Blog Postings September 14 to October 13, 2018

Listing of blog postings for September 14 to October 13, 2018

Marriages

Posted September 17, 2018

Bonnie Buckley Warn - Frederick Arnold Jewell (Norwich, 1908)

Minnie Padgett - Arthur Smith (1908)

Lynn F. Harrington - Maude E. Terwilliger (Greene, 1908)
Blanch Hamilton - Alvin Dalton (Coventry, 1909)
Marriage Notices - 1875
     Dr. M.O. Rnadall - Myra Hubbard (Montpelier, France/Norwich)
     John A.C. Lesher - Emma Haight (Asbury NJ/Oxford)
     Curtis White - Sarah S. Grant (Pitcher)
     A.J. Christian - Dora A. Robinson (North Fenton/Greene)
     Lewis Messenger - Rose Babcock (South Otselic)

Posted September 25, 2018
Bernard W. Rix - Elizabeth Wright (Buffalo / New Berlin, 1912)
Elizabeth Wright Rix - Stephen Edgar Danahy (1922)

Obituaries

Posted September 14, 2018

Charles W. Decker (Afton, 1919)

Charles W. Graham (Afton, 1909)

Ora K. Landers (Afton, 1889)

Death Notices - 1894

     Frances L. Bissell (Norwich)

     Susan E. Dye (Norwich, 40y)

     Rosanna Wheat (West Hill, 80y)

     Ardelia Sayles (Preston, 79y)

     William A. McPherson (Sherburne, 2y)

     Ella F. Hovey (Bainbridge, 38y)

Posted September 19, 2018
Jennie (Soule) Hoag (Preston, 1909)
Milton Hoag (North Guilford, Oxford, 1932)
Charles B. Wheeler (Greene, 1909)
Sarah J. Wheeler (Greene, 1915)
Emily Isbell (Harpursville, 1907)

Posted September 20, 2018
Leon Hodge (Greene, 1911)
Nellie May Hodge (Greene, 1911)
Marcus N. Horton (Glen Ridge, 1911)
Death notices - 1894
     Mr. A.N. Thompson (Bennettsville, 47y)
     Frances Ann Pearl Mead (Earlville, 71y)
     Mary L. Dickinson (Oxford, 81y)
     M.M. Wood, M.D. (Greene, 61y)
     Mary L. Hall (Georgetown)
     Jesse M. Hull (Kansas City MO, Oxford, 32y)

Posted September 23, 2018
George B. Throop (Norwich, 1897)
Ezekiel Harrington (Sherburne, 1897)
Caroline Pratt White (Sherburne, 1897)
William A. Sage (Norwich, 1920)

Posted September 29, 2018
Nathan Smith (Greene, 1909)
Ruth (Soule) Bartoo (East Winfield, Brisbin, 1909)
Susan (Moore) Gillman (Oxford, 1909)
Anna Arvilla McGowan (Greene, 1909)  drowning
Mrs. Frank Preston (Greene, 1909)
Alanson J. Stewart (Smithville, Afton, 1909)

Posted September 30, 2018
Rev. Edwin Lee Tanner (Afton, Harpursville, Bainbridge, 1905)
Sarah E. Nearing Bristol (1903)
Jerome B. Sands (Bainbridge, 1903)
Death Notices, 1894
     Mary C. Adams (Fort Wayne IN, Oxford, 53y)
     Mr. E.C Wells (Watertown, Norwich, 30y)
     Joseph Moss Smith (Danbury CT, South New Berlin)
    John Fleming (Walton, Afton)
    Abbie J. Bouck (Cobleskill, South Otselic)

Posted October 1, 2018
Ann Eliza (Lyon) PerLee (Greene, 1912)
Isaac B. PerLee (Greene, North Norwich, 1901)
William Henry Neff (Guilford, 1912)
Francis Russell Stork (Coventry, 1912)
Claude C. Stratton (Oxford, 1912)

Posted October 3, 2018
Israel P. Jacobs (Auburn, Greene, 1912)
Murtelo W. Hoffman (Oxford, 1912)  lightening strike
Pansy Page Robinson (Oxford, Bainbridge, 1940)
Carrie Porter (Bainbridge, 1940)
Deaths in Bainbridge in 1940

Posted October 4, 2018
Earl Bartle Rowley (Guilford, 1910)  train accident
Henry H. Calkins (Coventryville, 1910)
Hon. William F. Jenks (Norwich, New Berlin, 1910)

Posted October 11, 2018
Miles Hartwell (Coventry, Guilford, 1912)
Jennie (Hodge) Stratton (Oxford, 1906)
Gilbert John Stratton (Oxford, 1912)
Henry Wands Burr (Norwich, 1942)
Death Notices - 1863
     Florence A. Padget (Oxford, 4y)
     Anna E. Padget (Oxford, 2y)
     Sarah Brownson (Smithville Flats, 80y)
     Walt Stiles (Norwich)  Civil War soldier

Posted October 13, 2018
Lucy Cook (West Greenwood, 1849)
Martin Hicks (Canandaigua, 1849)
Virtue E. Dennis (Eldred PA, 1849)
Isaac Sheriff (Vienna NY, 1849)
Eleanor Culley (Liverpool, 1849)
Death Notices - 1894
     Lydia Caroline Neely Buell (Norwich, 66y)
     William R. Coomes (Norwich, 66y)
     Phebe A. Guile (Norwich, 46y)
     Isabel Foster (Norwich, 1y)
     Cyrel Sumner (Camden NJ, Norwich, infant)
     Jacob H. Campbell (New Berlin, 52y)
     Mrs. Joseph E. Nearing (Sherburne, 73y)

Miscellaneous

Posted September 24, 2018

Bainbridge Central High School, Class of 1960 - Part 4

Posted October 3, 2018
Bainbridge Central High School, Class of 1960 - Part 5

Posted October 4, 2018
Bainbridge-Guilford Sports Teams from years past

Posted October 7, 2018
Harry Burrell - grave robbers' victim - 1879 - Part 1 of 3

Posted Octobner 8, 2018
Harry Burrell - grave robbers' victim - 1879 - Part 2 of 3

Posted October 9, 2018
Harry Burrell - grave robbers' victim -1879 - Part 3 of 3

Posted October 11, 2018
Grave Robbers Arrested - 1879

Obituaries (October 13)

Lucy Cook
Northern Christian Advocate, April 11, 1849

Lucy Cook died in West Greenwood, Steuben Co., N.Y., Jan. 22, 1849, aged 71.  Sister Cook had been a disciple of Christ for more than 30 years. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and died as she had lived, in the triumphs of the Christian faith.  C. Graham, Jr.

