The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1869-05-13
From the Dublin University Magazine. !

7 From the Dublin University Magazine.
In the year 1919 there was in the
neighborhood of Montgomery an ancient
manor house called Oakfeld, which, like
many of those old structures, losing lis
original Importance from the increased
size and convenience of modern buildings,
had been converted into a farm house
The late occupant, one James Morris, had
been an indolent and somewhat dissipated
man; the farm consequently fell into neg
lect and became Improbable, and he died
in debt, leaving his wife and only daugh-
ter in possession of the place. Shortly
after his death the widow took into her
employment Il young man from Stafford
shire, of the name OF John Newton, the
hero of this little story, who had been
strongly recommended TO her by her broth
err; and well and faithfully did he dis
charge his duties AS bailif, fully justifying
the praise and recommendations she re-
ceiyed with him. 1- p
lie was an utter stranger in tGis part
of the country, seemed studiously to shun
all acquaintance with his neighbors, and
to devote himself exclusively to his en-
ployer He never left home but to visit
the neighboring fairs and markets, and to
attend his parish church, where his pres~
ence was regular and his conduct devout.
In short, though highly circumspect in
his behavior on all occasions, he was a
melancholy, reserved man, and even the
clergyman of the parish, 10 whom he was
always most respectful in bis demeanor,
entirely failed in his endeavor to cultivate
an acquaintance with him. The farm,
under his management, had improved and
became profitable, and the circumstances
of Mrs Morris were, by his assiduity and
skill, both prosperous and foarishing. In
this manner more than two years had
passed, and the widow began to regard
him more as a friend and benefactor than
a servant, and was not sorry to observe
her daughters growing affection for him,
which appeared to be reciprocated -zs.1.
One evening in November, 1921, being
detained longer than usual by business at
Welshpool, Newton set out about six
o'clock to walk home TO Oakfeld. 1t
was an exceedingly dark night, and he
never reached home again. His family
became very anxious, and upon inquiry
early the following morning at Welshpool
they ascer;ained that he had been brought
back to that town not long after his de-
parture from it, by two men named Par
ker and Pearce, who charged him with
highway robbery, accompanied by vio-
lence, An otiense then punishable with
death. AT the trial at the next assize he
WAS pronounced guilty, on the testimony
of these two persons, which was clear and
consistent throughout; was sentenced to
be hanged and left for execution He
employed no counsel and called no wit
nesses in his defense; but upon being
asked by the Judge in the usual form,
elf he had anything to say. why the sem
tence of death should not be passed upon
him." he made in substance, the following
extraordinary speech: - ise
"My Lords, it is evident all / could say
in opposition to such testimony would be
vain and hopelcss. The witnesses are
men of respectabiIity, and their evidence
has appeared plain and conclusive, and
my most solemn protestation of innocence
could avail me nothing. have called no