WAS IT SUICIDE IN TRUXTON?

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, June 13, 1890.

WAS IT SUICIDE?

Owen Vincent Found Dead in Bed in His Restaurant in Truxton—Supposed to Have Been Dead Since May 22—Report of the Coroner's Inquest.

   Truxton village was thrown into a state of excitement Monday morning about 11 o'clock, by the rapidly spreading news that Mr. Owen Vincent, formerly proprietor of a restaurant on Railroad street in this village, had been found dead upon a bed in the saloon recently kept by Mr. L. L. Schellinger in Truxton village, the condition of the body denoting that death ensued about two weeks previous. As near as can be ascertained a period of seventeen days had elapsed since he was last seen alive and the date of the finding of the body.

   An inquest was held by Coroner George D. Bradford of Homer, before a jury composed of the following persons: Thomas Dodd, A. Lansing, Dewitt Patrick, Wm. Graham, Ray Woodward, Cornelius Lansing, H. G. Bosworth and George Woodward.

   CHARLES VINCENT, a brother of deceased, residing at Cuyler, N. Y., testified that Owen was 32 years of age, about 5 feet 5 inches in height, by occupation a restaurant keeper. Knew that his brother intended to come to Truxton and engage in business as soon as he got a license, but for about three months past he had made his home with witness in Cuyler, complaining of his stomach and was somewhat depressed in spirits; had been under the care of Dr. Eastman of Newark Valley. The wallet and other articles were identified as those formerly carried by deceased. On Friday May 22d, was the last time witness had seen his brother alive, that occasion being at his hotel in Cuyler. The preceding Tuesday or Wednesday had given him $20.

   Witness then related the circumstances of the discovery of the body on Tuesday of the present week: First heard of his death June 9, at about 11 A. M., when I went in company with P. J. Vincent to get some chairs belonging to Mr. F. I. Woodward, which were in the restaurant building. I pried open a lower window of the saloon handing out the chairs after entering. Desiring to enter the rooms above, I asked P. J. if he had the key of the door, when I discovered the key standing in the lock from the inside of the room and remarked that I thought my brother was in the room. Receiving no reply to calls, we broke in the door, the curtains were drawn down and everything was in order. P. J. remarked that he saw some one on the bed, and we noted a very strong odor about the room and returning to the street gave an alarm. Being recalled the witness further related that a license blank was forwarded his brother at Cuyler, but did not know whether he was granted one. The clothing was identified as that worn by deceased when last seen by witness, in fact this was the main means of identification since the features were unrecognizable. Owen had no intimacy with any one to witness's knowledge, not having resided in Truxton previous to April 1st. Being an abstainer from narcotics and intoxicants knew of no reason that would lead to suicide, had heard him speak of using morphine pills. His health was better this year than for years previous. There had been no suicide in the family before.

   Louis L. Schellinger, owner of the saloon, testified to the visit of deceased and brother Charles, February 14, obtaining terms and conditions for lease of his saloon taking supper at his house, and subsequent visit when a lease was given to take effect April, 1st, 1890, for one with privilege of five years, Charles taking possession of the place at the stated time. Owen was at my house about May 1st, and said he was going to open as soon as he got his license. He stayed at my house on the night of May 5, appearing somewhat angry, said he had not got a license, did not know what to do, that he had this place hired and could get no license; that if he stayed all night he would not be able to sleep any. In conversation with him a few days later I told him to start in and sell tobacco cigars, etc., keep an orderly place and they would grant him a license. He replied that he could not make a living simply selling tobacco; that he wished I would get some one to take the lease off his hands.

   Dr. S. B. Clark of Cuyler, was requested by the coroner to examine the body and upon being questioned, said: Found body in bed in a decidedly advanced stage of decomposition, a portion of the clothing removed, found no marks of violence, but discovered a bottle containing a fluid and made a partial examination of the same. Saw deceased in the saloon on May 21st, 1890, and on the 22d for the last time alive.

   Dr. J. C. Nelson, a physician of Truxton, made examination of body with preceding witness, finding the deceased on bed in a natural position, shoes removed, clothing not deranged. There were no marks of violence. Examined the fluid in bottle but found no evidence of a poisonous nature. An empty morphine pill box was found in vest pocket of deceased. Could not give opinion as to cause of death, although if taken in sufficient quantity morphine pills would produce death. The body was so far decayed that a complete examination was impossible.

   Several other witnesses swore that May 22d was the last time they ever saw Owen Vincent alive and knew of no cause or had heard no threat of suicide. P. J. Vincent set a pane of glass in front window of saloon on May 21st, at request of deceased, who stated that he was about returning to Cuyler, otherwise corroborating previous witnesses.

