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- [S1993] Newspapers.com: Potter Journal Leader Enterprise-, 18 Sep 1930, Thu • p1 Most Atrocious Murder in History of Potter County, Harry Coons Confesses Murdering Mildred Cass, 6 Yrs Old.
Harry Coon (1) fact
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Clipping location on The Potter Enterprise page 1
CLIPPED FROM
The Potter Enterprise
Coudersport, Pennsylvania
18 Sep 1930, Thu • Page 1
BY wetzupdoc · 15 July 2021
Most Atrocious Murder in History of Potter County
Harry Coons Confesses Murdering Mildred Cass, 6 Yrs Old.
COUDERSPORT, 57TH YEAR MOST ATROCIOUS ...
Fiend Lures Girl of Six to Woods and Slashes Throat --Mutilates Body in Horrible Manner -- Posse of Hundreds Search Wide Territory to Find Missing Child -- Murderer Found in Abandoned House on Green Hill -- Finally Confesses Killing Girl and Makes Rough Map Showing Location of Body -- Angry Citizens Threaten to Storm Jail and Lynch Wretch.
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Coroner's Jury Finds Mildred Cass Came to Violent Death by Wounds Inflicted by Harry Coon -- Premeditated Murder --Committed to Jail By Coroner --Murderer Befriended By Parents of Girl He Killed -- Will No Doubt Come to Trial at Term of Court That Convenes September 29 for Most Revolting Crime Ever Perpetrated in This Section of State.
Potter County has no doubt had its full share of murders but the murder of Mildred Cass, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Cass, who reside near Seven Bridges, by one Harry Coon, is the most atrocious ever recorded in this section of the Keystone State.
Little Mildred, six years old, accompanied Harry Coon to a field a half mile distant from the farm home, where Coon was sent by Mr. Cass to repair a fence. This was the last time the child was seen alive by her parents. She may have wanted to go with the man or he may have enticed her to accompany him. Night came and neither Coon nor little Mildred appeared and the parents became alarmed. They made inquiry at the homes in the vicinity but no one had seen them.
Mr. Cass came to Coudersport and notified Sheriff Shell B. Sawyer. He was advised to search all deserted buildings in the vicinity. This he did accompanied by Arthur Cole, who is employed on the Cass farm, and Tony Shaw of Oswayo. On Green Hill, in an old abandoned shack of a house, Coon was found. He was on the second floor of the ramshackle building covered by cloth and paper that had fallen from the ceiling. For a pillow he had an old automobile cushion. When he was asked, "Where is the baby" he replied by asking "What baby?" He stated he had sent the child home and after receiving some rough treatment promised to lead the father and the two men who accompanied him to the point where he had last seen the child. At one time he took the party within a very short distance of where the body was found but he hesitated and took the men to another point where he said he had sent the child home.
The father and others called repeatedly in the hope the little one might hear and answer. Coon even called and remarked, "Damn funny where she is," when he knew he had killed her and that her little body was lying in the woods in a terribly mutilated condition.
Coon was finally taken to the Cass home, bound with rope and carefully guarded until next morning - Sunday - when Sheriff Sawyer took him in chains and brought him to the county jail.
Sheriff Sawyer called many people on the telephone and asked aid in searching for the missing child. Officers were called upon, scout masters and others. At 9:00 o'clock Sunday morning the fire siren was sounded in Coudersport and hundreds of men and boys went over the hills and through the woods looking for the girl. In the meantime officers were constantly questioning Coon. Finally the prisoner admitted his crime and made a rough map of the territory on what is known as Green Hill in Allegany Township, two miles from the Cass home and thirteen miles from Coudersport. Potato fields, buckwheat fields and old roads were indicated on this crude drawing, and this led to the finding of the body. Many men had been within a short distance of the spot but it just so happened no one had found it. Ed Tucker of Colesburg was the person who made the ghastly find. With him and nearby was Delbert Snyder of Oswayo.
A signal was given and men from all directions appeared on the scene. Coroner R. K. McConeghy took charge "at this point and the remains were taken in charge by E. M. Gillon of the firm of Schutt & Gillon.
Feeling ran high. There were many fathers of little girls in that small army of men, and it is fortunate the party could not get their hands on Coon who was safely locked up in the county jail, thirteen miles away. The body was found at 2:15 Sunday afternoon.
Later in the afternoon a large number gathered near the county jail and some ugly threats were made. The jail was well manned with officers and no attempt was made to mete out summary justice to the murderer even though there were men present who could have done so and felt they had ridded the earth of a loathsome being.
The coroner's inquest was held at the court house Monday morning at 10:00 o'clock with Coroner R. K. McConeghy presiding, and District Attorney A. N. Crandall assisting in the questioning of witnesses.
