WAS IT INCEST AND MURDER IN HOMER?

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, May 27, 1887.

POSSIBLY INCEST AND MURDER.

Officers Looking for Nora Condon and Her Father of Homer.

   Homer, May 25.—A case is developing here which it is thought may result in a trial for alleged incest and child murder. On the last day of April a birth certificate was filed with the Town Clerk which from certain misstatements gave rise to suspicions that all was not right. The names of the father and mother of the child were fictitious.

   The Coroner took the case in hand and on Saturday last, in company with a physician visited the place. The mother of the child which is dead and buried, is Nora Condon, aged seventeen years and unmarried. Suspicion has pointed toward Morris B. Condon, the father of Nora, as being also the father of the infant, and the Coroner found him and on telling his errand was informed that Condon did not know where the body was buried. After a search of several hours he was told peremptorily to produce the body before the Coroner and his assistant returned from dinner, which he did. An examination showed that the child, which Condon had asserted was still born, was born alive and healthy. There was a mark of a blow on back of skull, and a ridge about the throat and other marks of violence on the body.

   A jury was at once empanelled, and on Monday they heard the evidence, bringing in a verdict that the child came to its death through criminal neglect or violence at the hands of Morris B. Condon, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

   In the meantime Condon and his daughter had left for parts unknown and have not been heard of since. The girl gave birth to a child about two years ago under similar circumstances. Condon moved to his home here near the foot of Houghton Hill in April last.—Syracuse Herald.

HERE AND THERE.

   Happy Ike, and his cab, can be found at the Messenger House, as usual.

   D. F. Dunsmoor, Esq. is building a large dancing platform on his premises on Port Watson street.

   The Chenango Telegraph says there is an effort being made to raise $100,000 to finish the railroad from Cortland to Cincinnatus.

   The foot race run by Sullivan and Hilligus, on the fair grounds last Saturday, was won by the former in two straight heats.

   Mrs. Olive Lathrop, of Virgil, committed suicide last Thursday afternoon by cutting her throat with a razor. It is thought that she must have been partially deranged.

   F. M. Hillsinger killed two spotted adders while picking stones on his farm in Cincinnatus the other day. One was three feet long, and the other measured three and one half feet.

   Last Saturday afternoon Mrs. Michael Phelan, of Preble, suffered a stroke of paralysis while in the office of Dr. Robinson in Homer. She died about 1 o'clock the same evening.

   Shade trees set along highways at legal distances apart, of elm or maple, one year after planting, if alive, will exempt the landowner who set them one day on road tax for every four trees.

   The May party given by the Odd Fellows in their hall in this place, last Friday night, was a complete success in every respect. There was a very good attendance, and everything passed off pleasantly.

   The Cortlands and the Athletics, of Syracuse, will play a game of ball on the fair grounds next Monday afternoon, at 2:30. An admission fee of 25 cents will be charged and chairs will be furnished for 5 cents each.

   The bill has become a law allowing the town of DeRuyter to compromise with the holders of the bonds of that town, issued in aid of the Midland railroad, by issuing new bonds running forty years, at four and one half per cent interest.

   The half holiday was not observed by anybody in this village last Saturday. The law evidently originated in the brain of some crank, and was put through the [State] Legislature by a lot of his conferees. It will undoubtedly remain a dead letter until it is repealed.

   The annual pew renting will be held at the Congregational church, next Wednesday, June 1st, from 2 till 10 P. M. In connection therewith the ladies of the society will hold an ice cream and strawberry festival in the parlors and dining room. All are invited.

   The Cortlands beat the Syracuse University nine on the fair grounds, last Saturday, by a score of 28 to 20. This is the first game the visiting nine has lost this season, and they have played the best college nines in the State. The home nine has only played three games this season. The boys are anxious to meet the Stars.

   The advertising agent of Barnum's great show says—and he ought to know—that the weekly newspaper is the best advertising medium in the world, "for it is read by every member of the family through and through, advertisements and all, and then loaned to the neighbors, while the daily is merely glanced over and cast aside."

   The Groton Iron Bridge Company and Chas. Perrigo & Co., both of Groton, have been re-organized as the Groton Bridge & Manufacturing Company. The capital stock is $100,000, which is divided into one thousand shares of one hundred dollars each. The new company will engage in the manufacture of the Groton iron bridges, portable engines, Denslow heaters, and grain separators, and will also do general custom work.

   On Saturday last Messrs. E. M. Williams, of this place, and H. M. Lane, of Friendship, N. Y., purchased the entire stock of boots and shoes of Mr. M. A. Rice, at No. 49 Main street, and the new firm will continue the business under the firm name of Williams & Lane. Large additions have been made to the stock, and the new firm invite all to call and examine their goods and prices. Mr. Williams has had many years experience in the boot and shoe trade, as well as in other mercantile lines, and will be pleased to see his many friends at all times. Read their advertisement on first page.

