Greene, NY Affair, 1845 - Part 10

The Greene Affair

In Justices' Court, Befroe E.C. Kattle, Esq.

Binghamton Courier, December 17, 1845

The People vs. John Johnson, Examination of Witnesses, Nov. 24 [1845]

Testimony of Dr. W.D. Purple

Dr. W.D. Purple, sworn, testified that he had heard Dr. Willard testify, and could not say anything contrary to the statement of Dr. Willard.  Saw Mrs. Burdick on the 30th of September, and continued to attend her until she went to Utica; went part way to Utica with her.  Went for her at the Asylum at Utica and returned with her to Greene; she was sane when we left Utica and continued so until the morning after her cross examination in Court here.  Fright, fear of subsequent injury, and physical exposure, in my opinion caused her derangement.  In August or September last, in one or both of those months, heard that there was to be an effort made to find the remaisn of Mrs. Bolt; about this time heard it reported in community that they had better search a cellar where Mrs. Baxter lived at that time.

Cross-examination:  I saw Mrs. Burdick last night, she was decidedly crazy, have seen her today, she has been here ten days.  On Friday, on Monday, and on Tuesday after her examination, saw decided marks of insantiy.  First heard from her the name of Mr. Johnson as connected with her abduction, on Thursday after the abduction; at this time she was deranged.

Testimony of Elisha Strait

Elisha Strait, sworn, testified to seeing Johnson pass down the Main street in Greene, with a box in his waggon, in which were pigs, on the 30th of September, about two o'clock in the afternoon; rode with him on the box a short distance.

Cross examination:  That Johnson said he had been to Burger's after the pigs. Burger lives on the west side of the Chenango river, about two miles from Greene.

Testimony of David Van Ostrand

David Van Ostrand sworn, testified to having found Mrs. Burdick in the swamp in company with Darby, that the knot which tied her hands at the wrists was on the back side of her hands, could not pull her hands out, cord was sunk into the flesh at the wrists. Worked in the wall in the afternoon with Hammond and Burdick, Johnson employed him to work there.

Cross Examination:  Does not think she was laid and pressed face downwards into the mud and water.  I do not think her clothes were very wet about the neck in front, there was some dampness, but not very wet. The longest stick which lay lengthwise of Mrs. Burdick is about 19 inches in circumferance, it was an old black ash laid there in the swamp would weigh in the neighborhood 50 weight, when I took it from the swamp. The other stick which lay across her neck was about 3-1/2 or 4 inches diameter about 3 feet long.

Defendant's Witnesses

November 26, [1845]

Testimony of Amy Baxter

Amy Baxter Sworn, is 47 years of age, is mother of Mrs. Burdick.  Mrs. B. was married at my house on the 24th of August, and I went to Norwich on Tuesday following, staid there four weeks, got back from Norwich on Wednesday.  Augusta then was at Mrs. Hammond's.  Augusta had been subject to fits about three years, had them before she came to Smithville, had been unwell and appeared melancholy some time before. At this time she was in fits more or less for some days.  Sometimes she appeared rational and sometimes she did not.  She stated that she thought she had been to heaven and saw her Savior and her brother who was dead. Said she talked with her brother, he told her she must come back and warn her friends, that he could not.  Said a good deal through the night, but nothing that I laid up.

There was another night in which she appeared to be in pretty much the same state.--She requested her brother Charles to fill a tumbler with water and place it on the step in the course of a star which she pointed out, which he did.  She wanted to get up and drink the water, tried to prevail on her not to.  Charles and Mr. Geo. Ketchum led her to the door and she drank the water and set the tumbler back, and in a short itme she told Charles to go and get the tumbler, which he did, and she appeared to be more clam.  Mr. Ketchum and Geo. Ketchum were at my house one evenign when she had a fit, during which she kissed us all and said she was going to heaven.  Was at home all Monday evening, was not at Hammond's on Monday or Monday evening. Charles staid at my house Monday night and left Tuesday mornign for Oxford; left home on Tuesday morning between 10 and 11 o'clock and went to Niram Johnson's; left there a little before night, do not know the exact time; old Mr. Johnson came for me with a wagon.  Never had any conversation at my house with John Johnson upon the subject of Mrs. Bolt.  Have no knowledge in the least of the manner in which she was carried off, no knowledge of what became of Mrs. Bolt.  Charles Whitlock first told me about my cape being found at Mrs. Hammond's, he told me this on Wednesday after the abduction; had heard about the cape previous to this time; the first I heard, Mr. Johnson spoke to me; do not recollect hearing anything more about it till the next day, when Charles Whitlock spoke to me about it.

Cross Examination:  I cannot tell how or when I first heard a rape had been committed on Mrs. Bolt; it was in the fore part of the spring of 1844; I was living in Smithville at the time, I did not see John Johnson at my house but once while I lived at Smithville; did not hear that a rape had been committed on Mrs. Bolt before I heard she was missing; never had any conversation with John Johnson about a rape on Mrs. Bolt; never had any conversation with him about the disappearance of Mrs. Bolt; do not know where I was on the night of the 12th of May, 1844

I do not know where Niram Johnson was, when the news came that my daughter had been taken away; had seen him that day; after I heard of my daughter's being taken off, I do not recollect of seeing Niram Johnson till I saw him at Hammond's.  I have seen the cape that was left at Hammond's on Monday night; it was my cape, there were two places torn in it; it was not torn so when I last saw it; it was whole when I left home for Norwich; I did not see it afterwards; I did not lend the cape to anyone.  I have never known Mrs. Burdick to talk in these fits except when she was at Smithville.  I lived in Mr. Ketchum's house when I lived in Smithville; while I lived there I did not have any money from John Johnson, or other things, except the smoked underjaw of a hog.  Have lived in the house where I now live, on Johnson's farm, since last March.  Never have received but fifty cents from Johnson; I have received provisions of him at different times; never had any clothing of him; I never was on a bed with John Johnson; I never had any illicit intercourse with John Johnson.  Saw Augusta on Wednesday at Hammond's after I returned form Norwich; we had some talk; she did not say that she had made up her mind to expose me and Johnson, she said nothing about any such thing.

