MONEY, MONEY, MONEY
Right up front let me tell you that this is a long story due to a lot of interesting characters and other forgotten people of history. So don't try to speed read through and miss all the good parts. Also, I have converted all the monetary values to current U. S. values due to inflation. And now, on to the story...........
William Ringgold Cooper was born in 1842 in Smyrna, Delaware, just a year after his parents were married. Another son, John, was born soon after. By 1850 Mrs. Cooper was a single mom with two sons. Weather Mr. Cooper died, or abandoned her, is unknown. But Mrs. Cooper survived by starting a small shop in Smyrna as a Mantua-maker. This is a dressmaker that used a process called “cutting to the body” to create fitted clothing for women. This meant that you were literally in the middle of the process of having your clothing made right around you. In 1860 her 15 year old son John was her clerk, but 18 year old William had moved on.
There are two versions of why William left town. Version one says that he got into a situation with the daughter of a prominent local family and had to leave. Version two, and most likely the correct one, says that while working as a clerk at a local bank he was asked to leave. Either way he headed to his uncle's place in Philadelphia.
William's uncle was Peregrine Francis Cooper a well known artist and photographer in Philadelphia. At the time his uncle was working on a book about painting portrait miniatures. He described himself as having “the experience of twenty-three years in study and practice on minature painting, twelve years of that time principally devoted to Talbotype, or Photograph and Ivorytype Coloring". His miniatures are very collectable today.
An Early Miniature By P. F. Cooper
In December 1851 P. F. Cooper was such an emerging popular artist in Philadelphia that he painted a miniature of George Washington and personally presented it to Lajos Kossuth when he came to town. Kossuth was a famous figure in the history of Hungary. He had written the Hungarian Declaration of Independence and became Regent President of the country. Shortly after this his government was overthrown by Austria, who were backed by the Russians, and he had to flee his homeland. Kossuth came to the United States where he was revered as the George Washington of Hungary.
While in Philadelphia William also worked at William H. Horstmann & Sons who were manufacturers of dress trimmings and military goods at 5th & Cherry Streets. The goods produced by this house were of almost an endless extent and variety. Cooper was working as a salesman there when it was discovered "that his honesty was more than questionable". He was only terminated with the promise that "he would go forth and sin no more".
Horstmann & Sons of Philadelphia
During this time William was becoming known for his skill of fleecing people of society. He was said to have associated with the types that helped him hone his skills in forgery. William was described as "accomplished and of elegant personal appearance. He might have adorned any station in society and yet for years under various and almost undetectable disguises he preyed upon his best friends and the world at large until in the fullness of his success he imagined failure or detection impossible."
Before he could be caught and punished for any of his crimes in the Philadelphia area the Civil War began. In 1862 he was drafted into the United States Navy.
Before he could be caught and punished for any of his crimes in the Philadelphia area the Civil War began. In 1862 he was drafted into the United States Navy.
Cooper managed to join as a low ranking naval officer called an ensign. No front line infantry duty for this lad. He was placed on the staff of Admiral Samuel Phillips Lee (Shown on the left). The Admiral was a cousin of Confederate Commanding General Robert E. Lee. His refusal to join the Confederates' side by remaining loyal to the U. S. demonstrated the extent to which the war had divided the Lee families. Cooper took part in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, covering the coastlines and inland waters of Virginia and North Carolina. He then moved to the Mississippi River Squadron where he served on the USS Blackhawk.
The USS Blackhawk
Soon he somehow managed a transfer to Washington, D. C.. In Washington he went to work for Rear Admiral Charles Henry Davis the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation. By his engaging manners and strict attention to his duties, he became a great favorite among his superior officers. Using their influence he was soon appointed an assistant paymaster in the Navy. He also formed the acquaintance of a number of gamblers and accomplished forgers in Washington that helped him hone his methods of the aristocratic crime of forgery.
There was one non-admirer. That was Admiral Joseph Smith (on the left) of the Bureau of Navigation. Not liking his manners so much he told others “That boy ain’t right. He’s too smart.”
The 22 year old ensign soon set his sights on a young lady named Julia M. Mothershead. Julia had moved to Washington from Indianapolis to live with her uncle after her parents passed away. Her uncle was John D. Defrees the Superintendent of the United States Government Publishing Office later known as The Public Printer. The office produced and distributed information products and services for all three branches of the Federal Government. This included U.S. passports for the Department of State as well as the official publications of the Supreme Court, the Congress, the Executive Office of the President, executive departments, and independent agencies. They did not print money but would be a great source of paper for forgeries.
On August 1, 1866, after having what was described as a very lavish wedding breakfast for an ensign, the young couple married. The next morning they left for New York to board a ship for Europe. They only made it to Baltimore.
On August 1, 1866, after having what was described as a very lavish wedding breakfast for an ensign, the young couple married. The next morning they left for New York to board a ship for Europe. They only made it to Baltimore.
A few days previous a naval ensign representing himself as "A. R. Allen", a purser in the navy, succeeded in obtaining a draft on the treasury of the United States. The amount was for $900,000 to which the genuine signatures of the Secretary of the Navy and all the officers of the Treasury Department through whose hands such matters generally pass were attached. The properly uniformed officer had the draft made payable at the Sub Treasury at Philadelphia and then deposited it together with $36,000 in currency in the First National Bank of Philadelphia. On the next day Ensign A. R. Allen checked out the whole amount.
The swindle was first discovered in the office of the Fourth Auditor. It being a matter of surprise in that office that Ensign Allen should require s0 much money. Ensign Allen was written to appear, and after no replies, the fraud was discovered. The draft was obtained from the Navy Department by means of forged requisitions and so well were all the minute details arranged that the officials were unable to understand how the perpetrator obtained his knowledge of the requisite details.
Finally figuring out that Allen was Cooper a detective was hired to arrest the offender. The arrest occurred when the Cooper newlyweds' afternoon train from Washington arrived at the Baltimore depot. All the stolen funds, except for about $45,000, were eventually recovered from his person in the form of United States bonds from two banks.
The new bride had the marriage annulled immediately.
[It may be noted here that many newspaper accounts of this forgery name the bride as Julia Defrees and not Mothershead. Mr. Defrees did have a daughter named Julia which was the slightly younger cousin of Julia Mothershead. The marriage license clearly states Julia's last name as Mothershead and lists her parents. The mistake may be because Miss Mothershead was living with the Defrees' at the time.]
The U. S. Navy had Cooper immediately dishonorably discharged and sent to prison.
The swindle was first discovered in the office of the Fourth Auditor. It being a matter of surprise in that office that Ensign Allen should require s0 much money. Ensign Allen was written to appear, and after no replies, the fraud was discovered. The draft was obtained from the Navy Department by means of forged requisitions and so well were all the minute details arranged that the officials were unable to understand how the perpetrator obtained his knowledge of the requisite details.
Finally figuring out that Allen was Cooper a detective was hired to arrest the offender. The arrest occurred when the Cooper newlyweds' afternoon train from Washington arrived at the Baltimore depot. All the stolen funds, except for about $45,000, were eventually recovered from his person in the form of United States bonds from two banks.
The new bride had the marriage annulled immediately.
[It may be noted here that many newspaper accounts of this forgery name the bride as Julia Defrees and not Mothershead. Mr. Defrees did have a daughter named Julia which was the slightly younger cousin of Julia Mothershead. The marriage license clearly states Julia's last name as Mothershead and lists her parents. The mistake may be because Miss Mothershead was living with the Defrees' at the time.]
The U. S. Navy had Cooper immediately dishonorably discharged and sent to prison.
Cooper was sentenced to five years imprisonment in the Eastern Penitentiary of Pennsylvania called Cherry Hill in Philadelphia. The rules there stated that prisoners were to spend most of their sentences in their cells, completely alone and not allowed to speak to or see any other inmates. Inmates were to spend 23 hours a day in their cells. But, they were allowed visitors.
Cherry Hill Prison
In the cell next to William was a well known burglar, and bank robber, named Joe Burns. One of Joe's regular visitors was his brother Pete. Pete was a forger that worked under the tutelage of a "Colonel" James Buchanan Cross, who was known at the time as "The World's Greatest Forger". Cross had been arrested in 1860 for forgeries in Philadelphia. The Colonel was just finishing a sentence for forgery at Cherry Hill when William arrived. Did they become acquainted? Had they already known each other?
Pete Burns was operating part of the Philadelphia forgery "business" and had married the daughter of another forger named "Colonel" Creager. Shortly after the marriage, she died and he then fell in love with his mother-in-law Mrs. Creager. He double-crossed "Colonel" Creager and tipped off the police that he was making counterfeit money. Burns then married Creager's wife and got possession of a million dollars worth of property the "Colonel" had gotten in an earlier scam. Burns blew through the money and by their second wedding anniversary he had run off with a younger woman. After his wife died, he had the nerve to return and lay claim all of her property. The courts ruled against him and then him arrested for some of his past crimes. But, Pete would be out soon and back to his old ways.
During "Colonel" Cross's incarceration, he received a full pardon from the Secretary of War that was delivered to the prison. The Secretary of War wanted to free Cross for the good of the war effort. Secretary Stanton wanted Cross to use his illegal expertise to sneak across enemy lines and assassinate Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Two police officers transported Cross all the way to Secretary of War Stanton's office in Washington, D. C. to receive his pardon. When Cross was introduced to a totally surprised Secretary Stanton his forgery was exposed. The Colonel was returned to his cell in Philadelphia. Cross, with the boldest effrontery, protested against being returned, on the ground that the pardon was still genuine even without the correct signatures. This con had originally worked when the Colonel was imprisoned in Sing Sing. He forged a pardon with the Governor's signature and had been released.
Pete Burns was operating part of the Philadelphia forgery "business" and had married the daughter of another forger named "Colonel" Creager. Shortly after the marriage, she died and he then fell in love with his mother-in-law Mrs. Creager. He double-crossed "Colonel" Creager and tipped off the police that he was making counterfeit money. Burns then married Creager's wife and got possession of a million dollars worth of property the "Colonel" had gotten in an earlier scam. Burns blew through the money and by their second wedding anniversary he had run off with a younger woman. After his wife died, he had the nerve to return and lay claim all of her property. The courts ruled against him and then him arrested for some of his past crimes. But, Pete would be out soon and back to his old ways.
During "Colonel" Cross's incarceration, he received a full pardon from the Secretary of War that was delivered to the prison. The Secretary of War wanted to free Cross for the good of the war effort. Secretary Stanton wanted Cross to use his illegal expertise to sneak across enemy lines and assassinate Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Two police officers transported Cross all the way to Secretary of War Stanton's office in Washington, D. C. to receive his pardon. When Cross was introduced to a totally surprised Secretary Stanton his forgery was exposed. The Colonel was returned to his cell in Philadelphia. Cross, with the boldest effrontery, protested against being returned, on the ground that the pardon was still genuine even without the correct signatures. This con had originally worked when the Colonel was imprisoned in Sing Sing. He forged a pardon with the Governor's signature and had been released.
June 7, 1862 Headline
Cross admitted years later that Pete Burns had smuggled the official papers into the prison. Then Cross forged the names while in his cell. When they were done, he used Joe Burns to smuggle them out. Joe Burns had made a wooden bowl while in prison. He convinced the jailers to let his brother him take it with him after a visit. In a hidden slot in the bowl was the forged pardon papers by Col. Cross.
Besides associating and learning from the best of the day in forgery, Cooper also made sure he was befriended by the prison chaplain. Chaplain Ruth was so sold on Cooper's religious conversion that he helped him become a member of the prison mission society. Unfortunately for Cooper this "conversion" did not get his sentence reduced.
Leaving prison in 1871 he headed south to New Orleans and got a job at an insurance company. One day his job took him to Columbus, Mississippi. There he made friends with the Reverend Joseph B. Cottrill of the Methodist Church. He was professing to him that he had thought about becoming a minister when in walked the 35 year old widow Mrs. Green Taylor Hill, a member of the church.
Besides associating and learning from the best of the day in forgery, Cooper also made sure he was befriended by the prison chaplain. Chaplain Ruth was so sold on Cooper's religious conversion that he helped him become a member of the prison mission society. Unfortunately for Cooper this "conversion" did not get his sentence reduced.
Leaving prison in 1871 he headed south to New Orleans and got a job at an insurance company. One day his job took him to Columbus, Mississippi. There he made friends with the Reverend Joseph B. Cottrill of the Methodist Church. He was professing to him that he had thought about becoming a minister when in walked the 35 year old widow Mrs. Green Taylor Hill, a member of the church.
Catherine "Kate" McCarthy was born in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and was brought as a babe in arms to Columbus, Mississippi. This lovely young girl was married when only fifteen years of age to Green Taylor Hill a prominent business man. Her beauty, keen intelligence, ready wit, broad hospitality and many social graces made her an acknowledged' leader in the most exclusive circles. It was said that her devotion to her church and charitable work among the poor brought gladness to many a sad heart.
During the Civil War the town of Columbus was a major hospital area for mainly wounded Confederate soldiers, but sometimes also wounded Union prisoners of war. Mrs. Hill even volunteered at them. By the war's end some 2,500 Confederate soldiers were buried in the Friendship Cemetery in Columbus, along with, according to the National Archives, 32 Union soldiers as well.
In April 1866 Mrs. Hill's brother, a former Confederate Major, suggested decorating the graves of the fallen soldiers. Mrs. Hill's women's group sent a letter to their sister city Columbus, Georgia, suggesting they do the same, which they did. When the group of women visited the cemetery to decorate the graves of the Confederate soldiers nearby were the unattended graves of Union soldiers. Major McCarthy suggested the ladies even place some of their flowers on those graves, as well.
During the Civil War the town of Columbus was a major hospital area for mainly wounded Confederate soldiers, but sometimes also wounded Union prisoners of war. Mrs. Hill even volunteered at them. By the war's end some 2,500 Confederate soldiers were buried in the Friendship Cemetery in Columbus, along with, according to the National Archives, 32 Union soldiers as well.
In April 1866 Mrs. Hill's brother, a former Confederate Major, suggested decorating the graves of the fallen soldiers. Mrs. Hill's women's group sent a letter to their sister city Columbus, Georgia, suggesting they do the same, which they did. When the group of women visited the cemetery to decorate the graves of the Confederate soldiers nearby were the unattended graves of Union soldiers. Major McCarthy suggested the ladies even place some of their flowers on those graves, as well.
Mrs. Hill became known as the originator of the custom of decorating the graves of the soldiers who fell in the civil war with friend and foe alike receiving this last sad tribute to devotion to country. The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) soon adopted this practice and it eventually became known as Memorial Day.
Soon, with the unexpected sudden death of her husband, Green Taylor Hill, (October 1870) and six months later, the murder of her only son (C Taylor Hill), a young man just out of college, scarcely twenty years of age, came near proving fatal to the stricken widow and mother.
Soon, with the unexpected sudden death of her husband, Green Taylor Hill, (October 1870) and six months later, the murder of her only son (C Taylor Hill), a young man just out of college, scarcely twenty years of age, came near proving fatal to the stricken widow and mother.
C. Taylor Hill's Murder When Going To Help A Friend In Okolona Over A Dispute
Cooper, seeing this attractive grieving widow was instantly intrigued. He was even more interested when he learned her husband had left her an estate worth almost $1 million. Cooper immediately relocated to Columbus. Within four months the younger man and the older widow were married on August 31, 1871.
Cooper immediately started spending their money and was living at the top of society. But, by 1874 the money was running low. Time for a new plan.
William had become very friendly with the people at the local Commerce Bank and was even allowed into the office areas. There he stole some bank envelopes and stationary. Time to make some money.
He had also become friends with the town's Postmaster. One day after arriving at the post office, he moved the hand on the clock up 20 minutes while the postmaster was distracted. The postmaster, noting the new time, then left his post to get the mail ready for the train pickup. The bank messenger soon arrived with a delivery to a bank in Mobile, Louisiana. Cooper told the messenger he would accept the delivery for the busy postmaster.
