Mary Parnell
Sex: F
Individual Information
Birth Date: Bef Jul 1889 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 7437 Christening: Death: After 1904 7442 Burial: Cause of Death:Events
Alt. Birth: Bef 1904.
Parents
Father: William John Reynolds Parnell 4628,4629 Mother: Grace Dalton Winsor 70,4625Paul Theodore Parnell
Sex: M
Individual Information
Birth Date: 26 Mar 1860 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 4631,7439 Christening: 22 Dec 1861 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 4631 Death: Burial: Cause of Death:
Parents
Father: John Keddell Parnell 2530 Mother: Elizabeth Foote 852,4628Philipina Parnell
Sex: F
Individual Information
Birth Date: 3 Jan 1863 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 4631 Christening: 12 Mar 1863 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 4631 Death: Burial: Cause of Death:Events
Residence: Cathedral Hill, 1863, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. (Occupant)
Alt. Birth: 27 Jan 1863, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Alt. Christening: 30 Jan 1863, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Parents
Father: John Keddell Parnell 2530 Mother: Elizabeth Foote 852,4628
Notes
General:
171219:
Evidently the twins, Jane and Philippina, were deemed at risk of dying and so were Christened right after their birth at St. Thomas's and again later at the Cathedral.
Phyllis Parnell
Sex: F
Individual Information
Birth Date: Bef Jul 1889 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 7437 Christening: Death: After 1904 4625 Burial: Cause of Death:Events
Alt. Birth: Bef 1904.
Parents
Father: William John Reynolds Parnell 4628,4629 Mother: Grace Dalton Winsor 70,4625Thomas Parnell
Sex: M
Individual Information
Birth Date: 6 Mar 1883 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 23 Christening: Death: 5 Oct 1932 - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada ( at age 49) 23 Burial: After 5 Oct 1932 - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 23 Cause of Death:Events
Alt. Birth: Bef Jul 1889, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Alt. Birth: Bef 1904.
Immigration: From Newfoundland, 1904, British Columbia, Canada.
Alt. Death: After 1904. 130112 from NGB:
Will of Thomas Avery Winsor from Newfoundland will books volume 9 pages 15 to 18 probate year 1909
In re Thomas Avery Winsor deceased.
This is the last will and testament of me Thomas Avery Winsor, of Exploits, in the District of Twillingate, Merchant. First. I hereby revoke all former wills and testamentary dispositions by me at any time made and declare this to be my true last will and testament. Second. I appoint my son William Menchinton Winsor sole executor of this my will. Third. I direct that all my funeral and testamentary expenses shall be first paid by my said executor out of my estate. Fourth. I give and bequeath to my wife Louisa Winsor absolutely (1) the sum of two thousand dollars, which I desire to be paid to her out of the proceeds of my life insurance (2) all monies which shall be in her own workbox (of which she keeps the key) at the time of my death and (3) all the household goods, furniture and effects of every description belonging to me and contained in the house at Exploits now occupied by me. Fifth. I give and bequeath to my daughter Grace Dalton Parnell absolutely the sum of five hundred dollars out of the proceeds of my life insurance. Sixth. I give and bequeath to my said executor the sum of three hundred dollars out of the proceeds of my life insurance In trust for my grandson William Parnell, and I direct that my said executor shall invest the said sum of three hundred dollars in Newfoundland Government Debentures or shall deposit it in the Newfoundland Savings Bank, and shall pay the interest thereof to the said William Parnell or towards his maintenance and education until he shall attain the age of twenty three years, when the principal amount shall be paid to him for his own use and benefit. Seventh. I give and bequeath to my said grandson William Parnell my watch and gold Albert chain. Eighth. I do not bequeath anything to my grandson Thomas Parnell for the reason that I expect my wife will provide for him as much as she is able. Ninth. I give and bequeath to my said wife the remainder of the proceeds of my life insurance for the purpose of providing