and came back soberly after having seen Barty’s dead body.
Hangman Appeared
The Sheriff Regan, Governor Lalond, Turnkeys Thomas John Hickmott and Thomas Ready all gave testimony, and Ellis came in. He is small and quite elderly man, wears thick glasses and has watery blue eyes. He wears a wing collar and a black bow tie, his suit being made of dark grey stuff. He testified that the prisoner was now dead.
Doctors Testified
Dr. Roberts, M.H.O., was also brought in. He testified that Barty had died from a broken neck.
“From hanging?”
“Yes.”
Dr. Deadman, who examined the body, also testified that he had died of a broken neck from hanging.
The gathering then broke up. The juryman agreed to give their fees to the police benefit fund. Meanwhile, those outside the jail could see the black flag slowly waving in the sluggish breeze. The Big Sisters, on behalf of the relatives of the family, have claimed the body, it is stated.
Was Victim of Murderous Assault
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 15 June 1926]
Her many Welland friends will deeply regret to learn that Mrs. Percy Cook of Hamilton, who formerly lived in this city, and who attacked on Thursday by Joe Barty, Hungarian, died Saturday afternoon. Barty will be charged with murder.
Barty tried to rob the store where Mrs. Cook was employed. She attempted to stop him whereupon he struck her on the head with a hammer.
At the jail it was learned that Barty had not been informed of the death of the victim. A few hours after the crime, when informed that Mrs. Cook was in a serious condition at the hospital, he was little concerned; in fact, he was quite indifferent.
Mrs. Cook was to have visited Welland for several days, the guests of Chief of Police and Mrs. Harry Jones. She was to have arrived here Saturday.
An inquest has been ordered. The funeral will take place at Hamilton on Wednesday afternoon.
Mrs. Percy Cook Formerly of Welland Beaten by Thug With Hammer
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 15 June 1926]
Murderously assaulted at noon Thursday by a thug armed with a hammer, Mrs. Percy Cook, 168 Gage Avenue North, Hamilton, will recover hospital authorities now state.
Mrs. Cook, formerly lived in Welland, and while residing here was employed at the Plymouth Cortege Company where she was in charge of the printing press. She left Welland for Hamilton some four or five years ago.
She was attacked in S.S. Needle’s shoe store, 653 Barton Street East, where she is a clerk, when she resisted the effort of a burly foreigner to rob the cash register.
Her assailant was Joe Barty, 378 James Street North, a powerful Hungarian steel worker, who was captured before he escaped from the store by reason of the plucky fight put up by the woman’s husband and Mr. Needle, the proprietor. Inspector Cruickshank of the East End precinct laid Barty out prone with two blows from a short-loaded “Billy.”
Barty entered the store under the pretense of buying a pair of shoes. Mrs. Cook is usually alone during noon hour. As Mrs. Cook approached to wait upon him, Barty, it is alleged struck her two cruel blows on the head with a hammer. She fell to the floor and was believed to be mortally wounded.
Powerful as Barty was, Cook and Needle, both small men, rushed upon the brutal assailant and grappled with him. He shook them off several times by sheer strength and bit and clawed like one mad. Cook was bitten badly in the nose and neck. Needle feared Mrs. Cook’s life was ebbing away and ran to the street for help. Meanwhile Cook held on the powerful foreigner and both were in a clinch when Inspector Cruickshank reached the store and used his “billy” effectively.
Mrs. Cook is said to have suffered a fracture of the skull as a result of the blows from the hammer. She was reported tonight to be improved and her recovery is expected.
Break into Brown Bros’ Liquor Store-Night-watch Eastman Knocked Insensible
[Welland Tribune, 11 December 1896]
Brown Bros’ liquor store, Main street, was robbed of a quantity of small money and liquors on Wednesday night. The burglars attempted to blow the safe, but the drill broke and remains in the disabled safe-which contained about $60 in silver. The street electric lights were extinguished at midnight as usual (that is, as usual in this town, not other places) and then the burglars began to get to their work. One or two parties met a quartet of men, before 1 a.m. who hung their heads and could not be recognized in the pitchy darkness. Night watch Eastman in his rounds, about 3 o’clock, heard somebody working back of Browns’ liquor store and saw a man apparently on watch. He stepped into the TRIBUNE alley and awaited developments for a few minutes and as he returned to the walk, a man approached in the darkness and ran a revolver in his face and said, “Open your head or move and down you go!” Eastman clinched and got his man down, when a second man came and down went the three. Eastman tried to pull his revolver, but one jumped on his arm till two more ran up and clubbed him into insensitivity, took his revolver away, took him to an outhouse and placed one of the gang as guard over him. As they struck him one man said, “Kill the d-d old s-b-,” and Eastman cried “murder,” two or three times. His cry was heard at the Dexter House and thought to be the pranks of a night bum and went unheeded. The three burglars went through the store while Eastman was imprisoned at the point of a revolver, and carried off about $5 in coppers and small silver, and three bottles of Hennessy brandy, one of sherry and half a bottle of whiskey.
Entrance was effected by prying open the back door with a sharp poker or bar, which had been stolen from Clark’s blacksmith shop during the night. The men were dressed in dark clothes and were without overcoats. While guarding Eastman a burglar remarked, “You’ve been a good while on this job, Stogie.” They also offered him some whiskey saying that he had made a gamey fight and expressed regret at handling him so roughly.
Turnkey Gilchriese and Constable White were aroused as soon as the robbers left, and search was made at M.C.R. and G.T.R. stations, and other points, but no clue is yet made known.
Mr. Eastman has several cuts and bruises on his head, and feels very sore, but is about as usual.
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