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

Obituaries (June 8)

Walter Friedel

Died October 17th, 1934, Bainbridge, NY

Walter Friedel, one of Bainbridge's most popular young men, passed away at the Bainbridge Hospital, Wednesday night, October 17th where he had been undergoing treatment for the previous three weeks.  Walter was born April 22, 1900, on a farm in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], located on the Guilford road, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Friedel, both of whom are now deceased.  After attending the Bainbridge High School, he entered the employ of Charles D. Dix and with the exception of a short time when he conducted a meat market in partnership with Will Sargent in the Clark block, South Main street, and a few months spent in work in local factories, he has been in the employ of Mr. Dix, and eight years of the time he had lived at the Dix home in Evans street.  His courteous treatment had made him a valued employee, and his sense of humor and friendly manners made for him a large circle of friends who regret his passing.  Surviving is a sister, Mrs. Freda Powers, of Gloversville; two brothers, Michael, of Sanitaria Springs and Lewis, of Oneonta; also a half-brother, Stewart, of Bainbridge.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and his pastor, Rev. G.R. Orvis, conducted the funeral service which was held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the funeral chapel of Colwell brothers, West Main street, followed by interment in Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge].  The bearers were Charles Dix, Arthur Clark, Bert Bliss and Harry Bluler.  The merchants of the village closed their places of business during the hour of service. The funeral was largely attended and the floral tributes were a fitting expression of the respect and admiration for the deceased.  

Ernest Palmatier

Died March 4, 1933, Center Village, NY

Trapped in the living room of his home when the stove in which he was pouring kerosene oil to kindle a fire exploded and knocked him senseless, Ernest Palmatier, 45, of Center Village [Broome Co., NY], was burned beyond recognition at 8 o'clock Saturday morning.  His charred body was taken from the ruins at 11:30 a.m.  His wife, whose hair was singed badly, and Mr. and Mr.s Starr Casey, who tenanted the upstairs apartment, escaped down an outside staircase.  The flames, which enveloped the two-story frame dwelling within two minutes after the explosion, set fire to the garage in rear and destroyed it.  A hastily formed bucket brigade succeeded in removing two automobiles from the garage.  Its  members also saved the gasoline station which Philip Rafferty leases from Arthur Dyer, after sparks had ignited the roof.  His wife was asleep in a downstairs bedroom. She was aroused by the explosion and ran into the living room in night attire.  She saw her husband in flames.  She ran upstairs and notified the Caseys.  Mr. Casey said he arose at 8 o'clock and heard a terrific explosion.  Shortly afterward Mrs. Palmatier burst in crying hysterically that her husband was burning up.  He  tried to rescue the victim who was lying unconscious on the floor, but the flames gained such headway he was forced to abandon the mission.  Their exit cut off from the inside, the three had to leave by the rear staircase outside.  Windsor Fire department sent a small chemical truck to the scene, a village rule prohibiting removal of the large truck from the corporation limits.  Mrs. Palmatier, still hysterical, was taken to her daughter's home on Gracemore Farm, near Ouaquaga.  Coroner Austin J. Stillson's verdict was one of accidental death and no inquest was thought necessary.  the body was removed to the undertaking establishment of Harry Kark at Harpursville.

Paul Marquis French

Died October 29, 1931, North Lake, NY

Death came as it must to all men, to Paul Marquis French, 33, greatly loved and respected citizen of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], by accidental gunshot wound Thursday October 29, 1931, while deer hunting with friends near the west shore of North Lake, N.Y.  Born December 29, 1897, Afton, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY] son of Charles and Harriet Broome French, he attended school in Afton and other places where the family lived, including Bainbridge High School.  During the World War he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Jun 2, 1917 where he served faithfully on the U.S.S. Huntington, Southbury and Manchuria, conveying troops to France, with the distinction of rising in rank through the six grades to Yeoman 1st class at the time of his honorable discharge October 6, 1919.  besides being past commander of the local American Legion Post, he was a member of the Cooperstown lodge of Masons and of the Odd Fellows at Bainbridge.  After employment for a year in New York City, following his discharge from the Navy, he came back to this community and engaged in various enterprises, including a feed and coal business at Hartwick, N.Y., part ownership of the Bainbridge Garage, and was associated with Ford Sales, Afton, N.Y. at the time of his death.  Wherever Paul French went he made a host of loyal friends who loved him for his brave, bright generous self and admired him for his honesty. A shrewd business man once said of him that he was a man to whom he would make a loan without any other security than Paul's word.  Lying mortally wounded in the rain in the deep Adirondack woods he showed his grief stricken comrades how bravely he could die; with a word to each of them and his family, a request that he be not moved from those woods he loved so well, forgiveness for the accident, and a smile upon his lips.  With the whole town mourning his loss and the flags at half mast, a private funeral was held Monday, November 2, at 2 p.m. at his South Main street home under the direction of Colwell Bros. the service by Rev. Landmesser, of Cresent, N.Y., a personal friend of the deceased.  Amidst an abundance of Flowers he was buried, as he had requested, with military and Masonic honors at Afton cemetery, covered by the Flag he had fought to defend.  He is survived by his wife, Irene Louise, sister, Mrs. Warren Corbin of Bainbridge, and brother Kenneth of Oneonta.