Martin Hicks

Northern Christian Advocate, April 11, 1849

Martin Hicks died in the town of Canandaigua [Ontario Co., NY], Jan. 18th, 1849, in the 75th year of his age.  He had been a professor of religion and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church about twenty-six years.  For several years he has suffered much by the wasting influence of disease; but he suffered all with Christian patience and resignation, and finally met death as a welcome messenger, to summon him to his long sought rest.  J. Chapman.

Virtue E. Dennis

Northern Christian Advocate, April 11, 1849

Virtue E., youngest daughter of Nathan and Tirrah Dennis, died in Eldred, McKean Co., Pa., March 21, 1849, aged 5 years, 2 months and 22 days.  During four weeks' intense suffering of disease of the heart, she manifested much patience and composure of mind, till her soul went to Jesus.   James McClellan

Isaac Sheriff

Northern Christian Advocate, April 11, 1849

Isaac Sheriff died in great peace, on the 2d of Jan. 1849, in the 69th year of his age.  Bro. Sheriff was born in Prince George Co., Maryland, in 1785, emigrated to New York in 1806, converted to God in 1807, under the ministry of Rev. James Delsey, at which time he became a member of the M.E. Church, in which, until the period of his final departure, he distinguished himself as one of her brightest ornaments.  His was not the meteor's blaze, that dazzled for a moment and disappeared, but an increasing radiance by which he distinguished himself as a burning light in the world. For several months he appeared to be in declining state, yet hopes were entertained of his recovery.  It soon appeared, however, that disease had marked him for its victim, baffling the profoundest skill of the most eminent of our physicians.  He at length relinquished all hopes of recovery and gave himself up to die, without the least apprehension of alarm.  A few days before his departure, he expressed a strong desire to receive the holy sacrament.  On the day appointed, many of his brethren and friends repaired to his residence, to commemorate with him, for the last time on earth, the death and passion of our adorable Redeemer. The scene was interesting beyond description.  The entire circle bathed in tears could exclaim, with the Apostle at the transfiguration of Christ, "Master, it is good for us to be here."  The soul of dear Br. S. was tranquil, and not a cloud appeared to obscure his prospect of heaven.  John Baggerly  Vienna, March 27, 1849

Eleanor Culley

Northern Christian Advocate, April 11, 1849

Eleanor, the amiable and pious consort of Marcus Culley, of Liverpool, N.Y. [Onondaga Co.], died in holy joy and triumph, on the 8th inst.  Sister Cully, in her childhood and the days of her youth, was among the comparatively few, who (were it not, "Except" -- we all "be born again" -- we "cannot see the kingdom of God,")-- hardly needed to be regenerated.  Mild and agreeable in disposition, and all her outward movements, no great change could be expected by her conversion, in behavior or air, except that placid smile of heavenly joy which can rest on no countenance but that of a Christian.  Her death, therefore, though somewhat sudden and unexpected, did not find her unprepared.  Her soul was apparently in an ecstasy, and the words with which she addressed her husband and other relatives and friends, were such as one might expect almost that "angels" only "see," or, to fall directly from heaven. As this was at the time of our third quarterly meeting, the funeral sermon, on Saturday, by our P.E. (the Rev. N. Salsbury) to the very crowded congregation, we have reason to believe will not soon be forgotten.  Indeed, we have "good hope," that some at least, there learned to "Remember always"-- especially, as that important lesson was so oft repeated--"Forget it not--forget it not."  E.W.R. Allen.  Liverpool, March 28, 1849

Death Notices

Chenango Union, October 25, 1894

HAND:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 18, 1894, Lydia Caroline Neely Buell, wife of Dr. Stephen M. Hand, aged 66 years.

COOMES:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 20, 1894, Mr. William R. Coomes, aged 66 years.

GUILE:  In town of Norwich, Phebe A Guile, aged 46 years.

FOSTER:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] Oct. 22, 1894 Isabel [Foster], dau. of Gustav and Alphonsine Foster, aged 1 year 15 days.

SUMNER:  In Camden, N.J. Oct. 21, 1894, Cyrel [Sumner], infant son of Dr. Fred I. and Martha Sumner of Norwich [Chenango Co.., NY].

CAMPBELL: In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 14, 1894, Mr. Jacob H. Campbell, aged 52 years.

NEARING:  In Sherburne, Oct. 18, 1894, Mrs. Joseph E. nNearing, aged 73 years.

Grave Robbers Arrested, 1879

Grave Robbers Arrested

Utica Morning Herald, April 28, 1879

When Detective Wheeler, of Utica, and Chief Smith, of little Falls, arrested Nathan Lewis, of Jacksonburg, Friday night, all of the ghouls believed to be guilty of the robbery of the remains of Harry Burrell, last Monday, were in custody. The trio consists of William Van Alstyne, residence unknown; Thomas Kane, of Lichfield, and Nathan alias "Pop" Lewis, of Jacksonburg.  Van Alstyne and Kane are about 22 years of age and Lewis about thirty-six. The officers went to Jacksonburg in search of Lewis, but he was not at home. Returning to Little Falls they found him in a saloon quite drunk.  He begged not to be locked up over night, but the officers assured him that he would be very fortunate if the one night's confinement did not extend into months and years.  Lewis has been engaged in the manufacture of pop and the bottling of lager at Jacksonburg for a few years.  He formally resided in Mohawk.  He occupied the old hotel or house adjoining the barn under which the stolen remains were hidden.  One of his horse blankets was around the body with the one stolen from Fox with the horse and wagon.

About 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Lewis was arraigned before Justice Smith, of Little Falls, on the charge of complicity in the grave robbery.  District Attorney Duddleston was present.  Lewis had no counsel but waived examination and his bail was fixed at $3,000.  Officer Shepardson took him to Herkimer where he applied to his brother-in-law to become his bondsman.  This relative told him plainly that he could have nothing to do with any man who was directly or indirectly concerned in this terrible crime and Lewis was then handed over to Jailor Eaton.  A reporter of the Herald inquired if he had any statement to make in his own behalf, and he replied that he had not.

District Attorney Duddleston is accumulating evidence to convict Van Alstyne of the burglary and midnight assault at the residence of Alvin Richmond. The penalty for this offense is twenty years' imprisonment, and if convicted, he will undoubtedly get the whole of this term.  He has not been arraigned on the charge of complicity in the grave robbery, for which the extreme term including the accompanying burglary at Fox's stable and the cemetery vault will be but fifteen years.  Little Falls breathes freer since this fellow has been caged.

The grand jury meets within the first week in May, and these cases will undoubtedly be the first that are presented.  The people of Herkimer county express the hope that there will be no delay or postponements of these trials. The evidence now that the witnesses have all the facts fresh in their minds, no time should be wasted.  Prompt convictions and hasty punishment of these criminals will have a better tendency in the prevention of crime in the Mohawk valley than anything that has occurred within many years.

