Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-11-27
THE TACOMA TRAGEDY.
The Murderer Taken to the Bloody
Scene of His Crime-NeW Testi.
mony at the Coroner's
Inquest.
PLYMouTH. n. H. n,


was taken there on the train leaving here at
O'Clock this morning, in charge of the Of
fcers. large crowd witnessed the depart
ure There were no demonstrations. Many
went down out of curiosity. The prisoner
elept soundly all night in an upper room of
the hotel, closely guarded, while the other
two slept in the adjoining room. He ate
heartily at supper and breakfast was as self
possessed as ever, and would admit nothing.
TACOMA, N. H., Nov. 26.
Samon, the alleged murderer, arrived here
today In the coroner's inquest, resumed
this morning. DR.. Foster testified to making
an examination of Mrs, Ford, the one that
was carried to the Rudy house in . trunk,
and it was probable she came to her death by
a heavy body falling upon her, perhaps the
knees striking near the heart. This is new
testimony az it was supposed she came to
her death by strangulation or drugging. He
states that the knife wound on the legs was
done after desth. John c. Ford, husband of
the murdered lady, who was arrested on sus-
piciOn yesterday, was present at the hearing
in the court house and voluntarily testified.
He was calm and apparently unconcerned.
His age is 50. Till afternoon blood has been
found on the ground near the Rudy house
in the road. Considerable of fracas took
place at Ruddy's house last evening, as the
Irish parties in town attempted to have a
wake which caused row between them and
those in charge or the bodies. They were
finally driven of after arrests were threat
ened.
Intense excitement still prevails about the
town over the murder committed early Sum-
dav forenoon.
Ina carriage this morning, going from
Lake Village to the Jail, were Sheriff Story,
Deputy Whittier, ex-Sheriff Manson Brown
of Plymouth and the prisoner. The latter
was nervous and excited. His eyes had a
restless look. He was dressed shabbily,
wearing a soft, brown hat with close fitting
crown. He will remain in Jail until hear
ing of the case is granted. He appeared
calm and speaks only when spoken to.
He says the first he knew of the murder
was when man overlook him near New
Hampton station and asked him to ride, and
also asked him if he had heard Of the terrible
crime, to which he replied that he had not.
Spots of blood, partially washed of with
water, had been found in Samons bedroom
from which the trunk was taken. Spots of
blood were also found on the sink and upon
a cake of soap. showing that the Ford muir
der was committed, no doubt, in his tene-
ment in the upper story.
At the inquest today, DR.. Foster testified
that in his opinion Mrs. Ford's death was
caused by ruptured heart, induced by pres
sure upon the chest with perhaps the knees
of man or woman. Her stomach was found
entirely empty, showing that she had taken
no food on the day of her death. Traces of
animal heat were perceptable at the exam
ination, from which it was evident that death
had occurred about "a hours previous. and
not within that time.
John c. Ford. husband of the murdered
woman, was again put on the stand in the
aft A-ll II
and testified voluntarily, and did not cross
himself in a single sentence. There was no
suspicion of any intimacy between his wife
and Samon until three weeks ago. She was
always at home when he returned from work.
and when he found her absent Saturday
night he suspected that something was
wrong. He had not seen Samon since Fri
day night He said the actions of his wife
plagued him Saturday. He went to bed at
9 O'Clock and early in the morning Officers
Stevens and Ford raped at the door inquir
ing for Samon. He told them he was sure
that he was not in and had not been all night.
He did not 60 to Samons room the night be-
fore.
His testimony continued at great length,
and was followed BY Mrs. Smith, who resides
in the came house, and . number Of others
who had seen Mrs. Ford and Samon together
the whole afternoon
Ford. upon being told Sunday forenoon
that Samon had killed the woman. exclaimed,
"Oh, my God. he has killed my wife!" He
says he did not know the trunk, but the
wheelbarrow was his. Mrs. Samon recog
nized the trunk which contained the body as
one belonging to her.
The attendance at the coroner's inquest
has been large. The hearing to be given the
prisoner will take place At the conclusion of
the coroner's inquest.
1t is said that while Samon was wheeling
the trunk through the street, several dogs
we're seen following close behind, no doubt
attracted by the contents. Samon was sew.
eral times obliged to stop and drive them
away from the trunk.
Mrs. Rudy 10 slowly recovering. The
streets are thronged with people, anxious to
get the latest news from extras published BY
the newspapers here. 1t has not ~ yet been
decided when the funeral services over the
dead bodies will take place, As it is probable
that further examination will be made of
Mrs. Ford's body.
Mr. RudGy's two brothers from Boston ar
rived on the late train tonight, and many
fear there will be trouble during the night,
As threats we're made during the day BY the
anxious crowd at the depot, who we're dis
appointed this forenoon. It 10 probable there
will be no trouble At the Jail.