Lucinda G. Slater

Died March 24, 1933, Bainbridge, NY

Lucinda G. Slater, widow of James Slater, died at the home of her son, Cory D. Thornton, on March 24th.  She had lived in the village of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] for the past twenty-one years, but went to live with her son about four months ago.  Mrs. Slater was born April 30, 1852, at White's Store [Chenango Co., NY], the daughter of John W. and Sophronia  Hopkins Wrench. The funeral was held at the Thornton home on Monday, March 27th, the Rev. Clifford Webb, pastor of the First Presbyterian Chruch of Afton, officiating.  The body was taken to Afton for burial in Glenwood cemetery.  She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Ernie Johnson, of Belden, and three sons Cory D. Thornton, of West Bainbridge, Bert Thornton, of North Afton, and Lawrence Slater, of Afton.

Death Notices

Chenango American, May 11, 1865

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], of consumption, on the 5th inst., Martha A. [Short], wife of N.H. Short, aged 32 years.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Miss Sarah E. Wheeler, aged 17 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Hon. George Buell, in the 80th year of his age, formerly of Windsor, Broome County.

In Chicago, Ill., on the 25th ult., Thomas Morris, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 65 years.

In Addison, Steuben Co., on the 29th ult., Andrew Miller, aged 83 years.

The Greene, NY Affair - 1845 - Part 5

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]

Ann Augusta Burdick, continued testimony

Ann Augusta Burdick further examined:  When I returned from washing at the time I heard Johnson and my mother talking, the window curtains were drawn; did not hear how Mrs. Bolt was got rid of.  Johnson said he got a couple of men below Binghamton to get rid of her.  At the time Johnson was there the second time and I told him my mother had not returned, Johnson said first--"Oh, good Lord, what shall I do?"  He did not at that time say anything about anybody's helping him.  I did not see to notice any other of these bones to describe them except the skull.  I recollect the Saturday previous to my abduction; saw mother on that day; had a conversation with her on that day in relation to what I overheard between her and Johnson.  I saw mother on the following Monday; saw her at her house; my husband was with me there; he did not hear all the conversation that was had between us.

I did not see Johnson and my mother together either Saturday, Sunday or Monday.  I was at Hammond's on Monday evening.  I laid down in the fore part of the evening, my health was not very good, laid awake and did not go to sleep.  I heard someone open the door and come into the room and put their hands onto my head and took hold of my neck afterwards, and another one came up and took hold around me, they were taking me up and I raised up my hands and took their hands from my  neck, the hands were on my throat tight, so that I could not talk, after I loosened the hands, I hallooed, I think three times, when I hallooed the last itme, Mr. Hammond's folks started and they dropped me down, they left me in the bedroom door on the floor.  I was on the bed, I clenched the bed when they took me up and they pulled the bed off with me onto the floor.  I felt the arm which took hold of my neck, I thought it was a woman's dress sleeve upon it and felt like a woman's arm. There was an article of clothing found in the room after they came in with lights, Hammond's folks brought in lights.  This article found was a calico cape, it was my mother's cape, it was not there before they came in, I examined the cape, the ends of the cape were torn where it was pinned.

The next day, Tuesday, after dinner, I laid down in the room where I was the night before, the doors and window blinds were fastened.  I got to sleep a short time after I laid down; Mrs. Hammond came in a few minutes before I went to sleep; the first I knew after I went to sleep was, I was awakened by someone putting something in my mouth; I was there on the bed in the bedroom, I did not see the person, I was prevented by having something tied over my face, I do not know what it was, but they put something in my mouth, I could not speak of make any noise; next I was taken up off from the bed and carried out of the door; there were two persons, they were both men, they carried me out of the door from where I lived; after I got a short distance from the house, they laid me down, one of them held my head and the other put a vial to my mouth, tried ot make me take what was in the vial and I refused; I raised up my hands and struck the vial, after I had done that the other struck me twice on my forehead, struck with his fist.