The body of Harry Burrell was reinterred Saturday in the private vault prepared for that purpose last week.  The remains were in an admirable state of preservation.  Only the immediate family of the deceased, C. Miller and family of Constableville, and a few other relations were present.  Rev. Mr. Potts, of the Presbyterian church officiated, simply offering a brief prayer thanking the Almighty for the recovery of the remains.

A reporter of the Herald visited Jacksonburg with Detective Wheeler Saturday.  The barn where the remains were found was carefully examined.  It stands on the south of the canal lock, opposite the store kept by Squire House.  It is a part of the old hotel, and in the west end of the building Rodney House and Nathan Lewis reside.  Mrs. Lewis says her husband was in the habit of reading after he went to bed.  As far as she knows he did not leave his bed after retiring at the usual hour last Monday evening. She claims to have no knowledge of the hiding of the body under the barn and did not hear any unusual sounds last Monday night or Tuesday morning.  The sleeping room of the Lewis family is about twenty-five or thirty feet west of that part of the stable under which the body was hidden. The barn stands on a side hill.  The foundation wall of the east end of the barn is about twelve feet in height while the roadway runs on a level with the floor of the barn.  There is quite a little hill just east of the barn.  By turning to the north before ascending the hill one strikes the level of the canal lock. A pile of manure about six feet in height lies against the foundation of the barn, and standing on this you can look through the hole in the wall through which the body was passed. The hole was originally about two feet in height and four feet wide, but it has since been enlarged.  On entering the hole one can almost stand erect, but the height decreases to about three feet as you approach the wooden pier behind which the remains were laid.  Hay seed, hay and small quantities of straw fall through he floor of the stable above.

Rodney and Squire House, of Jacksonburg, feel aggrieved at what has been said of their connection with this affair.  Rodney house showed the Herald's reporter over the premises, Saturday.  He is an honest-looking man with a goodly sized family and a worthy wife.  Mrs. House remarked, "I believe my husband to be an honest man; if I did not I would not live with him a minute."  Mr. House referred to Judge Loomis, of Little Falls and others as to his character for honesty and industry in the past.  His aged father was present at the interview. Rodney House said:  "Wednesday, at 7 a.m. I came to this hole in the wall and got under the barn to look for eggs.  All of my family, these gentlemen here (pointing to four or five others) and the neighbors generally know that hens have been in the habit of laying under the barn.  They pick food out of this manure pile and fly from that into this hole.  I found one nest and nine eggs in it only a few days ago.  I went under the barn, looked for eggs on the south side and then passed to the north.  When I got to the pier I saw what I supposed as a tramp rolled up in blankets.  I immediately went over to my brothers' store on the lock, and in the presence of Fred Orrenburg, John Casler and Paul Casler, told Squire that a man, dead or alive, was lying under the barn.  Orrendorf said, "I wonder if it can't be the body of Harry Burrell?"  We had heard of the vault robbery, Tuesday, from a party of fisherman.  Orrendorf, old man Casler and my brother returned with me.  I took the blanket off from the face and we all identified it as the body of Mr. Burrell.  We left the body where it was, told the boys to keep watch of it, and my brother, his hired man and myself hitched up our team at once to go to Little Falls.  Nathan Lewis asked to ride with us and accompanied us to Little Falls.  As far as I knew he did not know the object of our trip. We went to Mr. Burrell's store, and my brother inquired what would be given for the recovery of the remains.  Mr. Burrell inquired what would satisfy us and requested us to set our figures.  My brother said they ought to give $1,000. Mr. Burrell thought that was a large sum and $500 was afterwards named.  No settlement in the matter of reward was made.  Mr. Burrell told us to go to Churchill's and shortly afterward we returned to Jacksonburg with him. After we returned with the body we were interrogated by Sheriff Ives and the Albany detective. the latter said he intended to go for us rough shod, but he soon cooled down and said he was satisfied;  that is all I know of the affair."  Mr. House showed his sleeping room which is on the extreme west end of the building.  Nothing additional of importance was learned.

Chief of Police Smith, Officers Shepardson and Collins of little Falls, and their associates concerned in working on this case are entitled to great credit.  Since the discovery of the outrage they have labored with sleepless energy, following every clue and watching every suspicious character by day and night.  They have a hard gang to deal with, as the mob has friends and sympathizers in people who claim to be respectable, and thus keep track of the movements of the officers.  If the authorities of Little Falls will stand by Chief Smith and his associates a hole will be made in this gang of young rascals.  The evidence already accumulated is being strengthened every hour, and by the time the court opens a chain of testimony will be woven around the accused that can not be broken, Detective Thos. Wheeler of Utica, has handled this case with his accustomed skill and energy and is entitled to great credit.  His knowledge of the ways of criminals in the Mohawk valley is invaluable in this instance.

Obituaries (October 11)

Miles Hartwell

August 30, 1839 - September 23,1912

Miles Hartwell died at his home in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] Monday morning, September 23, 1912.  He was born in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], August 30, 1839, the youngest son of Archibald and Rhoda Burton Hartwell.  When about three years of age his mother died and he was taken into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gibson and brought up as their son.  In 1864 he married Adaline Lurberty of Coventry who survives him.  He had been in poor health for several years.  When a  young man he joined the Free Will Baptist church in Oxford and for many years was closely identified with all its interests and later he became a member of the Methodist church of Union Valley. Being of a social and genial nature he possessed a large circle of friends.

Jennie (Hodge) Stratton

Norwich Sun, March 30, 1906

Mrs. Jennie Stratton, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], wife of Gilbert Stratton, died of apoplexy early Thursday morning.  She is survived by her husband and two sons, Chester and John.

