PAUL LAYTON MURDER—SULLIVAN DISCHARGED

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, January 13, 1888.

Paul Layton Murder—Sullivan Discharged.

   The tramp, Sullivan, who was arrested in Binghamton recently, on suspicion of being implicated in the murder of Paul Layton, of Dryden, was discharged on Monday, the evidence being insufficient to hold him. We understand that the detectives who are working up the case do not believe that Sullivan had anything to do with the murder, and we understand they are working on a new trail that promises success. Sullivan's story of his whereabouts for some time past seems to be supported by facts, as the following from the Ithaca Journal shows:

TRACING SULLlVAN'S RECORD.

   District Attorney C. L. Smith and Ex-Sheriff Tibbetts have been tracing out the past record of Sullivan as far as possible since he was brought here by Detective Dwyre. Mr. Smith first sent to Oneonta to discover the truth or falsity of the story told by Sullivan about purchasing a horse at Oneonta. Mr. Smith knew but one person in that place, and that was Burr Matice.

   So he wrote to him, and it was a curious coincidence that the mother of the very man he wrote to was the woman who sold the horse to Sullivan. The story about the bridle was also correct; for the horse was a vicious one and would not lead, and Sullivan endeavored to trade back, but the difficulty was settled by the lady giving him money enough to purchase a bridle. The name given of the harness dealer where Sullivan says he bought the bridle is correct. The story of buying the robe in Watkins is also true, as the man who sold it to him has been found A Newfield story has also been proved just as Sullivan stated.

   Yesterday Sullivan was taken again to Dryden and the examination was continued. Only two witnesses were examined, and those were Recorder Downs and officer Morton, of Binghamton. The former testified to the statements made by Sullivan when arraigned before him last week. The prisoner declared that all the statements made by him to the recorder were correct. They differ widely from those made by him to Detective Dwyre, who interviewed him during his confinement in the jail at Binghamton.

Christmas Gifts.

   When Mr. Stearns A. Williams left this place last spring to become proprietor of the Wolcott House in Wolcott, Wayne County, he supposed undoubtedly that he had taken all of his household goods with him. He was mistaken, however, for after he left his friends found an umbrella that was readily recognised as one that he habitually wore during inclement weather. The boys carefully preserved the same expecting to deliver it to the owner on his first visit to this place, in as good condition as when found, natural wear and tear and damage by the elements excepted. But Stearns not putting in an appearance, the boys concluded to relieve themselves of the care and anxiety of its preservation by forwarding the same to him by express as a Christmas present.

   To be sure the parachute had seen some service, but past associations had rendered the same valuable to its owner. It was accordingly shipped with a communication signed by more than twenty old friends, who took occasion to condole with him upon the fact of his living in that "Godforsaken Peppermint district."

   The editor of the Lake Shore News, published in that village, saw the letter and at once hastened to publish an article denying that Wolcott is or ever has been in the "Peppermint district." Editor Thomas is quite indignant at the charge and assures the boys that the "Peppermint district" does not extend beyond the town of Lyons in that county.

   So it seems that it is not considered a very creditable thing to be a resident of the "Peppermint district" even in Wayne county. The boys in Cortland take this occasion to apologize for the injury done their friends in Wolcott. It was entirely unintentional.

   [Note: The "Peppermint District" was a politically inspired satirical reference to the former Wayne County home of William H. Clark, editor of the Cortland Standard—CC editor.]

HERE AND THERE.

   Pay your taxes.

   The Cortland corset company shipped a carload of corsets last Tuesday.

   Chas. A. Lowell, of this place, has taken out letters patent on a wagon brake.

   Go and see "Jack and Pocahontas" in Cortland Opera House, next Monday evening.

   Don't shiver with an ordinary stove when you can keep comfortable with a Howe Ventilator.

   The County Treasurer’s office is located in the parlors of the Second National Bank in this village.

   The fair of the Cortland Canton opens in the new Wickwire building on Railroad street, on Friday, Feb. 6.

   Last Thursday, Fred S. Dellow left the thumb of his left hand in a planer in Dellow & Son's factory, in Marathon.

