I’m All Alone in a Palace of Stone, sheet music by Lon Mooney, 1926

In 1926, Edward West Browning (1875-1934) entered into an ill-fated marriage with 16 year-old Frances “Peaches” Heenan. A successful real-estate developer in New York, Browning showered his young bride with lavish gifts. Less than six months after the wedding, “Peaches” sought a separation, citing odd behavior from her husband, including his insistence that a honking goose be kept in the bedroom. The ensuing trial made for a sensational news story. I’m All Alone in a Palace of Stone: The ‘Peaches’ and Browning Song was written about the scandalous affair. The lyrics describe Frances Heenan Browning as “one of many fools, who sold her love for jewels” who was “trying to care for an old millionaire, wasting the best of [her] years.”

Civil War Biographies: Pabst-Perrin

PABST (or PAPST), JACOB (1835-1862). First lieutenant, 20th New York Infantry, Companies G and D. A native of Dürkheim in Bavaria, Germany, Pabst married Caroline Leonhardt on July 1, 1858, at the United German Church in New York City. During the Civil War, he enlisted at New York City as a second lieutenant on May … Read more

Civil War Biographies: Perry-Preston

Perry’s death was cited on June 10, 1864, in the battle report of Brigadier General Gilman Marston, United States Army, who described conditions there as murderous, with 574 wounded, missing or dead, including 23 commissioned officers: “…Many brave officers of the line also perished in the vain attempt to drive the enemy from their strong … Read more

Civil War Biographies: Price-Ricard

PRICE, GEORGE ALLAN (1839-1924). Sergeant major, 9th Illinois Cavalry, Company M; private, 7th Regiment, New York State Militia, Company E. Price was born in Vestal, New York; his ancestors were among the first English settlers in Binghamton, New York, then called Point Chenango, and inhabited by the Oneida and Tuscarora Indians. After spending his early … Read more

Civil War Biographies: Price-Ryker

PRICE, GEORGE (1825-1895). Rank unknown, United States Navy. According to a descendant, Price who was born in England, served in the United States Navy during the Civil War. He last lived at 48 Adelphi Street in Brooklyn. Section 137, lot 29503, grave 2. PRICE, GEORGE ALLAN (1839-1924). Sergeant major, 9th Illinois Cavalry, Company M; private, … Read more

Civil War Biographies: Rice-Ryker

RICE, WILLIAM H. (1825-1907). Unknown soldier history. Although the details of Rice’s service are unknown, it is likely that he served in the Civil War because he was a resident of The National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Togus, Maine. His death was caused by nephritis. Section 171, lot 11223, graves 7 and 8. … Read more

Civil War Biographies: Sage-Shimmel

During the Civil War, Sage enlisted in the 84th New York on September 30, 1862, then joined Company B of the 170th New York Infantry as captain. Ill health forced him to resign a few months later, but he was soon able to join Company A of the 11th New York Infantry. He was quickly promoted … Read more

Civil War Biographies: Shipman-Spackman

SHOEMAKER, CONRAD (1826-1874). Private, 82nd New York Infantry, Company F. Shoemaker, who was born in New York State, enlisted at New York City as a private on June 15, 1861. On July 1, he mustered into the 82nd New York from which he deserted on December 2, 1861, at Poolesville, Maryland. Cemetery records state that … Read more

Civil War Biographies: Spaulding-Summers

SPAULDING, JOSEPH C. (1842-1864). Unknown soldier history, Confederate States of America. A Confederate soldier, details of his service record are not known. On August 22, 1864, he died at Point Lookout, Maryland, of bilious fever. Section 166, lot 27246. SPEAIGHT (or SPRAIGHT), WILLIAM A. (1826-1889). Captain, 7th Regiment, New York State Militia, Company E. After … Read more

Civil War Biographies: Sumner-Utassy

Active in civic and professional organizations, Sumner was a member of the Kings County and New York State Medical Associations, the American Institute of Medicine, the Long Island Historical Society and the Philharmonic Society (of which he was a director). He died of an apparent stroke while making rounds with his driver and carriage and could … Read more