Our Hometown
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The Verdict on William Fee
The Wayne County Courthouse was only four years old when Galen resident William Fee was put on trial for the murder of a transient, unnamed woman, who had been kicked off a canal boat and was looking for work. Those attending the re-enactment this past weekend were given the chance to vote as to whether they felt that Fee was innocent or guilty. The results were overwhelming - 190 voted that he did not murder the woman, and only 20 felt that he was guilty as charged. Fee, an Irishman, might have been a victim of discrimination against the many canal workers, or the fact that he fled to New York City might have tipped the scales of justice. The event was produced by the Wayne County Historical Society and directed by Jean Stoep and Larry Ann Evans. More than 50 area residents participated in the production before a standing room only audience in the court house. The family of accused murderer William Fee awaits the start of Wayne County Court proceedings in 1860. Pictured are brother George Fee (Graig Zappia), mother Mary Fee (Betsy McCranels), father James Fee (Burt Ford), brother Thomas Fee (Leslie Mitchell), and William Fee, played by Brad Shimp. The Society's next production is The Spirits of Butternut Street, which will be held in the north cell block of the Old Jail Museum, Butternut St., Lyons on April 24, 25, and 26. Photo by John Zornow Copyright
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