Gilbert John Stratton

July 15, 1855 - September 1912

Gilbert John Stratton, a well known citizen of this village, after an illness of nearly four months from tuberculosis, passed quietly away at his home on Merchant street at 7 o'clock Saturday morning, aged 57 years.  For a year or so his health had been delicate and he spent last summer in Michigan seeking restoration or relief.  He returned to collect the school tax, having been elected collector during his absence from home.  The subject of this sketch was a third son of John and Hannah Willcox Stratton of South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], prominent residents of the town a number of years ago.  His grandfather, John Stratton, came to Oxford over a century ago while yet the Indian was gliding over the trails or guiding a canoe along the Chenango, and made a business of buying and selling land.  Gilbert J. Stratton was born July 15, 1855, and finished his education at Oxford Academy.  He spent his youth on the farm and then went to Philadelphia, Chicago and Addison in this State, remaining in each place a few years. Returning to Oxford he accepted a clerkship in the store of C.O. Willcox and later, about the year 1894, engaged in the grocery business in the Exchange block, afterward removing to Fort hill and entering into partnership with George C. Lewis. The partnership was dissolved about six years ago, Mr. Lewis retiring from the firm. Since that time Mr. Stratton continued the business up to a year ago when he sold out to R.S. Yeomans.  He married Miss Jennie Hodge of this village November 18, 1896, whose death occurred March 29, 1906.  His second marriage was on April 18, 1908 when he married Miss Emma J . Montgomery of Oxford.  Mr. Stratton was a consistent member of the Congregational church, a Republican in politics, and held in esteem by his fellow citizens.  Honesty of purpose and integrity of action were his adornments.  The Book of Life for him is closed forever, but the remembrance of his familiar figure, his devotion to his family and friends will be cherished as long as memory lasts.  Surviving Mr. Stratton are the wife, two sons by his first marriage, Chester H. and John N. Stratton; three brothers, Eli B. Stratton of Greene, Latson W. Stratton of Chicago, and Clark L. Stratton of this village, and two sisters, Mrs. C.C. Miller of Detroit, Mich., and Mrs. C.B. Willoughby of Oxford.  The funeral took place Tuesday afternoon.  There was a short prayer service at the house preceding the services at the Congregational church at 2:30 o'clock.  Rev. Inman L. Willcox spoke eloquently of the deceased, paying high tribute to his character and sterling worth.  The church was filled with many relatives and friends of Mr. Stratton.  The burial was in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], and the pallbearers were Wm. A. Stratton, E.L. Stratton, H.J. Stratton and M.B. Stratton.

Henry Wands Burr

June 1942

Henry Wands Burr of 36 Canasawacta street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] aged 25 years, passed away at Syracuse Memorial Hospital [Onondaga Co., NY] at 5:55 Friday evening of a rare spinal ailment, the same malady which caused the death of Lou Gehrig, famed baseball player.  Beloved by a wide circle of friends in Norwich, the death of the young man is a severe blow to his family and acquaintances. Very recently the deceased had undergone a major operation in the hope it might remedy an illness of long duration with which he had been afflicted.  Medical effort proved of little avail, the end coming with members of his family present.  Of a cheerful disposition in the face of adversity, Henry Burr, when in perfect health contributed in full measure to the betterment of his community, and his demise has cast a gloom of sadness among those who knew him. The deceased was a charter and honorary member of the junior Chamber of Commerce, and a life long member of the First Congregational church in whose religious organizations he took an active interest. At one time he served a president of the Pilgrim Fellowship of the denomination.  In his high school days he was an excellent student, and for two seasons, 1933-1934, he served as manager of the football team. He was a member of the Bema Club, a debating society acting as president in 1934.  After his graduation from Norwich high school, Mr. Burr was employed by the New York State Gas & Electric Company in the local offices of the company here until ill health forced his retirement from active work in May, 1941.  Sept. 16, 1935, Mr. Burr was untied in marriage with Miss Mary Ganley, and their life together, despite his illness, has been a happy one.  She survives with one son, Richard Henry; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon G. Burr of Norwich; a brother, Donald H. Burr, and a sister, Barbara Alice Burr, of Norwich, also his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Charles Burr, of Locust street.  Funeral services are to be held from the home of Mrs. Burr's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Generess, 45 Brown avenue, at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon and at 2:30 in the Congregational church with Rev. Dr. G. Edgar Wolfe officiating.  Burial will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].

Death Notices

Chenango Telegraph, October 7, 1863

PADGET:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 19, 1863, Florence A. [Padget], aged 4 years and 7 months.  also, same day, Anna E. [Padget], aged 2 years and 5 months.  children of James H. and Almira Padget.

BROWNSON:  At Smithville Flatts [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 27, 1863, Mrs. Sarah Brownson, aged 80 years.

STILES:  At Berwick City, La., Sept. 22, 1863, of congestive chills, Walt Stiles, a member of Co. C, 114th Regiment, N.Y.S.V. formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].  He was a soldier ever prompt and obedient in the discharge of his duty, a friend always affable and obliging, and a man against whom the finger of reproach could not be lifted. We gave him all a soldier has to give, a grave hallowed by the last offering of his surviving comrades.  Sergt. C.S. Briggs

Harry Burrell - Grave Robbers' Victim - 1879 - Part 3 of 3

Trial of John McGuirk - Alleged Accessory

Little Falls Journal & Courier, May 20, 1879

The trial of John McGuirk, the bartender at Regan's saloon, on an indictment for being accessory to the crime of stealing the body of the late Mr. Harry Burrell from the cemetery vault, was commenced last Friday afternoon.  "Happy Jack" had been previously sentenced for this crime, which it is understood is a pre-requisite to the trial of an accessory.  District Attorney Dudleston conducted the prosecution and Mr. J.M. McMurray appeared for the prisoner. The trial was the only one thus far had for this crime, the other confederates having plead guilty.  The Utica Herald gives the following abstract of the evidence:

Alonzo R. Greene, of Little Falls, testified that he was a surveyor and made a map of a portion of the cemetery and diagrams of the vault, and building at Jacksonburg, where the remains were found.

D.H. Burrell testified to the date of the death of his father and to the condition of the vault before and after the outrage, also as to the finding of the body.  On cross examination the witness testified to conversations had between the prisoner and himself prior to his arrest The maps were put into evidence.

Van Alstine, who has plead guilty as principal to the crime with which McGuirk is being tried as an accessory, testified:  I came to Little Falls the latter part of last October; became acquainted with McGuirk in December; first had a talk with him on the street at Little Falls in regard to Harry Burrell's body on the 14th or 15th of March; he said: "I know a pretty good play, here is Harry Burrell who died a few weeks ago, and if we can get his body we can get a good reward."  I said, "That's so, if we could get the body"; we had other talks about it; he asked who we could get to help; I told him we could get "Ad" Bellinger and Newton Lewis and his team; he said he did not know anything about them, but if I did it would be all right;

