Willis Arrested for Arson

New York, 1895

The handsome residence on the Wilmerding place at East Islip was destroyed by fire about 1 o'clock Tuesday morning. The house has for several years been occupied as a summer residence by W. H. Wharton, of New York. The furniture was insured through an Islip agency for $2,500. The loss on the building is estimated at $20,000, and on furniture $5,000.

The excitement caused by the fire had barely subsided when a sensation was occasioned by the arrest of William Willis, a son of Dr. Willis, on suspicion of having set fire to the building.

—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 1, 1895, p. 2.

Note: It looks like this says "Willian Willis," but there is a little extra space between the n and Willis, so maybe part of the m was broken off.