The Timeline: 1879

Clark Brown

Clark brown was from an influential family of farmers in the area of west Winchester. On the night of September second, the bodies of 68-year-old Robert and 12-year-old Ada Brown were found inside their home at around 1 in the morning, having been brutally murdered with an axe. Clark, the oldest son of Robert was found screaming by a few of the surrounding neighbors. When questioned about the crime, Clark’s story varied with each reiteration which helped create the suspicion that surrounded him.  Clarks original story had been that he had heard his father yelling, came downstairs and saw him struggling with a heavy-set man.[1] Clark claims that he tried to shoot the man but missed which resulted in the man striking Clark, striking his father with the axe and then running, only for Clark to hear his sister being murder several moments after.[2]                                                                             

Prior to Clark’s trial, Clark’s lawyer attempted to postpone the trial by using the excuse that he was not mentally stable by claiming insanity and that it was known by family members, that he suffered from temporary bouts of insanity and rage. Unfortunately for him, the judge did not see enough proof and the request was ultimately denied.                                                                                                 During his trial, the prosecuting lawyer, claimed that Clark had confessed to these murders several times and that he was also able to reiterate the contents of the crime, which he used as evidence of Clark’s guilt. A man who was brought in as a witness to the trial stated that it was possible for Clark to have been angry with his father for taking out a $2100 mortgage on their land.[3] His family and friends claimed that he was suffering from an illness that caused severe headaches and other physical issues. Clark’s uncle claimed that he was known to be rash and easily angered if something did not go exactly as he wanted. Many of the witnesses that attended the crime scene and saw Clark was covered in blood and his demeanor was described as “excited”. [4] His trial lasted 2 days and he was officially charged with first degree murder.

Clark Brown was executed at the Cornwall Gaol on October 31, 1879, at the age of 21. About 75 people attended his execution and he is now buried in ‘Brown Cemetery’ in Winchester County along with the rest of his family. [5]

[1] The Kingston Daily News. September 6, 1879.

[2] Hill, Bert. A Frightful Looking Slaughter.

[3] The Ottawa Daily Citizen. September 27, 1879.

[4] The Ottawa Daily Citizen. September 27, 1879.

[5] Chicago Tribune. November 1, 1879.