Nesbitt, John

- Abt 1915

• Name	Nesbitt, John
  Gender	Male
  crime	1878	Elkland, Tioga, Pennsylvania, USA   [1]
  	Philadelphia Inquirer: Deathbed confession re 40 yr old kidnapping of 3 yr old Henry Schall
  	20180824HAv- http://genealogytrails.com/penn/potter/newspaper/crimes.html John Nesbitt Makes Death Bed Confession to Kidnapping of Henry Schall - Contributed by Denise Hansen Excerpt from the Philadelphia Inquirer, dated March 24, 1919: Deathbed Confession May Clear Up Kidnapping of Child 40 Years Ago Another mystery which, according to reports, is about solved is that of Henry Schall, who, at the age of 3 years, was kidnapped from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Schall, of Denton Hill, near Coudersport. The mystery is of 40 years’ standing and has puzzled succeeding Potter county generations. If the mystery is solved, as reported, it will be due to the death-bed confession of John Nesbitt, a resident of Sweden, Pa., to Reuben Danials. Henry Schall’s kidnapping was impressed upon the minds of the people of Potter county by the fact that for days after the disappearance, hundreds of men with bloodhounds searched the dense woods which then existed in Potter county. The search proved fruitless and was finally abandoned, but not until suspicion had been awakened that John Nesbitt knew more about the child’s disappearance than he was willing to tell. Threats were made against Nesbitt, but he never admitted knowledge of the boy’s disappearance and no crime could be traced to his door. Several years ago Nesbitt was taken sick and, thinking that he was going to die, he made a death-bed confession of the case to Reuben Danials. Nesbitt later recovered, however, and secured a promise from Danials that he would not tell of his connection with the case until after Nesbitt’s death. It was only a few weeks ago that Danials learned that Nesbitt had died four years ago and, as a result, he lost no time in giving out the information. Nesbitt’s story was to the effect that he was approached early in October, 1878, by a New York man, who offered him $300 if he would seize the Schall boy and deliver him to the man, making the offer at Elklund, Pa., some 60 miles away. Nesbitt owed William Perkins $500 at the time and had no means to pay the sum so he yielded to the temptation. The New Yorker had been one of a party of wild pigeon shooters who had come into the vicinity of the Schall home the preceding June. He was struck by the resemblance of the Schall boy to a child of his own who had died. Nesbitt told Danials, at the time of his confession, that he had since seen Henry Schall and that the latter had grown to manhood, believing himself the son of the New Yorker and had inherited a fortune from his supposed father. The name of the man Nesbitt gave to Danials. As soon as Mr. Schall, who has been living at Bradford, was advised of the matter, he departed for New York, where it is said that his search resulted in the discovery that the party who is supposed to be his son is at present abroad, but will soon return to New York, where Mr. Schall, it is understood, will await his arrival.
  Death	Abt 1915	Sweden Twp, Potter, Pennsylvania, USA   [1]
  	20180824HAv- http://genealogytrails.com/penn/potter/newspaper/crimes.html John Nesbitt Makes Death Bed Confession to Kidnapping of Henry Schall - Contributed by Denise Hansen Excerpt from the Philadelphia Inquirer, dated March 24, 1919: Deathbed Confession May Clear Up Kidnapping of Child 40 Years Ago Another mystery which, according to reports, is about solved is that of Henry Schall, who, at the age of 3 years, was kidnapped from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Schall, of Denton Hill, near Coudersport. The mystery is of 40 years’ standing and has puzzled succeeding Potter county generations. If the mystery is solved, as reported, it will be due to the death-bed confession of John Nesbitt, a resident of Sweden, Pa., to Reuben Danials. Henry Schall’s kidnapping was impressed upon the minds of the people of Potter county by the fact that for days after the disappearance, hundreds of men with bloodhounds searched the dense woods which then existed in Potter county. The search proved fruitless and was finally abandoned, but not until suspicion had been awakened that John Nesbitt knew more about the child’s disappearance than he was willing to tell. Threats were made against Nesbitt, but he never admitted knowledge of the boy’s disappearance and no crime could be traced to his door. Several years ago Nesbitt was taken sick and, thinking that he was going to die, he made a death-bed confession of the case to Reuben