suitable mourning for my said wife, for my said daughter, Grace Parnell and for the three children of my said daughter, namely, Phyllis, Grace and Mary Parnell, provided that they are unmarried at the time of my death. Tenth. I give, devise and bequeath to my daughter Grace Parnell for her own use and benefit the dwelling house now occupied by my said son William Menchinton, together with the garden and meadow attached thereto but not the waterside premises in front thereof To hold the same to the said Grace Parnell subject to the condition that if at any time the said Grace Parnell shall fail to occupy and reside in the said dwelling house continuously for the space of two years, then the said dwelling house, garden and meadow shall thereupon immediately vest in and become the property of my said son William Menchinton absolutely. Should the said Grace Parnell continue to occupy and reside in the said dwelling house during her natural life the said house, garden and meadow shall be held to have vested in her absolutely from the date of my decease. Eleventh. I give and bequeath to my said son William Menchinton Winsor for his own use and benefit all monies which shall be in my private cash box at the time of my death, subject to the condition that my said son shall erect and pay for a suitable headstone to his mother's grave and mine, it being my desire that only one headstone be provided for both graves. Twelfth. I give, devise and bequeath to my said son William Menchinton Winsor for his own use and benefit for ever all the rest, residue and remainder of my lands, goods, monies, chattels, estate and effects of every description of which I shall die possessed subject to the following conditions, that is to say (1) I desire that my said son William after my decease shall occupy the house I now live in in order that he may be nearer to his business (2) should my said wife after my decease decide to live with my said daughter Grace instead of remaining in the house with my said son William, it is my wish and desire and I hereby direct that my said son shall pay to my wife the sum of five dollars per month towards her support and maintenance for and during her natural life and (3) that my said son shall out of the residue of my estate hereby bequeathed to him pay all lawful debts which shall be due by me at the time of my death. Witness my hand at Saint John's this seventh day of June Anno Domini one thousand nine hundred and four Thomas A Winsor Signed Published and Declared by the said testator as and for his last will and testament in our presence who in the presence of the testator and of each other all present at the same time here hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses, the word "they" having first been interlined on the second page and the word "absolutely" stricken out on same page D Morison F.W. Knight Certified correct, D. M. Browning Registrar (Listed in the margin next to this will the following) Fiat Sept 11/09 Emerson J. Probate Sept 14/09 granted to William M. Winsor Estate sworn at $8000.00 Page Contributed by Judy Benson & Ivy F. Benoit Page Revised by Ivy F. Benoit (Thursday May 29, 2008)
. Census: 1771 Granville St.; Lodger, 1911, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Canada Census 1911 Transcription
Census details
First name(s)Thomas
Last nameParnell
SexMale
Birth year1883
Birth dateMar 1883
Birth placeNewfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Birth place as transcribedNewfoundland
Race or TribeEnglish
Marital statusSingle
Relationship to head of householdLodger
Year1911
Immigration year1904
Family number329
Subdistrict name-
Subdistrict number76
District name-
District number12
ProvinceBritish Columbia
CountryCanada
FilmT-20338
Page number44
Image sourceImage at Library and Archives Canada
Record setCanada Census 1911
CategoryCensus, Land & Substitutes
SubcategoryCensus
Collections fromCanada, Americas
Β© MyHeritage. Occupation: Carpenter - builder, 1911, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Parents
Father: William John Reynolds Parnell 4628,4629 Mother: Grace Dalton Winsor 70,4625William Parnell
Sex: MAKA: Bill Parnell 4096
Individual Information
Birth Date: Bef Jul 1889 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 7437 Christening: Death: After 1904 4625 Burial: Cause of Death:Events
Alt. Birth: Bef 1904.
