Barre evening telegram. (Barre, Vt.) 1898-19??, 1901-03-28
uNEARTHED
A Tragedy Of Seventy
Years Ago
BROUGHT TO LIGHT
Jealous Husband Shackled His
wife To Death

men removing a cellar wall under a
dilapitated building just north OF the
bridge that crosses Fair Haven River,
quarter of mile above Carver's
Falls, have apparently unearthed evil
dence which solves the mystery Of a
murder which occurred seventy years
ago. The discovery was made by ac-
cident.
The laborers were removing some
heavy fat stones at the base Of the
wall, when suddenly the earth gave
way under their feet and they fell in
to pit about eight feet deep.
When they recovered from their
fright and confusion, ant examina-
tion of the premises was made, and
the pit was found to be about seven
feet square, with solid stone wall
about twenty inches thick surround
ing it.
In the centre OF the pit was set a
solid iron post about four feet high
and four inches in thickness, and at.
tached to this post was a heavy iron
chain three feet in length, and linked
to this chain was heavy old-fashion-
ed pair OF handouts, and nearby was
heap of human bones. =
The men were rescued from their
position andinquiry was made concern.
ing the premises. 1t was learned
that about IS years ago Perry Borden
a young Frenchman came into this
neighborhood and hired out to work
on farm. He proved to be good
hand and Mr.. Hamilton his employer
kept him for nearly five years. He
was economical and frugal, saved near
ly all his wages. He often spoke of a
little girl In Canada who was to be-
come his wife.
At last he went to Montreal to
bring her home. Before going how
ever he spent nearly three months in
building the structure they are now
removing.
One day in May 1881, Borden ap-
peared accompanied by a charming
and exceedingly pretty French girl
about 20 years of age whom he intro
duced as his wife. They occupied the
little house already prepared for them
and everything went on pleasantly for
a time.
The young wife was witty and viva
cious and attracted considerable atten'
tion from some Of the young men who
lived in the neighborhood.
At last Mr.. Borden became jealous
Of his young wife and forbade her
visiting a certain tavern kept near.
by. The young and high tempered
wife would not submit to be dictated
TO by her husband and continued te
occasionally visit the old inn. One
dark, stormy night in November
1881, she was at the place, when al
about 10 O'Clock Borden came to the
door and called for her. She imme
diately went with him. Pretty Mrs
Borden never was seen by her friends
after that.
A few days later inquiries wer'
made concerning her, and Mr.. Border
said bis wife had deserted him ant
fled to Canada. No steps were eve
taken to ascertain the facts 10 tn
case and the disappearance remained
unSOlved.
Mr.. Borden remained at the oil
home for a year, then he locked "
! the windows, and the same day LEI
for parts unknown.
He was not heard Of again unit
1882, when he suddenly appeared ii
town. He was an old, gray-haire'
man. who said he had been at sea TO
the so years he had been away. IL
was familiar with nearly every sea
port in the world.
His mind seemed somewhat Shatter
ed and he had spells when he was sui
len, morose, and, some thought, danger