   The verdict rendered was that Owen Vincent came to his death in the bed room of the saloon in Truxton, between May 21st and June 9th, 1890, from unknown cause.

   Among the effects removed from the clothing of deceased were about $123 in cash, Bank book No. 10,129 on Cortland Savings Bank, lease of saloon and the following order, all of which were offered in evidence:

   MR. CORCORAN: SIR—Send me four cases of cider.

   While residing in Cortland Mr. Vincent conducted a very quiet restaurant securing numerous friends through his genial nature and gentlemanly deportment, who were shocked upon receiving the news of his untimely death. He sold out his business last winter to Mr. D. W. Seamans, who received an offer from deceased about a month since for the re-purchase of the business. Nothing was heard from him after the 19th when he sent Mr. Seamans word that he would raise his former offer $50 higher.

Reunion of Veterans at Homer.

   Homer done herself great credit on Wednesday, the occasion of the 26th reunion of the 185th regiment N. Y. V. Business places and residences were liberally and tastily decorated with flags and streamers. Upon arrival of the 10 A. M. trains a column of about 160 veterans headed by the Homer band marched to Post Willowby Babcock, G. A. R. headquarters where the time was pleasantly passed in conversation until dinner was served in the dining hall of the department.

   At 2 P. M., a large concourse of people had assembled upon the park in front of the churches awaiting the beginning of the afternoon program; but they were destined to disappointment. Time being limited the comrades rallied to the headquarters where brief but pointed impromptu speeches were delivered by Lieutenant-Governor E. F. Jones, General Joshua L. Chamberlain, the veteran brigade commander, and others. Following this came a business meeting closing in time for the Syracuse comrades to return on the 5 P. M. train.

   Many will remember the days, September 22-23, 1864, when this regiment aggregating 1002 men—53 being officers, was mustered into service at Syracuse, arriving in front of Petersburg. Va., October 1st. and was attached to the first brigade, first division, fifth army corps. Major-General Governeur K. Warren, corps commander died August 8, '62; Division commander, major general Charles Griffin dying September 15, '67.

   Though a body of untrained men the 185th was assigned duty guarding breastworks to Petersburg soon after arrival, had a hand in the encounter on Burgess farm October 27 and Weldon raid December 6-12, massed with 5th corps to support the 6th during the 25th of March '65 and supported the 2d corps in evening, was active at Quaker Road, Gravelly Run, Five Forks, in pursuit of Lee, and subsequent surrender, being mustered-out May 30 and reached Syracuse 572 strong on June 3. '65. The losses were 40 killed, 202 wounded—22 of whom died before muster-out, 33 died in service, 1 was drowned and 44 deserted and 13 were taken prisoners. The total death roll reported April 1, 1890, including killed, etc., foots 222. The last man killed in battle in the Army of the Potomac was Lieutenant Hiram G. Clark of company G, while the white flag was advancing he was shot through by an unexpected shell. His body was buried at Poplar Grove recently, at Petersburg.

   The following officers were elected:

   President—Captain D. N. Lathrop, of Syracuse.

   First Vice-Prest—Pembroke Pierce, of Homer.

   Second Vice-Prest—Fred. Colwell, of Syracuse.

   Secretary—W. H. Clark, of Syracuse.

   Treasurer—Otis C. Smith, of Cortland.

   It was voted to hold the next reunion at Syracuse, the date not being definitely decided upon. "A pleasant time!'' was the general remark.

Last Thursday's Storm.

   The pyrotechnic display on the broken background of storm clouds in the sky to the north of this place last Thursday evening was watched by hundreds. It was a magnificent exhibition while sporting in the upper realms, but when the fiery fluid began to course along the electric wires in the streets nipping out the arc and other lights the audience grew rapidly less. The arms at top of the line poles were ignited in different parts of the village, serving as torches for an instant, being speedily extinguished by a torrent of rain. A bolt struck the ridge of Mr. John Hayes' barn, just north of the fair ground, killing the first and third horses out of a row of four animals occupying box stalls at the south end of the building. Mr. Hayes who was in the barn at the time was uninjured.

It Was a Genuine Alarm.

   An alarm was sent in from box 332 about 7 P. M., Monday evening, to which the public gave little attention, anticipating for some time past a call for a practice run. The department responded and it was well, for flames were issuing from near the center of the Hitchcock Manufacturing Company's blacksmithing department. The fire was quickly extinguished and upward of one hundred set of wagon wheels somewhat damaged by water. This is the first service call sent in since the 9th day of July last—eleven calendar months—which may account for the imperfect working of the alarm system.

PERSONAL.

