Harry Severns Aka Harry Tracy & his partner David Merrill: Robbery, Murder and Escape
on
Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps
Harry Severns was born 23 Oct 1875 in Pittsville, WI to Orlando Nye Severns and Sarah Catherine Atkinson.
Below is a photo of his father who was called Nye.
Orlando Nye Severns
Do not know who originally posted this photo, I found it on Ancestry but it's attached to different trees with different names of people posting it.
Harry was really close to his grandfather who was also a sorted character. I found his photo and a newspaper article about his death. He was a justice of peace, a surveyor, woodsmen, had a sawmill.
James Quick Severns
Again I found this on Ancestry posted by SandySpauldingMoore
Wisconsin Valley Leader; July 24, 1902
Harry was married several times, his wives were Mollie Robinson who was is partners half sister, and while married to her he married Eugenia Carter, there was also rumors of a women named Rose Harry but I did not find any marriage records for them.
Above is a photo of Mary Baker no idea who originally posted it on Ancestry. Another one of Harry's lady's
David Merrill Prison mugshot Oregon State Prison Inmate #4088
He was arresed and convicted for burglary in Portland 20 year sentence with David Merrill.
David Merrill was born Jan 1870 in Washington, USA his parents were Lemuel John Merrill and Amanda Germond. As far as I can tell he never married. His mother married his Uncle after his father's death and had more children.
These two men were notorious outlaws, committing robberies and killing people that got in their way. They were also very good at escaping from prison and jail. I found these wonderful newspaper articles, just click on links to read them. They are long articles as why I posted links.
Both men died in 1902, Harry was said to of killed David on 28 June, I don't believe it for one minute, either David was mortally wounded and Harry helped him to ease his pain to the law shot him and blamed Harry, These two were not only partners, they were best friends and in-laws. Harry took his own life on 2 Aug 1902, he must of felt there was no way out.
I found a couple really good YouTube videos on his life I posted them below.
There are so many rumors on Harry that were most made during his run from the law after his escape. I made a list from the newspaper articles of the people he was said to of killed and or injured and his robberies.
He escaped Oregon Prison twice.
After escaping from the Utah State Prison he killed or shot the following men. He was there for a one year sentence for burglary. He escaped with two other felons.
Guard Frank B. Ferrell in Salem
Guard S.R.T. Jones in Salem
Guard B. F. Tiffany in Salem
Deputy Sherriff Jack Williams of King County, at Bothwell.
While on escape to Colorado it was said he quarreled with a young ranchman and killed him. He was arrested and put in jail, but escaped after beating three guards. He was captured again but again escaped two weeks later, killing a guard.
Was wanted in Colorado for Murder and horse stealing and robbery.
Murder for Valentine Hoye a wealthy cattleman.
It was said he was leader of the Hole in The Wall Gang, I found no proof but who knows with all the rumors it's hard to find the truth. Two men are dead and their families paid the price.
Hope you like the story and please give me follow by clicking the follow button, thank you for stopping by.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Comments
Post a Comment