A son of Rector and Caroline Elizabeth Soper Pumphrey. He was a murder victim. (Have found no more information to add to what I've already put into his entry.)
From the Baltimore Sun of Saturday, August 15, 1874:
"THE PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HOMOCIDE---Clues to the Perpetrators of the Deed---More Light on the Case, etc.--(Reported for the Baltimore Sun)---Upper Marlboro, Md. August 14, 1874---As predicted a couple of days since in the correspondence of the Sun from this place, the seeming mystery in relation to the killing of Chas. William Pumphrey, a son of Rector Pumphrey, Esq., who resides on the Washington turnpike, about three miles from here, is clearing away. This young man, who was known not to have an enemy in the world, and who was not in the custom of carrying money about him while on the farm, was found insensible in a meadow about a fourth of a mile from the residence of his father, about eight o'clock on Thursday morning last, suffering from about three powerful blows on the head, one of which made a fracture three inches in length on the skull, immediately over and behind the left ear. He never rallied sufficiently to say a single word in explaining about how he received them, although he lingered until Saturday morning last.
THE ACCIDENT THEORY EXPLODED---At first his father and brothers thought he had been kicked by a mare which he had been sent into the meadow to bridle and bring to the barn, but upon the arrival of Dr. Dyer, who was soon in attendance, they were informed otherwise, as the doctor gave it as his opinion that such a lengthy and extended straight fracture could not have been produced by a horse shoe. The theory that it was an accident was then given up by the family, though at that time, there was not a single circumstance or clue to show that it was otherwise. A great number of persons continue to think that it was an accident and for the purpose of obtaining all the facts in the case.
The Sun correspondent, accompanied by Detective Coombs of Washington, today visited Mr. Pumphrey's farm, and remained there three or four hours, during which time a very careful examination of the whole case was made, even more minute than that given by the coroner's jury, which investigated the case on Saturday last.
The fields, meadows, branches, bushes and fences were examined and a conclusion was reached that Charles William Pumphrey was foully murdered. One of the main things going to show that it was not an accident was the finding of a gum stick about three and a half inches in diameter and three feet in length. On the end of it were three sharp knots. But this in itself was not heavy enough to produce the wounds, and on first thought it would be rejected.
HOW AND WHERE THE DEED WAS DONE---The straw hat worn by the deceased was found about ten feet from where he lay, and along side of it was the bridle. On the left side of the hat was in indenture and rent corresponding to the club found. The print of one of the knots was plainly marked on the hat. The body it will be remembered, was found in the center of a meadow, and not in the place where he would naturally be, as one can see all over the meadow, and especially see a horse, without going into the center of it.
TELL-TALE FOOTPRINTS---About thirty feet to the north of where he lay, were found footprints leading to a small branch. The murderer or the accessory to it showed his cunning by walking up the stream a considerable distance, thus leaving no footprints to tell the tale of crime, but the place where he took the ground was found. Then footprints were found running thru a cornfield, and over another field leading directly to the house where one of the persons suspected of the crime resides.
NO BLOODSTAINS ON THE GROUND---It was noticeable that there was not a drop of blood on the ground in the vicinity of the dying man, though it was supposed that the young man bled considerably. A very careful search was made, but no blood spots could be found by any of the jurors or others interested in ferreting out the crime, for such it is now clearly established to be. Had the horse inflicted the wounds, the blood might have been found on the hat, that is if it was continuously on his head. The investigation made today by the Sun correspondent and Detective Coombs convinces them fully that the young man was struck the fatal blows over one hundred yards from where he was picked up, and that instead of the short piece of stick being used, that the stick about ten feet in length was the instrument of death. The gum prop, of which the club found was the shorter piece, was formerly used to keep a gate open that is located near the spring.
NEW THEORY OF THE MURDER---The young man was known to have been going in the direction of the spring when last seen. While going thru the meadow eating a peach, he was attacked by a person who caught up the prop and dealt the blows. Who this party is would not do at this time to state, but enough is known to satisfy a reasonable mind that about a half an hour afterward the body was removed from near the gate to the center of the meadow. The hat and bridle were placed in their respective positions so that it might appear to be an accident, that is, if one could safely arrive at a conclusion from the immediate surroundings. The pool of blood, which must have escaped from the wounds, was covered up. This accounts perfectly for the absence of blood from the spot where the body was found.
