Notorious Boston blackmailer Sophie Lyons in Globe investigation
A Globe reporter reconstructs the 1878 Revere House room 11 blackmail case involving lawyer Charles Allen and a woman named Louisa Sylvan. The piece details how a charming suspect lured him, extorted funds via clothes lockup, and fled, with ties to Sophie Lyons and a web of aliases. The analysis traces a nationwide pattern of such schemes and outlines outcomes, arrests, and elusive identity.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
TEH Globe
Boston
Revere House
Louisa Sylvan
New London
Conn
Charles E. Allen
Scamford Place
Pemberton Square
Allen
Louisa
Alen
National Security Bank
Court and
Brattle Streets
Wat
Alien
Wade and
Hersome
Trovisa Sylvan
Mr Allen
Arlen
GLOBE
Mr. Allen
Outsa
Fair Lady
Cambridge Street
Swift
Spiv
Louisa Lyan
Conoa
Tur Globe
Hersom
Chelsea
Eamira de Wolf
Allen-Sylvan
Cincinnati Scandal of Mrs Lucas Ends in Arrest and Robbery
An 1878 Cincinnati case details Mrs. S B Lucas posing as actress at Reid's Hotel and extorting $1000 from real estate broker W B Dennis with a revolver. Dennis fled to police after manipulation and public exposure. Reports describe additional pantaloons and a coat thrown from a Fourth Street hotel window, linked to Lucas's earlier cons and a widow with three children.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cincinnati
Reid’s Hotel
S. B. Lucas
St. Louis
Mrs. Lucas
W. B. Dennis
Mr. Lucas
Almos
Bus
Sholls
Fourth National Bank
Ziegler
Geun
Frank Aspinwall
Aspinwall
Fourth Street
Dennis
Heid
Notorious Woman Sophie Elkin and the Ned Lyons Smuggling Duo
An 1800s-era sketch traces Sophie Elkin and Ned Lyons, famed pickpockets and thieves, from London to New York, Jersey City, and Phila delphia. It covers Sophie's early start with her mother, her partnership with Lyons, multiple arrests, escapes from Sing Sing, and a later quiet life on Long Island after a famed prison escape and marriage to Lyons.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Auburn
Sophie
Ned
Benjamin Ixin
Sarah Etkin
New York
London
England
Dorothea
Great Britain
Elkin
Levy
Jersey City
Brooklyn
Boon
Bar- Dum’s Museum
Broadway
Ann Street
Rogues’ Gallery
New York City
Hudson County
Kate Gorman
Kate
John Leary
Northampton
Green Street
Rachel
Tye
Philadelphia
Morris Harris
Morry
Moyamensing
Sophle
E Dev
Prince Street
Hovers White
Wally
Bob
Kaward
Ned Lyons
Lyons
Dan Nobie
Whitey Bob’s
Notorious Pickpocket Sophie nabbed again after daring heists
The report recounts Sophie, a famed pickpocket, and Ned Lyons jailed after a bank robbery tied deed. Sophie, described as the cleverest female thief, faces multiple arrests, with legal battles over her sentence. Detectives pursued her through Moody and Sankey’s, Whitney’s, and city courts, noting her age, looks, and a life of crime spanning Canada and New York.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sophie
Sing Sing
Supreme Court
White Plains
Lyons
Wood
Ham
Moody and Sankey
Tabernacle
Vlremont Street
Whitney
Winter and
Tremont Streets
City Hall
House of Correction
Superior Criminal Court
Stevens
Canada
Jimmy Pope
Lorne
van Pel
Ottawa
New Yo
Ne Lyons
Auburn
Ono Pnis
Ned
Dracut
Lowell
Liberty
Reddy
River House
Cincinnati
Pture
Floods sweep towns as rivers rise in Pennsylvania
Heavy floods across Burg, Petrolia, and surrounding areas derail rail lines and wash away houses. One life lost reported as the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers surge. Farmers lose fields of corn and oats while towboats move coal toward Cincinnati and Louisville.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pennsylvania
Hulton
Monongahela
Monongahela City
Peter
Fort Wayne
Enon
Alliance
Irwin
Peon
Cincinnati
Louisville
New Jersey Court Grants New Trial for Smith and Bennett