   Monday afternoon, George Sweetland was harrowing his potato ground. While turning, a line broke and the horses became entangled. A whiffletree caught a projecting drag-tooth, the drag turned over between the horses, and they fell on the sharpened, up-turned drag teeth. Mr. Sweetland quickly cut the entangling harness, and by an almost superhuman effort succeeded in getting the horses up. One of them, a magnificent four-year old, died that evening. The other, though severely injured and disabled, will recover. Mr. Sweetland declined $200 for the colt which was killed.—Dryden Herald.

Carl Zerrahn, standing.

The Music Festival.

   Unusual interest n shown by all music lovers far and near in the coming Music Festival to be held June 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th. The great prestige obtained by Mr. Carl Zerrahn, as a conductor, contributes largely to this increased interest among the singers, in particular. It is well known that Mr. Zerrahn conducted the great Peace Jubilees at Boston in 1869 and 1872, and also that his name has been connected with most of the great musical events of this country during over 30 years past, and it is no wonder that musical people throughout a large section will throng the coming festival to see him and avail themselves of his instruction.

   It is rare indeed that such remarkably fine artists are brought together at one musical gathering, as Miss Zelie de Lussan, of the Boston Ideals, Miss Helen D. Campbell, the eminent contralto, of the American Opera Co., and the Lotus Glee Club, who charmed all their hearers last year. There will be a great rush for season tickets at the opening sale on the morning of the 11th of June, and crowded houses at the matinees and concerts. See particulars, prices, etc., in another column.

Mahan’s Music Festival. [Advertisement]

   Thirteenth year will begin Monday P. M. June 13th, and close Friday Evening, June 17th. 1887, at the Cortland Opera House and, will be conducted by Mr. Carl Zerrahn, of Boston. The great chorus of about 500 singers will be assisted at the Grand Concerts June 10th, and 17th, by the following eminent Artists: Miss Zelie de Lussan, prima donna soprano, of Ideal Opera Co., Miss Ellen D. Campbell, prima donna contralto, of the American Opera Co., The Lotus Glee Club, of Boston, Mass., and Mrs. Martha Dana Shepard, Pianist and Accompanist,

   Chorus or Singer's tickets, $1.25 each.

   Matinee, .25 each.

   Concert, .50 and .75 each.

   Season or Subscribers, 1.50 or 2.00.

   The sale of tickets will begin on Saturday morning, June 11th, at Mahan's Music Store. No extra charge for reserved seats. Orders by mail or telegraph faithfully attended to. Address, A. MAHAN, Cortland, N. Y.

Recommended:

Carl Zerrahn: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Zerrahn

 

ALBANY PRIEST SHOT IN CONFESSIONAL--NOT RECENTLY

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, May 20, 1887.

SHOT IN THE CONFESSIONAL.

The Murderous Attack on an Albany Priest by a Crazy Woman.

   ALBANY, May 18, 1887.—The worshippers in the Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception were startled about 6 o'clock Saturday evening by two pistol shots which disturbed the quiet of the great edifice. A puff of smoke by a confessional box near the altar drew their attention in that direction. Within the box Father M. J. Looney, a growing and popular priest, who has recently been transferred to the cathedral from St. Francis's church in Troy, was found with a bullet hole in the right shoulder of his cassock. While he was hearing confessions, Miss Bridget Kilcoyne, otherwise known as Miss Bridget McMahon, and Miss Alice Creagh, entered the edifice, and after making her confession to Father Pidgeon, left the church.

   Re-entering by another door she approached within three feet of the box where Father Looney was sitting, and drawing a revolver from her dress fired twice through the screen at the priest. Then she walked quietly down the aisle, dropped the weapon at the door and proceeded down Madison avenue. Father Looney fortunately sustained only a slight flesh wound, only one ball hitting him.

   Miss Kilcoyne is undoubtedly crazy. When asked after her arrest why she fired at the priest she said with emphasis: "I meant to kill one of them." In explanation of this statement she declared, "Why, they robbed me of a large amount of money. It was sent by them that belong to me to Father Bayard of St. John's in 1864, and I have been trying to get it ever since."

   It appears that she had importuned Father Ludden and Father Walsh several times for money which she claimed the church owed her. It is believed that she hoped to kill Father Walsh, who used to occupy that confessional, and who recently went to Troy to succeed Vicar-General Ludden, who has just been made Bishop of Syracuse. The woman, who is about 35 years old, asserts that Father Walsh has $250,000 belonging to her. Her mind is evidently filled with delusions about money, as she also declares that there is a million in Ireland which was left to her.

   The story that she has told to her friends here to that she is Lady Alice Creagh, a daughter of Capt. Creagh of County Clare, Ireland, who for certain reasons put her, when a child, in the peasant family of Patrick McMahon. She was brought up by them, and has not been recognized by her parents.

   A number of cartridges were found in her dress pocket, and all the barrels of the revolver were loaded. "I intended it to be good," she remarked when asked if she meant to hit the priest. She came from New York on the 7th of this month. She has lived here at times, and has relatives and friends in the city, who have regarded her as "a crazy thing."

SAD ACCIDENT.

Boy Drowns in a Mill Race--A Son of John Youngs Meets with a Tragic Death.

(From the Marathon Independent.)

