Miscellaneous, Guilford burglary, 1880

Burglary in Guilford. Chenango Co., NY

Chenango Union, August 12, 1880

 

The usual routine of our quiet village was somewhat rudely disturbed last Monday morning by the announcement that the dwelling house and drug store--both in one building--of John F. Sherwood had been entered by burglars during the preceding night.  Mr. Sherwood was awakened about daylight by his cat's efforts to get in, and his suspicions were aroused, as the night before the cat was as usual left in the house when he retired.  Upon going down into the kitchen a scene of confusion met his view. The table which had been left set, was disarranged, Mrs. Sherwood's work basket was overturned, and it was at once evident that intruders had been there.  The burglars must have entered through a window into the dining room, and after rummaging there they went up stairs into the bedroom where Mr. and Mrs. S. were sleeping, and took from a closet out of that room Mr. S.'s pantaloons, from which they took his pocket book and keys.  They then went into the store, emptied the money drawers and ransacked the place generally, taking whatever they wished. 

 

From the store Mr. S. lost about $40 in money, a revolver, box of cartridges, knives, about sixty cigars, and various other articles of merchandise.  From the house the rascals took almost every article of silverware Mrs. Sherwood had, not leaving spoons enough for breakfast.  Many of these articles were of no great intrinsic value, but were dear to her as keepsakes and mementoes which money can not replace.  They even took her thimble form the work basket.  There was one well worn spoon which they could not tell whether it was genuine, so they broke the handle and finding it was German silver left it.  A fine black coat and a black stiff brimmed hat of Mr. Sherwood's were also taken.  The burglars helped themselves to some eatables which they found, but  Mrs. S. says very little food was missing.

 

Yesterday (Monday) two men were arrested in Oxford, at the instance of A.M. Sherwood, who saw one of them using a handkerchief which he thought had been taken from his brother's stock, but J.F. Sherwood upon examination today could not identify it, and they were discharged.  At the time of this writing no clue has been obtained.  Mr. Sherwood's total loss is about $200.