New York July 26 The New Jersey court of errors and appeals sustains arguments by Mrs Jennie Smith and Covert D Bennett now under death sentence for alleged murder The court reverses verdict on misdirection about a letter Four of the judges vote for reversal prompting a new trial Ex Senator Winfield communicates the decision to the prisoners They receive the news with great joy A new trial likely at next term in September pending change of venue or other motions
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New York
New Jersey Court of Errors and Appeals
Jennie Smith
Covert D. Bennett
Winfield
Mra. Smith
Bennett
Trenton
Two Stalwarts View Grant as Presidential Favorite
New York July 28 Judge Thomas SettleU NC says southern democracy still bitter over 1868 72 and predicts Florida NC will organize on a solid platform in 1880 Grant remains Republican favorite for president with Sherman and Blaine strong backers Pomeroy KS also backs Grant saying he is the people’s choice and could win Waynara would be a good vice president choice
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Grant
Kansas
New York
Thomas Settle
North Carolina
South
Florida
General Grant
Sherman
Blaine
United States
Pomeroy
America
Horace Waynara
Stolen Irish Setter Dogs Belonging to Local Doctor
In Claremont New Hampshire on July 27 a pair of famous Irish setters named Eloho and Rose owned by Dr William Jarvis vanished from their home last Friday. Despite vigilant searching the dogs remain missing amid fears they were stolen. A large reward was offered but five hundred dollars has been refused for Eloho.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Claremont
N. H
Eloho
Rose
William Jarvis
Ice
Eleho
Easton
Eagsp
New York
New Wired
Pandemonium at Hotel Brucewick as guest wields revolver
On July 27 at the Hotel Brucewick on Fifth Avenue a man registered as W. Watson of Buffalo caused a disturbance by firing a pistol. He was found on the upper floor with a six chamber revolver and, after police intervention, disarmed. He was taken into custody on intoxication charges and found to be suffering from delirium tremens.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New Yea
Brucewick
Fifth Avenue
Inverrestion & Wan
W. Watson
Buffalo
U’ber
Disappearance of Emma Forst Reported Near Cuicano
Emma Forst a German girl from 830 Olsen avenue disappeared after going to work for milkman Lewis Guger in the country about three weeks ago. She was summoned by two men and a woman in a carriage who claimed friends sent for her, and since then no word has been heard.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lucas
W. Ak
W. B
Fitzgerald
Cinciniati
Cuicano
Emma Forst
Olsen Avenue
Lewis Guger
Pittsfield Violence Ends With Fled Suspect After Shootout
George W. Sikes married Mary M. Coe against her father John Coe's wishes. Saturday night Sikes went to Coe's house for Mary’s clothes and quarreled with Coe, firing a shot that narrowly missed him. Sikes fled and remains at large. The families reside near Pleasure Park.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pitts Prep
George W. Sikes
Mary M. Coe
John Coe
Coe
Sikes
Pleasure Park
Funeral of Murdered Man Michael Bolender in New York
The funeral for Michael Bolender, slain on Fulton Street by Francisco Portelle, was held this afternoon from his residence. Bolender leaves a widow with six young children, as mourners gathered to pay last respects to the victim of the crime.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New York
Michael Bolender
Fulton Street
Francisco Portelle
Bousa
Memphis Yellow Fever and Census Report in July
Memphis records show a yellow fever surge with deaths and protests as census efforts wrap up tonight. Reports indicate 12 000 whites and 8000 colored residents, 4000 having had fever, with guards and artillery posted to secure the city while outbreaks and quarantines spread to New York New Orleans Chicago and Washington. Officials discuss state powers over quarantine and federal relief while rail and port implications loom amid intensified health measures.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Memmpuis
