The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-08-21
RETRIBUTION.

Thomas Curtin is a boiler maker by trade, and
has been employed by the Risdon Iron Works. He
is well-developed, athletic man, wears gray whis
kers, and has an open, honest countenance. he is
the father OF ten children, six Of whom are living,
the youngest. Hannah, being about sixteen years
old. For many years he has lived at 25l Perry
street, and bears the reputation among his neigh
bors OF being quiet peaceable man.
THE TEMPER APPEARS.
About year ago Hannah, then mere child OF
fifteen, was apprenticed to learn q trade OF a
dressmaker. This was the beginning of the girls
ruin. Shortly after she began to work her parents
noticed that she was frequently out late at nights.
Mr. Curtin suspected that all was not right, and
one night he watched her as she LETT the shop She
was met on the next BLOCK by young man, with
whom she stroled around the southern part OF the
city. The father gave her q severe lecture when
she returned home, and ordered her In the future
! TO come directly to the house after leaving the
shop. The young man who thus began to play his
part In the tragedy just completed was named
William M Johnson. He is nineteen years old, and
worked in the carpenters department OF the Pa.
cihc Mail st eamers' shops He is tall and shapey,
and may be best described by what Is popularity
known as stylish. Hannah seems to have become
infatuated with him from the first meeting. so
much so that she was willing to forsake father,
mother and friends for his sake.
ON THE ROAD TO RUIN.
Despite the Introduction OF Mr.. Curtin the girl
managed to meet Johnson nearly every night. The
pair were very cautious, however, and the parents
suspicious were very nearly allayed. when one day
In June an incident occurred which verified the
worst fears OF the stricken father. Hannah sud-
denly disappeared. All night long the police
secured the city for her. but three days no cew
to the missing one could be found. At last John
N q n a fha ofA
son and Green streets. Police officer Dewitt fol-
lowed and there he found Hannah Her father re.
ce'ved her back to his house, but warned johnson
to Keep away. The warning was received with
contemptuOus sneer After this the meetings OF
the pair, despite the watchul care OF Mr. Curtin,
were frequent. The father was becoming wild. Fl.
nally he sent his last warning. 1t was letter and
read thus -
SAN Francisco July rs 1873
Hannah Curtin notify ySS that if ever hear know
home q Of persons you may hire, cr hear to
'' Tho%As Ns
nys s to the II the m na sd the old
warrant for the arrest Of Johnson. He was told
that the police could take no action the matter,
and then ne made up his mind that II no law ex.
listed to protect his family he would make a law
for himself The matter eliminated yesterday
morning in one of the saddest tragedies which has
been known in San Francisco for years.
THK TRAGEDY.
sunday morning Mr.. Curtin went to BQy View.
and Hannah, taking advantage OF his absence. went
to see her lover. She did not return until two
O'Clock YESTERDAY morning, and stormy interview
IN the morning Mr.. Curtin took his daughter to the
County JAIL and then, taking fve-shooter started
and Johnson was just leaving his house in Beale
street to go to his work He had proceeded half
he met the enraged father. There were no wit
nesses to the encounter and what passed can only
e H NJ 9unns hs % ne %
man denied the charge, and retorted impudently.
A war OF words followed, which was cut snort by
the sharp report OF Curtns pistol. Johnson started
to run, the blood squirting from his mouth. Curtin
tried to fire second shot, but the cylinder OF the
pistol would not move. Johnson reached Folsom
street. and fell on the corner while Curtin turned
and walked quietly home.
THE WOUNDED sEDUCER.
The ball entered the back Of Johnson. between
the shOulder-b,ades, and penetrated one OF the
lungs, causing internal hemorrnaee. He Was
he could not possibly 1--we, he was transferred to
st. Marys Hospital.
Curtin was arrested at his house and taken to
the City Prison by officers Courneen and Harold.
HIS wife, who is stricken down with grief followed
him shortly after. lie Is very excited, and 1t ts
difficult 70 CLEAN any facts rom him. What could
above.
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE GIRL.
Chronicle reporter visited the County jail sat
one o'clocEn the afternoon, and held conversa-
not be called handsome or attractive, and her man.
ner plainly indicates that she has advanced many
and she had evidently been crying She was
sitting by window facing on Broadway and sadly
near her and at once asked her Questions bearing
upon the tragcal event OF the morning.
REPoRrER-ilave you heard what your father did
Mss CuRTIN-Yes; my mother was here and told
REpoRTER-How long have you known william
Miss CURrIN-A little over year. was intro
duced to him by another girl.
Rrpo EFT a moi
ago was It at his solicitation
She gave direct answer to this question, yet,
BY her manner, showed that such was the case.
REPORTER-What reputation does this house on
Mason street where you stopped bear ?
Miss CURTIN never saw anything out OF the
RRPoRTER-How did your folks treat you at
Miss CuRrN-They were very strict, and lately
have kept me closely confined and wouldn't let
me go out.
Miss CuRrrN-we were dancing at horticultural
T pa anu with TWO Srs
myself He left US and went home.
RRPoRrER-l suppose you thought good deal of
The girl smiled, but made no reply to the ques-
ton
Mss cURrN-Yes, he had promised to marry me,
REpoRrER-Don't you think you are rather young
Miss CURTIN tsmiling) oh, younger people than
we are marry
The reporter babe the young girl good after
noon" left the jail and proceeded to St Mary's
ing himself known to the resident physician and
expressing desire TO sec the wounded man, ne
was shown to chamber on the second noor, where
Young Johnson lay apparently dying number
Of his female friends and relatives were present
stricken youth as comfortable as possible In his
last hours. AZ the reporter entered the room
they had just raised him up and were giving him
drink OF brandy After tasting II he told them to
take the liquor away and give him simply water.
lie drank 8 very little, and then they gently laid
him down on the pillow. He at once lost con,
sciousness. and his sister said be had been
that way all day-his ,,S only consciousness
mans about twenty years OF age, with Q
smooth noc face and rather dark complexion. His
| Appearance would hardly indicate the Hoodlum,