The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1906-09-20
EXCITEMENT IN PALERMO.
Attempted Child Abduction, Assault and
Shooting.

There was excitement galore IN the town
Of Palermo at O'Clock Friday morning,
sept. 18th. A short time ago Mrs. Fred A.
morrill, of Albion left hel husband and
brought her two children, Burton and John,
aged 3 and II years respectively, to the
home of her mother, Mrs. Mary Haskell,
who lives on a farm in Palermo. The chill
dreu were left under the protection OF
Elder Brown, an evangelist and veteran
of the Civil War, who boards with Mrs.
Haskell. EARLY Friday morning the father
OF the children is said to have called at the
render of the children, threatening to enter
the house and take them by force if his
demand was not complied with. Mrs.
Haskell and Mr.. Brown refused to give up
the children and also refused to admit
Morrill,, who is said to have been drinking.
AS soon as he became convinced that the
inmates of the house would not reconsider
their denial of his demands Morrill, is said
to have proceeded to put his threats into eX-
ecution, forcing the back door Of the house
and as soon as he was inside assaultlng
those who were guarding the children. He
who is II years old, and also to have
knocke down Wallace Martin, who lives on
the place
Mr.. Brown offered stubborn resistance
to his attempt to gain custody OF the chill
dren and received worse treatment than
down twice and then seized an axe, swear
ing that he would kill him. He aimed a
vicious blow at Browns head, but the aged
evangelist says he Warded it Off with his
hand and arm, receiving several severe cuts,
one on his elbow being over SIX inches long.
After this blow was struck Mr.. Brown
managed to regain his feet and ran into his
room, where he secured a 81 callbre revolver
and then returned to the scene of the fight
to protect the others.
Morrill, was improving the time to get
away with the children and succeeded in
getting away with Burton, the youngest. al
though several shots were fired at him by
Brown with the revolver. The first shot was
fired at a distance of only four feet and
took effect on the right clavical, from which
it was detlcted, intlicting only superficial
wound.
After the affair was over Brown went to
the office of DR.. Harry X. Stlns0n, who
dressed his wounds. He gave the doctor an
account Of the affair and the latter notified
the police. Brown also turned the revolver
with which he had done the shooting over
to DR.. Stinson. The latter at once notified
the authorities.
warrant was issued by Trial Justice
Emery for the arrest of Morrill, and Deputy
Sheriff Bowler started out to search for him.
The police of neghbOring towns were also
notified to keep strict watch for the fu.
gitive.
MOrTlll is farmer ana lives IN AlDloE.
He owns the farm on which he lives.
Mrs. Haskell is Frustrated from the effects
of her rough treatment, but her condition is
| not regarded as serious. She is being cared
for by neighbors and eudures her illness,
| which is accompanied by severe nervous
| ness, with great fOrtitude.
| After hard ride of 60 miles over rough
| country roads from Dover to Greenville
Sheriff Charles F. Dearth returned to Dover
late Saturday night having Morrill, in Gus.
tody He was arrested at Greenville just
in time to prevent his flight over the line
into Canada over the Canadian Pacific Rail
road He made no resistance and acknow-
lodged that he was the man wanted. He
was suffering from a bullet wound in the
breast and showed symptoms. of blood
poisoning. A physician was with him TO!
was thoroughly cleaned and dressed. Nor:
rill was brought to Belfast Monday and
! placed in Jail to await trial.