Parents
Father: William John Reynolds Parnell 4628,4629 Mother: Grace Dalton Winsor 70,4625William John Reynolds Parnell
Sex: MAKA: William John R. Parnell 70,4625
Individual Information
Birth Date: 23 Dec 1848 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 4628 Christening: 14 Oct 1849 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 4628 Death: 8 Jul 1889 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ( at age 40) 4627,7443 Burial: After 8 Jul 1889 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 7443 Cause of Death: Hanged for the murder of Archibald Sillers 4627Events
Alt. Birth: Cir 1849, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Residence: Cathedral Hill, 1863, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. (Occupant)
Owner: Schooner EASTWOOD with crew of 2, built 1872, Cir 1872, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. William J Parnell
in the Canada, Seafarers of the Atlantic Provinces, 1789-1935
Canada, Seafarers of the Atlantic Provinces, 1789-1935No Image
Text-only collection
Name:William J Parnell
Record Type:Owner
Residence Place:St Johns, Newfoundland, Canada
Occupation:Professional
Vessel Name:Eastwood
Vessel Type:Schooner
Vessel Registration Number:S873003
Vessel Registration Place:Newfoundland (all ports)
Year Vessel Constructed:1872
Crew Number:2
Shares:24. Occupation: "Overlooker", 19 Aug 1880, Burnt Island, Exploits, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Occupation: Accountant, 1881, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Parents
Father: John Keddell Parnell 2530 Mother: Elizabeth Foote 852,4628
Spouses and Children
1. *Grace Dalton Winsor 70,4625 Marriage: 19 Aug 1880 - Burnt Island, Exploits, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 70,7444Marriage Events
Minister/Priest: Henry C. H. Johnson, 19 Aug 1880, Burnt Island, Exploits, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Witnesses: Will Winsor and Jane Parnell, 19 Aug 1880, Burnt Island, Exploits, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Marriage Notes
131219 from Gloria Dawe Bruce:Children: 1. John Parnell 2. Thomas Parnell 3. Mary Parnell 4. William Parnell 5. Phyllis Parnell 6. Grace Parnell
Ref:
NL GenWeb
Parish Records
Notre Dame Bay Region ~ Exploits District
Moreton's Harbour to Shoe Cove - Anglican Marriages 1861 - 1935
From Anglican Church Records held at Botwood
August 19, 1880 William J. R. PARNELL, St. John's, overlooker, age 31 (father, John. K. deceased) and Grace D. WINSOR, St. John's, age 21 (father Thomas A., merchant) in the Church of All Saints, Exploits Burnt Island, by Henry C. H. Johnson in the presence of Will Winsor and Jane Parnell.
151219 from Ancestry.com:
William J R Parnell
in the Newfoundland, Canada, Births, Marriages, and Deaths, 1757-1901
Name:William J R Parnell
Gender:Male
Event Type:Marriage
Marriage Age:31
Birth Date:1849
Marriage Date:19 Aug 1880
Marriage Place:Exploits, Twillingate, Newfoundland, Canada
Spouse:Grace D Winsor
Notes
General:
090517 from Tracy Winsor:
"I'm currently researching William Winsor's sister Grace Dalton Winsor Parnell and the tragic circumstances surrounding her husband William Parnell who was hanged in 1889 for murdering Archibald Sillars. William Parnell had business dealings in Ferryland, and perhaps the Aquaforte Winsor's did not want to be associated with a branch of the family with a son-in-law who was a convicted murderer! I didn't learn of the family connection to Parnell until recently and it's a fascinating story. I have much more to learn."
090517:
I checked this out online and found the whole story as reported in the Harbour Grace Standard and Conception Bay Adverstiser in JUly 1889 on Rootsweb (http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/NFLD-ROOTS/1999-03/0922244614)
From: "Al & Sue O'Neill" <aoneill@cgocable.net <mailto:aoneill@cgocable.net>>
Subject: The Execution of William Parnell
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 22:03:34 -0500
This news story is from The Harbor Grace Standard and Conception Bay
Advertiser, July 10, 1889
It's also pretty long so I've cut it up into smaller messages.
THE EXECUTION OF WILLIAM PARNELL
The event of the week was the execution, on Monday last, of Mr. William
PARNELL for the wilful murder of Mr. Archibald SILLARS. The Standard has
before expressed its sympathy with the friends of the unfortunate man; it
does so again now, when the curtain has fallen, and the crime is expiated,
and the majesty of the law has been vindicated. Monday's Mercury contains
such an appropriately sympathetic, well written article on the melancholy
event, that we cannot refrain from publishing it in extenso; it will have a
mournful interest for our readers at the present time. Observes our
contemporary:
No event of the kind has ever moved the heart of the community so deeply as
the trial and condemnation of William PARNELL for the willful murder of
Archibald SILLARS. Since it became known that mitigation of the sentence
could be granted, and that the prisoner must expiate his crime on the
scaffold, the public interest in the unhappy man deepened into a sentiment
of awe and pity, mingled at the same time, with the feeling that, in his
case, it was absolutely necessary that the majesty of the law should be
vindicated, and the grandeur of justice upheld, in the interests of
society. To send a human being to the scaffold, and launch him into
eternity is not doubt painful and even terrible; but the dreadfulness melts
into pure awfulness, when we recognize and feel the grand idea of the
solemnity of justice, and the stern majesty of law; and our pity for the
criminal, however deep, is lost in loftier and more spiritual
considerations.