   The wedding of Mr. George P. Yager, of this village, and Miss Millie Williamson, occurred at the house of the bride, in Moravia, Wednesday evening. Several guests attended from this place.

   Mr. Fred Monroe of Hubbard-st., has moved into the upper part of Mr. J. D. Keeler's house on Owego-st. Mr. Monroe has opened a meat market and grocery store on the corner of Owego and Park-sts.

   The following persons of Cortland Co. have become members of the New York State Music Teachers' Association: Prof. J. H. Hoose, Miss Clara Covil of Cortland, Mrs. G. A. Hulbert and Mrs. Corwin Burgess of Marathon, and Mrs. C. Van Hoesen of Preble.

   The Board of Education has accepted the resignation of Prof. Cumming as principal of Homer Academy and Union school and are corresponding with other teachers of that place. Miss Anna M. Sheperd of Lansing. Ia.. has been elected preceptress for the ensuing year and Miss Anna J. Bates, of Michigan, teacher of languages. Miss Kittie Cobb has been engaged as teacher of the second intermediate department.

   Last Monday, Messrs. M. H. McGraw and Lewis Bouton were elected trustees of the Cortland Savings Bank, to fill vacancies caused by the death of Messrs. N. Chamberlain and Stephen Patrick. The selections to fill the vacancies are commendable in every respect. If anything were needed to strengthen the confidence of the people in that most excellent institution, the election of Messrs. McGraw and Bouton to seats in the board would have that effect.

   Mr. Hugh Duffy and family will attend the commencement exercises at Amherst College next week.

   Mr. Joe D. Freer, for several years past one of the mail carriers in this place, left for Jersey City on Wednesday evening to take a situation as conductor on a Pullman palace car. Mr. Freer is a very competent man for the place and we predict that he will be found to be an obliging and reliable official.

   H. L. Rogers, Esq., of Cortland, who is in charge of the free delivery system of post offices in a portion of this State, was in Kingston last week looking over the situation in regard to free delivery here. The geographical make-up of this city renders the question one not easy of solution. Mr. Rogers is a gentleman of large experience and ability and his report to the department will doubtless be as full and practical as the case will warrant.—Kingston Argus.

FROM EVERYWHERE.

   State Firemens' Association at Watertown, August 17-27.

   In Indiana white caps are meting out severe punishment to chicken thieves.

   The sentence of ex-Sheriff Flack was confirmed in General Term at New York, Friday.

   The Inter State fair, New York and Pennsylvania, will be held in Elmira September 1-12.

   Reports from Dutchess county are to the effect that tent caterpillars are damaging fruit trees in that section.

   Blue Mountain lake has just been stocked with 100,000 lake trout, and 25,000 have been placed in Upper Saranac lake.

   A big tree recently felled at Delhi, measured 14 feet in circumference at the butt. The trunk was 42 feet in length before a limb was reached.

   The 28th annual fair of the Thorn Hill (Onondaga Co.,) Farmers' club will be held June 19th. Stock exhibits will take place in the afternoon.

   The Ames Thresher and Reaper works in Oswego were struck by lightning Thursday night and totally destroyed. Loss $20,000, partially insured.

   The Williamsport, (Penn.) Wire Company has just made a cable for the Reading Railroad Company, one mile long, two and one-half inches in diameter, and weighing 46,000 pounds.

   The seventh annual encampment of the New York State division of the Sons of Veterans will be held in Syracuse, June 17, 18 and 19. The organization now numbers 100,000.

   A petition 37 feet long and bearing the names of several hundred representative taxpayers of Lewis county, has been forwarded to Gov. Hill by Robert W. Jones, praying him to approve the $100 [school] district quota Assembly bill.

   John Arbuckle, who has been called "The King of the Coffee-Pot," has a fortune that is variously estimated at from $15,000,000 to $25,000,000. He began to grind coffee in a small way in Pittsburg fifteen years ago.

   Frederick T. McLeod, an ex-minister, found guilty of living with a woman in Chicago, when he had a legal wife in Nova Scotia, was sentenced Saturday to one year in the house of correction, the heaviest punishment provided by the statute.

   The great cantilever bridge at the Needles, Cal., is finished. In its construction 40,000,000 pounds of steel and iron were used, and the centre span—360 feet—is the longest in the world. Three men were killed and 96 injured during the work of building.

   Dr. Justin is reported to have secured another 13-ton gun of the same style and make as the recently exploded one. The gun is some twenty-six years old but appears to have been used but little. It is proposed to make another trial at Perryville during August next.

   Orris Hose Co. No. 1 will hold a picnic at Floral Trout Park, June 20. A boat race between two portly individuals, games and other amusements will be provided for the enjoyment of patrons. Dancing will be indulged in the evening.