Worcestory Lesson: A ‘diabolical outrage’ in 1850

Print More

Just after midnight on May 3, 1850, a bomb exploded at Mayor Henry Chapin’s office on Main and Sudbury streets. The explosion destroyed the contents of his office and severely damaged other businesses in the building.

Three nights later, a second bomb was set off at the home of Constable Charles Warren. While the explosion at the mayor’s office caused significant property damage, the one at Warren’s could have incurred a deadlier result. Warren later testified that his family was home and asleep at the time of the explosion, and fragments of the shell tore through his house.

Worcester’s second mayor, Henry Chapin (first one bombed).

Courtesy Worcester Historical Museum

Worcester’s second mayor, Henry Chapin (first one bombed).

These two almost forgotten events in Worcester’s history drew in the politics of two of the 19th century’s most fiercely debated issues, temperance and slavery.

The explosions foreshadowed the violence that would one day accompany the national prohibition of alcohol from 1920 to 1933.

The twin bombings threw the city into disorder. The Worcester Palladium labeled the explosions a “daring act of villainy” and the Daily Spy called them “one of the most diabolical outrages that has ever been perpetrated in the community.” The City Council voted to offer a $1,000 reward to apprehend the perpetrators. After the second explosion, the National Aegis urged the creation of a night patrol to stem a “spirit of lawlessness and riot [that] exists among us.”

A week after the explosion, the mayor received an anonymous letter that indicated liquor interests were behind the plot.

Through much of the 1800s, the retail or tavern sales of rum and other “intoxicating drinks” was generally prohibited by state law. These laws, however, were often loosely enforced by local governments.

The City Council and mayor held strong temperance views, and in January they voted to strictly enforce liquor laws within the city. Raids were carried out by the city marshal and constables. In addition to Charles Warren as a constable, Frederic Warren served as the assistant city marshal.

In just a few days they had their suspects under arrest.

The text of an anonymous letter sent to Mayor Chapin via the firm Reed & Clark. (Source: The National Aegis, May 22, 1850.)

Courtesy Worcester Public Library

The text of an anonymous letter sent to Mayor Chapin via the firm Reed & Clark. (Source: The National Aegis, May 22, 1850.)

George Taft, a machinist and owner of a bowling saloon on Exchange Street, was arrested first. Upon questioning, he accused Jubal Harrington of setting off the bombs. Taft was very afraid and asked for protection from Harrington and other rum sellers in the city.

According to Taft, Harrington made violent threats against those who might expose him, and that “he would cut up such a man as quick as he would a snake.” Harrington fled Worcester after the second bombing, but authorities tracked him to a ship in New York and he voluntarily returned to the city to face the charges.

The case against Jubal Harrington relied on the testimony of George Taft.

Taft acquired the empty shells used to create the bombs under the guise of using them as a sign for his bowling saloon. Taft helped him source gun cotton, and charged the shells in his presence. According to Taft’s testimony, Harrington wanted to “blow up some of the Free Soilers” and play “hell and scissors with somebody.”

Peter Bacon, Worcester’s third mayor and prosecutor in the bombing case.

Courtesy Worcester Historical Museum

Peter Bacon, Worcester’s third mayor and prosecutor in the bombing case.

Harrington denied the charges. His daughter testified that he was home at the time of the explosions, and others testified they never knew him to make violent threats.

Determining there was enough evidence to move forward, the judge set bail and referred the case to the county Court of Common Pleas. Harrington did not wait around to finish his defense. He skipped bail and headed west to the gold-rush town of Columbia, California. He remained there until his death in 1877, becoming a “man of consequence” and serving as a judge and officer of the court.

Born in 1803, Jubal Harrington was a lawyer and spent the majority of his time in Worcester working in newspapers. He edited the Worcester County Republican in the early 1830s, supporting Andrew Jackson and expressing Democratic-Republican views. In the 19th century, it was common for newspapers to hold a strong partisan preference.

Harrington was rewarded with an appointment as Worcester’s postmaster in 1833.  His career took a turn in 1839, and he resigned as postmaster and fled the city amid accusations involving a counterfeiting scheme. His case was either dropped or resolved, and he returned to Worcester by 1843.

Back in Worcester, he worked for several different newspapers, including the strong anti-temperance paper Liberty of the Press. Issues that Harrington edited do not seem to have survived, but earlier issues included vicious attacks on the temperance movement and state liquor laws.

He was involved in a libel suit in 1846 by the editors of the Massachusetts Cataract, Temperance Standard and Dew Drop for an article that appeared in another paper he worked for. There is little doubt that Harrington was vociferous in his anti-temperance views.

