Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
In this letter to Mrs. J.W. Barron, Melrose Savings Bank treasurer E.H. Goss congratulates the widow of the slain bank employee on "the outcome of the terrible ordeal through which you have been called to pass." This congratulation may refer to the conviction of David Stain and Oliver Cromwell.
John Wilson Barron, treasurer of Dexter Savings Bank, was found handcuffed, bound, and dying after a robbery and assault at the bank in 1878. The thief stole about $1,000, and initial theories suggested Barron’s refusal to open the vault led to his death. After years of suspicion, David L. Stain and Oliver Cromwell were convicted in 1887, but new evidence in 1900 cleared them.
The robbery gained national attention and may have inspired Mark Twain’s 1880 story “Edward Mills and George Benton: A Tale.” After a year of cold leads, investigators theorized Barron, fearing the discovery of irregularities in his bookkeeping, staged the robbery and his death to avoid scrutiny and spare his family from shame.
The bank had found discrepancies in his books, and investigators noted Barron’s gag and bindings were loosely applied, possibly during lifesaving attempts. A screwdriver near his body suggested Barron locked the vault from the inside. Before the robbery, Barron had asked a police officer about where to obtain handcuffs. Despite these suspicions, Barron’s wife and others believed in his innocence.
About This Item
- Title: Letter from E.H. Goss to Mrs. J.W. Barron, Melrose, 1890
- Creator: E. H. Goss
- Creation Date: 1890-04-13
- Subject Date: 1890-04-13
- Location: Melrose, Middlesex County, MA
- Media: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 22.5 cm x 14.3 cm
- Local Code: Coll. S-1413
- Object Type: Text
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Bank robberies--Maine--Dexter
- Banks--Massachusetts
- Crime--Maine--Dexter
- Criminal investigation--Maine--Dexter
- Embezzlement--Maine--Dexter
- Homicide--Maine--Dexter
- Murder--Maine--Dexter
- Newspapers--Maine--Bangor
- Police--Maine--Dexter
- Public opinion--Maine
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
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More to Consider
Item 152249
Letter from merchant W.D. Eaton to Mrs. Barron, Boston, 1879
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