I said to Mrs. Hammond that Ann Augusta was a good girl, and a girl of good character, let them say what they would; I did not turn her out of doors while at Smithville; I did not forbid her coming to my house, I told her she should leave it if she did not act different from what she had done; she was keeping company with two young men and hurting her reputation' they were Samuel Vars and George Ketchum.  I have thought lately that Ann Augusta did not always tell the truth; I have thought so for a year and a half, from her being racked so by fits.  I did not see Johnson during the time I was at Norwich, four weeks.  Augusta had told me the room she intended to sleep in at Hammond's

Vital Records (June 13)

Chenango American, Norwich, NY, March 1, 1860

Married, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult., by Rev. B. Shove, Mr. Madison Fitch, to Miss Emily White, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married, in this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th ult., by Rev. A.F. Harding, Mr. Alanson D. Bingham, to Miss Mary J. Merrill, all of this town.

Married, in Kenosha, Wis., on 21st Jan., by Rev. Mr. McNamara, Mr. Nathan G. Backus, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary E. Smith of the former place.

Died, in this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult., William R. [Thomas], aged 13 months and 21 days.

Died, In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Mr. Rufus Tyler, aged 89 years. 

In Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 18th ult., Eunice [Brown], wife of Maj. D.M. Brown, aged 46 years.

In West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on 23d ult., Mr. John K. S. Green, aged 70 years.

In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d ult., of the Spotted Fever, Jay E. [Bailey], son of Nathan M. and Caroline M. Bailey, aged 1 year, 11 months and 8 days.

Death sought a lovely victim,

When he bore away our flower

To the realms of spotless glory,

To Heaven's eternal bower;

To blossom in the garden

Of the ever-living God,

While the frail, fair little casket

Lies beneath the dark damp sod!

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 2, 1871

Died, in this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Mrs. Mary Jane [Bingham], wife of Mr. A.D. Bingham, aged 34 years.

Died in this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Dea. Allen Newton, aged 79 years and 11 months.  On the 28th ult., Mrs. Marcia [Newton], wife of Dea. Allen Newton, aged 77 years, 10 months and 13 days.  Funeral Thursday, March 2d, at 11 o'clock, at the house.

Died, in Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Miss Alice [Randall], daughter of Mrs. Cynthia Randall, aged 21 years and 8 months.

Died, at Castle Creek, Broome Co., on the 24th ult., Mr. William Spencer, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], aged 75 years.

Died, in this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Mr. Amos Sawyer, aged 85 years.

Died, in Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Jesse Linn [Schenck], infant son of M.H. and Mary Schenck.

Died, in this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Mrs. Arminda C. [Youngs], wife of Mr. James Youngs, aged 35 years, 5 months and 13 days.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 15, 1872

Married, at the Baptist parsonage in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 25th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Oscar Courtney, to Miss Annie Ressegieu, both of Marathon, N.Y. [Cortland Co.]

Married, at the Congregational parsonage, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], by Rev. Geo. Porter, Mr. Frederick R. Alford, to Miss Eliza A. Griswold, both of Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married, in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 5th, by Rev. S.F. Brown, Mr. Henry Rowland, of Oswego [Oswego Co., NY], to Mrs. Bethiah Preston, of Oxford.

Married, at the residence of Geo. W. Cornish, in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 6th, by Rev. Mr. Pattengill, Mr. A.D. Bingham, of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Lucy A. Hall, of Bainbridge.

Died, in Windsor, N.Y. [Broome Co.], Feb. 8th, Mr. Sheldon Frost, aged 75 years, father of H.W. Frost, Esq., of this village.

Died, in Brisbin [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 8th, Mrs. Catherine [McNee], wife of Peter A. McNee, aged 43 years.

Died, in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 2d, Arthur H. [Lee], son of Dr. D.M. and E.G. Lee, aged 8 months.

Died, in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 10th, Mrs. Mary A. [Commings], wife of Mr. Abijah D. Commings, and daughter of the late Abner Gifford, aged 57 years.

Died, in German [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 4th, Miss Eliza Rockwell, aged 73 years.

Vital Records (June 12)

George Darr

Chenango American, June 29, 1865

A lad named Geo. Darr, a driver of a team towing the canal boat McDougal, came to sudden death last Sunday afternoon, a few miles above this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].  The team was pulling the heavy ladened boat, with the boy close behind the whiffle-tree, when it suddenly broke, the sharp end of the broken stick striking him in the breast, and causing death in about an hour.

Capt. James Thompson

Chenango Union, March 13, 1873

Capt. James Thompson, died at the residence of Herbert Hunt, in the east part of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Monday last, at the advanced age of ninety years.  The deceased came to this County from Connecticut, when a young man, and settled upon the farm now owned by Edwin Grant, where he remained throughout an active life, and until the weight of increasing years called for his retirement.  An upright man, unassuming in his manner, he enjoyed the esteem of the community in which he had so long resided; and he goes to his rest respected by all who knew him.  In politics he was an unswerving Democrat, and has been a patron of the Union since its first issue, as he was for many years previous a reliable friend of the Journal, its predecessor. An aged widow--his second wife--survives him.  The funeral will be attended today (Thursday) by the Masonic Lodge of this village, of which he has long been a member.

