The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-10-10
HORRIBLE TRAGEDY IN BRookLINE, MASS.

A Boston Banker Attempts TO Murder His
Family and Cuts the Threats Of Two Of His
sons-Onc Of Them Killed Instantly and
the Other Possibly Spared by the Interior.
ence Of His Mother-The Murderer Insane
from Observation-Disclosures OF His Escape
and Capture.
one OF the mostgpainfuI and appalling tragedies
which has startled the community for long time
took place in the village OF LoDgwood, In the town
of Brookline, about four miles from Boston, at an
early hour this morning. The act was produced by
insanity on the part OF the perpetraor and the VIC
tins are his two little sons for whom he entertained
the greatest affection in his sane moments.
The circumstances, as they appear upon investiga-
ton are that Mr.. George L. Richardson, during the
intense heat Of last summer was exposed to the
In such a manner as to become victim OF sum-
stroke ever since which time he has suffered mental
depression and for the past week or ten days he has
been too III 10 engage in business, but was not
during this time confined to his house. His friends
were anxious about HIN on account OF these pre-
monltory symptoms Of mental derangement but
there was not the slightest fear entertained Of IT. as
ing he retired early and at about one O'Clock this
morning his wife awoke and found him very nerv
Gus. In few moments he got up from his bed, took
razor from his dressing case, and going into an ad
looming room where his two sons Henry and George,
were sleeping he instantly cut the throat Of Henry
ro s sap a. NE sae manneq 70 @ h
second son. The wounds inflicted upon the neck
and throat Of the latter are very deep and ugly and
IL is possible he may not survive. Mrs. Richardson,
hearing the cry OF the youngest ran TO the room and
pulled her husband back 4 moment Of reason came
and immedlatcy len the house, clad only in his
night shirt and shortly after jumped into milldam
near by. lie extrieated himself IRON The water Inn
mediatey and proceeded I'm bis almost nude state
in the direction OF Boston. lie stopped at the
house OF an lrshman, and rapping upon the door
e war a the ne man was p a
pairing 10 descend Mr.. Richardson went or and
calling az the house OF Mr. Henry A. Green, near
the Cottage Farm station. on the worcester Railroad
knocked ut the rear door. The domestics, hearing
him. inquired what he wanted, when he fmpored
admission, stating that he was cold and urged them
20 come down aud make Gre. Before they had
time to consider he threw up his arms and rushed
away. He was found this forenoon In his own barn
under the hay, and taken to the Insane Asylum In
Someryille. When he was found he was iaborna
under great mental depression and though unaware
or the deed that he had perpetrated was impressed
with the sense OF having committed some great
Mr.. Richardson has wife and four children.
The lad who Is dead was youth OF about fourteen
years OF age and beloved by all. His sudden death
has thrown the deepest grief upon his circle OF ac
quaintances, by whom he was esteemed for his many
noble traits Of character. Nr. Richardson's love aud
care for his children were something more than
fatherly. lie was their friend and con0dant partIc
pating In all their plans and enjoying with them the
pleasures Of very happy home lie was'himself
man OF decided religious character being az the time
of the above SAL occurrence deacon IN the Oftn0dOX
church at Brookline Continued Ill health acting upon
analnre naturally sensitive, created mental derangc-
ment which is the only explanation 70 be given OF this
truly sad affair. In the immediate Deghborhood
OF this sad event, among those who knew him best,
there has been tender and genial expression OF
sympathy for the wife aud family thus suddenly and
feariully bereaved.
In business circles Mr. Richardson lis well
known, having been for about forty years promi-
nently engaged az shipping merchant banker, &C..
in the city OF Boston. Tor the past few years he has
been identified with the well known Arm oil Page,
Richardson x Co., on State street, In this city.