There is less evidence of Harrington’s views on slavery.

Nationally, the conflict over allowing slavery into territory acquired in the Mexican-American War consumed Congress. Worcester’s newspapers reported closely on the efforts of Sen. Henry Clay and others to come to a compromise. Attempts in early 1850 were stymied by northern “free soil” and antislavery Whigs who opposed expansion, and southern pro-slavery Democrats who refused to accept limits.

[Editor’s note: While “free-soil” refers in general to those who opposed the expansion of slavery into the western territories, it also became the central tenet — indeed moniker — of a short-lived but influential political party, The Free-Soil Party. The party’s slogan was “free soil, free speech, free labor, and free men.”]

In Massachusetts — especially here in Worcester — there was a strong free-soil movement and Mayor Chapin was the most prominent free-soil politician in the city.

Perhaps Harrington did not have as much to worry about as he may have thought when he skipped bail and fled to California.

At the time of the bombing, state law treated the explosion as the equivalent of simple property damage. As one newspaper put it, the bombing was punishable “about the same as that prescribed by the statute for girdling an apple tree.” In part a reaction to the Worcester bombing, the Legislature passed in 1851 a revised law for “malicious mischief” with a penalty of up to 20 years for using a bomb with the intent to damage property.

With the lack of a conviction or admission of guilt we will never know if — let alone why — Jubal Harrington carried out the bombings.

Beyond the newspapers he edited and the testimony of George Taft, there is little he left behind from which to draw a motive. Given the enhanced enforcement of liquor laws and the crisis developing around slavery, it seems as if this is one of the earliest politically motivated bombings in U.S. history.

David DuBois writes about history for Worcester Sun and his own website. He holds a master’s degree in history from Clark University. Follow David on Twitter @davidjdubois.

154 thoughts on “Worcestory Lesson: A ‘diabolical outrage’ in 1850

  1. Great goods from you, man. I’ve bear in mind your stuff prior to and you’re simply too great. I actually like what you have bought right here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which during which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I can’t wait to read far more from you. That is actually a terrific web site.

  2. I liked up to you’ll obtain performed right here. The caricature is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following. in poor health surely come further formerly again as precisely the same nearly a lot often within case you defend this increase.

  3. Hiya, I’m really glad I have found this info. Today bloggers publish only about gossips and net and this is actually irritating. A good website with exciting content, that is what I need. Thanks for keeping this site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can not find it.

  4. There are some fascinating deadlines on this article but I don’t know if I see all of them middle to heart. There may be some validity however I will take hold opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we would like more! Added to FeedBurner as properly

  5. Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your article seem to be running off the screen in Chrome. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Kudos

  6. I was curious if you ever considered changing the layout of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

  7. Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this information. Nowadays bloggers publish only about gossips and net and this is really frustrating. A good website with exciting content, that’s what I need. Thanks for keeping this site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it.

  8. That is really fascinating, You’re an overly professional blogger. I have joined your feed and sit up for in quest of more of your great post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!

  9. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Excellent work!

  10. I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this information for my mission.

  11. I just could not depart your web site prior to suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard info a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often to check up on new posts

  12. I?¦m now not positive the place you’re getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend a while learning more or working out more. Thanks for fantastic information I was on the lookout for this info for my mission.

  13. I haven¦t checked in here for a while as I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I will add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  14. I’ve been surfing on-line more than 3 hours today, but I by no means found any attention-grabbing article like yours. It?¦s lovely value enough for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you probably did, the internet shall be a lot more useful than ever before.

  15. I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!

  16. Thank you for every other magnificent post. The place else may anybody get that kind of information in such a perfect manner of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such information.

  17. What i don’t realize is actually how you are not really much more well-liked than you might be now. You are very intelligent. You realize therefore significantly relating to this subject, made me personally consider it from a lot of varied angles. Its like men and women aren’t fascinated unless it’s one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs nice. Always maintain it up!

  18. Hello there! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My blog looks weird when browsing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share. Cheers!

  19. Hi there very nice web site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds also…I’m glad to find so many helpful information right here in the post, we want work out more techniques in this regard, thank you for sharing.

  20. Good ?V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task..

  21. I simply needed to say thanks yet again. I’m not certain the things that I would’ve carried out without these concepts discussed by you concerning this field. Previously it was a fearsome setting in my view, nevertheless seeing a new well-written manner you dealt with it took me to leap with contentment. I’m just thankful for this help and hope that you comprehend what a powerful job that you are getting into teaching people through the use of your webpage. I am sure you haven’t met all of us.

