COBLESKILL – Turning Point 1777 kicks off its 10th season of providing walking and driving tours of Schoharie County with a free tour on Saturday, April 19 at 7pm. Author and historian Jeff O’Connor will recount the circumstances surrounding the November 27, 1900 murder of Cobleskill Nightwatchman Matthew Wilson. The tour will also explore what Cobleskill’s turn of the 20th century business district.
The tour meets at the public parking lot at the corner of Union and Main Streets Cobleskill, next to Mart Cleaners. Free of charge and no reservations are needed. Tour is about a one mile loop, approx. 1.5 hrs. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. Inquiries can be made by emailing colonialny@turningpoint1777.com or through Facebook.com/turningpoint1777
The tour narrative is based on research for historian Jeff O’Connor’s current book project about
Wilson’s murder by a gang of safe-crackers known as Yeggmen. O’Connor states “Wilson’s tragic death captured the public’s attention far and wide for years, as his killers were pursued and brought to justice.” Matthew Wilson was survived by his widow Anna and daughter Mary, whose lives will also be discussed.
According to O’Connor, Officer Wilson’s murder “seemed inevitable, being caught up in the intersection of all the elements that made Cobleskill’s Gilded Age prosperity possible. The railroad brought commerce, wealth, elegant hotels, and fine shopping. It also brought tramps looking for work and a dangerous sub-culture that traveled with them - flim-flamming safe-crackers known as Yeggmen.” The Pinkerton Detective Agency eventually captured five of the six Yeggmen who were responsible for Wilson’s murder. How they were brought to justice and the details of the murder that were brought out in their trials help round out the narrative.
A unique element in Matthew Wilson’s story is his canine partner. “Together, they were a formidable team,” states O’Connor. “Brave, effective, and very popular, they were soon looked upon as heroes. Their exploits alone would be worthy of notice.” For years, the K-9 unit of the Cobleskill Police Department was named Wilson to honor the slain officer’s dog, mainly because, historian O’Connor says, “no one knew what Wilson called his dog. I’m happy to say his name is now known, along with much more – all on the tour.”
Jeff O’Connor is an accomplished historian and author who has a deep connection to the Schoharie County historical community. He and his wife Pam team up as Turning Point 1777 to provide guided walking and driving tours in Schoharie County, authentic historic flag reproductions, and publications. For more information, please visit www.turningpoint1777.com or Facebook.com/turningpoint1777
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