Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1858-05-07
Correspondence Of the N. Y Tins
Sad misunderstanding of Whole
FaEnIly-EEeroicC Conduct of n Jail
OE'S w fEe

Sad Gaianlfty-RHFni3gO OF "a Whole
Family Heroic Conduct of a Jaii-
0E's EFffe-
WATERTowN, n. Y. April 5-Thc iphabi-
tauts of this place have had two rather exciting
topics on their tongues for the past few hours,
the first relating to shocking affair 10 the ad-
joining town of lie Roy; the second to another
affair not SO shocking in cur ewa neighbor
hood.
The first Il as learn by actual personal in
testigaiiou, somewhat thus: a farmer named
Daniel Constock has been living with his four
little daughters, Mary, Maria, Colona and Co
ra, alone in his house, which is located fourteen
or fifteen miles from here, on what is known as
the Philadelphia Road. His wife has been alb
sent some two months, in Auburn under medi-
cal treatment. Last Sundy night, about o
o'clock, it was discovered that the residence
of Mr.. Gonstock was in flames, aud before
assistance could be rendered it was burned
to the ground, together with its FIVE in
mates, 1t would seem from the position Of af-
fairs as | found them today, on the ground,
that Dir. G. and HE four daughters, 1.-THE Oldest
of whom was only ten years. were all asleep
together in one bed room, in corner of The
house.
The FIRST indication they had Of the fire was,
probably net until the building was full Of
flames, fer it is apparent the fire 'stook" from
keg of ashes IN the wood-house, which is some
distance from the bedroom. 1t must have en-
venped everything in flames. Rushing in the
darkness forth from the bedroom, the frantic
children flew in different directions, blinded By
the smoke and flames, while the unnatural
father, who loved his mony more than his of
spring ran up stairs TO get his box of yaluablcs
while he might have easily opened the bedroom
window at the outset, aud placed himself aud
children beyond danger-for the bedroom was
on the ground floor. But, alas for human frail-
ty.-his misery habits ruled him, aud his
blackened bones and ashes were found, after
the fire, lying across his box III the cellar,
where he had fallen.
As if this affair were not sufficiently shock
ing ia itself, we are compelled to turn to the
poor wife, who, away il Auburn, Is coutem-
plating the happiness of her little ones, and the
prospect of speedy reunion with them. Be-
fore left that vicinity, to return to Wateftown.
to night, a letter was placed in my hands,
which had just been received from the poor wo-
man, addressed to her husband, and dated at
Auburn, last Friday. extract for you these
portions:
III
surprised, and / trust, like Inc, you will be Joy
fully surprised, when | tell you that am COM
ing home next week Ishould have
started this morning, if had an answer to the
letter that | sent ON Tuesday, last. feel as if
cannot possibly wait till it comes.
am not strong enodghto endure much though
am very much exclted with the prospect of
going. am very much excited with the pros
pect of going home; hope shall get caln be-
fore start. think see youall looking very
happy, my dear children, when pa reads this 10.
you. Be good children. and ! hope before
another Friday noon to be with you.
ssYour affcctionatc mother, a. NJ. g."
Alas alas for this poor woman, when she
learns the fate Of her s.dear children and re-
aIlzes that after all she is alone in the world
May God pity and strengthen her
The second topic of which spoke is more
agreeable to dwell upon. Early on Sunday
morning, four prisoners, named Wilson, .Ed,
dy, Missie aud Ward, BY feigning the sickness
of one Of their number, got the jailor at this