I cannot say what became of the contents of the vial.  I thought I broke the vial when I struck it.  One of them used some very profane language. I swallowed some of the contents of the vial, not a great deal, it was a very bitter taste.  Next I was taken up and carried to the fence, after I got there they dragged me over the fence, after they got me over, one of them spoke to the other and told him to help carry me, and he told me he could not., when I was taken up and carried to another fence, after he dragged me through he took me by my arms and dragged me a spell on the ground, dragged me to another fence and dragged me over that, he dragged me down the hill into the swamp and laid me down and asked me if I knew them.  I told them I did not, unbound my eyes and asked me again if I knew them, I told them I did not, the gag was removed from my mouth.  I asked them to let me go home or write a line to Mr. Burdick, one of them took a paper from his pocket, and a pencil, he wrote on the paper and showed it to me.

I asked him to lay it upon a log there was close by me, told me he would not, but would lay it down in a place where something had stepped on the ground and did so, he covered it up, after he had done that, the other one took a knife out of his pocket and opened it, he came towards me with the knife, and I begged of him not to kill me, the other one stepped up betwixt us and told him not to kill me, he then laid his knife down on the ground beside of me, he took hold of me and rolled me into the water that was close by.  When they rolled me into the water I lay on my face, my hands were tied, my feet or legs were not tied, there was something in my mouth, it was put in before they rolled me into the water, my hands were tied in the house, after they had rolled me into the water, they went apiece from me and got a log and throwed on me.  One of them spoke and said he had done enough for five dollars, said he had not got pay for carrying Mrs. Bolt off yet.

The other one spoke and said he had.  The other one spoke and said he hoped mr. Johnson would go through the village as he said he would, so that folks would see him so that he would not be taken up.  Next they took another log and throwed across my head and neck.  I asked them what they had carried me off for, and they said because they was got to. They did not mention where they were from or any place. They said Mr. Johnson had got them to do it.  After they throwed the logs across my head and neck they spoke and said they must be in a hurry or they would be too late, they then started away from me.  After I thought them gone I turned over as well as I could, my face out of the water.  I could not get up or get out.  Next I tried to get the paper that they laid down and could not, next I fixed myself as well as I could out of the water, which is the last I can remember.

Vital Records, November/December 1845

Binghamton Courier, November 5, 1845

Married, in Conklin [Broome Co., NY], Oct. 30th, by Rev. Mr. Gregory, Mr. Elkanan Pierce of Lisle [Broome Co., NY], to Miss Catharine Colier of Conklin.

Married, in Union [Broome Co., NY], October 29th, by S.M. Hunt Esq., Mr. Robert Hatfield to Miss Sarah Ann Stimpson, all of Union.

Binghamton Courier, November 12, 1845

On the 30th of October ult., a man who called his name Fuller, committed suicide by cutting his throat with a razor at the Poor House of this County [Broome Co., NY]. He was brought there the day previous by the poor master of the town of Windsor; and stated that he was from Butternuts, Otsego County.  He was respectably dressed with black coat and pantaloons, snuff colored vest, and fine wool hat something worn.  He was apparently 55 years of age, bald headed, and had a pair of silver mounted spectacles.  He was evidently insane.

Married, in this town [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], on Thursday the 6th inst., by the Rev. Mr. Gregory, Mr. Calvin Shepherd of Union [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Sarah Bullock.

Married, in Conklin on the 5th inst., by the Rev. Mr. Dyer, Mr. Morgan L. Wood to Miss Sarah Norton, all of Conklin [Broome Co., NY].

Married, in Clinton, Dutchess county, on the 27th inst., by Daniel H. Schultz Esq., Mr. John F.B. Stoutenburg to Miss Maria [Conger], daughter of Benjamin Conger Esq., both of the former place.