About March 20, Bellinger came to the Falls and I went and had a conversation with him; the next conversation I had with McGuirk I told him that I had seen Bellinger and what we propsed to do; he said all right; Newton Lewis came down a few days after McGuirk and I had been out walking, and were informed that Lewis had inquired for us at Regan's saloon; we went over to Foley's hotel and found him and his brother Wright; it was about the 27th or 28th of March; we four were all in the same room; Newt said he had been looking for me; we took a drink, and Newt and I went out to the barn and had a conversation; we came back and I told McGuirk that we would take Lewis' cutter and ride up around the cemetery and look over the ground; McGuirk and I got into the cutter and drove up and down Main street to throw off suspicion; we ran into a cart belonging to Dooley (I think that was his name) and tipped over; folks laughed at us; we also met Charley Stauring and Frank Stauring; we drove up to and around the cemetery, back down on to Main street and up and down it; then down to Willoughby's saloon and got  a drink; Dygert, an ex-policeman was there; I took McGuirk home and went back to Foley's; while driving I asked McGuirk if he wanted to go back and see Newt; he said he did not, whatever I told him would be all right; on the drive I said to McGuirk that it seemed to be a pretty good place and I did not think it would be very hard to get the body; he said he would try it anyway;

on the return I had a conversation with Lewis; saw McGuirk again that night and told him what Lewis had said, that he would help; the night was then set for April 13; I told him Newton Lewis, Wright Lewis, "Orv" Schuyler and ourselves would make the party; he said he was satisfied with the party, that Newton was to drive around by way of Herkimer and get Wright; I had given him a quarter ot pay toll; that we were to meet them on the turnpike about half a mile outside the town limits; this last conversation related was in Regan's saloon about a week after the drive; after we appointed the night of April 13, I went to New York and was gone a few days; I got back Tuesday night and saw him there; we talked bout the moon and that we must have a dark night; I told him the Lewises would meet us on the turnpike;

we staid at the Girvan House that night; was with McGuirk all the next day and talked about it; I came from New York Tuesday  night and we were to commit the crime the next Sunday night the 15th; saw him Saturday night and told hm I would be there the next night at half past ten; was at the saloon Sunday afternoon with a party; left about three o'clock; it was rainy; I took tea at Geo. Casler's went to the saloon again; the door was locked and I rapped three times; he and I were alone; he said Orv Schuyler had been there and he had told him that the meeting time was half past ten, but that Schuyler did not say much; I told him I did not think Scuuyler would come; We started out and came up toward Herkimer on the turnpike one-half a mile; we did not meet Lewis, so we sat down and waited until 2 o'clock and as Lewis did not come, I said I guessed the rain had stopped him; it was so dark he could not see to drive; we went back; saw Mitchell, a policeman, standing up against the bank; after we got into the saloon we took a drink; I said we might as well make a night of it and go up to the cemetery and look over the ground; he said that was a good plan, and when we started again we would have things down fine; we went up to the cemetery and examined the locks to the vault, and I decided we could open the vault with a bar; did not use our lantern, as there was a street lamp opposite that gave us light enough;

we had several talks during the week that followed; Lewis came down during the week and I talked with him; I told McGuirk that Lewis said he did not come on account of the darkness; the 15th we had a party at the Falls; the next day, the 16th I saw Scullen and talked with him; told McGuirk that Scullen and I were going to take a ride, were going to Jacksonburg and maybe to Fort Herkimer and Herkimer; I got the horse at Stauring's livery; I saw Lewis that day; I told McGuirk when I got back that Lewis was to come down that night to make arrangements for a second attempt the next night the 17th; I staid at Regan's that night until after 8 o'clock waiting for Lewis, then as I was sleepy went home; the next morning (the 17th) McGuirk told me that soon after I left, Lewis came and said he could not go that night as one of his horses was lame;

we had another meeting the night of the 18th or 19th and arranged for the crime; at that time I told them about "Happy Jack" that I had a new man; they wanted to know who he was, and I told them not to mind as he was a good man; I had decided that Lewis' team was too slow, and we might get caught if we used it; that I was going to get a horse in town; that we would not have Lewis come down, but would take the body to his house; I had told Lewis that I was liable to be at his house any night with it; Kane and I were to go to the cemetery and get the vault open, then go back and get the horse and call for McGuirk;

Van Alstnye here detailed the operations of himself and Kane in forcing the lock of the vault and opening the casket.  His story was almost precisely that given by Happy Jack to the Herald reporter April 26.  After we got the vault open we went back and Kane went after the horse at Fox's ; I went and detailed to McGuirk what we had done; it was then a quarter to eleven; I told McGuirk that he could not leave the saloon then without exciting suspicion; that we had got to start, as we would have to drive around by Finch's Basin to avoid comment and that we could not take the casket as we intended, for we could not get the door open far enough to get in and out and it was too heavy to handle; also told him he better stay, as Kane and I could do the work alone; he said he should want his share of the reward as he was "Willed to Go."  I said, "of course;" he gave he me a bottle of whisky and some matches;

witness then testified to going to Fox's getting the horse and the course and operations of himself and Kane in going to the cemetery, getting the body, taking it to Jacksonburg and the concealment of it by Lewis.  Nothing new was elicited.

He continued; Saw Lewis the next day and told him what had been done; while we were talking I put my hand into my overcoat pocket and found Burrell's Collar; it had come off and I put it into my pocket; I showed it to him and told him it was Burrell's collar; he said "that is the worst G--d d----d thing I ever saw; you'll have to get rid of it.  We tied a stone to it and tried to throw it into the river;  the stone flew off and the collar fell on the rocks; we talked about the reward and I told him we would have to get a lawyer to negotiate that; this conversation was before we learned that the crime had been discovered.

Witness also testified that the plan at first was to bury the body under Lewis' house but that owning to another family moving in, Lewis did not dare to have it done and so it was put under the barn; He also detailed other conversations with McGuick after the discovery of the theft of the body in regard to the fact that witness believed himself shadowed the day after the body was found, and as to other matters.

On cross examination an additional fact was elicited to the effect that the witness and McGuirk had a job put up to "go through" a Jew stopping at the Bradford House in Little Falls.

Charles Stauring, Frank Stauring, Andrew Foley and Richard Foley were called to corroborate Van Alstyne in miner details.

A better witness than Van Alstyne has not sat in the box at this court.  He told his story in a manner showing much intelligence and shrewdness.  He was subjected to a lengthy cross examination without being shaken in any material points.

In regard to his personal history he states he was born in Syracuse, is twenty-two years of age, lived at Oneida from the time he was five years old until the fall of 1875.  Since then has been in Ohio and Pennsylvania until last fall, when he made a trip on the canal before coming to Little Falls.  Some questions were asked concerning his previous record as to crime, to which he plead "privilege."

James Dooley testified to a collision with Van Alstyne and McGuirk on Main street as testified by Van Alstyne.  On Cross-examination he testified McGuirk's reputation as indicated by the speech of people was good.

Orville Schuyler testified:  I had a talk with Van "Alstyne about the taking of the body on the 13th of April; the talk was on the south side of the river; after this conversation went to Reagen's saloon and saw McGuirk; he asked if I wanted to see Van Alstyne and said he would be in at half-past ten o'clock; I told him I would be back; I did not return; thought it best not to have anything to do with the robbery and did not.