Tenn
New Orleans
The
Board of Health
Nashville
Ben Aqua Springs
Dowdy
Washington, D.C
Treasury
Hawley
Treasury Department
William M. Evarts
Nicholls
Louisiana
Congress
United States
Customs Revenue
Snd
Secretary of the Treasury
French
Security of the Treasury
Department
Brashear
John B. Hawley
Galveston
St. Louis
Memphis
Family poisoned by pork from garden-entry animal near Ottawa
Ottawa July 24 A family, Ouilette, living on a local farm, were poisoned after eating pork from an animal that had invaded the garden and fed on potato vines where Paris green had been spread. Immediate emetic relieved one member, others also took it with limited relief. all are now recovering.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ottawa
Ont
Ouilette
Paris
Another Canal Congress Proposed in New York
Admiral Ammen reports a new inter oceanic canal congress is needed. Civil Engineer Marshall notes Paris congress engineers underestimated ground conditions and costs, a flaw widely seen as unwise prior to construction.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New York
Tribune
Washington
Admiral Ammen
Marshall
Paris
Destructive fire devastates Waterbury hardware store
A midnight blaze destroyed the J. A. Burleigh & Son hardware and furniture store in Waterbury. Building loss estimated at 2000 dollars and goods at 6000 dollars, insured for about 4000 across several stock companies. The fire spread but calm winds and wet conditions prevented greater damage to much of the village.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Waterbury
J. A. Burleigh & Son
Fire destroys multiple properties with partial recoveries
Losses include M. M. Knight's dry goods store dwelling and barns valued at 5000, insured 3500. stock of goods 15000 and household furniture saved. Frank B. Taylor groceries building 2000 and goods 1600 insured 2500, some goods saved. M. D. Evans drugs and medicines contents 6000, more than half saved. Watts block C E Wyman's store and D Griggs dwelling saved but scorched. Samuel Merrill over Evans store lost furniture with no insurance.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
M. M. Knight
Frank B. Taylor
Vermont Mutual
M. D. Evans
Watts Block
C. E. Wyman
D. Griggs
Samuel Merrill
Evans
Solon Chase Replies to Sherman Campaign in Lewiston
In Lewiston on July 27 Greenback supporters hosted Solon Chase to answer Secretary Sherman. Chase argued resumption aided bankers while harming producers, criticized contraction policy, and urged monetary reform. A large crowd filled the hall amid Republican counter-motions, ending with cheers for Chase and Joseph L. Smith.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lewiston
Sherman
Solon Chase
Chase
Cy Hall
Portland
Oulo
Maine
John Sherman
Congress
A. B. Neaiey
Urage
Garceloo
Solon
Joseph L. Smith
Greenback Party
Paris Street Named for Lincoln Amid Wreck News
Foreign pages report two steamers wrecked with no lives lost and Paris revives a Lincoln memorial street. Iijimani wrecked near Valparaiso, crew saved. River Lune ashore near Selbly islands with crew rescued. Rumpa rebellion seizes a steamer. Geneva Orleans conference noted. Nihilists in Russia exploit despotism. Paris repairs include a street renamed in memory of Lincoln. Sir Stafford Northcote injured in car collision.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Paris
President Lincoln
London
San Franciano
Selbly Islands
Newcastle
Liverpool Parties
Loxpon
Calcutta
Revels
Orleans
Geneva
Prince de Joinville
Chartres
Penthiere
Comte d’Eu
Levellier's Dismissal Sparks Quebec Political Turmoil
The ex-lieutenant governor Letellier plans to leave Spencerwood for River Ouile to recuperate and reenter politics. Premier July faces pressure to resign amid cabinet splits, with Liberal and Conservative factions rallying as Loyalists plan meetings and public demonstrations. Some praise Letellier’s nerve, others condemn the dismissal handling, while public sympathy grows and new appointments unfold.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Quebec