Death Notices

Chenango Republican, Oxford, NY, August 20, 1828

Died, in Towanda, Pa. on the 4th inst. of a pulmonary complaint, Mrs. Eliza Betts, consort of N.N. Betts, Esq. aged about 23 years.

Oxford Times, June 27, 1849

Married, in Utica [Oneida Co., NY], on the 21st inst., by Eld. C.P. Grosvener, Mr. Ransom Bennett, formerly of this village, to Miss Mary Jane Baker, all of that city.

Died, in this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], May 19th, Mrs. Atty Hall, wife of Mr. Israel Hall, aged 62 years and ten months.  She has been a sufferer of various disease for many years.  Her last sickness was thirteen weeks, and her sufferings were beyond expression.  She has been a regular member of the Oxford Baptist church for twenty-eight years, and her loss is much lamented.  She longed to depart this life and to be with Christ, but still prayed to have patience till her change should come.  She had her reason till within a short time of her death, and we have the assurance that her spirit has gone to that God who gave it.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst.,Peter Betts aged 78 years.  Mr. B. was for many years a Judge of this county, and a Member of the Legislature.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 22, 1868

In Handsboro, Miss., on the 22d ult., Mr. Thomas J. Carter, aged 66 years and 8 months.  The deceased was a brother of Mr. J.W. Carter, of this village [Greene, NY].  He removed from this State to Handsboro about 19 years ago.

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Mrs. Marriam [Cole], wife of L.S. Cole, aged 67 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Mr. Erastus Keyes, aged 63 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., Margaret [Bearer], wife of Jacob Bearer, aged 45 years.

In Tioga, Pa., on the 8th ins.t, Hon. Levi Bigelow, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], aged 84 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 1, 1865

In West Jasper, Steuben Co., N.Y., on the 11th of April, of dropsy, Miss Alsina L.M. Hoyt [Benaway], wife of Mr. Minard P. Benaway, formerly of this town [Greene, NY], aged 54 years, 7 months and 11 days.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult. Arsenrath J. [Sadd], eldest daughter of Simeon C. and Melinda C. Sadd, aged 19 years 3 months and 11 days.

In Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 27th ult. Mr. Geo. A. Tuttle, aged 49 years and 17 days.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 8, 1865

In New York City, on the 3d inst., Mr. Orrin Wheeler, formerly of this town [Greene, NY], aged 49 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Mr. Nathan D. Staunton, aged 74 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., Mr. John Bliven, aged 66th years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult., Agnes Mitchell [Bowen], wife of Henry Bowen, Esq., aged 25 years.

The Telegraph also says that Murray Williams, a little son of Gilbert Williams, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], was drowned while bathing in the Chenango river, on Thursday last.

Greene, NY Affair - 1845- Part 9

The Greene Affair

In Justices' Court, Befroe E.C. Kattle, Esq.

Binghamton Courier, December 17, 1845

The People vs. John Johnson, Examination of Witnesses, Nov. 24 [1845]

Testimony of Pulaski Burdick

Pulaski Burdick, sworn, testified that he is the husband of Ann Augusta Burdick, was married on the 24th of August, 1845.  Am 18 years of age, was married at Mrs. Baxter's in the red house spoken of.  After we were married, my wife lived at Mrs. Baxter's two weeks, and then I took her to Smithville to be doctored.  She was at Smithville one week, on her return from Smithville she stayed at Hammond's one night, and then went to her mother's.

She returned from Smithville on Sunday, came back from Mrs. Baxter's to Hammond's on Wednesday, the week previous to her abduction There is a cellar under the red house. Testified as to the occurrences of Monday evening, saw his wife stoop to pick up the cape, it lay near the foot of the bed on the floor, has seen Mrs. Baxter wear the cape.  Also testified as to Mrs. Hammond giving the alarm and searching until he had the fit.  Saw Johnson on Sunday afternoon previous, talking to Mrs. Baxter.  Johnson came to Hammond's about dark that evening (Sunday) and spoke to Hammond about fixing the fence, and Van Ostrum would help him, On Monday went to husking corn till about 10 o'clock and then went to Mrs. Baxter's.  

Also testified as to the quarrel between Mrs. Baxter and Mrs. Burdick, that they quarreled about everything which Mrs. Burdick brought from her mother's, also as to having found his wife on the bed crying on Tuesday after they returned from Smithville, and further testified as to Augusta's having a fit on the Monday afternoon previous to the attempted abduction on the evening of that day.  That three weeks after the abduction he started for the lunatic asylum at Utica, that she was sane a part of the way, and that just before she reached Utica, during one of her sane intervals, after much persuasion, she told him about overhearing the conversation between her mother and Johnson, that he left her at the asylum under the charge of Dr. Brigham. she was there about 3 weeks.  Witness went for her to bring her back, that on the first night at Clinton upon their return home he asked her if she remembered telling him about the conversation, that she replied that that was not a beginning to what she knew, and then told him about the bones.

Pulaski Burdick testified to seeing a piece of paper found in the swamp near where his wife was laid in the swamp--that it was found in the ground where a horse or other animal had stepped.

Testimony of Dr. Augustus Willard

November 25.

Dr. Augustus Willard,  sworn, testified to seeing Mrs. Burdick after she was brought back on the 30th of September, she was insensible and in strong convulsions, she was in the kitchen when we first saw her, after she began to come to she was removed to her bedroom; the first thing she said was, she screamed pretty loud "There they come--there they come--don't let them carry me off."  There was a window by the bedside which we were obliged to cover with a quilt, after which she became more quiet; observed two bruises upon the right side of the forehead and another upon the throat, such as might be made with the pressure of your finger or thumb.  I think the right arm was bruised some.  The next morning while she was sane for a short time, she gave me a connected description of how she was carried off.  That she was deranged most of the time as long as witness saw her till she went to Utica.

Cross Examination:  Testified to having paid some attention to the subject of insanity; that an insane person may have lucid intervals form time to time; it depends upon the causes that produced the insanity, somewhat.  It is not so difficult to ascertain whether the patient has a settled aberration of mind, as in a fixed monomania.  When a person is crazy upon one subject and sane upon others, in such cases it is difficult to detect it, because such patients are apt to conceal their diseased state themselves.  Saw Mrs. Burdick a moment last evening  she was decidedly insane then.

Re-examination:  Testified that in his judgment, the cause of Mrs. Burdick's derangement was fright and fear, together with the exposure and outrage she had suffered.  In derangement of a person produced by such causes, in my opinion the mind of such person would be upon the cause which produced it, while in a state of derangement.

Marriage Notices (June 11)

Chenango American, June 1, 1865

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by Rev. R.H. Spafford, Mr. Peter E. Wheeler to Miss E.H. Race, both of Greene.

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., by John L. Brown, Esq., Mr. Ephraim B. Shelley, to Miss Frances Letson, of Preston.

Chenango American, June 8, 1865

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. Thomas M. McLagan to Miss Lavon M. Davis, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

In Jamestown, N.Y. [Chautauqua Co], on the 1st inst., by Rev. S.W. Rowe, Mr. John W. Weller, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss O. Cecella Grandin, of the former place.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 23d ult., by Rev. L.C. Queal, Mr. Henry Button, to Miss Clara Card, all of Norwich.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult., by Rev. S.S. Hayward, Mr. S.S. Egelston, of that place, to Miss Fannie E. Crawford, of Franklin [Delaware Co., NY].

Chenango American, June 15, 1865

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., by Rev. E.Z. Lewis, Mr. M.M. Munson, of Utica [Oneida Co., NY], to Miss Helen J. Jones, of the former place.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., by Rev. Samuel Scoville, Mr. David E. Morgan, of Delhi, Ohio, to Miss Cornelia A. Houk, of the former place.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., by Rev. J.R. Haswell, Mr. C. Leroy Holmes to Miss Mattie L. Reese.

Chenango American, June 22, 1865

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Wm. Sayles, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Alice R. Aldrich, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango American, June 29, 1865

In Junction City, Kansas, on the 4th inst., by Rev. Charles Reynolds, Mr. William S. Blakely, to Miss Josephine Morgan, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Return of the Gallant 114th - 1865

Return of the Gallant 114th!

Chenango American, June 8, 1865

A letter has been received from Rev. Mr. Robinson, Chaplain of the 114th Regiment, stating that this Regiment was to be mustered out and to return to Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to be paid off, and that they would probably pass through Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on their way thither sometime during the present week, due notice to be given us by telegraph of the time of their coming.  Steps are being taken by our citizens to give them a greeting worthy of their heroic achievements.  Baptized in fire and blood--wearing laurels such as the brave only wear--rich in deeds of valor and renown--these bronzed and war-worn veterans return to receive the well-earned plaudits of a grateful people.

Scarcely one-fourth of those who nearly three years since went from among us to engage in the holiest of warfares are now to be found in the decimated ranks of the glorious 114th.  In the rude shock of battle--at the canon's mouth and the bayonet's point--many of those heroes have won imperishable honor and scaled their devotion with their blood.  Some have languished and died in hospitals--some have become the victims of the barbarous cruelty meted out to our poor prisoners, and have starved in rebel prisons.  For these the tear of gratitude and sympathy flows freely.  Their memories are embalmed in the hearts of their countrymen, and their names are inscribed high on the roll of fame. When the history of the gallant 114th shall be written, proud as we now are of Chenango's regiment, we shall have knowledge of greater cause for rejoicing that so brave, so heroic, so successful a fighting Regiment, hailed form old Chenango.  Let then due and merited honor be paid to the brave survivors.

Greene, NY Affair - 1845 - Part 8

The Greene Affair

In Justices' Court, Befroe E.C. Kattle, Esq.

Binghamton Courier, December 17, 1845

The People vs. John Johnson, Examination of Witnesses, Nov. 20 [1845]

Testimony of Celia B. Hammond

Celia B. Hammond, sworn, testified that she was the wife of Harvey Hammond, that Mrs. Burdick came to board at their house the week before the abduction, also as to the occurrence on Monday night that they heard her scream three times, and went into her room, found her sitting on the bed on the floor near her bedroom door, that she was crying and very much frightened, and said that someone had tried to carry her off, but that she hung to the bed, looked up on Mrs. Burdick's neck and found three marks very plainly to be seen, saw the cape, Mrs. Burdick said that it was her mother's, cape was torn where it was pinned. The next day, soon after dinner, Augusta went to her room, that they kept the door fastened all day when I was not at work in the milk room.  In the front or upright part of the house there is a square room and a hall, and in the back part there is a room we use as a milk room, the bedroom is at the back end of the hall, and the door from the bedroom opens into the milk room, near the door of the bedroom and it is the only door out of that part of the house.  There is a kitchen which is a wing to the upright part of the house, even with it in front but does not run so far back.  In going from the kitchen to the bedroom we use the hall near the front outside door from the kitchen--go through to the back end of the hall, the door opens from that into the milk room at the side, and the door out of the milk room into the bedroom. The outside milk room door was fastened with a stick put over the latch, so that the latch could not be raised, the shutter was fastened and tied with a string. Went into the room about 2 o'clock and found her asleep, was in once before and found her awake, went back to the kitchen to work as usual. About 3 o'clock heard a noise, sounded like three knocks on a board and then something like irons knocking together.  My sister and myself were fitting a dress for myself, had been trying it on, and had not got my other dress on when I heard the noise.  Soon after stepped to the back kitchen door, heard nothing and saw nothing.  In about 15 or 20 minutes from that time, went to the milk room and found the outside door open, went to the bedroom, found Mrs. Burdick gone. Went and called my brother, Mr. Burdick, and Mr. Hammond, they were at work on the turnpike, laying poles on a wall, in sight from the front side of the house, but not in sight from the backside of the house.

She then testified as to the appearance of Mrs. Burdick after she was brought back, as to her being wet and muddy, dress torn &c.  Had on her usual dress--that Mrs. Burdick wore no corsets, nor any thing that was drawn by corset strings while she boarded there.  There were several marks on her forehead above her eyes, some marks about her neck, her ankles were bruised a great deal, and the marks were there when she went to Utica, three weeks after she was found--had no shoes on or nothing on her head, her shoes were left beside the bed; nothing was gone from the house of that kind. After Mrs. Burdick was brought back, her health was poor, she was deranged most of the time and appeared to be in great distress till they took her to Utica.

That night Mrs. Baxter assisted a little in rubbing Augusta's hands, but did nothing towards taking care of her.  Mrs. Baxter showed very little or no emotion. Augusta's health had been poor ever since I knew her, 6 or 7 months, and her mother told me it had been poor two years.   From the time she came to our house, her health seemed improving.  Mr. John Johnson asked me for the cape--Mrs. Baxter was present.--He said what is it about that cape?

Cross Examination:  Testified that Mrs. Burdick was subject to fits; her mother called them epileptic fits; that she had two in the summer before she was married, one of which lasted all night and further that she had two fits during the week that she boarded at their house, that during these fits she was crumpled in her limbs, that some persons were required to hold her hands; also, that for a few moments after she waked up, on the morning after her examination, Mrs. Burdick was not in her right mind.  She also testified that Augusta was over at Mrs. Baxter's on Monday; that Charles Baxter was at their house Monday evening, about 15 minutes before the attempted abduction that Mr. Hammond went down to the village Tuesday morning; that Johnson came along by the house with Mr. Burger, and asked if Hammond had got back, also inquired about her churning.

Testimony of Harvey C. Hammond

Harvey C. Hammond, sworn, testified as to the occurrence on Monday evening, also as to being at the village in the morning and going to put poles on the wall in the afternoon, also that he was called by Mrs. Hammond, when Augusta was missing, called Mr. Juliand, and went to the village to give the alarm, found Pulaski Burdick on the ground, he had a fit, carried him into the house and he was deranged all the evening.  Saw Johnson when we went to the village to give the alarm, at the post office.  He started off with the rest of them, and noticed him last just as he passed the river bridge--Saw Johnson that morning, he asked me if I had gone to draw the poles for the well.  Thesre is no cap over the window shutter when shut.

Cross examination:  That witness went over with part of Bolt's goods.  Johnson and Mrs. Bolt passed the teams about two miles before we got to the farm in Triangle.  I drove on at my usual rate, we met Johnson about 80 rods before we got to Bolt's house in Triangle, in the fields, said he was looking for some yearlings, he went back with us to the house.  Mrs. Bolt assisted in removing the furniture, she got supper or dinner for us, had tea.  Johnson sat with us, when we got the teams up, Mrs. Bolt siad, Mr. Johnson, I guess you will have to take Louisa back with you, she is getting homesick.

Vital Records, Jan/Feb. 1846

Married, in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Sunday Jan. 4th, by Rev. C. Darby, Mr. Justus C. Hubbard of Owego [Tioga Co., NY], to Miss Cornelia M. Furman. [Binghamton Courier, Jan. 7, 1846]

Married, At Great Bend, Pa., on New Year's Evening, by the Rev. James B. McCreary, Mr. George W. Dyer, Merchant of Corning, N.Y. [Steuben Co.] to Miss Olive S. [McKinney], daughter of John McKinney Esq., of the former place. [Binghamton Courier, Jan. 7, 1846]

Married, on the 24th ult., by the same, Mr. Nicholas DuBois to Miss Louisa L. [Griffin], daughter of Dr. J. Griffin, both of great Bend, Pa.  [Binghamton Courier, Jan. 7, 1846]

Married, in this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], Jan. 1, by Rev. D.D. Gregory, Edmond G. Mosher to Electa W. Austin, both of Silver Lake [Wyoming Co., NY].  [Binghamton Courier, Jan. 14, 1846]

Died, In Eaton, Madison County New York on Saturday the 10th of January, Mrs. Beulah Orton, relict of the late Thomas Orton, Esqr. of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY] and mother of the editor of this paper, aged 69 years.  As a mother, she will ever be held in the most grateful remembrance by her children; as a woman, her life and virtues will continue to be pointed out as patterns for her sex, in the community where she was known and as a Christian, her piety and strong faith in the Redeemer, we believe, have opened before her the portals of Heaven, and given her a home in the bosom of God.  [Binghamton Courier, Jan. 14, 1846]

Died, in Troy, N.Y. [Rensselear Co.] on the 13th inst. after a short illness, Aloa [Mather], wife of John C. Mather, aged 31 years 8 months and 16 days.  The deceased was an amiable and benevolent woman, an affectionate wife, a kind and devoted mother, and a faithful and pious Christian. While her family and friends grieve her irreparable loss and early departure, they cannot but be consoled in the happy reflection that she is already reaping the joyous fruits of an interest in the atoning blood of her gracious Redeemer. [Binghamton Courier, Jan. 21, 1846]

Died, at Lenox, Mass. on Sunday the 4th inst., Rev. Samuel Shepherd D.D., Pastor of the Congregational Church in that town, aged 73 years.  Dr. Shepherd was ordained Pastor of that church April 30th 1795.  On the 30th day of April last he preached his fiftieth anniversary sermon.  He was a man of eminent talents, piety and usefulness.  [Binghamton Courier, Jan. 21, 1846]

