The Murder of Lyman Shaul

Generously donated by Daniel G. Shaul

"I've managed the Shaul family website for 10 years and occasionally I receive something intriguing from someone procuring a family artifact from EBAY with the intentions of making a profit. A person sent me a copy of an old postcard they had purchased and wanted to know if I knew the story behind the information on the back."

"On the front is a 1905 copyright photo of the Fulton County Court House in Johnstown with the old gazebo and fountain sitting out front."

"On the back is an excellent sketch which appears to have been clipped from a newspaper and the caption under the picture states "Lyman Shaul, The Murdered Man." The sketch of Lyman Shaul has all the artistry of those portrayed within the courtroom of the person on trial."

"Also on the back, hand-written next to the picture is "Killed Oct. 1st, 1887 It peaks my curiosity as to why a newspaper clipping of someone who had died wrongfully be attached to a postcard of the Fulton County court house printed about 18 years after their death. Was Lyman Shaul executed as an innocent man by the county or murdered in cold blood by someone and the postcard happened to be coincidental choice to place memorabilia? The plot thickens!!!"

-- Daniel G. Shaul

The following article was found about the murder:

The Auburn Bulletin, Auburn, NY
4 Oct 1887

A Fatal Quarrel

Canajoharie, Oct, 4.- In Fulton County, near Rockwood, on Saturday night, a quarrel arose between Lyman Shaul and Alonzo Bradt, which ended in Shaul's losing his life. A law suit was in progress at Brown's hotel, between Christopher Headin and Shaul for damages that Shaul received from a bite of Headin's dog. Shaul had been drinking. An old grudge had existed between the Bradt boys and Shaul and about 6 o'clock Lyman Shaul and Alonzo Bradt became engaged in a heated controversy which ended by both going into the back yard of the hotel, to fight. As soon as the men reached the yard Bradt struck Shaul on the head with a club felling him. He then kicked him about the head and killed him almost instantly.

This information appears to be about Lyman Shaul of Ephratah, b. about 1837. His wife Eliza filed for a widow's pension on 15 Jul 1890 as Lyman was in the 121st NY Inf. So he definitely died prior to 15 Jul 1890.

Alonzo Bradt and Christopher Hedden appear in Rockwood in the 1880 census. Alonzo is a blacksmith, age 33, wife and kids. Alonzo is buried in Johnstown cemetery (1846-1915). In 1900 Alonzo is living in Johnstown as a teamster.

Does anyone have any further information?