The Portland daily press., 1894-05-08
THE OBLIGING TRASK.
How He Helped Mrs. Getehell Do the
House Work
AND DRANK CIDER AND RUM WITH
HER HUSBAND.

He Denies Point Blank IhaC HIS Demean-
or Towards the Defendant Was in Any
Way Improper-His Testimony Occu-
pied the Entire Day in the Murder
Trial at Augusta and Is Not Completed.
Especial to the Press.l
Augusta, May 7.-Interest in the Getchell
case today centered in the testimony of
Laforest Trask, called by the defense. He
stated he is 38 years old and lives at his
fathers in Sidney. Never had home of his
own. His wife died about seven weeks ago.
Never was divorced. Was married eighteen
years ago. Never applied for divorce and
didn't know that his wife ever did. When
they lived together it was at his father S.
Hadn't lived together for six years. Twice
he had lived with his father near the
Getchel house. His acquaintance began
with Henry Getchell when boy when he
lived across the road. Went to school with
him. They used to be together good deal
as boys. He worked for Henry during the
sickness of old Mr. Getchen. Witness took
care of the old gentleman in his last sick
ness. Was hired by Henry to do it. Was
with Henry good deal before the latter's
marriage: Had known Mrs. Getchell before
she married Henry. She worked in the
factory in Augusta, and when he hauled
wood to her boarding place used to see her.
She did house work at the Getchell house.
She then went to the Lyon house where her
sister was. She returned to Henry GetchelFs
as his wife.
Witness had been with Henry Getchell
about half the time since the latter was
married. Had been with him more than
with her own brother when he wasn't work
ing there.
NEVER HAD HOT WORD
the time of Henry's marriage to the time of
his death there was never any disturbance
of their friendship. Witness engaged to
work at Getchells three or four months out
of the year. Sometimes without pay and
sometimes changed work with him. Henry
always kept the account save through
haying. At no other time did witness keep
the debit and credit. Henry generally
would make the settlement. Went there
frequently to see the folks and the family.
Used to play games there. Used to play
checkers good deal with him. frequently
went fishing to Snow pond, where they kept
a boat. The key and the oars were kept at
cider quite often. He always kept cider
there and sometimes about the premises
kept strong liquors. He kept the strong
liquors out in the barn, and witness used to
get drink of that occasionally. Would
come to Augusta with him when he didn't
have any business. The common thing to
do was to go in and get drink when they
first got there.
eli 1icrht cfT in hn a
this and Mr.. Heath made a few remarks
relative to behavior in the court room.
Henry usually paid for the liquor.
Had been to campmeeting with the
family on picnics and to Ocean Point
Last summer he and Henry were at the
Belgrade camp ground together. Went
fishing. They stopped at Mrs. Trask's
cottage on the camp ground. They took
two gallons of cider from home and two
gallons more were bought. Marcellus
Blaisden was with them. A party of four
were there again last summer. That day a
two gallon jugful was taken and Mr.. Blais-
dell bought two gallons more. Had been TO
Ambrose Getchells to get cider for Henry.
Witness said he never played cards in his
life.
Henry had been to witnesses house at times
without any particular errand. Witness
said his mother wouldn't let him keep cider
at his house SO he kept
STRONG LIQUORS IN A GRAIN BOX
in the barn. He occasionally saw Mrs.
Getchen at her house, when Henry was
away. 1t made no difference whether Henry
was there. Would sit and talk with her.
Carried wood and water, churned, swept
carpets, etc. Painted some. Used to help
her about the house. This was without pay.
Had been berrying with her but never
alone.
He had done carpenter work for Mrs.
Getchell Henry had no mechanical skill.
Didn't think Henry could sharpen a sled
stake as it ought to be done. Mrs. Getchell
behaved toward him as sister. Ali treated
him as if he were a member of the family.
Whenever there, went into the cupboard
and helped himself whenever he was
hungry.
Used to take care of the children some-
times when Mrs. Getchell was about her
work, and s8metimes when Henry and his
wife went away. They had sent for him to
do that. Mrs. Getchen was inclined to joke
and train. Remembered of her pushing him
into Henry when the latter was lying on the
lounge.
ssWhat we're your feelings toward Mrs.
Getchell?''
ssDon't know as l could tell you how
much. 1 thought considerable of her. There
was never any love for her. liked her,
Ibid you ever make love to her or she to
you?''
ssNo, sir. Sne never indicated it. Never
thought of it so far as / know"
During all the time did you ever kiss
Mrs. Getchell?'
ssNever kissed her in my life.''
ssDid YOU ever take liberties with her?''
tNo. sir. Never had conversation, OF did
ANYTHING that I hadn't just as soon her