Local History at the Old Stone Fort - Death Drum and Murphy’s China

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 9/28/25 | 9/28/25

Death Drum

This snare drum, known locally as the "Death Drum," was played as condemned prisoners were marched to the gallows and is at the Old Stone Fort, sent to us by Clay Edmunds. Made in 1814 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, it bears an inscription on the bottom head stating that Captain (or Colonel) Dietz of Schoharie presented it to John W. Bouck, a drummer in a militia artillery company during the War of 1812. The drum was used to play the "Death March" when Van Alstine and Kressler (or Casler) were led from the Schoharie jail to their execution. It was donated to the museum in September 1897 by John M. Bouck, son of John W. Bouck.

Murphy's Luster China Set

This picture showcases a luster china set owned by Timothy Murphy. Featured here are a milk/cream pitcher, a teacup, and a tureen. This set was donated by Madalyn Bellinger Bryant.