Dr. Bowen

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 10:20 pm

Would Dr. Bowen perjure himself?
In the NY Times, Aug. 8th, there appeared this snippet:

"Strange as it may seem, the police do not put much faith in the statements made by Dr. Bowen, who was the first physician on the scene. He saw Mrs. Borden dead when he visited the house the first time [sic], but he did not discover that she had died from murderous wounds until his attention was called to the blood on her hair. According to statements of the authorities, he does not speak with that freedom that might be expected of a man in his professional position."

This was published Monday.
What a blow to the doctor's pride if he read that in the New York Times.
Did the doctor enjoy a close enough relationship with Lizzie, Emma or the family, so that he would suppress evidence or overlook it, in Lizzie's behalf?
Does he seem less than candid in his statements?

lydiapinkham · Post by **lydiapinkham** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 11:30 pm

I don't know. They almost make it sound as if Bowen was trying to conceal cause of death, but that seems preposterous: he would know that a medical examiner would be called in. He does seem to have been squeamish at the scene--unable to do a thorough examination of the body because of friendship? They may have distrusted Bowen because he held off the police in Lizzie's room. Once she came under suspicion (almost immediately), the police and the press may have considered Bowen incapable of objectivity. The press would love any chance to insinuate that Bowen was incompetent or biased, but I think they fall short of accusing him of potential perjury.

--Lyddie

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 2:03 am

That's an interesting take on the subject of Bowen.

I was just reading Gross' Masterpieces of Murder, and in it there is Pearson's "The End of the Borden Case."
On page 254 he mentions Dr. Bowen in the context in which he is under discussion!

"The neighbor and family physician - who was promptly called, and who in the opinion of some intelligent observers was the most interesting person in the case, next to the sisters themselves - has long since carried to the grave whatever knowledge or suspicions he may have had."

He had first authoratative access to Lizzie and the bodies; He was sent for specifically by Lizzie; his wife was a good friend of Abby; he had known the family for years; he left and returned to the crime scene 2 or 3 times; he medicated Lizzie and (as you noted) was closeted in her room with her; Bridget went over to the duplex to stay Thursday night.

There seems plenty of opportunity for Dr. Bowen to seem suspicious- including his tearing up a note in front of Harrington et. al. in the kitchen when a note was looked for.

Susan · Post by **Susan** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 3:47 am

I wonder if this New York Times story came about because of that alleged statement that was attributed to Dr. Bowen about Abby dying from shock or something?

Ah, I found it, in the Inquest:

Q. Up the front stairs?

A. Yes, went up the front stairs. As I got at the top of the stairs, as soon as I got up on the second story, I could look over the deb(sic), and I saw her laying there flat, prone. My thought was that she had run up there and fainted. I went right around the foot of the bed and satisfied myself in an instant that she was not living. I don't know whether I got hold of her pulse, but I satisfied myself some way, I don't know how, that she was not living. I went right down stairs again and told them Mrs. Borden was dead, killed the same instant, I think I said that.

I recall that the statement about Abby fainting got blown out of proportion somehow, like Dr. Bowen was saying that was the cause of her death.

In the Preliminary Dr. Bowen states that he touched Abby's head:

Q. What did you do to the body at that time? Did you do anything at the first sight of it?

A. I placed my hand on the head, on the wounds of the head, and satisfied myself that she was dead.

The disposing of the note may be something, he seemed to not want anyone else to see it and destroyed it so hastily that there seems to be something to it. It may have just been a rough draft of a letter that Lizzie eventually sent to Emma and being a family friend didn't want the police reading their personal correspondance. Didn't one of the police officers notice the name "Emma" on the note? And Dr. Bowen's explanation for the note about his daughter going through somewhere or something, her name wasn't Emma though, was it?

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 2:38 pm

"...in the opinion of some intelligent observers was the most interesting person in the case..."

If Dr. Bowen was so interesting to everyone, and seemed suspicious, why don't we have any anecdotal material on him?

There's a note in The Knowlton Papers which identifies him as driving way fast and seeming suspicious, but what else do we have?

