Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1878-07-17
Melancholy Affair In Plainileld.

The most distressing and melancholy affair that
has occurred in this usually quiet and peaceful
town for many day took place ON " lamson's
HILL" on Friday afternoon Of last week, between
one and two o'clock, resulting in the tragic death
Of Ambrose Bancroft, aged nineteen years-son
Of Charles Bancroft who shot himself with rifle
in the "sugar place just back of the house. The
widespread excitement and interest manifest
calls for the following well authenticated report
of the affair Ambrose Bancroft has always borne
the reputation Of being n rough, beadstrong and
wilful boy, often showing resentment when re-
monstrated with for his conduct-eyen going so
far sometimes, it said as to threaten his fathers
liie and also the taking of his own. On the other
hand, his father is represented as an inoffensiye,
kind man, requiring nothing unreasonable and
seeking only the welfare Of his son As an Illus
tration of this, not long since Mr. Bancroft pos
sessed fine team, and while willing his boy
| should use it, he was so inclined TO abuse and
overdrve it, and when cautioned against such
course became so angry, that MIR. Bancroft, rather
than have the team " bone OF contention In
the family disposed OF It, This act, though done
in kindness, the son "roled as n sweet morsel
under his tongue determined on future satisfac-
ton On the morning of the tragic event young
Bancroft had shown an angry spirit, and words
| had passed between him and his father, though he
had taken his place in the hay field moving. AZ
ter dinner Mrs. Bancroft thought, II asked, he
would again assist, as they had considerable to
do and so said to her husband, who spoke to Am
| brose pleasantly "Come, Bub, won't you come
out and help us get in the hayT' Perhaps |
shall and perhaps | shant," was the angry re-
Spouse. Then followed an alteration in which
excited and vehement language was used, and
great anger manifested on the part Of the son.
Mr.. Bancroft left, Immediately going into the
field Mrs Bancroft, not being a strong woman,
and unable to stand the excitement, had lain down
to rest, and, calling Ambrose to her side in all
the kindness of a mothers love, prompted by a
pure Christian spirit, tried to demonstrate with
him for his conduct-all to no purpose, however,
as he seized his gun (having first burnt up his
diaries) and started from the house, His mother
called after him: "D Don't do anything rash that
you will be sorry for" To which he replied
"This trouble is ended" Mrs, Bancroft became
so impressed that something awful was to hap
pen, she could not rest, and commenced walking
the floor In this distress Of mind she caught up
her Bible, and as it first opened her eyes caught
this passage: " Behold, your house is left unto
you desolate. In great agony oil soul sne called
her husband, made known her feelings, and de-
sired him to follow and ascertain II anything had
happened to Ambrose. The father, thinking it
but another idle threat tried to appease her by
going toward the woods, accompanied by another
son, and discovering nothing, resumed his work.
At five o'clock Ambrose not coming to supper,
diligent search was made, when the horrible
tragedy was discovered. 1t seems that soon after
entering the woods he had loaded his gun with an
overcharge, using nearly pound of powder; he
then placed the muzzle to his head, the butt end
resting upon the ground, and with the ramrod
touched off the trigger. His head was so COM
pletely blown to pieces that nothing was left to
show its previous formations the barrel of the
gun was burst, and, with parts Of the head, was
scattered in all directions. Sufficient Of the face
not remaining for Identification the remains were
carefully wrapped in a blanket, placed in coffin,
and on the following day were committed to
bural- father and brother and a few neighbors
following them to the place of sepulchre, after
services at the now truly "desolate" home. A
sad and impressive lesson is taught in this tragic
affair, and should he wisely applied A.