“The Brookfield Murder”

Description

Joseph Buzzell, who is being sued by Susan Hanson for breach of (marriage) contract, hires [Charles] Cook to kill her. The body is discovered by the family. Young ladies are warned against "reptiles" such as Buzzell

Notes

Although Linscott's text, seemingly the only collected and printed version (Botkin's version is from Linscott) calls the girl "Hanson," Laws at one point calls her "Heston." Typo? - RBW

Historical references

• 1847 - Joseph Buzzell arranges for the murder of Susan Hanson. The murder is carried out by Charles Cook, who is mentally handicapped. Buzzell was therefore executed and Cook condemned to life in prison

References

1. Laws F8, "The Brookfield Murder"
2. Linscott, pp.175-177, "The Brookfield Murder" (1 text, 1 tune)
3. Botkin-NEFolklr, pp. 552-553, "The Brookfield Murder" (1 text, 1 tune)
4. DT 667, BROOKFLD*
5. Roud #2257
6. BI, LF08