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Abel Bodied: Murder at the Malden Bank
If I were to ask you where the first bank robbery murder took place in the United States, your mind would naturally travel to the Old West. But the first murder during a bank robbery actually occurred in Malden, Massachusetts on December 15, 1863. And the perpetrator was far from a famed gunslinger. However, he was someone just as dangerous – a desperate opportunist.
At the time, Malden, a few miles north of Boston, was an idyllic, growing town. The battlefields of the Civil War, where able-bodied men were dying by the thousands lay distant. The town seemingly outside the reach of such violence. Edward Green, postmaster of Malden, lived far beyond his means and mismanaged the funds for which he was responsible. A newlywed with a child due in mere days, he sought out any solution he could find to solve his debt, retain his position and provide for his family.
Frank Converse, aged seventeen, was the bank teller across the street. The youth was alone in the bank, a pile of cash in plain view. The temptation to solve his problems all at once was too strong for the postmaster to resist. He shot Converse twice and stole the money. I have framed this story as an analogy of Cain and Abel. The murderer and his victim, although not related, were reported to be the closest of friends.
William Shiloh was born a free man in Delaware but by the end of the 1850’s, he was not certain he would remain one much longer. He had fled north with his growing family to Malden and opened a barbershop catering to the affluent men in the town. From his windows, William could witness all that transpired in Malden Square – although he was barely seen by the townsfolk he observed.
Life was difficult, but William remained optimistic that it was improving day by day. That hope was obliterated by dread the morning Frank Converse was found shot and the bank robbed. Being the only one who held the knowledge that Edward Green was the last person to exit the bank before the crime was discovered, William suspected that the postmaster was the villain and that belief would only continue to grow.
In many ways, William Shiloh is the heart and soul of this novel. A righteous man, yet a reluctant witness. He fears the townsfolk won’t believe him for the mere fact that he is not one of them. He is an outsider. The color of his skin also makes him worry that an accusation directed toward a white man as the criminal might instead fasten the guilt squarely upon himself. The fact that Edward Green committed murder in broad daylight terrifies William.
William’s main priority is to keep his family safe and the best way to accomplish that, he believes, is to not bring any undue attention on to himself. Yet his conscience struggles with the dilemma of what is safe for him – and what is just for the family of the murdered Converse boy and the frightened people of the town.
Writing this storyI am a lifelong Malden resident, so the telling of this tale lost to history and brought to life by my research and imagination has been a long but rewarding endeavor. This literary odyssey began in December of 2012. At one point, the manuscript totaled more than nine-hundred pages and became unwieldy, so I made the fortuitous decision to split my creation in two so I could focus and finally complete the first part of this narrative. The second book is written – but not finished. My plan is to have it edited and published in the next year or so. I have dwelled with this story and these characters for many years and I am thrilled to finally share Abel Murder at the Malden Bank with you!Michael Cloherty
At the time, Malden, a few miles north of Boston, was an idyllic, growing town. The battlefields of the Civil War, where able-bodied men were dying by the thousands lay distant. The town seemingly outside the reach of such violence. Edward Green, postmaster of Malden, lived far beyond his means and mismanaged the funds for which he was responsible. A newlywed with a child due in mere days, he sought out any solution he could find to solve his debt, retain his position and provide for his family.
Frank Converse, aged seventeen, was the bank teller across the street. The youth was alone in the bank, a pile of cash in plain view. The temptation to solve his problems all at once was too strong for the postmaster to resist. He shot Converse twice and stole the money. I have framed this story as an analogy of Cain and Abel. The murderer and his victim, although not related, were reported to be the closest of friends.
William Shiloh was born a free man in Delaware but by the end of the 1850’s, he was not certain he would remain one much longer. He had fled north with his growing family to Malden and opened a barbershop catering to the affluent men in the town. From his windows, William could witness all that transpired in Malden Square – although he was barely seen by the townsfolk he observed.
Life was difficult, but William remained optimistic that it was improving day by day. That hope was obliterated by dread the morning Frank Converse was found shot and the bank robbed. Being the only one who held the knowledge that Edward Green was the last person to exit the bank before the crime was discovered, William suspected that the postmaster was the villain and that belief would only continue to grow.
In many ways, William Shiloh is the heart and soul of this novel. A righteous man, yet a reluctant witness. He fears the townsfolk won’t believe him for the mere fact that he is not one of them. He is an outsider. The color of his skin also makes him worry that an accusation directed toward a white man as the criminal might instead fasten the guilt squarely upon himself. The fact that Edward Green committed murder in broad daylight terrifies William.
William’s main priority is to keep his family safe and the best way to accomplish that, he believes, is to not bring any undue attention on to himself. Yet his conscience struggles with the dilemma of what is safe for him – and what is just for the family of the murdered Converse boy and the frightened people of the town.
Writing this storyI am a lifelong Malden resident, so the telling of this tale lost to history and brought to life by my research and imagination has been a long but rewarding endeavor. This literary odyssey began in December of 2012. At one point, the manuscript totaled more than nine-hundred pages and became unwieldy, so I made the fortuitous decision to split my creation in two so I could focus and finally complete the first part of this narrative. The second book is written – but not finished. My plan is to have it edited and published in the next year or so. I have dwelled with this story and these characters for many years and I am thrilled to finally share Abel Murder at the Malden Bank with you!Michael Cloherty
Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 4, 2022
Author breathes life into the characters of a 1863 historical occurrence. Fascinating real life characters and reflections on life in this New England Town. Digs down into the psychology of the villain's situation, his manipulative and maniacal behavior and the factors leading to his violent decision. Well-written and researched.
August 29, 2021
I found this to be a really fun read and a well written book. Having grown up in Malden I thoroughly enjoyed reading about areas familiar to me. The author completely caught the feeling of the era and I found myself doing internet searches on the characters so I could find out more about them. I enjoyed it from start to finish and I look forward to reading the next book from Michael Cloherty.
February 6, 2022
I just finished reading Abel Bodied. I especially enjoyed the historical research woven into the story which provides the backdrop for the crime. I learned interesting elements of Elisha Converse's career, the development of Malden (the city in which I live and work), local government and commerce, courtship and marriage norms, the emerging criminal justice system, and the local repercussions of slavery and the Civil War. The author builds suspense over the killer's unveiling slowly and steadily until the end. Well done.
April 20, 2023
Great read
I enjoy historical fiction. This very real crime, fleshed out with the characters that the author has included, brought the despicable act to life in my mind. Although I had heard of this robbery and murder years ago it was just the dry facts. This story held my interest in light of the fact that I knew the ending. Thanks Michael for the story, from a fellow Maldonian.
I enjoy historical fiction. This very real crime, fleshed out with the characters that the author has included, brought the despicable act to life in my mind. Although I had heard of this robbery and murder years ago it was just the dry facts. This story held my interest in light of the fact that I knew the ending. Thanks Michael for the story, from a fellow Maldonian.
August 8, 2021
Very little interesting in this book, other than the names of local streets and families.
September 24, 2021
What a wonderful book with so much detail. I grew up in Malden and never knew about this. Mr. Cloherty has done a fantastic job and I am so very impressed with this book. I was transported back in time to the lives of these people, I felt I was there, with them all. And what a treat to see the famous man of Malden, Pietro Caso ! Way to go Pete !!
Looking forward to more writings Mr. Cloherty-THANK YOU
Looking forward to more writings Mr. Cloherty-THANK YOU
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews