"Something Terrible Has Happened To Father" - Murder Most Fowl!

"Something Terrible Has Happened To Father"

When many hear the name "Horton" in Adelaide, their mind goes back to the man hung in Adelaide Gaol for killing his Wife, Florence Horton in Rundle Mall, outside Adelaide Arcade, but the name is associated with another murder case in South Australia, this time in Norwood.

Herbert Ernest Hall, aged 66, was found dead in his chicken yard in the back of his premises in Norwood. Mr Hall was the company director of the local cordial manufacturer, “Halls”.

On The 28th of January 1950, Mrs Jean Horton of Norwood was a happily married woman with two children.
She had married her husband, Philip Trythall Horton in 1944, who she described as a most affectionate man. Since his discharge from service during World War Two, the couple and their children, aged four and two and a half, had happily lived with her Father in his Charles Street, Norwood home.

Everyone in the family got along well with each other, but on that fateful evening of January 28th 1950, Jean Horton's world was turned upside down.

After returning home at about 8pm that night after visiting Philips parents, the husband and wife worked together to bathe their children and put them to bed, as they had always done together.

Jean retired to the living room to read magazines, while her husband and Father went outside. During the evening, her husband came inside several times, quietly moaning to himself, then leaving to return to the yard.
Philip came back inside about 9pm and said Jean's Father was attending to the brooding hens, and that he would like to speak to her in their bedroom, as he didn't want the children to hear what he had to say.
The couple entered the bedroom, Jean curious as to what Philip had to say, but unable to garner any details from his body language what it could be about, but she had a sinking feeling she knew he was about to utter some terrible news.

Philip said to Jean:
"Something terrible has happened to Father. I've covered him up I don't want you to see it. I was going to do something terrible to you and the children, but I don't remember what it was. I want you to help me."

Before he had finished speaking he knelt beside the bed and began to pray, unsure what to do, Jean left him there and went and phoned the Doctor, but before doing so, she first phoned a neighbour friend and told them of her Father laying in the chicken yard.
When she returned to her husband, he was laying upon the bed, and seemed to be dazed and somewhat confused...

When police arrived at the family home they found Mr Horton still in the family bedroom, asking for a drink of water. He was interrogated by officer Harvey at about 10pm that evening. Horton told the Officer “I have been in reasonable good health, but I have been pretty sick after I was demobilised from the army, I have had a few attacks of pyelitis (A kidney complaint) and I've been to Daws Road Hospital a few times”.

Officer Harvey noted Horton's quiet demeanour, his calm and apparently rational answers to questions, but noted he seemed “too normal” for someone who had just dealt such a cruel blow, there “Should be more abnormality” Harvey stated, “Horton was aware his Father-in-law was dead and what was alleged. Horton seemed casually interested in what had happened”.
Officer Harvey could not identify a motive for the murder.

Another officer went out to the chicken yard, where Mr Halls battered body had been found. The Police Officer assumed Mr Hall had been beaten in the back of the head with a large blunt object, at some point he had tried to walk towards the house and had been beaten again into unconsciousness. His body was dragged into the chicken yard, his feet were tied with rope, his hands were tied behind him, and his mouth was stuffed with a handkerchief.
At some point whilst being bound, he was again beaten, this time to death.
The feet of the dead man was then placed in a drum, a large packing crate, a piece of galvanised iron and some lengths of wood were then used to cover the body. (This was later recounted during the court case)

During the court case which ensued, Mrs Horton gave evidence. She remained calm in her seat but wept the whole time. She told of her gentle and loving husband, and how he was sometimes prone to terrible nightmares and, how on one occasion, Philip, her husband had told her, “I could take you by the throat! - If you had not broken the spell with a smile, something might have happened to you. You know how to handle me. It was luck and chance”

 DET. B. R. HARVEY (left) escorting Philip Trythall Horton,37,

 to the Coroner's Court today when an inquest was

 held into the death of Horton's

 father-in-law Herbert Ernest Hall,

 66, on January 28.

 Horton has been charged with the murder of Hall.  

Other witnesses during the court case were:
Dr J. M. McPhie, police medical officer, who said he saw Horton on January 28 about 11p.m.
The Doctor stated “ The body was that of Herbert Ernest Hall, a company director associated with G. Hall & Sons, cordial manufacturers of Norwood. At 2 a.m. on January 29, I took the body to the City Mortuary. Later the same morning Dr Wilhelm conducted a post-mortem.”

Plain clothes Constable A. C. Horsnell, acting Coroner's Constable, said about 10 a.m. On January 29 he went to the City Mortuary with the deceased's brother Frank Tinley Hall, of Hewitt avenue, Rose Park. Frank Hall identified his brother's body."Later in the day, I pointed out the same body to Dr Wilhelm,"the witness said

Dr Wilhelm was the next witness. He said on making the post-mortem, he found a blood-stained handkerchief had been used as a bandage across the mouth and lower face."A second bloodstained handkerchief was plugged in the mouth." he said. "One corner of that handkerchief protruded."The hands were securely tied by a woman's stocking, and the articles were firmly tied together with two woman's stockings. The body was dressed In grey flannel trousers and a blue sports shirt.
There was much blood staining on the shirt, singlet and trousers."

