Part 777h – Brunhammer Doherty Genealogy – The Mystery of GG-Grandfather Audley Holmes – A Coincidence

Good Day,

In the course of search and research in the field of genealogy, it is not a good thing to assume anything. It is extremely important to make sure that the best possible documentation and data is available.

But, and this is a big but... at times some coincidental notice or information might be found that may or may not provide a key to the puzzle of the re-creation of an ancestor's life and demise.

In the attempt to reconstruct the events and outcome of gg-grandfather Audley Holmes murder, I have been gathering evidence, details, and information that will assist to solve the question "Why?" To date I have posted the summary of details in Part 776h. All the data and information span the dates from 11 December 1854 through 26 January 1855.

And then I stumbled upon something that may or may not have something to do with the outcome of the murder trial.

In my search I discovered The Tioga Agitator, also named The Tioga County Agitator, a local newspaper which was published in Wellsborough, Tioga County, Pennsylvania from about 1854 through 1865. Published in the 31 January 1856 edition is the 1855 Statement of Receipts and Expenditures for the Treasury of Tioga County.

In the published statement I immediately focused on a single item under the Heading of "Paupers"... "State Lunatic Assylum, Support of Margaret Burke - $157.23" Coincidence?

And then again, about a month later in The Tioga County Agitator, 21 February 1856 similar information is published.

Is this Margaret Burke, The Cook? Is this the same Margaret Burke who was locked up in jail immediately after the murder and discovery of gg-grandfather Audley Holmes' body?

I wonder if I can find any details of the PA State Lunatic Asslum. Stay tuned.

Enjoy,

Jim

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Part 776h – Brunhammer Doherty Genealogy – The Mystery of GG-Grandfather Audley Holmes – Summary To Date

Good Day,

Research just makes me hungry. Had to have Cranberry-Cream Cheese muffins. Saw the recipe, so had to make them this morning… Excellent. Tasted like a cross between a muffin and a cheesecake. Great with a fresh cup of coffee.

I am sort of at a wall right now in my search and research of the murder of gg-grandfather Audley Holmes. This genealogy thing is dang right mind stretching, and the methodology of uncovering each and every nook and cranny is somewhat challenging… especially when one has to think of possible nooks and crannies.

At this point in my search and research and answering of the key questions, I have thus far come up with the following.

Who? –

• The Murdered Victim – GG-Grandfather Audley Holmes
• The Arrested Cook – Margaret Burk(e)
• The Servant Girl – Elizabeth
• The Judge – Hon. Judge Conyngham
• The Prosecutors – The District Attorney Brundage and Woodward for Commonwealth
• The Defense Attorneys – C.E. Wright and Ketcham

What? –

• Murdered
• Body discovered on the ice
• Coat and hat found on the bridge above
• Gold watch in the possession of The Cook
• Margaret Burk(e) held in jail
• The Cook remanded for trial
• Lackawanna and Bloomsburg Railroad

Where? –

• Susquehanna River, Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
• Bridge across river, between toll-gate and first pier
• House of Charles Westfield

When? –

• Monday, 11 December 1854 about 2:00 pm gg-grandfather Audley and Margaret Burk(e) left work 
• Monday around 8:00 pm gg-grandfather Audley and Margaret Burk(e) began journey
• Monday evening Margaret Burk(e) arrived alone 
• Tuesday morning, 12 December 1854 dead body discovered

And the plot thickens… Still no answer to How? and Why?

I was provided with a possible contact to the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association. They have a law library dating back to 1855. I am waiting a return call.

I will also follow up with the Luzerne County Historical Society for ideas of further research.

Who knows what clues and mystery lie just below the ice? Make sure that you check my previous Postings on A Genealogy Hunt to follow The Mystery of the Murder of GG-Grandfather Audley Holmes. Stay tuned… and

Enjoy,

Jim

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Part 775p – Smith Groh Genealogy – Pariza Family Line – 1930 Census – Milwaukee City, Wisconsin

Good Day,

Thanks to the development of Internet technology the work of genealogy has become much more concise and ever-expanding. With the use of Google Maps, for example, I am able to almost zero in to the actual, if they still exist, locations where ancestors may have lived.

In the case of the Pariza Family, according to the 1920 US Census they lived at 564 National Avenue in Milwaukee City, Wisconsin. Today National Avenue is subdivided into two parts, East and West. All-things-being-equal, just from Google maps I am not able to pinpoint approximately on which side of National Avenue they lived.

According to the 1930 US Census they are renting a home at 653 Mineral Street also in Milwaukee City, Wisconsin. Again, today’s Google Maps provides for an East and West division of Mineral Street.

Computing the permutations of distances between the Easts and the Wests of National Avenue and Mineral Street, Google Maps is able to calculate the walking distances of about 3 minutes to 3 hours. In other words, the Pariza Family, from 1920 to 1930, moved just around the corner, 3, 6 or 11 minutes… or across town in Milwaukee.

The above inserted clipped image is of the approximate area from the Caspar’s 1930 official map of the city of Milwaukee and vicinity as provided from the digital collection of the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Libraries.