Taking the bag into an adjoining room out of sight, he got busy. On his stolen stationary he copied the bank's handwriting and created a letter for a draft of $400,000 for a Mr. Sloan. Since the Mobile bank would not know Mr. Sloan the Commerce Bank was vouching for his identity and was including a copy of his signature. He placed the letter in the bank envelope and then into the pouch and handed it to the busy postmaster.
Leaving the post office, he procured a horse and rode 13 miles to another train station where he was unknown and bought a ticket for Mobile. The next morning he arrived at the Mobile Bank and presented his fake bank draft. After they matched his signature to the forged bank letter they gave him $140,000 in cash and two New York bank drafts. Soon after they started becoming suspicious and decided to telegraph the Columbus Commerce Bank. Later that day they found out they had been duped. From the man's description in Mobile the Columbus bank figured out it was Cooper and he was apprehended when he arrived back in town. After sweet talking his wife she forgave him and paid his bail and debt with her remaining property. Time to move on...
William had become very friendly with the people at the local Commerce Bank and was even allowed into the office areas. There he stole some bank envelopes and stationary. Time to make some money.
He had also become friends with the town's Postmaster. One day after arriving at the post office, he moved the hand on the clock up 20 minutes while the postmaster was distracted. The postmaster, noting the new time, then left his post to get the mail ready for the train pickup. The bank messenger soon arrived with a delivery to a bank in Mobile, Louisiana. Cooper told the messenger he would accept the delivery for the busy postmaster.
Taking the bag into an adjoining room out of sight, he got busy. On his stolen stationary he copied the bank's handwriting and created a letter for a draft of $400,000 for a Mr. Sloan. Since the Mobile bank would not know Mr. Sloan the Commerce Bank was vouching for his identity and was including a copy of his signature. He placed the letter in the bank envelope and then into the pouch and handed it to the busy postmaster.
Leaving the post office, he procured a horse and rode 13 miles to another train station where he was unknown and bought a ticket for Mobile. The next morning he arrived at the Mobile Bank and presented his fake bank draft. After they matched his signature to the forged bank letter they gave him $140,000 in cash and two New York bank drafts. Soon after they started becoming suspicious and decided to telegraph the Columbus Commerce Bank. Later that day they found out they had been duped. From the man's description in Mobile the Columbus bank figured out it was Cooper and he was apprehended when he arrived back in town. After sweet talking his wife she forgave him and paid his bail and debt with her remaining property. Time to move on...
Cooper's wife had a married sister and a brother in San Francisco. Her brother, Donald O. McCarthy, was very well known throughout California. He was the owner and editor of the American Flag newspaper. He was also an Abolitionist and staunch supporter of the North during the Civil War. Probably why he moved to California during the war.
The Coopers left Mississippi and went to New York City for a ship to San Francisco in November 1874. That seems like a strange place to sail from since they were much closer to a ship in New Orleans. Did Cooper have money hidden in a New York City bank he needed to retrieve?
After more than 3 months at sea they arrived in San Francisco in March 1875. Settling in he went to work for J. P. Treadwell as a warehouse clerk.
After more than 3 months at sea they arrived in San Francisco in March 1875. Settling in he went to work for J. P. Treadwell as a warehouse clerk.
James Parker Treadwell (on the left) was a well known lawyer and capitalist and considered one of the wealthiest men in the world at the time. Cooper quickly worked his way up to become his confidential secretary.
Even after leaving Treadwell's employment to go to work as a gold and stockbroker, he would always spend time caring for Treadwell who was suffering greatly from rheumatic gout.
Cooper had gone to work for F. A. Elliott Stockbrokers in downtown San Francisco. They were a small firm that dealt mainly in gold and mining stocks. But, a new problem was looming, The Panic of 1873. It was a financial crisis that triggered an economic depression in Europe and North America that lasted from 1873 to 1877. In July of 1877, the market for lumber would crash, leading several Michigan lumber companies to go bankrupt. Within a year the effects of this second business slump would reach all the way to California. If Cooper was to pull another scam he had to act quickly.
In April 1877 Treadwell left for a visit to New York City. He gave his trusted aide Cooper a large tin box to deposit in a local bank. Cooper went directly to a locksmith and had a key made to open the box before he got to the bank. In it Treadwell had a silver deposit certificate worth $443,000, a deposit at the Luther Bank of $1.7 million and a deposit at the National Gold and Trust Bank of $370,000. Almost $2.5 million total.
Over the next 3 months Cooper slowly withdrew $1.4 million. And he also transferred the silver deposit certificate into his account and made it available for withdrawal. A week before Treadwell returned Cooper and his wife, a boy named Fred Caul and a Mrs. Messer all left town together. Cooper also notified his brother John, now living in Kentucky, that he needed him to come to San Francisco and tie up some loose ends for him and pick up a package. Friends were then told the group was headed to Lake Tahoe. Of course they were not.
Over the next 3 months Cooper slowly withdrew $1.4 million. And he also transferred the silver deposit certificate into his account and made it available for withdrawal. A week before Treadwell returned Cooper and his wife, a boy named Fred Caul and a Mrs. Messer all left town together. Cooper also notified his brother John, now living in Kentucky, that he needed him to come to San Francisco and tie up some loose ends for him and pick up a package. Friends were then told the group was headed to Lake Tahoe. Of course they were not.
The Cooper party actually went to San Jose, California. There they booked the finest rooms, ate the highest priced meals, treated new found friends like royalty and drank champagne like water for two weeks.
Who were these two other people in their party named Fred Caul and Mrs. Messer?
Fred Caul is only identified in accounts as a teenager. He will only travel with them for a short while and disappear in England. I uncovered nothing more about Caul, if that was actually his name, searching through newspaper, directories and census records.
Mrs. Messer was Elizabeth Messer, the young wife of a San Francisco capitalist Nathaniel T. Messer. She only spends time with the Coopers in San Jose before going back to San Francisco. I've included more of her interesting life story at the end of this one.
Who were these two other people in their party named Fred Caul and Mrs. Messer?
Fred Caul is only identified in accounts as a teenager. He will only travel with them for a short while and disappear in England. I uncovered nothing more about Caul, if that was actually his name, searching through newspaper, directories and census records.
Mrs. Messer was Elizabeth Messer, the young wife of a San Francisco capitalist Nathaniel T. Messer. She only spends time with the Coopers in San Jose before going back to San Francisco. I've included more of her interesting life story at the end of this one.
After 2 weeks the Coopers and Fred Caul headed east. On September 7th William met his brother at the Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky.
John R. Cooper led a life completely opposite of his brother's. He had obtained a college degree in New York and worked as a doctor in the famous South Union Shaker Village in Auburn, Logan County, Kentucky.
Between 1807 and 1922 a communal religious sect called the Shakers occupied a 6,000-acre farm in Logan County. Kentucky. Within the confines of this vast plantation, the group constructed a village that boasted over two hundred buildings, including massive dormitories, subsidiary shops and outbuildings, barns and stables, and a mill complex that was unequaled in the region. The Shakers called their village South Union.
Shaker lifestyle involved communal living, celibacy, withdrawal from the “world,” and an emphasis on simplicity and perfection in all things. Their progressive theology included equality of the sexes and of the races, pacifism, and “green living,” long before these beliefs were drawing widespread national attention. The Shakers also produced and sold products throughout the South, making their village an economic success. A declining membership and post-Civil War economic problems led to the closing of the South Union community in 1922.
Between 1807 and 1922 a communal religious sect called the Shakers occupied a 6,000-acre farm in Logan County. Kentucky. Within the confines of this vast plantation, the group constructed a village that boasted over two hundred buildings, including massive dormitories, subsidiary shops and outbuildings, barns and stables, and a mill complex that was unequaled in the region. The Shakers called their village South Union.
Shaker lifestyle involved communal living, celibacy, withdrawal from the “world,” and an emphasis on simplicity and perfection in all things. Their progressive theology included equality of the sexes and of the races, pacifism, and “green living,” long before these beliefs were drawing widespread national attention. The Shakers also produced and sold products throughout the South, making their village an economic success. A declining membership and post-Civil War economic problems led to the closing of the South Union community in 1922.
John had travelled to San Francisco and did what his brother asked. After meeting up in Louisville William took some items with him and left a package with John. By now the scam had been discovered by Treadwell and the police were on his trail. On August 29th the police arrived in Cincinnati and had John meet them there. After informing John what his brother had done, they asked him for the package.
John went to the bank in Cincinnati and retrieved the package. It contained 300 shares of Virginia stock ($250,000), 4 U. S. Gold Bonds ($100,000), Gold Notes ($37,000) and Greenback dollars ($24,000) for a total of about $411,000. Where was the other approximately $1,500,000?
The police did not suspect that John had anything to do with the theft and let him go.
The detectives discovered that William had headed to New York City after seeing his brother on the seventh to catch a ship to England. The papers reported later that he sailed on September the 8th on the SS England. That was not possible. Rail travel between Louisville and New York City at that time took over 30 hours if you made every connection on time. The SS England had sailed on the morning of the 8th. Most likely he sailed when it returned about 3 weeks later when the police were in Cincinnati talking to his brother.
The SS England
The famous Allen Pinkerton of the Pinkerton Detective Agency was on Cooper's trail now. The English Ministry was contacted to help stop Cooper, but they refused until Pinkerton sent them papers for extradition. Unfortunately for Pinkerton there was no one named William Ringgold Cooper sailing on the SS England. But, there was a Henry C. Neville professing to be an American iron merchant and a manufacturer of mowing machines. Fred Caul is never heard of again.
"Mr. and Mrs. Neville" went straight to London's west end along the Strand and booked an apartment in a private hotel. The only hotel I have found to fit this description at the time was the Golden Cross Hotel next to Trafalgar Square.
"Mr. and Mrs. Neville" went straight to London's west end along the Strand and booked an apartment in a private hotel. The only hotel I have found to fit this description at the time was the Golden Cross Hotel next to Trafalgar Square.
After a short stay he also began using the name "Randall" Cooper and told people he was the grandson of the famous author James Fenimore Cooper of "Last of the Mohicans" fame. He deposited his San Francisco money in a private bank nearby called Glyn, Mills & Company.
Finding a land agent, he moved 24 miles northwest of London to the village of Hemel Hempsted and rented a place called the East Lodge. This was a small agricultural market town with wealthy landowners and a few large country houses. It also had a rail line directly to London.
The Randall Coopers blew into the small town in a big way. They immediately redecorated the lodge with $250,000 worth of furnishings. (It was later found out that he had purchased it all on credit for a fraction of the price which creditors did not recoup.). He hired a staff, bought horses and buggies. He would show off riding tricks he told people that he learned from cowboys and Indians when he lived in the American Wild West. He was also a regular guest at local Fox Hunts. Mrs. Randall Cooper became known for her parties. Of course invitations were returned with a guest's signature that Cooper collected for future use. After he familiarized himself with the character of their handwriting he would soon start forging checks on their banks in London.
Finding a land agent, he moved 24 miles northwest of London to the village of Hemel Hempsted and rented a place called the East Lodge. This was a small agricultural market town with wealthy landowners and a few large country houses. It also had a rail line directly to London.
The Randall Coopers blew into the small town in a big way. They immediately redecorated the lodge with $250,000 worth of furnishings. (It was later found out that he had purchased it all on credit for a fraction of the price which creditors did not recoup.). He hired a staff, bought horses and buggies. He would show off riding tricks he told people that he learned from cowboys and Indians when he lived in the American Wild West. He was also a regular guest at local Fox Hunts. Mrs. Randall Cooper became known for her parties. Of course invitations were returned with a guest's signature that Cooper collected for future use. After he familiarized himself with the character of their handwriting he would soon start forging checks on their banks in London.
On June 28, 1879 Cooper sent Alfred Constable, an 18 year boy he had hired, into the Bank of England with a forged check for $48,000 purporting to have been made by Hugh Cheever Goodwin of Hemel Hempstead. The clerk of the bank, however, suspected the forgery and hurried outside with the boy only to find the forger was being driven rapidly away in a carriage. As he left, the passenger was seen changed his reversible coat and removing the false whiskers and wig he wore when he had hired the messenger. The driver of the carriage later reported these same facts to the police.
Coincidentally, that same month an Ambrose Fortesque was apprehended also defrauding the Bank of England. The police did not discover that his real name was Pete Burns. Burns had already spent 6 months in jail in Surrey three years previously as "Edwin Sherry". This time it would cost him ten years in prison.
For the last five months Burns had been working in England with a group of American forgers lead by none other than Colonel J. Buchanan Cross. Had they been in-touch with Cooper?
Coincidentally, that same month an Ambrose Fortesque was apprehended also defrauding the Bank of England. The police did not discover that his real name was Pete Burns. Burns had already spent 6 months in jail in Surrey three years previously as "Edwin Sherry". This time it would cost him ten years in prison.
For the last five months Burns had been working in England with a group of American forgers lead by none other than Colonel J. Buchanan Cross. Had they been in-touch with Cooper?
Cooper had actually had his wig and whiskers made for another identification he had set up. He had started a second account at Glyn, Mills & Company under the name of Robert Cooper, a seed merchant on London's Southwarke street. This was a real person. He had visited this Cooper, got a hold of his signature and then had a disguise made to look like him. He apparently tried it out as Hugh Cheever Goodwin. The police had obtained as much information as they could from the boy and carriage driver and then started a search of wig makers.
A short time later William went to his Glyn, Mills & Company bank and tried to cash a check for $438,000. He wanted to convert it to French money, but the clerk spotted the forgery immediately. He would have escaped without detection, but when he was suspected he demanded with supreme audacity to the bankers to know why they presumed to doubt his honesty. The police were called and he was at once taken into custody. When arrested, he was carrying seven other blank checks and a loaded revolver. At the time of his arrest Cooper still had $91,000 in this bank.
Since he was being charged with forgery the police called in the lad, Alfred Constable, and the carriage driver. Both identified him as the man with the false beard and wig. Having located a wig maker that may have made Cooper's disguise they showed him his police photograph. The wig maker also identified him and gave them his name, "Ralph Cooper", and address in Hemel Hempsted.
Cooper had made one other mistake this time. He had had his photograph taken recently and the police obtained it and had it published in the newspaper.
Since he was being charged with forgery the police called in the lad, Alfred Constable, and the carriage driver. Both identified him as the man with the false beard and wig. Having located a wig maker that may have made Cooper's disguise they showed him his police photograph. The wig maker also identified him and gave them his name, "Ralph Cooper", and address in Hemel Hempsted.
Cooper had made one other mistake this time. He had had his photograph taken recently and the police obtained it and had it published in the newspaper.
William Ringgold Cooper
Reading a newspaper about the crime with Cooper's photograph was Aloysius J. G. Kane. Mr. Kane was an American that had come to London two years previous and stayed after marrying. Seeing the newspaper photo he immediately knew that was not Ralph Cooper and proceeded to the Bow Street police station to see the detectives.
After finally getting to see the detectives of the case, Mr. Kane told them that they did not have "Ralph Cooper" or "Henry C. Neville" under arrest. The prisoner's name was actually William Ringgold Cooper a well known wanted American forger. He should know because he had served in the United States Navy with him in Washington when he defrauded the Navy. He stated he could pick him out of a crowd any day. Being suspicious of Kane's ability to do so, they still thought it might be worth a try for him to identify Cooper. The police took Kane to nearby Newgate Prison, where they had a hard time convincing the warden to let them observe Cooper. Finally relenting the warden allowed Cooper and about 50 prisoners to enter the prison yard for Kane to have a look. Kane immediately picked out Cooper even after 13 years. "I told you that was Cooper. I would know that man anywhere!" The American authorities were then notified.
After finally getting to see the detectives of the case, Mr. Kane told them that they did not have "Ralph Cooper" or "Henry C. Neville" under arrest. The prisoner's name was actually William Ringgold Cooper a well known wanted American forger. He should know because he had served in the United States Navy with him in Washington when he defrauded the Navy. He stated he could pick him out of a crowd any day. Being suspicious of Kane's ability to do so, they still thought it might be worth a try for him to identify Cooper. The police took Kane to nearby Newgate Prison, where they had a hard time convincing the warden to let them observe Cooper. Finally relenting the warden allowed Cooper and about 50 prisoners to enter the prison yard for Kane to have a look. Kane immediately picked out Cooper even after 13 years. "I told you that was Cooper. I would know that man anywhere!" The American authorities were then notified.
