Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-03-20
MURDER AT CARMEL.
Fatal Ending of a Quarrel Be-
tween Two Brothers.
In Resisting Attack Of Brother Upon
Himself and Wife
Frank Thompson Kills His Brother Edward
Gives Himself Up and confesses.

In the death of Edward Thompson at the
hands of his brother Frank, in North
Carmel, last evening A plain story and
a-half farm house on the road from North
Carmel post office to South Levant was
the scene Of the fatal encounter between
two brothers, who hitherto have lived to-
gether in comparative harmony. This
tragedy, whatever may be the verdict of
the jury, will blight the life of a man who
has always borne good reputation, and
will shadow the lives of his wife and three
small children.
Edward and Frank R. Thompson,
brothers, had lived together all their lives
on the home farm in that town. On the
death Of their father they inherited the
property, which included fine farm, and
this property they had since held in COM
mon. Frank was the younger. Edward
was an aggressive man, somewhat dicta
torial in his manner, especially, it is said,
when he had been drinking cider, as he
sometimes did, though both men were
respected by the people of the town. Six
years ago Frank married a young woman
of good family and three children have
been born to the union.
Of late years it is said that Frank had
chafed a little under the sometimes over
bearing ways of his brother, and once or
twice they had come to the village with
the intention of having the property
divided. They invariably went home
satisfied that it was better to hold it in
common.
The quarrel, which resulted in the
fratricide, began over a simple matter.
During the absence of Edward, day or
two ago, hay press came along and
Frank engaged it to press some hay. On
Edwards return he found fault with this
and the quarrel began, which continued
until last evening The brothers were
then in the sitting room. 1t is said that
Ed, becoming heated, declared he'd show
the cold woman" Franks wife, how
he'd "straighten him out. p" Frank
claims he protested, but that Ed grappled
him and threw him down.
Franks wife came to his rescue, and
Ed Infatuated, turned upon her, threw
her down. broke one of her fingers and
otherwise maltreated her.
Frank sprang to his feet and Selling
stick of wood from the woodbox, struck
his brother over the head.
His wife ran screaming from the house
to the nearest neighbours, about 80 rods
distant
When they arrived on the scene the
body of the dead man lay near wall OF
the rom. He head was beaten to pulp
and blood was spattered to several feet up
and about the wall and on the floor. 1t
is thought that the first blow killed him
but the Infatuated brother must have
struck him many times in perfect
frenzy.
Lewis G.. Written, Esq, who is men,
Der CT the board of selectmen and also
member of the Legislature from North
Carmel, visited Frank after the latter had
given himself up to the authorities. he
found him apparently unconcerned and
upon Mr. Whitten's entering the room
remarked, 'tHulloa, cold out, isn't it:'
Mr.. Written motioned for Frank to take
a seat beside him, which he did in rather
defiant manner. Mr.. Written said
=" Frank, how did this happenf" Frank
then broke down and told practically the
story as related above.
Concerning the brutal manner in which
he had beaten his brother, he claimed that
he remembered of striking him, but
couldn't remember anything about the
number of times.
| Frank Thompson was brought to this
city, this morning, and lodged in jail.
| Later an inquest was held
The stick of wood used in the killing
| was about 90 inches long and about two
inches in diameter, evidently an apple
tree limb. 1t was snatched from the
woodbox indicating that the killing was
not premeditated.
| Coroner Hartman of this city went to
| Carmel, today, and held an inquest on the
death of Edward X. Thompson, Killed,
Yesterday. by his brother, Charles
| Thompson. jury was impanelled and
an inquest held in the kitchen where the
tragedy occurred. After viewing the
| premises the jury went to the house OF
| Frank Storer, where Mrs. Thompson, wife
of the murderer, was lying Frustrated by
the shock and injuries received from the
| murdered man.
She managed to tell the story of the
tragedy. She said Edward was quarrel
some always and, yesterday, had Dech
| growing about the house and abusing
everybody. During the afternoon ne Went
down cellar, cut up some turnll S ana
| while there drank much hard cider, COM
| ing up intoxicated Her husband went
| TO the barn and Edward followed him
there her husband returning in short
time. being afraid to stay out there with
| him.
| Edward returned SON and began abus
ing and threatening, finally striking at
| Charles. who seized him. Mrs Thomp-
son tried to pull Edward away, when he
| turned upon her. knocked her down,
jumped on her and choked her. Her nus
band seized stick of wood and struck
Edward on the head several times, killing
Edward
There are marks on tie woman's body
and neck where Edward attecked ier. A
number of neighbors testified to the excel
| lent character OF Charles, and the ugly,
ouarrelsome disposition of Edward, and
said the latter threatened the life of
| Charles, two years ago.
The Jury finally rendered a verdict that
Edward K. Thompson came to his death
NV . club in the hands OF Charles +.
THOMPSON n The murderer is at the