The following is the image of the page from the 1930 US Census listing the Pariza Family.

And my Clooz 3.0 reporting CUSWI000008.

Next is the 1940 US Census.

Enjoy,

Jim

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Part 774p - Smith Groh Genealogy - Pariza Family Line - 1920 US Census - Milwaukee City, Wisconsin

Good Day,

Yes I am continuing my journey, search and research into the genealogy and the traipsings along the historical paths of our Family Lines.

In Part 769p I added the 1910 US Census recording of the Pariza Family. This Census presented CK’s great-great-grandfather Joseph Willard (also known as Bill) Pariza, his ggg-grandparents Leo (aka Leon Pierre) and Mary (aka Marie), and his gg-granduncle Harold L.

Now I present the Pariza Family as recorded in the 1920 US Census who is now living in Milwaukee City, Wisconsin. According to the 1910 US Census they were living in Marinette City in Wisconsin. The distance between Marinette City and Milwaukee is approximately 185 miles, south along Lake Michigan.

We are now introduced to another member of the Family, gg-granduncle Clinton Pariza. From my research, and I stand corrected, but I do believe that gg-granduncle Clinton may have also been known as John.

Above is an image of the page of the 1920 US Census highlighting the Pariza Family. Also, here is my Clooz 3.0 reporting, CUSWI000007.

If you have any knowledge, information, and data of the Pariza Family please feel to contact me. I have sent out six emails to Ancestry.com Family Trees referencing the Pariza Family. I have not received any return response.

Stay-tuned. Shortly I will be creating a Pariza Family Descendant Chart.

Enjoy,

Jim

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Part 773h – Brunhammer Doherty Genealogy – The Mystery of GG-Grandfather Audley Holmes – 1855 – The News Gets Around

Good Day,

Before I continue with my research and search for the genealogy of gg-grandfather Audley Holmes I have to eat. I have to cook.

Last night's supper was a definite swing to another part of the cuisine globe. Gruibenknoedel, Romanian Cabbage Salad, and Stewed Potatoes. The Gruibenknoedel, (and I really do not know how to pronounce that one), are dumplings made of pork cracklins, aka chicarone de puerco, aka pork rinds mixed with flour, bread, spices, and parsley. The dumplings are simmered in water and then served in beef broth. To compliment the G-knoedel things I made a Romanian Cabbage Salad which is also known as a dry cabbage slaw. And to top it off, the Stewed Potatoes, aren't really stewed but sweet potatoes baked, then sliced, then layered with apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, butter, then baked. Sort of a baked potato casserole. Supper was actually very, very good.

In my journey to discover clues and recreate the history of gg-grandfather Audley's murder and death the next piece of evidence is a short article from The Pittston Gazette. Pittston, Pennsylvania is approximately 9 miles from Wilkes-Barre, north east along the Susquehanna River. Dated 26 January 1855 and on Page 2 a quick clipping, without a heading or title was found.

Here is my highlighted image -

And My transcription -

The Pottston Gazette
January 26, 1855
Page 2

Margaret Burke, who has been in
prison since Holmes was found dead on
the ice, some weeks since, was brought
before his Hon Judge Conyngham, yester-
day, on a Habeas Corpus. The District
Attorney and Woodward for Common-
wealth. C E Wright and Ketcham, for
Margaret. She is twenty-five or thirty
years of age, and of rather pleasant coun.
Tenance, with a bright eye, and does not
look as if there was any great crime on
her conscience.

The hearing was in the Court House,
which was pretty well filled with the cu-
rious.

The prisoner was remanded for trial.
Record of the Times.

The above inserted image is a portrait of Judge John Nesbitt Conyngham from the Luzerne's Bank Portrait Show.

Stay tuned to what I think I have found next. Could be a coincidence? Not sure but I think I will also try to find a possible transcript of the Margaret Burke's trial if one exists.

Enjoy,

Jim

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Part 772h – Brunhammer Doherty Genealogy – The Mystery of GG-Grandfather Audley Holmes – 1855 – The Plot Thickens

Good Day,

Researching one's genealogy requires me to constantly be looking up words and phrases. Words and phrases from the past, and try to understand exactly how they were used in context, and exactly what did those words and phrases mean at the time when they were used. I have to remember that I have to not attempt to use them in today's context and vernacular. My argument is that there could always be, in some cases a different meaning at a different time and age.

The three phrases and words, without being of a legal mindset, are “Habeas Corpus”, "remanded" and “Court of Oyer and Termiuer”. Both these phrases are used in the article that was next found revolving around the case of the murder of gg-grandfather Audley Holmes.

HABEAS CORPUS - A Latin term meaning "you have the body," refers to the right of every prisoner to challenge the terms of his or her incarceration in court before a judge.

REMANDED - To send back or recommit. When a prisoner is brought before a judge on a habeas corpus for the purpose of obtaining his liberty, the judge hears the case and either discharges him or not; when there is cause for his detention, he remands him.

OYER AND TERMINER - The name of a court authorized to hear and determine all treasons, felonies and misdemeanors; and, generally, invested with other power in relation to the punishment of offenders.

