The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-07-06
OLDEST EX.SHER|FF
IN STATE
Josiah Hight of Cornville
SO Years Old July 3
His Story of About How lie Got the
Buck Home Is One Of Interest.

Josiah Horne Hight of Cornville,
Maine, claims the distinction of being
the oldest living ex-sheriff an the
State Mr.. Hight was born in the
town of Athens SO years ago the
third of July and has always been a
resident of Somerset county. He was
sheriff and deputy sheriff for over 40
years and during that time arrested
alone many desperate criminals, new
er having lost a prisoner.
Mr.. Hight was born of sturdy old
New England stock who were fear
less in the performance of any duty
and who never gave up until that
duty was performed He tells an
interesting incident of his boyhood
days which shows the stern character
of the old settlers:
II was brought up to obey my faith
er's commands without question, -
said Mr. Hight. when he told me
to do a thing, I instantly obeyed.
When l was ten years of age father
bought very valuable buck of a
neighbor about three miles from
home. This buck was two or three
years of age and very cross as l af-
forwards learned. The next day after
the purchase my father told me to go
after the buck and lead him home.
Taking a strong rope | walked the
three miles, tied the rope around the
animals horns and started for home.
| had gone but short distance when
the buck knocked me down and con-
tlnued to do so as fast as [ could
get up. | finally crawled to the
fence, still hanging to the lead rope
and hitched the buck. Leaving him,
| went back home and told father
that | could not lead the buck, that
he was ugly and would bunt me over
as fast as | could get up. The only
sympathy | received was severe
scolding for allowing the animal to
conquer me and was sternly COM
manded to return for the buck and
either bring him or his hide, Return
ing, | tried several times to lead the
buck but he absolutely refused to go
with me peaceably. Again | hitched
him to the fence, went to the near
est neighbours, borrowed a knife, and
was soon on my way home with the
bucks skin. Father felt very badly
about losing so valuable an animal
but could not punish me because |
had obeyed his command"
Mr.. Hight was sheriff at the time
of the famous Hurd murder at Har-
mony. He was soon upon the scene
of the tragedy and after a short
search learned that the murderer was
hiding in the cellar of his home. Alone
and unarmed he entered the cellar
and arrested his man, a feat very
few men would care to attempt to-
day.
Early one morning Mr.. Hight was
notified that during the night a near
by farmer had lost two valuable hors-
es, together with a new sleigh, robes,
blankets and fur coat and that the
hired man was also missing. In
those days If criminal escaped to
Canada he was safe and Mr.. Hight
concluded that the thief would prob
bly, drive to Bangor, that city being
then a good horse market, dispose of
his plumber and make for Canada.
Hastily driving to Dexter he learned
hours before but had driven on to
Bangor. In that city Mr.. Hight made
a trip to all of the livery stables but
could not locate his man. At last he
learned accidentally that a man with
two horses answering the officers de-
scription had driven up the river to-
wards Old Town. With fresh team
Mr.. Hight started in pursuit and by
fast driving overlook his man near
Orono and arrested him. Court was
in session at Norridgewock at the
time and the horse thief was tried,
convicted and sentenced without de-
lay. With the exception of two tired
horses, the farmer received his prop
erty intact.
Mr. Hight lives with his daughter
Mrs. H. B. Russell. He is a mem
Der of the |. o. o. F., having been
affiliated with the order thirty years
He joined the order in Skowhegan
later joined the Athens Chapter For
about fifty years he drove cattle to
the Brighton market During the
war time Mr.. Hight furnished 100
oxen for beef for the soldiers. His
wife died in 1900. To them were
born five children.
The parting with his favorite horse