davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14
METUCHEN MAN
IS MURDERED
NichoIa Sapa Found Lying in
Pool of Blood in His New
House.
STABBED UNDER THE EAR
Robbery Given as Motive for
Murder, According to Co.
Detective David.
STABBED UNDER THE EAR
IBy Evening News staff correspondent.l

IBy Evening News STAFF correspondent.1
METUCHEN, March 14.-Lying
face down in pool of his own blood
on the floor of a room in his rudely
constructed house near Dark Lane,
the dead body of Nicola Papa,
Sicilian, 81 years old, was found by
prospective buyers of the place, late
Saturday afternoon.
Death, according to the autopsy,
performed yesterday afternoon by
County Physician DR.. John L. Suy-
dam, was caused by deep stab un-
der the left ear and the crushing in
OF the right side of the skull. by a
blunt instrument.
Robbery was attributed as the mo-
tive, by county Detectives Ferd A.
David and William Fitzpatrick and
Chief of Police Willard B. Hutchin-
son, who are working on the case.
This is borne out by the fact that
all of the deceased mans pockets
had been turned inside-out. though
members of his family have stated
that not more than four dollars were
In his possession.
Papa's home was at % Lewis
street. Newark, where he lived with
his wife and four children.
The murdered man left home
last Wednesday afternoon and came
here for the purpose of working on
the house in which his body was
found.
One of the peculiar angles of the
case was that the murder was first
reported to the police department
of New York city. by member of
the firm of Brionne Farms Company
Of 110-116 Nassau street.
The farm agent, In accordance
with arrangements previously made
with Papa, visited the place Satur-
day with three men, who were in
terested in buying the property. and
while looking it over discovered the
body.
Immediately after they reported
the matter to the metropolitan po-
lice, the local officers were commun-
icated with and an investigation was
Immediately started.
Chief Hutchinson called on the
prosecutors office. as the crime was
committed in Raritan township. and
not in the borough. the county de-
tectives Immediately answering the
call.
Though a complete investigation
was made of the premises no knife
or other instrument was found.
The body when found was lying
near an iron cot on which the de-
ceased slept. while staying at the
place. and there were no signs of a
struggle.
That the fatal blows were struck
while the man was asleep, is the
theory advanced by the detectives.
Coroner Arthur X. Hillpot. who
viewed the body and gave permit
for it's removal. said that in his
opinion the man had been dead at
least twenty-four hours.
BY the facts brought out at the
autopsy this was substantiated. as
the mans stomach and intestines
had become gangrenous. and DR..
Suydam thought the crime had been
committed shortly after the deceas-
eds arrival on Wednesday. or some
time Thursday.
The body was taken in charge by
a Newark undertaken yesterday.
who removed it to the home of the
deceased.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14
NEGRO C0NFESSES TO KILLING MRS. WILSON;
RUSHED TOCOUNTY JAIL UNDER HEAVY GUAR
Governor Names Three
Members To NeW ~. j.
Utility Commission

of the two Democratic places.
Quinn's name was in the original five
nominations to this board. which the
senate never acted upon. However,
the fact that Quinn represents labor
would strongly initiate against his
confirmation. because the feeling has
been that only men known to be free
of any particular Affiliations should
go on the board.
The state constabulary bill. re-
garded by some here as capitals
warning to labor. but put forth as
measure in the interest Of protection
for the rural communities, goes to
the governors desk this week for
either his approval or veto. His
action will be awaited with interest.
1t is expected that the Anti-Saloon
Leagues prohibition enforcement
bill. with all its drastic features in
tact despite the assault of a week
ago in the senate, will be passed
again in the assembly this week and
sent to Mr.. Edwards also. Three
amendments added to the bill in the
senate, which do not impair the
vital characteristics of the measure,
must be concurred in by the assem-
bly, before it can send the bill on to
the executive offices.
The question of final adjournment
of this legislature ought to be taken
up this week. The House has pass
ed resolution making it Thursday
of this week. But this was more in
the nature of 'feeler" of senti-
ment. The senate recently amend
ed its rules not to adjourn until the
governor disposes of the appropria-
ton bill. which was introduced sew
era weeks ago.
Republican House Leader Rowl-
and, of Camden. is working for a
prompt dispatch of all business and
final adjournment. He thinks. how
ever. there will be a recess in order
to give the governor a chance to act
on the bills before him. Then the
senate and House win come back to
pass on his vetoes.
A reliable senate authority said
last week, however. that no final ad-
journment would be taken there
until the governor disposes of all
his appointments. The governor has
been slow to send in nominations
thus far and this was pointed out as
reason why no sine die adjourn
ment can be taken.
The bill to regulate the jitneys
will likely receive attention this
week, now that a compromise seems
to have been reached.
Important hearings this afternoon
include one on the Case bill to carry
out the New York port development
treaty. and the Parry bill to turn
over the Morris canal property to
the State Board of Conservation and
Development.
(Continued on page 2)
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14
CHURCH GOERS
GRIEF STRICKEN
Simpson Church, of Which
Mrs. Wilson Was 0rganist,
Scene of Great Sorrow.
MURDER is DISCUSSED
Baptist Church Swept With
Emotion at Morning Serv-
s--Prayers in Churches