Married, in Bridgewater Pa., Jan. 14, by Rev. Wm. M. DeLong, Mr. Stephen Bullock of Smithfield, Bradford Co. to Miss Lodemi B. Lane of the former place.  [Binghamton Courier, Jan. 28, 1846]

Married, in Chenango [Broome Co., NY], on the 21st inst., by the same, Mr. Jonas Prentiss to Miss Betsey Ann Hinckley, all of that town. [Binghamton Courier, Jan. 28, 1846]

Married, In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY, Feb. 1, by Rev. C. Darby, Mr. William M. Graves and Miss Lovina Wood, both of Conklin [Broome Co., NY].  [Binghamton Courier, Feb. 4, 1846]

Died, in Union [Broome Co., NY], on Tuesday morning the 10th inst., Robert E. [Crocker], aged four years.  In this sudden bereavement (the deceased was scalded) the family of Mr. Crocker have been visited with an affliction which it would be in vain to attempt to portray.  They have the warm sympathies of the community, and we trust that God will temper the blow to hem and give them consolation from above.  [Binghamton Courier, Feb. 11, 1846]

Died, At Great Barrington, Berkshire county, Mass. on the 13th day of January last, of an affection of the heart, General John Whiting, Counselor at Law, aged 75 years.  It is a circumstance somewhat remarkable that the Rev'd Dr. Shepherd, Pastor of the church in that county, and Gen. Whiting the oldest Lawyer in the county, both died in the course of ten days; Dr. Shepherd having been Pastor upwards of fifty years, and Gen. Whiting, a member of the bar about fifty-four years. [Binghamton Courier, Feb. 11, 1846]

Died, in this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], on Thursday the 5th inst., Mrs. Martha Gager, wife of Mr. Joshua Gager, aged 64 years.  [Binghamton Courier, Feb. 18, 1846]

The Greene, NY Affair - 1845 - Part 7

The Greene Affair

In Justices' Court, Before E.C. Kattel, Esq.

Binghamton Courier, December 17, 1845

The People vs. John Johnson, Examination of Witnesses, Nov. 20 [1845]

Dr. Augustus Willard testified that he was acquainted with Ann Augusta Burdick, as a practicing physician; have seen her this morning, she is weak and feeble now, both mentally and physically.

Lucius S. Darby sworn:  testified that he resides in Greene, 31 years of age, have known Ann Augusta Burdick since last Sept.; was in Greene 30th of September; about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, Mr. Hammond gave the alarm that a woman had been taken off; said it was Mrs. Burdick, went with others to help search for her, up to Hammond's house; searched a round the premises about an hour, then at the suggestion of I think Mr. Hammond, went with others to search in a swamp with lies about three fourths of a mile north of Hammond's house.  We had got three or four rods into the swamp, perhaps a rod apart, when we heard a noise like a person choking or strangling; went forward to the spot where it appeared to proceed from; there we found Mrs. Burdick, lying in a brook with her face up, her hands tied together, forward, crossed, tied about at the wrists; there was a gag in her mouth; gag was about four inches long, and one way I should say about two inches in diameter, the other perhaps an inch and a half; it was flated like, made of cotton cloth rolled up and sewed.

Over this gag in her mouth was a cloth, tied on the back of her head, and also one tied over her eyes.  There was one stick about 20 feet long, laid across the ditch, with one end embedded in the bank, her feet were under this; another stick about 6 feet long and 9 inches in diameter, lay prying lengthwise of her, with one end under the long stick, another stick lay across her above her arms, the sticks were pretty heavy, the longest one was a pretty good lift for me.  She was very muddy and wet when we found her, and had her dress torn some, she had the appearance of having been rolled in the mud, she was perfectly insensible when she was found.  Mr. Juliand cut the string that tied her hands, and I pulled the gag out of her mouth, it was firmly in her mouth, had to pull two or three times to get it out, carried her out of the swamp up to the house of Mr. Van Ostrand, she had the appearance of being dead most of the time while we were carrying her, met Mr. Johnson at Van Ostrand's with his wagon, two men got in with him and carried her to Hammond's house.

Before going to the swamp, went to the red house occupied by Mrs. Baxter, found it fastened.  Johnson was at Hammond's house with a one horse wagon before he went to search the swamp, saw Mrs. Baxter at Hammond's house with a one horse wagon, before going to the swamp, Johnson brought her there, from up the river, Mrs. Baxter did not do anything towards searching, and I thought appeared very indifferent, can't say whether I heard her say anything. When I first came to Hammond's, found Burdick lying on the ground, before the house from excitement or some other cause, he had fallen down there, and was unable to get up, he was carried into the house and laid on a bed, examined the bed room window, one of the shutters was handing by one hinge, the upper hinge, the string which Mrs. Burdick was tied with, appeared like a lady's corset lace.

Cross-examined: I do not recollect that Johnson was sent from Hammond's after Mrs. Baxter, heard it said that she was at Niram Johnson's, she went off in that direction.  there was nothing like voluntary power about Mrs. Burdick when we found her, she was not laced up, the upper part of her person in front appeared to have been in the water, the cloth over her mouth appeared to be the cape of a dress, the cloth tied over her eyes was a gingham apron.  The water was 3 or 4 inches deep, when we found her, with a muddy bottom, the cloth about her face were muddy and wet, the water runs from a spring and very slowly.