Danials. Nesbitt later recovered, however, and secured a promise from Danials that he would not tell of his connection with the case until after Nesbitt’s death. It was only a few weeks ago that Danials learned that Nesbitt had died four years ago and, as a result, he lost no time in giving out the information. Nesbitt’s story was to the effect that he was approached early in October, 1878, by a New York man, who offered him $300 if he would seize the Schall boy and deliver him to the man, making the offer at Elklund, Pa., some 60 miles away. Nesbitt owed William Perkins $500 at the time and had no means to pay the sum so he yielded to the temptation. The New Yorker had been one of a party of wild pigeon shooters who had come into the vicinity of the Schall home the preceding June. He was struck by the resemblance of the Schall boy to a child of his own who had died. Nesbitt told Danials, at the time of his confession, that he had since seen Henry Schall and that the latter had grown to manhood, believing himself the son of the New Yorker and had inherited a fortune from his supposed father. The name of the man Nesbitt gave to Danials. As soon as Mr. Schall, who has been living at Bradford, was advised of the matter, he departed for New York, where it is said that his search resulted in the discovery that the party who is supposed to be his son is at present abroad, but will soon return to New York, where Mr. Schall, it is understood, will await his arrival. Philadelphia Inquirer: Deathbed confession re 40 yr old kidnapping of 3 yr old Henry Schall
  crime	24 Mar 1919	Coudersport, Potter, Pennsylvania, USA   [1]
  	Philadelphia Inquirer: Deathbed confession re 40 yr old kidnapping of 3 yr old Henry Schall
  	20180824HAv- http://genealogytrails.com/penn/potter/newspaper/crimes.html John Nesbitt Makes Death Bed Confession to Kidnapping of Henry Schall - Contributed by Denise Hansen Excerpt from the Philadelphia Inquirer, dated March 24, 1919: Deathbed Confession May Clear Up Kidnapping of Child 40 Years Ago Another mystery which, according to reports, is about solved is that of Henry Schall, who, at the age of 3 years, was kidnapped from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Schall, of Denton Hill, near Coudersport. The mystery is of 40 years’ standing and has puzzled succeeding Potter county generations. If the mystery is solved, as reported, it will be due to the death-bed confession of John Nesbitt, a resident of Sweden, Pa., to Reuben Danials. Henry Schall’s kidnapping was impressed upon the minds of the people of Potter county by the fact that for days after the disappearance, hundreds of men with bloodhounds searched the dense woods which then existed in Potter county. The search proved fruitless and was finally abandoned, but not until suspicion had been awakened that John Nesbitt knew more about the child’s disappearance than he was willing to tell. Threats were made against Nesbitt, but he never admitted knowledge of the boy’s disappearance and no crime could be traced to his door. Several years ago Nesbitt was taken sick and, thinking that he was going to die, he made a death-bed confession of the case to Reuben Danials. Nesbitt later recovered, however, and secured a promise from Danials that he would not tell of his connection with the case until after Nesbitt’s death. It was only a few weeks ago that Danials learned that Nesbitt had died four years ago and, as a result, he lost no time in giving out the information. Nesbitt’s story was to the effect that he was approached early in October, 1878, by a New York man, who offered him $300 if he would seize the Schall boy and deliver him to the man, making the offer at Elklund, Pa., some 60 miles away. Nesbitt owed William Perkins $500 at the time and had no means to pay the sum so he yielded to the temptation. The New Yorker had been one of a party of wild pigeon shooters who had come into the vicinity of the Schall home the preceding June. He was struck by the resemblance of the Schall boy to a child of his own who had died. Nesbitt told Danials, at the time of his confession, that he had since seen Henry Schall and that the latter had grown to manhood, believing himself the son of the New Yorker and had inherited a fortune from his supposed father. The name of the man Nesbitt gave to Danials. As soon as Mr. Schall, who has been living at Bradford, was advised of the matter, he departed for New York, where it is said that his search resulted in the discovery that the party who is supposed to be his son is at present abroad, but will soon return to New York, where Mr. Schall, it is understood, will await his arrival.