Great depression hung over the
services at the Simpson NJ. l.. and
the First Baptist churches which
were filled here yesterday with the
awe we-stricken congregations among
whom Mrs. Harvey Wilson had
played such prominent part. The
news of the murder which had been
spread broadcast early in the morn
ing was known to many of the menu
bers by church time, but the refer
ence to the crime in the announce
ments at both churches caused deep
feeling which prevented the usual
heartiness of response.
In the Methodist church, Rev.
Wilbert Westcott made mention OF
the murder and attempted to con-
tinue as usual with the services. The
choir, however. was unable to get to-
gether and the entire absence of
music brought the disaster home
with greater significance.
At the Baptist church, Rev. Her
bert Hatchman also referred to the
tragedy only as an announcement.
but here, too. the gathering of only
four male members of the choir re-
suited in very poor attempt at
music. At the evening service. the
mention of the iifework of Mrs. Will
son was made and again a deeper
feeling of loss and sadness was pre-
dominant.
Mrs. Wilson had been the organ
ist at the First Baptist church, OF
which both she and her mother.
Mrs. Marshall, were members, until
the beginning of the year. On jan
uary l she took up her duties in
the same capacity at the Simpson
Methodist Episcopal Church where
she had accomplished wonderful
work with the choir up to this time.
Mrs. Wilson, according to the two
pastors. was always working for the
improvement of her phase of the
church work with great success.
While organist at the Methodist
church she was still a member of
the Baptist church at the time of her
death.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14
Carried W0rnan's Body
From Walk To Bushes

Mrs. Wilson after leaving her
companion, Miss Sue FRANKIE. at
Jefferson street. started up High
street for her home. 1t Is believed
she cut cross-corner from the south
west corner of High and Center
streets to the north side of Center
street, and then continued on the
remaining steps of her journey
home.
1t is thought possible that the
murderer lay in waiting behind the
fence of the Convery property. and
on the Kelly lawn. The man, 1t is
believed, stepped out as the woman
attempted to pass this point, and
quickly placed his hand over her
mouth. at the same time dragging
her in on the lawn. The shock Of
the unexpected attack is believed re-
sponsibie for the woman's death.
Being dragged past the shrubbery,
and an attempt to fight off the cul-
prit's attack, account. for a number
of slight scratches about the wom-
ans face and head. The mans at
tack was responsible for other
bruises on her body. She was found
lying on her face by John Kelly, who
turned her over to find who she was.
AS the hours of night quickly
passed on. Mrs. Marshall waited for
the return of her daughter from the
movie" she was attending with
Miss Sue FRANKIE. Around 10 O'Clock
the mother became restless and
steadily went to the front window to
peer over the porch into the street.
but the heavy rain around this time
soon prevented her from seeing any
distance, and she was forced to sit
and wait. After IL o'clock John
Kelly returned home and the mother
of the girl reported the incident to
him, saying that it was possible THE
girl met with some accident.
Kelly went to police headquarters
shortly before IL o'clock, and re-
ported the matter to Lieutenant An
drew Jensen, giving a description of
the girl, and Lieutenant Jensen i'm
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14

mediately sent out notice to the po-
licemen on duty TO be on the look
out for the girl. and to learn IL there
were any accidents in which the
young woman had been injured.
Returning to his home Kelly was
attracted unto the lawn in his
brothers yard by an open umbrella
behind some bushes. He immediate
ly Investigated and found the body
of a woman. and after turning same
over. found it to be that Of Mrs. Will
son.
Lieutenant Andrew Jensen was i'm
mediately notified of the finding by
Kelly, and officers Buchan, Burke,
Christopherson detailed TO the scene.
DR.. Naulty was called and pronoun
ced the woman dead Coroner Han
son was also notified and after his
arrival the body was removed TO
Thomas Burke's chapel. The local
police sent notice of the murder to
the Central Office at New Brunswick.
and County Detective Ferd David
and William Fitzpatrick were soon
on the scene. 1t was at first believed
that a fractured skull was the cause
of the death. A broken necklace. a
pocketbook containing about 81. a
loaf of bread ad a pair of stockings
were found beside the woman's body.
The condition of the woman's
clothing when she was found show
ed that she had been dragged some
distance and that she had put UP a
fight in an effort to get away from
her more powerful assailant. The
broken necklace indicated that there
was a bitter struggle.
The police and detectives imme-
diately upon their arrival looked
around for clues which might aid
in establishing the identity of the
woman's assailant. but were no
successful in securing anything u
aid them in the search. Chief Ton
nesen' stafed that the local polic'
were looking for a man with blood
J stained clothes.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14
County Detectives Say
Robbery Was Not Motive

fright caused the woman's death.
which was brought about by the at
tack of the man. He also stated
that the hemorrhages from the
woman's ears were caused by shock
and fright.
He stated that the slight cuts
around the woman's face and head
were caused either by the shrubbery
past which she was dragged, or by
the finger nails of the man when
she attempted to put up struggle.
The county physician reported that
the sectional organs OF the woman's
body were torn.
Coroner Edward X. Hanson view
ed the body at Burke's morgue
shortly after noon yesterday and
following his examination states
that the woman's death. according
TO his finding. died as the result OF
fracture of the base of the skull
and conclusion of the brain. He
savSthe body after the autopsy per-
formed by County Physician Suy-
ia M
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14

County Detectives Fitzpatrick
and Davis. convinced that Mrs. Har-
vey Wilson was attacked by some de-
generate. are working upon this the
ory in the investigat they are
making. A pocketbook lying beside
the body further adds to the detec-
tives' conviction that robbery was
not the motive of the murder. 1t Is
also possible that the rings and
watch which are missing were not
worn by the victim at the time and
the wounds satisfy the officers that
rape was premeditated.
A tear in the body was the only
serious wound. according TO the de-
tectives. which. in itself could not
cause death and scratches about the
lower limbs and the face we're not
serious.
County Detective Fitzpatrick
was on his way home Saturday night
when he was informed of the muir
der and Immediately got in touch
with the prosecutors ONCE. which
in turn. communicated with the To-
cal police. Fitzpatrick was on the
scene at 1915 and Detective Davis
at o'clock. having been summoned
from MetGchen. where he was work
ing on the murder there.
Shock and fright are the cause Of
the death from the point of view
Of the county officers. and the
crime was committed probably. by
large coarse man. who. it is
thought may have been under the
influence OF the rye which is being
circulated at this time
Although they do not agree upon
all details. the county detectives are
working hand in hand with the local
police and making every effort to
gain some definite clue.
County Physician John L. Suydam
has announced the result of the au-
topsy performed in Thomas Burke's
chapel yesterday morning at 10 o.
clock, revealed that shock and
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14

On a lawn about fifteen feet from
Center street on the property ad-
joining the, home of James Kelly
the murdered woman's body was
found. The lawn is alongside the
fence in the rear of the Convery
home, on the corner of High and
Center streets. which is to the east
of the scene where the murder was
committed. To the west of the lawn
is the home of James Kelly, and
next to this is the house owned by
John Kelly. who found the girl,
and upstairs in this house is where
the girl and her mother resided.
There is another house next to John
Kelly's house. and a vacant lot be-
fore the corner of Mechanic and
Center streets is reached. Across
from this northeast corner is St.
Mary's Roman Catholic church.
This vicinity, near several church
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14
MRS WILSON WAS LEADER
IN MUSIC AND SOCIETY

