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The following are twelve short newspaper articles on Francis Tumblety from 1888 to 1889 I transcribed directly from the original newspapers stored at the Library of Congress. I’ve organized them within the Tumblety timeline of 1888/1889. I’ve also added pertinent well known articles on Tumblety already posted on Casebook. I’ve organized the thread this way in order to better understand the mindset of the writers and readers of these articles at the time they were first written.
SEPTEMBER 30, 1888 – DOUBLE EVENT MURDERS
NOVMEBER 07, 1888 – TUMBLETY ARRESTED IN WHITECHAPEL, THEN RELEASED
NOVEMBER 09, 1888 – MARY JANE KELLY MURDERED
NOVEMBER 14, 1888 – WARRANT ISSUED FOR TUMBLETY
NOVEMBER 16, 1888 – TUMBLETY APPEARED IN COURT, BOND PAID, PRETRIAL HEARING SET IN FOUR DAYS (NOVEMBER 20, 1888), TUMBLETY JUMPS BAIL
NOVEMBER 19, 1888 – Article in The Sun
TWOMBLETY WELL KNOWN HERE.
Used to Parade in Broadway with a Valet and Two Greyhounds.
“Doctor” Twomblety, who was arrested in London on Saturday on suspicion of being the Whitechapel fiend, first appeared in this city in 1864. He came from Nova Scotia. He rented an office in Broadway near Eighth street, and advertised a “pimple banisher.” He never succeeded in banishing the blotches on his own face with this preparation. He is over six feet tall, and has enormous hands and feet. He made money from the sale of his medicine. He invariably wore a peaked cap with ear laps. He sometimes promenaded Broadway, followed by a gaudily dressed valet leading two greyhounds. He frequently rode a speckled horse past the Fifth Avenue Hotel always carrying a huge bouquet in his left hand. Editor Ralston of Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Weekly “wrote him up” in a way that was displeasing to him, and when he saw Ralston in the barroom of the Fifth Avenue Hotel a few days afterward he hit the editor in the face with his glove and demanded the pleasure of a meeting, with swords or pistols, on the Elysian Fields. Ralston preferred fists on the spot, and drubbed him. Detective Timothy Golden arrested Twomblety, but as Ralston, who had had satisfaction enough, refused to prosecute. Twomblety was released. He has lived abroad, mostly in England, since 1872. He has visited this city as half-yearly intervals for the last fifteen years, and was seen on Broadway about fifteen years, and was seen on Broadway about seven months ago.
NOVEMBER 20, 1888 – Article in Sacramento Daily Record-Record-Union
Another man suspected of the London murders is one Dr. Tumblety a charlatan, who divides his time between New York and London as a “pimple” doctor.
NOVEMBER 24, 1888 – TUMBLETY BOARDS LA BRETAGNE ENROUTE TO US
NOVEMBER 25, 1888 – Article in The Sun (Sunday)
[Large article reprinted by Christ Scott here: ( http://forum.casebook.org/showthread.php?t=4526 )]
ASTOUNDING MURDERS, “Jack the Ripper” Not Alone in History.
(P.7)…London is as much excited as one would imagine. Scores of arrests have been made and hundreds of theories formed. An American doctor named Twomblety is now held because he is an erratic character, and because one theory is that some American medical institution wants specimens of the female uterus, which it happens that Jack the Ripper often takes from the bodies of his victims. It has been thought that Jack is a…
NOVEMBER 26, 1888 – Article in New York World reprinted on Casebook by Chris Scott (http://forum.casebook.org/showthread.php?t=3914) It discusses how the London Chief of Police telegraphed San Francisco requesting that specimens of Twomblety’s handwriting in possession of the Hibernia bank there be forwarded to him. Also, this article discusses Tumblety’s hatred of women.
DECEMBER 01, 1888-Article in New York World article/interview with Colonel Dunham, who is now known to be a charlatan. Dunham claimed to have seen Tumblety’s uterus collection in the 1860s and claimed to hear Tumblety express his extreme hatred for women.