On the 22nd of March 1950, Philip Horton, 37, technical adviser to the Royal Auto-mobile Association of South Australia was found Not Guilty on the grounds of insanity – the jury did not leave the box.
He was ordered to be kept in strict custody at the hospital for criminal defectives, Parkside for the duration of the Governors Pleasure.

No motive was ever brought forth.

© 2014 Allen Tiller

www.eidolonparanormal.com.au

A Haunting at Grange House - Magill

A Haunting at Grange House - Magill

Nestled within the Penfolds Magill Estate, Grange House was built in 1845 by Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold shortly after they arrived in South Australia from England. The couple emigrated with their young daughter and purchased 500 acres at what was then known as Mackgill. 

On this land they built a modest stone cottage and named it Grange after Mary’s hometown — a name that would later become synonymous with Penfolds’ most celebrated wine.

Christopher Penfold’s health declined in 1870, and he died at the age of 59, leaving Mary to take full control of the winery. She proved more than capable, guiding the business with skill and determination. Mary retired from winemaking in 1884 at the age of 68 but continued to live at Grange House until her death in 1896, aged 80.

Ghosts:

In the 1980s, staff at Magill Estate began reporting unusual occurrences. A woman’s voice was heard echoing across the vineyards, though no one could find its source. Inside Grange House, a teacup engraved with Mary Penfold’s initials was said to move freely around the cottage, appearing in different places without explanation. These incidents led many to believe that Mary had returned to the home she loved so dearly.

  In 2011, Grange House again made local news when alarm sensors at the winery began activating without cause. Staff reported further unexplained phenomena, reminiscent of the activity witnessed three decades earlier. The pattern raised an intriguing question: had Mary Penfold returned once more?

If so, why? Was she displeased with the sale of Penfolds to international owners? Was she simply revisiting the vineyard she nurtured into greatness? Or is there some other reason lost to time?

Whatever the cause, Mary’s presence — if it is hers — appears gentle and benign. A caretaker spirit, perhaps, watching over the estate that bears her legacy.

© 2014 Allen Tiller
www.Allentillercom.au

The Golden Rule: Axe Attack

 The Golden Rule Axe Attack

The Golden Rule Hotel once stood proudly in Pirie Street, about halfway between Hindmarsh square and East Terrace, on the corner of Pirie Street and Moger lane.
On a Friday night the 3rd of August 1906 The hotel licensee of The Golden Rule, Mr William C Dawes, contacted the Metropolitan Police station asking for assistance.

Constable Stuart was the first to arrive on the scene, and upon entering the Hotel was greeted with some colourful language, describing the murder of a man on the Hotel premises. The constable was ushered through the hotel to a bedroom a the rear of the premises, where he found John Hasset, aged 35 years old, lying on a bed.
Silting nearby the bed, never removing her eyes from her prostrate Husband sat Mrs Ada Hasset (Nee Edge).

It was obvious to the Constable that something nasty had happened to the man on the bed, he had a deep 2 inch cut across his cheekbone, and above his right eye on his forehead was a slash at least 3 inches long, which, even to the medically untrained eye of the Constable, had obviously broken through the skull into the brain.

Ada sat starring, Constable Stuart asked her what had happened, without looking at him she simply replied. “I did it with an axe.” then added,” It's in the shed at the back” and pointed the Constable in the direction to find it.
 Constable Stuart found the axe in the shed, totally covered in blood and gore, hair was stuck in the grooves of where the wooden handle went through the centre of the metal axe blade.
Constable Stuart arrested Mrs Hasset and removed her to the Police Watch-house, where on Monday morning she would be taken before the Magistrate.

John Hasset, who surprisingly wasn’t dead, was removed to the Adelaide Hospital by Constable Stuart and Constable Flynn, He was attended by Dr Magarey, who found Mr Hasset had suffered a compound fracture of the skull, and a broken jaw, both of which were inflicted by the heavy axe.
It was not hard for police to discover the motive for the attempted murder, with jealousy being the cause. Mrs Hasset had recently been incarcerated in the Gaol, of which she had just been released recently. When she returned home, she found her Husband had taken another woman in their marital bed.

They began to fight on a daily basis, and the staff of the hotel had long feared it would erupt into violence.
The couple had married just over a year prior and were married by a Catholic Priest in Mount Barker.
It was determined that Mrs Hasset came into the bedroom as her husband was sleeping, and began to strike him with the axe when she had finished unloading her fury, she calmly returned the axe to the shed at the back of the premises
The couple had been staying in the hotel for only four days prior to the attack, and both were very well known to Police already. Mrs Hasset just finishing her sentence, and Mr Hasset, a “square-jawed, Lynx -eyed man of the sturdy build" was well up on the list of known South Australian Burglars.

Mrs Hasset was also at an earlier date, trialled for trying to commit suicide and was known in the city watch-house for her violent outbursts, struggles to resist police and verbal outbursts most unladylike.
Mr Hasset died from his injuries on the Sunday afternoon, two days after his wounds were inflicted. Mrs Hassets charges were upgraded to murder, and she was brought to trial.