Well that is our legal lesson for today.

The 24 January 1855 edition of The Luzerne Union published on Page 2 a short article titled “Habeas Corpus Case”. The article refers to the fact that The Cook, “Margaret Burk” has been in jail for some time “on the charge of being concerned in the alledged murder of Adley Holmes...” (Note the different spelling of gg-grandfather Audley's name.)

The short article basically states and implies that she, Margaret Burk has been in jail since gg-grandfather Audley's body was discovered and she was arrested. The judge looked at the “facts and attending circumstances”. He then “remanded the Prisoner for trial at the next Court of Oyer and Terminer.”

And then, something you do not see in the Media as much these days, the reporter continues “It is not proper at this time to any of the testimony.”

Here is my highlighted image of the article from The Luzerne Union.

And my transcription -

The Luzerne Union
Page 2
24 January 1855

Habeas Corpus Case

The woman, Margaret Burk, who has been
in jail for some time on the charge of being
concerned in the alledged murder of Adley
Holmes, who, it will be remembered, was
found under the Bridge on the ice, one morning
in the early part of the winter; was brought
up yesterday on a Habeas Corpus before his
Honor John N. Conyngham. Nearly the whole
day was consumed in the examination of wit-
nesses. After a full investigation into all the
main facts and attending circumstances, the
Judge remanded the Prisoner for trial at the
next Court of Oyer and Terminer. It is not
proper a this time to give any of the testi-
mony. District Attorney Brundage and Wood-
ward represented the State. Ketchum and C,
E. Wright the Defence.

Stay tuned for the next installment. Will Margaret Burk(e) be found guilty? Who knows?

Enjoy,

Jim

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Part 771h – Brunhammer Doherty Genealogy – The Mystery of GG-Grandfather Audley Holmes – 1854 – She Was The Cook!!!

Good Day,

Now I really feel like I am delving into the depths of a cold, cold, cold case. Genealogy, the research and the search is definitely a “hold-your-breath-I-can’t wait-for-the-next-clue”.

We just received our next installment into the Mystery of the death of great-great-grandfather Audley Holmes. With the help of the Luzerne County Historical Society today’s mail provided a number of key newspaper clippings relaying additional information of the murder of gg-grandfather Audley.

From Page 2 of The Luzerne Union, dated Wednesday, December 13, 1854, one day after the affixed date of gg-grandfather Audley’s untimely death, see Part 770h,an article titled “Mysterious” provides us with some more insight.

And now the Mystery begins like a thriller novel... “On Monday about two o'clock, Mr. Ally Holmes...” Check that out. Great-great-grandfather Audley was also known as “Ally”.

We now know that he was “a contractor on the Lack.(awanna) & Bloomsburg R.R. (Railroad).” Does this mean that he could have been a Carpenter Contractor? From my sources “Construction began in Scranton in 1854. The first line ran from Scranton to Kingston, a distance of 17 miles (27 km), and opened on the morning of June 24, 1856.”

He “left home in company with the cook, Margaret Burk...” She was The Cook! She had his gold watch! See Part 739h where we were introduced to “The circumstance of his gold watch being found in the cook's possession...”

The mystery continues... “The woman came home with the horse and sleigh, but Holmes was not with her.” Ta-ta-da-dum... (Here's where the ominous music reaches the background and gradually strains into our ears.) “On Tuesday morning his dead body was discovered under the bridge across the river, between the toll-gate and the first pier.” Where's TSA when you need them?

This Luzerne Union's article provides a number of additional facts... and conjectures.

Here is my highlighted copy of the story “Mysterious”.

And my transcription –

The Luzerne Union
Wednesday, December 13, 1854

Mysterious

On Monday, about two o’clock, Mr. Ally

Holmes, in the employ of Mr. Tamany, a con- 

tractor on the Lack. & Bloomsburg R.R., left 

home in company with the cook, Margaret 

Burk, and come to Wilkes-Barre, for the pur- 

pose of getting her trunk, which was at the 

house of Charles Westfield. They pro- 

cured the trunk and started back about 8 o’-

clock in the evening. The woman came home

with the horse and sleigh, but Holmes was not 

with her. On Tuesday morning his dead body 

was discovered under the bridge across the riv- 

er, between the toll-gate and the first pier. –

His hat and cloak lay on the bridge immediate-

ly over where he was found – whether he fell 

through the bridge by accident, or came to his 

death by violence is as yet a mystery. A cor- 

oner’s inquest assembled soon after the discov-

ery of the body, and a full investigation of the 

case was had by the Inquest under the direction of 

Mr. Brundage, the District Attorney. Their 

verdict is that he came to his death by violence 

at the hands of some person unknown. There 

are many circumstances which seem to indicate 

that the man was met with foul play. We forbear 

giving testimony given by the woman, 

Burk, and other before the Inquest, as the 

District Attorney is endeavoring to find the 

guilty party, if any exist.

Stay-tuned for the next installment of The Mystery of the Murder of GG-Grandfather Audley Holmes.

Enjoy,

Jim

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