Shooting Affray at Afton, 1876

Shooting Affray at Afton, Chenango Co., NY

Bainbridge Republican, March 18, 1876

 

Quite a startling sensation was created in our usually quiet village today, about 12 pm, caused by a shooting affray, which came near proving fatal.  The parties connected were George Beebe, Esq., Attorney, and P.R. Newton, Deputy Sheriff, of this place.

 

Family matters are said to have been the cause.  The shooting was done in the office of Beebe, where we are informed that Beebe had been talking with Newton.  Several persons were present, among whom were Dr. J.B Cook.

 

After talking to Newton, Beebe asked him if he had anything to say for himself.  Newton answered "No," whereupon Beebe took a revolver from a box lying on a table before him, leveled it at Newton and fired.  A law book in the hands of Newton was all that saved his life.

 

The affair is so unusual with us that it causes no little comment in town.

 

LATER:  Mr. Newton called at our office last evening, and exhibited the law book, in which the ball is still embedded.  he states that Beebe has not been arrested.  His version of the affair is nearly the same as that given by our correspondent.  He states that he was invited into Beebe's office, and that Beebe accused him, when there, of improper intimacy with his wife.  Dr. J.B Cook had also been invited by Beebe to overhear the conversation.  After some hot remarks by Beebe, who ordered Newton not to reply to him, Cook started to leave the office, when he was requested to remain until Newton had left.  Mr. Newton then started to leave the office when he suddenly heard Cook shout "Don't shoot!"  and turned partially about.  Beebe, who had stepped into the middle of the room, fired at him as above described.  Newton then left the office.  The affair took place at 1:30 p.m.--Binghamton Times [Bainbridge Republican, March 18, 1876]

 

Utica Morning Herald

March 17, 1876

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The Herald doubtless has been informed of the shooting affair in Afton, yesterday afternoon.  P.R. Newton, the deputy sheriff at whom the revolver was fired in Beebe's office, came here [Norwich] this morning and procured a warrant from Justice Gunn, for Beebe's arrest.  Sheriff Brown, with the papers, took the 11 o'clock train for Afton, and is expected to return with the prisoner on the 2 o'clock train, this evening.  During the forenoon yesterday, Beebe met Newton and invited him to call at his office after dinner.  Newton suspecting no harm, and supposing some legal or official matter required attention, called as desired.  Upon entering the office, Beebe said he wished to call in Dr. Cook.  No suspicions of evil were then aroused.  Cook came in, when Beebe, according to Newton's statement, commenced a tirade of abuse, using strong and denunciatory language, charging him [Newton] to answer not a word.  Finally, Beebe made charges of improper intimacy with his wife and demanded from Newton, as a settlement of the matter, the sum of $3,000 "right away," declaring if he did not pay over he would follow him, and his [Beebe's] son after him.  Having neither the money nor inclination to pay over, Newton started to leave, when a bullet from Beebe's revolver was diverted by a law book from its work of death.  Beebe is living with his second wife, by whom he has four children, his first wife, it is stated, having procured a divorce many years ago.  Mr. Newton, who is middle aged man, has a family in Afton.

 



Evening Republic, Buffalo, NY

March 21, 1876

 

There was a shooting affray at Afton on Wednesday.  Just before noon of that day one Beebe, a lawyer of that town, saw the son of Deputy Sheriff P.R. Newton on the street and told him he wished his father (Newton) to come to his office on business.  Soon after the sheriff driving in from the country, was hailed by his son and the message delivered.  The sheriff, supposing it to be some case in connection with his office, took a copy of "Crocker on Sheriffs," and repaired to Beebe's office about one o'clock.  Beebe said he wished some one else to be called before he proceeded, and Dr. Cook was sent for.  After his arrival, Beebe, telling the sheriff that he "didn't want a word from him," accused him of improper intimacy with his (Beebe's) wife, and added that he would settle for $3,000, or security for payment of the same, and that at once.  Taking his law book Sheriff Newton started for the street, when Beebe, taking a revolver from a box on the table, fired, the ball entering the book, penetrating about one hundred leaves- undoubtedly saving Newton's life.  Beebe was about to fire a second shot when Dr. Cook interfered and Newton retreated to the street.  Sheriff Newton came to this place yesterday, and going before Justice Gunn had a warrant issued for assault and battery, with intent to kill, with a deadly weapon. Sheriff Brown, with a deputy, went to Afton yesterday, and last night brought Beebe to this town and confined  him in the county jail [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].