NO WITNESSES TO THE DEED---The great trouble in the case, however, is in the fact that there is no possiblity of securing witnesses to convict anyone of the crime. Altogether there were but six colored men on the farm, and all of them were in the barn thrashing wheat when young Pumphrey started off for the horse. They remained there until after seven o'clock, when they took an hour for recess. The murder must have been committed before seven o'clock, and none of the farm hands could have left the barn without being noticed.
From the subsequent actions of two persons who are now suspected of the crime, this theory is fully corraborated, and judging from appearances, the murderer and the accomplice will soon have to stand trial for the crime, though as I've said before, there is but slight evidence of guilt so far on their part, owing to the circumstances. All of this does not preclude the idea that George Dorsey, the outlaw, and for whom there are rewards amounting to nearly $1,000 now outstanding, did not have a hand in the murder. Mr. Coombs intends prosecuting his examination for several days."
From the Baltimore Sun of Saturday, August 15, 1874:
"THE PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HOMOCIDE---Clues to the Perpetrators of the Deed---More Light on the Case, etc.--(Reported for the Baltimore Sun)---Upper Marlboro, Md. August 14, 1874---As predicted a couple of days since in the correspondence of the Sun from this place, the seeming mystery in relation to the killing of Chas. William Pumphrey, a son of Rector Pumphrey, Esq., who resides on the Washington turnpike, about three miles from here, is clearing away. This young man, who was known not to have an enemy in the world, and who was not in the custom of carrying money about him while on the farm, was found insensible in a meadow about a fourth of a mile from the residence of his father, about eight o'clock on Thursday morning last, suffering from about three powerful blows on the head, one of which made a fracture three inches in length on the skull, immediately over and behind the left ear. He never rallied sufficiently to say a single word in explaining about how he received them, although he lingered until Saturday morning last.
THE ACCIDENT THEORY EXPLODED---At first his father and brothers thought he had been kicked by a mare which he had been sent into the meadow to bridle and bring to the barn, but upon the arrival of Dr. Dyer, who was soon in attendance, they were informed otherwise, as the doctor gave it as his opinion that such a lengthy and extended straight fracture could not have been produced by a horse shoe. The theory that it was an accident was then given up by the family, though at that time, there was not a single circumstance or clue to show that it was otherwise. A great number of persons continue to think that it was an accident and for the purpose of obtaining all the facts in the case.
The Sun correspondent, accompanied by Detective Coombs of Washington, today visited Mr. Pumphrey's farm, and remained there three or four hours, during which time a very careful examination of the whole case was made, even more minute than that given by the coroner's jury, which investigated the case on Saturday last.
The fields, meadows, branches, bushes and fences were examined and a conclusion was reached that Charles William Pumphrey was foully murdered. One of the main things going to show that it was not an accident was the finding of a gum stick about three and a half inches in diameter and three feet in length. On the end of it were three sharp knots. But this in itself was not heavy enough to produce the wounds, and on first thought it would be rejected.
HOW AND WHERE THE DEED WAS DONE---The straw hat worn by the deceased was found about ten feet from where he lay, and along side of it was the bridle. On the left side of the hat was in indenture and rent corresponding to the club found. The print of one of the knots was plainly marked on the hat. The body it will be remembered, was found in the center of a meadow, and not in the place where he would naturally be, as one can see all over the meadow, and especially see a horse, without going into the center of it.
TELL-TALE FOOTPRINTS---About thirty feet to the north of where he lay, were found footprints leading to a small branch. The murderer or the accessory to it showed his cunning by walking up the stream a considerable distance, thus leaving no footprints to tell the tale of crime, but the place where he took the ground was found. Then footprints were found running thru a cornfield, and over another field leading directly to the house where one of the persons suspected of the crime resides.
