New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-06-20
TIE ELEgENTH-ST. TRAGEDY.

BEGINNING OF TIE CORONER'S INVESTIGATION
TESTIMONY OF MRS. CONNOLLY AND THE
NURSE.
Coroner keenan, began an investigation, yes
terday IN the case OF DR.. James ]. Connolly who muir
dered his infant children and then killed himself, on
Sunday at his residence No. 143 West Eeventh-st Only
two witnesses examined the wife OF the deceased
and the chldrens nurse. jury was impanneed and
viewed the mutated bodies. Mrs. Connolly was very
much excited and addressed individually many OF those
present, asking II they had families and were they
Roman Catholics She declared she would go into the
room where the bodies lay and several times
only restrained by force. Finally she was allowed TO
view the remains, in company with the Rev. Father
Iafont OF the Church Of st. Vincent do Paul.
When tho investigation was about 10 proceed
she declared that she the only who knew any
thing about the matter and insisted on being the nst
witness. She was sworn and at once began rapidly to
give most incoherent and rambling account of the
events OF the preceding day. Her evidence was finally
taken follows;
Ellen Connolly testihed-Deceased was my husbands
yesterday about O'Clock found his room door locked
and believe they broke in the door; aferward heard
that he and the children we're dead .,,..
Mary Ann Marshall testi1ed-I was employed as nurse
BY Dr. Connolly, the deceased; had the care OF the
two children MARY Agnes age svs Two yedhs s aau y9
a. Sunday he called me to his room be complained
OF pain in his head and asked me TO close the window
at noon went to his room and found him partly
dressed; he still complained of pain In his head and APP
peared very uneasy, walking from one room 10 INC
other; at that time he asked to bring him Agnes
I did So and left her with him; then
went ND stairs to attend 10 the baby, and took
her down stairs; at about o'clock the doctors bell
rang for again. and went up he appeared somewhat
easier and amusing the child at about O'Clock he
rang for me again went TO his room, taking the baby
with me; the dinner bell then rang; asked him II he
wanted any dinner; he told me to bring some for him
and the child brought the dinner up he then appeared
very much excited, but sat down and ate some OF the
dinner and left him eating; Mrs Connolly told me TO
come down and let him attend to himself; was down
about 10 minutes, when he rang the bell again. went to
his room and he asked the OF my going down
stairs; told him, and he told me to remain there was
called down stairs again. his bell rang, but did not 80
up he came down stairs and asked me why did not 10
M told him the reason he returned up stairs but
soon afterward down again and took the baby from
me and up stairs with herr followed him instantly,
but found the doors all closed and locked came down
and told Mrs. Connollp went TO his door again and
knocked and called but could get no answer we after
ward redito open the door, but could not succeed MIS-
Connolly then sent for the police
The further investigation then adjourned until IL
a. H. to-day. Physicians made superficial examination,
and discovered four stab wounds In Dr. Connollys
breast In addition tho wound In the throat The chill
dren had received other wounds than those In the
throat.
The affair has created intense excitement In the neigh
borhood Crowds have been congregated ON the block
and i'm sixth-aye discussing the event.