Courtesy of Rockland Historical Society
November 4, 1876 – 150 YEARS AGO
Rockland County Journal
RIVER THIEVES
Last Tuesday morning, between two and three o’clock, a dog belonging to John A. Scott, of Nyack, barked and woke up its owner, who upon getting up discovered that two men were endeavoring to steal one of his boats. He prepared himself, took a gun, and went out, whereupon the two thieves left his premises, took a boat belonging to Tunis Dutcher and went probably across the river. The stolen boat was afterward found at Tarrytown.
ROCKLAND COUNTY ROBBED OF JUSTICE!
A few months ago a most foul murder was committed at Nanuet—a lady shot dead while sitting at her pleasant fireside. The murderer was caught, fairly tried, and in the face of strong opposition, proven guilty and sentenced to be hanged. The case was appealed and passed successively through State Supreme Court and Court of appeals, in each of which the judgment against the prisoner was sustained. A strong appeal was made to Gov. Tilden to pardon or commute the sentence of the condemned murderer, but he at first would not do it. At a late hour parties from the city, for significant reasons, waited upon the Governor, and the next morning the daily papers contained the surprising intelligence that, upon new evidence being furnished which, in his opinion, proved the innocence of the prisoner, Gov. Tilden COMMUTED THE SENTENCE OF MICHAEL MURPHY to imprisonment for life! The “new evidence” was a false plea used by Gov. Tilden to cover up his wrong set, which the whole county condemned. Citizens of Rockland! Gov. Tilden robbed your county of justice, after you had spent a great many dollars in the trial of the murderer, and had proved him guilty beyond doubt. He now asks you to give him your vote for President of the United States. In the name of heaven, and of injured and insulted justice, vote against him and show him that you remember what he did.
November 5, 1926 – 100 YEARS AGO
Pearl River News
LEXOW SWEEPS IN EVERY TOWN — Carries Orangetown by 1,221, Ramapo by 1,897 and Clarkstown by 469 Majorities
[Image: Hon. Morton Lexow Reelected District Attorney of Rockland County by Largest Plurality Accorded Any Candidate in the County.]
One of the most outstanding victories in the elections in Rockland County on Tuesday was the sweep of every township made by District Attorney Morton Lexow, who was a candidate to succeed himself.
In most instances Mr. Lexow pulled a heavier majority than his colleagues on the state Republican ticket and led without exception in the local elections.
Pearl River came out strong for Mr. Lexow, the vote in Orangetown showing a majority of 1,221. Spring Valley gave an even greater proof of his popularity when Ramapo township showed a majority of 1,897. Nanuet was not far behind the others, Clarkstown township showing a majority of 469.
This outpouring of support for Mr. Lexow is an abundant proof of the respect and admiration felt throughout the county for his personality and the work of his administration. His majority is all the more notable in view of the fact that in John McKenna, who opposed him on the Democratic ticket, he had an opponent who was personally popular.
There is abundant belief that Mr. Lexow is ultimately destined for a higher place in state and national affairs, for which his effective record in the District’s office is preparing him.
November 5, 1976 – 50 YEARS AGO
Journal News
SOUTH NYACK SELECTS NEW POLICE CHIEF
Quentin Mariano will replace Anthony Fatale as police chief in South Nyack Monday, according to village Mayor Dr. Louis T. DeNigris.
Mariano, 34, of Stony Point, was selected from among four applicants whose names were acquired from civil service lists. He will replace Fatale, who retired last April after 34 years on the force, DeNigris said Monday.
The mayor praised Police Officer Alan Colsey, who has been in temporary charge of the department. Colsey was not considered for the chief’s post because he lacked sufficient time on the force. He has been a policeman for about two years and he would have required about three in law enforcement work before he could have been considered as a civil service applicant, according to Mariano.
Mariano also said that his appointment has been confirmed by the village board and that his starting salary will be $17,000 a year.
The new chief will be responsible for heading a 12-man force, including four full-time and eight part-time patrolmen.
The force is responsible for waching over the community of about 3,500 persons.
This Week in Rockland (#FBF Flashback Friday) is prepared by Clare Sheridan for the Historical Society of Rockland County. © 2026 by The Historical Society of Rockland County. #FBF Flashback Friday may be reprinted only with written permission from the HSRC. To learn about the HSRC’s mission, upcoming events or programs, visit www.RocklandHistory.org or call (845) 634-9629.