  Residence	Sweden Twp, Potter, Pennsylvania, USA
  Person ID	I57004	WETZEL-SPRING

  
  

• Event Map

  crime - Philadelphia Inquirer: Deathbed confession re 40 yr old kidnapping of 3 yr old Henry Schall - 1878 - Elkland, Tioga, Pennsylvania, USA Death - Abt 1915 - Sweden Twp, Potter, Pennsylvania, USA crime - Philadelphia Inquirer: Deathbed confession re 40 yr old kidnapping of 3 yr old Henry Schall - 24 Mar 1919 - Coudersport, Potter, Pennsylvania, USA Residence - - Sweden Twp, Potter, Pennsylvania, USA  = Link to Google Earth

  
  

• Sources

  [S1945] Pennsylvania Genealogy Trails- Potter county Crimes & Robberies, Nesbitt, John Nesbitt Makes Death Bed Confession to Kidnapping of Henry Schall. 20180824HAv- (8) facts http://genealogytrails.com/penn/potter/newspaper/crimes.html John Nesbitt Makes Death Bed Confession to Kidnapping of Henry Schall - Contributed by Denise Hansen Excerpt from the Philadelphia Inquirer, dated March 24, 1919: Deathbed Confession May Clear Up Kidnapping of Child 40 Years Ago Another mystery which, according to reports, is about solved is that of Henry Schall, who, at the age of 3 years, was kidnapped from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Schall, of Denton Hill, near Coudersport. The mystery is of 40 years’ standing and has puzzled succeeding Potter county generations. If the mystery is solved, as reported, it will be due to the death-bed confession of John Nesbitt, a resident of Sweden, Pa., to Reuben Danials. Henry Schall’s kidnapping was impressed upon the minds of the people of Potter county by the fact that for days after the disappearance, hundreds of men with bloodhounds searched the dense woods which then existed in Potter county. The search proved fruitless and was finally abandoned, but not until suspicion had been awakened that John Nesbitt knew more about the child’s disappearance than he was willing to tell. Threats were made against Nesbitt, but he never admitted knowledge of the boy’s disappearance and no crime could be traced to his door. Several years ago Nesbitt was taken sick and, thinking that he was going to die, he made a death-bed confession of the case to Reuben Danials. Nesbitt later recovered, however, and secured a promise from Danials that he would not tell of his connection with the case until after Nesbitt’s death. It was only a few weeks ago that Danials learned that Nesbitt had died four years ago and, as a result, he lost no time in giving out the information. Nesbitt’s story was to the effect that he was approached early in October, 1878, by a New York man, who offered him $300 if he would seize the Schall boy and deliver him to the man, making the offer at Elklund, Pa., some 60 miles away. Nesbitt owed William Perkins $500 at the time and had no means to pay the sum so he yielded to the temptation. The New Yorker had been one of a party of wild pigeon shooters who had come into the vicinity of the Schall home the preceding June. He was struck by the resemblance of the Schall boy to a child of his own who had died. Nesbitt told Danials, at the time of his confession, that he had since seen Henry Schall and that the latter had grown to manhood, believing himself the son of the New Yorker and had inherited a fortune from his supposed father. The name of the man Nesbitt gave to Danials. As soon as Mr. Schall, who has been living at Bradford, was advised of the matter, he departed for New York, where it is said that his search resulted in the discovery that the party who is supposed to be his son is at present abroad, but will soon return to New York, where Mr. Schall, it is understood, will await his arrival. 20180824HAv- http://genealogytrails.com/penn/potter/newspaper/crimes.html [20201209HAv- updated, jcw] Genealogy Trails Potter County Pennsylvania News Crimes and Robberies Mr. and Mrs. Davis Robbed and Beaten Up The Potter Journal, Coudersport, Pa., August 6, 1857 Outrage - A Man and Woman nearly Killed by Robbers. It is our painful duty to place on record the main facts of one of the most fiendish outrages that our section of country has ever been the scene of. On Saturday night, 25th ult., the house of Mr. Davis, of Shippen, McKean County, was entered by three persons, who to procure access called Mr. Davis, an old man to the door telling him they wished to obtain lodging for the night. They were admitted, and while Mr. D. was lighting a candle at the fire, one of the ruffians clinched him and threw him down, commenced pounding him, all the time demanding his money. Another proceeded to the bedroom where he found Mrs. Davis, aged about 60 years, whom he fell to beating and finally left insensible having nearly "gouged" both her