   G. M. Stoddard, Esq., has been appointed postmaster at Groton, N. Y. in place of Dana Rhodes, whose term of office has expired.

   Be sure and attend the Knights of Pythias dance, to be given in Taylor Opera House, on Friday evening, Jan. 20th. Music by Fischer's orchestra. Supper at the Cortland House.

   Peck Brothers, the well known grocers, will hereafter do business on the cash system. They make this announcement in our advertising columns, to which the reader is referred for full particulars.

   The Patron’s Fire Relief Association elected the following officers on Tuesday: President, F. J. Collier of Preble; Treasurer, N. H. Winters of Marathon; secretary, W. E. Hunt of Hunts Corners.

   Tax payers of this town can pay their taxes at the National Bank of Cortland at 1 per cent, for collection until Jan. 14th. After that date they will be compelled to pay 5 per cent. Pay now and save 4 per cent.

   J. L. Watrous, Esq., has taken possession of his new livery barn on Clinton avenue, where he will be pleased to welcome all his old friends and customers, as well as many new ones. He has a very convenient stable and good turnouts for all. The stable is located only a few steps from the Cortland House.

   We understand that the authorities of McLean refused to permit the sparring match to take place in that village last Saturday evening, between Geo. Parker and Mike Byron. We understand that the [match] did lake place in Solon on Tuesday night last, and that Byron, whose home is in that town, was too much for the South Cortland boy.

   A very important decision has just been handed down by the present General Term of' the Supreme Court of the Fifth Department. The decision of the Court affirms the decision of Judge Vann, of Syracuse, that the indigent insane are town and not county charges, as heretofore recognized and accepted. The decision has been looked for with much interest.

   The W. C. T. U., all through the United States, is doing its utmost to further the passage of the Blair educational bill, by securing signatures to a petition which shall voice the sentiment of the people to our representatives in Congress assembled. The local unions of the county are arranging to make a thorough canvass of their respective localities, in the hope that Cortland county will stand as one man in favor of Federal aid being given where it is needed for the education of the children of the commonwealth.

Reunion of the Houghton Family.

   For many years before the death of Mrs. Abbey Houghton, which occurred about 5 years ago, the members of her family were in the habit of gathering together on the anniversary of her birthday. Since her death the children have continued the custom and yesterday the reunion was held at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. E. Dodge, No. 148 Port Watson St. There were present Mr. and Mrs. B. D. Houghton and son Claude, of Oswego, Col. C. D. Houghton, wife, son and daughter, G. G. Houghton, wife and son Forrest, of Parish, N. Y., C. W. Miles and wife of Auburn, C. D. Skinner and wife of Oswego, and Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Dunsmoor, of Cortland. It was a genuine social gathering and the reunion was heartily enjoyed by all present.

Gas Struck in the Seneca Falls Wells.

   SENECA FALLS, N. Y., Jan. 10.—Gas was struck in the Seneca Falls wells last night at 11 o'clock at a depth of 1,450 feet, being 300 feet into the Medina sandstone.

   The flame resulting was eight feet high. Drilling was resumed this morning and at noon a ten foot flame is burning. Experienced gas men regard the indications as excellent for a large and steady flow at a not much greater depth. The village is enthusiastic.

Girl Employees Wanted.

   Wanted—50 girls, experienced in making corsets, to work on our new "Zenobia," the Queen Corset. Apply to Cortland Corset Co., Cortland, N. Y.

Page Two/Editorials.

   The case of the People against Thomas C. Platt is on trial at Albany. Platt swears that his residence has been in New York since 1879, but admits that he has voted in Owego, Tioga County at every general election but two since that time and that on one occasion he swore in his vote. It looks very much as though there had been considerable perjury committed since 1879.

Sudden Death of an Old Resident.

"BENEDICT—In Wellington, Lorain Co., Ohio, Jan. 3d, 1888, of pneumonia, A. Homer Benedict, aged 72 years."