Newgate Prison
Since his latest crime was committed in England they laid claim to prosecuting him. The Americans could have him after they were done with him. With extradition papers already drawn up the men from the Pinkerton Detective Agency went back to San Francisco empty handed.
Tried as Randall Cooper he was arraigned for trial and his neighbors and friends from Hemel Hempstead testified with tears in their eyes that they could not believe him to be dishonest.
The prosecution had rounded up a number of witnesses of his previous attempt in June. They included the wigmaker, 2 people that sold him his reversible coat, the coachman and workers at a hotel he used when in London that saw him in and out of disguise. Finding that the evidence against him was overwhelming Cooper pleaded guilty to both of the charges of forgery.
Tried as Randall Cooper he was arraigned for trial and his neighbors and friends from Hemel Hempstead testified with tears in their eyes that they could not believe him to be dishonest.
The prosecution had rounded up a number of witnesses of his previous attempt in June. They included the wigmaker, 2 people that sold him his reversible coat, the coachman and workers at a hotel he used when in London that saw him in and out of disguise. Finding that the evidence against him was overwhelming Cooper pleaded guilty to both of the charges of forgery.
From Allen Pinkerton's book "Thirty Years A Detective" he had this to say about Cooper.....
"Perhaps the saddest commentary upon the life of this unfortunate young man and a fit illustration of his hypocrisy are the words which came from his own lips when he was called up for sentence “I am by birth and education a gentleman” said he “When I took the house at Hemel Hempstead I thought I could honestly maintain it I furnished it for the sake of my wife. We garnished that house with hopeful anticipation. Every article it contained every flower in its windows was arranged by my wife's loving hands and we cherished the fond expectation that there we should happily spend the remainder of our days. I met with reverses, however, and was ashamed to look my wife in the face. I was tempted and I fell.” And here the prisoner's head sunk on his breast and he wept aloud. “My crime is the greater” he continued after a pause“ because my wife would have followed me to the end of the earth and would have shared my last crust of bread in poverty. I have now lost hope, future honor, everything but a sense of shame which will follow me forever.” This was very dramatic, very pathetic and exceedingly effective, but every word was known to be false and the court sentenced him to five years penal servitude."
Penal servitude was a term of imprisonment at hard labour first introduced by the 1853 and 1857 Penal Servitude Acts as a replacement for transportation to Australia. It gave judges the discretion to sentence anyone who might otherwise have been transported for less than 14 years to penal servitude. This normally meant hard labour in a convict prison.
Cooper served his sentence at Parkhurst Prison. Parkhurst enjoyed the title of one of the toughest jails in the British Isles. It was situated on the Isle of Wight.
While incarcerated, the Chief of the San Francisco Police Department visited him. He told Cooper that the United States would not extradite him after his release if he would tell the Treadwell family where the missing bonds were. He would not give them the information.
Cooper served his sentence at Parkhurst Prison. Parkhurst enjoyed the title of one of the toughest jails in the British Isles. It was situated on the Isle of Wight.
While incarcerated, the Chief of the San Francisco Police Department visited him. He told Cooper that the United States would not extradite him after his release if he would tell the Treadwell family where the missing bonds were. He would not give them the information.
Parkhurst Prison
A Typical Parkhurst Cell
No charges were ever brought against Mrs. Cooper. It is hard to believe she still had no idea where his money was coming from. Years later a divorce decree was found in Cooper's belongings, but no information was given about it. More about her later.
Cooper was finally released on December 15, 1883. He received good news that he would not be extradited to America because J. P. Treadwell had died while he was incarcerated. The Treadwell family figured there was now way to recover any money after all this time.
Cooper must have still had hidden money because on October 14th the next year Cooper opens an account at the London and Westminster Bank. He is now, it appears, a legitimate businessman. He is one half of a card business called Daly & Cooper located in the Featherstone Buildings in the Holborn district of London. And he is doing a lot of business now with the playing card company of Goodall & Son.
Cooper must have still had hidden money because on October 14th the next year Cooper opens an account at the London and Westminster Bank. He is now, it appears, a legitimate businessman. He is one half of a card business called Daly & Cooper located in the Featherstone Buildings in the Holborn district of London. And he is doing a lot of business now with the playing card company of Goodall & Son.
The Two Featherstone Buildings Were Full Of Business Offices
1884
The British Trade Journal and Export World, Volume 22
An unusually unique new and appropriate idea in Christmas and New Year cards is this year carried out by Messrs CHARLES GOODALL & Son, Camden Town, London.
The Flower Mission has supplied this firm with flowers, grasses, pieces of cactus stem, papyrus pith, shells, mosses and other forms of vegetable growth actually from the Holy Land. These Messrs. Goodall have arranged upon cards in the form of crosses, wreaths and other graceful and artistic combinations. Mottoes and verses in harmony with the devout sentiments which Flowers from paths our Saviour trod have been added. Nothing more appropriate to that which is the central fact of Christmas and Christianity has ever been issued. Such cards must at once arrest the attention of intending purchasers and be regarded as Christmas gifts of more than ordinary value and worthy of careful preservation. The same idea will be carried out by Messrs Goodall & Son in the production of their cards for next Easter a time in the Christian year for which by association and sentiment they are particularly suitable. Ву that time too the Flower Mission will have provided an abundant supply of suitable material. That which been used in making the season's Christmas and New cards was comparatively small, so that the number of cards which could be made was necessarily limited. Those therefore who would give their customers an opportunity purchasing these novel and interesting souvenirs of should apply to Messrs. Goodall without delay.
The British Trade Journal and Export World, Volume 22
An unusually unique new and appropriate idea in Christmas and New Year cards is this year carried out by Messrs CHARLES GOODALL & Son, Camden Town, London.
The Flower Mission has supplied this firm with flowers, grasses, pieces of cactus stem, papyrus pith, shells, mosses and other forms of vegetable growth actually from the Holy Land. These Messrs. Goodall have arranged upon cards in the form of crosses, wreaths and other graceful and artistic combinations. Mottoes and verses in harmony with the devout sentiments which Flowers from paths our Saviour trod have been added. Nothing more appropriate to that which is the central fact of Christmas and Christianity has ever been issued. Such cards must at once arrest the attention of intending purchasers and be regarded as Christmas gifts of more than ordinary value and worthy of careful preservation. The same idea will be carried out by Messrs Goodall & Son in the production of their cards for next Easter a time in the Christian year for which by association and sentiment they are particularly suitable. Ву that time too the Flower Mission will have provided an abundant supply of suitable material. That which been used in making the season's Christmas and New cards was comparatively small, so that the number of cards which could be made was necessarily limited. Those therefore who would give their customers an opportunity purchasing these novel and interesting souvenirs of should apply to Messrs. Goodall without delay.
Daly & Cooper got into doing these Palestine Cards with Goodall & Son in 1884 and received many checks from them. Cooper was well known at their bank. But, strangely there never is any information about Daly. He is never mentioned in any articles or records.
A Palestine Card Made By Daly & Cooper
1886 June 17th
American Stationer
NOVEL CHRISTMAS CARDS
Daly & Cooper of London have, in carrying out in a practical and what is perhaps the most beautiful sentiment possible for Easter cards. This is the grouping and mounting of flowers, ferns, mosses, shells and grasses of Palestine. Instead of flattening, presents them in clustered groups as if gathered and the effect is artistic and beautiful to a degree hitherto unknown in this work.
Each card bears a special stamp and upon its back the impress of the medal issued to the publishers by the Royal Botanic Society of which a description of where the flowers were gathered. These cards are by no means merely curious or dependent on their own. They show artistic skill and color and arrangement which ranks them among the most beautiful Christmas cards ever issued. One design has the words "Love is the fulfilling of the law", the word love being written in flowers with very beautiful effect.
Daly & Cooper have opened an office at No 27 Greene street New York from which the American trade will be supplied.
Four months later Cooper left the company and it became a floral card business.
American Stationer
NOVEL CHRISTMAS CARDS
Daly & Cooper of London have, in carrying out in a practical and what is perhaps the most beautiful sentiment possible for Easter cards. This is the grouping and mounting of flowers, ferns, mosses, shells and grasses of Palestine. Instead of flattening, presents them in clustered groups as if gathered and the effect is artistic and beautiful to a degree hitherto unknown in this work.
Each card bears a special stamp and upon its back the impress of the medal issued to the publishers by the Royal Botanic Society of which a description of where the flowers were gathered. These cards are by no means merely curious or dependent on their own. They show artistic skill and color and arrangement which ranks them among the most beautiful Christmas cards ever issued. One design has the words "Love is the fulfilling of the law", the word love being written in flowers with very beautiful effect.
Daly & Cooper have opened an office at No 27 Greene street New York from which the American trade will be supplied.
Four months later Cooper left the company and it became a floral card business.
Cooper had been traveling to America and back for several years. He was well known in New York City. In 1886 Cooper returned to America for whatever he was up to as "Rafe Cooper". Records show he was travelling around the Midwest.
In 1887 while in New York City Cooper would often visit auctioneer Morris Greenbaum at 353 Canal Street, just around the corner from his New York store on Greene Street. He would send and receive several letters from this address. Shortly after going back to England a Greenbaum employee, Meyer Goldstein, would be caught forging checks there for a possible total of $875,000. After being caught this young lowly clerk promised to put up 2 houses and some furniture valued at around $250,000 to drop the case. It didn't work and he went to prison. Was this forgery with a Cooper connection just a coincidence?
In 1887 while in New York City Cooper would often visit auctioneer Morris Greenbaum at 353 Canal Street, just around the corner from his New York store on Greene Street. He would send and receive several letters from this address. Shortly after going back to England a Greenbaum employee, Meyer Goldstein, would be caught forging checks there for a possible total of $875,000. After being caught this young lowly clerk promised to put up 2 houses and some furniture valued at around $250,000 to drop the case. It didn't work and he went to prison. Was this forgery with a Cooper connection just a coincidence?
That August he even spent some time with his uncle in Philadelphia. Or did he? This is where people will soon be in disagreement.
In London on August 17, 1887 a man in black dress, collar and tie, and a low hat, no whiskers and was not disguised in any way walked into the postal department of the Daily Telegraph in London. He approached the clerk, Alexander Perks, and asked about placing an advertisement in the newspaper. The transaction took about three minutes. Mr. Perks, who saw about 100 people everyday, had never seen the man before. But two weeks later a detective appeared at his desk and showed him a photograph. The detective said "Did you take an advertisement on the 17th for the box number 1664?" "Yes I did" he replied. Detective Frank Froest then showed him some photographs and asked if one of them was the gentleman. Perks picked out the picture of the man he recognized. On the back was written the name "R. Cooper".
Detective Frank Froest Was On His Way To Become One Of England's Greatest Detectives
At 9 p.m. on August 19th a man called J. B. Sloane knocked on the door at 58 Charlotte Street in the Fitzrovia District of London. Olaf Maelstrom opened the door to a man that had a muffler round his mouth and his hat very low down. He asked about an available apartment and Olaf showed three rooms to him. The man said "Should I want them, can I have them at once? I may call in the morning."
Mrs. Maelstrom said that the next morning Mr. Sloane called between 11 and 12 o'clock and she let him in. He had on a black coat and high hat, and a muffler round his neck and over his mouth and she showed him into the parlour. He said "I have come to look at the rooms". After looking at them, he decided to take them. He kept his hat on at all times. He took possession at once, and sat down on the bed, and said "If anyone calls to see me show them in". About a half hour later a man named Lorrimer called and asked for Sloane. Sloane said "Show him in, and leave the room". At this time the muffler was not on and he was holding a handkerchief to his mouth. After Lorrimer left Mr. Slone left with a bag. Lorrimer returned with an envelope and waited for Mr. Sloane. After Sloane returned, he spoke to Lorrimer and was given the envelope. Lorrimer then left and shortly after Sloane did too. The Maelstroms didn't see Sloane again for about six months.
William T. Lorrimer was seeking a job and had seen an advertisement in the London Daily Telegraph. Leaving an answer at the office he got a quick reply. A message told him to go to 58 Charlotte Street and ask for Mr. Sloane. He went to the Maelstrom's with the letter and told Sloane "I have come in answer to the advertisement." After listening to his references Sloane said "I am satisfied with your references, and will engage you; I am too ill to get out to cash this cheque, will you cash it for me? You must go to the London and Westminster Bank, at Bloomsbury, and get it cashed, and if any objection is made give them this letter," He gave Lorrimer a letter in an unsealed envelope and the cheque—then he said "Also go to the Langham and inquire if Mr. Newman has arrived". Lorrimer did so, and was told Newman had not arrived and then went to the bank about 1:30 p.m.. The cheque was cashed with no objection. He went back to the Maelstrom's and waited for Mr. Sloane to return from somewhere. When he arrived he told him that there was no problem at the bank and Mr. Newman had not arrived yet. Sloan said "Go again to the Langham, and inquire if there are any letters for me". Lorrimer went again to the Langham and returned to let Sloane know there were no letters for him. Sloane said "I will engage you at a pound a week. I am a very quiet man, and don't want my business talked about. I will write and let you know when you are to start on your duties. I am too ill to attend to business for a day or two, and shall very likely go to Leamington, and may want you to go with me." Lorrimer then left, and never saw or heard any more of him until he saw him again at the Bow Street Police Station in February the next year.
[The Leamington he mentioned was probably Leamington, Ontario, Canada. Cooper had just received a letter on August 2nd from a "Francis" on Middle Island in Lake Erie just off of Leamington. At this time there were 2 Middle Islands there. One was part of Pelee Island, just becoming known for its vineyards and another one just past that which was a 42 acre barren island. That one is technically the southern most point of Canada. What was he up to there?]
[The Leamington he mentioned was probably Leamington, Ontario, Canada. Cooper had just received a letter on August 2nd from a "Francis" on Middle Island in Lake Erie just off of Leamington. At this time there were 2 Middle Islands there. One was part of Pelee Island, just becoming known for its vineyards and another one just past that which was a 42 acre barren island. That one is technically the southern most point of Canada. What was he up to there?]
Lorrimer had presented a check "For C. Goodall & Son" to the Bloomsbury Branch of the London and Westminster Bank. The very large Goodall & Son's account was at this bank. The note was signed by Martin John Callow, a partner of the company. At this time Mr. Callow was in the process of leaving the company for another business he had. Lorrimer was given 44 notes totaling almost $490,000 to take back to Mr. Sloane.
The London & Westminster Bank
Two days later, on the 22nd a man walked into 16 Strand and approached Phineas Hans a moneychanger. Mr. Hans changed three 100 pound notes and gave the gentleman 250 pounds ($30,000) in American money and 50 pounds ($6,000) in English money. The visitor said "I am going to America; can you get me any more American money?" Mr. Hans said he could get more by the next day for him. The gentleman said he would return the next day, but he never did. They would not meet again for six more months. Detective Froest would soon arrive and have Mr. Hans point out Cooper from his stack of forger's photos.
The 100 pound notes exchanged had been issued by the London & Westminster Bank and were all numbered by the bank. The numbers on the notes exchanged with Mr. Hans matched the notes picked up by Lorrimer and delivered to Sloane. Soon after, another 100 pound note ($12,000) would be cashed at the London office of the London and Westminster Bank. And on the 24th of August the Imperial Bank cashed one and converted it to American money.
The 100 pound notes exchanged had been issued by the London & Westminster Bank and were all numbered by the bank. The numbers on the notes exchanged with Mr. Hans matched the notes picked up by Lorrimer and delivered to Sloane. Soon after, another 100 pound note ($12,000) would be cashed at the London office of the London and Westminster Bank. And on the 24th of August the Imperial Bank cashed one and converted it to American money.
IF it was Cooper, he left England with a lot of money.
Not knowing where the forger had gone, Detective Froest alerted the police in America that they were looking for Cooper. In October police in Philadelphia were watching his uncle's house. After spotting a person they believed was Cooper that person eluded them.
Cooper was soon in France working his way to Fontainebleau, about 35 miles southeast of Paris.
