New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-10-01
STRIFE WITH DEXTER.
Adirondack Landowners an Too
Cl0sses-A Murder Mystery.
rRr III reK.ru 10 TIE TRIRrNE.l

Lake George. y. Y, Sept. 30.-An attempts TO
faSteu the recent murder OF Orlando p Dexter
at Dexter Lake, IN the Adirondacks. on his
aeighbors have thus far proved fruitless. ana it
is thought in this locality that the murder will
always remain a mystery.
From the recent developments between the
Adirondack natives and the owners Of extensive
lumber districts and preserves it appears that
the landowners are divided into two classes
With those who allow fishing. hunting and
tripping on their lands the natives have no
quarrel, but. on the other hand. landowners
who have forbidden all fishing and hunting
seem 10 have incurred the hatred Of the resi-
dents who. as recent outbursts Of feeling Snow
resent the attempts 10 drive them from their
old hunting grounds.
To this latter class OF iandholders Orlando 7.
Dexter, who was murdered near his home at
Dexter Lake. belonged. Ever since Mr.. Dexter
took up his summer residence there he mace
enemies Of natives. Mr. Dexter bought large
tract OF lane of A. J. Norton for which ne paid
percentage down. and agreed 10 pay the resi-
after Mr. Norton should build certain ROAD
for the frunroveuoeut Of the property. Norton
carried out his part OF the contract, but Mr..
Dexter, It is said. did not pay the remainder
due TO Mr.. Norton.
A little while after this transaction Dexter. *
IS charged. refused to pay his taxes. on the
ground that the assessment was too hleh and
said that for every dollar OF taxes ne pald IL
would cost the town Of Waverly SO. For many
years be paid no taxes without first suing the
town FOR erroneous assessment Ia one OF these
suits against the town Joseph Alfred, a sur
Teyor testified that the timber on DeNters land
was worth at least $4,000. Soon suit for
$500 damages was brought against Alfred.
The plaintiff finally secured a verdict OF SOU
and $1,000 costs. A few years later Mr. Alfred
went with the Highway Commissioner to a
tract OF land adjoining Mr.. DeKter's, and in
surveying Mr.. Alfred dragged q chain across
one corner Of the Dexter land. For this act
Dexter sued the surveyor in New-York City
for $4,000 damages. A change OF venue was
secured by Alfred to Franklin County. and Mr..
Dexter obtained a judgment Of six cents In
second similar suit Mr. Dexter secured 500
damages.
Dustin & Warner bought some land near Mr..
Dexter and sold the timber TO Mr.. Day, who.
in order TO float the logs, raised an old dam on
Dexter Creek, that the water, according TO
Mr. Dexter. a foot above the normal. there
by causing him much damage He began suit
for damages. and then Dustin tried to settle out
OF court. Mr. Dexter wanted 10 buy all the tract
1t 81 an acre but Dustin refused, saying it had
cost him So an acre.
Nothing came OF the SUIT and the next season
Dexter ID is said. had the dam torn down. For
this act the grand jury found Indictment
against him, and al first he refused to give bail.
residence from Ncrwalk. Conn, and sued Dus-
Tin in the United States Court for So 900 for
having him Indicted At the same time he sued
the District Attorney and DuStin'S attorney for
like amounts. but nothing came Of these &C
lions. He also made some charges against the
Governor.
Some years later Mr.. Dexter brought suit
against a man named Hart on some charge, and
last the sold him some land at what
many considereS q low figure These are only a
few Of the many charges brought against Mr..
Dexter by the natives.