Stoddard Online

Stoddard Online

Times were tough in the 1950's across Canada. The nation was on a rebound from the effects of the Second World War which concluded less than a decade earlier. Smaller, lesser known communities felt the pinch more so than the larger urban centres, although, what the smaller communities lacked in wealth, was compensated by their ability to stand firm during crisis.

The Gaspe' Peninsula in rural Quebec was no exception. Aside from the larger urban areas of Montreal, Quebec City, and Trois Rivieres, other areas of the province were largely left to fend for themselves. Quebec City, demanded their tax revenues, but provided little for many areas outside the mainstream core.

The story you are about to read is nauseating. In no way, can it be portrayed as a nice story. In it's beginning, at best it can be described as shocking, the storyline throughout is cruel and disgusting, and the ending is ugly. If you feel weak and faint at heart, then perhaps you should not read this account. I feel compelled to present this story to you, chiefly, because it happened in Canada, and during a modern era of our history.

Part one of this saga, in abbreviated form, outlines the events leading up to the emergence of Wilbert Coffin, and the major players in this unbelievable tale of bush league justice. Subsequent parts to this story, will be in more comprehensive detail, and hopefully provide an understanding of the correlation of events. The follow up chapters will be made available on this site approximately two days apart. I have attempted to spare you, the reader, from many of the more graphic details with respect to the details of the discovery of the victims.

This story will outline one man's courageous battle with our so called justice system, as he and his community rally together in an effort to stave off his destiny as predetermined by others. From my own personal research for this story, I have concluded, those we are told to trust the most, in many cases, turn out to be those that we can trust the least. Specifically here, I am talking about the police and the judiciary, spearheaded by the Quebec premier of the day, the late Maurice Duplessis, who in my opinion, exhibited the characteristics of a premier turned dictator.

You may think the title that I have chosen for my story is unusual, however, later on you will learn it's relevance. The following is part one. . . .

I Commend My Soul To Thee

It was early June in 1953, and the small towns and villages of the Gaspe' Peninsula in Quebec's far eastern reaches were getting prepared for the summer activities. The commercial fishing fleet and the foresty workers were gearing up as they had done for many years. These two industries were the staples of the Gaspe' communities. The weather was warm, and with it, would bring the influx of affluent sport fishermen and hunters from the United States, who frequented the area on a regular basis.

Though not his first trip to the area, Eugene Lindsey from Altoona County in Pennsylvania would arrive on June 08, 1953. He would be accompanied this time by his teen age son Richard, and Richard's friend Fred Claar, for the annual spring bear hunt. This trip would prove to be the trio's last to the area. In July of that same year, the remains of all three were found deep in the woods of the Gaspe' Peninsula, brutally murdered by a person or persons unknown. They were discovered as a result of the concerns by family members back home in Pennsylvania, who contacted local police, who were finally able to make contact with the Gaspe' region, as there had been no contact for over a month, and the date for their planned return home had come and gone.

Initially, the Pennsylvania police had attempted to reach a local guide, Russell Patterson, who knew the area well. He was not at home, however, a Mr. Thomas Miller was staying at his house and the Pennsylvania authorities explained the circumstances and asked him to investigate as best he could.

As Mr. Miller had guided for Eugene Lindsey in the past he knew the area that he favoured for hunting. Immediately setting out for that camp area, he very soon came upon the abandoned truck that the Lindsey party had been driving. It was at the roadside in heavy bush. There was no sign of current activity, and Thomas Miller noted personal possessions and equipment inside the truck, as well as other items on the back. The date was July 08, 1953.

A massive search was convened as it was now evident that the American hunters were indeed missing. As a result of that search, signs of Eugene Lindsey's past presence was discovered in close proximity of a particular hunting camp. This discovery was made on July 15, 1953, and later on the same day, his partial skeletal remains were found near another hunting camp in the area, and was obvious that his body had been ravaged by forest animals.

From the condition of Eugene Lindsey's remains, it was impossible to determine an immediate cause of death. The authorities, now armed with the knowledge of a confirmed death, mounted an extensive search of the area, and on July 23, 1953, the remains of Richard Lindsey and his friend Fred Claar were discovered. Their skeletal remains were located some 200 feet apart, and considerable distance across a major river, from the remains of the elder Eugene Lindsey.

Prior to this date, the last sighting recalled by any of the townsfolk of Gaspe' of any member of this hunting party was on June 10, 1953, when it was observed by several, that Richard Lindsey was in town to purchase a new fuel pump for their hunting vehicle. On this venture, he was chauffeured by a local well known outsdoorsman. This person was Wilbert Coffin.

Lew Stoddard
Posted to site May 03, 2006

The next posting will detail the man, Wilbert Coffin, as to who he was, his personal life, his status in the community, and his aspirations, in his quest for a better life for he and his family.

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