The Fulton Hills Gazette
July 18, 1924
“Mystery of the Phantom Postman Concludes: The Tragic Fate of Amos Bellamy”

From the archives. Contributor: Spence Hutchins, Curator of the Fulton Hills Historical Society.

Edith Marell, Staff Reporter

FULTON HILLS—After months of unease, confusion, and speculation, the infamous antics of the so-called Phantom Postman have come to a grim conclusion. The town of Fulton is left reeling from the resolution of the Amos Bellamy affair, which began with a bloody handprint and a cryptic letter and has ended in tragedy.

The End of the Phantom Postman

The peculiar pranks that baffled the town for months have ceased entirely. For a time, many believed the mischievous deliveries were tied to the ominous note received by Amos Bellamy, a prominent landowner whose coded message sparked fears of a more sinister agenda. However, in recent weeks, no further pranks or threats have been reported, leaving residents to wonder if the perpetrator has moved on—or if their purpose has been fulfilled.

The final chapter of this saga unfolded on July 16, when Mr. Bellamy’s body was discovered by two children fishing.  The body was seen drifting down the Poah River, a few miles from town. The news has sent shockwaves through the community, as Bellamy was known for his commanding presence and considerable influence in the county.

The Coded Message Deciphered

In the weeks leading up to his death, Mr. Bellamy had reportedly been preoccupied with deciphering the message left in his mailbox. Written in a cipher he recognized from his years in business correspondence, the note read:

“The river remembers debts unpaid. Find it before it finds you.”

Bellamy’s close friends confirmed that he interpreted the message as a warning related to a past financial dispute. Decades earlier, Bellamy had been involved in a contentious land deal along the Poah River, during which a rival landowner, Silas Merriweather, mysteriously disappeared. At the time, rumors swirled that Merriweather had been wronged, though no evidence ever implicated Bellamy directly.

A Grim Discovery

On the morning of July 16, Bellamy failed to appear at a town meeting. A search party was organized, but before they got farther than Fulton Main, Father Jeremiah Crocker pulled up to the police station, stating that two boys had run up to his church, screaming about a man’s body, floating in the Poah River. Witnesses from the retrieval report that his face bore an expression of terror, suggesting foul play.

Sheriff Howard Crane has declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation but confirmed that Bellamy’s death is being treated as a homicide. “There’s more to this than meets the eye,” Crane stated. “But rest assured, we’re doing everything we can to bring answers to the people of Fulton Hills.”

Speculation Runs Rampant

The discovery of Bellamy’s body has reignited speculation about the identity and motives of the Dun Maylock, the shadowy figure—or figures—believed to be behind the Phantom Postman pranks. Many now view the pranks as a diversion, orchestrated to disguise a more targeted campaign against Bellamy.

“I always said this was no child’s play,” remarked Mrs. Ethel Fairchild, a longtime proponent of the Dun Maylock theory. “Who else could carry out such a plan so perfectly? They’ve reminded us that no secret stays buried forever.”

Others remain skeptical, pointing instead to Bellamy’s numerous enemies. “The man made more than a few folks angry in his day,” said Mr. Horace Willoughby. “Whoever left that message wanted him scared. And they got what they wanted.”

A Town Seeks Closure

With the Phantom Postman silent and Bellamy’s death under investigation, Fulton County is left grappling with a sense of unease. While many hope for answers, others fear the truth may never be uncovered.

For now, the townsfolk take comfort in the quiet, grateful for the absence of prank deliveries but mindful of the shadow cast by recent events. “We may never know who did it,” said Mrs. Margaret Pritchard. “But one thing’s for sure Hillers won’t forget this anytime soon.”

Sheriff Crane has urged anyone with information regarding Amos Bellamy’s death to come forward. The investigation remains ongoing.