The spectacle of a criminal dying on the scaffold is shocking and revolting.
To those officials whose duty it is to carry out the sentence it is
distressing and repulsive enough to try the firmest nerves; but above the
mere vulgar accessories - the masked executioner, the noose, the scaffold
and the blanched and trembling culprit, rises the stern majority of
implacable law, in the very pain and horror of the scene lies the
impressiveness of the moral lesson for the masses of the community. The
value accompaniments are forgotten in the ideal grandeur which gathers round
the scaffold on which the last penalty of the offended justice is endured.
Notwithstanding these loftier considerations, we cannot help concentrating
our thoughts on the unhappy criminal himself whose hours are numbered. All
through last week, there was a shadow on the heart of most thoughtful
persons as they pictured in themselves the terrible fate impending over the
doomed man, and his feelings, as the hours slowly dragged along, and his
last night on earth approached. There is a terrible pathos in the
situation. In the full possession of all his faculties, - realizing his
position, divide him from the unseen world - a few more strikings of the
hour, and he will know "the great secret" - the condemned man passes life's
last hours.
Then the bitterness of such a death - living and yet hearing his own
death-bell, - witnessing his own funeral procession, and hearing the solemn
words of his own funeral service! It is easy, comparatively, to suffer
death publicly in a noble cause - for some grand principle, - to die as the
martyrs have died with Heaven opened to their vision and angels beckoning a
welcome. But to die under a sense of "blood guiltiness" - to die as a
murderer, - cut off from the sympathies of human kind - encircled with the
terrors of guilt - how bitter such a death must be! Surely, if ever the man
needed divine help and pity, it is the criminal who has to meet death under
such circumstances! And yet, strange to say, whether it be that they pluck
courage from despair, or that nature braces heart and nerve to face the
inevitable, it is a fact that the vast majority of criminals die bravely and
comport themselves creditably on the scaffold. If they flinch somewhat,
they are still able to look death firmly in the face. Possibly they have
still some regard for the approval of their fellows, and hope to win at
least their respect, by a courageous bearing.
------------
Part 2 to follow.
Sue O'Neill
From: "Al & Sue O'Neill" <aoneill@cgocable.net <mailto:aoneill@cgocable.net>>
Subject: The Execution of William Parnell Part 2
Date: Wed, 24 Mar 1999 08:16:18 -0500
This news story is from The Harbor Grace Standard and Conception Bay
Advertiser, July 10, 1889
THE EXECUTION OF WILLIAM PARNELL (Part 2)
The execution which took place at 8 o'clock this morning was shrouded
entirely from the public gaze, being conducted within the high prison walls,
which enclose the small inner yard of the Penitentiary, only a few official
persons and two or three representatives of the press being present. From
no position outside could even a glimpse of the scene be obtained. It may
be doubted whether this private mode of execution is not more terrible than
one conducted as formerly, in the presence of a multitude its comparative
loneliness chills the heart. There is nothing visible but the dark walls of
the prison and a small strip of sky overhead - no crowd to stimulate by
their presence, - to make him put forth all his manhood and play his last
part creditably and so earn the approval or even the pity of the spectators.
There is nothing in the grim and almost lonely surroundings to withdraw the
criminal's thoughts from himself and his inevitable doom.
A low scaffold, about five feet in height, and ascended by six easy steps,
was erected close to the eastern wall of the prison in an inner yard. An
excavation of a few feet had been made underneath the scaffold, so as to
give a "drop" of six feet when the bolt was withdrawn. Two strong upright
posts rose from the floor of the scaffold, with a cross-beam to which a
three-inch manilla rope, with a noose at the end, was attached.
The arrangement was such that when the prisoner ascended the steps, he at
once took his place, without turning underneath the cross-beam, his face
toward the north and his feet resting on a hinged trap-door opening in the
middle. At the proper moment, the executioner had but to touch a lever with
his foot, the trap-door would fall, and the criminal would be precipitated a
depth of six feet which it was calculated would cause death in a few
seconds. Every arrangement was most carefully made with the view of
reducing the sufferings of the prisoner to a minimum. Since his sentence,
as well as during his imprisonment, every indulgence, compatible with prison
discipline, was extended to him; and Mr. McCOWEN, the Governor of the
Penitentiary, has throughout and especially since his conviction, been
unremitting in his kindness and attentions to the unhappy man.
