Today in Wheeling History: August 14—Hamilton “Ham” R. Forsythe dies after a severe beating from brewer and businessman Henry Schmulbach (1878)
On the evening of August 14, 1878, Henry Schmulbach arrived at a tavern with his companion “Ham” Forsythe, driving a two-horse buggy. Schmulbach had a conversation with a Mr. Rush while Forsythe became disorderly and eventually stole Schmulbach’s buggy and horses. When Schmulbach discovered this, he searched for his team and eventually found them near Stamm's Tavern (across from Wheeling Park). Forsythe had caused chaos during his reckless drive, alarming onlookers. Mendel testified that he rode with Forsythe briefly before Schmulbach confronted them. A physical altercation ensued, with Schmulbach striking Forsythe several times. Schmulbach departed the scene with his buggy and horses. William Stamm loaded the injured and unconscious Forsythe into a wagon and headed to Wheeling courthouse. Forsythe died soon after. A coroner's jury determined that Forsythe died from brain injuries caused by Schmulbach's blows. Schmulbach turned himself in, was arrested, and posted bail. During the trial, Schmulbach was acquitted of murder due to Forsythe's behavior and the possibility that his head hit stones during the collision. (https://rb.gy/vt59d)
On the evening of August 14, 1878, Henry Schmulbach arrived at a tavern with his companion “Ham” Forsythe, driving a two-horse buggy. Schmulbach had a conversation with a Mr. Rush while Forsythe became disorderly and eventually stole Schmulbach’s buggy and horses. When Schmulbach discovered this, he searched for his team and eventually found them near Stamm's Tavern (across from Wheeling Park). Forsythe had caused chaos during his reckless drive, alarming onlookers. Mendel testified that he rode with Forsythe briefly before Schmulbach confronted them. A physical altercation ensued, with Schmulbach striking Forsythe several times. Schmulbach departed the scene with his buggy and horses. William Stamm loaded the injured and unconscious Forsythe into a wagon and headed to Wheeling courthouse. Forsythe died soon after. A coroner's jury determined that Forsythe died from brain injuries caused by Schmulbach's blows. Schmulbach turned himself in, was arrested, and posted bail. During the trial, Schmulbach was acquitted of murder due to Forsythe's behavior and the possibility that his head hit stones during the collision. (https://rb.gy/vt59d)
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