Binghamton Courier, November 19, 1845

On Sunday morning last, the body of a female was discovered floating in the canal near McKinney's Store House, in this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY] by one of the lock tenders, Mr. Thomas DeWitt; who procured assistance and removed it from the water.  It proved to be the body of Elizabeth J. Speed, a girl aged nineteen, late of Norwich, Chenango County.  An inquest was held before coroner Congdon, at which the following facts were elicited.  Elizabeth J. Speed came to Binghamton some five or six weeks previously, remained with some relatives who are among our respectable citizens, until a week or ten days since, when she engaged herself to do housework in the family of Mr. A.C. Angell.  She proved a good girl, but was very silent and sedate.  On Saturday evening she retired to the room where she slept with another young woman, who went to bed and finally to sleep, leaving Elizabeth looking over her trunk.  Nothing farther is positively known of her until she was found dead as related; but it appears sufficiently evident that after her companion was asleep, she changed her clothes, arraying herself with much care, put on her bonnet and shawl and left the house.  The next trace of her is on the west side of the canal, on the dock by Lewis' storehouse, where her bonnet and shawl were found carefully put together, and where she doubtless threw herself into the water; whence, buoyed by her clothes, she floated down the canal some forty or fifty rods to the spot where she was found.  Her dress was pinned to her stockings, she lay much upon the surface, and her clothing was unruffled and not entirely saturated with water.  Doctors Jackson and Burr made an examination of the body.  No marks were found upon it--it was evidently a case of suicide, and such was accordingly the verdict of the jury.

We have some additional particulars connected with this most melancholy occurrence, from a source we deem reliable, which may throw some light upon the motives which influenced this unfortunate girl to the terrible act of self destruction.  She was an illegitimate child.  Her mother is living in this vicinity; her reputed father is a person of some note in a neighboring county.  She was brought up in a respectable family in or near Smyrna; and so far as we can learn, has always borne a good character.  for some time she has been under engagements of marriage to a young man in Chenango county, who from time to time had adjourned over the period of their nuptials, until she became satisfied that he intended to forsake her.  This circumstance she imparted with much feeling to her sister a few days since; and this it probably was, which, casting a blight upon the future, in addition to the blight of the past, induced that morbid condition of mind which led her to loathe life and to cast it from her.  If in the weakness of human nature there can be found any seeming apology for him who makes himself a father without the sacred right of marriage; there can be none for him, who, having done so, leaves his helpless offspring to the compassion of the world, aside from the brutal and heartless depravity of his own heart; and it is to be hoped that this most solemn occurrence, will not be without its influence upon all the parties whose criminal conduct has conduced to bring it about--upon the parents who cast this poor girl off from the cradle, and upon the individual who obtained her affections, only to trample upon and crush them.  

Married, in this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by the Rev. T.M. Pearne, Mr. Samuel Shaw to Miss Catharine C. Quick, all of this place.

Binghamton Courier, December 3, 1845

On Monday morning last, a worthy citizen of this place [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY] named Nathan Platt, was killed instantly, by the fall of a part of a frame which he and others were engaged in raising.  The frame belonged to Stephen Weed, and is designed to furnish additional accommodations for his extensive coopering establishment in the north part of the village.  The bents, several in number but of no great height, were raised, and the plates laid across them; and Mr. Platt had climbed to the top of one of the posts, for the purpose of aiding to secure the frame, when, in consequence of the stay laths having been thoughtlessly removed, it began to sway, and several of the bents fell.  The others upon the building escaped by jumping, with little injury.  Mr. Platt on the contrary, held on to the falling bent, and struck across two pieces of timber, while the post to which he was clinging, came down upon his breast.  He never stirred after striking the ground.  He was about thirty years old, and leaves a wife and child to mourn his untimely end.

Married, on Wednesday the 26th ult., by the Rev. J.B. McCroary, Dr. J. Brooks to Miss Lydia Jane [DuBois] daughter of A. DuBois Esq., both of Great Bend.

Married, in Chenango [Broome Co., NY], on Sunday evening last, by the Rev. Mr. Gregory, Mr. Charles Collins Jr., to Miss Lauretta M. Scofield.

Married, in this town [Binghamton, Broome Co., nY], Dec. 1st, by the Rev. Mr. Gregory, Mr. Luther Severance to Miss Jennett Wilson.

Married, in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Nov. 30th, by Rev. C. Darby, Mr. Daniel Wilcox Jr., of Conklin [Broome Co., NY], and Miss Catherine Severson of Colesville [Broome Co., NY].

Died, in New York, on the 10th ult., after a lingering illness, Rebecca [Cropsey], wife of Nathan Cropsey, in the 46th year of her age.

