Tragedy at Murder Creek

I put together this slideshow on the trial in Buffalo of Sadie McMullen. In 1890 Sadie McMullen murdered 8 year old Nellie May Connor in Akron, NY. This is her story.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Sadie
• McMullen
• Akron
• Falls
• Murder
• Electric
• Chair

[blkirish03]

Its a fascinating story indeed. The Newstead Historical Society had an exhibit in May with all of the details of the event including a multimedia presentation I gave in October 0f 2008. The small falls on near Jackson Street that you refer to is part of the old Mill Pond that Sadie jumped into after the murder took place. The trestle itself was located further upstream - it crossed right at the spot of the tennis court on East Avenue.

[blkirish03]

Here's an interesting bit of information for you. Sadie McMullen sat in the lobby of the Akron House (aka American Hotel) awaiting the jury verdict in her inquest trial in the village of Akron. The newspaper accounts say that people were crowding on the walk outside the restaurant/hotel to try to catch a glimpse of her as she awaited the court decision and then prepared for her trip to the Erie County Jail in Buffalo.

[blkirish03]

Here's an interesting bit of information for you. Sadie McMullen sat in the lobby of the Akron House (aka American Hotel) awaiting the jury verdict in her inquest trial in the village of Akron. The newspaper accounts say that people were crowding on the walk outside the restaurant/hotel to try to catch a glimpse of her as she awaited the court decision and then prepared for her trip to the Erie County Jail in Buffalo.

[weneedhelp123]

Nellie May Connors and her family are in the same cemetary as my mother and many other of my family members. How weird is all that....now I'll be curious to see Nellies marker the next time I go out there.

[blkirish03]

Hello. Just a quick question. I have found Nellie May's grave in St teresas cemetery. Are you saying that there are other family members buried there as well? If so, I haven't been able to find them. Can you tell me who you have found? I have made an effort to pay my respects every few months and I'd like to do the same if there are other family members there as well outside of Nellie and her brother, Frank. Thank you.

Mark

[danilynnifer]

omg.

thats creepy.

i lived in akron my whole life.

and now i'm finally firguring out how

murder creek got its name.

[blkirish03]

Quick clarification. Murder Creek got its name sometime in the early 1800's when a white traveler was murdered at the creek behind near Renn's. The Nellie May Connors tragedy occurred well after the Creek was named "Murder". This storyappears in Buffalo papers in November 1890 and March 1891 (the time of the trial)if you would like to learn more. The trestle was located at the tennis court on East Avenue.

[cillysnow]

Thank you so much for these informative clips.I have lived in Akron for about 17 yrs. I used to live on Jackson St. by the small falls of Murder Creek. I had heard a child was murdered in the Creek but never knew the whole story. The home I bought and live in was built the same year of the murder. Also, I moved here from Buffalo and the facts you gave regarding the electric. chair, I also never knew. Once again, thank you so much for posting this.

[cillysnow]

Thank you so much for these informative clips.I have lived in Akron for about 17 yrs. I used to live on Jackson St. by the small falls of Murder Creek. I had heard a child was murdered in the Creek but never knew the whole story. The home I bought and live in was built the same year of the murder. Also, I moved here from Buffalo and the facts you gave regarding the elec. chair, I also never knew. Once again, thank you so much for posting this.

[deerhunterowner45]

@blkirish03 my momowns it now

[deerhunterowner45]

@blkirish03 my mom owns that place now

[deerhunterowner45]

I live in Akron. The funny part is is that my mother owns the Akron House. Murder Creek is right behind maybe 20 feet behind the buliding

[weneedhelp123]

@blkirish03 Hi, sorry it took me so long to get back to you! We are in the process of moving right now but as soon as I get back out to the cemetary I will find Nellie Mays other family graves. It was a long time ago I found them so I don't remember exactly who they all were. But I know her mothers was there. I'll let you know asap when I find them. Thanks so much!