eyes out. A third went to another room in which a visitor, Miss Ensign was sleeping, but she having heard the noise in the other rooms, had cautiously crawled out of her bed and when the ruffian entered the room was so concealed that while he was unable to see her she could see him; he in the meantime failing to find her, commenced making threats of vengeance dire if she ever lisped a word in respect to their visit and while throwing his hand around him to give emphasis to his threats, she says he came near striking her on the head several times. After he retired, the three seemingly knowing to its position, drew out the old gentleman's trunk in which were kept his money and papers and carrying it into the yard, proceeded to rifle it. They however only succeeded in obtaining about $10, as Mr. Davis had that day paid out nearly all he had, about $60. The robbers then left, threatening to return and burn buildings, destroy cattle and murder all the people of that vicinity if they were pursued. Mr. Davis soon returned to consciousness and on looking for his gun could not find it and the next morning it was found several rods from the house in the grass. Having no near neighbors and not wishing to leave his wife in the perilous condition in which he found her, Mr. Davis gave no alarm until about 10 o'clock Sunday morning. Some of his neighbors then started in pursuit of the villians and traced them to Mr. Seth Taggart's, about one half mile south of this village and where they entered the woods and crossing the river evaded this place. They were seen by some young ladies, near Mr. Taggart's, at about 5 o'clock in the evening. No further trace of them was discovered until the next day, notwithstanding several of our citizens were dispatched in various directions by the Sheriff, when they were found to have passed the night in the school house near Mr. Joshua Jackson's in Sweden township, about eight miles east of this place. They robbed several hen-roosts in that vicinity and proceeded on their way, since which nothing has been seen or heard of them. We have not room to further notice this high-handed outrage than to state that though Mrs. Davis' life was for awhile despaired of, she is now getting well. We hope the villains may soon be brought to justice. J. B. Smith and D. F. Glassmire Robbed The Potter Journal, Coudersport, Pa., December 24, 1857 Horse Thief - A fellow came to this place on Saturday last with a fine horse, harness and buggy; traded the latter to Mr. J. B. Smith, a merchant, for a gold watch valued at $100, and some money; left the harness with D. F. Glassmire, taking his saddle in place and proceeded on his way. On Monday morning an officer and the owner of the horse and buggy (a livery concern), from Chemung County, N.Y., arrived in pursuit of the thief - claimed friend Smith's buggy and friend Glassmire's harness and leaving their worn and jaded horse with the latter, together with a gold watch as security, took Dan's horse and left on the track of their game - if they catch him. We "fancy the feelings: of both Smith and Glassmire, at the result of their speculations. A. H. Butterworth's and A. B. Goodsell Robbed The Potter Journal, Coudersport, Pa., June 11, 1857 Thieves and Burglars About We are informed that during last night, (Wednesday,) the Shoe-shop of Mr. A. H. Butterworth, in this place, was entered by burglars and about $14 worth of Boots and Shoes and leather stolen therefrom. A number of shirts and other articles were stolen from the clothesline of Mrs. A. B. Goodsell. No trace of the thieves has been obtained. Mail Robbery The Potter Journal, Coudersport, Pa., January 21, 1858 We regret to learn that a letter containing $15 in coin which was registered in the Post Office in this place the evening of the 29th ult. by Rev. C. M. Blake and addressed to Prof. Hoyt, of Phillips, Exeter Academy, at Exeter, New Hampshire, for his son who is attending school there is missing. For the present we forbear comment on the above. It behooves the P. O. Department to look after a loss of this kind, and we shall be happy to hear that the matter is attended to by those to whom this duty belongs, so that the innocent may be relieved from suspicion, and the guilty - for there is guilt somewhere - be punished. James Gross, Samuel Austin and Wallace Austin's Escape and Re-capture The Potter Journal, Coudersport, Pa., July 7, 1859 Three Prisoners Escaped from Jail James Gross, (convicted and sentenced at last Court to $50 fine and one year's imprisonment in the county jail, for assault and battery, upon an old German named Keeler, in Sweden Township,) and Samuel and Wallace Austin (the suspected horse-thieves