DECEMBER 2, 1888 – LA BRETAGNE PULLS INTO NEW YORK HARBOR
DECEMBER 02, 1888 – Article in New York World reprinted by Chris Scott (http://forum.casebook.org/showthread.php?t=3914 )
TUMBLETY IS MISSING
The American Charlatan Suspected of the Whitechapel Murders Skips from London
HE WAS LAST SEEN AT HAVRE
Is He On His Way Home Over the Ocean to New York?
HE HAD A BITTER HATRED OF WOMEN
DECEMBER 04, 1888 – Article in St. Paul Daily Globe
UNDER SURVEILLANCE.
Dr. Tumblety, the Erratic Physician Supposed to Be in League With Jack the Ripper, Is in Gotham.
Special to the Globe.
NEW YORK, Dec 3.-Dr. Francis Tumblety, the erratic American who was suspected by the London authorities of being implicated in the Whitechapel atrocities, and who suddenly disappeared from England. Arrived in the city yesterday from Havre on the French line steamer La Bretagne. Two detectives were awaiting the arrival of the steamer at the pier, and though he had traveled under an assumed name his identity was discovered. He was permitted to land without interference, and was traced to a boarding house on West street, where his is now domiciled. As there is no charge or indictment against Dr. Tumblety for any criminal offense, he will not be arrested. Detectives will keep him under surveillance for several days to come, so as to be able to reach him in case he is wanted.
DECEMBER 04, 1888 – Article in New-York tribune
It is hard to believe that any on by the name of Tumblety could be implicated even in a mild and unpretentious crime, and credulity staggers at the suspicion that such a one could be involved in the Whitechapel atrocities. The moral influence of a name is a subject deserving of deeper research than it has received, but we know at least enough to be sure that if any predestined villain had been born with the polsonymic of Tumblety he would have assumed another before he had stoned his first cat.
DECEMBER 04, 1888 - New York tribune
DR. TUMBLETY ARRIVES IN NEW-YORK.
DETECTIVES KEEPING THEIR EYE ON HIM-HIS ARREST IN LONDON HAS EXCITED PEOPLE HERE SOMEWHAT.
Doctor Francis Tumblety or, as he is known in England, Twomblety, is in New-York. He was arrested on suspicion of being implicated in the Whitechapel butcheries. When the French steamer La Bretagne arrive at her pier on Sunday, two of Inspector byrnes’s men were in waiting there, and followed the large, dignified-looking man, who was driven in a cab by the shortest way to Mrs. mcNamara’s boarding house, No. 79 East Tenth-st.
Inspector Byrnes promptly received reports from his men regarding the new arrival, and ordered his subordinates quietly to keep an eye on the doctor. He has been charged with a fondness for collecting anatomical specimens, and his has made his connection with the Whitechapel atrocities appear probable. It is a fact that after he was discharged for lack of evidence from the accusation of being implicated in the Whitechapel horrors he was re-arrested in London for a violationof the “Maiden Tribute” act. And released under 500 pounds bail. He “jumped” his bail and came to America.
A Tribune reporter called at Mrs. McNamara’s house early yesterday afternoon. Mrs. McNamara came to the doo and said that the doctor had arrived the night before, but had gone out. When another call was made, however, she positively declared that Dr. Tumblety had not been there at all for over six months. The neighborhood of Tenth-st. and Fourth ave. was in a state of excitement all day yesterday. Inspector Byrnes’s men had been seen about there, and the most startling stories about the horrible London crimes were abroad. It was supposed in the neighborhood that the doctor had left the house, but the American detectives at least were watching him.
DECEMBER 04, 1888 - The sun (New York)
TWOMBLETY ARRIVES.
Came Away from London in a Hurry Without His Luggage.
“Dr.” Francis Tumblety or Twomblety, who was arrested in London on suspicion of knowing something about the horrible Whitechapel murders, but against whom no direct proof could be found and who was held in $1,500 bail on a charge of dealing in gross literature, arrived in this city on Sunday on the French line steamer La Bretagne. He disappeared from London shortly after his release on bail and nothing more was heard of him until news arrived from Havre that he had sailed from there for this country. Inspector Byrnes said yesterday that he knew of Tumblety’s expected arrival in this city a week ago and had determined to make sure that his information was correct by having men who knew on the wharf when the steamer arrived. Tumblety was short enough of luggage to make it appear that his departure from the other side was hurried. He was among the first to leave the steamer, and he went direct to a house in Tenth street, just west of Third avenue, where furnished rooms are let. He will probably be an object of curiosity to the police for some time, but Inspector Byrnes said that no one has any right to bother him for what occurred across the ocean, unless the Government becomes interested and issues a warrant for his detention. He is a tall fellow, with a sweeping dark moustache, and used to sell salve, and parade on Broadway with a valet and two greyhounds.
