The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-02-10

There is not in local annals a more ro-
mantle story than that OF the killing OF
Adoniram J. Burroughs. a Treasury De
partment clerk. in this city. January 80
1865. Living in an obscure clearinghouse
on Grant Place northwest. is Mrs. Joseph
H. Bradley, formerly Mary Harris, whose
acquittal on a charge Of murder was a
surprise to many; 10 her friends, fruitful
source OF congratuiation. Her trial, fol-
lowing close upon her indictment, was a
long one, fraught with tedious investiga-
ton. and one Of the most remarkable ever
heard in the District Of Columbia. The
Supreme Court of the District, sitting as a
Criminal Court. passed upon the case. Hon.
Andrew Wylie, foremerly Associate Jus
tice. occupied the bench.
The tragedy recently at the Winder
Building. resulting in the death of Audi
tor Frank Norris at the hands of Samuel
Mcdonald, a clerk, serves to recall the
thirty-sixth anniversary of like event in
the old Treasury Department, the memory
of which is still in the minds of the oldest
inhabitants. Adoniram J. Burroughs, then
a clerk in the Office Of the Comptroller Of
the Currency, fell a victim to the assas-
sins bullet, and Mary Harris. a girl then
of nineteen summers, was charged with
his murder. The tragedy eliminated ro-
nance equaled only by its sequel; the
marriage of Mary Harris to the man fore
most IN her defence, the late Joseph II.
Bradley, of this city. The victim, hand
some man of thirty years. married, popu-
lar in society with high family connec
lions. was shot down by the girl he for
merly adored. His slayer, fairly beside
herself with grief. jealous rage, and Bit
ter disappointment, was Immediately TAX
en- into custody and lodged in the District
Jail.
For thirty-six years since the killing
Mrs Bradley, nee Harris, has lived quiet
ly in this city and vicinity. Her husband
and former leading counsel, the late Jo-
seph H. Bradley. died more than twelve
years ago, leaving his widow in moderate
circumstances. She was from time 10 time
placed at St. Elizabeth's Asylum for the
Insane. from which institution she was
removed shortly prior to her marriage,
several years after the killing of Bur-
roughs, to again become a patient after
the death Of her husband. While n the
Asylum Mrs. Bradley became intimately
acquainted with the family of the late Dr.
Godding. formerly Superintendent, with
members Of which she yet holds a close
friendship.
Mary Harris first met Adoniram J.
Burroughs in Burlington, Iowa, the home
of ker parents. She was then a mere
child, twelve years of age. Her father,
William Harris, of Irish descent, was
highly respected in Burlington, but was
quite poor. He found it difficult TO meet
necessary expenses and while yet child,
Mary went into q millinery store. She
was a bright, in, slligent girl, and from
her meagre salary helped to exc out the
family income. At that time Burroughs
also resided in Burlington. He was en-
gagged in business there. strange fate
seems to have brought these two toeeth-
er. One bright afternoon Burroughs hap
pened into the little store where Mary
Harris was employed. She waited on
him, and he was struck by her quiet re-
firing manner. She was extremely at
tractive in personal appearance, with fair
skin, jet black eyes, very dark brown
hair. which hung in ringlets over her
shoulders, slightly below the medium
height, and of graceful figure. Burroughs
was then about twenty-four years OF age.
He was cultured, successful in business,
shrewd. and keen of wit, and well versed
In The ways Of the world and of society.
A fondness for Mary Harris was soon
evinced by Burroughs. He called often
at the millinery store and visited her at
her fathers house. She also became fond
OF him. and this fondness quickly ripened
into love. Burroughs ingratiated himself
into the good graces of the family yet
the parents OF the girl opposed his atten-
tons As Mary grew older Burroughs as
sumed the role Of a sutton. but still was
opposed by her parents; for they doubted
his sincerity in so grave a matter Yet
Mary persisted in seeing the man she
loved
In the fall of 1862 Burroughs left Bur
hngton and came East, spending some time
In Washington. Mainly through CORES
pondence, however, he kept the affections
OF Mary Harris Early in January, the
year following, Mary received a note from
Miss Jane Devlin. then a storekeeper To-
Gated on Clark Street, Chicago. Miss Dew
lin stated she was q friend OF Burroughs.
She suggested that Mary go to Chicago.
where. said the writer Burroughs was
soon to settle. This Mary did She saw
Burroughs frequently there; also met his
brother, Prof. Burroughs. then President
Of Douglas College. Chicago
After awhile Burroughs left Chicago
and came to Washington. where he was
married, and secured a position in the
Treasury Department. 1t was a great
shock to Mary Harris when the intelli-
genee Of his marriage first reached her in
>
him turned 10 bitterness and scorn She
determined upon revenge. Disowned by
her parents because she had left home.
almost an outcast from friends and foes
Mary Harris came to Washington to seek
from Burroughs redress for alleged
wrongs and relief for pent-up feelings.
She bought revolver in Chicago, which
she brought 10 Washington
Mary Harris arrived here on the morn
n bn
Burroughs room in the Treasury Build
ing, and saw him at work at his desk
through a partly open door as she stood
silently in the main hall of the building
unnoticed. Toward O'Clock in the after
noon she took up position behind a huge
bookcase in the north wing of the build
ing and adjacent to the door through
which Burroughs must pass on his way
from the building Burroughs had been
employed in the Treasury about one year:
was $1,000 clerk. and resided at Twelfth
and X Streets northwest.
Shortly after 4 o'clock accompanied by
Alfred Everett. fellOw-clerk he left his
desk and started for the hallway on his
way from the building. The men, arm-in-
arm, passed through the door and Mary
Harris saw them, as they turned and
walked slowly toward the main stairway
down the hall. When they had gone sew
eral steps, the woman moved silently from
her place of concealment drew revolver
from the folds of her dress, raised ii
quickly and fred. At the report of The
weapon Burroughs uttered a slight cry,
threw up his hands. and moved several
yards down the hall. Before he reached
the stairway another shot was fired Ly
the woman and Burroughs fell. shot
through the back He was quickly re-
moved into room 81. on the first floor, hut
expired before a physician who was sum-
NJ aned cnmlh reach him Examination II