Harry Piers: Museum Maker

Notes from Piers Accession Book:

Scientific Name:  Herbert Fuller photos

Locality and When Collected:  Halifax, N.S. Photographed 21 July 1896

Collector (c) Donor (d):  James A. Ross (d.) Halifax, N.S.

Received:  17 Dec 1928

Quantity:  10

Remarks:  Mounted photos. 3.75 by 5 ½ ins.  Ross took a photo - also of Capt Nash’s bed or trunk, but the negative was no good and no prints could be made from it.

Photos.  Illustrating the condition of the American Barkantine “Herbert Fuller” on her arrival in Halifax Harbour, N.S., 21 July 1896, after Capt. Charles I Nash, his wife, and second-mate Blomburg.  H. Blomberg had been murdered by first-mate Thomas M. Bram on 13 or 14 July 1896, about midnight.  The first trial of Bram took place at Boston, Mass. U.S.A., Dec. 1896; and the second trial at same place in March 1898, when there was a verdict of Guilty and Bram was sentenced to life imprisonment, but was freed after serving twenty years.  He is now master of a vessel.

These photos were taken by James A. Ross, photographer of Halifax, on the day the vessel arrived at Halifax.  They were made by direction of the police department, and like prints were used as evidence in the trial of Bram.  The preliminary examination in Halifax and trials in Boston excited great interest.  J. A. Ross, Dr. W. D. Finn (medical examiner), and Mr. MacDonald who drew plans of the vessel’s cabin, etc., were among those who gave evidence at the trial in Boston.

The Barkentine “Herbert Fuller”, 743 tons, of Harrington, Me., U.S.A., was built in Nov. 1890 by C. Nash at Harrington, Me.,  and he was the owner.  Charles I. Nash, Master.

Date Accessioned: 21 July 1896

Photographer: James A. Ross

Reference: Harry Piers number 6429 (A)  Nova Scotia Museum Marine History Collection, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic MP 3.50.2 /  negative: N-19018