The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1903-03-12

ASHFORD.
Mrs. Mary Lillian Manson was placed
on trial at Putnam Tuesday, charged with
numbering Mrs. Julia Wilson of Ashford
last December Sixty five talesmen had
been summoned, and nearly the entire day
was spent In an effort to secure jury
Ora Wilson, son of the dead woman,
was the first witness. His testimony re-
lated to the illness OF his mother, and her
condition at the time of her death. He
also described the presence of Mrs. MAN.
son In the house during the illness OF Mrs.
Wilson, and said that she administer ed
medicine to the sick woman. Yesterday
Wilson stated that on the night before
his mothers death he watched by her
bedside during the entire night, and that
Mrs. Manson also sat up He said that
he changed his mothers wrapper In the
morning, and that when he was leaving
the room Mrs. Manson entered. When
he came back Mrs. Manson was gone,
and he found that his mother was dead.
He sought Mrs Manson and told her.
ly affected. The only remark she made,
according to the witness, was, ''It is too
bad; awful" Mre. Rose Tanner was the
second witness examined. She said she
was called by Ora Wilson to assist In lay
ing out the body. When she suggested
dressing the body Mrs. Manson said she
had already attended to that. Mrs. Ma.
son said that the boys, George end Ora,
believed that their mother died Of cancer
of the stomach, the disease which had
caused the death of their sister. Mrs.
Manson expressed sorrow at Mrs. Will
sons death. After the autopsy had been
held and the physicians had removed the
stomach of the dead woman for examina-
ton, Mrs. Manson, according to the wit
mess, remarked that she wished that she
could get hold of the jar containing the
stomach, SO that she might put "some-
thing into 1t to destroy It," Later witness
said she asked Mrs Manson why she did
not go to bed, as she had been sitting up
nights caring for the sick woman, and
that Mrs. Manson replied that she did
not dare to go to sleep. Following Mrs.
Tanner, her husband, Arthur FL. Tanner,
took the witness stand. He corroborated
his wife's testimony. Coroner Arthur G..
Bill of Danielson then took the stand and
gave important testimony concerning the
autopsy on the body of Mrs. Wilson,
which was performed by DIR. Robinson.
Throughout the days session Mrs. Man.
son seemed alert and took notes of the
testimony, frequently Offering sugges,
tions to her attorney. The court room
was crowded at the afternoon session,
fully half ofithe spectators being women.
AS there are thirty witnesses to be ex-
amined, 1t Is expected that the trial will
consume nearly two weeks.
North Ashford.
Chas. Buell. is unfortunate In having
one of his heavy work horses seriously
injured, and fears 1t will have to be killed:
The school has closed for three
weeks vacation. The pupils have been
very much interested this term In writing
compositions for the school visitors. T.
Notwithstanding the heavy storm, the
Baptist Sunday school held It's session
with the small number of ten, but prof
liable session. There was no church SER
vice.
Westford. ...... y
Oliver g. West was in New Hampshire
on Is business trip last week.
Dana Jaquith Of Jaffrey, N. H., has
been visiting at Oliver Vests. -
There will be social at Henry Upton's
Friday, March goth. ALI are invitei.
The farm and personal property Of the
late George q. Barrett will be sold at
public auction Saturday, March 2sth, at
10 a. m.
| A church meeting will be held next
Sunday to vote upon the question of hir-
ing Mr.. Ryder. A large attendance lie
Required.
The Axefactory school closed last week
for the spring vacation. The school has
done excellent work for the past term
under the leadership of its enthusiastic
teacher, Miss Hammond. Every pupil
handed In a composition to the school
visitor. The compositions were very
nicely written, and each pupil deserves
highest commendation for the excellent
work done. .,
The several items which have been go.
ing the rounds of the press In regard to
the town of Ashford being disreputable
place are very misleading. 1t has always
been considered one of the best and grand.
est old towns In the state, and we much
prefer to live here and keep our children
away from city temptations than to run
the risk Of educating them at Five Points
as has been SO much talked of. At oul
last town election a vote was taken or
the license question, and but a small vote
was cast for license, which goes to show
the sentiment of our towns people In re-
gard to this question. We believe.C vi
town (although not perfect) Is one of the
best, and an ideal place to raise children
for business and health. OF course We
are all right. Notice the honorable mer
raised In old Ashford who have gone Out
to larger fields of work. Our town hal
had its share of honor, and Is still enjoy
ing 1t.
UNION.
There are three cases of measles II
town.
Stephen Tiff closed his school in dis