The jury consisted of George D. Stocum, William C. Klein, G. F. Wright, Fred B. Cole, C. L. Lyman and J. Vernon Dieffenbacher.
A number of witnesses were sworn and questioned. Harry Cass, the father of Mildred, told of having bailed Coon out of jail, of sending him to fix the fence and of finding Coon late at night in the deserted house. Arthur Cole told of the search during Saturday night and of guarding the prisoner after returning to the Cass home. Dr. R. H. Jones, who with Dr. J. H. Page of Austin performed the autopsy, testified as to the mutilated condition of the body. Other witnesses gave their testimony. The jury visited the county jail and asked questions of Coon who would say little. When shown the knife that was in possession of the authorities he remarked "Yes, that's the knife I cut her throat with." After all the testimony was taken the jury deliberated but a short time when it agreed upon the following verdict: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Potter, ss:
An inquisition indented and taken at Coudersport in Potter County, Pennsylvania, this 15th day of September, 1930, before me, R. K. McConeghy, M. D., coroner of said county, upon the view of the body of Mildred Cass, then and there lying dead, upon the oaths of George D. Stocum, G. F. Wright, J. Vernon Dieffenbacher, William C. Klein,' C. L. Lyman and Fred B. Cole, good and lawful men of the county aforesaid; who being duly sworn to inquire on the part of the Commonwealth, when, where, how and after what manner the said Mildred Cass came to her death, do say, upon their oath and affirmation, that the said Mil dred Cass came to a violent death on Saturday, September 13, in Allegany Township by wounds inflicted by one Harry Coon who with force and arms in said Allegany Township on September 13, 1930, violently, feloniously and of his malice aforethought, did make an assault upon the said Mildred Cass and then and there feloniously and of his malice aforethought, with some sharp instrument did cut the throat of said Mildred Cass and inflict other bodily wounds upon her body and thus violently, feloniously with premeditation and of his malice aforethought then and there did kill and murder the said Mildred Cass.
Contrary to the form of the Act of Assembly in such case made and provided and against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
And the said jury aforesaid further advise that for such willful, deliberate and premeditated murder that the coroner issue his commitment to detain the said Harry Coon to answer said charge of murder before the grand jury of Potter County.
In witness whereof, as well the said coroner, as the jurors aforesaid, have to this inquisition put their hands and seals, on the day and year and at the place first above mentioned.
This document bears the signatures of the coroner and of the jurors mentioned above.
Harry Coon is a prisoner In the county jail where he has all the time there is to meditate upon his crime.
It was at first stated the murder was committed because Arthur Dole was sent to Colesburg on an errand while Coon was sent to repair the fence and that Coon wanted to make the trip; that Coon was angry and killed the little girl to spite the father. Later admissions from Coon tend to show he is a sexual pervert and that a little girl's life was sacrificed because of his brutality.
A description of the mutilation of the child's body and what followed the murder, confessed by Coon Monday afternoon, is too revolting to be published.
Harry Coon was 23 years old last April 26. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Coon both of whom are dead. He has a brother and sister in Olean, a brother near Wellsboro, a sister at Roulette and one at Oswayo.
Only a few weeks ago the country was shocked by a double murder in Niagara Falls when Charles Ross entered a small mission where he shot and killed Mrs. Ross and the evangelist as the latter left the pulpit. Ross also shot Miss Leona Coon, a sister of Mrs. Ross but Miss Coon recovered. Both Mrs. Ross and Miss Coon are sisters of the confessed murderer.
Coon has been charged with forging the name of Harry Cass on a check at Roulette upon which he and another youth secured some $30 or $40. This case is still hanging fire in the local courts.
The prisoner is about five feet, nine inches in height and weighs about 160 pounds and is of sandy complexion. He talks readily upon other subjects than his crime and appears of ordinary intelligence. It is expected he will come before the grand jury at the term of court that convenes Monday, September 29, and the public hopes there may be a prompt trial with the punishment he deserves meted out to him.
Mildred Cass was one of seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Cass. Funeral services were held from the family home Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock with Rev. N. Johnstone of the Baptist Church at Ulysses officiating. The funeral was attended by a large number of relatives and friends. Burial was made at Ulysses. -
ARTHUR COLE KNOWN IN WELLSVILLE
Arthur Cole, fellow farmhand of Harry Coon, confessed mur- derer of the six year old daughter of their employer, Harry Cass, in Coudersport, Pa., is not unknown to police here and county authorities.
Cole was arrested here for in- toxication last month and was sentenced to ten days in the county jail at Belmont by Police Justice P. L. O'Connor on August 15. He served his time and was discharged. Wellsville Reporter of Tuesday.