Lewis Juliand sworn, testified as to the finding of Mrs. Burdick, the same as given by Darby, and further.  In the rear of Hammond's house a few rods, there is an abrupt descent, quite a steep bank, from that in the direction of the swamp, the land is nearly level for some distance, then gradually rising (the bank continues parallel with the road) until you come up on a level to the land which is level with the house, from Mr. Hammond's to the swamp this ravine diverges from the road, so that the plain in view of the road is something like 80 rods.  There are fences between the level land and the road; on the east side of this level there is quite a high fence, near the place they would naturally pass in going to the swamp; mentioned to Mrs. Baxter the circumstance of the cape having been found at Hammond's on Monday evening; she said she presumed it was her's, that the girl had brought away a great many things belonging to her.  Johnson was by when the cape was talked about. Should think it was two hours after search commenced before Mrs. Burdick was found, saw the gag opened, it was composed of a portion of the sleeve of an old cotton shirt and the band of the collar of the shirt and a small piece of new cloth these were rolled up together a few stiches taken in them, and those enclosed in a piece of cloth supposed to be the shoulder piece of an old cotton shirt.

Cross examination:  There are three fences to be passed in going from Hammond's to the swamp, thinks the logs were six inches in diameter.  The road leading up to Oxford is daily travelled.  Saw Mrs. Baxter after her daughter was found, she appeared to be perfectly indifferent.  The window shutters Venetian blinds, and were hung with strap hinges, which could be easily slipped off, it was off at the bottom hinge and hung on the top hinge, it appeared as tho' it had been fasten by a string. The hands were tied over both wrists together, and not between them.

Lucius S Darby recalled:  testified that when they found Mrs. Burdick she had no shoes on.  In the position she lay, I think she could not get her hands to her mouth with the sticks across her.

Obituaries (June 9)

Andrew B. Pratt

Died July 25, 1934, Guilford, NY

Death came suddenly last Wednesday afternoon to Andrew B. Pratt of this village, who was employed by the town of Bainbridge highway department.  Mr. Pratt who was 57 years of age, was working as a steam shovel operator on the Searles Hill work and died at 4:15 o'clock, July 25th, a minute after he sat down on the roadside to rest.  According to Dr. Edward Danforth, who was summoned to the spot, Mr. Pratt died of a heart attack.  Fay Wilcox, another employee, saw Mr. Pratt collapse and hastened to his assistance, but could do nothing to help the stricken man.  Mr. Pratt was the son of Buel and Mary Pratt of Colesville [Broome Co., NY], and was born in that place March 10, 1877.  He was engaged in farming for several years in West Bainbridge and came to this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] seven years ago and since then has been in the employ of the highway department of the township.  Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the funeral home of Colwell brothers in West Main street, with the Rev. H.G. Orvis, pastor of the Frist Presbyterian Chruch, officiating, and interment was at Nineveh, N.Y. [Broome Co.].  surviving relatives are Mrs. Pratt; a son, Paul Pratt, of Fairlawn,  N.Y.; a step-daughter, Mrs. Bert Pratt, of Harpursville, and four brothers, Howard, of Center Village, Ray, of Nineveh, and Floyd and Walter, of Coventry.

Emma A. (Fisher) Williams

Died November 14, 1938, Norwich, NY

Mrs. Emma A. Williams, 69, beloved wife of Jacob Williams of Norwich, passed away Monday, Nov. 14, at her late home on Conkey avenue [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] after a lingering illness of many months' duration  Mrs. Williams was born at Vallonia Springs, Sept. 18, 1869, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Fisher.  For a great many years, they resided in Guilford where Mrs. Williams was engaged in the dressmaking business.  She was active in the work of Christ church, to which she belonged.   Surviving are the husband above mentioned, one daughter, Mrs. William Sanders of Norwich, one sister, Mrs. Dennis O'Flaherty of Guilford, and a brother, Emmett Fisher of Schenectady.  Services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. from the Breese Funeral home in Norwich.  The Rev. Lloyd B. Charters of the Episcopal Church officiated. Burial was in the Sunset Hill Cemetery, Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]. 

Lora B. (Spohn) Purvis

Died May 30, 1935, Bainbridge, NY
Bainbridge News, June 6, 1935

Mrs. James T. Purvis, well known resident of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], passed away Thursday morning at her home in Pearl street, following an illness of several weeks' duration.  In poor health for nearly eighteen years, Mrs. Purvis was taken worse about eight weeks ago and had since been confined to her bed, and thus her death ended a life devoted to her home and family.  Lora B. Spohn, the daughter of Joseph F. and Harriet Smith Spohn, was born on August 5, 1882, on the Guilford road, just outside the township line of Bainbridge.  In 1884 her parents moved to Bainbridge and after living here until 1887, went to Massachusetts to reside.  For four years they lived in Springfield and Chester, returning to Bainbridge in 1891.  In 1902 she was united in marriage with James T. Purvis, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Purvis, who at that time resided on the East Side.  Since then, with the exception of about four years in Cortland, Mr. and Mrs. Purvis have made their home in this village.  Mrs. Purvis was a member of the First Presbyterian church, where she had been a regular attendant until poor health prevented.  Surviving are her husband, a daughter, Mrs. Kermit Dicks, and grandson, James Dicks of Bainbridge; her father, J.F. Spohn, of Topeka, Kan.; a brother Milton W. Spohn, of Bainbridge, and a sister, Mrs. Warren C. Gunderman, of Binghamton.  Funeral services were held at the home Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock with Rev. G.H. Orvis, pastor of the First Presbyterian Chruch, officiating, and interment was made in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge]