noticed elsewhere,) escaped from our jail on Tuesday night. It is supposed they were assisted by friends on the outside, as they partly sawed off one of the iron window bars and then with a large hemlock stick broke it off, making an aperture large enough for any ordinary sized man to get through. The bar was of Sweed iron and about 5/8 of an inch thick; it was sawed nearly half off. The Sheriff describes them in our columns and has issued hand-bills offering reward for their apprehension. He sent two or three men out Wednesday morning to look after them. P.S. - The Austins were retaken two miles North of Ellisburg, on Wednesday afternoon. The elder brother evinced some disposition to fight at first, but was soon calmed down. They were re-committed to our jail late Wednesday night. We did not learn the names of their captors, who reside near Ellisburg. The Potter Journal, Coudersport, Pa., July 14, 1859 James Gross, who, with two other prisoners, escaped from our jail a week ago was re-captured in Allegeny Township last Sunday morning by a Sheriff's Deputy. The Sheriff learned on Saturday evening that he was there, working on a new saw-mill which General Harmon of Livingston Co., N.Y., is erecting there, and sent his deputy after him. He thought he was safe so far in the woods, but the advertisements of the Sheriff led to his discovery. We believe he made no resistance to the arresting officer. Samuel and Wallace Austin Arrested for Theft The Potter Journal, Coudersport, Pa., July 7, 1859 Horse Thieves Arrested - Last Thursday forenoon two chaps, one a boy of about 16 or 17 years, came to Glassmire's hotel in this place, driving a middling sized dark-bay mare in an old buggy, and having on the mare a nice silver-mounted single harness with breast collar, worth about thirty-five dollars, and in the buggy a very good saddle and a blue fly-net. Their appearance and manner, as well as the jaded condition of the horse, excited the suspicion of Mr. Glassmire, who with others collected about the buggy, and Mr. G. proposing to purchase the entire property, asked the price, when all was offered for $30. The parties were allowed to pass on their way, and when they reached the south bank of the river, they were observed to abandon their property and "make for the woods;" where upon two of our citizens "made after them" and after a short run arrested them and brought them to the court house, where they were separately examined before Justice Cushing. They gave their names as Samuel C. and Wallace Austin, brothers, and stated that they lived in the town of Nunda, 14 miles west of Hormellsville. Samuel, the elder, said that they left home on Tuesday morning; that the horse belonged to his father, John Austin, and the buggy to Charles King, East Hill, Nunda; that they bought the harness, saddle and fly-net of a stranger on the road for $9 in cash; that his brother's name was Benjamin. Wallace (alias Benjamin) said the horse belonged to David C. Howell, of Brook's Grove and the buggy to Charles King; that they traded a 2-year-old colt for the harness and buggy. They were committed to jail on suspicion, to await further investigation and correspondence, and we learn that a letter has been received from Wellsville, stating that two horses, a buggy & c., were stolen from near Nunda a week ago Monday night, and that the property intercepted here answers to the description of that. No doubt the chaps will soon have justice meted to them. P.S. - The owner of the horse, buggy & C., Mr. E. Howell, arrived here on Wednesday, from Brooks' Grove, reclaimed the property and took the thieves home with him. Henry Leach Home Robbed (1859) The Raftsman's Journal, Clearfield PA October 26, 1859 The house of Mr. Henry J. Leach in Hector Township, was robbed of goods to the value of over $100 on the night of the 5th inst. Watches Stolen from Butterworth Found (1860) Raftsman's Journal, Clearfield PA March 28, 1860 Thirty-two of the watches recently stolen from R. J. Butterworth of Coudersport, were found in the River, tied up in a bag. John Felt Convicted of Conterfeiting - Contributed by Denise Hansen From the Patriot (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania), dated July 4, 1874: John Felt, aged sixty years, was convicted in the United States circuit court at Williamsport last week, of passing counterfeit money in Potter county. He has already served twenty years in the Penitentiary. George Haynes Imprisoned for Life Contributed by Denise Hansen From the Patriot, dated August 3, 1876: In the case of George Haynes, Potter county, convicted of murder in the first degree, the board recommended commutation of the sentence to imprisonment