DECEMBER 05, 1888 - New-York tribune
Police Superintendent Murray and Inspector Byrnes yesterday said that Dr. Tumblety was not being watched by the police detectives in this city and that he was at liberty to go where he pleased, as there was no complaint against him at Headquarters.
JANUARY 19, 1889 - The Salt Lake Herald
A CABLEGRAM from Tunis, this morning, tells of the arrest of a gang of robbers and assassins, among whom is believed to be the Whitechapel murderer. If it shall turn out that he is the real butcher of the London slums, who are all the Dr. Tumblety’ and Jack-the-Rippers that are scampering about this country?
JANUARY 28, 1889 – BROOKLYN EAGLE INTERVIEW WITH TUMBLETY
JANUARY 29, 1889 – NEW YORK WORLD INTERVIEW WITH TUMBLETY
JANUARY 30, 1889 - Pittsburg dispatch
Might be a Worse Fellow.
Dr. Francis Tumblety, suspected in London of being “Jack the Ripper,” is trying to convince the people here that he is not such a bad fellow after all. Yesterday he told the newspapers how popular he was with women, and to prove it showed poetry which was dedicated to him by a duchess. To-day he announces that he has letters which were written to him long ago, when he was a specialist in nervous diseases, by such men as Abraham Lincoln, Horace Greeley, Profs. F.B. Morse and Williams and Guion. These letters all speak very highly of Dr. Tumblety as a gentleman and physician.
JUNE 06, 1889 - The Pittsburg Dispatch
Eccentricities of Dr. Tumblety
Dr. Francis Tumblety once suspected by the London police of being Jack the Ripper, passed last night in jail because he struck George Davis over the head with his cane. He met Davis for the first time on Broadway last midnight, and tried to walk home with him. Davis told him to go away, but he wouldn’t do it. Davis then called him a base name. Tumblety struck him across the neck with his cane. Davis shouted for help, and Tumblety caned him till a policeman arrested both of them. In a police court this morning Davis and the policeman told the same story concerning Tumblety’s eccentric behavior. Tumblety merely denied the charge of assault. He was flashily dressed and sparkling with diamonds. He showed everyone a pamphlet which contained a history of his career in all parts of the world. In it J. G. Bennett declared him to be the only doctor in whom he had any confidence. Horace Greeley [founder of the New York tribune] asked him to call, and Willard Parker declared he wanted to shake a hand with him. When arrested Tumblety had $1,000 in his pocket. He was held for examination.
JUNE 06, 1889 - The Washington critic
The notorious Dr. Tumblety, who lived at one time in Washington, and who was arrested in London last November on suspicion of being “Jack the Ripper,” has been arrested in New York for breaking his cane across another man’s face.
NOVEMBER 20, 1890 - The Evening Bulletin (Maysville, Ky)
Doctor Tumblety Arrested.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20.-Dr. Francis Tumblety, who is known to the police of all the large cities of America and Europe, and who was under the surveillance of the Scotland Yard force when the Jack the Ripper excitement was at its height, was arrested in this city on the charge of being a suspicious character. At the station the doctor was searched, and a large number of valuables were secured from him, amounting in value to several thousand dollars. In his pocket was a pamphlet containing the names of a number of prominent men, both of this city and elsewhere, and he also carried a letter from a well known congressman. The testimonials were chiefly devoted to elaborate praise of the doctor’s character. In the pamphlet the doctor had an article replying to the charge advanced against him by the London authorities, and spoke of his escape unscathed from the vilifying statements of the newspapers. Wednesday morning Dr. Tumblety was released from custody. He is still under police surveillance.
