Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-02-01
A SPECTRE EyGar.


During the bitter cold nights of the past
month or more, says the Hallowell Register,
the people Of London Hill have been treated
to strange sights. a locomotive headlight
showing itself a. different time. near PAGES
ice houses, and in the immediate vicinity of
the spot where an accident occurred in 1871
Inc light has been seen by the fagman at
the Steam-mill crossing and by considerable
proportion Of the feminine population Of the
Hill. il has the culver and glare of LOGO
motive hcadlight-and stands about four feet
above the track; but strangely enough, this
light disappears if any one approaches with a
view to investigate. The superstitious regard
it as the light of spectre train forboding ac-
cidents; others look upon it as caused by
the reflection of lights. or some optical illu-
sion made by the peculiar condition of the
atmosphere. The more matter of fact ad-
vance the simple explanation that the lights
come from the lanterns of workmen engaged
about the ice. Our readers may select their
own theory. The strangest part of the story
is that Conductor Drew's .'clock evening
train met with this unearthly apparation
ons night recently. As the train
rounded the curve below the scene of
the old accident, the RAYS from this spec
tire light swept the track, the engineer i'm
medately closed the throttle. applied the
brakes, and stopped. On an attempt to in
vestgate, the light disappeared.
T.. III r
mentioned the death of James Austin Bick-
nell, Esq, of Brockton, Mass, formerly
prominent citizen Of Augusta. We have re-
ceived a copy Of ''The Brockton Enterprise"
newspaper. containing sketch of the biogra-
ply of the deceased. Mr.. Bicknell was born
in Abingdon, Mass. in 1872, of Puritan stock
While a hoy his parents moved to the then
province of Maine. and the greater part of
his life was spent in this State, principally in
Augusta, where for II years he held the posi-
ton of Postmaster, having been first appoint
ed by Abraham Lincoln. lie was for many
years one Of the leading citizens of kennebec
county, and represented this county in the
Senate and Augusta in the House of Repre-
charge of the numerous public trusts imposed
upon him in his connection with the various
interests of society and social life, as well as
in his business relations, he was ever es-
teemed by all who knew him as an upright,
conscientious and reliable man, and was uni
versally acknowledged to he safe councillor
and valuable citizen. Several years ago he
returned to his native State, and engaged in
the express business in Brockton. So care
full and painstaking was he in all the details
of business that he gave more of his time and
strength to his business than was prudent,
and no doubt laid the foundation of the brain
trouble which terminated in his death. In
temperament he was retiring and averse TO
any unnecessary or ostentatious display. To
know his real worth is was necessary to find
him out by personal and close acquaintance,
MS his peculiar temperament would not al
low him tb push himself into any prominence
or to seek the duties and responsibilities he
was by nature so fitted to discharge. He
leaves three children.