Mrs. Harvey Wilson, formerly Miss
Edith Marshall, organist and pianist
for several years, whose tragic death
Saturday night cast dismal gloom
over the entire city, accomplished
more in the musical line for the city
than perhaps any other woman resi-
dent heretofore. AS piano instruc-
tor. she had numerous pupils. all OF
whom loved and admired Her and OF
her numerous friends and acquaint-
ances there is not one, but, IL asked,
would have described her as a lovely
and lovable girl with great capabili-
ties.
Mrs. Wilson was a member OF the
First Baptist church, and for sever
al years both the organist and choir
director of the church. At the close
of last year she resigned her posi-
ton with the Baptist church and
accepted a better one with Simpson
NJ. Z. church where she carried on
her work most successfully until
the time of her death. Every church
in the city mourned her death, the
two churches mentioned heretofore
especially, while the girls in, her
most recent choir could not sing but
were forced to- leave because of
grief. Services were almost impos-
sible and the prayers of all were fill
ed with thoughts of her and the
awful tragedy.
Mrs. Wilson's music was appre-
ciated throughout the city. She was
an excellent pianist and accompanist
and New York singers and those par
ticularly used to good accompanies
always complimented her for her
combined use of tact and technique.
Mrs. Wilson was the organizer OF
the Echo Club and the Clef Club,
two musical clubs formed with her
pupils. which met every other week
and studied the different phases OF
music under her guidance. AS
member of the Woman's Club she
headed many delightful programs
presented by the musical department
of the club always adding to any oc-
casion with her own personal charm.
Rev. II. Z. Hatchman. in speaking
of her death yesterday, stated that
while she was organist of the Baptist
church he could always depend upon
her for her appropriate judgment in
selecting the music for the services.
Miss Sue Frank. the girl with
whom she attended the performance
of the movies. Just before being MUIR
dered. was one of her two best
friends. the other. her bridesmaid.
MIS- W. L. hODertS, Formerly MISS
Minnie Pfeil, soloist of the Baptist
choir. Her husband also attended
the First Baptist church and all of
her most intimate friends were con-
nected in some way with this little
church, which she so dearly loved.
Her romance which seemed so short
was the elimination of a friendship
formed through the choir. OF which
he was a member and she was the
director.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14
CAPTURE GnRKA
FROM REBELS

COPENHAGEN. March 14:-Ad-
vices from Helsingfors today state
that Krasnoya Gorka has been re-
captured from the revolutionary
forces by soviets, and the garrison
now consists chiefly of a cadet corps.
Leon Trotzky has ordered big howit-
zers to Oranienbaum on the Gulf of
Finland opposite Kronstadt after
executing NJ. Kolefov. chief officer
of the flying station. and forty-four
other rebels. the advices state.
The Moscow rising is reported to
have been quelled after severest
street fighting. Conditions in Kron-
stadt are serious owing to lack of
food. none having been received
from the American Red Cross or
Finnish relief depots Because of
the large civilian population. in
Guiding 700 children, the garrison's
rations are extremely scanty.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14

tBy Evening News correspondent1
TRENTON, March 14-Governor
Edwards announced today he will
tonight nominate former Congress
man James A. Hamill. Jersey City.
former Civil Service Commissioner
Joseph +. Hoff, Princeton. and for
mer Mayor Parry Bacharach. At
lantic City. to be the members of
the new Utility Board.
tBy Evening rews. Correspondent
TRENTON, March 14.-Unless
there is more maneuvering and joc-
keying the end of the week of the
legislature which , begins tonight
ought to see all the big questions
remaining for solution disposed of.
Paramount now is the getting of a
Utility Commission and attention will
tonight be focused on the COVER
nor's office to see what word on this
subject emanates from Mr.. Edwards.
Apparently the governor must find
a Republican for the minority place
on this commission who is satisfac-
tory to the Republican majority in
the senate, which has the power to
reject any of the names it does not
like.
The name of former Mayor Harry
Bacharach has been heard most in
connection with this place, which
will pay $4,000. but it is understood
that there are strong influences urg.
ing the Atlantic City man not to take
the place. These are understood to
be South Jersey Republican influen-
ces which hope to see him land the
Internal Revenue Collectorship. and
all its attendant patronage. On the
other hand Camden county is said
to want to put Bacharach on the
utility board and get man of its
own selection for the revenue job.
Thus Bacharach is caught between
two fires.
1t is essential that Mr.. Edwards
pick a Republican satisfactory to the
senate majority in order that his two
Democratic nominations for the
other two places on the utility board
shall have smooth sailing in the ex-
ecutive session of the upper branch
of the legislature. One of these is
expected to be former Congressman
James A. Hamill. of Jersey City. Lay
Judge Henry L. Ackerson. Jr.. OF
Monmouth county. is understood to
have eliminated himself as a possi-
bility, so speculation is still being in
dulged in as to the second Democrat
to be named.
There has been a story to the ef'
feet that former Assemblyman Ar
thur A. Quinn. president of the State
aderation of Labor and a resident
of Perth Amboy. has taken the posi-
ton that the governor should re-sub-
NIT his name to the senate for one
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14
Slayer Of Mrs. Wilson
Hid Behind Tree Or Fence

