The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-05-08
PETER QUINN
The Man who Claimed - Wealthy widow ne
his wife Held to Keep the Peace.

Petcr Quinn, an aged gardener OF Eliza
beth street. this city. was arrested two weeks
ago In Brooklyn for trying to enter the house
ut 311 Clinton street. Brooklyn. whero Mrs.
Mary Mooney. a wealthy widow. who is also
known as Mrs. Mary Quinlan by those who
knew her first husband resides with her daugh-
ter. Mrs. Mooney is past 10 years Of age. and
rarely quits her house. Quinn had for five
years been q frequent visitor to tho house. de-
manding admittance to see Mrs. Mooney. whom
he claimed M his long-lost wife. The police
were called upon to rid the family Of the an
noyance Of Quinn's vista. but it was not until
recently that he was arrested.
Justice Ferry Yesterday afternoon began an
examination into the cnse. Miss Mary Quinlan
3li Clinton street. She had known the pris-
9nrr by sight for over five years On or about
Sept. 10. 1878 he came to the house to see Mary
Quiulan. He was forbidden TO enter by the
front door. and then he tried To get in nt the
bascmnnt window The witness sent FOR po-
zee oiilcor on several occasions TO arrest Quin-
Mary Dougherty an eged Irish woman tcsti-
fl"d that she lived ut l43 Tllary street and that
she was bridesmaid at Peter Quinn's marriage
with Mary ODonncn at ST. Peters Church, in
Barclay street, this city. Mrs. Doughrrty added
time she and her husband went to keeping
house in Lawrence street, this city. Mrs.
DouRherty was asked To look around tho court
room and see IL tho woman for whom she was
bridesmaid was there. Mrs. DOugherty looked
around until she saw Mrs Mooney. who had
come in with her maid. She looked at Mrs.
Mooney and betrayed great nervousness. The
Justice and tho counsel told her to keep cool.
She wiped the PRECIPITATION from her face.
pressed her handkrrchirf ncrvously against
her lipa. and continued 10 look Mt Mrs. Mooney.
The witness ut length said that she couldn't be
sure in her identi icntiOn OF any one in the room.
Peter Quinn testified TINT he WAS 10 yeare OF
age, and that about twenty eight years. ago ho
married Mary Donnely She left him in
August Of 1851. He described how he waited
around tho house in Brooklyn and tried to
speak to the woman who he thought was his
wife. and TO reclaim her.
- Is she here nowf asked his counsel. Mr..
Yes she is." said tho witness. and. quitting
the stand: he walked over close 10 Mrs. Mooney.
turned around in her chair. drawing away
from Quinn. and saying 10 him, Don't come
near me- don't"
=. Are you sure she is your wife ?" asked JUS
tice Ferry.
II have no other wife said Quinn. IT'S a
long time Ago and l may bc mistaken but
don't think am"
Francis j. Qunlan testified that he was born
in London. that his fathers name WIS John
Quinlnn. and his moth RS Mary Qunlan. Ho
had one sister. the first witness. He came 10
this country with his father nud mother. and
they lived at 9n Mott street. His mother. who
was now claimed IA the wife Of Peter Quinn.
had always lived with hcr children. Her first
husband dird on Nov II, 1913. She was mar
RED IN 81. Peters Church In Barclay street on
July &. ls4j. to John Mooney. with whom she
lived until about two months before Mooney 5
death. which occurred on Doc -. 1855. His
mothers maiden name WAS Mary Mcdonald.
She never lived in Lawrence street
Tho testimony convinced Justice Ferry TINT
Mrs Mooney was not Qunn's wife. and he held
promised not to VISIT ths house again. but he
loOh ed closely ut Mrs. Mooney until she Quilted
tha court. and he rubbed his forehead FREE
quonty as though tryingto revive or strengthen