Newton "Pop" Lewis testified he first talked with Adam Bellinger in regard to the grave robbery; was at Andrew Foley;s one afternoon; McGuirk and Van Alstyne were away with my horse and cutter; had talks with Van Alstyne about the matter several times; Sunday night, April 15 was fixed as the time for the job; did not go on account of the rain and darkness;  the body was brought to Jacksonburg; I assisted in putting it under the barn; the reason I had not dug a grave under my house as we had arranged was that another family was then living in the same house with me and I did not dare to do it.  He also testified to calling at Reagan's saloon the night of April 16, as was related by Van Alstyne.

Joseph Mitchell night watchman, testified to seeing Van Alstyne and McGuirk enter the Girvan House late one night and register; also saw them come from the west one night as Van Alstyne testified;  Van Alstyne said "hallou," witness testified that he had been watching Van Alstyne and McGuirk considering them suspicious characters.

William B. Perry corroborated Van Alstyne as to his borrowing a revolver of him April 18, and that McGuirk was then present.

A few other witnesses were called to corrorborate Van Alstyne's testimony in regard to minor particulars.

The Prisoner on the Stand

The defense called as their first witness the prisoner himself.  He denied everything implicating himself in the crime except such corroborating facts as could be established by testimony aside from that given by Van Alstyne; He did not remember coming from the western part of the village late one night as Van Alstyne and watchman Mitchell testified; he admitted that he was charged with assisting in robbing Jerry Mitchell at Regan's saloon, but claimed he was not guilty; he denied attempting to enter the Bradford House with Van Alstyne for the purpose of robbing the Jew peddler; he testified his relations with Van Alstyne in March and April were not intimate and confidential, but admitted that they were together a great deal; he also testified that Regan kept a room for gambling purposes; and he did not know where Regan now is.  On cross examination he was several times cornered by District Attorney Duddleston, and presented a poor appearance.  He is not a success as a witness.

Witnesses were then called to establish the good character of the prisoner.  Dennis Collins testified:  Prisoner's character has always been considered good; never heard that he was accused of being connected with the Schartbach burglary nor robbing Jerry Mitchell nor attempting to commit a robbery at the Bradford House until after his arrest.

Benjamin Van Alstine testified that he had known the prisoner from boyhood up, but did not know the prisnoner's general character.

Michael Deasey had known prisoner for fifteen years and his character was good prior to the time of the grave robbery; had heard his character discussed but a very little and witness based his estimate very much on his personal knowledge of prisoner.

Daniel Hall had known defendant for five years.  Counsel and court labored for several minutes to get the witness to give a direct answer to the inquiry as to whether he knew what the prisoner's character was and that it was good.

The prisoner was recalled and testified:  I have spoken of the night Van Alstyne got matches and whisky of me; he had got matches before and had previously given him whisky in a bottle.  I did not go up to the cemetery the Sunday night as Van Alstyne testified; have not been to the cemetery in about three years.

The counsel for the respective sides summed up the case, the jury was charged and retired as the court took a noon recess.  In the afternoon at court hour the jury return a verdict of guilty.

Judge Prescott in pronouncing sentence stated that the court concurred in the verdict.  McGuirk was sentenced to hard labor at Auburn five years.

In response to the question as to whether he had anything to say why sentence should not be pronounced, the prisoner responded that he had not, except that he was innocent.  He stated his occupation to be that of a bartender, that was born in Washington; was a single man and could read and write.

Harry Burrell - Grave Robbers' Victim - 1879 - Part 2 of 3

Harry Burrell's Remains Found

Utica Morning Herald, April 24, 1879

The remains of Harry Burrell, stolen from the vault of the Little Falls cemetery Monday night, were accidentally found at Jacksonburg, a canal lock station three miles west of the Falls, a little after seven o'clock yesterday morning.  This fortunate recovery was hailed with great satisfaction by all whose blood had been chilled by the terrible crime of Monday night.

Had not prompt measures been taken to cover the whole ground inside and about the village for miles, it is possible that the ghouls might have succeeded in removing the body to a place of security, from which they could dictate terms for its return to the family. A reporter of the Herald moving about little Falls at 4 A.M. yesterday, found squads of special police upon every other block, faithfully patrolling their beats and halting all suspicious persons.  This patrol, under Capt. Albert Story, extend far out on all roads leading from the village and along the canal, railroad and river.  It was a labor of love on the part of the people, and all volunteered cheerfully.

Rodney House with his brother Squire House reside at Jacksonburg and keep the canal hotel and grocery at the lock.  On the heel path side and alongside the road is a barn about 50x60 feet in size.  Early yesterday morning Rodney House went out to the barn to hunt for eggs.  Under the flooring is an opening about eighteen or twenty inches in height.  To enter this opening one has to step up five or six feet on the foundation.  Mr. House's hens have been in the habit of laying their eggs under the barn floor and he has been obliged to follow them to their nests.  While doing so yesterday, after reaching a point about 40 feet from the opening, he saw something behind one of the piers which looked like the body of a man.

He approached the body, turned the blanket over and found that it was the remains of a dead man.  Leaving it untouched he called his brother, Squire House, who identified it as the remains of Mr. Burrell.  They placed a guard over the remains and immediately drove to Little Falls to inform Mr. Burrell's family.  David Burrell, with James Churchill, returned with the brothers of Jacksonburg in a close carriage.

The body was found to be in a good condition and had not suffered materially by the removal, except the loss of the scalp locks of hair mentioned in yesterday's Herald as having been found on the vault door and the side of Foxe's wagon.  It was wrapped in the blankets, placed in the carriage, and Mr. Burrell, taking a seat by the side of the remains, was driven back to Churchill's livery at 8:30 A.M. The body was kept in the carriage until Undertaker Toxer was ready to prepare them for reinternment.

Shortly after the body had been brought to the village, Officer Shepardson, of Little Falls, arrested Tom Kane, Alias "Happy Jack," upon the charge of being one of the principals in this terrible crime. The news spread over the village rapidly and quite a crowd gathered, but only few were allowed to get within reach of the accused.  Owing to the excitement, it was thought best to send Kane to jail at once, and Officer Shepardson drove him to Herkimer about noon.

The preliminary examination was set down to occur before justice Smith, at Little Falls, at 10 A.M. today.  This delay was necessary to allow the authorities to perfect and get into shape the evidence which they possessed to prove Kane's guilt.  It is also certain that Kane had accomplices, but thus far not enough was known to warrant any arrest.  Many facts in connection with the crime are in possession of our reporters, but they are withheld at the request of the authorities until all the links in the chain of evidence are complete.