The cell occupied by the prisoner was on the upper floor, but last night, he
was brought down to a cell on the ground floor, so as to be as near as
possible to the place of execution and thus shorten the time occupied in
reaching the scaffold.
Since he was informed that the petitious on his behalf failed to secure a
commutation of his sentence, he had seemingly resigned himself to die, and
had been earnest in seeking for forgiveness. He appeared to appreciate and
profit by the ministrations of the Rev. A.C.F. WOOD and expressed himself
most grateful for his attentions. He admitted the justice of his sentence,
and the fairness of his trial, saying that the witnesses had spoken truly,
and no point had been unduly pressed against him. He appeared to be truly
penitent; spoke of death quite calmly; and repeatedly declared that he would
prefer to die rather than spend the remainder of his life in prison. We
have not heard that he made any formal confession to be published after his
death. He spent much time latterly in writing farewell letters to his
relatives and friends.
----------
Part 3 to follow
Sue O'Neill
From: "Al & Sue O'Neill" <aoneill@cgocable.net <mailto:aoneill@cgocable.net>>
Subject: The Execution of William Parnell Part 3
Date: Thu, 25 Mar 1999 07:44:09 -0500
This news story is from The Harbor Grace Standard and Conception Bay
Advertiser, July 10, 1889
THE EXECUTION OF WILLIAM PARNELL (Part 3)
The weather this morning was dismal and gloomy; a sombre curtain blotted out
landscape and sky, and from leaden clouds a heavy rain was falling at the
hour fixed for the execution. The whole scene was in keeping with the sad
tragedy to be enacted within the dark walls of the prison, and tended to
deepen the terror of the scene. What thoughts were passing through the mind
of the doomed man, as he looked out on his stern last morning! Death has a
strange fascination for us all. Nothing interests us so much, though it is
such a common event. About all other human experiences we can learn
something; about death nothing. From the ineffable calm of the rigid face
and lips closed by death's cold fingers, we can gather no information.
Hence the profound interest death awakens, - the curiosity with which we
dwell on last sayings, as if from them we could wring something about the
dread secret. Even the death of a malefactor has for most a strange
fascination! How does he feel as he gazes into the countenance of "the King
of Terrors;" what thoughts course swiftly through his brain as the fatal cap
is drawn down, blotting out for ever all earthly sights!
The condemned man passed a quiet night previous to his execution. His wife
was permitted to be with him on the previous evening, from 6 till 10
o'clock. The parting scene was most affecting. The Rev. Mr. SMITH, of
Portugal Cove, arrived at 10 o'clock and remained with him till midnight,
engaged in religious exercises. The prisoner then went to bed and slept
till 5 o'clock. He arose at 7 o'clock and partook of some food. The Rev.
Messrs. WOOD and SMITH were early in attendance, and administered to him,
the Holy Communion. He was quite calm and perfectly resigned. The Reverend
gentlemen spent the interval in reading the Scriptures to him and in prayer.
A few minutes before 8 o'clock the executioner arrived and pinioned his
arms. The procession to the scaffold was then formed in the following
order, the Rev. A.C.F. WOOD and the Rev. Mr. SMITH with the Prisoner
between, three Wardens and the Executioner.
As he emerged from the condemned man's cell, Governor McCOWEN said, "Mr.
Sheriff I hand over to you the body of William PARNELL for due execution,
according to law."
---------------
Part 4 to follow.