for life. George Chrisholm to Stand Trial for Murder Contributed by Denise Hansen From the Patriot, dated January 2, 1883: The grand jury of Potter county have found a true bill against George Chisholm, charged with the murder of Thos. Waters near Westfield last fall. A special court will be held at Coudersport this month for his trial. Rev. Fuller Charged with Theft From the Patriot (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania), dated January 17, 1876: Submitted by Denise Hansen Rev. Robert L. Fuller, a Baptist minister, is lingering in the Potter county jail on a charge of stealing a horse and wagon. Mrs. Frank Hancock Confesses to Murdering Children and Husband on Deathbed From the Patriot (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania), dated July 23, 1891: Submitted by Denise Hansen A Woman's Terrible Crime An Unfaithful Wife Confesses on Her Deathbed to the Murder of Her Family The Husband Was Always Blamed Austin, July 22 - A startling story comes from one of the lumber camps at Kettle Creek, this county, the truth of which interested parties have started out to investigate. In April 1889, the people of all this region were horrified by the news that Frank Hancock, a lumberman, living at Blue Run, near the Tioga and Potter county line, had murdered four of his children and committed suicide by hanging himself in his house. The news was made known by Hancock's wife, who had been absent from home on the night of the tragedy. At the coroner's inquest it was developed that Hancock was jealous of his wife, with good cause, and that he had frequently upbraided her for her unfaithfulness. The fact was brought out also that the chirography of Mrs. Hancock resembled in a remarkable manner that of her husband. Many who knew Frank Hancock well refused to believe that he could have committed the shocking crime of which his alleged note declared him guilty, but, on the strength of the evidence submitted, a verdict to the effect that he had murdered his children and himself was rendered. Mrs. Hancock left Blue Run after the investigation was over. She was soon heard of as an abandoned hanger-on of the lumber camps, living with this and that rough lumberman. A few days ago a messenger from the Kettle Creek camp went to Coudersport, the county seat of Potter county, with the startling story that Mrs. Hancock had died in camp, and that before dying she made a confession, which not only acquitted her husband of the murder of the children, but which declares that she herself and two of her paramours, whom she names, but whose names are not made public, murdered her husband and children. The confession is to the effect that she had become alarmed at the threats that her husband had made against her, because of her persistent unfaithfulness, and, egged on by the two men, she resolved, with their aid, to put Hancock out of the way. The plan was to chloroform him when he was asleep, hang him to a rafter and place a note in his pocket, as if written by himself, stating that he had committed suicide and why. Warrant Issued for Arrest of Edward and Whitaker From the Philadelphia Inquirer, dated October 27, 1895: Submitted by Denise Hansen Harrisburg - Governor Hastings has issued requisitions on the Governor of New York for the arrest of Edward Cattlin, indicted in Potter county for burglary, and for the arrest of Warren A. Whitaker, also of Potter county, indicted for burglary. Farnum Lyons Out on Bail Contributed by Denise Hansen From the Philadelphia Inquirer, dated August 15, 1896: Lyons Out On Bail His Wife Says Patterson Was In Her Room Williamsport, Aug. 1 - Farnum Lyons, who is charged with having killed George Patterson two weeks ago in Potter county, has been released on bail. Lyon's wife, who is a remarkably bright and handsome woman, testified that the murdered man had been in her room. A.P. Lougee shot by Poachers From the Wilkes-Barre Times, dated July 11, 1904: Submitted by Denise Hansen Williamsport - A.P. Lougee, the Potter county game warden who was shot by Italians he arrested for shooting robins, is not expected to recover. Last night at the Williamsport Hospital, he became delirious, attacking Resident Physician Morvine, whom he knocked down. It took several men to control him. Eugene Folgner Arrested for Attempted Murder From the Wilkes-Barre Times, dated July 11, 1904: Submitted by Denise Hansen Coudersport - Eugene Folgner [sic], aged 22, was arrested yesterday at Belmont, charged with attempting to murder pretty Jennie Persuilk, 18 years old. The girl, it is said, refused to marry Folger [sic], and it is charged he drew a razor and slashing at her, cut her face, breast and