Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-05-21
a TRIPLE MURDER.
An Insane Father Kills. Three ofhis Chill
dren and Endeavors to Take his
own Life.
IMaine banner .Report. /

Maine Farmer .Report.l
A quiet spot in the suburbs Of Augusta
was the scene of terrible tragedy Satur-
day afternoon. Jason p. Scribner lived
on the Brook road so-called,near Coomb's
mills and about three miles north from
the State House. He is about thirty-six
years of age and until two years ago he
lived life of dissipation He had wife
and has had eight children, FIVE of whom
we're living on Saturday. Since he re-
formed from drinking two years ago, he
has grown morose and sullen, and his
condition and threats have caused much
anxiety on the part of his wife and neigh
bors. We are informed that several COM
plants have been made to the city
authorities, but have been UNDECIDED.
Scribner had small farm which he
carried on, but worked out much of the
time Saturday when he returned from
work he was unusually cross and threw
out dark hints of what he intended to do.
About three O'Clock Mrs. Scribner went
to the cemetery, Situated but short dis
lance from the house to plant some How
ers Scribner followed her with hoe
and scolded her most of the time Upon
their return, and while about the door of
the house he attempted to strike the
children with 4 spade, but his wife inter-
fered and prevented him and went with
them into the house. Scribner followed
and with the spade dealt his little five
years old boy named Earnest fearful
blow upon his head which knocked him
down and then repeated the blow. He
then rushed at the other children and
struck down two of them. The mother
then seized her wounded babe and followed
by the Oldest boy escaped from the house.
Scribner did not follow his wife, but leav-
ing the house fed across the fields, and
taking a razor from his pocket which he
had carried for some time he attempted
suicide. He nearly severed his wlndpipe,
but Just missed the artery, thus failing IN
his attempt at his own life He vas
soon after arrested and lodged in the Ken
nebec jail. His wounds were dressed and
he appeared rational, but denied all
knowledge of the terrible deed he had
committed. The little girl Maud, three
years old, he killed on the spot and the
babe one year old died at midnight. The
boy Earnast was alive Monday morning
but he was unconscious with little hope
of recovery. The oldest boy was away at
work in an adjoining town and knew
nothing Of what had transpired until late
in the evening.
Scribuer says that the first he remem-
bered was when he was lying in the held
where he had fed after committing the
deed, covered with blood. He says that
he has often disputed with his wife, but
never struck her or any Of the children
About two years ago he left of drinking
and experienced religion He could not
bear to have any one cross or dispute
with him upon religious subjects. When
excited he felt a pressure upon the fore
head and would lose himself for time
lie had frequent quarrels with his brother,
who lives near, and imagined that his
brothers wife jeered and made fun OF
him. He thought all the neighbors and
relatives were against him. He wanted
to sell his place last year and 20 away,
but his wife would not. He spoke well
Of his wife and said no man loved his
children better than he ooh, God, he
exclaimed, "what shall do Why did |
do it ?" He requested that he might have
an interview with his wife Monday.
Scribner will weigh $50 pounds and Is
rather muscular. He has red hair and
whiskers, and appears like man Of fiery
and excitable temper, unable TO control
himself when in fit Of passion. lie has
broken in his own windows, and only a
short time since cut up his brothers har.
ness and broke up his carriage, but said
he had no recollection ofthese transactions
Mrs Scribner tells a sad tale Of cruelty
and wrong. For the last two years many
times she has had nothing TO eat IN the
house, and lived six weeks on bread and
water. Five years ago he, in drunken
spree, caused the death Of 3 little child
By accidentally scalding it. Over this
he brOoded considerably. Mrs Scribner
asserts that he is not insane but ugly.
Scribuer had a brother die some time
since at the Insane Hospital, and it Is
thought by some that Scribner has been
insane BY spells for two years. He is one
of twenty-one children.
The opinion generally prevails In this
community that when Scribner committed
the terrible deed, he was under the infu-
ence of an insane frenzy, and that the
loss of blood from the wound in his neck
reduced the pressure upon the brain and
restored him TO consciousness. he exhib-
It's great sorrow and regret for what he
has done. He was arraigned before the
Municipal Court Tuesday and pleading
guilty, was remanded to Jail to await the
action Of the Grand Jury. The little boy
Earnest is still alive
....- NJ. -.