Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-10-10

Further Particulars In Regard to the Ter
rible Deed.
SUNDAY night, as indicated by our de-.
patches. the town of Liberty. Maine, was tn,
scene OF terrible tragedy which has shocked
not only the Inhabitants of the quiet town il
which the deed was perpetrated, but also tn,
people at large throughout the State. Am
orose Daggett. young man 90 years of age
deliberately shotthrough the head and instant
~ killed Miss Ella Greedy, and almost immed
lately afterwards put bullet through his
own head, expiring instantly.
THE SCENE.
OF this CHASTITY crime is on the Waldoboro road
about mile south of Liberty village. Here
stands, on slight elevation. about 10 rode
from the road, farm house occupied by
David Greedy and differing but little from
many others which will be found scattered
through the country towns. 1t stands end
to, and on the easterly side of the road, and
consists OF front or main part and an ell,
which joins the house TO a barn. IL VA,
OF scores of seasons. it now wears that dingy
faded color, so characteristic of old houses
which have been built many years. Back of
the house is thrifty orchard, in which Dag
gett, after killing his victim put an end to
his own life. 1t does not look like spot
where murder would be committed, but
rather wears the appearance of one of those
quiet methodical New England farm houses,
of which poets and authors have been wont
to treat. Around the house, are
fertile moving fields, while away in the
distance can be seen stretches of forest Grim
soned by October's touch. The owner of the
farm is Mr.. David Greedy, a we'll to do farm
er, about 60 years of age, who has resided
there for many years. His family has con-
sisted of late of himself, wife, daughter
Ella, II years Of age, the murderer's vic
tim, and several hired men One of these
hired men was Ambrose Daggett, young
man about 22 years of age. Daggett had
been employed by the farmer for about four
years on the farm and in a cooper's shop,
making lime casks. During all this time
Daggett, being thrown into the society of Ella.
fell in love with her, she giving him more or
less encouragement, as near as can be ascer-
tanned. Last winter he accompanied her to
dancing school in the neighborhood. For
some time past she had been employed doing
homework at DR.. Porter's in Liberty, re-
turning home one day last week. 1t
appears that at times the young lady
had rode out and accompanied other
young men, which had invariably exas-
perated Daggett and he had ofttimes
threatened Elias life.
On THE AFTERNOON
of the murder young man of her acquant-
ance appeared at Mr.. Greely's with a team,
and taking Ella, went out to ride in the di-
rection of Liberty village. Tins was too
much for Daggett He Immediately follow ed
them, going far the village. Here he
stopped and waited until the couple came
back. On their return he saw them riding
back and exclaimed to bystander "G-d
d-m her let her go, there are plenty
more" Miss Greedy arrived home about )
o'clock. Daggett returned soon after and
entering the apartm mt where the young lady
was he sat down one side of the room Ella
No one else was present but an old man Mr..
and Mrs Greedy being in another part of the
house. Suddenly, about o'clock, Daggett
jumped up from his seat, pulled out his re-
volver, and with deathly swoop, and
without speaking word. rushed
towards the young lady. Arriving at her
side, he placed the muzzle of the rev 1lver on
one side of her neck, just below the ear
and fired. The bullet passed through the
head of the poor girl. and out near the oppo-
site cheek bone. Upon this the murderer
ran out of a back door and into the orchard,
lifted the revolver and put a bullet through
his own head Aroused by the shooting, Mr..
and Mrs. Greedy rushed into the room and
found their daughter weltering in her life's
blood. She lived about five minutes and
expired Mr. Greedy hearing the report Of
the pistol in the orchard. went out, and found
Daggett just breathing his last.
The News
of the murder and suicide spread through
the town with lightning rspidity. Intense
excitement prevailed. People gathered from
miles around and the house was crowded.
IL was the topic of conversation everywhere.
Never had such an atrocious crime been per
petrated in that section before, and the
murdered girl was well known and highly IT =
spected in the community were her father
and all her relatives. She is spoken of as
havins been quite pretty and ~insome, hav-
ing dark ewes and hair, the latter falling over
her shoulders in curls Ambrose Daggett
bore hard reputation. Ii is said he
was a cheap character. with low propensities :;
was ignorant and hardly knew how to read
and write. About all he knew was how to
make lime casks. His hair was red and com
plexion fiord. He was a thick set man about
feet inches in height and would probably
weigh l75 pounds. His relatives reside in
South Liberty. 1t is asserted that Mr.. Greedy
did not as a rule keep first class help, but
employ ed such fellows as Daggett to work
on his farm.
The CAUSE
of this dual crime doubtless the
green eyed monster. The young lady had
undoubtedly given Daggett some encourage
M nj until he had become infatuated with her.
When she rode out or went with
other men. he became exssperated
and Jealous Indeed, when seen at Liberty
village. an hour before the murder. his face
was livid and he tremhled like leaf.
The funeral of the murdered girl occurred
at O'Clock. yesterday afteroeon. at the