Not knowing where the forger had gone, Detective Froest alerted the police in America that they were looking for Cooper. In October police in Philadelphia were watching his uncle's house. After spotting a person they believed was Cooper that person eluded them.
Cooper was soon in France working his way to Fontainebleau, about 35 miles southeast of Paris.
Fontainebleau became famous on 20 April 1814, when Napoleon Bonaparte, shortly before his first abdication, bid farewell to the Old Guard, the renowned grognards who had served with him since his first campaigns, in the "White Horse Courtyard" at the Palace of Fontainebleau. According to contemporary sources, the occasion was very moving. The 1814 Treaty of Fontainebleau stripped Napoleon of his powers (but not his title as Emperor of the French) and sent him into exile on Elba.
The forest of Fontainebleau surrounds the town and dozens of nearby villages. It was at a hunting hotel there that Cooper, and a woman referred to as his wife, took residence. On December 12th a French detective located him there and placed him under arrest. Searching him, he found his clothes were honeycombed with secret pockets. One contained a large Bowie knife. (His clothes were again examined at Scotland Yard by two professional tailors checking for hidden compartments) One newspaper reported that after attempting to kill the detective and escape, he was placed in chains. Hearing rumors that Cooper's fellow criminals were going to try and rescue him the police took different routes to get him to the coast and on a boat to England. In his luggage they found evidence of what they felt were other recent frauds and ones he was working on.
The forest of Fontainebleau surrounds the town and dozens of nearby villages. It was at a hunting hotel there that Cooper, and a woman referred to as his wife, took residence. On December 12th a French detective located him there and placed him under arrest. Searching him, he found his clothes were honeycombed with secret pockets. One contained a large Bowie knife. (His clothes were again examined at Scotland Yard by two professional tailors checking for hidden compartments) One newspaper reported that after attempting to kill the detective and escape, he was placed in chains. Hearing rumors that Cooper's fellow criminals were going to try and rescue him the police took different routes to get him to the coast and on a boat to England. In his luggage they found evidence of what they felt were other recent frauds and ones he was working on.
Cooper claimed he had not done the crime against Goodall & Son. He had been in America at the time and could prove it. His uncle was notified and said he would come to England to testify on his behalf.
The trial did not start until March of 1888. The prosecution was lead by Mr. Forrest Fulton (Shown in 1903 on the left), He would hold a number of senior legal posts, including treasury counsel at the Middlesex Sessions, senior counsel to the Post Office and senior counsel to the Treasury at the Central Criminal Court during his career. He was also a member of Parliament at this time.
The testimony basically went as such......
JOHN WILLIAM MARSHALL
Paying Cashier at the London and Westminster Bank, Bloomsbury branch
He stated that he had known Cooper since 1884 when he opened a business account with them. The checks he cashed were from a checkbook that had been issued to Goodall and Sons but these checks did not come from a perforated book, but from a book of single checks which had been issued to Storr and Neate, an account that was closed, Perforated holes had been added.
The checks were all signed by Mr. Callow at Goodall & Son. The printing "For Goodall and Son" on the forged check was in a different colored ink from others and the forged check is from a book issued in November, 1883, and the unused checks were returned on the 16th September, 1886. On the 22nd of August it was not a good signature and the lithography was not well done. He said he did not recognize it at all and should not have cashed the check without inquiring.
JOHN WILLIAM MARSHALL
Paying Cashier at the London and Westminster Bank, Bloomsbury branch
He stated that he had known Cooper since 1884 when he opened a business account with them. The checks he cashed were from a checkbook that had been issued to Goodall and Sons but these checks did not come from a perforated book, but from a book of single checks which had been issued to Storr and Neate, an account that was closed, Perforated holes had been added.
The checks were all signed by Mr. Callow at Goodall & Son. The printing "For Goodall and Son" on the forged check was in a different colored ink from others and the forged check is from a book issued in November, 1883, and the unused checks were returned on the 16th September, 1886. On the 22nd of August it was not a good signature and the lithography was not well done. He said he did not recognize it at all and should not have cashed the check without inquiring.
MARTIN JOHN CALLOW
Partner in Goodall and Sons
I know Cooper, he carried on business in the name of Daly and Cooper, and we did business with him in 1884 and 1885, and paid him many checks. I ceased being a member of the firm last September. These checks are not ours nor drawn by our authority, nor the endorsement authenticating the signature.
I constantly paid him cheques of Charles Goodall and Sons, which were countersigned by me. I am the person who gave him the introduction to enable him to open an account at the London and Westminster Bank. I used to see him at long intervals, perhaps a dozen times a year—he came to my house as a guest.
I have no means of telling what his accounts were, but his transactions must have been with a considerable number of people—I believe he was not only an energetic man, but leading a respectable life—so far as I know he lived on the premises where he carried on business, and employed a considerable number of workpeople.
Last summer he went to America and I wrote him I think twice, once to Boston and once to New York, and I have got copies of my letters—this is my letter. (Found among the prisoner's papers, and addressed to him at the Revere House in Boston, and dated July 27th.) It was probably posted about the same date—I received this answer in August; I have not got the envelope—it is addressed to me, and dated 23rd July, from 353 Canal Street, New York—I had no special reason at that time to notice dates—I wrote again—this is my letter and envelope (Dated London, August 8th, to Cooper, 353 Canal Street, New York; posted in London, August 9th; New York postmark, August 19th.) I got a letter about the same date; I am not sure whether it was an answer or not—the next letter I had was one dated August 9th, from 2204 Chesnut Street, Philadelphia (P. F. Cooper's address)—I have not got the envelope; I got it before the 20th, because I answered it on 19th August: "My dear Cooper, I have your letter of the 9th from Philadelphia"—I have no doubt this is Cooper's writing. I do not think I wrote a letter after that, but I received another letter dated August 19th from 2204 Chesnut Street, Philadelphia; I have the envelope of that (Philadelphia postmark, August 23rd, London, September 1st.) The letter stated he had been ill, and was coming over as soon as possible.
Partner in Goodall and Sons
I know Cooper, he carried on business in the name of Daly and Cooper, and we did business with him in 1884 and 1885, and paid him many checks. I ceased being a member of the firm last September. These checks are not ours nor drawn by our authority, nor the endorsement authenticating the signature.
I constantly paid him cheques of Charles Goodall and Sons, which were countersigned by me. I am the person who gave him the introduction to enable him to open an account at the London and Westminster Bank. I used to see him at long intervals, perhaps a dozen times a year—he came to my house as a guest.
I have no means of telling what his accounts were, but his transactions must have been with a considerable number of people—I believe he was not only an energetic man, but leading a respectable life—so far as I know he lived on the premises where he carried on business, and employed a considerable number of workpeople.
Last summer he went to America and I wrote him I think twice, once to Boston and once to New York, and I have got copies of my letters—this is my letter. (Found among the prisoner's papers, and addressed to him at the Revere House in Boston, and dated July 27th.) It was probably posted about the same date—I received this answer in August; I have not got the envelope—it is addressed to me, and dated 23rd July, from 353 Canal Street, New York—I had no special reason at that time to notice dates—I wrote again—this is my letter and envelope (Dated London, August 8th, to Cooper, 353 Canal Street, New York; posted in London, August 9th; New York postmark, August 19th.) I got a letter about the same date; I am not sure whether it was an answer or not—the next letter I had was one dated August 9th, from 2204 Chesnut Street, Philadelphia (P. F. Cooper's address)—I have not got the envelope; I got it before the 20th, because I answered it on 19th August: "My dear Cooper, I have your letter of the 9th from Philadelphia"—I have no doubt this is Cooper's writing. I do not think I wrote a letter after that, but I received another letter dated August 19th from 2204 Chesnut Street, Philadelphia; I have the envelope of that (Philadelphia postmark, August 23rd, London, September 1st.) The letter stated he had been ill, and was coming over as soon as possible.
ALEXANDER PERKS
Clerk in the postal department of the Daily Telegraph office
The prisoner brought this advertisement for insertion, the answers were to come to the office, I asked him about that—on 19th August someone called for the answers, and they were given to him—Froest the detective called on 31st August, and showed me three or four photographs, and I picked one out as that of the man who brought the advertisement—on 3rd February I picked the prisoner out from a group at the Bow Street station. At that time I said "To the best of my belief this is the photo of the man," now I say he is the man.
Clerk in the postal department of the Daily Telegraph office
The prisoner brought this advertisement for insertion, the answers were to come to the office, I asked him about that—on 19th August someone called for the answers, and they were given to him—Froest the detective called on 31st August, and showed me three or four photographs, and I picked one out as that of the man who brought the advertisement—on 3rd February I picked the prisoner out from a group at the Bow Street station. At that time I said "To the best of my belief this is the photo of the man," now I say he is the man.
OLOF MAELSTROM
58 Charlotte Street
He was not disguised, but seemed to be suffering from a cold—he had a tall hat, and I believe an overcoat—Froest came to me a long time after, and showed me two photographs, and said "A forgery has been committed"—when he showed me the first I said "I can't say that's the man, I am not sure I could recognise him"—I did not notice the name or number on the photo, nor the position of the hands—Froest came twice to my place—I said "I can't recognise the man," but when I saw the prisoner in the dock I thought he was the man who came about the rooms.
58 Charlotte Street
He was not disguised, but seemed to be suffering from a cold—he had a tall hat, and I believe an overcoat—Froest came to me a long time after, and showed me two photographs, and said "A forgery has been committed"—when he showed me the first I said "I can't say that's the man, I am not sure I could recognise him"—I did not notice the name or number on the photo, nor the position of the hands—Froest came twice to my place—I said "I can't recognise the man," but when I saw the prisoner in the dock I thought he was the man who came about the rooms.
ELIZA MAELSTROM
58 Charlotte Street
Froest afterwards showed me some photos—this was on 29th August—he showed me three or four—he had before called and asked if I had a gent living there named Sloane—I said "He took my rooms on the 20th, and left at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and I have not seen him since"—then he showed me the photos, and asked if I could pick out any one as that of the man—I picked out this one with the arms folded—on 10th February I saw a group of a dozen men at the station with their hats on—at my request the hats were taken off, and then I recognized the prisoner as Mr. Sloane—I knew his eyes and forehead, and the colour of his hair, grey.
58 Charlotte Street
Froest afterwards showed me some photos—this was on 29th August—he showed me three or four—he had before called and asked if I had a gent living there named Sloane—I said "He took my rooms on the 20th, and left at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and I have not seen him since"—then he showed me the photos, and asked if I could pick out any one as that of the man—I picked out this one with the arms folded—on 10th February I saw a group of a dozen men at the station with their hats on—at my request the hats were taken off, and then I recognized the prisoner as Mr. Sloane—I knew his eyes and forehead, and the colour of his hair, grey.
WILLIAM TINDALL LORRIMER
After I left 58 Charlotte street I never saw or heard any more of him till I saw him at Bow Street on 3rd February, where I picked him out from 12 or 15—he had his hat on—Froest had seen me on the Monday week after 20th August—I had seen something in the paper—I had communicated with the police—Froest showed me five or six photos, and asked if I could recognize any of them, and I picked out these two, the one with the cross on the back and the one with the arms folded—I saw this latter one again before I was examined as to the extradition, and again on 3rd February before I picked the prisoner out.
After I left 58 Charlotte street I never saw or heard any more of him till I saw him at Bow Street on 3rd February, where I picked him out from 12 or 15—he had his hat on—Froest had seen me on the Monday week after 20th August—I had seen something in the paper—I had communicated with the police—Froest showed me five or six photos, and asked if I could recognize any of them, and I picked out these two, the one with the cross on the back and the one with the arms folded—I saw this latter one again before I was examined as to the extradition, and again on 3rd February before I picked the prisoner out.
PHINEAS HANS
Moneychanger
He was not disguised—I never saw the prisoner again until February at the police station and picked him out.
Moneychanger
He was not disguised—I never saw the prisoner again until February at the police station and picked him out.
HENRY SIDNEY WARR
Stationer
I have a business at 63 High Holborn—I have done so upwards of 50 years—I was very well acquainted with the prisoner—he had an office next door to me, at the opposite corner of Featherstone Buildings, on the first floor over a boot shop—he was there for two or three years—during that time I saw him constantly.
I saw him in the middle of August during the absence of my apprentice—the fact of my apprentice being away fixes the matter in my mind—I saw the prisoner in my shop; I was behind the counter—I have both a counter and a counting-house—the apprentice attends to the counter as a rule, and I have the counting house department—it was on a Saturday during the apprentice's absence that I saw the prisoner—I could not fix the day, but it was either the 13th or the 20th.
Stationer
I have a business at 63 High Holborn—I have done so upwards of 50 years—I was very well acquainted with the prisoner—he had an office next door to me, at the opposite corner of Featherstone Buildings, on the first floor over a boot shop—he was there for two or three years—during that time I saw him constantly.
I saw him in the middle of August during the absence of my apprentice—the fact of my apprentice being away fixes the matter in my mind—I saw the prisoner in my shop; I was behind the counter—I have both a counter and a counting-house—the apprentice attends to the counter as a rule, and I have the counting house department—it was on a Saturday during the apprentice's absence that I saw the prisoner—I could not fix the day, but it was either the 13th or the 20th.
FREDERICK LIVER
I am an apprentice to Mr. Warr, stationer, of 63 High Holborn, and I was so last August—I went for a holiday on Saturday, 6th August—I was not at business at all on that day—I returned on 22nd August at 9 a.m.
I am an apprentice to Mr. Warr, stationer, of 63 High Holborn, and I was so last August—I went for a holiday on Saturday, 6th August—I was not at business at all on that day—I returned on 22nd August at 9 a.m.
FREDERICK GEORGE NETHERCLIFT
Lithographic Artist & Printer
[This was the prosecution's big expert. Netherclift was a famous handwriting expert and had also published several books about autographs.]
I have been engaged as an expert in handwriting for 40 years—I carry on my profession at 10 Bedford Row—these documents were handed to me as containing the proved writing of the prisoner, at all events in some parts—I was shown the signature book of the London and Westminster Bank, containing the signature of Cooper, and I have a tracing of it—that contains the name of R. Cooper, and then Ralph Cooper, gentleman, 9 Beachfield Road, Catford—that is the full and ordinary signature—I was also handed the forged cheque for 3,670 pounds—I have compared this cheque with the whole of the writing purporting to be Cooper's, and in my opinion, it was written by the same hand—the disputed writing was written by the same hand as wrote the whole of the cheque, endorsement too—I have reasons to assign why I come to that conclusion from the peculiarities of the writing, which I can point out if desired—on my oath I am satisfied. He then pointed out to the Jury 17 instances of similarities between the writing on the cheque and that on the other documents.
Lithographic Artist & Printer
[This was the prosecution's big expert. Netherclift was a famous handwriting expert and had also published several books about autographs.]
I have been engaged as an expert in handwriting for 40 years—I carry on my profession at 10 Bedford Row—these documents were handed to me as containing the proved writing of the prisoner, at all events in some parts—I was shown the signature book of the London and Westminster Bank, containing the signature of Cooper, and I have a tracing of it—that contains the name of R. Cooper, and then Ralph Cooper, gentleman, 9 Beachfield Road, Catford—that is the full and ordinary signature—I was also handed the forged cheque for 3,670 pounds—I have compared this cheque with the whole of the writing purporting to be Cooper's, and in my opinion, it was written by the same hand—the disputed writing was written by the same hand as wrote the whole of the cheque, endorsement too—I have reasons to assign why I come to that conclusion from the peculiarities of the writing, which I can point out if desired—on my oath I am satisfied. He then pointed out to the Jury 17 instances of similarities between the writing on the cheque and that on the other documents.