Sincerely,
Mike
The following are twelve short newspaper articles on Francis Tumblety from 1888 to 1889 I transcribed directly from the original newspapers stored at the Library of Congress. I’ve organized them within the Tumblety timeline of 1888/1889. I’ve also added pertinent well known articles on Tumblety already posted on Casebook. I’ve organized the thread this way in order to better understand the mindset of the writers and readers of these articles at the time they were first written.
SEPTEMBER 30, 1888 – DOUBLE EVENT MURDERS
NOVMEBER 07, 1888 – TUMBLETY ARRESTED IN WHITECHAPEL, THEN RELEASED
NOVEMBER 09, 1888 – MARY JANE KELLY MURDERED
NOVEMBER 14, 1888 – WARRANT ISSUED FOR TUMBLETY
NOVEMBER 16, 1888 – TUMBLETY APPEARED IN COURT, BOND PAID, PRETRIAL HEARING SET IN FOUR DAYS (NOVEMBER 20, 1888), TUMBLETY JUMPS BAIL
NOVEMBER 19, 1888 – Article in The Sun
TWOMBLETY WELL KNOWN HERE.
Used to Parade in Broadway with a Valet and Two Greyhounds.
“Doctor” Twomblety, who was arrested in London on Saturday on suspicion of being the Whitechapel fiend, first appeared in this city in 1864. He came from Nova Scotia. He rented an office in Broadway near Eighth street, and advertised a “pimple banisher.” He never succeeded in banishing the blotches on his own face with this preparation. He is over six feet tall, and has enormous hands and feet. He made money from the sale of his medicine. He invariably wore a peaked cap with ear laps. He sometimes promenaded Broadway, followed by a gaudily dressed valet leading two greyhounds. He frequently rode a speckled horse past the Fifth Avenue Hotel always carrying a huge bouquet in his left hand. Editor Ralston of Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Weekly “wrote him up” in a way that was displeasing to him, and when he saw Ralston in the barroom of the Fifth Avenue Hotel a few days afterward he hit the editor in the face with his glove and demanded the pleasure of a meeting, with swords or pistols, on the Elysian Fields. Ralston preferred fists on the spot, and drubbed him. Detective Timothy Golden arrested Twomblety, but as Ralston, who had had satisfaction enough, refused to prosecute. Twomblety was released. He has lived abroad, mostly in England, since 1872. He has visited this city as half-yearly intervals for the last fifteen years, and was seen on Broadway about fifteen years, and was seen on Broadway about seven months ago.
NOVEMBER 20, 1888 – Article in Sacramento Daily Record-Record-Union
Another man suspected of the London murders is one Dr. Tumblety a charlatan, who divides his time between New York and London as a “pimple” doctor.
NOVEMBER 24, 1888 – TUMBLETY BOARDS LA BRETAGNE ENROUTE TO US
NOVEMBER 25, 1888 – Article in The Sun (Sunday)
[Large article reprinted by Christ Scott here: ( http://forum.casebook.org/showthread.php?t=4526 )]
ASTOUNDING MURDERS, “Jack the Ripper” Not Alone in History.
(P.7)…London is as much excited as one would imagine. Scores of arrests have been made and hundreds of theories formed. An American doctor named Twomblety is now held because he is an erratic character, and because one theory is that some American medical institution wants specimens of the female uterus, which it happens that Jack the Ripper often takes from the bodies of his victims. It has been thought that Jack is a…
NOVEMBER 26, 1888 – Article in New York World reprinted on Casebook by Chris Scott (http://forum.casebook.org/showthread.php?t=3914) It discusses how the London Chief of Police telegraphed San Francisco requesting that specimens of Twomblety’s handwriting in possession of the Hibernia bank there be forwarded to him. Also, this article discusses Tumblety’s hatred of women.
DECEMBER 01, 1888-Article in New York World article/interview with Colonel Dunham, who is now known to be a charlatan. Dunham claimed to have seen Tumblety’s uterus collection in the 1860s and claimed to hear Tumblety express his extreme hatred for women.