arms. Potter County Poor House Officials Charged with Gross Neglect of Duty Contributed by Denise Hansen From the Wilkes-Barre Times, dated June 25, 1908: Poor House Filthy Condition Grand Jury Recommends Indictment of Supt. Potter County Institution The Meat Given To Inmates Is Not Fit For Dogs To Eat Coudersport, Pa., June 25 - As a result of an investigation of the management of the Potter County Poor House and Insane Ward, directed by Judge Ormerod, the Grand Jury has suggested the indictment of County Commissioners C.D. Austin, Frederick W. Franke and W.A. Nichols and Superintendent F.A. Crowell, of the home. The latter is directed to be dismissed at once. The officials are charged by the Grand Jury, in its formal report, with gross neglect of duty. The investigation is the result of a sensation created two months ago by the appearance at Port Allegheny of one of the inmates of the home, who had escaped, and whose filthy condition aroused indignation. The man said he had not taken a bath for two months. An investigation of this particular case resulted in a formal accusation of bad management of the county home, made by Calara Brown and C.C. Rossman, formerly a nurse and warden, respectively, before Judge Ormerod. He directed the grand jury to make a complete investigation and this is the report made by that body: The Main Offenses After examining twenty-eight witnesses, we find that the county home has not been properly heated. Inmates were uncomfortable with overcoats and mittens on and were found in bed in that condition. Water froze in basins. We find that Jennie Meacham was found in an unconscious condition, caused by steam escaping from a defective radiator in her room, and that she never rallied, but did a few days later. We find that there has been no regularity in giving the inmates their baths, and that some of them go for months without a bath. We find that upon some occasions, meat has been served to the poor inmates of the home which was not fit for food, and that it was cooked and served after the cook had told the superintendent that it was not fit for food. We find that when baths are given, they are mostly given by an insane patient, who handled inmates in a harsh and cruel manner. We find that the sick inmates are not provided with suitable food for people in their condition, and that inmates are purchasing milk from the County Home dairy and that when their money is gone, the milk is denied. Bogus Nursing Bill We find that Superintendent Crowell made out and presented to the County Commissioners of Potter county an order for $40; also that Maud Butler never did any nursing at the County Home, and never received any part of said $40; that this transaction occurred with the knowledge and consent of the County Commissioners. In conclusion, it is the belief of the Grand Jury in session, from evidence that we have before us, that the Commissioners of Potter county, A.D. Austin, Frederick W. Franke and W.A. Nichols, also F.A. Crowell, superintendent of the County Home and Asylum, have willfully and unlawfully neglected their duties, and we further recommend that indictments be prepared by the District Attorney for further action. Potter County Poor House Officials Charged with Gross Neglect of Duty Contributed by Denise Hansen From the Wilkes-Barre Times, dated June 25, 1908: Poor House Filthy Condition Grand Jury Recommends Indictment of Supt. Potter County Institution The Meat Given To Inmates Is Not Fit For Dogs To Eat Coudersport, Pa., June 25 - As a result of an investigation of the management of the Potter County Poor House and Insane Ward, directed by Judge Ormerod, the Grand Jury has suggested the indictment of County Commissioners C.D. Austin, Frederick W. Franke and W.A. Nichols and Superintendent F.A. Crowell, of the home. The latter is directed to be dismissed at once. The officials are charged by the Grand Jury, in its formal report, with gross neglect of duty. The investigation is the result of a sensation created two months ago by the appearance at Port Allegheny of one of the inmates of the home, who had escaped, and whose filthy condition aroused indignation. The man said he had not taken a bath for two months. An investigation of this particular case resulted in a formal accusation of bad management of the county home, made by Calara Brown and C.C. Rossman, formerly a nurse and warden, respectively, before Judge Ormerod. He directed the grand jury to make a complete investigation and this is the report made by that body: The Main Offenses After examining twenty-eight witnesses, we find that the county home has not been properly heated. Inmates were uncomfortable with overcoats and