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 3:14 pm

Here is something from Pearson:
"In Fall River, suspicions have been directed toward a number of people as accessories or accomplices: the neighbor and family physician, Dr. Bowen; Bridget Sullivan; and John Vinnicum Morse. I think all these suspicions were unjustified. Of Dr. Bowen, it was alleged that he alone really knew and sympathized with the woman whose life with her father and stepmother was so unhappy. When he came to the house on that morning, he helped her conceal the evidence; ran out, in fact, with the bloodstained hatchet under his coat! This is moonshine. All that is positively known of Dr. Bowen is that he did not profit finacially by any services he may have rendered his neighbor."-- Masterpieces of Murder, "The End of the Borden Case," pg. 265.

It's funny, but Pearson *repeating* this story, is the first I've read of it. There must be news items we are missing.
Does anyone have news items implicating Dr. Bowen, or casting aspersions his way?

He could very well have secreted something out of the house. I've wondered at how fast he was to offer to send a telegram and admits to stopping 2x as well.

connecticuthills · Post by **connecticuthills** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 7:01 pm

I thought it laughable Dr B said Abby must of run from the murderer and died of fright :)
He was either scared or ignorant .
Yet, he was the one that encouraged Mrs Churchill
to veiw Andrews body? What did he say? "Oh come in and look at this Mrs Churchill" Did he say that in a horrified tone or an excited tone? I Wonder how he was feeling?

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 10:32 pm

Witness Statements, pg. 1
Allen
"Just before we got there, Officer Doherty was ahead of us. When we went up stairs the Doctor said Mrs. Borden had fainted with fright. Officers Mullaly and Doherty turned her over. Officer Doherty said 'My God her face is all smashed in.'”

Trial
Opening for defense
73
"It is to be regretted that Dr. Bowen, a witness accustomed to observation, was the family physician and friend, and therefore affected, naturally, by this dreadful series of murders, for we might expect from him something of accurate observation; but Dr. Bowen thought Mrs. Borden had died of fright, and so expressed himself at the time."

Trial
Bowen
308
Q. Did you make any statement to any one that she had died of fright or in a faint?
A. No, sir.

Q. To no one?
A. No, sir. I will say this in explanation: My first thought, when I was standing in the door and saw the form over the bed, --- my first thought was that she had fainted: but in a moment afterwards I convinced myself that she was dead.

Susan · Post by **Susan** » Fri Aug 13, 2004 3:05 am

Thanks, Kat. See, it sounds like Dr. Bowen made an offhand comment that got blown out of proportion. Even if he thought Abby had just fainted, wouldn't he have gone and tended to her, brought smelling salts or something? I don't think he would have just left her lying there satisfied that she had just fainted and not check on her at all.

lydiapinkham · Post by **lydiapinkham** » Fri Aug 13, 2004 3:35 pm

One thing that strikes me is that no gentleman would allow Bridget and Addie Churchill to go upstairs alone! Was Dr. Bowen a wee bit woosie?

--Lyddie

Susan · Post by **Susan** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 5:36 pm

Yes, I've always wondered about that also, letting the two women go up for a sheet for Andrew when Bridget had already voiced her fear about going upstairs. The only thing I can think of was that Bowen was in a bit of shock himself.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 11:31 pm

To both your reply's Susan, I might say, that Dr. Bowen's credibility did seem to suffer- and recall where he was asked if he had tears running down his face after viewing Andrew and he explicitly denied that also?
It's possible the *faint* was blown out of proportion.

Here's a question:
Did Bowen hear about Abby's note before he left to send that telegram?

Susan · Post by **Susan** » Thu Aug 19, 2004 11:04 pm

According to Dr. Bowen's Inquest testimony, he says that he or someone else made an inquiry as to the whereabouts of Abby after he pronounced Andrew dead. He then thinks that Lizzie said the story about the note. Could it have been someone else that was there that told him that? It sounds as though he heard it before he went to send the telegram.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Aug 20, 2004 2:40 am

Thanks.
I think it's odd that Bowen *rushed* out of there and offered to telegraph without knowing what state Abby was in or where she was.
He also made 2 stops, one to his house and after sending the telegram, he stopped at the drugstore where his friend was- which also may have had a telephone.

I would think a gentleman would wish to inform the wife of her husband's murder before she heard it as gossip on the street if she was indeed possibly hurrying home- yet it was Bowen who spread the news himself, as if that didn't matter.

Susan · Post by **Susan** » Fri Aug 20, 2004 2:00 pm

Didn't Dr. Bowen also stop in at the house that John Morse was visiting the day of the murders? I looked in the source documents and can't find a mention of it, maybe it was in a news article? So, would that make it three stops before he came back to the Borden house or was that trip earlier in the morning before Dr. Bowen learned of the murder? It was supposed to have been an average house call, perhaps something to do with a baby, but, if this was after Dr. Bowen knew of Andrew's death, were there words with Morse?