    We clip the following paragraph from the Wellington Enterprise of Jan. 4th:

   "A. H. Benedict, of Cortland, N. Y. died at Palmer's Cottage, Tuesday, at 1 o'clock. The deceased came here about the middle of December and solicited a sufficient number of persons to warrant him in securing a room and give instructions in writing. He instructed his class until Thursday evening last and adjourned until after New Year's. Friday evening he complained of feeling ill, and gradually grew worse until Monday evening, when Mr. Palmer insisted on calling in a physician. Dr. [Russ] was called, but every indication showed that he was suffering from congestion of the lungs, and that in its last stages, and nothing could be done to relieve his sufferings. His friends were telegraphed for and will probably be here to-day. He has been quite a noted man in the vicinity of his home. Has been in the lecture field, acted as secretary of the Japanese legation at Washington during President Grant's administration, and has been an instructor of penmanship for many years."

   The deceased was born in Livonia, N Y., June 14th, 1813. Most of his school days were spent in Homer, N. Y., and he completed his education at the old Homer Academy. He was long a resident of McGrawville, N. Y., and editor of the McGrawville Express for a number of years. He moved from that place to Cortland, and became a permanent resident.

   Although following the vocation of a writing teacher, he took great delight in literary and intellectual pursuits, and the many beautiful poetical productions contributed by him for different magazines and newspapers won for him the title of "Poet Penman." He was provident, studious, and abstemious almost to a fault, winning many friends by his genial, social nature, even when among entire strangers. In the family circle he was always kind, indulgent, cheerful, agreeable, and pleasant. Though he died in a distant town, suddenly and unexpectedly, without even a parting look or word from those he held nearest and dearest, it is some consolation to the bereaved ones to know that he was tenderly cared for, that he did not die with a lingering illness, but passed peacefully away, and that his honored ashes now slumber among the beautiful hills of his own native State.

   The remains were taken to Binghamton last Friday for interment. Impressive funeral services were held at the residence of his son, O. A. Benedict, on the following Saturday, and were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Bennett, of the same city. The body was laid away upon the sunny slope and mid the evergreen shades of Glenwood cemetery, facing the placid waters of the Susquehanna, which will ever remain a sacred spot to "friends and kindred dear."

Emerald Hose Co.

   At the annual meeting of the Emerald Hose Co. held at their rooms Monday evening last the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:

   President—Ed. Fitzgerald.

   Vice-President—Patrick Dwyer.

   Foreman—C. K. Donnely.

   First-Assistant—Michael Dillon.

   Second Assistant —Thos. Gerard.

   Secretary—M. F. Cleary.

   Asst. Secretary—John Hachett.

   Treasurer—Daniel Riley.

   Deputy Clerk—Michael Healy.

   Trustees—John F. Dowd, M. F. Cleary, B. H. McNiff.

   Pipemen— Patrick McSweeny, John F. Dowd, Jas. Fitzgerald, Jas. A. Dowd, Daniel Dolan.

Orris Hose Co.

   At the annual meeting of the Orris Hose Company held in their rooms in this village on Thursday evening last the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:

   President and Foreman—G. A. Tisdale.

   First Assistant —D. T. Hollister.

   Second Assistant—Thos. Mulligan.

   Secretary— Bert Rood.

   Treasurer—F. J. Peck.

   First Pipeman— Eugene Snow.

   Second  " — Arthur Stillson.

   Third     " —Will A. Wallace.

   Fourth   " — B E. Miller.

   Trustees—Geo. C. Hubbard, Don C. Smith, F. R. Woodruff.

   Appointed Representative on Board of Engineers, Henry Dickinson. Appointed Aides, Frank Jepson, Melvin Rice, Jr.

A Republican Club.

   A few republicans of this town met in Well's Hall last Friday evening for the purpose of organizing a republican club. The following officers were elected:

   President—R. T. Peck.

   Vice President —A. A. Carley.

   Second  " — Lewis Bouton.

   Third     " —A. P. McGraw.

   Fourth   " —J. D. F. Woolston.

   Secretary —Ed. D. Blodgett.

   Treasurer —Harrison Wells.

   An adjournment was made until January 23, when they hope to have a larger attendance.