mittens on and were found in bed in that condition. Water froze in basins. We find that Jennie Meacham was found in an unconscious condition, caused by steam escaping from a defective radiator in her room, and that she never rallied, but did a few days later. We find that there has been no regularity in giving the inmates their baths, and that some of them go for months without a bath. We find that upon some occasions, meat has been served to the poor inmates of the home which was not fit for food, and that it was cooked and served after the cook had told the superintendent that it was not fit for food. We find that when baths are given, they are mostly given by an insane patient, who handled inmates in a harsh and cruel manner. We find that the sick inmates are not provided with suitable food for people in their condition, and that inmates are purchasing milk from the County Home dairy and that when their money is gone, the milk is denied. Bogus Nursing Bill We find that Superintendent Crowell made out and presented to the County Commissioners of Potter county an order for $40; also that Maud Butler never did any nursing at the County Home, and never received any part of said $40; that this transaction occurred with the knowledge and consent of the County Commissioners. In conclusion, it is the belief of the Grand Jury in session, from evidence that we have before us, that the Commissioners of Potter county, A.D. Austin, Frederick W. Franke and W.A. Nichols, also F.A. Crowell, superintendent of the County Home and Asylum, have willfully and unlawfully neglected their duties, and we further recommend that indictments be prepared by the District Attorney for further action. John Nebitt Makes Death Bed Confession to Kidnapping of Henry Schall - Contributed by Denise Hansen Excerpt from the Philadelphia Inquirer, dated March 24, 1919: Deathbed Confession May Clear Up Kidnapping of Child 40 Years Ago Another mystery which, according to reports, is about solved is that of Henry Schall, who, at the age of 3 years, was kidnapped from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Schall, of Denton Hill, near Coudersport. The mystery is of 40 years’ standing and has puzzled succeeding Potter county generations. If the mystery is solved, as reported, it will be due to the death-bed confession of John Nesbitt, a resident of Sweden, Pa., to Reuben Danials. Henry Schall’s kidnapping was impressed upon the minds of the people of Potter county by the fact that for days after the disappearance, hundreds of men with bloodhounds searched the dense woods which then existed in Potter county. The search proved fruitless and was finally abandoned, but not until suspicion had been awakened that John Nesbitt knew more about the child’s disappearance than he was willing to tell. Threats were made against Nesbitt, but he never admitted knowledge of the boy’s disappearance and no crime could be traced to his door. Several years ago Nesbitt was taken sick and, thinking that he was going to die, he made a death-bed confession of the case to Reuben Danials. Nesbitt later recovered, however, and secured a promise from Danials that he would not tell of his connection with the case until after Nesbitt’s death. It was only a few weeks ago that Danials learned that Nesbitt had died four years ago and, as a result, he lost no time in giving out the information. Nesbitt’s story was to the effect that he was approached early in October, 1878, by a New York man, who offered him $300 if he would seize the Schall boy and deliver him to the man, making the offer at Elklund, Pa., some 60 miles away. Nesbitt owed William Perkins $500 at the time and had no means to pay the sum so he yielded to the temptation. The New Yorker had been one of a party of wild pigeon shooters who had come into the vicinity of the Schall home the preceding June. He was struck by the resemblance of the Schall boy to a child of his own who had died. Nesbitt told Danials, at the time of his confession, that he had since seen Henry Schall and that the latter had grown to manhood, believing himself the son of the New Yorker and had inherited a fortune from his supposed father. The name of the man Nesbitt gave to Danials. As soon as Mr. Schall, who has been living at Bradford, was advised of the matter, he departed for New York, where it is said that his search resulted in the discovery that the party who is supposed to be his son is at present abroad, but will soon return to New York, where Mr. Schall, it is understood, will await his arrival. Back to Pennsylvania Trails History and Genealogy Genealogy Trails National Site

  
  

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