Sue O'Neill
From: "Al & Sue O'Neill" <aoneill@cgocable.net <mailto:aoneill@cgocable.net>>
Subject: The Execution of William Parnell Part 4
Date: Fri, 26 Mar 1999 07:47:14 -0500
This news story is from The Harbor Grace Standard and Conception Bay
Advertiser, July 10, 1889
THE EXECUTION OF WILLIAM PARNELL (Part 4 and final installment)
The opening of a heavy door along the corridor was the first intimation to
the representatives of the press, who were stationed in a room from the
window of which the scaffold was plainly seen, that the sad procession was
approaching. Then the voice of the Rev. Mr. WOOD became audible as in
solemn and impressive tones, faltering with deep emotion, he recited the
prayer for the dying. The condemned man, with a white cap on his head soon
appeared. His face was deadly pale and perfectly composed, and he walked
with a firm step and without any assistance; mounted the steps of the
scaffold and placed himself on the drop. The executioner who was masked,
pinioned his legs, drew the white cap over his eyes, and adjusted the noose
around his neck. The hushed and awed spectators heard him say, in an
audible voice, "Lord Jesus, receive my soul" -"Into thy hands, O Lord, I
commend my spirit." These were his last words. The Executioner stepped
back, touched the lever, the drop fell, and William PARNELL was launched
into eternity. Death appeared to be instantaneous. There was not a single
struggle or even a quiver of the rope. The whole mechanical arrangements
were so perfect that the drop of six feet caused dislocation of the
vertebrae of the neck and life was extinct in a moment. As the drop fell,
all the spectators knelt in prayer. The scene was solemn and awful. The
clergymen knelt over the opening in the scaffold thorough which he had
disappeared, their heads bowed in prayer. At the moment the drop fell a
whistle was sounded and a black flag was run up a staff in the centre of the
prison yard.
The distance which the prisoner had to walk from the cell to the scaffold
was about 60 feet. He walked with unfaltering step, and while he stood on
the drop till the final arrangements were completed he did not manifest a
single tremor.
Soon after the drop fell, Dr. SHEA entered by the door at the base of the
scaffold, and after examination, pronounced life extinct. The body was
allowed to hang for half an hour. It was then taken down, and after the
usual formalities of a judicial investigation, it was coffined and buried
within the precincts of the prison, at 4 o'clock this afternoon. Judge
CONROY held the judicial investigation. The whole arrangements from the
execution were carried out under the supervision of Governor McCOWEN and
were absolutely perfect. Mr. McCOWEN deserves the highest praise, not only
for the careful and judicious arrangements for the final scene, but for his
considerate kindness and attention to the prisoner throughout his long
imprisonment, and up to the close.
*Sue's note: The photocopy I was transcribing from was smudged in places,
making it impossible to read, I added ? where I couldn't make heads nor
tales of what was written.
It is satisfactory to know that William PARNELL gave evidence of sincere
repentance. He appeared to profit greatly by the spiritual counsels of his
pastor, the Rev. Mr. WOOD and expressed his deep gratitude for his kind and
unremitting attentions. He frequently gave expression to his deep regret
for having killed poor SILLARS - speaking of it as "that awful deed," "that
mad act" and also expressed his repentance for the attempt lie made to
destroy himself, and his thankfulness that God had preserved him to repent
of his sins, instead of rushing into His presence with a load of unrepented
guilt. He ?? also his perfect willingness to die, and ?nized his death as
coming from the h? ? Almighty. We shall be able to furnish additional
particulars to-morrow.
A placard, bearing the following, with accordance with the law, posted just
outside the main entrance gate of the prison, immediately after the
execution: -
We, the undersigned, hereby declare the Judgement of Death was this day
executed on William PARNELL, with the precincts of H.M. Penitentiary, at St.
John's Nfld., in our presence.
Dated this Eighth day of July, 1889.
(signed) Thos. TALBOT, Sheriff, C.D. CONROY, J.P.; John R. McCOWEN ?
Penitentiary; Henry SHEA, Surgeon; Rev. A.C.F. WOOD, Chaplain; Rev W.R.
SMITH; Morris J. FAWCETT, Col., ?tendent Constabulary.