Died, on the 28th October last, at Paris, France, Mrs. Clara B. Catlin, the wife of George Catlin esq., the eminent traveler, so distinguished for his researches into Indian antiquities of America, and so universally known and respected in Europe and his native country, the United States of America.

Binghamton Courier, December 24, 1845

Married, in Honesdale Pa., on the 9th inst., by the Rev. Mr. Rowland, Mr. Horace A. Woodhouse to Miss Millicent Foster, all of that place.

Died, in this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], on Tuesday morning, Major Sidney T. Robinson, in the 36th year of his age.  In the death of Mr. Robinson, community has lost one of its most valuable members; and in his family and large circle of relatives and friends, and the church to which he belonged, a vacancy has been made which cannot easily be filled.  His disease was consumption; and the hopes and fears and pains of an illness protracted to many months, he bore with the calmness and resignation of the Christian; and finally departed with all the glowing hopes of the Christian, without a shadow or a doubt to obscure the joyous vision of the future.  For many years he had been a consistent and useful member of the Baptist Chruch.  He leaves a wife and one daughter. Mr. R. was the second son of the Hon. Tracy Robinson, and for many years has been well known as an active business man and stage proprietor, during which he has formed extensive acquaintances among whom his many excellent qualities will be long remembered.

Died, at Berkshire, Tioga County, on the 11th instant, William Henry Moore Esqr. in the 61st year of his age.  Mr. Moore was highly esteemed for his intelligence and social virtues, and his family and friends have, in his death, sustained an irreparable loss.

Binghamton Courier, December 24, 1845

Died, in the city of New York on the 4th inst., Mercy Dolf, wife of Mr. John Dolf, formerly of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], aged 29 years.

Died, at East Bethany, Genesee County, N.Y. on the 15th Nov. last Mr. Seth Allen (father of Mr. T. Allen of this village) in the 85th year of his age.  Mr. A. was formerly from Richfield, Otsego County, and was a soldier of the Revolutionary Army.

Binghamton Courier, December 31, 18454

Married, in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] on the 24th inst. by Rev. T.H. Pearne, Mr. Nathaniel A. Rowley of Chenango [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Maria M. Braman of Vestal [Broome Co., NY].

Married, on the 24th inst., at the same place by the same, Mr. Samuel Duncan to Miss A.E. Dougherty, both of Candor, Tioga Co.

Married, in Owego [Tioga Co., NY] on the 29th inst., by the Rev. J. Sheridan, Mr. Timothy Boyle to Miss Amelia Batchlor, both of New Milford, Pa.

Married, in Union [Broome Co.,, NY], on the 22d inst., by the Rev. Wm. Gates, Mr. Abel Curtis to Miss Amanda Persons, all of that town.

The Greene, NY Affair - 1845 - Part 4

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. 18 [1845]

Testimony of Dr. William D. Purple

Dr. William D. Purple, being sworn, testified that he resides in Greene, Chenango Co., is a physician, was the family physician for James Bolt, had known Mrs. Bolt 8 or 9 years, she was a woman of fair health up to the month of May, 1844.  Was called to attend her as a physician on the 7th of May, 1844, at Triangle, in Broome Co., a few weeks after they moved from Greene.  Mr. Bolt came for witness, he went there.  I found her weak and irritable, appearing in a high state of mental excitement, the physical causes for which excitement were not apparent.  She said it was more a disease of the mind than of the body.  Inquired of her closely the mental and physical causes of her disease which she assigned to me with difficulty, had no doubt but that the primary cause of her ill health was mental and the physical state was the result of it.  Saw John Johnson and Bolt talking together in Greene, the Saturday before Mrs. Bolt was missing, talking together alone.

Testimony of Louisa Bolt

Louisa Bolt, being sworn, testified that she was the daughter of James Bolt, past seventeen years of age, lived at home when her father moved to Triangle, went over with Niram Johnson.  There was nobody there when I got to Triangle except my mother and the little child.  There are two rooms to the house besides the buttery, that the children occupied one room, and the father and mother the other room.  Johnson was over there twice before the disappearance of Mrs. Bolt.  Recollects the night of her mother's disappearance was Sunday night, was awakened by the slamming of the door, got right up, my mother was then gone, my father had not got out doors when I got up, we went around out doors, had no time piece in the house.  My mother had two pair of shoes, both pair were there after she had gone, no other clothing was missing except what she had on. she also testified as to the searches and to her mother's health, and of Dr. Purple's coming there.  When Johnson came over to Triangel the last time he was there which was before her mother's derangement, he came to the door, and asked where father was, and mother told him he was somewhere around there.  He asked her if she had told Bolt anything.  She said she had not, but that she should.  He said if she did he would surely destroy her--nothing else was said.  The night my mother disappeared, a barrel about half ful of milk was rolled in and set against the door to fasten it, saw my mother come into the room where we were.