NO BLOODSTAINS ON THE GROUND---It was noticeable that there was not a drop of blood on the ground in the vicinity of the dying man, though it was supposed that the young man bled considerably. A very careful search was made, but no blood spots could be found by any of the jurors or others interested in ferreting out the crime, for such it is now clearly established to be. Had the horse inflicted the wounds, the blood might have been found on the hat, that is if it was continuously on his head. The investigation made today by the Sun correspondent and Detective Coombs convinces them fully that the young man was struck the fatal blows over one hundred yards from where he was picked up, and that instead of the short piece of stick being used, that the stick about ten feet in length was the instrument of death. The gum prop, of which the club found was the shorter piece, was formerly used to keep a gate open that is located near the spring.
NEW THEORY OF THE MURDER---The young man was known to have been going in the direction of the spring when last seen. While going thru the meadow eating a peach, he was attacked by a person who caught up the prop and dealt the blows. Who this party is would not do at this time to state, but enough is known to satisfy a reasonable mind that about a half an hour afterward the body was removed from near the gate to the center of the meadow. The hat and bridle were placed in their respective positions so that it might appear to be an accident, that is, if one could safely arrive at a conclusion from the immediate surroundings. The pool of blood, which must have escaped from the wounds, was covered up. This accounts perfectly for the absence of blood from the spot where the body was found.
NO WITNESSES TO THE DEED---The great trouble in the case, however, is in the fact that there is no possiblity of securing witnesses to convict anyone of the crime. Altogether there were but six colored men on the farm, and all of them were in the barn thrashing wheat when young Pumphrey started off for the horse. They remained there until after seven o'clock, when they took an hour for recess. The murder must have been committed before seven o'clock, and none of the farm hands could have left the barn without being noticed.
From the subsequent actions of two persons who are now suspected of the crime, this theory is fully corraborated, and judging from appearances, the murderer and the accomplice will soon have to stand trial for the crime, though as I've said before, there is but slight evidence of guilt so far on their part, owing to the circumstances. All of this does not preclude the idea that George Dorsey, the outlaw, and for whom there are rewards amounting to nearly $1,000 now outstanding, did not have a hand in the murder. Mr. Coombs intends prosecuting his examination for several days."
A son of Rector and Caroline Elizabeth Soper Pumphrey. He was a murder victim. (Have found no more information to add to what I've already put into his entry.)
From the Baltimore Sun of Saturday, August 15, 1874:
"THE PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HOMOCIDE---Clues to the Perpetrators of the Deed---More Light on the Case, etc.--(Reported for the Baltimore Sun)---Upper Marlboro, Md. August 14, 1874---As predicted a couple of days since in the correspondence of the Sun from this place, the seeming mystery in relation to the killing of Chas. William Pumphrey, a son of Rector Pumphrey, Esq., who resides on the Washington turnpike, about three miles from here, is clearing away. This young man, who was known not to have an enemy in the world, and who was not in the custom of carrying money about him while on the farm, was found insensible in a meadow about a fourth of a mile from the residence of his father, about eight o'clock on Thursday morning last, suffering from about three powerful blows on the head, one of which made a fracture three inches in length on the skull, immediately over and behind the left ear. He never rallied sufficiently to say a single word in explaining about how he received them, although he lingered until Saturday morning last.
THE ACCIDENT THEORY EXPLODED---At first his father and brothers thought he had been kicked by a mare which he had been sent into the meadow to bridle and bring to the barn, but upon the arrival of Dr. Dyer, who was soon in attendance, they were informed otherwise, as the doctor gave it as his opinion that such a lengthy and extended straight fracture could not have been produced by a horse shoe. The theory that it was an accident was then given up by the family, though at that time, there was not a single circumstance or clue to show that it was otherwise. A great number of persons continue to think that it was an accident and for the purpose of obtaining all the facts in the case.
The Sun correspondent, accompanied by Detective Coombs of Washington, today visited Mr. Pumphrey's farm, and remained there three or four hours, during which time a very careful examination of the whole case was made, even more minute than that given by the coroner's jury, which investigated the case on Saturday last.
The fields, meadows, branches, bushes and fences were examined and a conclusion was reached that Charles William Pumphrey was foully murdered. One of the main things going to show that it was not an accident was the finding of a gum stick about three and a half inches in diameter and three feet in length. On the end of it were three sharp knots. But this in itself was not heavy enough to produce the wounds, and on first thought it would be rejected.