Bertha (Cook) Scofield

Died May 28, 1935, Binghamton, NY

Bainbridge News, June 6, 1935

Mrs. Bertha Scofield passed away on May 28 as the result of pneumonia, following an illness of only a few days duration.  The funeral was held Friday afternoon at Colwell Brothers' chapel, West Main street.  Rev. Murray, pastor of the Federated Church at Masonville, officiated and interment was made in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  Mrs. Scofield was born on South Hill, town of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 7, 1883, the daughter of Horace and Betsy Pettys Cook.  In 1901 she was united in marriage with Emerson C. Scofield, of Sidney, and for about two or three years they resided in Pine Hill and Masonville, after which they moved to Bainbridge. For a time they were engaged in farming and later Mr. Scofield entered the lumber business and for the past seven years the family has resided in Delaware county, where he conducted a mill in several different locations.  Mrs. Scofield was taken ill last February, her condition growing gradually worse since then.  Besides her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Kenneth McDonald, of Sidney, and five sons, Lewis, of Cannonsville, Glen, of Binghamton, Charles and Leo, of Masonville, and Lavern, of Sidney.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, January 10, 1895

COTTRELL:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 26, 1894, Lena [Cottrell] wife of Albert Cottrell, age 23 years.

FOOTE:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Dec. 26, 1894, Mrs. T.B. Foote of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY]

Chenango Union,  January 17, 1895

SHAVER:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 11, 1895, Mrs. Melvina Shaver, aged 74 years, 5 mos.

NEWTON:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 15, 1895 Mr. Winston Newton, age 74 years.  Deceased was a member of Co. C 114th Regt. N.Y.S.V.

BUCKLEY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] Jan. 8, 1895, Mrs. Clarinda Buckley, mother of Wm. P. Buckley, aged 87 years.

McNEIL:  In South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 30, 1894, Ella M. [McNeil] wife of E. Ward McNeil, aged 25 years.

ROBBINS:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 5, 1895, Miss Caroline Robbins, age 49 years.

DIXON:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 5, 1895 Mrs. Jane Martin [Dixon] wife of E.B. Dixon, aged 77 years.

  

The Green, NY Affair -1845 - Part 6

The Greene Affair

In Justices' Court, Before E.C. Kattel, Esq.

Binghamton Courier, December 17, 1845

The People vs. John Johnson, Examination of Witnesses, Nov. 20 [1845]

Cross Examination of Ann Augusta Burdick

I have been married about 3 months, I have been staying at Utica last before I came here, can't tell when I went there, do not know who carried me, was there three weeks I believe, I was under Dr. Brigham's charge, do not know what day I got there, they told me it was Friday, I knew I was there on Monday after I got there.  Did not go to housekeeping immediately after I was married; but lived at my mother's, have not kept house at all, went from mother's to Mrs. Hammond's to live, boarded there with my husband, I have been sworn twice before in this matter, do not know who I was sworn before the first time, it was a person I am not acquainted with, cannot tell whether they had ink and paper or not, Mr. Burdick was present, not anyone else that I knew that I remember of.  I do not know where it was. The house where my mother lived is not a great way from Hammond's, Mr. Virrell is the nearest neighbor on the other side.

I do not recollect who I was sworn before the second time, do not recollect where I was, nor whether it was in writing or not, there was something written on paper the first or second time, and Dr. Purple read it over to me.  Mr. Burdick was present.  It was a brown bag that Johnson had at the time I have spoken of, did not notice how it was marked, nor whether it was an old one or a new one, it was nearly half full, can't say whether it was a common made bag or not, two of the children, a little girl and boy lived at my mother's when I lived there after I was married, Sarah, is 7 and Augustus 8 years old, they were at Mr. Virrill's.  I tried to get the paper when I was lying in the water.  Could not say how far it was from me.  There was a difference in the size of the men, one of them a tall slim man, the other short and thicker, the tallest one had the knife, can't say which brought the big log, don't remember what was the last thing I said to them.

Johnson did not fasten the doors up when he tied me up, do not remember the time of the year, whether it was spring, summer or fall, there was no snow upon the ground, do not remember much about the fire.  I do not remember whether the windows were open or shut, can't tell how long Johnson staid there the first time he came there that day, can't say whether it was more than an hour or not, he went out of the house once and came in again, the fire was in the kitchen that day, Mr. Johnson took the axes and gave me one, one was a new one and one old one, I cannot tell how long Johnson staid, whether it was as much as three hours or not, it was a short time after my husband went out when Johnson tied me, say about twenty minutes. The bones I saw, as near as I can remember were black, not so black as the ink stand, but a kind of dark purple, can't tell how many bones I saw, I saw more than two, I believe it was the lower part of the head I saw, cannot tell how long the bones were, can't tell how long he had the bones on the fire, can't tell whether it was three hours or five minutes.

The children came home that day about 4 o'clock.  The bed I saw Mr. Johnson and mother on stands in the northeast corner of the room, it is not a great ways from the door, but on the other side of the room.  When they put the gag in my mouth and blinded me the last time, I laid on the ground near the stream, don't know how far the men brought the logs.  Do not know how large these bones were nor whether there were bunches or joints on them, nor whether they were so long as a man's arm, cannot tell how fine he pounded them.  Johnson said he brought them there to burn because he did not know what else to do with them.  I had dinner alone that day, did not cook a dinner or have tea, or anything prepared over a fire.  These bones looked white when they came off from the fire, he swept up the hearth, I believe; did not notice any queer appearance on the hearth, stain or dust.

I cannot tell which of the men said they hoped Johnson would pass through the village.  the knife was a dirk knife, 7 or 8 inches long, one side of the handle was white, the other side striped.  I lay on the ground when I first saw the knife.  I do not remember what the last thing was the men said to me before they left me.  I do not think the paper had any writing; I can read writing, but the paper was not held so I could see writing in particular.

Question:  Do you remember what you swore to the first item?

Answer:  I do not feel able to answer now.  I am faint; I do not feel able to go on.

To be Continued