I, Henry SHEA, the Surgeon of Her Majesty's Penitentiary, St John's
Newfoundland, certify that I this day examined the ? William PARNELL, on
whom Judgment was this day executed within the precin? aforesaid prison, and
that on that examination found that the said William PARNELL ? (probably
deceased)
Dated this Eighth day of July, 1889
(Signed) Henry SHEER, Surgeon
----------------
Sue O'Neill
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
090517: Account of the trial in the Twillingate Sun and Northern Weekly Advertiser as found on CanadaGenWeb.org:
15, 1889 PARNELL's Trial (Part 1) Supreme Court Evidence of Dr. HARVEY in PARNELL'S Trial. Friday, June 7th, 3 P.M. Dr. HARVEY (sworn) Examined by Attorney General, - I am a Physician, I know the accused. I was called to visit him on the night of the 30th November, about 11.30. I met Dr. RENDALL and ran to PARNELL'S house. RENDALL followed. I went up stairs to the bed-room. Mrs. PARNELL and her brother were there. The accused was in bed. The brother was asked to leave the room. I asked what was the matter, and his wife said he had taken poison. I asked the accused what he had taken, and he said strychnine. He had taken nothing else except some brandy. I asked Dr. RENDALL to get some Chloroform. Accused was lying on his back, his face livid, breathing quick and pulse quick. Those are symptoms of poisoning. I prepared an emetic. It had no effect at the time. He then had a severe attach of muscular spasm. Dr. RENDALL returned then and I administered choloform by inhalation. A little after I asked Dr. RENDALL to get a stomach pump. June 15, 1889 PARNELL's Trial (Part 2) The emetics acted before RENDALL returned. I put a portion of the vomit in a small bottle. The vomit was of a yellowish hue with oily substances floating on it. Shortly after I asked RENDALL to inject morphine. He had another severe spasmodic attach which was evidence of strychnine poisoning. I remained till 1.30, also RENDELL. Shortly after we left we were summoned again. We went immediately and found he had another attack. I again administered chloroform and continued with him till about 5 o'clock. We had a conversation about the strychnine. I asked him where he got it. He said he had it for some time to give to his dealers to kill fur. He said he had taken enough to kill him. He had it in a solid form in a small bottle and had taken it with water. He said he put the small bottle away and that it would never be found. RENDELL asked him upon whose order he got the strychnine. He said, "it was before that time," meaning I presume, before the passing of the "Poisons Act." This talk took place on my first visit. We spoke about other matters. June 15, 1889 PARNELL's Trial (Part 3) I regard this other conversation as a privileged communication to me, on the ground that it was made to me as a professional man, by a man who thought he was dying. I object to state what took place on that account. (Their Lordships ruled that the witness was bound to disclose what took place. Mr. McNEILY, Q.C., objected to the reception of this conversation). The accused was excited while talking, but spoke rationally. He said to me as I was giving him the second injection: You had better let me die; there is no use in saving me. I said, 'Nonsense.' He then said: 'you will never see SILLARS again.' I then asked Mrs. PARNELL if SILLARS stayed in the house. She replied, 'No, he lives on the Freshwater road.' I asked Mrs. PARNELL if SILLARS had gone home. The prisoner replied, 'He has gone to his long home before this.' This was all that ocurred then. Shortly after he vomited I asked him what induced him to take poison. He said, 'SILLARS had driven him to it.' He said SILLARS had robbed him of every cent he had and was driving him on the street to starve; that he was constantly watching him and had told lies to his creditors. June 15, 1889 PARNELL's Trial (Part 4) On my second visit I spoke further with the accused. He was conscious part of the time, and referred to SILLARS as before. His remarks were voluntary. Accused stated he had put £4,000 in the business and that he had been robbed of it, and also of two houses on Barnes' road. I afterwards attended both post mortem examinations. (Witness here corroberated the testimony of Dr. McKENZIE as regards the wounds on the body, &c). Cross Examined by Mr. I. R. McNEELY. - I am PARNELL'S family doctor. He has five or six young children. I don't know the young man who came for me. I understood it was one of the children who was sick, when I was called to go to PARNELL'S. When I arrived, Mrs. PARNELL told me she had given accused mustard and oil. On the second occasion I visited him, accused asked me for something to carry him off. I understood that to mean he wanted something to kill him. June 15, 1889 PARNELL's Trial (Part 5) He said there was no use in his living, he would be a disgrace to his family, and if he died his family would get his life insurance; if he lived, he had no money and no prospects of any kind. I should say he was then in a desperate state of mind. (Here entries from Dr. CROWDY'S report, with regard to PARNELL'S condition while in prison, was read). Possibly the wound on the head of deceased might have been caused by a violent fall against a sharp angle of wood or iron. Accused said that SILLARS had driven CAIRNS out of the country, and that he was trying to drive him away also. I knew SILLARS to be eccentric. This concluded the case for the Crown, Mr. McNEILY, Q.C., stated that the defence did not intend to call any witnesses. The course they intended to pursue was simply to address the Jury, and have the prisoner make a statement. Court then adjourned.
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131219 from Gloria Dawe Bruce:
McAlpine's 1880-81 Maritime Business Directory
St. John's and other Newfoundland Communities
Sillars & Cairns gen merchants 295, 297 Water
DEATH:
Executed for the death of Archibald Sillers on June 30, 1889. (( Story in binder on Foote/Parnell/Winsor))
NFGenWeb Newspaper Records
Notre Dame Bay Region
Twillingate Sun and Northern Weekly Advertiser
1889
July 12, 1889 PARNELL's Execution (Part 1) Particulars of the execution of the late Mr. Wm. PARNELL have been communicated to us by telegraph, and will be found in another column. The prisoner had been quite resigned to his fate for some time previously, and met death calmly. The circumstances which brought about his death were most unfortunate from beginning to end, and great sympathy we learn, is manifested in St. John's towards his relatives and friends, and no doubt elsewhere, wherever the family are know, being so respectably connected. Perfectly Resigned to Death. (Special to the Sun). St. John's, July 8. This morning, William PARNELL paid the death penalty for the murder of Archibald SILLARS. He was perfectly resigned to die some time before, and had made peace with his Maker. Last week was occupied by him in writing farewell epistles to friends and relatives. He spent the whole of yesterday in company with his wife. The mental shock experienced by the finding of the jury, passed away in a week and ever since he was preparing his soul to meet God, with the aid of spiritual advisors.
July 12, 1889 PARNELL's Execution (Part 2) He passed a good night before the day of execution, and took refreshment. After taking leave of his wife, he spent hours in prayer with Rev. Mr. SMITH. He slept until 5 o'clock in the morning, arose for breakfast, and received the Holy Communion from his spiritual advisors, who spent the morning with him. Early in the morning he asked the Warden who attended the confinement cell to come and pray with him, and then fondly wished him farewell. He was in a mood for prayer, and in preparation for the other world, he spent his time. At 8 o'clock, the Governor of the Penitentiary proceeded to the cell to lead him for execution. The prisoner proceeded to the scaffold accompanied by Rev. Mr. WOOD, and Rev. Mr. SMITH, after two turnkeys, executioner, and Sheriff. The procession reached the corridor leading to the scaffold, where the Governor of the penitentiary delivered the body of William PARNELL to the Sheriff for due execution according to law. The mourning cortθge proceeded the way, and the prisoner mounted the steps to the scaffold in a very firm manner.
July 12, 1889 PARNELL's Execution (Part 3) Tremor was visible in his attitude as he stood over the trap door and walk, and he went up the steps with arms pinioned. When reaching the place of execution, a cord was drawn around his legs, by the executioner. The Ministers of religion prayed during the scene. Just as the noose had been adjusted, he said in tremulous tones, "Lord Jesus, receive my soul." When all had been arranged for execution, and when Rev. Mr. WOOD was pronouncing a benediction over him, in firm clear tones he pronounced this prayer, "Lord Jesus, into thy hands I commend my spirit," and the spectators muttered, "Amen." Two minutes past eight o'clock the Sheriff gave a signal to the executioner, the trap door opened, and his soul sped into eternity. Those present dropped on their knees and prayed silently during the few seconds he was dying. Just the moment of the execution, a black flag was hoisted in the yard of the Penitentiary, which remained flying for an hour. Death must have been almost instantaneous as the rope ceased to oscillate ten seconds after being dropped. The neck, when the body was taken down and examined, was found to have been severed. The condemned man wore a grey suit, and went to the scaffold with a white cap drawn over his head reaching above the eyes. When the noose was arranged, the neck cap was drawn almost completely over his face.
After the execution of her husband... Grace moved to the west coast of Canada.. and died in Burnaby B.C. July 14, 1944.
I found Archibald's headstone at the General Protestant Cemetery two years ago. I did not find the finally resting place of Parnell however.
151219:
The Atlantic Canada Shipping Project has nine vessels registered in the name of William Parnell and I believe that they all belonged to this man as two of them bore the name of his wife (Grace) and two of his daughters (Grace and Phyllis). I cannot be certain of the identity of the owner however. I may have been another William Parnell.
Living
Sex: M
Spouses and Children
1. *Nora Mooney 180 Marriage:Living
Sex: M
Spouses and Children
1. *Jane Jones 5073 Marriage:Living
Sex: M
Spouses and Children
Children: 1. Living 2. Living 3. Sarah Lavinia Parsons 4. Living
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