New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-05-05
HORACE MARVIN DEAD.
MURDER THEORY HELD.
Body IN Marsh Near Home, an Place
Often Searched.
[Ry Telegraph to Tho Tribune. !

! Dover. Del. May 4.-The body of little Horace
| n. Marvin, jr. who disappeared from the farm
/ Of his father near here on March f. was found
this afternoon in marsh half a mile from the
farm by Ollie Pleasanton. Il neighbor, who was
hunting. He saw it was Horace and hurriedly
called the father. who identified the body. DR..
Marvin wrapped It in a sheet and carried it
home himself.
Dr. Marvin says tonight that he believes mis-
was murdered and the body placed where
1t found. The spot was searched carefully
by DR.. Marvin and Superintendent Pearce, Of
I the Pinkertons. three weeks ago. Since then it
has been traversed regularly. In addition every
inch of the ground has been examined hy
searchers since the boy disappeared. Shortly
after the body found DR.. Marvin said:
Though I am unable to examine Horace
closely until the coroner arrives. I am certain
he was murdered. his body brought back and
left lying on the marsh TO give the impression
that he wandered out there and died. The cloth
ing showed signs OF having been burned. as
would undoubtedly have been the had the
body lain there when the fire swept over the
marsh three weeks ago"
The body was lying face downward, a cap be-
ing pulled the face. The boy was dressed ex-
actly he when he disappeared. even nit
tens being on his hands. Attorney General
Richards tonight sent state Detectives Haw-
lins and Gillis to the scene. They Will cooper
ate with the Pinkertons. Early developments
and possibly arrests expected.
The condition Of the body, aside from a dis
coloration of the face IS said to show the boy
has not been dead over three days. An autopsy
to determine the cause of death will be made
tonight or tomorrow at the direction OF the
Attorney General and Coroner Galloway. Dr.
Marvin said tonight that he believed State De-
tective Lore of New Jersey the right
track when he announced a fortnight ago that
the boy was murdered. At the instance Of Lore,
Frank II. Butler who the Marvin farm
when the lad disappeared, was arrested charged
with murder. He was released, however. Attor
ney General Richards finding there was INSULT
cient evidence, Tho outcome OF the autopsy is
eagerly awaited. Attorney General Richards
warned Dr Marvin not to change the chiIds
clothing until the authorities could examine it
thoroughly.
The mystery OF the disappearance Of little Horace
Marvin is hardly cleared up by the discovery of his
dead body When last seen alive he sitting on
top OF a haystaok IN broad daylight. in the middle
OF a 8J0-acre farm at Kits Hammock. Del Half
4 dozen working about the place. some
Of them engaged in removing the effects OF Charles
Woodhal. t>e former owner Of the property. That
was Marcl 4. teb months ago.
Careful sessst. II all directions the boy
was missed falling 20 discover him. the theory that
he had been kidnapped was advanced. and instant
ly seized upon. The offer OF 5000 reward by Gov
Lea Of Delaware stimulated the efforts OF
many detectives TO trace the lad and the excite
ment was kept up by their activities In ell parts
Of the country.
All kinds OF motives from hope Of ransom 70
family differences. were put forward 10 account for
the alleged abduction. II even suggested that
he had been killed. BY accident design. and his
body when hidden. The atmosphere OF mystery was
intensified the actual Ignorance of
who constantly alleged that they had struck I'm
portant clews tho point OF success.