DECEMBER 2, 1888 – LA BRETAGNE PULLS INTO NEW YORK HARBOR
DECEMBER 02, 1888 – Article in New York World reprinted by Chris Scott (http://forum.casebook.org/showthread.php?t=3914 )
TUMBLETY IS MISSING
The American Charlatan Suspected of the Whitechapel Murders Skips from London
HE WAS LAST SEEN AT HAVRE
Is He On His Way Home Over the Ocean to New York?
HE HAD A BITTER HATRED OF WOMEN
DECEMBER 04, 1888 – Article in St. Paul Daily Globe
UNDER SURVEILLANCE.
Dr. Tumblety, the Erratic Physician Supposed to Be in League With Jack the Ripper, Is in Gotham.
Special to the Globe.
NEW YORK, Dec 3.-Dr. Francis Tumblety, the erratic American who was suspected by the London authorities of being implicated in the Whitechapel atrocities, and who suddenly disappeared from England. Arrived in the city yesterday from Havre on the French line steamer La Bretagne. Two detectives were awaiting the arrival of the steamer at the pier, and though he had traveled under an assumed name his identity was discovered. He was permitted to land without interference, and was traced to a boarding house on West street, where his is now domiciled. As there is no charge or indictment against Dr. Tumblety for any criminal offense, he will not be arrested. Detectives will keep him under surveillance for several days to come, so as to be able to reach him in case he is wanted.
DECEMBER 04, 1888 – Article in New-York tribune
It is hard to believe that any on by the name of Tumblety could be implicated even in a mild and unpretentious crime, and credulity staggers at the suspicion that such a one could be involved in the Whitechapel atrocities. The moral influence of a name is a subject deserving of deeper research than it has received, but we know at least enough to be sure that if any predestined villain had been born with the polsonymic of Tumblety he would have assumed another before he had stoned his first cat.
DECEMBER 04, 1888 - New York tribune
DR. TUMBLETY ARRIVES IN NEW-YORK.
DETECTIVES KEEPING THEIR EYE ON HIM-HIS ARREST IN LONDON HAS EXCITED PEOPLE HERE SOMEWHAT.
Doctor Francis Tumblety or, as he is known in England, Twomblety, is in New-York. He was arrested on suspicion of being implicated in the Whitechapel butcheries. When the French steamer La Bretagne arrive at her pier on Sunday, two of Inspector byrnes’s men were in waiting there, and followed the large, dignified-looking man, who was driven in a cab by the shortest way to Mrs. mcNamara’s boarding house, No. 79 East Tenth-st.
Inspector Byrnes promptly received reports from his men regarding the new arrival, and ordered his subordinates quietly to keep an eye on the doctor. He has been charged with a fondness for collecting anatomical specimens, and his has made his connection with the Whitechapel atrocities appear probable. It is a fact that after he was discharged for lack of evidence from the accusation of being implicated in the Whitechapel horrors he was re-arrested in London for a violationof the “Maiden Tribute” act. And released under 500 pounds bail. He “jumped” his bail and came to America.
A Tribune reporter called at Mrs. McNamara’s house early yesterday afternoon. Mrs. McNamara came to the doo and said that the doctor had arrived the night before, but had gone out. When another call was made, however, she positively declared that Dr. Tumblety had not been there at all for over six months. The neighborhood of Tenth-st. and Fourth ave. was in a state of excitement all day yesterday. Inspector Byrnes’s men had been seen about there, and the most startling stories about the horrible London crimes were abroad. It was supposed in the neighborhood that the doctor had left the house, but the American detectives at least were watching him.
DECEMBER 04, 1888 - The sun (New York)
TWOMBLETY ARRIVES.
Came Away from London in a Hurry Without His Luggage.
“Dr.” Francis Tumblety or Twomblety, who was arrested in London on suspicion of knowing something about the horrible Whitechapel murders, but against whom no direct proof could be found and who was held in $1,500 bail on a charge of dealing in gross literature, arrived in this city on Sunday on the French line steamer La Bretagne. He disappeared from London shortly after his release on bail and nothing more was heard of him until news arrived from Havre that he had sailed from there for this country. Inspector Byrnes said yesterday that he knew of Tumblety’s expected arrival in this city a week ago and had determined to make sure that his information was correct by having men who knew on the wharf when the steamer arrived. Tumblety was short enough of luggage to make it appear that his departure from the other side was hurried. He was among the first to leave the steamer, and he went direct to a house in Tenth street, just west of Third avenue, where furnished rooms are let. He will probably be an object of curiosity to the police for some time, but Inspector Byrnes said that no one has any right to bother him for what occurred across the ocean, unless the Government becomes interested and issues a warrant for his detention. He is a tall fellow, with a sweeping dark moustache, and used to sell salve, and parade on Broadway with a valet and two greyhounds.
