New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-05-28
ONE MANIAC NUMBERING ANOTHER.
From The Rochester Democydi, May d.

From The Rochester De,soerdt, Maya
terrible tragedy took place yesterday forenoon &C
the Monroe County Insane Asylum, In which one OF
the inmates instantly killed another with carving
knife II appears BY the statements made on oath To
| Coroner Brown, that a boy named Schenburgh was
engaged in shed in cleaning fish, and that John Good
win and Edwin A. Clark, two of the inmates wero
near him, either observing what was going on or walk
! ing about for exercise, when the former suddenly
seized the knife with which the boy was at work and
stepping quickly up to Clark, struck him seven blows
in quick succession upon the head which proved fatal
almost instantly. The blows struck with both
hands, as though striking with an Az or cleaver and
several of the wounds are alone sufficient to produce
death. The top of the skull was entirely detached,
and was only kept in place by a few pieces of skin
which were not severed. One of the cuts il eight
inches in length and from this base there are two
Others, one Of five and one of six inches in enghs
forming triangle, and severing the skull cap
The maniac, he proves to be- who perpetrated
this terrible deed was committed to the Asylum frou,
the town of Carkson, the 18th of February lS,9,
and is about 40 years of age His disposition has, up
the commission of this homicide been shown to be
entirely harmless but he inclined to be quite
mischevous 80 much so that it became necessary 70
place mufs on his hands when in the yard exercising.
| The murdered has been in the Asylum for sew
| eral years. Major Wiggn, Superintendent OF the
Asylum found him there when he took charge of tho
| institution in September, 1857. He was not then per-
mtted the of the yard but in April following his
good behavior led TO little more indulgence, and no
was permitted the of the yard for exercise From
/
nothing peculiar in his conduct has been observed.
Occasionally at night he would be little noisy, but
would readily refrain when spoken to by the keeper.
AT the time the affair occurred several OF the pa
ents were in the yard for exercise but Of them
were in any way restrained except Clark whose hands
were confined by muff to prevent him from doing any
mischief. The heplessness of his situation may have
been the cause why he singled out for the assault
Major Wiggin, who in the adjoining yard, psci-
flying two female patients who were engaged in quar-
rel reached the scene of the murder within two minutes
Al. a. .hAl he hnuiS
hand. He called to Goodwin to desst, but the latter
gave CLARK two additional blows before doing 80, and
then retired a few PAGES. The Major demanded the
knife and Goodwin gave it up without saying word.
None of the other patients seem to have nterered or
paid any particular attention to what going on,
Notwithstanding the outcries made by Clark. The
latter Immediately removed into the house. and
lived over hour after the wounds were inflicted
lie never spoke, however.
One Of the attendants tried 10 put Goodwin into
CELL but the latter resisted him, and might have done
some additional mischief, had not Major Wiggin ar
rived oppotunely and Overawed him into submission.
After being locked up, he asked why he commit
ted the deed, and replied that "hey made him do it,"
lie has had any quarrel with Clark, and the act
seems to have been the result of sudden impulse
unprovoked by any outward demonstration.
Goodwin is an old inmate 0 the County House, hav-
ing been removed to that institution in April, 1851,
from the Utica Insane Asylum where he was pro-
nounced incurable. Some years ago he appeared TO
recover his right mind, in n measure, and was dis
charged. He went to Buffalo, and was gone nine
months, when he returned of his own accord az bad
as ever. DIR. James says that he very trouble
some at times, and sometimes dangerous When the
County Insane Asylum was completed, he was made
inmate Of that establishment and since he has been
under Maj Wigginss charge, he has been rather
more tracacle, always obeying the Majors slightest
command without hesitation. IL is not known that he
has any relatives; have ever visited or made any
inquiries about him. Clark was con OF Gustavus
Clark, late Of CARLSON His relatives have been APP
prised Of his decease