Stephen Who?

REading between the lines…

TC Cushing published the broadside account of the crime, the trial and the final outcome, describing Stephen as a “sturdy, robust youth” of 16 years old. Born in August, 1804, he was the younger, much-loved son of a well-respected family living on Ship Street in Newburyport.

Buried in details of the crime, witness testimony and hearsay you may find reason to confront the contradictions and dig into the motivations others had for starting the fire. Hannah Downs felt snubbed by the community. Joseph Lawrence was a known trouble maker . Did Mrs Chase really see Stephen sp clearly from her jail cell? Were the clergy so focused on keeping local youth in line that they needed a a scapegoat (Stephen?) to put the fear of God into the community. behave or else? Go find the proof!