I agree, before Dr. Bowen went blabbing around town about Andrew's murder, he might have made an attempt to find Abby. I think Bridget mentioned Mrs. Whitehead's, he could have made a quick trip there to check. It sounds as though Dr. Bowen didn't act well under stress, but, there also seems to be some deliberation to his movements.

I did find a statement about Dr. Bowen being suspicious from early on in the game, from the Witness Statements:

Mrs. Jane Grey, 215 Second Street. "Dr. Bowen's character is at least suspicious. Four years ago, while the Borden family was summering over the river on the farm, Lizzie remained at home. One Sunday evening during this time, she and Dr. Bowen came to church together, and sat in the Borden seat. I myself saw them this evening. At the time, and since, there was much comment on this act. Some remarked how courageous she was to remain in the house alone; but others replied in a knowing way, perhaps she has very acceptable company. About the robbery, I think Mrs. Fish, or her daughter in law of Hartford knows more or less about it, if they wish to tell."

(Harrington & Doherty)

diana · Post by **diana** » Fri Aug 20, 2004 3:08 pm

I hadn't thought about that before but I totally agree -- it's remarkable that Bowen would tell people at Baker's drugstore about Andrew's murder without making an effort to find Abby first.

As for Bowen visiting the house on Weybosset -- that does come from a newspaper item. But there is nothing to substantiate it. Masterton speculates that Mrs. Emery may have been misquoted by a reporter -- perhaps instead of saying Dr. Bowen "came just as Mr. Morse left" -- she said "Dr. Bowen called just as Mr. Morse left". Morse testified that his niece Annie Morse was ill that morning. Maybe Mrs. Emery tried to reach the doctor -- and he called to say he had an emergency and would not be able to come. That may have been one of the telephone stops he made?

Some have asked why Morse didn't hear about the murders through this phone call but there is nothing to indicate that Dr. Bowen informed Mrs. Emery as to what had happened -- and he may not even have known John Morse was visiting the house at that point.

Susan · Post by **Susan** » Fri Aug 20, 2004 9:25 pm

Thanks, Diana. Since John Morse visited so seldomly, Dr. Bowen may not have even known who he was on sight, let alone know he was in town that day or his whereabouts. So, it may be possible that it was just a coincedence that Dr. Bowen called the house or called on the house that Morse was at, but, its one of those details that Dr. Bowen left out of what he did during his time away from the Borden house. No mention of it during the sending of the telegram or his stop at the drugstore, did he maybe do it from home?

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sat Aug 21, 2004 12:09 am

I never believed Bowen stopped physically at Weybosset Street during that short time he was away.
There wasn't time.
That's a Brown idea, I believe.

However, Jeffery's document says that the Emery's had a telephone which he claims to have verified thru a person who ran the telephone museum in Boston. Harry found that notation and e-mailed the man but I found out he had retired and I tried phoning him twice but to no avail.
Mr. Emery worked at a soap factory or something and we can't think why, or prove, he had a phone.
He's not in the 1891 City Directory for Fall River.
Dr. Bowen is not in the Directory either.
(That is not necessarily a Phone Directory, don't let me mislead anyone.)
.........
http://lizzieandrewborden.com/NewResear ... oversy.htm
Brown:
"After the murders, Miss Lizzie pressed Dr. Bowen into service as a messenger whose assignment was to go as quickly as possible and find Uncle John who was either at the Emery house or walking to the depot. He was to tell them what had happened and stop him from taking his train. Want proof? Easy. First read my account depicting the murder day actions of Dr. Seabury W. Bowen beginning on page 163 of Lizzie Borden - The Legend, the Truth, the Final Chapter, (available at your local Public Library free of charge), and then read HK113, Page 117 of The Knowlton Papers (available at the Fall River Historical Society)."

