New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-05-23
DISPUTE OVER A BODY.
SUDDEN DEATH OF AN OLD MAN BRINGS
OUT A FAMILY QUARREL
THE COURTS ARE INVOKED. BUT HIS DAUGHTER
SUCCESSFULLY DEFlEs HIS WIFE AND son
AND THE FUNERAL WILL DE
HELD AT HER HOUSE.

AND THE FUNERAL WILL DE
HELD AT HER HOUSE
Paterson May % (SpeclaD The funeral OF Fran
els f. Donnelly. an old and respected citizen OF
this city was to have taken place this morning
from the house in Brdge-st. which was formerly
his home. To-day Il announced that the
cortege would move from No 1Si Ollver-st to-mor-
row. The announcement OF this change lcd 10 'hc
exposition OF a bitter family quarrel and legal
proceedings to get possession OF the body. Mrs
Carpenter, a daughter OF Mr. Donneny, success
fully dehed his wife and a son in their EFFORTS 10
have the body removed
Mr. Donnelly was e.ghty-three years old He had
been married twice. Francis f. Donnelly, a son
by his first wife; James j. Donney, a well-known
liquor-dealer and graduate of Seton Hall College.
and Mrs. Elisha J. Carpenter. children Of his sec
ond WIFE survive him. Religious differences divided
the family soon after the marriage OF Mrs Car
penter Her people were devout Catholics, and
the man whom she married was stanch Presby-
terrain The wound healed In time but broke out
several months ago. Mr.. Donnely. the OLD
gentleman, sided with Mrs. Carpenter. His son
James and his family ordered to remove from
the house in Brdge-st. The elder Mrs. Donnelly
left her husband TO live with her This separa-
ton of the old couple who had lived peacefully to-
gether for twenty years. caused great surprise.
On Sunday Mr.. Donnelly, while attending service
at ST. johns Roman Catholic Church. was taken
suddenly ill., He did not return to his home. but
was taken to Mr. Carpenters house. In Oliver-st..
a block away from the church. He sank rapidly.
and the end came on Wednesday. Frank Donnelly,
IT, heard by accident of his illness and was at MS
bedside The other relatives were not Informed.
Frank aware of the strained relations existing. set
about having the body removed IA the house IN
Brdge-st so that all could meet on neutral
ground When the undertaken called. Mr.. Carpenter
ordered him not to touch the body 1t would not
leave his house. he said. except upon an order
from the court. .
The wife and sons immedla tey called upon As
scmblyman James Robertson and asked that tne
law be Invoked secure possession or the Dody'
Mr.. Robertson found that there was no law cover,
ing the particular case at issue. II was natural
death and county authorities could not interiors.
Mr. Robertson went before Judge Hopper now
ever and stated the facts. 1t was agreed that a
corpse had no value In Jaw. 1t was not cndt'ei
Dean McNultv was called In as arbitrator Ill dh
effort to avoid public scandal. -, o.,
But another obstacle interviewed Wnen ait oLl
penter positively declined 20 allow the pody 70 oe
Viewed by friends He did not propose. he SAID, 70
allow people TO tramp about his house at night anu
re vetoed every suggestion OF "A wake ,,,,,
The Catholic Church has adopted rule forDi9uhs
tho openIng of collins in church Dean McNulty
this rule temporarily. in order 10 AFFORD inc WHO"
and estranged relatives an opportunity 10 see Tue
body. ,.L. 1Iis u,i,a
Mr. Carpenter was moderately wealthy. MS wire
and cons have no knowledge that he ever mace,
will The Carpcntcrs refuse 10 see reporters put tne
romInence OF the family and the peculiar details Oh
The cas- have aroused general comment.