  22. Just wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness in your post is just excellent and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the rewarding work.

  23. I like what you guys are up also. Such smart work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my site 🙂

  24. You actually make it appear so easy with your presentation however I find this topic to be actually one thing that I feel I might by no means understand. It sort of feels too complicated and extremely large for me. I am taking a look forward to your subsequent submit, I¦ll try to get the dangle of it!

  25. Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

  26. An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  27. Hello! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this post to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

  28. Whats Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely helpful and it has helped me out loads. I’m hoping to give a contribution & assist different customers like its aided me. Good job.

  29. I have been surfing on-line greater than three hours these days, but I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s beautiful price sufficient for me. In my view, if all website owners and bloggers made good content material as you probably did, the net will likely be a lot more useful than ever before. “I finally realized that being grateful to my body was key to giving more love to myself.” by Oprah Winfrey.

  30. I don’t even know the way I finished up here, however I believed this put up was good. I do not recognise who you might be however certainly you are going to a famous blogger should you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  31. What i don’t understood is if truth be told how you’re no longer actually a lot more smartly-preferred than you might be now. You’re so intelligent. You know thus significantly in the case of this subject, made me for my part believe it from numerous various angles. Its like women and men are not interested until it is one thing to do with Girl gaga! Your personal stuffs great. At all times handle it up!

  32. I’ve been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.

  33. We’re a gaggle of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with useful information to paintings on. You have performed an impressive activity and our whole community will likely be grateful to you.

  34. Greetings! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble finding one? Thanks a lot!

  35. You actually make it seem really easy along with your presentation however I in finding this topic to be really one thing that I feel I might never understand. It sort of feels too complicated and extremely large for me. I’m having a look ahead on your subsequent submit, I¦ll try to get the hang of it!

  36. What i don’t understood is actually how you’re not actually much more well-liked than you might be now. You’re so intelligent. You realize thus significantly relating to this subject, made me personally consider it from so many varied angles. Its like men and women aren’t fascinated unless it’s one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. Always maintain it up!

  37. Nice read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing a little research on that. And he just bought me lunch because I found it for him smile Therefore let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! “To be 70 years young is sometimes far more cheerful and hopeful than to be 40 years old.” by Oliver Wendell Holmes.

  38. I just couldn’t depart your web site prior to suggesting that I actually enjoyed the usual info a person provide in your guests? Is going to be back ceaselessly to investigate cross-check new posts

  39. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to this excellent blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will talk about this blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

  40. An attention-grabbing dialogue is price comment. I believe that it’s best to write more on this topic, it may not be a taboo subject but generally persons are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  41. Terrific work! This is the type of info that should be shared around the internet. Shame on Google for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my site . Thanks =)

  42. Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to start a small Blog Engine course work using your site I hope you enjoy blogging with the popular BlogEngine.net.Thethoughts you express are really awesome. Hope you will right some more posts.

  43. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  44. It is the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read even more things about it!

  45. Hello, i believe that i saw you visited my site thus i got here to “go back the favor”.I’m trying to find things to enhance my web site!I assume its ok to use a few of your ideas!!

  46. Fascinating blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your design. Cheers

  47. Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve have in mind your stuff prior to and you are simply extremely wonderful. I actually like what you’ve got here, certainly like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you continue to take care of to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to read far more from you. That is actually a tremendous web site.

  48. Hey! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I genuinely enjoy reading through your articles. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same subjects? Many thanks!

  49. With havin so much content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my authorization. Do you know any ways to help prevent content from being ripped off? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

  50. Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your website is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this web site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched everywhere and just couldn’t come across. What a perfect website.

  51. you’re in point of fact a excellent webmaster. The web site loading pace is incredible. It sort of feels that you’re doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a magnificent task in this topic!

  52. After I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now each time a remark is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. Is there any means you’ll be able to take away me from that service? Thanks!

  53. Excellent items from you, man. I have take note your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely magnificent. I actually like what you have got here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which in which you are saying it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a great website.

  54. Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  55. Someone essentially help to make seriously posts I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I amazed with the research you made to make this particular publish incredible. Magnificent job!

  56. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  57. I was just searching for this information for a while. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your site. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this type of informative websites in top of the list. Usually the top websites are full of garbage.

  58. Simply desire to say your article is as amazing. The clarity in your post is simply great and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.

  59. Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

  60. I have been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this info So i am happy to convey that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most certainly will make sure to do not forget this web site and give it a look regularly.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *