davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-07-26
BRISTOL HAD WALKED IN HIS
SLEEP.
College cIassmate Related an Eek.
perience in WiIliamstown in 1893.


The inquest Monday was held in
County Clerk Merrifeld's office, and
was open to the public. The first wit
ness was Fred W. Cross of South Roy
ASTON, Mass, who was a classmate of
Bristol in Williams College. When he
saw the account of the shooting he
came to Brattleboro unsolicited and
unknown to offer what he knew in de-
tense of Cressy. Cross testified that
on Sept. Is, 1898, Bristol left Averill
Park, N. Y, where the regiment of
which he was a member in the Span
ish-American war was encamped, and
went to Cross's room in Williamstown.
Cross made him a bed on the floor of
the room opening off his study, and
Bristol went to bed about 10 o'clock.
Cross remained up to do some work,
and was sure that Bristol went to
sleep, as he spoke to him several times
without getting a reply. When Cross
was ready to go to bed he turned the
key in the door leading from his room
into the hall and when he ratified the
key in the lock Bristol jumped out of
bed, rushed out into the room asleep.
When he got where the glare of the
light fell upon his eyes he looked wild
ly about, returned to his room and got
into bed. Cross was sure Bristol was
asleep until he reached the bed. In
talking about the matter afterwards
Bristol said he had habit of walking
in his sleep. Bristol slept with him
again in October, but did not walk in
hissleep. Hespentone night with Cross
in January of this year and Bristoltal
ed in his sleep, but did not get out of
bed. Cross said he never knew Ores
sy or heard his name until last Sat
urday.
Bristol's father, w. F. Bristol, of Bat
tie Creek, Mich, was the next witness
He said he had not seen his son since
September, 1900, and had seen him
but twice in the past four or five
years. He never heard that his son
walked in his sleep until he came to
Brattleboro. He had heard that he
talked in his sleep, but did not think
he was restless sleeper.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-07-26

do you say, doctor?" to which the doc
tor replied: 81 can't tell" DR.. Miller
gave Bristol a hyperdermic injection,
but in a short time the heart stopped
beating and the doctor pronounced
him dead. After that Cressy showed
more feeling, if possible. DR.. Miller
then asked how 1t happened and Cres-
sy told his story.
Question: What was the condition
of the room, the clothing on the bed,
and the carpet?
Answer: There was blood on the
bed, but very little blood on the floor.
At least one of the pillows was in its
proper place and one was under Brls-
tolls head. | am not positive whether
there was a pillow on Cressys side of
the bed The upper sheet was par
TALLY pulled over the body. On a
stand at the head of the bed was a
gold watch and, think. a glass or a
vase. There was no confusion of the
stand. Before he left Cressy got the
revolver either from a bureau or from
the floor near the bureau. His inn
preston was that 1t was picked up
from the floor, in the northwest cor
ner of the room.
Mr.. Fits stated that a story had
been started to the effect that the
young men might have been under
the influence of liquor and suggested
that the witnesses be questioned in
this respect. Mr.. Wellman said there
was no smell of liquor and not parti-
Gle of indication that there had been
any liquor in the room. or that there
had been any card playing or gaming
of any kind. The only odor of liquor
was noticed when Mr.. Wellman open
ed the bottle of brandy which Greasy
brought up from down stairs.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-07-26
The Funeral of Sidney c. Bristol.

The funeral of Sidney G. Bristol was
held in the Congregational vestry at
$50 o'clock Sunday afternoon, Rev
H. r. Miles officiating. 1t was well at
tended, a squad of Spanish-American
war veterans under command of Capt
w. T. Haigh being present in a body
Two solos were rendered by f. H. Mil
Ter. At the close of the service the
body was taken to the undertaking
rooms of H. E. Bond & Son. The
Spanish war veterans acted as escort
and the bearers were Fred w. Cross
and E. c. Root, former college mates
of Bristol. C. c. Fits, E. W. Gibson
L. H. Corser and r. c. Bacon. The
casket was draped with a flag. Mr.
Root, whose home is in Greenwich
Conn, came here from New York or
reading the story of the shooting. He
arrived Saturday afternoon on the
same train which brought Mr.. Bristol
the father. Mr.. Root was a classmate
of Sidney Bristol at Yale.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-07-26

started for the Starr residence, where
he met Mrs. Starr in the hall. He
went to Cressy's room. Bristols body
was lying across the foot of the bed
and Cressy was tanning it. At his
request Cressy got some brandy a
portion OF which Mr.. Wellman gave
Bristol. He thought Bristol swallowed,
but didn't know but that the motion
of the lips might have been spasmodic.
He asked Cressy where. Bristol was
wounded and Cressy said in the shout.
der and abdomen.
Question: What condition was Ores.
sy in when you arrived?
Answer: He was crying and felt
very badly. | took the fan and Ores
sy walked the floor. moaned and said
ooh dear!" repeatedly. DIR. Miller ar.
rived in about 10 minutes. He exam.
ined the body and Greasy said: What
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-07-26
MORTON S. cREssVs STATEMENT

More Details, but Mo. Essential Differ
ence from the Story Told Last
Week.
States Attorney George A. Weston
came to Brattleboro Saturday morning
and the inquest was held before T. J.
Il. Cudworth, justice of the peace, at
the house of Mrs. Clara Starr on
Western avenue, where the shooting
took place, Morton S. Cressy was
the first witness examined, and the
only other testimony given that day
was by his grandmother, Mrs. Starr,
and by Mildred Crown. No one was
admitted to the inquest except the Off
cials and the stenographer. Young
Cressy told the story of his acquaint-
ance with Sidney Bristol, beginning at
Yale college three years ago. The
only close acquaintance he had with
him was when they were associated
in a debate in January, 1900. He saw
him but little at Harvard, and never
was in his room there. There was
never any unpleasantness between
them nor any jealousy.
He then told about meeting Bristol
in Brattleboro Thursday, the latter ac-
site the water house. He gave Bristol
a card and about $50 the latter came
into Mr.. Fitts's office. They then took
n walk around Terrace street and went
TO Mrs. Starts house, and in a few
minutes went to the golf grounds, re-
turning when supper was ready. Bris-
toll spent the evening collecting, and
Cressy, who made a call during the
evening, met him by appointment at
the Brooks House soon after 10 o'clock.
They went to the railroad station to
get Bristol's baggage and reached the
house about 1890. They went to bed
about 11.30, but talked until nearly
2 o'clock. Bristol slept on the back
side of the bed and CTessy in front,
but the bed was pushed out from the
wall so that Bristol could get in from
that side. Cressy stated that he had
never had the nightmare, that he never
dreamed that sometimes when he felt
nervous he would not go to bed and he
sat up late some nights in that way.
He said that he did not drink intoXi-
cants and did not smoke excessively,
When questioned in regard to the re-
Volver, he said that it was under cover
on a table, and that it was perfectly
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-07-26
GRAND JURY MAY CONSIDER EVIDENCE IN SEPTEMBER
Bstos Money Watch and Ring Not Missing Reported Fun
eraI Attended by Spansh-American War Veterans

The shooting of Sidney Gray Bristol
strange and unaccountable today as it
did a week ago when the Brattleboro
community was shocked by the first
story Of the sad affair. At the inquest
Cressy's statement of what occurred
was told. The other two persons in
the house at the time gave their testi-
mony, as did Mr.. Wellman, the first
man called to the house, the physi-
clans, Chief-of-Police Hall, and the
neighbors who heard the shots and
shouts. A college classmate and the
father of young Bristol also appeared
on the witness stand. Some of the tes-
timony was surprising, almost sensa-
tional. It's weak point so far as point
ing toward anything except accidental
shooting is in the lack of coherency.
The people in the several neighboring
houses heard things differently. Prac-
tically all that is known regarding the
affair is spread before the public in the
report of the inquest given herewith.
People may draw their own differences.
The expressions heard on all sides
show wide divergence of opinion.
The Phoenix believes it is well for all
to suspend judgment for the present.
and that it is better to face the situa-
ton charitably, and not to give the
worst possible Interpretation to an af-
fair which is sorrowful in the extreme
in any light. 1t is neither the duty nor
the province of a newspaper, however
to draw conclusions, nor to indulge in
a wild flight of speculations and theo-
ries at this time. The evidence must
stand for what it is worth, and the
grand jury which will consider it at
-. the September term of the Windham
county court, may be relied upon to
deal with the case as it deserves,
calmly, deliberately, free from all
prejudice and passion, and with only
the facts obtainable for guidance.
The shooting was unfortunate, need
less, deplorable, and it emphasizes the
danger of having firearms within the
reach of persons whose emotions are
set with finer hair trigger than that
of the weapon they may use. One
young man has been cut off in all the
promise of an honorable and useful
manhood. Another young man has a
sorrow to carry all his days, and he
is not the only one who suffers. If
any one will but imagine what such
an occurrence might mean in his own
family, he will look at the matter dis
passionately, with slowness to con-
denim, and he will temper his sus-
picion, indignation and resentment, if
such feelings exist, with forebearance,
sorrow and sympathy.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-07-26
IONT PHOENIX, BRATTLEBORO FRIDAY JULY 20 1901.

found one of the bullets under the bed.
l.. was decided that it was the one
that fell from the ceiling over the bed.
A bullet hole was found within six
inches of the ceiling on the east wall
of the room, and another was near the
door casing on the south side. The
bullets which made these holes passed
through the walls and fell to the floor
inside the partition. They were Sc
cured by removing the mop-boards.
The fourth bullet was found in Bris-
tolls body. From the character of the
holes in the walls Chief Hall thought
the bullets were fired from the floor
on the front side of the bed. The only
bullet which was flattened was the one
found under the bed. Chief Hall mark
ed the bullets, and put them in a bot
tie, which he sealed. The bullets were
identified at the inquest, as were also
the night shirts worn by the two young
men. A large portion of Bristors night
shirt was stained with blood, and there
was a bullet hole in the part which
would naturally cover the abdomen.
There was no hole in the shoulder, but
there we're two holes in the part which
would cover the chest, showing that 1t
was twisted over his shoulder when
the shoulder was wounded
Two photographs, made by Pho
tographer Howe, were exhibited.
These showed the position of the body
on the bed, the stand, stand cover and
bottles, but gave little idea of the
room.
States Attorney Weston directed
Coroner Cudworth to file the testimony
with the grand jury at the September
term of the county court.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-07-26
The Testimony of the Physicians.

DIR. H. d. Holton testified that he
went to the Starr house to see Mrs.
Starr, and that he did not go to the
room where the shooting took place
until S o'clock. Cressy was then in a
very nervous and sad condition. The
autopsy, which he helped to perform,
showed a bullet wound in the abdo-
men 81 inches below the naval and
an inch and a half to the right. There
were superficial powder marks around
the wound, which indicated that the
pistol was held from eight to 10 inches
from the body. There was also a
wound on the right shoulder, which,
from the appearance of the powder
marks, was made at distance of II
to 10 inches. The course was from
front to back. and the point of exit
was nearer the point of the shoulder
than was the point of entrance. The
course of the bullet in the abdomen
was backward, slightly downward and
toward the middle of the body. 1t
went through the small intestine, cut
off the external lilac artery, struck the
spine was detected to the right. and
was lying in the psoas muscle. There
were from three to five pints of blood
in the abdominal cavity Death was
due to hemorrhage from the lilac
artery.
DR.. Holton testified that there was
bullet hole in the ceiling directly
over the head of the bed, and that
there was plastering on the pillows,
which had ratified down from the cell
ing There was not the slightest in
dication of liquor about either person.
A bullet was found under the bed. 1t
had a white substance upon 1t which
the doctors thought was plastering.
This bullet was fiattened, but it could
not have been flattened in the shoulder
as the wound in the shoulder was
merely a slight flesh wound.
DR.. A. I. Miller testified that he ar
rived at the house at $40, that Bris-
toll was then gasping, and that death
came after his heart had fiuttered once
or twice. He heard Cressy's story,
which was the same as told by Mr..
Wellman. His testimony as to what
the autopsy showed was the same as
given by DR.. Holton. In addition he
said the bladder was contracted and
contained less than a teaspoonful OF
urine, showing that the bladder had
been emptied within an hour or two.
He said there was little blood on the
floor, and that he would not expect
much external bleeding anyway.
Bristol might have been on the floor a
minute or two without leaving more
blood on the floor. Cressy appeared
nervous and excited but there was not
the slightest indication of liquor. He
said Cressy got the revolver, he should
say, from off the bureau, in order tosee
how many shots he fired, and after ex-
aiming it said -four"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-07-26
What Mr.. WelIman, the First Arrival
at the Starr Home, Saw.

