THE VERMONT PHOENIX AND RECORD AND FARMER Friday, December 4, 1885 State Affairs--bits of news from all over the state WOODSTOCK--Prosper MERRILL's barn in Woodstock was burned Wednesday morning and a portion of his residence badly damaged; total loss probably $6000, insurance $6500. BURLINGTON--Miss Louisa HOWNARD, sister of the late John P. HOWARD of Burlington, has given real estate worth $10,000to the Howard relief society of that city. RANDOLPH--The Free Press says that the important case of the Spiritualists against the town of Randolph for a mandamus to compel the selectmen to give them a share of the public money for the support of the gospel, which was tried in the county court and went to the supreme court, has been decided in favor of the town. PLYMOUTH--Plymouth has another big gold mining company with a capital stock of $1,000,000 and a vein of ore that is claimed to yield the enormous amount of from $27 to $247 a ton. It will begin operations immediately upon and near the Rooks mining camp. Boston capitalists are interested in the affair. NORTH TROY--A despatch from North Troy says taht the partially decomposed body of Chapin MARDEN, lighthouse keeper at Owl's Head in Lake Memphremagog, was found in bed last Friday. Appearances indicated that death occurred two weeks ago. Navigation had been suspended and the absence of the lights was not noticed. I love this one, you don't find news of this sort in this day and age. CASTLETON--Mary STEELE of Castleton, a dissolute unmarried woman, 54 years old, was found dead on a lounge in her house last Saturday night badly bruised, somewhat cut about the head and the room in great disorder. She had been on a spree andher brother Guy, who lives with her, had also been on a protracted drunk. The dead woman had led a curious life. She had considerable business talent, and was a sharp and pushing saleswoman. She sold women's underwear about Rutland county and canvassed for books. Her tall, angular form was familiar in that section. She made moneya nd had received a considerable amount on the day of the murder. After a business trip she would have a protracted spree, her brother occasionally joining her. She would lock herself in the house and lie drunk for days. The couple lived aloof from all neighbors. Her brother was suspected of having murdered her, but an autopsy and inquest made it probable that she died from a long debauch or had perhaps taken laudanum with intent to commit suicide. her money has all been accounted for and not arrests will be made. Transcribed by Ruth Barton 12 May 2008 -- Ruth Barton mrgjb@sover.net Dummerston, VT