FRANK FROEST
Detective Sergeant
On 22nd August, two days after the forgery, I was communicated with by Mr. Travels Smith, acting for the bank—I prosecuted my inquiries—Lorrimer came, and was introduced to me by Inspector Glass a few days afterwards—I showed him these photos, including a facsimile of this little one from the same negative—he picked out this with the arms across as being the photo of the man that handed him the cheque—it is not marked at the back—I said nothing to him before I handed it to him as to any belief in my mind as to the person who committed this offence; I knew nothing at that time; I was working for a clue—I knew something of the man who had been picked out; I know more since—I knew that photo was that of a person known to the police before—I had information and went to Mrs. Maelstrom's place, and handed these same photographs to her—she picked out these two, and spoke very strongly of this one with the little cross on the back in blue pencil—both those are of Cooper—I should not say that this is in convict garb—after seeing Mrs. Maelstrom I saw Perks, the clerk at the Daily Telegraph office—I laid these same five photos before him, and he picked out this with the arms folded as being the photograph of the man who called there—on 22nd September I attended when the witnesses made their depositions to obtain a warrant—the little facsimile photograph was then used as the exhibit, and marked by the Magistrate to be attached to the depositions which were to go abroad—it is the same photograph—I made no deposition at that time—the matter was taken in hand by the authorities abroad, and I received the prisoner from the French authorities at Havre on 27th January, I think—I brought him over to England, and on Friday, 28th January, he was brought up, and formal evidence was given, and a remand taken till 3rd February—he was under remand various times till his final committal.
I never knew the prisoner until this time—I did not know where he was in 1884, 1885, 1886, and 1887—I never knew he was called the "King of the Forgers" till I saw it in a newspaper. I did not know at that time that he had pleaded guilty to forgery, and had done five years and come out in 1885, I simply knew he was a forger.
Detective Sergeant
On 22nd August, two days after the forgery, I was communicated with by Mr. Travels Smith, acting for the bank—I prosecuted my inquiries—Lorrimer came, and was introduced to me by Inspector Glass a few days afterwards—I showed him these photos, including a facsimile of this little one from the same negative—he picked out this with the arms across as being the photo of the man that handed him the cheque—it is not marked at the back—I said nothing to him before I handed it to him as to any belief in my mind as to the person who committed this offence; I knew nothing at that time; I was working for a clue—I knew something of the man who had been picked out; I know more since—I knew that photo was that of a person known to the police before—I had information and went to Mrs. Maelstrom's place, and handed these same photographs to her—she picked out these two, and spoke very strongly of this one with the little cross on the back in blue pencil—both those are of Cooper—I should not say that this is in convict garb—after seeing Mrs. Maelstrom I saw Perks, the clerk at the Daily Telegraph office—I laid these same five photos before him, and he picked out this with the arms folded as being the photograph of the man who called there—on 22nd September I attended when the witnesses made their depositions to obtain a warrant—the little facsimile photograph was then used as the exhibit, and marked by the Magistrate to be attached to the depositions which were to go abroad—it is the same photograph—I made no deposition at that time—the matter was taken in hand by the authorities abroad, and I received the prisoner from the French authorities at Havre on 27th January, I think—I brought him over to England, and on Friday, 28th January, he was brought up, and formal evidence was given, and a remand taken till 3rd February—he was under remand various times till his final committal.
I never knew the prisoner until this time—I did not know where he was in 1884, 1885, 1886, and 1887—I never knew he was called the "King of the Forgers" till I saw it in a newspaper. I did not know at that time that he had pleaded guilty to forgery, and had done five years and come out in 1885, I simply knew he was a forger.
At this point a stack of letters were produced that were taken from Cooper. These contained cards with the names and addresses of persons in New York and letters addressed to the prisoner from persons in England,
Among these were;
A letter addressed to the prisoner at Canal Street, New York, stating that the Borderer (a steamship) was starting over to America on Judy 2nd
A letter from Mr. Boundy, dated Judy 6th (See his testimony)
A child's letter, postmarked Heatherlands, Surrey, 8th July (Probably the child of A. M. Mason)
A letter to Cooper, dated July 25th, from Middle Island, Toronto, Canada
A letter dated July 26th, and signed "A. M. Mason " (Cooper's office manager. See her testimony)
Another letter from Middle Island, Toronto, August 2nd, commencing "Dear Mr. Cooper" and signed "Francis"
Letters from London, dated July 7th, August 11th and August 12th
A bill from the New York Hotel in New York City dated 27th July, for 22 dollars.
A letter from Heatherlands, dated August 12th, signed "Yours very faithfully, A. M. Mason"
A letter from Macfarlane and Barrett, stockbrokers, Copthall Buildings, London, August 15th, addressed to "R. Cooper, Esq., at New York"
A letter from San Francisco, dated August 16th, 1887, from M. M. Hill (This appears to be Morgan Hill that works at the same stockbroker firm that Cooper worked at in San Francisco. Why are they communicating?)
A letter from his office manager A. M. Mason, 2 Featherstone Buildings, September 1st
A letter sent to Cooper at the New York Hotel in New York City from Stroud and Co. dated September 10th
A West Point (New York) Hotel bill, dated September 11th
A letter from Heatherlands, in a child's writing, dated September 29th, commencing "My dear Uncle"
As you can see several are written after the supposed crime by Cooper when he was supposedly already back in England. You will soon learn how important some of these dates are.
Among these were;
A letter addressed to the prisoner at Canal Street, New York, stating that the Borderer (a steamship) was starting over to America on Judy 2nd
A letter from Mr. Boundy, dated Judy 6th (See his testimony)
A child's letter, postmarked Heatherlands, Surrey, 8th July (Probably the child of A. M. Mason)
A letter to Cooper, dated July 25th, from Middle Island, Toronto, Canada
A letter dated July 26th, and signed "A. M. Mason " (Cooper's office manager. See her testimony)
Another letter from Middle Island, Toronto, August 2nd, commencing "Dear Mr. Cooper" and signed "Francis"
Letters from London, dated July 7th, August 11th and August 12th
A bill from the New York Hotel in New York City dated 27th July, for 22 dollars.
A letter from Heatherlands, dated August 12th, signed "Yours very faithfully, A. M. Mason"
A letter from Macfarlane and Barrett, stockbrokers, Copthall Buildings, London, August 15th, addressed to "R. Cooper, Esq., at New York"
A letter from San Francisco, dated August 16th, 1887, from M. M. Hill (This appears to be Morgan Hill that works at the same stockbroker firm that Cooper worked at in San Francisco. Why are they communicating?)
A letter from his office manager A. M. Mason, 2 Featherstone Buildings, September 1st
A letter sent to Cooper at the New York Hotel in New York City from Stroud and Co. dated September 10th
A West Point (New York) Hotel bill, dated September 11th
A letter from Heatherlands, in a child's writing, dated September 29th, commencing "My dear Uncle"
As you can see several are written after the supposed crime by Cooper when he was supposedly already back in England. You will soon learn how important some of these dates are.
WILLIAM BOUNDY
Metal Refiner, of Newcastle Wharf, Emmett Street, Mile End
I made the prisoner's acquaintance at the First Avenue Hotel, London, some time in 1886—I met him several times up to July, 1887—some time before he went to America, in July, he said he wanted to go across to the States, as his health was not very good, and his being very fond of the sea and thinking a sea trip would do his health good he wanted to go by a slow steamer—being in the American trade I told him I might get him a free passage by the steamship Borderer—I knew the owners of the ship—I communicated with them and I gave the prisoner a free ticket to go by the Borderer. It was first going to Boston and Cooper was to stay at the Revere House. Mr. Boundy was told he could address letters to Cooper at the Canal Street address. He never saw Cooper in person again.
Metal Refiner, of Newcastle Wharf, Emmett Street, Mile End
I made the prisoner's acquaintance at the First Avenue Hotel, London, some time in 1886—I met him several times up to July, 1887—some time before he went to America, in July, he said he wanted to go across to the States, as his health was not very good, and his being very fond of the sea and thinking a sea trip would do his health good he wanted to go by a slow steamer—being in the American trade I told him I might get him a free passage by the steamship Borderer—I knew the owners of the ship—I communicated with them and I gave the prisoner a free ticket to go by the Borderer. It was first going to Boston and Cooper was to stay at the Revere House. Mr. Boundy was told he could address letters to Cooper at the Canal Street address. He never saw Cooper in person again.
HENRY CARNE
Paying Cashier, Bank of England
On 22nd August a 100 pound note (#06671, dated 16th April 1887) was brought in for change for gold—I refused payment, as it was brought by a telegraph boy—I retained the note and referred to the acting principal of the office, Mr. Frith, and it was given into the chief cashier's custody till explanations had been given—it was endorsed "W. J. Stone," or "Sloane, 20 Derwent Road, Anerley"—it has been in the custody of the bank ever since.
Paying Cashier, Bank of England
On 22nd August a 100 pound note (#06671, dated 16th April 1887) was brought in for change for gold—I refused payment, as it was brought by a telegraph boy—I retained the note and referred to the acting principal of the office, Mr. Frith, and it was given into the chief cashier's custody till explanations had been given—it was endorsed "W. J. Stone," or "Sloane, 20 Derwent Road, Anerley"—it has been in the custody of the bank ever since.
FRANK FROEST
(Re-examined) I found a book of addresses among the prisoner's luggage. The first entry in the book was "Archer, Miss L. G., 9 Derwent Road, Anerley, S.E."
ANNIE MASON
Daly & Cooper Office Manager
A number of people were employed in the business of the Card Company, nearly thirty at one time—a young woman named Archer was employed there; this is her address in this book in Cooper's writing.
(Re-examined) I found a book of addresses among the prisoner's luggage. The first entry in the book was "Archer, Miss L. G., 9 Derwent Road, Anerley, S.E."
ANNIE MASON
Daly & Cooper Office Manager
A number of people were employed in the business of the Card Company, nearly thirty at one time—a young woman named Archer was employed there; this is her address in this book in Cooper's writing.
FREDERICK GEORGE NETHERCLIFT
(Re-examined) I first saw the 100 pound note signature and address book about an hour ago, and have examined it with the prisoner's admitted writing, and come to the conclusion that it is his writing. Nethercraft then goes into detail about all the similarities for the jury.
(Re-examined) I first saw the 100 pound note signature and address book about an hour ago, and have examined it with the prisoner's admitted writing, and come to the conclusion that it is his writing. Nethercraft then goes into detail about all the similarities for the jury.
The defense was lead by a Mr. Gill. His name appears in the London papers trying many cases. He is always called Mr. Gill. Their defense was to prove Cooper had not been in England at the time and the eyewitnesses were unreliable.
The first witness was a very interesting man with a very, very long testimony. I have tried to reduce it to pertinent details.
The first witness was a very interesting man with a very, very long testimony. I have tried to reduce it to pertinent details.
EDWIN MATURIN
Hotel Manager
I am a son of Mr. Maturin, professor of Greek at New York, grandson of C. R. Maturin the novelist and dramatist, and my cousin is Rector of Kennington—I am manager of the New York hotel at 721 Broadway in New York City—I have been there about five years—the hotel is large, and my position is a respectable one—I reside in it, and am daily in the office where the arrival of travelers is registered—when a visitor arrives it is the invariable practice for him to write his name in the hotel book, to register, and an entry is made of the place he comes from—I have known the prisoner about two years as stopping at the hotel—he stopped there on different dates in June, July, and August, 1886—I know him perfectly well as to his identity—I have often spoken to him—he first came there in 1887 on July 21st—he stayed at the hotel that visit till July 27th I think—he next came on 3rd August, 1887—he registers from London—I think he stayed six days then—he came again on 22nd August, 1887; (Was supposed in London at this time) he registered from Philadelphia—I remember his coming—I spoke to him—I have not the slightest doubt about his identity—I will pledge my oath he was there upon that day—he asked me if he could have his old room that he had previously—he generally had No. 440, a room fronting on the Broadway in front of the house—I looked to see whether it was vacant, found that it was, and told him yes, he could have it, and the key was given him—he wrote the figures 440 himself when I said he could have it—the prisoner then gave the key of the room to a boy to show him to the room as is our custom—afterwards he came through the office, and I asked him how he was—he had been ill, and this was the first opportunity I had had of seeing him afterwards—it is our custom to send round about mid-day to find out what rooms are vacated, and next day I found the prisoner had vacated 440—I did not see him again till he came, I think, on 7th September—he registers as from Philadelphia—he stayed from the 7th to the 10th, and when he was settling his bill on the 10th I said "You were here on 22nd August, and your bill was not paid for the time you were here"—he said "Quite right, I was called away unexpectedly. By the way, here is your key"—he paid the bill; we only charged him for the use of the room—when he paid on September 10th I told him he did not pay for August 22nd, and he paid for that at the same time as he did for the room for the three days—we keep a book called the letter-forwarder, which is a register of the names of the persons stopping at the hotel, and the place letters are to be forwarded to them until a certain date—On 6th August, 1887, Mr. Cooper requested us to forward his letters to 2204, Chesnut Street, Philadelphia—I forwarded letters to that address from that time until I saw him again—I have not seen him since 10th September—it was a very difficult matter for me to come here—I have no interest whatever in this matter of any sort or kind; I come here at great personal inconvenience and expense—I had to put another man in my place as manager of the hotel—it is the first time I have been away for four years—I have had no vacation at all—I have no interest in giving evidence, except to give the facts.
We have a large number of persons stopping at the hotel; it accommodates 400 to 500 people; they come at all hours of the day and night—I have general management, cuisine and everything—I see everybody who arrives when I am on duty; I am not on duty continuously—my hours are different, we have one long day and one short day—the long day is from 6 a.m. till 1 p.m., then I go to my dinner, and return at 4.45, and stay till 11.30—21st July was my short day—I came on at noon and remained till 8 p.m.—about 22nd August I was on duty all the time—I was without an assistant for 42 days, and I was alone, and on all the time, except when I went to dinner and breakfast, and then I was relieved for about 40 minutes—although that entry is at the end of the page, other entries of arrivals the same day follow on.
The manager then went on, in great detail, about all the meal plans the hotel had and which ones Cooper availed himself of.
Hotel Manager
I am a son of Mr. Maturin, professor of Greek at New York, grandson of C. R. Maturin the novelist and dramatist, and my cousin is Rector of Kennington—I am manager of the New York hotel at 721 Broadway in New York City—I have been there about five years—the hotel is large, and my position is a respectable one—I reside in it, and am daily in the office where the arrival of travelers is registered—when a visitor arrives it is the invariable practice for him to write his name in the hotel book, to register, and an entry is made of the place he comes from—I have known the prisoner about two years as stopping at the hotel—he stopped there on different dates in June, July, and August, 1886—I know him perfectly well as to his identity—I have often spoken to him—he first came there in 1887 on July 21st—he stayed at the hotel that visit till July 27th I think—he next came on 3rd August, 1887—he registers from London—I think he stayed six days then—he came again on 22nd August, 1887; (Was supposed in London at this time) he registered from Philadelphia—I remember his coming—I spoke to him—I have not the slightest doubt about his identity—I will pledge my oath he was there upon that day—he asked me if he could have his old room that he had previously—he generally had No. 440, a room fronting on the Broadway in front of the house—I looked to see whether it was vacant, found that it was, and told him yes, he could have it, and the key was given him—he wrote the figures 440 himself when I said he could have it—the prisoner then gave the key of the room to a boy to show him to the room as is our custom—afterwards he came through the office, and I asked him how he was—he had been ill, and this was the first opportunity I had had of seeing him afterwards—it is our custom to send round about mid-day to find out what rooms are vacated, and next day I found the prisoner had vacated 440—I did not see him again till he came, I think, on 7th September—he registers as from Philadelphia—he stayed from the 7th to the 10th, and when he was settling his bill on the 10th I said "You were here on 22nd August, and your bill was not paid for the time you were here"—he said "Quite right, I was called away unexpectedly. By the way, here is your key"—he paid the bill; we only charged him for the use of the room—when he paid on September 10th I told him he did not pay for August 22nd, and he paid for that at the same time as he did for the room for the three days—we keep a book called the letter-forwarder, which is a register of the names of the persons stopping at the hotel, and the place letters are to be forwarded to them until a certain date—On 6th August, 1887, Mr. Cooper requested us to forward his letters to 2204, Chesnut Street, Philadelphia—I forwarded letters to that address from that time until I saw him again—I have not seen him since 10th September—it was a very difficult matter for me to come here—I have no interest whatever in this matter of any sort or kind; I come here at great personal inconvenience and expense—I had to put another man in my place as manager of the hotel—it is the first time I have been away for four years—I have had no vacation at all—I have no interest in giving evidence, except to give the facts.
