Across the River: Murder at Accomac

On Decoration Day 1881, the tranquil morning silence at Coyle’s Ferry was shattered by the sound of gunshots, and in an instant Emily Myers lay dead at the hand of John Coyle, Jr. Although his guilt was never in question, he claimed he was in love with Emily and was driven insane by her continual rejections. Coyle’s subsequent murder trials and multiple appeals became local headlines, and the public outcry surrounding the use of the “insanity dodge” was immediate and intense. 

The setting of the tragedy was the Susquehanna River crossing now known as Accomac. As early as 1727, Reverend James Anderson began ferrying settlers bound for points west. Hotly contested by the colonies and coveted for potential mineral wealth, the area prospered over the next three centuries and was the scene of numerous historical crossings and events. While undergoing changes in ownership, Accomac witnessed the birth of the United States, endured the struggle of the Civil War, and survived the greed-driven growth and eventual financial crash of the town of Marietta. During the 1800s, the declining need for ferry services began to take its toll. Always adapting, Accomac expanded into a thriving hotel, tavern, fishery, sawmill, and resort destination.

Pulled from local news headlines, court records, trial transcripts, and land records, this story weaves together the history of the Accomac river crossing, the town of Marietta, and the untimely death of an innocent young girl. Against a rich historical backdrop, the murder and ensuing legal proceedings provide a compelling account of life Across the River.


Buy it in Print ...  $18.99 Paperback, $24.99 Hardback

Read the e-book ...  $8.99 

Buy it in Person ...


York County History Center
121 North Pershing Ave
York, PA 17401


LancasterHistory
230 N. President Ave
Lancaster, PA 17603


Zimmerman Center for Heritage
1706 Long Level Rd
Wrightsville, PA 17368

Amazon Reviews of Across the River: Murder at Accomac

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5.0 out of 5 stars

 Awesome book, great amount of research went into this

Reviewed October 27, 2014 by Susan L. Horn

 

Awesome book, great amount of research went into this. Growing up in the Susquehanna territory, I knew of the of the murder and hauntings of the Accomac. Michael Maloney presents interesting facts and knowledge that most people do not know about the Coyle family and the history behind the land acquisitions along the Susquehanna.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5.0 out of 5 stars

 Well researched

Reviewed on June 11, 2022 by LMS

 

Very interesting. Well researched and factual information.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5.0 out of 5 stars

 Interesting history

Reviewed on January 16, 2019 by Mr. Jamie Evans

 

Amazing history and facts about the York/Lancaster County area.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5.0 out of 5 stars

 Must read!

Reviewed on December 27, 2018 by Tallgirl

 

Bought for my husband. He’s read several times.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5.0 out of 5 stars

Five Stars

Reviewed on October 3, 2016 by Alice Markey

 

Excellent local History

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5.0 out of 5 stars

This is a six star book! He alternates chapters ...

Reviewed on March 12, 2016 by Old Yorker


This is a six star book! He alternates chapters.. from story..to history and back to the story. We lived in the area for many years and 'thought' we knew a lot of the history! I now use it as a reference book! Although the murder took place in 1881, if you are interested in the Civil War... read about the burning of the Wrightsville covered bridge in this book!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5.0 out of 5 stars

Great!

Reviewed on May 1, 2014 by Gail. J. Hartsough

 

This book brought back memories of the area. As a young girl my family went there many times when growing up.

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