The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1873-07-16
A KENTUCKY MURDERER AnnEsrnD IN

DoYLEsTowN.--About three weeks ago coli
ored man, of about twenty-three years Of age,
made his appearance in Doylestown, and
found employment as day laborer in Longs
brick yard, on north Broad street. He stated
that his name was James B. Belfotd, but al
so on. another occasion called himself Geo.
Mia Alfred, but among his associates was
known best by the former name. Being ui-
able either to read or write, he made the ac-
quaintahce of Daniel w. Phoenix, young
colored man employed in Doylestowi. He at
once proceeded TO make the new acquaintance
his confidant and secretary. He stated to
Phoenix that he came from Mercer county,
Kentucky, and did not intend to stay long in
the neighborhood of Doylestown, as he was
not satisfied here. Soon after his arrival he
received letter, which he took Immediately
to Phoenix 10 read for him. In this letter il
said that $500 reward was offered for him,
and that the whole neighborhood was aroused
that Bedford and his brother were not safe
where they were, and they had better make
preparations for immediate flight. The letter
was without any signature, and Bclforl did
not tell his friend from whom it came. Pho
nix says that it was dated "Harrodsburg,
Kentucky"
Some time afterwards Bedford came to Phe-
nix and desired him to write a letter for him,
which was granted. The contents Of the
letter did not appear to be in reply to the one
received, but appeared to be addressed to
another party. Phoenix states that he di-
rected the letter to '.Lucy Alfred Eldorado
Ken, and that five days before Belford's ar
rest he wrote another letter to the same per
son, but the address was changed to ''Selvisa,
Ken" Phoenix says that Belford brought
second letter to read. In this it stated that
in few days another would arrive which
would contain money, with which Bedford and
his brother were to make their flight into
Canada.
On last Saturday evening Phoenix and Bel
ford were sitting in the yard in front Of the
latters boarding house, and after the rest of
the family had retired, Belford, without being
asked, made full confession of his crime.
He said he had been living with DR.. G. 7.
Alfred, Eldorado, Kentucky, who had been
his master during slavery. DIR. Alfred had
been practicing physician, but owing to his
advanced years had given up his practice and
had engaged in business as wholesale mei'-
chant. DIR. Alfred was married to young
wife, of whom Belford became very much
enamored. He said she was fine looking
young white lady, and he soon fell in love
with her. Bedford did not think that the Ia
day regarded his suit lightly, but was conf
dent that she entertained the best feelings of
affection towards him. This intimacy be-
tween the two soon came to the notice of the
Doctor, aud Beltord was requested to with
draw. The latter hestating to reinquish his
feelings of affection towards the lady, a
trouble soon ensued between the parties,
Which resulted in the Doctor discharging Bel
ford. In the evening of the day in which the
latter received orders to leave, Bedford went
to the Doctors house, and as he passed
through the yard seized an axe. He then
called the Doctor to the door, and after ex-
changing q few words with him, requested
him to go and bid his wife farewell for him.
AS the Doctor turned around Bedford dealt
him deadly blowupon the head with the axe
He then fed from the country
Bedford, in making this confession stated
that he committed the deed on the night of
the 27th of May. He says his brother also
lived at Eldorado, and after Che murder he
was afraid to stay, for fear of it being charged
upon him. Bedford declares that his brother
is entirely innocent, and that he is the only
guilty one. AT the time of this, conversation
Belford's brother was residing in the lower
part of Bucks county, and he intended TO join
Bedford, after which they would make their
fight.
After these statements of the deed, and the
letters read by him, Phmnix became alarmed,
tracked to Doylestown, and that his arrest
might also implcate him, he concluded
that he had better reveal the entire affair,
and bring the guilty man to justice. On
Wednesday evening he gave his testimony be-
fore Justice Pugh aud Gilkyson.b warrant
was Immediately issued and placed in .tlie
hands of Constable Tomlnson, who at once
arrested Belford, and, in default of bail, com
initted him to prison, where lie will await.
further developments.
From discoveries made in searching the
property belonging to Bedford, a strong sus-
picion has arisen against Lucy Alfred, and the
opinion is that she was probably implicated
in the affair. 1t will be remembered that
Phoenix wrote several letters for Bedford to
this Lucy Alfred, and the letters he received.
were evidently from her, as they were written
in q rather fine hand, closely resembling a
lady's writing Evidently she is the. person
who was to send the money for Belford's es-
cape, and certainly she would not be so deeply
interested in the affair unless SHE had some
concern in the murder. Her letter containing
the money has not yet come to hand, but 1t is
expected 1t is not certain whether this
Lucy Alfred is the wife Of the murdered man,
Dir. G. T. Alfred, but the suppositon is that
she is. < Mr
In examining his clothing the authorities
found silver medalupon which was engra-
we'd, t'Jamcs B. Belford, born July 4, 1850"