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Mon Aug 23, 2004 12:23 am

Here is the citation in testimony of Dr. Bowen at the Inquest, pg. 118 (25):

Q. What was said about the mother, if anything?
A. There was an inquiry made, I dont know whether I made it, somebody said, where is Mrs. Borden, where is Mrs. Borden? Lizzie said, I think, I think she said “she had a note this morning to go and see a sick friend”. That is all; such a serious affair as that, I did not stop, and could not do anything, I was satisfied of that, In that time I said I must go and get some of the officers right off, perhaps I said I would get the officers. Lizzie said that Emma was in Fairhaven, and wanted me to telegraph to her. Before I went out she said if you telegraph to her, perhaps she will come on this noon train. I went directly across to my house, and told my wife, and told her about telegraphing. I was satisfied she could not come on the noon train direct, so my boy drove me down to the telegraph office, and I telegraphed to Miss Emma Borden.
Q. You had not then heard that the mother had been killed too?
A. No Sir. Then I went across to Baker’s drug store, I motioned the boy to come along. I stopped two or three minutes there and told them of it. When I came out, I got in my carriage again and drove directly to the house again and stopped at Mr. Borden’s door and went in. There were no crowds there at that time, that I remember of. I drove up on his side and told the boy to stand there.
Q. Had the crowd began to collect around there then?
A. No Sir.
Q. The news had not got around?
A. No Sir. I dont know as I saw anybody going in at that time. Then I went directly to the same side door, and was met there by Mrs. Churchill and Alice Russell, I think, Mrs. Churchill I am sure. One of them, or somebody, I think Mrs. Churchill, said “they have found Mrs. Borden”. I said “where”? She said she was up stairs “you better go up”. Then I went up stairs.

Susan · Post by **Susan** » Mon Aug 23, 2004 9:08 pm

However, Jeffery's document says that the Emery's had a telephone which he claims to have verified thru a person who ran the telephone museum in Boston. Harry found that notation and e-mailed the man but I found out he had retired and I tried phoning him twice but to no avail.

Thanks, Kat. From Mrs. Emery we get that Dr. Bowen called or came by, so, unless she was out and out lying, we have one or the other to contend with. Timewise I agree, there didn't seem to be enough time to drive out to the house, but, there would have been time enough for a quick phone call. But, as you stated, there is no definite answer as to whether the Emerys had phone. Mrs. Emery mentions it when she has nothing to win or lose by it, almost a slip of the lip. Dr. Bowen doesn't mention it at all and as far as I know, wasn't questioned about it. Whom do we put our faith in?

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Mon Aug 23, 2004 11:15 pm

Well Porter (We think it was Porter) swears that Morse said the first he heard of the tragedy was when he was telephoned. Then Morse recanted. I swear that Morse was just walking around obscuring everything with most all he said!!

I would tell myself Mrs. Emery had her days confused.
But I think she was questioned by a reporter that very day.
Some say Dan Emery was kin to Morse- cousin of some kind.
Haven't found the link yet.

Susan · Post by **Susan** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 4:16 am

Its in the Witness Statements pg 29:

"He (John Morse) told reporter Porter of the Daily Globe that the first he knew of it was when he was telephoned for."

Mrs. Emery was also questioned there and she made not mention of Dr. Bowen coming or calling that day.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 1:56 pm

Here is the note written about Bowen that is in The Knowlton Papers:

Letter #HK113, pg. 117, unsigned, dated Dec.2, 1892.

". . . on the day of the murder I was coming towards Fall River . . . I met Dr. Bowen and a young man in a Carrage, driveing so fast that . . . I thought at the time that someone was dieing . . . I am well acquainted with Him, but I never saw Him look so wild . . . it was about 15 minutes to eleven . . . the Doctor had hold of the reins with both hands, driving for dear life. has Dr. Bowen ever been questioned were He was on the morning of the Murder. this is the truth and nothing but the truth."

http://www.lizzieandrewborden.com/Crime ... tsList.htm

Susan · Post by **Susan** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 8:24 pm

Quarter to eleven, that was just about the time that Bridget went upstairs and Andrew possibly died. So, I don't think Dr. Bowen was in on that if he was driving hell for leather through the streets of Fall River. But, its true, he never was really questioned as to his whereabouts that morning. He offers this in the Inquest:

Q. Did you see Lizzie on Thursday before you were called in?

A. I don't think I did. I don't remember seeing any of them. I started off probably at nine o'clock.

Q. You go out on your travels at nine o'clock, or thereabouts?

A. I intend to.

Q. Get back when, or no habit about it?

A. I intend to be around probably once an hour, if I can.

Nothing more about his whereabouts that morning, just that he came home about 11:25 and was told that he was needed over at the Bordens.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 11:23 pm

He could have been telephoned for...