es, has been the scene of little crime.
and this section is quiet after the
break of evening. which possibly IS
responsible for the fact that the body
lay for sometime before it was found.
The people in this vicinity. unused
to wild sounds as are heard in other
sections of the city. perhaps would
take a groan or a cry if any were
made by this woman. for the groan
or cry of a dog in the rain, unexpect-
ed was a crime of this kind in their
neighborhood.
1t has been some time before any
serious crime was committed in the
vicinity of Center street, although on
Friday night a house about two
blocks away and situated on High
street, was ransacked by thieves.
Center street. really only two blocks
in length. is taken up almost for
half that distance with buildings
used for religious purposes.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14
Seannrt is Occmnied

CONSTANTINOPLE. March IA
The seaport of Poti, on the Black
sea, north of Batum, has been occu-
pied by the bolsheviki. The retiring
Georgians burned the coal sheds
and left the port on steamers. The
Turkish nationalists who occupied
Batum are said to be disarming all
incoming Georgian soldiers, and the
town of Katuis has been looted.
Georgian civilians have been execut-
ed in Tiflis by the bolsheviki in re-
venge for execution of the bolshevik
mission by the Georgians before the
latter retired.
The princess Ratieff. sister-in-law
of Norman Whitehouse. of New
York. who was sent to the Caucasis
on a mission for the peace delega-
tion in Paris, 1919. has arrived
aboard the American gunboat Whit
fie. She desired to go to the United
States.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14
What ex.Chief Burke Thinks

Patrick j. Burke. a former chief
of police. who was retired from the
force recently. said today that he
believes the murder of Mrs. Harvey
Wilson was committed by some de-
generate. who had attacked the wo-
man while she vas going to her
home. because of the manner in
which the body was discovered. He
believes that only one with a fen
dish mind 10 carry out so brutal an
attack would lay in wait for his vic
tim to come along or TO follow and
to make an attack from behind.
Former Chief Burke scouts the
idea that the murder was done by
anyone known TO Mrs. Wilson.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14

See US for garden and flower seeds.
Kelly 4 MeAiinden Co. u Smith 81.
1if6-3-i4-5t'
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14

Fertilizer for lawns and xsfsien. See
Kelly & McAlnden Co. 70 Smith st.
1iss--s-lt3ts
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14
TAX RATE WILL
Be LOWERED

[By Evening News Staff Correspondent
NEW BRUNSWICK, March IA
Frank Deiner, secretary of the Mid
dlesex county tax board said this
morning that the tax rate for Middle
sex county would be announced Off
cially later in the week. The county
tax rate as figured so far, will be
about .S0S29. The school tax. SOL
diers' bonus. the bridge and tunnel
and the state road tax rate. alto
gether. will amount to about $1-l6.
1t is known that the county tax
rate will be decreased this year. but
Just what amount will be taken off
is not known at this time.
Perth Amboy will have a lower
county tax rate than last year. as
the total ratables were increased in
that place this year. The decrease
will amount to about twenty-five or
twenty-seven points. Other places
in the county will be decreased. but
there are several places where the
tax rate will be increased consider
able.
If your coal or gas range does not bake
j. Larlxin. 3l9 Madison Ave. Tel 74e.
l174-3-l4-tf NJ. W. s.
Farm and garden fertilizer at Kelly &
McAlinden Co. "A Smith ST.
l17s-3-14-3t.
Income Tax Reports prepared George
Silverstein. c. P. a. IN. " 1873 Smith
St. Phone 1914. Open A. NJ. to P. NJ.
1l60-3-12-5ts
Lawn and Garden Seed at Kelly & Nc
Alinden Co. "A Smith St.
1l76-3-14-3t'
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14

Income Tax Reports prepared. George
Silverstein. C. P. a. IN. ". 1873 Smith
ST. Phone 1914. Open A. NJ to p. NJ.
1160-3-i2-5t'
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14

Lawn and Garden Seed at Kelly & Nc
Alinden Co. "A Smith st.
1l76-3-14-3t'
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-03-14

If your coal or gas range does not bake
or burn. ! will make il or no charge. +.
j. Larkin. 31s Madison Ave. Tel. 74e.
l174-3-l4-tf NJ. w. s.