Spencerwood
River Ouile
Letellier
Commons
Ron
Langevin
Leteller
July
Joly
St. Rocks
Sir John
Montreal
Letelier
Dr Rochtaille
Meredith
Fall River Mill Treasurer Deficit At Center Of Irregularities
In Fall River Massachusetts July 27 the latest mill irregularities swirl around George B Durfee treasurer of the Mechanic mill with a deficit over 36000. Authorities say he funded losses with cotton futures and margins were missed. Directors refuse detailed statements while Durfee claims he acted under pressure and regrets not disclosing more.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Fal River
Masc
Angier Chace
Stickney
Hathaway
George B. Durfee
Mechanic Mill
Metacomet Bank
Durfee
Chace, Hathaway and Stickney
Fall River
Providence, &, L
Providence Journal
Fie
Rock Street
Lim
Horatio Durfee
Wade
Margina
Morton
Mechanics Mill
Fatal accident at 45 Newton Street claims Miss Ruth M Preston
Miss Ruth M Preston, 57, recently moved into 45 Newton Street facing Blackstone Square, died after falling from a second floor balcony when moving furniture with servant Kate Donovan. The incident occurred around 8 30 am on Thursday. medical examiners ruled accidental death from internal injuries. Agnes K R Pitkina, visiting from New York, assisted after the fall.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Newton Street
Ruth M. Preston
Preston
Blackstone Square
Kate Donovan
Kate
Steve
Miss Preston
Missreston
Agnes KR. Pitkina
New York
After Twenty One Years Bigamy Trial in Providence
Joseph Clough of Olneyville is held for trial in Providence on $500 bail for bigamy. He allegedly married Bridget Keiley in Dukinfield England on May 11 1861. She later sailed to America in March and learned he had another marriage to Alice Andrews for sixteen years with three children.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Providence
R. L
Joseph Clough
Olneyville
Bridget Keiley
Dukenfield
Lancashire County
England
America
Alice Andrews
Boy carried off by bear near TweEns Tennessee
In Munroe county Rufus McGdughey's three year old son left under a tree while the father worked in a field was carried off by a bear believed to have cubs nearby. Neighbors are searching for the boy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
TweEns
Tenn
Rufus McGdughey
Munroe County
Paralyzed by Pickles Case Strikes New York
Miss Kaye Moore of Newark fell gravely ill after eating pickles four weeks ago. Doctors report her intestines nearly paralyzed and loss of limb use. Tests reveal copper in one pickle, suggesting copper poisoning as the probable cause.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New York
Kaye Moore
Newark
A Fatal Fight Near Wilburg Ends in Fatal Shooting
A reported fatal fight in Tur BusTO Ark fragment describes Tom Baker, a negro, shooting another man near Wilburg. The wounded antagonist died immediately, with severe knife wounds cited as causing his quick death.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Room
Sophie Lyons
Crawford House
Messrs
Harpie
Swift and Halpin
Sophie Levy
Hhis
Katle Lucas
Mary Creig’s
North Street
Bophie
Smith's Bank
Perry
Livingston County
Robert E. Hapgood
Court of General Sessions
Kealey
Nelson
Henry C. Nelson
Sing Sing Prison
Avtor House
Childs
Beveridge
Yes
Joe Somers
Somers
Neilson
Lys
Glencove
Long Island
Newry
Bayy
Hiram Varley
Bill Labon
Mercer Street
Bowery
Bisecter Street
Greep
Waley
Fred
Queen’s County
Mineola
Detectivs
Folke
Corwin
Smith Bank
Othe Oerwielming
Cove
Ulysses
Pittsfield
Hemphis
Harlem
Brenda
Robert Rhind
Alnwick Castle
Havana
Michael Tagibbon
Chicago
Chemsford
Loxvays
the News
Chelmsford
L’ordre
Jerome Napoleon
Bonaparte
Russia
Empire
Moscow
Uziany
Rome
Néaln
Stafford Northcote
Fulham
Levellier
Fall River Mill
Tur Busto
DalLx Globe
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