Cross Examination:  Said she testified at Greene that there was two nails driven over the doorlatch to fasten the door, but that upon reflection since then, knows that she is mistaken.

Testimony of Ann Augusta Burdick

Ann Augusta Burdick, sworn says, I reside in Greene.  I have lived there between six and seven months since we moved there the last time.  I am 19 years of age.  I have been married nearly three months, I resided at that time at my mother's in Greene.  My mother's name is Elizabeth Baxter.  I resided not a great ways from Mr. Hannond's, resided on the same farm.  There are two rooms in the house where I lived when I was married.  I usually did my washing about half a mile from the house at the spring.  I recollect of returning from washing and of finding the doors fastened, there are two outside doors to the house, they were both fastneed.  I heard some persons talking wihtin, those persons were John Johnson and my mother.  I stood on the door steps when I heard them talking, they were in the kitchen.  I heard Mr. Johnson ask Mrs. Baxter if she would have him if he could get rid of Mrs. Johnson.  I believe she said she would, she asked him how he could get rid of Mrs. Johnson, and he said in the same way he did of Mrs. Bolt, he said he guessed he could get a couple of men below Binghamton who would dispose of her.

I did not stay longer to hear what they had to say.  I then went to the other door, that door was fastened, I raised up the window and unfastened it, I went through into the entry, there was a door between them and where I was.  I did not hear any more conversation there.  I walked through the entry, making some noise, and opened the door into their room.  I saw Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Baxter there, they were on the same bed together when I went in.  He got up and took hold of me and asked me if I heard what they had to say.  I told him I did.  After I told him, I started to go to the door to go out, he came up, took hold of me and brought me back into the house again.  She stepped (my mother) up against the door and held it and Johnson held me and asked me if I calculated to tell of it, and I said I did.  He told me if I did tell of it he would be the means of my death.  He asked me again if I would tell.  I told him I would not.  Nothing further then took place.

After this time I saw Mr. Johnson again at our house, it was in the absence of my mother.  She was at Norwich, she had been there between three and four weeks.  It was about 11 o'clock in the day when Mr. Johnson came, there was no one with me.  He asked me if my mother had got home, and I told him she had not.  I asked him what he wanted of her.  I asked him if he wanted some sewing done, he said no, that it was something of more importance than that.  He looked out of the window and saw Mr. Burdick coming and told me  to go into the other room, and if I told Mr. Burdick what he said, he would kill us both before he left the house.  I went into the other room, as he told me to.  Mr. Burdick came in and stayed a few minutes.  After he went out to his work, Mr. Johnson came into the room where I was, he took hold of me and led me into the other part of the house, he took the clothes line and tied my hands behind me, he tied my bonnet over my face and eyes, he next tied me to the bedstead.

He went outdoors, was gone a few minutes, and then came back.  He took the bonnet off from my face and untied my hands.  I went to the fire, there was a bag laying before the fire on the hearth, he untied the bag and took out some bones which were in it, he told me to put them on the fire.  I told him I could not, and I fainted away.  I saw them and noticed them before I fainted away, there was a head part and a few other bones.  the next I saw, they were on the fire burning; a short time after he took them off from the fire and laid them on the hearth; he gave me an axe, and had one in his own hands, he told me to pound the bones, and I told him I could not, he held his axe over my head and told me again to pound them, I told him I could not, and fainted away again.  He put water in my face and brought me to; he took his axe and pounded the bones, he pounded them, scraped them up and put them on the fire again.

He then told me to get down on my knees before the fire, and I did so.  He held his axe near my head, and asked me if I calculated to tell of it.  I told him I should.  He raised his axe up and made motions towards my head.  I begged of him not to kill me, he told me he would if I told of it.  He asked me several times if I calculated to tell of it, and I told him I did not, he told me if I did he would kill me and serve me the same way he had Mrs. Bolt.  He untied me and I got up.  I thought it was a human head.  Mr. Johnson said they were Mrs. Bolt's bones.  I do not recollect anything further as to what he said he would do to me if I told, he said he would kill me and serve me in the same way he did Mrs. Bolt's bones.  He said if I told of it and he was taken up, he would have friends who would destroy me, he did not, that I remember, say that he was afraid I would tell of it.