Thomas Kane, the accused, is a resident of Little Falls and about twenty-five years of age.  He was formerly a hack driver in the employ of Churchill's livery, and of late years has been considered a suspicious character.  He was charged, but not convicted of the crime of breaking into a cobbler's shop and stealing shoes.  The plunder was found where he had hidden it in a hay loft, but the proof of his guilt was insufficient.  As he says himself, he has been looked upon with suspicion whenever anything went wrong and it is probably those suspicions were well founded though they many never have caused any satisfactory results.  Kane is best known by the name of "Happy Jack."  He was arrested by Detective Wheeler, of this city, about two years ago for complicity in the numerous robberies of freight trains at Little Falls.  Kane was handcuffed and finally led Wheeler and the officers to the point where the printing press, shoes, etc. were hidden in the rocks over the river.  It was necessary to use Kane as a witness for the people to secure the conviction of the chiefs of the gang, and in this capacity he consented to "squeal" on his associates and was allowed his liberty.

Kane belongs to the large gang of idlers, thieves and desperadoes which hangs around certain well-known saloons and restaurants in Little Falls. The people of that village have borne with these villains for some time, but this dastardly outrage has excited the indignation of everybody and these villains will hereafter work or walk.  A law and order committee is talked of, and it will not be well for many of this party to remain out late at night for some time at least.  One of the best citizens of Little Falls, yesterday, declared "these whelps must go or they will be driven out of town., let the consequences by what they may."

As was stated yesterday, there are satisfactory proofs that Thomas Fox's old horse and wobbling wagon were used to convey the remains from the vault to Jacksonburg.  The blankets in which the remains were wrapped are believed to have been stolen from Fox's barn with the horse and wagon. They contained hay horse hairs.  No one charges Fox with any knowledge or complicity in this or other offences.  It is believed that his horse and wagon have often been taken for dishonest purposes without his knowledge.

It is to be hoped that all the villains who were engaged in this work may soon be brought to Justice.  Mr. Burrell's family and the authorities of Herkimer county will have nothing undone that may tend to secure their conviction and punishment.

An Interview With Kane by Special Correspondent

Herkimer:  I called at the jail this afternoon, and through the courtesy of Deputy Eaton, was allowed to see Thomas Kane, better known as "Happy Jack," the alleged body snatcher of Little Falls.  Kane is confined alone in the northwest corner cell, upper corridor.  No one in any way liable to have been implicated in the crime will be allowed to see him until after the examination tomorrow. After a few words of introduction, I told Kane that I represented the Herald and asked him if he desire to make any statement in regard to this matter.  He replied:  "I can't say anything, for I don't know anything about the matter."

On being asked if he had anything to say in regard to his whereabouts Sunday and Monday  night, he said:  " I was at home, no one saw me out after 10 o'clock, and no one can say they did.  I have made it my business not to be out late, for if anything did happen, they would be sure to lay it to me."

I asked if there was anyone who knew he was in at that hour, and he said:  "My brother, who is learning a trade, sleeps with me.  He came in about ten o'clock both evenings, and I was ahead of him and in bed."  He said his brother was fourteen or fifteen years of age.  

Kane's appearance today bellies his title of "Happy Jack," for he seemed gloomy and evidently did not feel in humor for conversation, though he treated his callers with courtesy.  

Evidence Accumulates

Little Falls:  Our streets are filled this evening with citizens.  The general topic of conversation is the arrest of "Happy Jack" Kane. The evidence against him is hourly accumulating and the feeling against the prisoner in intense.  Many anticipate trouble at the examination tomorrow.  Accomplices in the crime are closely shadowed.  Further arrests are expected to be made tonight.  

Harry Burrell - Grave Robbers' Victim - 1879 - Part 1 of 3

Harry Burrell

November 28, 1797 - March 4, 1879

Death Notice

Herkimer Democrat, March 12, 1879

Harry Burrell, one of the oldest and most prominent of the business men of this place [Little Falls, Herkimer Co., NY], died Wednesday in his 82d year.  He was long connected with the dairy interest, being a prominent cheese buyer, but retired form active participation in business some years ago.  His two sons, D.H. and E.J. Burrell, are now engaged in the same business.

The Sacrilege

Utica Morning Herald, April 22, 1879

The receiving vault of the little Falls cemetery on Monroe street was found broken open at an early hour yesterday morning.  The remains of Harry Burrell, the well known cheese buyer of that village, who was buried in March, were missing, having been taken from the casket.  It is supposed this sacrilege was committed during the previous  night, but of this there is no certainty, as it is not known that the vault had been visited before since Sunday. This outrage created great excitement and indignation in and about Little Falls yesterday, and had the perpetrators been discovered during the day they would undoubtedly have had a short shrift.

The Herald's correspondent at little Falls forwarded the following particulars yesterday:

At half-past seven o'clock this morning James Powers, with his omnibus and David Decker, visited the public vault in the village cemetery for the purpose of removing the body of Richard Searls, recently deceased, to the Rural Grove cemetery.  On their arrival at the vault, which is situated near the northwest corner of the cemetery and about 25 rods from the nearest dwelling, they made the startling discovery that it had been robbed of the remains of Harry Burrell.  Information was immediately sent to Mr. Burrell's family, and the report of the outrage soon spread through the village.  Hundreds of people gathered at the vault.

The outside doors of the vault are fastened with a heavy iron bar placed horizontally over the doors and secured to an iron staple in the stone with a large padlock.  The lock was broken with a hammer or an iron bar.  After breaking the first doors, the thieves were able to pass down the stone steps to the second doors leading to the vault.  Entrance was effected through these doors by forcing them and bending the bolt holding the iron bar on the outside far enough to admit a person.  The vault is quite large, and at this time contained twelve or fifteen bodies.  It appears that the party were acquainted, as the box containing the remains had no mark or name by which it could be distinguished from the others.  Mr. Burrell's case was pulled out from the rack, one end lowered to the floor.  The screws of the rough box and casket were carefully withdrawn and laid in a pile. The lids were also placed on one side. The remains were then pulled out and probably placed in a sack, the party left with their ghastly plunder.  They closed the outside doors, and placed the lock in its position to partly cover their tracks. The hard gravel about the vault presented the discovery of any foot prints near the building, but on close inspection, the impression of boots or shoes could be seen near the gate of the carriage way. A wagon was probably in waiting to receive the remains.

Ex-Sexton Cantim, who resides on Monroe street, near the cemetery, says a noise was heard about 10:30 p.m. as though some one was opening the vault doors.  Supposing it was a small pox case,  he went into the house.  Another says that a wagon was heard to pass up Monroe street about midnight and return an hour later.

A reporter of the Herald went to little falls yesterday afternoon and found that this sacrilegious outrage had excited the people of that village to fever heat.  Many of the best citizens were out along the river and canal and scattered over the numerous country roads, making diligent search for any possible clue that might lead to the discovery of the remains and the devils who stole them. General Priest had been notified at Utica early in the morning, and telegrams were sent by him to all stations on the road to look out for the ghouls.

