Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1873-01-24
Among the Murderers.
A DAY AT THE ToMps.

We copy from the N. Y. Tribune OF
last Saturday an account of visit, by
one of its reporters to the Tombs, among
the murderers
"The crowd of visitors continued to pour
in and out, and most of them were per-
sons merely drawn there by curiosity.
Nearly all of those who are charged
with murder are confined on the econd
tier of cells, Directly at the left of the
entrance the cells number SO, 80, 40, &c,
and the section is designated by the
keepers as "Murderers' Row." In these
apartments are Robert b oakley, John
Scannell, VIM. j. Sharkey, James G.
King, VIM. Foster, David Murphy. and
Frederick Heggi. This portion of the
prison, as a matter OF course, attracts the
most attention, and every moment i'm
pertinent strangers stand gaping before
the grated doors, watching the move
ments of the inmates. The prisoners do
not generally resent the curious looks,
but continue their occupations with per-
feet self possession.
LoDGERs IN MURDERERs' ROW.
The murder of Maude Merrill by her
uncle, Robert Bleakley, on Dec. 10, was
much talked of because of the romance
attending the tragedy. The hapless
uncle is the only murderer in the Tombs
whose appearance would excite pity.
His cell is very scantily furnished, and
he paced rapidly up and down its mar
row limits hour after hour. He acted
very nervously, and his appearance indi-
Gated extreme mental suffering. His
hat and overcoat lay ON the bed, and,
except small print pasted on the wall,
there was no ornament in the apartment.
His appearance and surroundings were
in striking contrast with those of his
nearest neighbor.
John Scannell occupies the most hand
somely fitted up room in the "Row,
Like nearly all of his companions in
crime, he was receiving his friends. The
cell is about the size of hall bedroom
and a small window opens out into the
court. Scannell is not fierce-looking
man. He wears red side-whiskers, and
looks like very fresh emigrant from
England. He apparently enjoys life in
the Tombs. His bed is soft and downy
with fancy coverlet; a bright carpet
covers the floor, while soft-burning stu
dents lamp stands upon the table, sur
rounded by books and writing materials
In corner of the room is handsom,
bureau, on which are arranged vases ant
other ornaments.
Politicians have here another repre-
sentative in the person of VIM. j. Shar
key. Robert S. Dunno lost his life a
the hands of this man on Sept l, and tn,
affair attracted its share of attention a
the time. Sharkey does not suffer from
his confinement, for, though not volun
tary guest, he is treated like one. Hi
parlor is comfortably furnished, and b,
is constantly feasted with good things
A young lady stood conversing will
him nearly every minute during visiting
hours. They chatted pleasantly, not
withstandiDg the ugly bars that separated
them, he eating bunch of white grape
while she dispensed to him the gossip 0
the outside world. Sharkey is quit
young, handsome and intellectual look
ing.
The startling murder of Anthony T
O'Neil by James G. King followed close
ly the killing of Donohue by Scanned
King bears his confinement coolly, an
occupies most of his time in writing. I'll
was seated at table busily employee
with pen and ink. He wore velve
coat, fancy scarf was tied about hi
throat, and he was smoking a ciga
Pictures hung about the wall, and on til
bureau was bouquet and some frui
The floor was covered by new carpe
: and the room was otherwise made con
Portable.
VIM. Foster renders his seclusio
!, more close by always keeping the inne
door to his cell shut. While the repol
ter was standing outside his cell Fostt
! opened the door, peeped cautiousl
around, and then opened a conversatio
with one of his neighbors. He wa
dressed in black clothes, and wore dar
: gray cap. the peak of which shaded hi
eyes. He has evil eyes, any one havin
once seen them would be disinclined t
favor the company of their owner on
dark night. His cell was comfortabD
. fitted up, but did compare in luxur
with those of the others. Foster did nc
expose himself long, for having procure
cigar from fellow prisoner, he retired
David Murphy, though not proposes
ing in appearance, is not positively re
pulsive. He occupies the cell adiaceu
to Fosters, because he shot David Barr
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