Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1821-01-23


to read. When he found she was asleep,
this is his own statement, he put out the
fire and candle, and made an attempt to
cut her throat with double-bladed knife;
she awoke, and scuffle ensned, in which
she nearly overpowered him, aud from
the blood on the walls and doors, it is evil
dent she was endeavoring to make her
escape. Finding he could not succeed 10
cutting her throat, he took large stick
Of wood and gave her several blows over
the head. He afterwards beat her over
the back part Of the head with an andiron.
AT what stage Of these brutal acts Of yio-
ience the fatal blow was given it was i'm
possible 10 ascertain; but the deed was
done.
He Immediately went 10 the nearest
neighbors, and told them he had killed his
wife, requesting some Of the women TO go
and lay her out, and telling them to take
a light, as there was no fire in the house /;
from there lie went to the other neishbors
with the same tale, and actually returned
with them to the dreadful scene Of bis
guilt. She was found laying on her knees
and face, almost naked, her linen being
nearly torn from her. She was literally
covered with bruises, wounds and slabs.
Some OF the bark of the club was driven
quite into the head aud remained there
she had several stabs like the stabs of a
knife, and many more like the stabs OF a
fork. The knife was found half open and
bloody on the floor. The club was also
bloody with some of the brains sticking to
it If any thing can add to the enormity
OF this transaction, 1t is the fact that Mrs.
Vananken was in state of pregnancy, and
expected to be confined ia three months.
At the time of the murder three small
children were asleep 10 the house aud
after the neighbors came, one of them
crept upon its lifeless mother. The read.
lug OF this narrative Of facts will naturally
lead the mind Into train Of reflections
on the horrible crime Of murder, aud we
forbear.
Vanauken was taken into custody and
committed to prison. We understand that
his connections are wealthy, aud that his
expectations were large, as TO worldly
goods
NEw-Y oRK, Jan. 10.
an Extraordinary Boy.-On Wednes.
day morning, strange little boy was
brought before the Magistrate at the Po-
lice Office, reported an the watch returns
as being lodger. This extraordinary
child is ten years Of age, was very thiniy
clad, is but four feet two inches high, del
icate make, and weak eyes. On being
asked by the Magistrate who he was, and
where from, he gave the following account
My name is De Grass Grifsn--I am
ten years old-my father is boatman in
killingworth, Connecticut mother
left there for Philadelphia last summer
she parted from my father-he don't take
any care Of me. About four weeks ago
started from Kiliingworth for Philadel-
pbia, TO see my mother had uol cent
when started walked part of the way,
and rode part. MY sister, who is mar
ried woman, told me in what part of Phi
ladelphia would find my mother. When
I got there, found that she was dead
| remained there, going about the town
about a week--I then started 10 come
back. A gentleman in Philadelphia gave
me twenty cent piece, an eleyen-penny
bit, and five-penny Bit have the
twenty cent piece yet. got into this
town yesterday morning--had nothing to
eat all day yesterday, till 10 the evening
when | got some clans at a little stand
near the river. calculate to start fol
home this morning, aud to get stage
driver TO give me a ride" Magistrate
I will send you to the Alms-bouse, over
the way, that you may get your break
fast, aud be taken care Of. Answer
e Very well, bit / wish to start on"
1t was truly astonishing 10 behold such
a child perform Gin the depth of winter,
a journey Of upwards of two hundred
miles, with such trifle Of money, with
out warm clothing, and the snow on his
road nearly as high as himself. His de-
pertinent was manuerly, bis answers
prompt, clear and brief; he appeared to
feel no want, asked for nothing, nor
made any complaint, but had perfect con
fidence in his own powers and ability te
get 10 the eud Of his journey on bis tsuentJ
cent fund. The decision and fortitude OF
this little destitute boy, might furnish q
profitable example TO many irresolute and
desponding men.
NEWARK, Jan. 16.
Oyer aud Terminer. AT the late term
Of Oyer and Terminer held in this town
by Judge Ford, the following convictions
took place:
Samuel Field, Peter Wilson and Jurdon
Gsinnell, (the two latter from New-York)
black men, were convicted of burglary,
and eenianra1 aorh IN m wears, e0fifa rv