When he untied my face and hands, he tied the rope around me, the other end was tied to the bedstead, the rope would let me go from the bedstead to the fireplace.  This second occurrence took place nearly three or four weeks after I was married.  After he untied me, he went out of the door.  I did not notice where he went.  My sister Sarah had gone to the neighbors above, this was in the same house in which I saw Mr. Johnson and my mother, we had expected my mother back before this time, she returned the same week.  I went to live at Mr. Hammond's before my mother came back, I saw my mother on the Saturday before Monday  the 29th of Sept., saw  her at home, I went there on that day.  I saw her on Monday again, she came back from Norwich in the same week, the Saturday of which I saw her.

To be continued

Obituaries (June 6)

Thornton M. Little

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, February 4, 1903

Thornton M. Little, brother of B.F. Little of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], died at his home in Brooklyn on Wednesday last.  Deceased had many friends in Norwich, and was a frequent visitor here on his summer outings.  Up to within a few years, or until his health failed him, he was in the employ of McKeeson & Robbins of New York.  He leaves a widow and one brother.

Cyrenus Chamberlain

Died January 30, 1903, Rockwell's Mills, NY

Cyrenus Chamberlain of Rockwell's Mills [Chenango Co., NY], after a long struggle with the "last enemy," has gone to the land where sickness and death are not known.  Like his pious father, Calvin Chamberlain, he leaves a memory fragrant with good deeds.  Union church will miss him.  Only one of the large Calvin Chamberlain family is left, Caldwell Chamberlain of Mt. Upton.  A wife and two children, Calvin Chamberlain of Rockwell's Mills, and Mrs. Frederick Winsor of Mt. Upton, mourn his loss.  Funeral services were held from his late residence on Sunday and the remains were interred in the Mt. Upton cemetery.  Mr. Chamberlain had many marked peculiarities.  His farm buildings were constructed in a most peculiar manner.  On one of the barns he built a tall cupola, in which he placed chairs for viewing the broad Unadilla valley  On a high hill on his farm he erected a small structure which was surrounded by a fence.  Facing the road, and where they could be seen for miles around, he put up two wooden images in the act of boxing.  During political campaigns he fitted up a large wagon bearing the pictures of the Republican candidates, and decorated with flags, and hiring a fifer and two drummers at his own expense, drove from town to town with this curious outfit.

Calvin Chamberlain

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, May 30, 1877

Mr. Calvin Chamberlain, one of the oldest citizens of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], died May 25th, 1877, aged 85 years.  Mr. Chamberlain has been a life-long subscriber of the Telegraph, and his long and busy life has been identified with the history of our valley.  More than half a century ago he united with Union M.E. Church, near which was his home.  He died as he had lived, -- well.  Death was a vanquished foe.  His large family circle of children and grandchildren will cherish the memory of a loving and faithful Christian father.

Perronet Vincent Chamberlain

Chenango Union, December 20, 1906

The issue of The Bulletin of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Oakland, Cal., for Dec. 9, 1906, contains the following which will be of interest to the older citizens of this place.

"Our whole church is in mourning for the loss of our beloved brother, everybody's friend, Perronet Vincent Chamberlain, who was the faithful sexton of this church for more than twenty years and who was a consistent Christian for more than three score years.  Brother Chamberlain passed away in great peace last Monday morning.  the funeral services at the church were attended by a large congregation and the deep grief of all was a touching tribute to the memory and worth of this good man.  Sister Chamberlain, who survives him is in frail health, and we are all praying that she may be tenderly cared for and sustained by Him, who proclaims himself the judge of the widow and the Father of the fatherless.  May we all meet at the pearly gates the brother beloved, who was wont to greet us all at the doors of God's earthly temple with a hand clasp and a smile which was a benediction."

Practically all of Mr. Chamberlain's boyhood and early manhood was spent in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].  He was educated at the Brockport collegiate institute.  For some years he conducted a photograph gallery over where Mrs. Morse's millinery store now is.  In the 80's he moved with his family to Manhattan, Kansas, and was prospering until the grasshopper plague drove them out, since which they have resided in California.  Pneumonia was the cause of death.  Mrs. chamberlain was formerly Miss Mary Parker, daughter of Nathan Parker of Norwich. Three children were born to them.  One son only survives, Vincent G. Chamberlain, of Oakland, Cal.

