The Murder of Benjamin J. Burton: A Gilded Age Tragedy
The Victim: A Trailblazing Entrepreneur
Benjamin J. Burton was a prominent figure in Newport, Rhode Island, during the Gilded Age. As a successful businessman and entrepreneur, he had amassed a considerable fortune and was widely regarded as the wealthiest Black businessman in the state. Burton had established several businesses, including an express and transfer company that became a vital part ofNewport’s transportation system.
The Crime: A Brutal Murder
On October 6, 1885, Burton was found dead in his home on Levin Street. He had been shot twice, once in the head and once in the chest. The murder shocked the community and sent ripples of fear and uncertainty through Newport.
The Investigation: A Web of Suspicion
Authorities initially suspected suicide, but further investigation revealed inconsistencies in this theory. Burton’s family members and close associates insisted that he had been in good spirits and had not expressed any suicidal thoughts.
Patrick J. Galvin, a young defense attorney known for his advocacy for the underprivileged, became involved in the case and began to suspect foul play. He convinced the authorities to exhume Burton’s body and conduct an autopsy, which revealed that the gunshot wounds were not consistent with suicide.
The Suspects: A Husband and Wife with Secrets
Galvin’s investigation soon focused on Burton’s daughter, Maria Burton Dorsey, and her husband, Allen Dorsey. Allen was a medical student who had recently married Maria. The couple had been struggling financially, and there were rumors that Allen had been pressuring Burton for a substantial dowry.
The Trial: A Battle of Wits
Allen and Maria Dorsey were arrested and charged with Burton’s murder. Their trial became a sensational event, with prominent attorneys William Paine Sheffield Jr. and Patrick J. Galvin representing the defense and prosecution, respectively.
Galvin presented compelling evidence that Allen Dorsey had killed Burton in order to obtain the dowry. He called witnesses who testified to Allen’s financial troubles and his threats against Burton. Maria Dorsey eventually confessed to her involvement in the plot, revealing that she had overheard her father discussing a life insurance policy that could provide Allen with the money he needed.
The Verdict: Guilty
After a lengthy trial, the jury found Allen and Maria Dorsey guilty of murder. They were both sentenced to life in prison.
The Aftermath: A Legacy of Tragedy
Burton’s murder left a lasting scar on Newport. His legacy as a trailblazing entrepreneur was overshadowed by the tragic circumstances of his death. Allen Dorsey maintained his innocence until his dying day, claiming that his motive was a secret that he would take to his grave. Maria Dorsey died in prison two years after her conviction.
The case of Benjamin J. Burton is a reminder of the dark underbelly of the Gilded Age, a time of great wealth and prosperity but also of hidden secrets and desperate acts.
