Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1874-07-03
Gross CRmrNALIrY.-Dr. j. c. Harmon,

"Ross CRIMINALITY.-Dr. j. C. Harmon
Oh "estiord, has left for parts unknown
various statements concerning the conduct
OF the doctor having found their way into
the state papers, we have hesitated to give
them publicity, hoping that they might have
been erroneous. But as there is no longer
any doubt as to the guilt of DR.. Harmon, it
Is with pain that we refer to the subject.
About six years ago, having graduated from
the Medical Department of the University
/ of Vermont, he settled in Westford and
commenced the practice of his profession,
and he was the only physician in town. His
reputation was fair and he seemed to take
4 deep interest in the business enterprises
and educational interests of the place, hay
ing been Superintendent of Schools for a
number of years. But he neglected his
business for hunting and fishing, INDUCED
IN the too free use ofstrong drink and, it Is
SAID. gambling also. At the time he alb
seconded, about fortnight since, he left
many large items of Indebtedness among his
townsmen and personal friends unpaid. For
some months past suspicious have been rife
IN regard to 4 special intimacy between
DIR. Harmon and 4 young girl in the
village, he taking her out to ride quite fire.
quently, and at rather unreasonable hours.
being quite assiduous in his attendance
upon her as physician, prescribing medi-
zines Of a peculiar nature. and visiting her
very often. Failing in this attempt, it is
said he took measures TO procure an abOr-
ton, and assured the girl as he left her that
the child would not be born alive. Not
outstanding his assurance, it lcas born
alive, and was neatly dressed and quietly
sleeping when he returnes. twenty-four
hours after. lie claimed the child As his
own, and, taking it away, promised to
care for it. What has been the fate of the
infant, no one knows. The circumstances
were very soon known, notwithstanding the
attempt to conceal them, but the very serious
sickness of the Doctor and the oxpecta-
tion that he could live but very short
time, prevented any public expression.
The matter was talked about in private
circles, and throughout the town. But
As the Doctor improved in health
somewhat, and began to move about, the
Indignation Of the people was aroused to
such an extent that his intimate friends ad-
yi~ed him to leave before a legal process,
should prevent him from going. Under
pretencc OF going to 4 relatives home, to
spend week or SO, to enable him to gain
his health faster, he left for parts I'M
known but supposed to be to Canada
This is one Of the sadjest cases Of wicked
ness IN what were supposed to be respect
able circles which has ever occurred in this
county. DIR. Harmon ha, a wife and one
child to bear with him his great disgrace.
TINS CowENcEurNr CONCERT ON Monday
evening next viii he held at the College
Street church, the City Hall having been
engaged for that evening, some weeks since,
by q variety show.
DRowND.-A young Engli.hman. -
years Of age, named Henry Preston, from
was drowned in the Missisquoi
river, at Richford, on Sunday last. lie had
only been in this country few weeks,
md was working on the extension OF the
Mis-i>quoi Railroad. Sunday afternoon,
with a party Of fellow workmen. he went
IN bathing in Brainerd's mill-pond. near
The Missisquoi Railroad depot. when he
ell from log from which he was stand
ng and went down. lie came up three
lines, and though four or five able-bodicI
men and expert swimmers were urged TO
imp in and save him, they declined to do 4
so. His body was recovered in the eddy 1
eyeral rods below the spot where he went /
Town, about s p. n, mainly through the /
'forts Of Mr.. Thayer,of the crockery house /
If Starkweathcr * Co, of Troy. ny.