The Counterfeit Man: The True Story of the Boorn-Colvin Murder Case [Paperback]

Gerald W. McFarland (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A much-publicized murder case of the early 19th century involved the unexplained disappearance of none-too-bright Russell Colvin from Manchester, Vt., in 1812 after an argument with his brothers-in-law, Stephen and Jesse Boorn. In 1819 the Boorns were convicted of killing Colvin; Stephen was sentenced to death, Jesse to life imprisonment. Before they could serve their sentences, though, a mentally disturbed man claiming to be the "victim" was found in New Jersey; he satisfied Manchester residents that he was indeed Colvin, and said he had wandered off from home. The brothers-in-law were released, but doubt was later cast on the authenticity of "Colvin." McFarland, professor of history at the University of Massachusetts, who counts himself among the skeptics, superbly recreates the social milieu in which the curious "crime" occurred.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

In 1812, after arguing with his brothers-in-law, Jess and Stephen Boorn, Vermont farmer Russell Colvin vanished. Seven years later, a barrage of ghostly sightings convinced the Manchester citizenry that Colvin had been murdered. The Boorns were tried and convicted of his murder--then Colvin showed up again, and they went free. But was it really Colvin, or an impostor? McFarland (history, Univ. of Massachusetts) has crafted a fascinating, painstakingly researched account of this mystery, delineating in exquisite detail the characters involved and bringing a historian's eye for social background to bear on the village itself. The result is a crime reader's delight, complete with trial, dramatic reprieve, and surprising aftermath. Intriguing, insightful, often humorous, this is highly recommended for most collections.
- Sally G. Waters, Stetson Law Lib., St. Petersburg, Fla.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Univ of Massachusetts Pr (April 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087023837X
• ISBN-13: 978-0870238376
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #718,686 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars fascinating analysis of a time and a murder, November 5, 2010

By 

Kelsey May Dangelo (Vermont) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Counterfeit Man: The True Story of the Boorn-Colvin Murder Case (Paperback)

In 1812, Russell Colvin, a dependent of his father-in-law, was engaged in a physical altercation with his brother-in-law, Stephen Boorn. When he was not seen again for several years, and mysterious dreams of Russell's ghost came to Stephen's uncle, Stephen and his brother Jesse were arrested for his murder. After the discovery of vague evidence, confessions and a trail, the brothers were sentenced to hang (Jesse' sentence was later commuted to life in prison). Just when all was thought lost, Russell Colvin wandered back into town to free his brothers-in-laws and convicted murderers. But was it really Colvin? Why did the brothers confess? McFarland's account of the events in not only fascinatingly told, but also wonderfully thorough. McFarland brilliantly relates the psychological, sociological, and historical context of the true rural Vermont mystery. He paints a detailed portrait of Vermont in the early days of emerging civilization on the frontier, of a mystery that encompasses an evolving justice system, and the very human, very flawed, and very odd characters that played a role in one of the strangest mysteries. Fascinating, engaging book. Grade: A

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting true crime in early America, October 13, 2009

By 

Kathleen K. Melonakos (Escondido, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Counterfeit Man (Hardcover)

This was an interesting story of a crime that really happened in early America, and a mystery that has never been definitively solved. Besides being a page turner as to who really committed the murder, it provided a lot of insight into life in early America and the different levels of society. There were the early settlers of Vermont and New Hampshire who were fairly rough types, with lots of drinking, etc. There were the educated, more elite types like the lawyers. There were the frontier preachers who helped to civilize the frontier. This story showed how they interacted when confronted with a particular crime and how it affected the community.

I've been studying counterfeiting, and this story includes the counterfeiting of an identity, AND the counterfeiting of money.

This is a fascinating study.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read, July 19, 2007

By 

Cheryl - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Counterfeit Man: The True Story of the Boorn-Colvin Murder Case (Paperback)

I read this a long time ago as a high-school student and liked it very much. It must have been good since I remember it! I wish I still had a copy. Perhaps I will purchase this again one day, as I look forward to reading it again soon.