DECEMBER 05, 1888 - New-York tribune
Police Superintendent Murray and Inspector Byrnes yesterday said that Dr. Tumblety was not being watched by the police detectives in this city and that he was at liberty to go where he pleased, as there was no complaint against him at Headquarters.
JANUARY 19, 1889 - The Salt Lake Herald
A CABLEGRAM from Tunis, this morning, tells of the arrest of a gang of robbers and assassins, among whom is believed to be the Whitechapel murderer. If it shall turn out that he is the real butcher of the London slums, who are all the Dr. Tumblety’ and Jack-the-Rippers that are scampering about this country?
JANUARY 28, 1889 – BROOKLYN EAGLE INTERVIEW WITH TUMBLETY
JANUARY 29, 1889 – NEW YORK WORLD INTERVIEW WITH TUMBLETY
JANUARY 30, 1889 - Pittsburg dispatch
Might be a Worse Fellow.
Dr. Francis Tumblety, suspected in London of being “Jack the Ripper,” is trying to convince the people here that he is not such a bad fellow after all. Yesterday he told the newspapers how popular he was with women, and to prove it showed poetry which was dedicated to him by a duchess. To-day he announces that he has letters which were written to him long ago, when he was a specialist in nervous diseases, by such men as Abraham Lincoln, Horace Greeley, Profs. F.B. Morse and Williams and Guion. These letters all speak very highly of Dr. Tumblety as a gentleman and physician.
JUNE 06, 1889 - The Pittsburg Dispatch
Eccentricities of Dr. Tumblety
Dr. Francis Tumblety once suspected by the London police of being Jack the Ripper, passed last night in jail because he struck George Davis over the head with his cane. He met Davis for the first time on Broadway last midnight, and tried to walk home with him. Davis told him to go away, but he wouldn’t do it. Davis then called him a base name. Tumblety struck him across the neck with his cane. Davis shouted for help, and Tumblety caned him till a policeman arrested both of them. In a police court this morning Davis and the policeman told the same story concerning Tumblety’s eccentric behavior. Tumblety merely denied the charge of assault. He was flashily dressed and sparkling with diamonds. He showed everyone a pamphlet which contained a history of his career in all parts of the world. In it J. G. Bennett declared him to be the only doctor in whom he had any confidence. Horace Greeley [founder of the New York tribune] asked him to call, and Willard Parker declared he wanted to shake a hand with him. When arrested Tumblety had $1,000 in his pocket. He was held for examination.
JUNE 06, 1889 - The Washington critic
The notorious Dr. Tumblety, who lived at one time in Washington, and who was arrested in London last November on suspicion of being “Jack the Ripper,” has been arrested in New York for breaking his cane across another man’s face.
NOVEMBER 20, 1890 - The Evening Bulletin (Maysville, Ky)
Doctor Tumblety Arrested.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20.-Dr. Francis Tumblety, who is known to the police of all the large cities of America and Europe, and who was under the surveillance of the Scotland Yard force when the Jack the Ripper excitement was at its height, was arrested in this city on the charge of being a suspicious character. At the station the doctor was searched, and a large number of valuables were secured from him, amounting in value to several thousand dollars. In his pocket was a pamphlet containing the names of a number of prominent men, both of this city and elsewhere, and he also carried a letter from a well known congressman. The testimonials were chiefly devoted to elaborate praise of the doctor’s character. In the pamphlet the doctor had an article replying to the charge advanced against him by the London authorities, and spoke of his escape unscathed from the vilifying statements of the newspapers. Wednesday morning Dr. Tumblety was released from custody. He is still under police surveillance.
Sincerely,
Mike
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