New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-07-25
MURDER OF THOMAS ESTABROOK ~
MICHIGAN


We gave several weeks since, some circumstances in
ducng the belief that Thomas Eastabrook OF Reading Va
was ordered while visit to Michigan last iah.
Since then other facts have come TO light which make
clear that the man was murdered The circumstances
have been furnished Tie Bg6aio Republic by friend OF
the deceased 1t seems says The Republic that Mr. East
abrook who formerly resided at Alden in this county LETT
Reading in December last, to go to st. Joseph County,
Michigan, where lie engaged to marry lady, who,
also formerly resided in this county and where he intend
ed to reside He reached the railroad station near Whte
Pigeon and within twelve miles Of the residence Vi
Mr. Wood where he expected to meet bis berothed Hero
he procured person to take him to tavern within two
and half miles Of the end Of his journey where his trunks
safely eposed This was the last that WAS heard
HIM until the facts which about 70 relate Wera
brought 10 light.
The ponafriyal Of Mr. f. the day his nuptials
were to be celebrated caused much disappointment and
alarm the part Of the friends OF ms intended bride.
His trunks arrived the day appointed Blu: nothing
heard OF Mr. T. save the declaration OF the person who
left em that he would be along soon he was coming
by another conveyance The day passed ana still another
and Mr. r. did not come. The lady, terribly alarmed.
wrote 10 his brother in Reading, who left immediately I'd
ascertain why he had arrived. The brother stopped
at the zane station the Railroad and happened to cm
poy the same man who had carried his brother 10 tho
Tavern The described Easbrook TO his brother
stated oil the circumstances when TOOK place on mo
way and at the tavern. All seemed TO be right thus far
II was then nsceIaned that two men had engaged u carry
him Ia Mr. Noods house and that they left accordingly.
Hoe there seemed to be no further trace 10 De hhl 81
Easabrook who lad left his trunks IN charge OF the lad
land with mOLey pay the expense Of forwarding them
His brother made every eXerhOn TO ascertain WHAT
had become Of him. but to no purpose. Suspicious Of
foul play generally prevailed, and the sheriff with other
officers have been on the lookout since
A few weeks ago who had been about that neigh
borhood for sone time was arrested and COMMITTEE 70
jail for larceny During his confinement he appeared es.
tive and much disposed to converse with TIE Slerih ai
otheIs. He INDUCED in this, and cautiously nierfo.
gated on some points connected with the absence anl
whereabouts Of EastabroOk. He made several aimiS-
sons and declarations that he afterward attempted to eK
plain, but only To arouse stronger Suspicion that no
knew what had become Of Mr.. r. AMER Leading him On
in this way for some days the Sheriff told him has susp-
cons and what he had oscerained In the matter lns
prisoner told the Sheriff that he would reveal the whole
Of the murder that he could not rest till be had done 90
The prisoner then stated that two men took Easabrook
on the way Mr. Woods to the junction W IN new roii
recently Gu, for the purpose Of hauling TIMBER There
az by accident they met the prisoner with another span
of horses and wagon, and two others in his company
the nan es he gave Of both Here they inquired OF the INST
party where they were going. On beng told 70 sr.
Woods the two in company with the prisoner SAID tbey
were going the way and wanted them all 70 get INTO
their wagon and ride together on this ne" ro9d beng
more direct They all got into the wagon and started
After going Thirty rods, the prisoner driving they
stopped and Of the party took cao rom nhdef us
coat and struck EastebrOOk the head T. teh bsk e
claiming: " o, dear IN dead. Others OF the party ths"
stabbed him 10 the heart. ,..
After this they stripped him Of his clothes and money
dividing with all ihose present and barred the Dy b.
an old root or stump lie stated that they got about sgnS
hundred dollars from him. and that me Do" ,h on
and they given 10 him. snd ne % n ever siuce
the Erufh of
The Sheriff went with otbers to aseern dsno.sS
he nrisoner story The body was i9una IeP'.el JsS
ag hsd d.cSed Measures then taken TO secure
us and wi TP Probably Siy' a Gas eoa a1
inPis"h'S oner stated that he had nothing further
10 to Do Al the Asn to hold the horsss and take has
snare ing 10 perpeiraie this murder when they
WIZ ION hin threatening 70 kill him If he revealed
- ar uttered lisp about H. He compelled 10 10
wsa, he did. IL seems these desperadoes had become
acquainted with the circumstances Of Estabrook visit,
and that he had purchased place in the nenoof
hood and would have money with him, they enere1 inp
had with him. .,
WedOub whether such another foul deed can D. 10 uhI
| record where many entered INTO a eonsPn.y -
the murder Of one man. II il satisfaction taa ~ 81
ihem are likely 10 receive il time their Jl,' pus
for 80 nesTious end cold blooded crime hr' 80 br
was much respected among tnooe nuo Ia ~
He Lac. many frend, and some cOnn"cton. - 49,
covnty whO viii grove to learn bis al Ia'''