H. P. Wellman, who lives about FIVE
rods from the Starr residence and on
the opposite side of the street, was the
next witness. Mr.. Wellman's dog
woke him up just before 8 o'clock and
then he heard the screen door rattle.
He said "Who is it?" and the reply
came Mort Cressy; I've shot my
friend and want you to get doctor
as soon as possible" Mr.. Wellman
telephoned for DR.. Holton, then DR..
Conland and then DR.. Miller. DR.. Mil
Ter answered and then Mr.. Wellman
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-07-26

second floor and in the northwest cor.
ner of the house. He heard grooming
and screaming, but no cries for help
He said from five to 10 seconds elapsed
between the first and second shots
then two shots came together followed
by the fourth in about five seconds.
Directly after the fourth shot he heard
some one say I'm gone" Then he
heard talking for five or 10 minutes
he went to the window after the
fourth shot, but could not see the Starr
house.
Mrs Laura Mann, wife of ]. e. Mann
said she should think the time be,
tween the first and second shots was
little longer than between the others
She heard the words 81 am gone" after
the last shot, plainly and distinctly
but heard no cry for help. Mrs. Mann
did not get up.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-07-26

AS soon as the stenographer, Miss
Katie Dunleavy, has written out all Of
the testimony, it will be reviewed by
States Attorney Weston. He has the
power to continue further investiga-
ton, or take any action which seems
fit to him regarding the case, if he
considers the developments of suffi-
cient Importance to call for an imme-
date move,
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-07-26

Humors feed on humors-the sooner
you get rid of them the better-Hood's
Sarsaparilla is the medicine to take.
Those unhappy persons who suffer from
nervousness and dyspepsia should use
Carriers Little Nerve Pills, which are
made expressly for sleepless, nervous,
dyspeptic sufferers. Price % cents.
Palpitation of the heart nervousness.
tremblings, nervous headache, cold hands
and feet, pain in the back and other
forms of weaknesses are relieved by Car
ter's Iron Pills, made specially for the
blood, nerves and complexion.
To get relief from Indigestion, bilious
ness, constipation or torpid liver. with
out disturbing the stomach or purging the
bowels, take a few doses of Carriers Lit
oliver Pills, they win please you.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-07-26
Mil! and Farm Property for Sale

The above property owned and operated by
she late John 7; Goodenough, is now offered
Ior sale. THE FARM consists of 90 10 20 acres
OF Iand, INCLUDING tillage and woodland. THE
bniiLDlNGS include saw, grist and single
Must be sold 10 close estate.
For further description and terms address or
can ON Il. NJ: GOODENOUGH, Admir-, West
Brattleboro, VT.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-07-26
AUCTION SALE
In Townshend, VT,
The Fred R. Ford place, near Townshend
east Village, VT, will be sold at auction
Wednesday, July 81 st,

Thirty acres, six of them good meadow and
tillage, remainder pasture and woodland. Pas
ture and hay for two cows and horse. New
ten room hOuse-ony first floor finished. In
sured for $500. Dry seven foot cellar. stone
underpinning. cemeted vault Present supply
of water is insuifcient-pure well water on
hillside but fails in summer; winter and spring
surplus can be stored in reservoir at little
cost, or an unlimited and neverfailing sup
ply of good water can be brought from
height for small eXpense-a supply sufficient
for all purposes, including sewerage. irriga-
ton, fountain, etc. Ideal spot; ten minutes
walk from post Office; beautiful view down
West river valley. Just the place for summer
hotel or first-class quiet country home. Ideal
VILLAGE good academy, hotel. churches. stores,
and graded school. All modern requirements
of travel and communication. Any informa-
ton cheerfully given. Hour of auction leaves
ample time for return to Brattleboro on after
noon train. Train leaves Brattleboro for
Townshend az miesl at 80 A. NJ.
c. p. gibson. Auctioneer
Brattleboro, July 10, 1901 %
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-07-26
chlef-of-Pollce Hall Described Findin
the Bullets.