We have a large number of persons stopping at the hotel; it accommodates 400 to 500 people; they come at all hours of the day and night—I have general management, cuisine and everything—I see everybody who arrives when I am on duty; I am not on duty continuously—my hours are different, we have one long day and one short day—the long day is from 6 a.m. till 1 p.m., then I go to my dinner, and return at 4.45, and stay till 11.30—21st July was my short day—I came on at noon and remained till 8 p.m.—about 22nd August I was on duty all the time—I was without an assistant for 42 days, and I was alone, and on all the time, except when I went to dinner and breakfast, and then I was relieved for about 40 minutes—although that entry is at the end of the page, other entries of arrivals the same day follow on.
The manager then went on, in great detail, about all the meal plans the hotel had and which ones Cooper availed himself of.
PEREGRINE FRANCIS COOPER
I am an artist, and have lived at 2204, Chesnut Street, Philadelphia for over 40 years—the prisoner is my nephew—I saw him in Philadelphia in July—after he was in custody I received a cable from England, in consequence of which I went to the Colonnade Hotel, Philadelphia—I saw the register there, and answered the cable to England—after that I received a letter and wrote this one in answer—I stepped in the Colonnade Hotel on the way to the post office—I think it was 27th July I saw my nephew, the day he arrived—I think he stopped about three days then—he came to my house the 19th August (Therefore he could not have been in London) , the night he arrived—he then had a little hand-bag with him, but not his luggage—he told me he had left it at the station—he came to me because if was late—he thought he would like to see me, and thought I might have retired—he went to the hotel first; it was 10 o'clock or a little past—he stayed with me at my house that night of 19th August, and the two next nights he stayed with me—he stayed with me during that visit to Philadelphia, and slept at my house three nights—he left me on the afternoon of the 22nd—I went to the railway-station with him; he told me he was going to New York—the journey from Philadelphia to New York takes two and a half to three hours, or two hours by the express trains—he came to Philadelphia again early in September; I think on the 6th I saw him—he stopped at the Colonnade; he was early enough to come out to my place after entering his name there—I don't think he stayed more than a day then—that was the last time I saw him.
My house is about a quarter of an hour's walk from the railway-station—during the time he was with me, from 19th to 22nd August, he went out walking occasionally; I went out with him—he went out at different times of the day, morning, after noon, and so on—he told me he had business—I did not go to any business with him during the time he was there—I don't know what his business was in Philadelphia that brought him there at 10 o'clock at night; he did not tell me; I did not expect him—he said without my asking him that he had left his luggage at the station; he gave no reason at all for that—I suggested next morning that he might as well fetch it—he said it was not worth while; he was not sure how long he would be there; when he got through his business he was going to return—I gave him what change of clothes and linen he wanted—he said next day he would go and fetch his luggage of his own accord—I said "You need not do that, "I would lend him some—I did not know when he was going to leave—he said he was going to get through his business soon; he did not expect to stay—I do not know what his business was—I live in my own apartments there; I have no wife or daughter—there is a servant who is used by the tenants and myself—the house is let out in flats, and the same servant does for the different flats—there is only one tenant in the house besides myself, he occupies five rooms, Mr. Osborne—he resides in the country—nobody sleeps there but myself—there are nine or ten rooms in the house—I occupy three, and some are unlet—Mr. Osborne is an artificial limb maker; he is there till late in the afternoon; he has lived there many years—he has three rooms on the ground floor and two on the third floor—we call the servant Elizabeth; she has been with him since he has been in the house—I don't know whether she is here; I have not seen her—my nephew stopped at the Colonnade in July, not at my house; he was there two or three days—he had never stayed with me in this house before; he had lived with me at one time—I have lived in Philadelphia oyer 40 years—he lived with me in 1861—I cannot call to mind how many times I had seen him since 1874 or 1884—he was at my house in 1886—he stopped at the Continental Hotel then—there was no other occasion in 1886—these last two years is the time I have seen him most—on 19th August he stopped with me—the hotels do not close at 10 o'clock—he said he came from New York—the Colonnade is only five or six minutes' walk from the terminus at which he would arrive from New York—the hotels in Philadelphia are open at any hour, I suppose, and however late the hour might be there would always be a porter to take people in, and at 10 o'clock things are in full swing there, persons coming and taking refreshments—he gave me the reason that he came and stopped with me, that he was afraid I was in bed—he has always shown fondness for me, to inquire after my health—I remember the 19th August in this way; he came about 10 or a little later—we sat talking over an hour, and then he proposed to go out and get a glass of ale; we went out and took a glass of ale and some refreshment—he came back to my house and sat there till about 1 o'clock—it was 1; I looked at my watch and remarked "You had better stay with me," and I said "The 19th is my birthday, and you remember the most important and successful enterprise I ever entered into was opened on the 19th, my birthday," and I further remarked "It is one of my lucky days, you had better stay with me," and he laughed—I took a property on 19th August, 1860, and put up some large buildings and improvements, and it was the greatest success I ever had in my life, and it firmly fixed in my mind the 19th—I posted a letter for him next day after he came, the 23rd, in Philadelphia—he wrote some letters; I am not sure he wrote the very day he left, the evening before, but he left one letter on my table; there were papers there, and the prisoner did not see he had left one of the letters by mistake on my table—I discovered it afterwards, it got under some newspapers, he forgot it, and seeing the direction I posted it, went out and got a stamp on the 23rd and posted it—I saw the prisoner write it—I was there when he was writing, of course I saw him write it—that was one of the letters he wrote at the time—he wrote other letters, one or more I know—he posted them himself, he must have, I did not find them there—I only found this one on the table where he wrote it—it had got under some newspapers—my address is 2204, Chesnut Street—I think this is the envelope of the letter I posted—he told me he had not been well; he told me nothing about his business; he did not specify his ailments more than that he had been in bad health—I never troubled what his business was when he was with me, I never asked him his business—I did not ask him about his business when he came back in August.
I am an artist, and have lived at 2204, Chesnut Street, Philadelphia for over 40 years—the prisoner is my nephew—I saw him in Philadelphia in July—after he was in custody I received a cable from England, in consequence of which I went to the Colonnade Hotel, Philadelphia—I saw the register there, and answered the cable to England—after that I received a letter and wrote this one in answer—I stepped in the Colonnade Hotel on the way to the post office—I think it was 27th July I saw my nephew, the day he arrived—I think he stopped about three days then—he came to my house the 19th August (Therefore he could not have been in London) , the night he arrived—he then had a little hand-bag with him, but not his luggage—he told me he had left it at the station—he came to me because if was late—he thought he would like to see me, and thought I might have retired—he went to the hotel first; it was 10 o'clock or a little past—he stayed with me at my house that night of 19th August, and the two next nights he stayed with me—he stayed with me during that visit to Philadelphia, and slept at my house three nights—he left me on the afternoon of the 22nd—I went to the railway-station with him; he told me he was going to New York—the journey from Philadelphia to New York takes two and a half to three hours, or two hours by the express trains—he came to Philadelphia again early in September; I think on the 6th I saw him—he stopped at the Colonnade; he was early enough to come out to my place after entering his name there—I don't think he stayed more than a day then—that was the last time I saw him.
My house is about a quarter of an hour's walk from the railway-station—during the time he was with me, from 19th to 22nd August, he went out walking occasionally; I went out with him—he went out at different times of the day, morning, after noon, and so on—he told me he had business—I did not go to any business with him during the time he was there—I don't know what his business was in Philadelphia that brought him there at 10 o'clock at night; he did not tell me; I did not expect him—he said without my asking him that he had left his luggage at the station; he gave no reason at all for that—I suggested next morning that he might as well fetch it—he said it was not worth while; he was not sure how long he would be there; when he got through his business he was going to return—I gave him what change of clothes and linen he wanted—he said next day he would go and fetch his luggage of his own accord—I said "You need not do that, "I would lend him some—I did not know when he was going to leave—he said he was going to get through his business soon; he did not expect to stay—I do not know what his business was—I live in my own apartments there; I have no wife or daughter—there is a servant who is used by the tenants and myself—the house is let out in flats, and the same servant does for the different flats—there is only one tenant in the house besides myself, he occupies five rooms, Mr. Osborne—he resides in the country—nobody sleeps there but myself—there are nine or ten rooms in the house—I occupy three, and some are unlet—Mr. Osborne is an artificial limb maker; he is there till late in the afternoon; he has lived there many years—he has three rooms on the ground floor and two on the third floor—we call the servant Elizabeth; she has been with him since he has been in the house—I don't know whether she is here; I have not seen her—my nephew stopped at the Colonnade in July, not at my house; he was there two or three days—he had never stayed with me in this house before; he had lived with me at one time—I have lived in Philadelphia oyer 40 years—he lived with me in 1861—I cannot call to mind how many times I had seen him since 1874 or 1884—he was at my house in 1886—he stopped at the Continental Hotel then—there was no other occasion in 1886—these last two years is the time I have seen him most—on 19th August he stopped with me—the hotels do not close at 10 o'clock—he said he came from New York—the Colonnade is only five or six minutes' walk from the terminus at which he would arrive from New York—the hotels in Philadelphia are open at any hour, I suppose, and however late the hour might be there would always be a porter to take people in, and at 10 o'clock things are in full swing there, persons coming and taking refreshments—he gave me the reason that he came and stopped with me, that he was afraid I was in bed—he has always shown fondness for me, to inquire after my health—I remember the 19th August in this way; he came about 10 or a little later—we sat talking over an hour, and then he proposed to go out and get a glass of ale; we went out and took a glass of ale and some refreshment—he came back to my house and sat there till about 1 o'clock—it was 1; I looked at my watch and remarked "You had better stay with me," and I said "The 19th is my birthday, and you remember the most important and successful enterprise I ever entered into was opened on the 19th, my birthday," and I further remarked "It is one of my lucky days, you had better stay with me," and he laughed—I took a property on 19th August, 1860, and put up some large buildings and improvements, and it was the greatest success I ever had in my life, and it firmly fixed in my mind the 19th—I posted a letter for him next day after he came, the 23rd, in Philadelphia—he wrote some letters; I am not sure he wrote the very day he left, the evening before, but he left one letter on my table; there were papers there, and the prisoner did not see he had left one of the letters by mistake on my table—I discovered it afterwards, it got under some newspapers, he forgot it, and seeing the direction I posted it, went out and got a stamp on the 23rd and posted it—I saw the prisoner write it—I was there when he was writing, of course I saw him write it—that was one of the letters he wrote at the time—he wrote other letters, one or more I know—he posted them himself, he must have, I did not find them there—I only found this one on the table where he wrote it—it had got under some newspapers—my address is 2204, Chesnut Street—I think this is the envelope of the letter I posted—he told me he had not been well; he told me nothing about his business; he did not specify his ailments more than that he had been in bad health—I never troubled what his business was when he was with me, I never asked him his business—I did not ask him about his business when he came back in August.
ELLEN WARGRAVE
Mr. Gill stated that she was a witness for the defense, who was in Court, and was obliged to return to France that night. He requested that her evidence might be now interposed. Mr. Fulton objected to this. The judge was of the opinion that he ought not to receive the evidence. What would she have added to the case?
Mr. Gill stated that she was a witness for the defense, who was in Court, and was obliged to return to France that night. He requested that her evidence might be now interposed. Mr. Fulton objected to this. The judge was of the opinion that he ought not to receive the evidence. What would she have added to the case?
ANNIE MASON
Manageress
I live at George Street, Bloomsbury; I was manageress to Daly and Cooper's business, at Featherstone Buildings, from August, 1884, to October, 1886; after that Mr. Harman succeeded to the business, and I assisted Mr. Harman—it was the Floral Card business—I remember the prisoner going to America in 1886; he was there for some months, from April till August; during that time I regularly corresponded with him; I remember his going to America on 5th July, 1887—after the prisoner had gone to America on 5th July, I wrote to him, and received letters from him; this is the first letter I received from him. (This was dated Boston, 18th July, saying he had arrived safely, referring to a Mr. Philipson's account, and stating that he feared it meant the sacrifice of the stock in New York.) I know he took stock out there in 1886; Philipson is our agent in New York—I answered that by the letter of 2nd August. I received from him a letter dated from the New York Hotel, 26th July. This stated that he had received the book and something from Heatherlands. Mr. and Mrs. Daly lived there; it is near Farnham in Surrey (This is the only mention found of Cooper's business partner)—I received this letter from him, Philadelphia, 9th August; I wrote to him myself from Heatherlands and Purley. I went to Purley for my health—I received this letter from the prisoner of 9th September-the period of a post is about 10 days-his letter is an answer to the one I wrote him from Purley; there is no address to it except Philadelphia—the Curtis code I mention in my letter of 26th July is a telegraph code; I had sent it at his request.
Manageress
I live at George Street, Bloomsbury; I was manageress to Daly and Cooper's business, at Featherstone Buildings, from August, 1884, to October, 1886; after that Mr. Harman succeeded to the business, and I assisted Mr. Harman—it was the Floral Card business—I remember the prisoner going to America in 1886; he was there for some months, from April till August; during that time I regularly corresponded with him; I remember his going to America on 5th July, 1887—after the prisoner had gone to America on 5th July, I wrote to him, and received letters from him; this is the first letter I received from him. (This was dated Boston, 18th July, saying he had arrived safely, referring to a Mr. Philipson's account, and stating that he feared it meant the sacrifice of the stock in New York.) I know he took stock out there in 1886; Philipson is our agent in New York—I answered that by the letter of 2nd August. I received from him a letter dated from the New York Hotel, 26th July. This stated that he had received the book and something from Heatherlands. Mr. and Mrs. Daly lived there; it is near Farnham in Surrey (This is the only mention found of Cooper's business partner)—I received this letter from him, Philadelphia, 9th August; I wrote to him myself from Heatherlands and Purley. I went to Purley for my health—I received this letter from the prisoner of 9th September-the period of a post is about 10 days-his letter is an answer to the one I wrote him from Purley; there is no address to it except Philadelphia—the Curtis code I mention in my letter of 26th July is a telegraph code; I had sent it at his request.
At this time in history there were a large number of telegraph codes and ciphers between businesses to keep people from finding out their business. Many appeared in the ABC Telegraphic Code Book. Why did Cooper need to use a business code now?
JOSEPH ITHEL BIRCH
Defense Attorney's Clerk
I am managing clerk to Messrs. Wontner, who are acting for the prisoner in this matter—I had the conduct of the earlier part of the case—on 20th January I saw the prisoner in Paris in consequence of a letter—from communications made to me by him I sent cable messages to several persons in America to the names and addresses given to me by the prisoner—I received cable answers to those messages—I then wrote a number of letters to those persons, and subsequently received answers, which I have here—in consequence of the statements contained in those letters I was instructed to go to New York, and on 25th February I left England—amongst other persons I cabled was Mr. Maturin, of the New York Hotel, and to the prisoner's uncle—I saw Mr. Maturin there and examined the hotel's books—I afterwards went to Philadelphia and there saw the prisoner's uncle in Chesnut Street—in consequence of what he told me I went to the Colonnade Hotel and there examined the register on different dates—I know the prisoner's handwriting—the books of the Colonnade Hotel were produced to me by the manager there—I also saw Mr. Clark Merchant, of the firm of Merchant and Co., who are in a very large way of business there, and who have offices in London—I saw a Mr. Berryan Ansted, the president of a bank at New York, and had a conversation with him—I also saw a Mr. Patnam, of the firm of Messrs. Patnam and Sons,. who also have offices in the Strand, London—I also saw Miss Woodward, at Messrs. Dodson's, music publishers, New York, who made a statement to me, and gave me a book and a letter, which I produce, the writing in which is in the prisoner's handwriting—I had the matter before a notary, and certified by the consul, and I have those documents I here—I adopted the same course with regard to other persons whom I saw, persons whom it was impossible to come over—they verified their statements by affidavit, and I got the consul's signature to them—I saw a Mr. Phillipson, of Canal Street, New York—I had a statement from him and got it verified in the same way—my time out there was limited from Monday to Saturday—I have searched the register of steamers at Lloyd's as to the time they left New York in the earlier part of August—to be in London on 17th August it would be necessary to leave New York on the 6th—I also saw Mr. Cranston, of the New York Hotel, and Mr. Stroud, of New York—Mr. Netherclift has seen the letter I had from Miss Woodward.