   Clayton Youngs, a young boy seven years of age, a son of John Youngs who resides on Warren street, was drowned in the mill race between the saw mill and grist mill, late Monday afternoon. He, in company with Brainard Schofield had been playing around the race and upon the logs all the afternoon until about five o'clock, when the Schofield boy went home leaving the Youngs boy, as he says, "poking among the logs.”

   When supper time arrived, Clayton had not returned to his home and his father became alarmed at his protracted absence and started out in search of him. It had become dark by this time, and taking a lantern, and procuring the assistance of George Marvin, be searched the race above and below the grist mill until late in the night, but could discover no trace of the boy.

   Early yesterday morning, accompanied by Arby Ogden, be renewed the search and after making a thorough examination, they found the boy's hat caught in the rack of the saw mill, where it had been drawn by the suction of the water. Proceeding up the race in a boat, about ten rods above the saw mill, they discovered the body of the boy lying in about four feet of water. He had lain in the water all night and was very much bloated and discolored. He must have fallen in the race sometime between the hours of five and six as the position in which the hat was found, being drawn underneath a quantity of logs at the saw mill, shows that it must have occurred before the mill stopped at six o'clock.

   It is a sad case and the family of Mr. Youngs have the sympathy of the community. It furnishes an additional warning to young boys of the danger of being around the water unless accompanied by those of mature age.

CORTLAND MANUFACTURING COMPANY

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, May 13, 1887.

The Cortland Manufacturing Company.

   Among the many excellent and thriving manufacturing concerns of Cortland, the above named institution takes rank among the first, not alone for the quality and quantity of the work turned out, but for the systematic business methods which control each and every department. The company was organized but a little over a year ago, and has been a success from the start. Each member of the company has had several years’ practical experience in some department of the business, which undoubtedly accounts in some measure for the success that has thus far attended them.

   A few days since, a reporter of the DEMOCRAT had occasion to visit their works on Squires street and he was surprised to find this young company doing such a large and prosperous business.

   The offices are located on the first floor, where we found Mr. John C. Barry, the President of the company, who very courteously volunteered to show us about the works. Adjoining the offices is the shipping room and next to that is a large room for finished work. On the second floor we found stacks of gears, bodies and wheels which were going through the several processes of painting. On the third floor all this work receives the finishing touches in the way of painting, striping and varnishing before they are transferred to the trimming department.

   This spring the company enlarged their blacksmith shop, which is located directly west of the main building, and they now have a very large and commodious shop, containing the latest and most improved machinery. The trimming shops join the blacksmith shop on the west and have also been enlarged recently giving them excellent facilities for working a large gang of men.

   A year ago they put a new Surry on the market, which for style and elegance has not been surpassed by any other manufactory in existence. The very best materials were put in these wagons and the workmanship is the best that can be obtained. The result is that they are constantly behind their orders on these wagons, which are giving the very best satisfaction to all purchasers.

   About the same time they produced a new buckboard wagon for light driving, which is meeting with such favor that they have never yet been able to fill their orders as promptly as they would like to do. There is no better wagon for light driving made. On Wednesday they shipped to Mr. Chas. Francis, editor and proprietor of the Troy Times, on a special order, an elegant top buggy, which they guarantee to be as perfect in every particular as any Brewster wagon made, and which they are able to furnish at a much less price. The style is new and it presents a very neat and tasty appearance. The axles are made by Dalzel, the boxes being wrought [iron] instead of cast iron, and in fact all the materials and workmanship being of the very best.

   They are turning out many fine jobs of this class, and it is their aim to create a demand for the best work possible at fair prices, believing that a reputation for fine work once established, will be more profitable to them and more satisfactory to the trade in the long run They make no cheap wagons, but on the contrary make a first-class job for a fair price. The company now has in its employ between 60 and 70 hands, and could give employment to several more first class workmen. They expect to enlarge their works and increase their facilities in the near future, so as to be able to keep up with the demand for fine work.

Congressman and Senator Frank Hiscock.

Emerald Hose Company Fair.

   The programme for the grand fair to be given by Emerald Hose Company in Mammoth rink, commencing on Tuesday, May 24, and continuing five days, is a most excellent one, and will be fully and completely carried out. The several committees having the matter in charge, are actively at work and preparations for the grand event are well under way.

   The fair will be opened by an address to be delivered by the Hon. Frank Hiscock, which alone should draw a crowd. Each evening an entertainment consisting of music, songs, dancing, tableaux, etc., will be given, interspersed with splendid music from the Homer Band. Booths are now being erected which will be filled with handsome and elegant articles of all kinds. Refreshments of all kinds will be served and a large ice cream garden will be one of the features of the place. Dancing will be indulged in every night from 10 to 12 o'clock. Palm Leaf Sam is expected to be present and take part in the entertainments.

  Citizens have been very liberal in their donations and the boys will have a very handsome and valuable lot of presents to distribute to holders of lucky tickets. That the fair will be a grand success, no one can doubt who has witnessed the efforts the boys are putting forth to bring about such a result. In fact the Emeralds never fail to make a success of anything they undertake.

   All who attend may rest assured that they will not only receive full value for the small sum invested, but they will have the satisfaction of knowing that they have contributed to the success of a worthy cause. Tickets may be had of any member of the company.