The last witness was Chief-of-Police
p. S. Hall. Mr.. Hall testified that he
was on his way home, which is on
Western avenue, about $50 O'Clock
when he met DR.. Miller, who told him
what happened at the Starr house
He went to the house, talked with Mr.
Wellman, and then went for Village
Attorney Bacon, Lawyer Fits and Sc
lectman Vinton. 1t was about $50
when he went upstairs.
Much of Mr.. Halls testimony related
to the bullets. He said Dr. Conland
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-07-26
INQUEST INTO THE SHOOTING
Morton Cessys Story of the Tragedy Which Resulted in Death
of Sidney Bristol from Bullet Wounds.
WHAT .NEIGHBORS HEARD ON HATEFUL MORNING

Shot, Strange ExcmatOns Then Three Other Shots But the
Statements Disagree as to What Was Said.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-07-26

THIS signature Is on every box Of the genuine
Laxative BrOmO-Q uinine Tablets
NE remedy that eures n cold In one dav
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-07-26
To Whom it May Concern.

NOTICE is hereby given that my wife,
~ Ollie Anderson, having left my bed and
board without just cause, / hereby forbid all
persons harooring or trusting her on my ac-
count, as shall pay no debts of her contract
ing aIter thls date. CARL ANDERSON
brattleooro, July IL, 1901. $50
Evening star., 1901-12-19
THE CHILE-ARGENTINA DISPUTE.
Prospect That Peaceful Settlement
Will Finally He Reached.

A dispatch from Buenos Ayres today
says: DR.. Amancio Alcorta, the Argentine
minister Of foreign affairs, has had a tele-
graphic communication from Senor Portela,
minister of Argentina to Chile. who is now
at Santiago de Chile. DR.. Alcorta called
upon the president of Argentina, General
Julio A. Roca, three times today.
1t is asserted here that Chile will not re-
ject the notifications to the original
Chilean note suggested by Argentina, but
that she win make certain objections
thereto which will render necessary fur
ther conferences and discussions. 1t is
conceded, however, that even these objec-
tions from Chile will set forth that coun-
try's sincere desire to effect a peaceful set
tlement of the trouble.
Senior Concha SubercaseauX. the Chilean
minister to Argentina, and Senior Alcorta
held long conference here today.
The Tribuna denies the assertion that the
negotiations will be concluded here, and
says that Senior Portela has sufficiently
ample powers to effect a conclusion at San
tiago de Chile.
The Diario publishes a telegram from
Valparaiso to the effect that Chile has sue
ceeded in concluding negotiations for the
purchase of the Russian battle ship Retvi-
zan, built by the Cramp Shipbuilding Com
pany of Philadelphia, and that, further,
Chile has obtained a formal promise from
the builders Of the cruiser and of the three
torpedo-boat destroyers, which were bought
the early part of this month, to deliver the
vessels in question some time next January.
Evening star., 1901-12-19

the completion of the roads proposed and
only IL they failed In every case to earn a
net profit of themselves.
That Congress enact a general coinage
law providing for the establishment of a
gold standard, with local silver currency,
and confer power upon the commission. by
gold reserve and otherwise, to maintain
the parity between the gold standard and
the local currency.
That Congress enact a general banking
law for the islands. providing for the es-
tablishment Of national banks in the is
lands, with branches in various parts Of
the islands and in the United States, for
tn. establishment Of branches in those is
lands Of national banks located in the
United States, for the carrying on and
supervision of other banks not national, and
for the establishment of mortgage land
banks.