Frank Chamberlin

Afton Enterprise & Harpursville Budget, August 4, 1938

Frank Chamberlin, aged 77 years, died monday, July 25, 1938, at his home in Wellsville, n.Y.  Mr. Chamberlin lived in Afton [Chenango Co., nY] in his younger days and was well known to many Afton friends.  He was a brother-in-law of Mrs. Alice Chamberlin.

Death Notices

Chenango American, May 25, 1865

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Catharine [Redmond], wife of Walter J. Redmond, aged 28 years.

In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Miss Martha C. Cornell, aged 18 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Abigail Jackson, aged 82 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Mr. J. Drake, aged 83 years.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mary S. Seeley, wife of Wm. R. Seeley, aged 88 years.

Chenango American, September 25, 1862

In Esperance, Schoharie Co., on the 15th inst., Mr. George Wooster, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], aged 66 years.

In the State  Hospital, New Haven, Conn., on the 20th ult., of wounds received in the battle at Fair Oaks, Va., Mr. George E. Church a private of Co. E, 61st Regiment, N.Y.S.V., the eldest son of Ezra P. and Laurilla Church, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], aged 21 years.

In North Norwich, on the 14th inst., of chronic diarrhea, Mary Alida [Lyon], only daughter of Darius E. and Mary A. Lyon, aged 1 year.

The Greene NY Affair - 1845 - Part 3

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]

Cross Examination of James Bolt

I had worked for Johnson 7 or 8 years, during that time I lived with Mrs. Bolt, lived upon Johnson's lands and in his houses.  Johnson was intimately acquainted with my wife; he was frequently at my house, our relations were friendly and intimate as far as I know.  I had no difficulty with my wife, lived as happily together as men in general so, not any difficulty between me and my wife except that she wanted to go back to Delaware Co. where we moved from, she did not make me any trouble on that account.  Before I moved to Triangle I lived in house of Johnson's about 3/4 of a mile from Johnson's.  The teams started about the time I did.  I think we moved to Triangle the 6th or 7th of April, Johnson soon after commenced building a barn there.  I did not discover my wife being deranged till the Thursday before Rose came over there which was Friday, the first I discovered her derangement was the 11th of May, I think Thursday near the middle of the night, we had no time piece.  I went either the fore part of that week or the week before to see R.B. Monell, I can't tell what day it was, there was no difficulty between me and my wife after we got to Triangle.

I made the searches abroad for my wife after I had moved back to Greene; think I moved back Monday the 20th of May, after I discovered my wife's derangement she kept growing worse; she never made any attempt to go off before the Sunday spoken of.  I was about the house all that day watching her mainly.  I think she would have got away if I had not stopped her; I did not have to use much strength; she was weak, struggled some, she had two pair shoes, she wore a pair of calf skin shoes thro' the day, she had on the prunella shoes at night when I brought her back, kept up a fire all night, she did not go to sleep when I put her on the bed after I brought her back, at any rate not before I got into a drowse.  I laid awake an hour, perhaps more.  I did not wake after I went to sleep till I heard the door slam.  I saw my wife the last item I ever saw her, sitting by the fire smoking, this was after I put her on the bed the last time.  I cannot tell where she is now, this was the last time I ever saw her, I do not know whether she is living or dead. The south wind was blowing pretty herd.  I heard a noise of the wind blowing the trees when I went out to look for my wife that night.

When my wife was sitting by the fire the last time, she had neither pair of the shoes on, this was an hour or two after I pulled her back by the hand.  I never plowed or dragged any on that place after the Thursday or Friday before this,.  I went over to Greene on Monday afternoon after my wife was missing, went over on foot, it is 12 miles from there to Greene the way I went.  I started after noon, no one went with me, I got back home the same afternoon after dark a spell.  the Otselic river is a rapid stream when it is high, it had rained the day before my wife was missing and the river was very high. My brother and myself searched the river after it got low.  I think my wife went into the room where the children lay twice in the course of the night, I think the children were not asleep the last time she went in, did not hear any talk between her and the children.

James Bolt further testified that he was at Greene again during the week, that his wife was missing, that he tried to get Johnson to give up his lease, and that he rode form Greene over to his house in Triangle with Johnson when he returned, but could not recollect what day this was, that it was not on the Monday after his wife was missing.

To be continued