It was established during the trial by Detective Fraser who said “he had known the accused for several years. He had prepared a list of her record of convictions. There were 19 convictions against her for drunkenness, seven for using indecent language, four for wilful damage one for loitering, one for riotous behaviour, one for attempting to commit suicide, and one for assault. Most of the seven convictions for indecent language were coupled with the convictions for drunkenness. The record started in 1890, with committal to the Reformatory as an uncontrollable child. The first Police Court conviction was on July 14, 1892, and the last on June 21,1906. When the accused was sober she was
quiet and well behaved, as far as the witness had observed, but when under the influence of liquor she was very abusive, used foul language, and was of violent temper.”



Dr. Morris, medical officer at the Adelaide Gaol who was also present for the trial stated: “The accused had been under his notice since August 6 and on previous occasions. He had had conversations with her. She was quiet, coherent, rational, but of a despondent nature, with a tenancy to melancholy. He had seen nothing to indicate that she was otherwise than sane under ordinary conditions”
The Jury deliberated for an hour after all the evidence from Police, Barstaff and locals had been presented, and came to the verdict that Mrs Hasset was Guilty, with a Verdict of Insanity




His Honour said if the jury found that accused was insane at the time that she did the act charged, they would find a special verdict to that effect and acquit her. The verdict was, therefore, one of acquittal.A s provided under section 331 of the Criminal Law Consolidation Act, he directed that Ada Hassett is confined in the Adelaide Gaol until the pleasure of the Governor should be known.

© 2014 Allen Tiller

www.eidolonparanormal.com.au

Barton Vale House

Barton Vale House

Barton Vale: From Colonial Mansion to Urban Legend

Built between 1850 and 1852 by pastoralist Edmund Bowman, Barton Vale is one of Adelaide’s earliest and most striking Victorian Gothic mansions. Bowman sought to construct the house as economically as possible while still achieving excellence in craftsmanship and style. Using local materials and tradesmen, he created a residence that quickly became one of the most impressive homes in the colony.

Sadly, Bowman did not enjoy Barton Vale for long. He died in 1866, and his widow later remarried. With her new husband, she undertook a significant refurbishment of the house in 1880.

On Tuesday, 23 August 1881, The South Australian Advertiser published a detailed architectural description of Barton Vale, having been granted access for inspection by local builders and architects. The article outlined room sizes, décor, and interior features — a treasure for history enthusiasts today.

 

In 1922, following the death of Hubert Bowman, the estate was sold by order of the Supreme Court. The auction lasted several days due to the sheer volume of goods within the home. Barton Vale itself was purchased by the Salvation Army, which converted it into a “home for wayward girls.” During this period, the mansion was known as Barton Vale Home, and many young women passed through its doors for various misdemeanours.

The home frequently appeared in newspapers. One notable incident, reported on 17 July 1930 in the Register News, involved a violent disturbance and an attempted mass escape that required police intervention.

 

In 1947, Barton Vale was sold again — this time to the State Remand System. Renamed Vaughan House, the change caused controversy, with the Enfield Council objecting to the new name.

The building’s troubled reputation continued. Breakouts were common, including one case where two girls absconded for five days disguised as boys. On 15 December 1953, police were called after residents became unruly. Before officers arrived, several girls climbed onto the roof, shouting abuse at police and curious locals who gathered outside. They remained on the rooftop until nearly sunrise.

 

By the 1980s, Barton Vale stood abandoned. Windows were smashed, vines overtook the façade, graffiti covered the interior, and the once‑grand mansion was in a severe state of decay. The State Government considered demolishing it, but the Enfield Historical Society successfully campaigned for a National Trust listing and restoration.

 

Government funding was allocated in 1991 to restore the building for use as offices. During restoration, the tower — removed in 1944 due to structural strain — was replaced with a lightweight fibreglass and steel replica, restoring Barton Vale’s original silhouette.

Midway through the restoration, the Government decided it no longer required the building and placed it on the market. Collaroy Developments purchased the property, subdividing the five‑acre estate into a housing development and leaving Barton Vale on a single acre.

In 1995, Peter and Marilyn Smith purchased the mansion and began a painstaking restoration of the interior, returning the home to its former grandeur. Today, Barton Vale serves partly as the Smith family’s private residence and partly as headquarters for their business ventures. It is beautifully maintained and in caring hands.

 

Ghost Stories and Local Lore

The ghost stories surrounding Barton Vale largely stem from the period when the mansion stood empty and derelict. As with many abandoned grand homes, local youth spun tales of ghostly girls on the staircase and a stern matron chasing trespassers away. These stories grew into urban legends passed down through generations.

From the beginning of restoration in 1991 to the present day, no builders, owners, or workers have reported paranormal activity. It appears the hauntings of Barton Vale are simply folklore — stories meant to keep adventurous children from entering the old, crumbling mansion.

© 2014 Allen Tiller
www.allentiller.com.au