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April 20 1923/2023

Cochecton Turnpike – The Pennsylvania Supreme Court handed down a decision, affirming the decree of the county court, on the maintenance of the Cochecton Turnpike in the townships of New Milford, Gibson and Herrick townships. The township supervisors refused to maintain it at township expense and the suit was entered into in order to determine the responsibility of its upkeep. This decision will mean that the road will be kept up on county funds. These old turnpike roads are causing contention in other counties as well as our own. The roads, when laid out for the old-time stagecoaches, were built with the idea of reaching the various relay stations by the most direct route, without regard to grade. As a result they are found in the hilliest, out of the way sections, many of which are very little used. And while this case applies only to the Cochecton turnpike in this locality, should it be taken up by other townships to determine whether the county is liable for their maintenance, it will result ion a surprising increase in county taxation.


Silver Lake – Vincent Carros, a former Scranton miner, was obliged to give up his occupation, owing to miner’s asthma, and since he came to the former Skinner farm, five years ago, has enjoyed greatly improved health. He is a native of Russian Poland, but a loyal American citizen in principle.


Oakland Borough – Undoubtedly the oldest resident of the county passed away April 11th, when Mrs. Sarah Burgess died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Robert Lee. Had she lived until the coming Memorial Day she would have attained her 101st birthday. She was born in England but came to this country as a young woman. Her daughter, three grandchildren and five great grandchildren survive. Interment being made in McKune cemetery.


Dimock – W. L. Evans has purchased the old vacant schoolhouse on Depot street and is making some repairs expecting to convert it into a dwelling for his family. He has worked most of the cold days during the winter, when the younger people were sitting by fires. ALSO A brass band is now being organized here.


Lawton – Base ball fans created a stir at Grange Hall last Thursday night when they served a chicken-pie supper. The evening was spent in visiting and some indulged in games and music. They cleared $40.00.


Gelatt – John B. Low writes the Democrat the following interesting item of news regarding the Treadwell murder case, the first [murder] trial in the county’s history. “After reading the account of the hanging of Treadwell in your paper, I got to talking with my father—who is 86 years old—and he said that his father and mother were married in 1839, and that they witnessed his hanging after they were married. According to his version, Treadwell did not intend to kill Harper, but did intend to kill one named Mumford. “Treadwell’s March” is very familiar, as he [Low] is an expert on the violin, and has played it many times. “My aunt, Betsy Sando (nee Low) spun the rope that hung him. My father may be wrong in the date, but nevertheless they were both there and saw him hanged.” (The court records show Treadwell was tried in May, 1824--Ed.)


Susquehanna – Seventy-five employees of the Erie shops and roundhouse were laid off on Saturday. It is believed the men will be returned soon, as the lay-off was made in order to have the expenses come within the monthly appropriation. ALSO The Tri-County silk mill, in this place, which employs about 50 people, has closed down. There is no demand for the silk and the ware rooms of the company are full, it is stated.


Montrose - Alice Rogers, aged 15, who ran away from her home in Binghamton, was found on the streets of Montrose, Saturday, and taken to jail. Later a representative of the Humane Society, in Binghamton, arrived and took her back to Binghamton. (Some of the early Humane Societies for the humane treatment of animals, also included the humane treatment of children.)


Hop Bottom – Edward Benjamin, while driving a team on the Lackawanna trail, was involved in an accident, which included two automobiles. As a small car was passing his wagon, a large automobile attempted to drive between the two vehicles, resulting in wrecking both cars, damaging the wagon and injuring the horses. The occupants of the vehicles came out without serious injury. It is reported the occupants of the big car were intoxicated.


Jackson – Members of the Ladies’ Aid who will have parts in the farce, entitled, “The Sewing Circle Meets at Mrs. Martin’s,” are practicing in the Odd Fellows Hall for the coming event.


Harford – Mrs. John Lewis and daughter, Marguerita, recently spent a day at the home of Mrs. Marantha Osmun, and they walked all the way from New Milford, a distance of five miles, returning home the same way in the afternoon. Who can beat these two ladies walking?


Rushville – H. S. Atwater had the misfortune to lose one of his best cows a couple of weeks ago.


Forest City – Dr. H. R. Bell, A. D. Kehren and Ray Bloxham, hied to classic Pike county to be on hand with the opening of the trout season. The doctor failed to “pull” them out, Art said they were too “light” and Ray said they were not “built” that way. At any rate they brought but few home.


Uniondale – Some one took John White’s overcoat from his barn on Monday night. Mr. White thinks it is a raw deal. ALSO Mrs. Jesse Rounds and daughter, Dorothy, left during the week for Detroit, Mich., to join Mr. Rounds who has secured employment in that city and where they will reside henceforth. Their departure is deeply regretted.


Elmer Washburn Trial – The jury was of the fixed opinion that the defendant was not fourteen years of age and thus was not legally and wholly accountable for his acts. The first vote of the jury showed that they were unanimous in this belief and expressed it in their verdict of second degree in the murder of Cyrus Payne. Judge Smith and District Attorney Ferguson appeared satisfied with the verdict, based on his age and the grounds of insanity. However, several doctors testified that Washburn was sane, diagnosed as feeble-minded, but does know right from wrong. Neighbors and teachers said he showed no signs of insanity. Young Washburn, when the verdict was rendered, appeared unconcerned and showed no signs of nervousness. He faces from 12 to 20 years in a place of confinement.

Compiled By: Betty Smith

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