Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-06-13
THE ROBBERS GRAVE.

In the year 1919, there was in the neghbor-
hood of Montgomery, in North Wales, an an
cient manor house, called Oakfield. which
like many of those old structures, losing its
original Importance and convenience had been
converted into farm house. The late occu-
pant, one James Morris, had been an indolent
and dissipated man the farm consequently
Tell into neglect. and became Improbable, and
he died in debt, leaving his wife and an only
daughter in possession of the place. Shortly
after his death the widow took into her en-
ployment young man from Staffordshire, of
the name of John Newton, the hero of this lit
tie story, who had been strongly recommend
ed 10 her brother; and well and faithfully did
he discharge the duties as bailff, justfying
the praise and recommendations she received
with him. He was utter stranger in that
part OF the country, seemed studiously to shun
all acquaintance with his neighbors, and to
devote himself exclusively to the interests of
his employer. He never left home but to WIS.,
it the neighboring fairs and markets, and to
attend the parish church, where his presence
was regular and his conduct devout. In short
fhough highly circumspect in his behaviour
on all occasions, he was melancholy, reser-
we'd man and even the clergyman of the par
ish, to whom he was always most respectable
in his demeanor, entirely failed in his endea-
vors TO cultivate acquaintance with him.
The farm under his management, had impro-
we'd and became profitable, and the circum-
stances of Mrs. Morris, were 10y his assiduity
and SKILL both prosperous and fiourishing. In
this manner more than two years had passed,
and the widow began to regard him more as a
friend and benefactor than q servant and
was not sorry to observe her daughters grow
ing affection tor him, which appeared to be
reciprocal. One evening in November, 1921,
being detained longer than usual with his
business, at Welshpool, Newton set out about
six O'Clock TO walk home to Oakfeld. 1t was
H. 4 -
ed home again. The family being very anx-
ious, and upon inquiring early the following
morning at Welshpool, they ascertained that
he had been brought back to that town. not
long after his departure from it, by two men
named Parker and Pearce, who charged him
with highway robbery, accompanied by vio-
lence, an offence then punished with death.
AT the trial of the next assiZes he was pro-
nounced guilty, on the testimony of those two
persons, which was clear, positive and consis-
tent TIL oughout, was sentenced to be hanged
and left for execution. He employed no
counsel, and called no witness in his defence;
but upon being asked by the judge in his usu-
al form, 'It he had anything to say why sem
tence of death should not be pronounced up
on him p he made, in substance, the following
extraordinary speech
"My lord, it is evident all could say In op-
position 10 such testimony would be vain and
hopeless. The witnesses are men of respec-
liability, and their evidence has appeared plain
and conclusive, and most solemn protestations
OF innocence would avail me nothing. l have
called no witnesses to character and upon
such evidence the jury could pronounce no
other verdict. l blame them not. From my
soul too. forgive those men, upon whose
false testimony have been convicted But
my lord, protest most solemnly before this
court, before my lordship, and above all, that
God in whose presence must shortly appear.
\ m Iralx- mi tI,a ~
1 au about TO suffer. / have produced no one
TO speak in my behalf. Two years have scarce
~ passed since came into this country an ut
Ter stranger. / have made no acquaintance
here, beyond the household in which l have
been employed, and where have endeavored
10 discharge my duties faithfully, honestly
and we'll. Although dare not hope and do
not Wish that my life shall be spared, yet it is
my deyout and earnest desire that the stain of
.nis crime may not rest on my name. / de-
soutly hope that my good mistress and her
hinu, excellent daughter, may vet be convin-
ced that they have not nourished and befriend-
Gu highway robber. 1 have, therefore, in
nuslp,e uegotion, offered prayer to Heaven,
ana oeileve it has been heard and accented.
venture to assert that if am innocent ut the
crime for which 1 suffer, the grass. for one
generation at least, will not cover NV grave
NY lord, await your sentence without a mur.
inur, without sorrow, and devoutlv pray
That all who hear me now may repent OF their |
SINS and meet me again in Heaven.''
The unfortunate man was condemned and |
executed, and buried in Montgomery church |
yard. Thirty years had passed away when |
saw II, and the grass had not then covered his |
crave. 1t is situated in a remote corner of |
tne cnurch-yard, far removed from all other
graves. 1t is not raised mound of earth, but |
- - - even with the surrounding ground, which
- '0' sumo distance especially luxuriant, the |