There is every indication that this dastardly act was planned by home villains with the hope of gaining a reward for the return of the remains as in the case of A.T. Stewart.  There was no mystery concerning the cause of death and medical students or ordinary resurrectionists are not suspected. The home thieves may have been assisted by strangers. The deceased was known to have left an estate valued at over a quarter of a  million dollars, and it was probably thought that the members of his family would willingly pay any sum to secure the return of the body.  In this the villains may be disappointed, as no reward will be offered until every nook and corner of the state is ransacked to discover both the thieves and the remains.

Careful examination of the vault disclosed the fact that two caskets had been opened before the remains of Mr. Burrell were found.  The inside casket adjoining that of Mr. Burrell's was marked with candle grease and spots of grease were found on the floor of the vault.  The robbers had evidently opened the casket, discovered by the light of a candle that it contained the body of a woman, closed it in an orderly manner and then hit upon the one they wanted.  

After the body had been taken from the casket it seems to have been dragged feet foremost out of the vault and up the stairs leading to the walk.  This opinion is based upon the fact that a bunch of gray hair similar to that of the deceased was found adhering to the side of the inside door near the floor.  If another report is correct this clue is of some importance.  The devils seem to have done their work in a leisurely manner, taking sufficient time to cover their tracks effectively for the time being.  There is no positive proof that the outrage was committed Monday night or yesterday morning, as no reputable person is known to have visited the cemetery from Sunday afternoon until the visit of the gentlemen named, yesterday morning.

The cemetery is located near the top of the Monroe street hill, in the northern portion of the village, and is reached by the road which runs back of the Garvan House.  A party of young people was at a birthday festival on Monroe street, not far from the cemetery. Two or more of them assert that they hear the rumbling of a noisy democrat wagon, drawn by one horse, about midnight.

One thought he recognized the horse as a well-known animal owned y one Fox, a blacksmith who lives near the river.  This animal was used for night scavenger purposes and is known by nearly eveyr one in the village.  One of the party thinks he saw three men in the wagon.  Its noise attracted attention going up, andwithin half na hour, or about 12:30 a.m. the same vehicle is said to have been heard rumbling rapidly down the road in the direction of Ann street. about the same time, an employee of the freight house heard the same vehicle or one that made a similar noise, pass over the old river bridge upon which he resides.

Early yesterday morning, Blacksmith Thomas Fox had occasion to use his horse and wagon and he sent his son to the barn for the animal.  The young man returned and reported that the harness room had been broken open and the horse was lying down, smoking with heat, quite muddy, and apparently completely exhausted  Mr. Fox made a person examination and found his son's story correct  the Horse is not a very substantial one and could not have gone far without trouble in the bad roads over the hills.

Mr. Fox's wagon is a peculiar one.  One of the hind wheels is loose and "wobbles" badly--that is, in running it crosses the crack made by the forward wheel.  In this wagon it is said that there was found a lock of gray hair similar to that found on the door of the vault.  Also a paper of tobacco and a button.  The shoes on the horse are of a peculiar shape.  The tracks of these shoes and those made by the wobbling wheel were traced some distance over the river and up the hill to a farmhouse and back to Fox's stable.

This trace was thought to be important at first, but subsequent developments had a tendency to upset them temporarily.  On investigation it was found that the owner of the farm to which the wagon tracks led had had his chicken coop robbed Monday night.  Then it was supposed that the Fox vehicle had been stolen or borrowed by chicken thieves for that purpose alone and returned.  Fox asserts that he knew nothing about the use of his horse or wagon Monday night, and he is not suspected of crime.  This would seem to resolve itself into a case of risking grand larceny and burglary (the theft of the horse and wagon) by someone for the purpose of committing petit larceny by chicken thieves.  Others think the -?- that the vehicle finally used to carry off the remains was kept outside of the village so that it could not be identified.

For a long time a bad gang of railroad thieves and gamblers has hung around Little Falls and vicinity. a few nights ago Alvin Richmond's house was forced open and the old gentleman was [hit] over the head with a pistol by a villain who demanded his money or life.  Railroad car thieves have frequently operated on the Central road, removed their plunder from trains, tumbled it into boats and secreted it in the hills beyond the mohawk.  There are now several suspicious characters in Little Falls ready for any job of this kind.

Undertaker Toxer informed our reporter that the body of Mr. Burrell was embalmed so that it would be preserved six weeks or longer.  No odor was noticeable in the vault or casket yesterday. This fact will give the robbers the advantage of being able to secrete the remains temporarily without fear of detection from decomposition odors for a time.

Everyone in Little Falls was willing to assist in the search for the remains. David and E.J. Burrell, Messrs. Smith, Adams, Fonda and others, made a careful tour along the river, of the island, over the hills and elsewhere, with no success as far as reported, up to 9 P.M.

At 7:30 P.M. several prominent citizens met in the club rooms of the Opera House block for consultation.  Among them were Capt. Albert Story, Chief Engineer, Adams, ex-chief James Smith, Rodney Whitman, Messrs. Fonda, Toxer, Waters, Hinckley, Nau, Burrell, Jerry Helmet of Herkimer and others.  The subject was thoroughly discussed and plans were arranged for making a systematic search for the remains during the night and hereafter. The details were placed under the direction of Captain Albert Story by a unanimous vote.  Some were of the opinion that it was possible the remains were still within the village limits or near by and that if the robbers were hard pressed they might sink them in the canal or river.  One of Mr. Burrell's sons was heard from at Ilion, and another came in late from a fruitless search in direction of Fink's Basin.

This revolting crime of a character that is terrible under any circumstances, naturally creates great excitement in the town wherein Harry Burrell was so widely known and generally beloved and respected.  His death occurred March 5 of this year, when he was nearly 82.  When he was seven years old with his father he came from Massachusetts to Salisbury, in Herkimer county, where he spent his life on the farm until 1850, when he removed to Little Falls.  As a cheese and butter buyer for New York and foreign markets, he became known to almost every man in the Mohawk valley.  He accumulated a fortune and aided considerably in improving Little Falls by his enterprise and public spirit.  When he died the people of Herkimer county mourned the loss of one of its most valued citizens.  He left an aged widow, four sons, three daughters and sixteen grandchildren.  The wounds of these afflicted relatives are opened afresh by a crime which would seem to put even devils to shame. The remains of Mr. Burrell were only temporarily deposted in the village cemetery, as it was intended to remove them to Salisbury for final interment in the family ground as soon as the snow disappeared.  It is certainly to be hoped that the remains will be promptly discovered and that the villains who were engaged in this sacrilegious crime may be brought to speedy punishment.  Faithful and determined friends of the deceased are at work and nothing will be left undone.

Little Falls, 3 a.m.:  Up to this hour there has been no clue reported to lead to the discovery of the remains of Harry Burrell, which were stolen from the cemetery vault Monday night. The village and roads have been patrolled all night by citizens.