The Newark star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1909, 1909-08-07
BODY FOUND MAY
SOLVE MYSTERY
Of EXCURSION
Story That Man Went Over
board from Steamer Ap-
parently Confirmed.
HARRISON YOUNG MAN
HAS BEEN MISSING
Supposed TO Be Victim of Drown
ing Off Coney Island That
Was Denied.

The finding today of the body Of q
man in the water off Long Branch in
dicates, according to the police of this
city, that the cry of "man overboard''
which accused a stir among the moon
light excursionlsts just as the steamer
Majestic was docking at Coney Island
last Saturday was not a false alarm.
1t was given out at the time that
only chair had fallen overheard. but
the finding of the body seems to bear
out the statement of J. l. Barger. of
PA Dodd street. East Orange, that he
had seen man leap from the steamer.
McNecye's Card In Pocket.
In the drowned mans pocket was
found card bearing the name Of
Michael ]. McNeeve, z12 Seventh street.
Harrison. Investigation at his home
developed that McNeeve had gone on
the excursion Saturday night and has
been missing ever since.
Barger reported the matter to Plain
clothesman Brex, of the Third Precinct.
An investigation was made which re-
suited in a report by the police that
someone had thrown chair overheard.
The incident created considerable ex-
citement on the steamer.
Missing from His Home
When young McNeeve failed to re-
turn to his home. a search was insti-
tuted. but no clue to his whereabouts
could be found. The card which bore
his name indicated that he was a mem
Der Of the Junior Order Of United
American Mechanics. Newark Lodge.
William H. Kuhn. secretary of the
lodge, who has an Office at 50 Astor
street, was notified and ordered an in
quiry made
Mr.. Kuhn notified Thomas Crawford,
McNeeve's brother-in-law, of the find
Ing of the body, and he went to Long
Branch today to attempt an identifica-
ton.
According to the story told by his
family, McNeeve had no bad habits.
He was a very quiet young man, IL
was said, and although he had but
few chums, he was very popular
The statement of his family that he
was unable to swim is regarded as
significant point by the police in their
investigation.
The body was seen floating in ths
water by a boatman, who towed IL
ashore. The police were notified. and
the body was taken to Flock's morgue.
Throughout the night many persons
called to see if they could identity the
body, and their failure indicates. It
is said that he did not live in that
neighborhood
McNeeve's grandmother. Mrs. Nc
Neeve, and his sister were almost
Frustrated today when they heard OF
the finding of the body Ever since
Saturday they had conducted a tireless
search, but had been unable to unearth
a single clue. McNeeve started on the
outing. He was seen when the boat left.
and several of his acquaintance told
Mrs. McNeeve that he had been OBJ
served on the trip down the bay
Not Seen After Boats Docking.
Although MeNeeve was known to a
great many OF the excursionists. not
one could be found who saw him after
the boat docked. It was not until the
following day. however. that his strange
disappearance was coupled with ths
Majestic mystery.
Many of the friends Of MeNeeve.
who was "a years old, however. still
hold out hope that he is alive. Ii was
known that he was very ambitious,
and had given most of his spare time
to study. He had frequently spoken
Of going West to make his fortune,
and it is their belief that he may have
carried out this plan. 1t is possible.
they say. that the man seen on ths
,1ajestic was someone who resembled
him. If that is true, however, who is
the man whose body was found?
Altogether, it is a baff1ing case, and
the police win probably have much to
do before they reach final solution.