Defense Attorney's Clerk
I am managing clerk to Messrs. Wontner, who are acting for the prisoner in this matter—I had the conduct of the earlier part of the case—on 20th January I saw the prisoner in Paris in consequence of a letter—from communications made to me by him I sent cable messages to several persons in America to the names and addresses given to me by the prisoner—I received cable answers to those messages—I then wrote a number of letters to those persons, and subsequently received answers, which I have here—in consequence of the statements contained in those letters I was instructed to go to New York, and on 25th February I left England—amongst other persons I cabled was Mr. Maturin, of the New York Hotel, and to the prisoner's uncle—I saw Mr. Maturin there and examined the hotel's books—I afterwards went to Philadelphia and there saw the prisoner's uncle in Chesnut Street—in consequence of what he told me I went to the Colonnade Hotel and there examined the register on different dates—I know the prisoner's handwriting—the books of the Colonnade Hotel were produced to me by the manager there—I also saw Mr. Clark Merchant, of the firm of Merchant and Co., who are in a very large way of business there, and who have offices in London—I saw a Mr. Berryan Ansted, the president of a bank at New York, and had a conversation with him—I also saw a Mr. Patnam, of the firm of Messrs. Patnam and Sons,. who also have offices in the Strand, London—I also saw Miss Woodward, at Messrs. Dodson's, music publishers, New York, who made a statement to me, and gave me a book and a letter, which I produce, the writing in which is in the prisoner's handwriting—I had the matter before a notary, and certified by the consul, and I have those documents I here—I adopted the same course with regard to other persons whom I saw, persons whom it was impossible to come over—they verified their statements by affidavit, and I got the consul's signature to them—I saw a Mr. Phillipson, of Canal Street, New York—I had a statement from him and got it verified in the same way—my time out there was limited from Monday to Saturday—I have searched the register of steamers at Lloyd's as to the time they left New York in the earlier part of August—to be in London on 17th August it would be necessary to leave New York on the 6th—I also saw Mr. Cranston, of the New York Hotel, and Mr. Stroud, of New York—Mr. Netherclift has seen the letter I had from Miss Woodward.
JOHN CATTERELL
I live at 23 Park Grove, Battersea Park Road—I was present at Bow Street on 24th February, when the prisoner was there on this charge; he was in the dock—after he had gone out I was called out by Detective Tremlet to the back of the Court, and was asked to stand among some 10 or 11 men; the prisoner was one of them—I saw a man come in the room where I was; he gave a cursory glance round, then placed his hand on the prisoner's left shoulder, and said "I know this man; I have seen him before"—I had seen that man in the police-court before he came in to identify the prisoner at the back of the Court, when Cooper was in the dock; it was the witness Phineas Hans—I knew him afterwards on 7th or 9th March, when he gave evidence at the second adjournment after the 24th, on the day prisoner was in the dock, and Hans was standing on the left of the counsel, in the counsel's box, that would be to the prisoner's right as he sat in the dock; Hans would have a good opportunity of seeing him there.
I was at the police-court merely as an observer of the case that was going on, as a spectator, at the back of the Court—that was not the first time I had been there by a great number—I am in the habit of attending there when out of employment; I am a veterinary surgeon's assistant; I was out of employment on that day—I had been out of permanent employment from 6th January last—before that I was storekeeper in the green fruit department at the Junior Army and Navy Stores in Regent Street; I had been there three months; I left because they were cutting down the establishment after Christmas; there was no other reason—I was in casual employment between 6th January and 24th February, attending Albridge's and Tattersall's and doing jobs—I gave advice to people buying and selling horses at Aldridge's, to any casual buyer who was acquainted with me—I had been in business with my father—it is four years ago that I was a veterinary surgeon's assistant—since then I was practicing on my own account at 25 Upper James Street—I have done other work, private inquiry work, anything I could get to do; I mean private inquiry work for the police—if they wanted a job done that they could not undertake to do themselves I did it for them; that is, work which the Commissioner of Police would not allow them to do, private inquiry matter—this was not the first time by any means that I have been one of a number to be picked out; I have done so to oblige the police, who know me, without any remuneration; I am paid for private inquiries—I am a single man, and lodging with my mother—I heard Mr. Hans give evidence at the police-court and I heard what he said then; he pointed the prisoner out—I knew at that time that he had seen the prisoner before—at that time I had nothing to do; I make it a usual practice to go to people who know me to see if I can get any employment—I was not a spectator there every day between 24th February and 2nd March—I felt somewhat interested in the case when I saw this man identified, and I went there afterwards to hear him give evidence—I made a communication on that very day, the 24th Feb.—I also communicated the fact to Mr. Wontner (a defense attorney on the case) two days after Mr. Hans had been in the box, on the Saturday after or following day, not that day—I saw Mr. Wontner there conducting the prisoner's case—I did not hear him say to Mr. Hans "You will find you are mistaken"—I did not know who Mr. Hans was; I did not know what evidence he was going to give—Mr. Wontner was there and heard what he said—I thought it best to see them at their own office and tell them of it—there was no secret about it, because I spoke to a man in open Court when Mr. Hans was in the box—it was not Inspector Butcher from Scotland Yard who employed me; I mean Mr. Charles Butcher, the ex-detective—he did not get rid of me for falsifying his accounts; he did not discharge me for dishonesty; I left on my own account—I swear I was never charged with dishonesty by him or anyone else.
I live at 23 Park Grove, Battersea Park Road—I was present at Bow Street on 24th February, when the prisoner was there on this charge; he was in the dock—after he had gone out I was called out by Detective Tremlet to the back of the Court, and was asked to stand among some 10 or 11 men; the prisoner was one of them—I saw a man come in the room where I was; he gave a cursory glance round, then placed his hand on the prisoner's left shoulder, and said "I know this man; I have seen him before"—I had seen that man in the police-court before he came in to identify the prisoner at the back of the Court, when Cooper was in the dock; it was the witness Phineas Hans—I knew him afterwards on 7th or 9th March, when he gave evidence at the second adjournment after the 24th, on the day prisoner was in the dock, and Hans was standing on the left of the counsel, in the counsel's box, that would be to the prisoner's right as he sat in the dock; Hans would have a good opportunity of seeing him there.
I was at the police-court merely as an observer of the case that was going on, as a spectator, at the back of the Court—that was not the first time I had been there by a great number—I am in the habit of attending there when out of employment; I am a veterinary surgeon's assistant; I was out of employment on that day—I had been out of permanent employment from 6th January last—before that I was storekeeper in the green fruit department at the Junior Army and Navy Stores in Regent Street; I had been there three months; I left because they were cutting down the establishment after Christmas; there was no other reason—I was in casual employment between 6th January and 24th February, attending Albridge's and Tattersall's and doing jobs—I gave advice to people buying and selling horses at Aldridge's, to any casual buyer who was acquainted with me—I had been in business with my father—it is four years ago that I was a veterinary surgeon's assistant—since then I was practicing on my own account at 25 Upper James Street—I have done other work, private inquiry work, anything I could get to do; I mean private inquiry work for the police—if they wanted a job done that they could not undertake to do themselves I did it for them; that is, work which the Commissioner of Police would not allow them to do, private inquiry matter—this was not the first time by any means that I have been one of a number to be picked out; I have done so to oblige the police, who know me, without any remuneration; I am paid for private inquiries—I am a single man, and lodging with my mother—I heard Mr. Hans give evidence at the police-court and I heard what he said then; he pointed the prisoner out—I knew at that time that he had seen the prisoner before—at that time I had nothing to do; I make it a usual practice to go to people who know me to see if I can get any employment—I was not a spectator there every day between 24th February and 2nd March—I felt somewhat interested in the case when I saw this man identified, and I went there afterwards to hear him give evidence—I made a communication on that very day, the 24th Feb.—I also communicated the fact to Mr. Wontner (a defense attorney on the case) two days after Mr. Hans had been in the box, on the Saturday after or following day, not that day—I saw Mr. Wontner there conducting the prisoner's case—I did not hear him say to Mr. Hans "You will find you are mistaken"—I did not know who Mr. Hans was; I did not know what evidence he was going to give—Mr. Wontner was there and heard what he said—I thought it best to see them at their own office and tell them of it—there was no secret about it, because I spoke to a man in open Court when Mr. Hans was in the box—it was not Inspector Butcher from Scotland Yard who employed me; I mean Mr. Charles Butcher, the ex-detective—he did not get rid of me for falsifying his accounts; he did not discharge me for dishonesty; I left on my own account—I swear I was never charged with dishonesty by him or anyone else.
ISAAC SMITH
Policeman
I am the regular constable stationed at the front entrance of the Bow Street Police-court—I have known Catterell for three or four years—his father used to attend the Court as veterinary surgeon—I cannot say what day it was, but on a day he spoke to me as he left the Court with reference to an identification—he told me what took place—it was not exactly in the form of a complaint—he was laughing as he came out—he said "Damned shame; a man saw Cooper in the Court, and then went down and identified him." —Catterell is generally hanging about the police-court pretty well all day long as a spectator—he does not seem to have anything to do.
Policeman
I am the regular constable stationed at the front entrance of the Bow Street Police-court—I have known Catterell for three or four years—his father used to attend the Court as veterinary surgeon—I cannot say what day it was, but on a day he spoke to me as he left the Court with reference to an identification—he told me what took place—it was not exactly in the form of a complaint—he was laughing as he came out—he said "Damned shame; a man saw Cooper in the Court, and then went down and identified him." —Catterell is generally hanging about the police-court pretty well all day long as a spectator—he does not seem to have anything to do.
JOHN TURNER
I am employed at the Civil Service Stores in Tavistock Street—I was present at Bow Street when Hans the moneychanger was examined, about two weeks ago, and when he went into the witness-box and gave his evidence-Catterel made a statement to me with regard to Hans; I have seen Catterel at the Court—I was in Court because my dinner hour is from 12 to 1 o'clock, and I generally go in there—I suggested to Catterel what he should do when he told me.
I am employed at the Civil Service Stores in Tavistock Street—I was present at Bow Street when Hans the moneychanger was examined, about two weeks ago, and when he went into the witness-box and gave his evidence-Catterel made a statement to me with regard to Hans; I have seen Catterel at the Court—I was in Court because my dinner hour is from 12 to 1 o'clock, and I generally go in there—I suggested to Catterel what he should do when he told me.
RICHARD DAVIS
I am managing clerk to Travers, Smith, and Braithwaite, solicitors for the prosecution—I have had the general conduct of this case—I attended to instruct Counsel on each of the remands before the Magistrate, which were always at 12 o'clock—on 24th February I was there when Mr. Callow and Mr. Netherclift were examined as witnesses—I had arranged for Hans to be in Court at 12 o'clock—I had seen him before to arrange about his evidence—Mr. Callow and Mr. Netherclift were examined, and then I heard Hans called—I was looking about the Court after him myself—I was sitting in the Counsel's seat by the door—if he had been in Court I must have seen him, because I was looking so anxiously for him to be there—I had seen the man two or three times; I knew him very well, and I knew he was a man we could not get there without some degree of compulsion—Hans was called inside the Court; I cannot say about outside—as he could not be found, application was made to adjourn the case till Friday, and the prisoner was removed—I remained in Court, and about a quarter to 1, when I was coming out of the Counsel's box by the corner, I saw him—I said "Mr. Hans, it is about a quarter to 1; you ought to have been here; you are too late; it is all over"—the prisoner had been removed—Hans was at the box inside the Court, just by the door where the prisoner's go out—he said "I have been waiting; Sergeant Froest was to have been with me at half-past 12, and he did not come"—I said "You have nothing to do with Sergeant Frouest; I told you to be here at 12 o'clock"—after that he went in for the identification, and I waited outside more than half an hour, because I had asked him if he would tell me whether he identified the prisoner, so I suppose he was there till half-past 1 or a quarter to 2—I don't think the examination on 24th February lasted an hour.
I am managing clerk to Travers, Smith, and Braithwaite, solicitors for the prosecution—I have had the general conduct of this case—I attended to instruct Counsel on each of the remands before the Magistrate, which were always at 12 o'clock—on 24th February I was there when Mr. Callow and Mr. Netherclift were examined as witnesses—I had arranged for Hans to be in Court at 12 o'clock—I had seen him before to arrange about his evidence—Mr. Callow and Mr. Netherclift were examined, and then I heard Hans called—I was looking about the Court after him myself—I was sitting in the Counsel's seat by the door—if he had been in Court I must have seen him, because I was looking so anxiously for him to be there—I had seen the man two or three times; I knew him very well, and I knew he was a man we could not get there without some degree of compulsion—Hans was called inside the Court; I cannot say about outside—as he could not be found, application was made to adjourn the case till Friday, and the prisoner was removed—I remained in Court, and about a quarter to 1, when I was coming out of the Counsel's box by the corner, I saw him—I said "Mr. Hans, it is about a quarter to 1; you ought to have been here; you are too late; it is all over"—the prisoner had been removed—Hans was at the box inside the Court, just by the door where the prisoner's go out—he said "I have been waiting; Sergeant Froest was to have been with me at half-past 12, and he did not come"—I said "You have nothing to do with Sergeant Frouest; I told you to be here at 12 o'clock"—after that he went in for the identification, and I waited outside more than half an hour, because I had asked him if he would tell me whether he identified the prisoner, so I suppose he was there till half-past 1 or a quarter to 2—I don't think the examination on 24th February lasted an hour.
THOMAS GLASS
Detective Inspector
I have had the partial care and conduct of this case with Froest—information reached me that Mr. Hans, the moneychanger, might be able to identify the person charged with this forgery, and Sergeant Froest arranged the time he was to attend—Froest was away in France on the day Hans came, the 24th—I saw Hans arrive; I did not know him before I first saw him at the lobby at the back of the Court, where the prisoners go into the cells—he came rushing into the Court out of breath from the lobby at the back of the Court, and asked for Sergeant' Froest—it was somewhere about 1.15 o'clock—I said "What, have you come to identify?"—he said "Yes"—I said "You are too late now"—I had expected him of course—I had been in Court all the morning—at that time the prisoner had been brought up—on that day, the 24th, Mr. Callow and Mr. Netherclift had been examined, and the case had been remanded—12 o'clock was the time fixed for the hearing—I was there at that time—the prisoner had gone down to the cells again—I was awaiting instructions from the solicitors, and Hans stood by my side for 10 minutes or more—there was some case of distress being tried, and after I had received instructions for next week I took him out to the jailer's room, stood him where he could not be seen, and told him not to leave—an assistant jailer was with him all the time, and the head jailer occasionally—there was some delay, and then the identification took place—I was not present at the actual identification; I arranged for the men going in—I did not go in with Hans to identify—he went in, and came out—It was there a little before 12 o'clock—the prisoner was then remanded for a week, and taken to the cells—I was in Court the whole time from 12 o'clock, and saw the witness come in at 1.15 o'clock—Hans was not in Court from 12 o'clock till 1.15 o'clock—I did not see him there, and when he came into Court he was out of breath, and had evidently been running hard—I was sitting by the solicitors' box—Hans was not standing on the left of the counsels' box during the examination that took place—he was there afterwards with me for some time after the prisoner had gone away.
