Sheriff's Brother's Demise
 |
| Hearn & Company Furniture Store and Undertaking |
Mrs. Daniels notified authorities who brought the body to shore. A medical examiner arrived on the scene to view the body, which had no visual bruises. The man had $13 on him. His watch stopped at 11:47, which indicated that he drowned late in the evening.
The body turned out to be Matthew Malone, brother of Deputy Sheriff Timothy J. Malone of Southwick.
Matthew was last seen around 5:30 p.m. on the Fourth in Southwick; witnesses said he was at Cannon's Hotel with a companion or two that night, possibly three.
At first glance, it appeared that accidental drowning was the cause of death. Therefore, an autopsy would be unnecessary. But several unanswered questions lingered. Authorities wondered how the boat got on the bank (near Cannon's), noting that the oars were in their proper place. They also thought it strange that the body was floating so soon after drowning.
Investigators suspected the possibility of foul play. Sheriff Malone continued investigating as the medical examiner ordered the body removed to the undertaking rooms of the Hearn & Company furniture store in Westfield, where he and other doctors performed an autopsy the following evening.
The autopsy showed that some of Matthew's internal organs were enlarged and congested. The medical examiner determined the cause of death was due to nephritis.
 |
Edited Out/Author's Additional Research Notes
The Daniels lived in Springfield.
Some sources say he had $15 on him, but $13 appears correct. Some sources say his watch stopped at 11:45, but 11:47 seems correct.
Hearn & Company relocated to the newly constructed Columbus Building on Elm Street in Westfield in 1912, which was directly across from Lambson Furniture, which also had undertaking rooms - typical for that period.
If you enjoyed this story, please click the appropriate button below, as this helps me gauge the type of content readers like when developing future story ideas.
As an Amazon Associate, the Southwick Time Machine may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.