Murder on Long Island: A Nineteenth-Century Tale of Tragedy & Revenge

by Geoffrey K. Fleming, Amy K. Folk, Joseph S. Wickham (Foreword)

A meticulously researched account of one of the North Fork’s most infamous the Wickham Axe Murders of 1854.   In the mid-nineteenth century, James Wickham was a wealthy farmer with a large estate in Cutchogue, Long Island. His extensive property included a mansion and eighty acres of farmland that were maintained by a staff of servants. In 1854, Wickham got into an argument with one of his workers, Nicholas Behan, after Behan harassed another employee who refused to marry him. Several days after Behan’s dismissal, he crept back into the house in the dead of night. With an axe, he butchered Wickham and his wife, Frances, and fled to a nearby swamp. Behan was captured, tried, convicted and, on December 15, became one of the last people to be hanged in Suffolk County. Local historians Geoffrey Fleming and Amy Folk uncover this gruesome story of revenge and murder.   Includes photos!   “Mr. Fleming and Ms. Folk graphically recreate the crime itself and Behan’s attempts to escape. They describe in detail his capture, incarceration, trial, and conviction ending in his execution.” —The East Hampton Star

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

131 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 26, 2013

Reviews

[Jean]

Well, I am finished reading this book, but I didn’t quite finish it. I quit with one and a half chapters to go. It is admirable that the author and his wife did so much research about an incident in his family’s past. He seems to have learned a lot and I am sure that has been rewarding. However, the book is difficult to read because so many trivia breaks happen... it is a little like sitting with a great uncle or aunt ... the little side comments may be interesting of themselves, but they don’t really make a history book or a true crime book a great read.

[Ronnie Cramer]

A good historical true crime book with plenty of area history.

[Paula Corregan]

Interesting book!

This book detailed the ax murders of a husband and wife in a small Long Island community in 1854. Also included are details on the fate of their killer as well as what became of others involved in the trial of the killer. The authors have done extensive research on their topic and have compiled a good book. I highly recommend this book to other true crime readers.

[Terri]

An employee kills his employers and another servant, while unable to kill the females servants (one of which was his true target) in the 1800s. A good book with lots of background and current news of the period.

[Debra Jackson]

Reads like a murder mystery except I was a little disappointed to find out who done it so early, and wasn’t really looking forward to reading about the trial. Turns out it was actually pretty interesting. I’m surprised.

[Jim Swike]

A quick read on one of Long Island's famous murders. Reads like a history book, but you may feel differently. Enjoy!

[Zach Schiff]

A good look into mid-19th century Long Island, but this was a 10-page book spread out over 90 or so pages.