Detective Inspector
I have had the partial care and conduct of this case with Froest—information reached me that Mr. Hans, the moneychanger, might be able to identify the person charged with this forgery, and Sergeant Froest arranged the time he was to attend—Froest was away in France on the day Hans came, the 24th—I saw Hans arrive; I did not know him before I first saw him at the lobby at the back of the Court, where the prisoners go into the cells—he came rushing into the Court out of breath from the lobby at the back of the Court, and asked for Sergeant' Froest—it was somewhere about 1.15 o'clock—I said "What, have you come to identify?"—he said "Yes"—I said "You are too late now"—I had expected him of course—I had been in Court all the morning—at that time the prisoner had been brought up—on that day, the 24th, Mr. Callow and Mr. Netherclift had been examined, and the case had been remanded—12 o'clock was the time fixed for the hearing—I was there at that time—the prisoner had gone down to the cells again—I was awaiting instructions from the solicitors, and Hans stood by my side for 10 minutes or more—there was some case of distress being tried, and after I had received instructions for next week I took him out to the jailer's room, stood him where he could not be seen, and told him not to leave—an assistant jailer was with him all the time, and the head jailer occasionally—there was some delay, and then the identification took place—I was not present at the actual identification; I arranged for the men going in—I did not go in with Hans to identify—he went in, and came out—It was there a little before 12 o'clock—the prisoner was then remanded for a week, and taken to the cells—I was in Court the whole time from 12 o'clock, and saw the witness come in at 1.15 o'clock—Hans was not in Court from 12 o'clock till 1.15 o'clock—I did not see him there, and when he came into Court he was out of breath, and had evidently been running hard—I was sitting by the solicitors' box—Hans was not standing on the left of the counsels' box during the examination that took place—he was there afterwards with me for some time after the prisoner had gone away.
After hearing all the evidence the jurors retired to come up with a verdict.
It was a shoddy forgery, the witnesses were not reliable and besides Cooper was in America at the time argued Mr. Gill. Reasonable doubt was the only verdict said the barrister.
The jury did not agree. He was found guilty. And with a previous felony conviction, he was sentenced to fifteen years of penal servitude. Cooper collapsed in the dock.
Since the trial ended late in the day (About 8 p.m.) the prison van was not available. The handcuffed prisoner was transported to nearby Pentonville Prison in a cab with a single guard. Getting out at the prison gate Cooper knocked down the guard and made a run for it up Market Street. Hearing all the commotion and seeing the prisoner running at him a young man grabbed Cooper. “Let me go, for God’s sake, it’s for life” yelled Cooper. The newspapers reported the young man said "You may have your life, sir, but not your liberty."
It was a shoddy forgery, the witnesses were not reliable and besides Cooper was in America at the time argued Mr. Gill. Reasonable doubt was the only verdict said the barrister.
The jury did not agree. He was found guilty. And with a previous felony conviction, he was sentenced to fifteen years of penal servitude. Cooper collapsed in the dock.
Since the trial ended late in the day (About 8 p.m.) the prison van was not available. The handcuffed prisoner was transported to nearby Pentonville Prison in a cab with a single guard. Getting out at the prison gate Cooper knocked down the guard and made a run for it up Market Street. Hearing all the commotion and seeing the prisoner running at him a young man grabbed Cooper. “Let me go, for God’s sake, it’s for life” yelled Cooper. The newspapers reported the young man said "You may have your life, sir, but not your liberty."
Pentonville Prison was considered a "Model prison". It was definitely better than Cooper's last one. You could be taught a trade here and get some education. The work only lasted from six in the morning until seven at night.
The normal food ration was;
Breakfast 10 ounces of bread and three-quarters of a pint of cocoa
Lunch A half a pint of soup (or four ounces of meat), five ounces of bread, and one pound of potatoes
Dinner A pint of gruel and five ounces of bread.
The normal food ration was;
Breakfast 10 ounces of bread and three-quarters of a pint of cocoa
Lunch A half a pint of soup (or four ounces of meat), five ounces of bread, and one pound of potatoes
Dinner A pint of gruel and five ounces of bread.
Cooper had at least one acquaintance in Pentonville with him...Pete Burns. Also, there were American forgers more famous than Cooper there. The Bidwell brothers, George and Austin. They had forged papers and robbed the Bank of England of over $11 million in 1873 and were in for life.
Austin & George Bidwell
Austin was pardoned in 1892 and George was released for health reasons in 1887
Austin was pardoned in 1892 and George was released for health reasons in 1887
His final prison record shows that he was released from Parkhurst and not Pentonville. When he was transferred there is not shown. He must have been a very good prisoner because he earned an early release and was freed September 13, 1899. He moved into a place near his old business in Holborn. He was now going by Ringold Cooper. His trade was listed as "carpenter".
I have not found much about him after leaving prison. Voting records show by 1905 he had moved to the southwest London area called Putney.
In the 1911 Census he is working, and living part time, at 23 Fanthorpe Street which is the Sexton Hall Mission. He is employed as the superintendent there.
On February 21, 1919 Cooper died. He was living at 29 Howard’s Lane in Putney at the time. He is buried in the Putney Vale Cemetery in nearby Wandsworth.
Putney Vale Cemetery
In his last mystery, he left his estate to a spinster named Blanche Mills. It was worth about $5,400.
Thanks to Lee Asher, President of 52+Joker for giving me the challenge of researching William Ringgold Cooper. It was a very interesting chase.
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO.........
CATHERINE "KATE" McCARTHY
Mrs. William Ringgold Cooper disappears from publications and records for a number of years after her husband goes to prison in 1879. They may have gotten divorced.
By 1885 she reappears in National City, California, with her brother under her former name "Mrs. Green T. Hill". That name was very respectable. She is well known there as the lady that started Memorial Day.
In 1891 she and her brother purchased side by side 326 acre ranches just east of San Diego by present day Otay Mesa. The property is on the border with Mexico. Where is her money coming from? She was always known locally to be a wealthy lady.
In 1897 she married Captain J. W. Heath of National City. Unfortunately, he died two years later.
Catherine died in National City in 1905.
Her newspaper memoriam makes no mention of Cooper. The locals had only known her since she returned from England. Her story was that she had gone to Europe to escape the loneliness of losing her husband and son in Mississippi. Her obituary said "Although wealth and luxury were hers, amidst it all that nothing could dispel her sorrow". "She went to Europe to travel, finally settling in England mingling with the rich and great". "Not satisfied, she returned to San Francisco".
Her ashes were returned to Mississippi to be interned next to her first husband and son.
Mrs. William Ringgold Cooper disappears from publications and records for a number of years after her husband goes to prison in 1879. They may have gotten divorced.
By 1885 she reappears in National City, California, with her brother under her former name "Mrs. Green T. Hill". That name was very respectable. She is well known there as the lady that started Memorial Day.
In 1891 she and her brother purchased side by side 326 acre ranches just east of San Diego by present day Otay Mesa. The property is on the border with Mexico. Where is her money coming from? She was always known locally to be a wealthy lady.
In 1897 she married Captain J. W. Heath of National City. Unfortunately, he died two years later.
Catherine died in National City in 1905.
Her newspaper memoriam makes no mention of Cooper. The locals had only known her since she returned from England. Her story was that she had gone to Europe to escape the loneliness of losing her husband and son in Mississippi. Her obituary said "Although wealth and luxury were hers, amidst it all that nothing could dispel her sorrow". "She went to Europe to travel, finally settling in England mingling with the rich and great". "Not satisfied, she returned to San Francisco".
Her ashes were returned to Mississippi to be interned next to her first husband and son.
PEREGRINE F. COOPER
When Cooper's uncle returned to the United States, he went to the State Department to plead his case to free his nephew. It was to no avail.
He died February 14, 1890. His headstone calls him by his nickname "Perry".
When Cooper's uncle returned to the United States, he went to the State Department to plead his case to free his nephew. It was to no avail.
He died February 14, 1890. His headstone calls him by his nickname "Perry".
"COLONEL" JAMES BUCHANON CROSS
Though a legend in his day he just faded away in history. Maybe he deserves his own story someday.
Though a legend in his day he just faded away in history. Maybe he deserves his own story someday.
ALOYSIUS JOSE GORDON KANE
He was born in Montreal, Canada, in 1843 and came to America in 1853.
Unlike Cooper he joined the U. S. Navy during the Civil War as a seaman. During the war he was in the same command as Cooper blockading the ports on the East Coast. He was serving aboard the gunboat Mackinaw when they were clearing the mouth of the Appomattax River of torpedoes. At the time these were underwater bombs detonated by electricity from the shore. Kane had transferred over to the gunboat Commodore James to locate a torpedo with 1,750 pounds of TNT on the bottom of the river. As the gunboat passed over it a second time the Confederates detonated it. The boat was blown to pieces and 85 seamen and officers were killed. Only Kane and another man survived the explosion and tried to rescue people. For his action he was promoted to ensign. Cooper was in this group of ships and may have seen this incident.
After President Lincoln's assassination Kane was selected to be part of the Navy escort for his funeral. He was one of the last two surviving members of this detail.
Kane would serve until to March 1 , 1871 before being pensioned for two wounds he received in action. He ended his duty while attending Harvard University. He graduated from there with a Law degree.
Kane then joined the state of Washington National Guard where he would retire with the rank of Colonel.
During his lifetime, he also served as a representative to British Columbia, was a lawyer, wrote for a newspaper, was on the New York Maritime Exchange and worked for the Governor of Pennsylvania.
While in England, he did genealogy work for American clients that wanted their British family roots researched. In 1897 he was sued there by a man that claimed he could get him a Colonel's title. When Kane would not do it the man libeled him in the newspapers and Kane sued. His attorney was the same Mr. Gill that Cooper had used. This time Gill won.
His last great honor came at age 79 when he led the military procession at the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D. C. in 1922.
He was born in Montreal, Canada, in 1843 and came to America in 1853.
Unlike Cooper he joined the U. S. Navy during the Civil War as a seaman. During the war he was in the same command as Cooper blockading the ports on the East Coast. He was serving aboard the gunboat Mackinaw when they were clearing the mouth of the Appomattax River of torpedoes. At the time these were underwater bombs detonated by electricity from the shore. Kane had transferred over to the gunboat Commodore James to locate a torpedo with 1,750 pounds of TNT on the bottom of the river. As the gunboat passed over it a second time the Confederates detonated it. The boat was blown to pieces and 85 seamen and officers were killed. Only Kane and another man survived the explosion and tried to rescue people. For his action he was promoted to ensign. Cooper was in this group of ships and may have seen this incident.
After President Lincoln's assassination Kane was selected to be part of the Navy escort for his funeral. He was one of the last two surviving members of this detail.
Kane would serve until to March 1 , 1871 before being pensioned for two wounds he received in action. He ended his duty while attending Harvard University. He graduated from there with a Law degree.
Kane then joined the state of Washington National Guard where he would retire with the rank of Colonel.
During his lifetime, he also served as a representative to British Columbia, was a lawyer, wrote for a newspaper, was on the New York Maritime Exchange and worked for the Governor of Pennsylvania.
While in England, he did genealogy work for American clients that wanted their British family roots researched. In 1897 he was sued there by a man that claimed he could get him a Colonel's title. When Kane would not do it the man libeled him in the newspapers and Kane sued. His attorney was the same Mr. Gill that Cooper had used. This time Gill won.
His last great honor came at age 79 when he led the military procession at the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D. C. in 1922.
Colonel Kane died in 1930 while living at the Army and Navy Club in New York City. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. His wife is interned next to him.
ELIZABETH ALMIRA GIFFIN (MRS. MESSER)
In San Francisco in 1877 there were only 5 Messers listed in the city directory. Four were laborer type families and one was a millionaire. I think Mr. and Mrs. Cooper would have picked this couple to have a relationship with.
Elizabeth A. Giffin was born October 3, 1858 in San Francisco. Her father was Oscar Fitzallen Giffin. Her mother would die by the time she became a teenager. Mr. Giffin was a stockbroker and mining investor and considered a millionaire, but had just suffered a big monetary loss when his daughter turned 17. On March 2, 1876 the teenager married Nathaniel Thayer Messer, who was age 34. Mr. Messer was a San Francisco multi-millionaire. One year later she would have his son. Four months later I believe she was the Mrs. Messer in San Jose with the Coopers.
Elizabeth lived the high life and seemed to "do her own thing". Everyone believed the marriage was solid until 1896 when she divorced Nathaniel for non-support. How much more support did the wife of a multi-millionare need? It appears she was getting "support" from other men already.
In 1899 she went on a round the world trip with her 20 year old daughter for almost two years. Shortly after their return her daughter dies from chronic nephritis. This disease developed silently over several years and led to kidney failure.
When her daughter, Marie Giffin Messer, died in 1902 San Francisco had just banned burials in the city in 1900 because the cemeteries were out of room, considered a health hazard and — more than anything — sat on prime real estate. In 1912, San Francisco announced that it would do more than ban burials. It would kick out the dead.
The Columbarium, a building with niches for funeral urns to be stored, was built on what was once part of the Odd Fellows Cemetery, which encompassed approximately 30 acres. The Odd Fellows, forced to abandon their cemetery, established Green Lawn Cemetery in Colma. Transfer of bodies began in 1929 and many families also chose to remove their urns from the Columbarium. The crematorium and various mausoleums were demolished, and many of the headstones were used to build a seawall at Aquatic Park. The Columbarium remained, as well as interments below ground that were missed during exhumation. Marie and her father are there.
In San Francisco in 1877 there were only 5 Messers listed in the city directory. Four were laborer type families and one was a millionaire. I think Mr. and Mrs. Cooper would have picked this couple to have a relationship with.
Elizabeth A. Giffin was born October 3, 1858 in San Francisco. Her father was Oscar Fitzallen Giffin. Her mother would die by the time she became a teenager. Mr. Giffin was a stockbroker and mining investor and considered a millionaire, but had just suffered a big monetary loss when his daughter turned 17. On March 2, 1876 the teenager married Nathaniel Thayer Messer, who was age 34. Mr. Messer was a San Francisco multi-millionaire. One year later she would have his son. Four months later I believe she was the Mrs. Messer in San Jose with the Coopers.
Elizabeth lived the high life and seemed to "do her own thing". Everyone believed the marriage was solid until 1896 when she divorced Nathaniel for non-support. How much more support did the wife of a multi-millionare need? It appears she was getting "support" from other men already.
In 1899 she went on a round the world trip with her 20 year old daughter for almost two years. Shortly after their return her daughter dies from chronic nephritis. This disease developed silently over several years and led to kidney failure.
When her daughter, Marie Giffin Messer, died in 1902 San Francisco had just banned burials in the city in 1900 because the cemeteries were out of room, considered a health hazard and — more than anything — sat on prime real estate. In 1912, San Francisco announced that it would do more than ban burials. It would kick out the dead.
The Columbarium, a building with niches for funeral urns to be stored, was built on what was once part of the Odd Fellows Cemetery, which encompassed approximately 30 acres. The Odd Fellows, forced to abandon their cemetery, established Green Lawn Cemetery in Colma. Transfer of bodies began in 1929 and many families also chose to remove their urns from the Columbarium. The crematorium and various mausoleums were demolished, and many of the headstones were used to build a seawall at Aquatic Park. The Columbarium remained, as well as interments below ground that were missed during exhumation. Marie and her father are there.
The Columbarium
The next year on a March rainy night two men rushed up to the door of the hospital near Golden Gate Park. They told the staff there was an accident in the Golden Gate Park. A man and woman had been injured in a buggy accident while racing through the park. When the emergency people found the accident scene only an unconscious man was found. The only sign of a another victim was a bloody woman's tortoise shell comb was found nearby.
The man was 42 year old single businessman Charles E Hayes. He would never regain consciousness. His passenger, that fled the scene, was later identified as a married woman he had been partying with. A mild scandal, but not the big shocker. Lying in the hospital with an appendicitis was Hayes's fiance Elizabeth Messer. She claimed Hayes and she were to be married in September. None of her friends even knew about Hayes.
And there was more scandalous news for the papers. In 1893, before Mrs. Messer had filed for divorce, Charles E. Hayes had signed a paper giving Mrs. Messer parts of two city blocks in downtown San Francisco in the event of his death. They were now worth a fortune. He also later took out a $240,000 insurance policy with her as beneficiary. A few months after leaving the hospital, she took her money and left the country. She was on her way to England to study medicine.
In 1905 she wrote her friends in San Francisco she was getting married. The groom was Edward Henry Moyle Cooper of Wales. (No relation to William Ringgold Cooper) He was a very wealthy 28 year old and almost 20 years her junior. After the wedding they took off on a world cruise.
For the next 21 years they were generally the toast of high society in England and on the Continent. They were living in Montpellier, France, when Henry died in March 1926. Mrs. Cooper moved to New York City shortly after and died there that September.
For the next 21 years they were generally the toast of high society in England and on the Continent. They were living in Montpellier, France, when Henry died in March 1926. Mrs. Cooper moved to New York City shortly after and died there that September.