Sunday dispatch. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1845-1854, 1852-03-21
Probable Murder,


The Reading, Pa, papers Of tho 18Th inst,
contain the following particulars of the supposed
murder Of pedlar, whose body was found by
several boatmen in the Schulyklu river, at re-
lix's Dam, about four miles from that city. The
pedler has been missing from the neighborhooa
Of Bern Township since Wednesday the 30 Of
the month, and when discovered, was consider
ably decayed, and had apparently lain in the
water a long time. 1t appears that during the
fall, dog which was known to have belonged to
the deceased, was observed for weeks wandering
about in the woods near where the body was dis
covered, bowling piteousy, and although re-
peated attempts were made to shoot him and
drive him away, still haunting the spot with
pertnacity which excited the curiosity of the
neighbofs, and gave rise to suspicious that foul
play had befallen bis master. On the first OF
January, tho dog was caught by Mr.. Jacob
SpatE, and efforts were made to fathom the mys
terry. but without success until at last the dis
cOvery of the body proved the truth Of the sus-
picions that were entertained At the inquest
| which was summoned by George Brownmiler,
| Esd. it was testified by a respectable citizen of
| Bern township, who saw the pedlar o few days
before his disappearance, that he had on the same
| clothing as that found upon the body, and that
| he had the same short round face. Dr. John
! Spatz made an examination of the body, ana
discovered unmistakable marks of violence upon
it. On the right side, just under the short ribs,
was a spot apparently blackened with powder,
and wound like that Of ball, with inward
marks that might have been made by ball
The doctoris therefore Of opinion that the man
was killed by rife ball, which entered his right
side, passed through the lungs, and came out OF
the left side. A considerable wound was also
discovered in the right hip, that appeared to
have been inflicted by a stab with knue NO
thing was found upon the BODY, by Whlch tne
name or residence of the unfortunate man could
be ascertained. In order that his relatives ana
friends-if he had any in that Ylclnlty-may
| how iofn hwy
we give the following brief description OF his
person and clothing. Height about feet, b IN
ches, short round face, mouth full Of good teetns
dark brown hair, and probably between 70 and
40 years old. Had on plaid calico coat, tton
drilling pants, twilled muslin shirt, and pair OF
new kip leather boots. Around his waist was
bound plaid silk handkerchief The verdict of
the inquest was rendered in accordance with
these facts All the circumstance Of this sad
case lead to the belief that plunder was the cause
of the murder. The villain who committed the
bloody deed could have had no other object than
the possessions Of the valuable watches, rings,
and other iewelry, that the pedlar was known to
carry with him. He was probably shot near the
spOt where the dog already alluded to remainnd
and his body, after having oeen stripped of all
his vsluables, dragget to the Dam about mile
distant, and thrown into the water, to oblitrate
all traces of the horrible crime Another Incl
dent deserves notice. Before the body was buri-
ed, the coffin was set down in the graveyard, and
the dog brought there. He ran Immediately tC
the spot, although usually very shy, and sprang
with his fore-feet upon the coffin, but became
frightened by the curiosity of spectator who
approached him, and ran away. He was seer
again he same evening, walking about the place
: where first observed, and where mis- master doubt
less persisted. 1t is worthy of remark, that tnl
makes the third murder within few years, II
the neighbOrhood of Reading, whose perpetra
tors are yet undiscovered.