COLESBURG STORE ENTERED BY YEGGS
Steal Quantity of Shoes Clothing, Pocket Knives and Case of Eggs Ready for Shipment.
Thieves entered the general store of Ed Tucker at Colesburg Monday night and made off with merchandise estimated to be worth $150. Entrance was gained by prying open a sliding door on the east side of the building which leads into a room used for storage. From there thieves entered the store proper. It was evident the motor car used by the yeggs was left standing near the C. & P. A. station as a pair of knickers for a boy aged 14 had been dropped there, as well as one of a pair of high top shoes for a man.
The loot consisted of clothing, shoes, pocket knives and a full case of eggs packed ready for shipment.
Ray Scoville, who is employed in the store, discovered the place had been robbed when he opened the store Tuesday morning. Inquiry In the neighborhood failed to find anyone who had seen the thieves but Mrs. Birney Baker stated she heard a car shifting gears about 3:00 o'clock Tuesday morning.
LIONS WIN GAME IN BATTLE HERE
Beasts of Jungle Load Up With Players Outside Organization and Win 15 to 7. When the Farmers came to town Saturday to do battle on the ball ground at Metzger Athletic Field they found not only Lions but some artists along base ball lines who had never attended a Lions Club luncheon and wouldn't know one from a dish of chop suey. The sturdy agriculturists were not at all dismayed by the lineup and the fight was on. When the dust had settled and the notches on the stick were counted it was found the Lions had 15 runs to their credit and the Farmers 7. The Farmers took their defeat like the good sportsmen they are and immediately challenged the Lions ' for another contest, each team now having won a game. The challenge was accepted and the date set for Thursday, October 2, when the closing game of the season will be played and the question of supremacy be settled for the year. Tne game will be played at 3:00 o'clock in the afternoon and no doubt there will be a larger crowd present than at either of the other games. One thing Is certain the people of Coudersport appreciate what the Farmers have done In coming here to play these games, paying their own expenses and turning all of the proceeds of the games over to the swimming pool fund.
MRS. MITCHELL HONORED Members of her family gave Mrs. Isaac Mitchell - a very pleasant surprise party, Saturday, it being her birthday. Mrs. George Mitchell presented her with a beautiful birthday cake with candles. She also received many congratulations and fine gifts from all. A delicious lunch was served and those who enjoyed this happy occasion were: Mr. and Mrs. George Mitchell and son Dick, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Huff, Mrs. John Gabler, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Quimby, Albert Mlt chell, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Mitchell.
LEAVING FOR SOUTH AMERICA Mrs. R. H. Lehman, who has been spending some time at Williamsville, N. Y., is visiting friends in town for a few days before going on to New York City from which port she will sail for Santos, Brazil, where she will visit her son, Rev. Howard Lehman, who is stationed there as a Lutheran missionary. She will spend several months with him.
SCHOOL MEN DINE County Superintendent A. P. Ake-ley, Assistant Superintendent Paul H. Conner and all principals of the Potter County schools dined at the Hotel National Tuesday evening, followed with a very interesting meeting. Covers were laid for ten.
Clipping location on The Potter Enterprise page 1
CLIPPED FROM
The Potter Enterprise
Coudersport, Pennsylvania
18 Sep 1930, Thu • Page 1
BY wetzupdoc · 15 July 2021
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Coons, Harry murdered Margaret Cass news_PottEnt
20210715GHLn-
Clipping location on The Potter Enterprise page 1
CLIPPED FROM
The Potter Enterprise
Coudersport, Pennsylvania
18 Sep 1930, Thu • Page 1
BY wetzupdoc · 15 July 2021
Most Atrocious Murder in History of Potter County
Harry Coons Confesses Murdering Mildred Cass, 6 Yrs Old.
COUDERSPORT, 57TH YEAR MOST ATROCIOUS ...
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Clipping location on The Times-Mail page 1
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The Times-Mail
Bedford, Indiana
17 Nov 1930, Mon • Page 1
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CLIPPED FROM
The Potter Enterprise
Coudersport, Pennsylvania
02 Oct 1930, Thu • Page 1
BYwetzupdoc · 06 August 2021
Harry Coon, Guilty 1st Degree Murder, Must Die in Electric Chair.
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CLIPPED FROM
The Potter Enterprise
Coudersport, Pennsylvania
02 Oct 1930, Thu • Page 1
BYwetzupdoc · 06 August 2021
cont'd
... yesterday afternoon Judge Lewis instructed the jury as to its duties and very carefully informed them as to the law. His instructions were explicit and he was painstaking in giving them.
Jury Retires at… |
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