HOW AND WHERE THE DEED WAS DONE---The straw hat worn by the deceased was found about ten feet from where he lay, and along side of it was the bridle. On the left side of the hat was in indenture and rent corresponding to the club found. The print of one of the knots was plainly marked on the hat. The body it will be remembered, was found in the center of a meadow, and not in the place where he would naturally be, as one can see all over the meadow, and especially see a horse, without going into the center of it.
TELL-TALE FOOTPRINTS---About thirty feet to the north of where he lay, were found footprints leading to a small branch. The murderer or the accessory to it showed his cunning by walking up the stream a considerable distance, thus leaving no footprints to tell the tale of crime, but the place where he took the ground was found. Then footprints were found running thru a cornfield, and over another field leading directly to the house where one of the persons suspected of the crime resides.
NO BLOODSTAINS ON THE GROUND---It was noticeable that there was not a drop of blood on the ground in the vicinity of the dying man, though it was supposed that the young man bled considerably. A very careful search was made, but no blood spots could be found by any of the jurors or others interested in ferreting out the crime, for such it is now clearly established to be. Had the horse inflicted the wounds, the blood might have been found on the hat, that is if it was continuously on his head. The investigation made today by the Sun correspondent and Detective Coombs convinces them fully that the young man was struck the fatal blows over one hundred yards from where he was picked up, and that instead of the short piece of stick being used, that the stick about ten feet in length was the instrument of death. The gum prop, of which the club found was the shorter piece, was formerly used to keep a gate open that is located near the spring.
NEW THEORY OF THE MURDER---The young man was known to have been going in the direction of the spring when last seen. While going thru the meadow eating a peach, he was attacked by a person who caught up the prop and dealt the blows. Who this party is would not do at this time to state, but enough is known to satisfy a reasonable mind that about a half an hour afterward the body was removed from near the gate to the center of the meadow. The hat and bridle were placed in their respective positions so that it might appear to be an accident, that is, if one could safely arrive at a conclusion from the immediate surroundings. The pool of blood, which must have escaped from the wounds, was covered up. This accounts perfectly for the absence of blood from the spot where the body was found.
NO WITNESSES TO THE DEED---The great trouble in the case, however, is in the fact that there is no possiblity of securing witnesses to convict anyone of the crime. Altogether there were but six colored men on the farm, and all of them were in the barn thrashing wheat when young Pumphrey started off for the horse. They remained there until after seven o'clock, when they took an hour for recess. The murder must have been committed before seven o'clock, and none of the farm hands could have left the barn without being noticed.
From the subsequent actions of two persons who are now suspected of the crime, this theory is fully corraborated, and judging from appearances, the murderer and the accomplice will soon have to stand trial for the crime, though as I've said before, there is but slight evidence of guilt so far on their part, owing to the circumstances. All of this does not preclude the idea that George Dorsey, the outlaw, and for whom there are rewards amounting to nearly $1,000 now outstanding, did not have a hand in the murder. Mr. Coombs intends prosecuting his examination for several days."
From the Baltimore Sun of Saturday, August 15, 1874:
"THE PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HOMOCIDE---Clues to the Perpetrators of the Deed---More Light on the Case, etc.--(Reported for the Baltimore Sun)---Upper Marlboro, Md. August 14, 1874---As predicted a couple of days since in the correspondence of the Sun from this place, the seeming mystery in relation to the killing of Chas. William Pumphrey, a son of Rector Pumphrey, Esq., who resides on the Washington turnpike, about three miles from here, is clearing away. This young man, who was known not to have an enemy in the world, and who was not in the custom of carrying money about him while on the farm, was found insensible in a meadow about a fourth of a mile from the residence of his father, about eight o'clock on Thursday morning last, suffering from about three powerful blows on the head, one of which made a fracture three inches in length on the skull, immediately over and behind the left ear. He never rallied sufficiently to say a single word in explaining about how he received them, although he lingered until Saturday morning last.
THE ACCIDENT THEORY EXPLODED---At first his father and brothers thought he had been kicked by a mare which he had been sent into the meadow to bridle and bring to the barn, but upon the arrival of Dr. Dyer, who was soon in attendance, they were informed otherwise, as the doctor gave it as his opinion that such a lengthy and extended straight fracture could not have been produced by a horse shoe. The theory that it was an accident was then given up by the family, though at that time, there was not a single circumstance or clue to show that it was otherwise. A great number of persons continue to think that it was an accident and for the purpose of obtaining all the facts in the case.
The Sun correspondent, accompanied by Detective Coombs of Washington, today visited Mr. Pumphrey's farm, and remained there three or four hours, during which time a very careful examination of the whole case was made, even more minute than that given by the coroner's jury, which investigated the case on Saturday last.
The fields, meadows, branches, bushes and fences were examined and a conclusion was reached that Charles William Pumphrey was foully murdered. One of the main things going to show that it was not an accident was the finding of a gum stick about three and a half inches in diameter and three feet in length. On the end of it were three sharp knots. But this in itself was not heavy enough to produce the wounds, and on first thought it would be rejected.
HOW AND WHERE THE DEED WAS DONE---The straw hat worn by the deceased was found about ten feet from where he lay, and along side of it was the bridle. On the left side of the hat was in indenture and rent corresponding to the club found. The print of one of the knots was plainly marked on the hat. The body it will be remembered, was found in the center of a meadow, and not in the place where he would naturally be, as one can see all over the meadow, and especially see a horse, without going into the center of it.
TELL-TALE FOOTPRINTS---About thirty feet to the north of where he lay, were found footprints leading to a small branch. The murderer or the accessory to it showed his cunning by walking up the stream a considerable distance, thus leaving no footprints to tell the tale of crime, but the place where he took the ground was found. Then footprints were found running thru a cornfield, and over another field leading directly to the house where one of the persons suspected of the crime resides.
NO BLOODSTAINS ON THE GROUND---It was noticeable that there was not a drop of blood on the ground in the vicinity of the dying man, though it was supposed that the young man bled considerably. A very careful search was made, but no blood spots could be found by any of the jurors or others interested in ferreting out the crime, for such it is now clearly established to be. Had the horse inflicted the wounds, the blood might have been found on the hat, that is if it was continuously on his head. The investigation made today by the Sun correspondent and Detective Coombs convinces them fully that the young man was struck the fatal blows over one hundred yards from where he was picked up, and that instead of the short piece of stick being used, that the stick about ten feet in length was the instrument of death. The gum prop, of which the club found was the shorter piece, was formerly used to keep a gate open that is located near the spring.
NEW THEORY OF THE MURDER---The young man was known to have been going in the direction of the spring when last seen. While going thru the meadow eating a peach, he was attacked by a person who caught up the prop and dealt the blows. Who this party is would not do at this time to state, but enough is known to satisfy a reasonable mind that about a half an hour afterward the body was removed from near the gate to the center of the meadow. The hat and bridle were placed in their respective positions so that it might appear to be an accident, that is, if one could safely arrive at a conclusion from the immediate surroundings. The pool of blood, which must have escaped from the wounds, was covered up. This accounts perfectly for the absence of blood from the spot where the body was found.
NO WITNESSES TO THE DEED---The great trouble in the case, however, is in the fact that there is no possiblity of securing witnesses to convict anyone of the crime. Altogether there were but six colored men on the farm, and all of them were in the barn thrashing wheat when young Pumphrey started off for the horse. They remained there until after seven o'clock, when they took an hour for recess. The murder must have been committed before seven o'clock, and none of the farm hands could have left the barn without being noticed.
From the subsequent actions of two persons who are now suspected of the crime, this theory is fully corraborated, and judging from appearances, the murderer and the accomplice will soon have to stand trial for the crime, though as I've said before, there is but slight evidence of guilt so far on their part, owing to the circumstances. All of this does not preclude the idea that George Dorsey, the outlaw, and for whom there are rewards amounting to nearly $1,000 now outstanding, did not have a hand in the murder. Mr. Coombs intends prosecuting his examination for several days."
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