New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-07-01
THE SHERIDAN WIFE MURDER-A JURY
OBTAINED.

The trial of James Sheridan for the murder
OF his wife, Margaret Sheridan, in February last was
commenced yesterday before Judge Barnard in the
Court OF Oyer and Termner The facts the murder are
substantially these Sheridan, who was pickle dealer
In comfortable circumstances enlisted in the 18TH Reg
ment in 1861 and went to the leaving his wife and
four children in this city, He participated in every en-
gaeement in which that regiment took part and at the
expron of his term Of service returned to this city,
He received rather eody by his WIFE, ana ne learned
subsequently that during his absence she had Deen cF
nally intimate with men, TO OF whom she had borne
child. Enraged at her conduct, ne again enlsteu
and remained I'm the until the close OF the war on
his return he found that his wife stu continued her aus
soute course but in the meantime, by the death OF rel
alive had fallen heir to farm near fonker and some
other property worth in all about $4,000 she protested
for her former life, and husband ana wie then
agreed TO move upon the farm and forget the past In
few months became bad ever and Sheridan left
her and went West About the beginning OF the present
fstaye The children then living with their mother
he having sold the farm at No 6l7 west Forty-rstst
house with her Sheridan called several times, and on
these occasions would quarrel with Powers who he said
had threatened him with violence. On the 10th OF Feb
ruary last Sheridan called upon an acquaintance OF nus
James Healy, residing at Twenty-sixth-st. and
about to leave, borrowed revolver from him.
He then went to the residence OF his wife,
and ound her in the front room OF the suite
occupied by them. On entering, his wife demanded TO
know what business he had there and told him he had
better 90 home he not wanted there Harsh words
passed between Them and the woman picked up mis-
se description from behind the stove 70 throw
eyed with the intention OF attacking him. Sheridan at
once produced the pistol aimed at his wlfe ana nreu
The hall entered at the chin and passed out behind the
right ear second shot entered the right cheek ana,
Is supposed TO have lodged In the Dran
The woman fell backward, and died almost wlthout
struggle Powers Immediately seized Sheridan and after
desperae struggle dsarmed him. and he was conveyed
TO the station House. Coroners Jury was impanneed
and fine evidence being sufficient to hold him. he was In
diced by the Grand Jury and committed TO the Tombs
for trial -,
throng the Court The prisoner large, wellbult man,
not possessing In his appearance was brought IA
about 10 o'clock and waited until Judge Barnard who
was hearing the argument in the new Erie war shoulu
arrive AT IL O'Clock the Court was opened, and Mr..
Vandeyoort the Clerk Of the Court commenced to call
Attorney Fellows represented the people, and Mr. Edwin
James by Mr. Josiah Fletcher appeared Tor the
The first three jurors called we're challenged peremp-
tory by the counsel for the defense The nrst Juror
sworn In was Edward Haser, the second was Edward
Henry Horsfal behsnger, was the third juror; VIII
liam Ahrens was the fourth VIM. s. Cozzens made the
fifth Juror At this stage the second uryan stated that
he was opposed TO capital punishment, and did not
understand the question fully when asked him by the
District Attorney He was discharged Joshua Brad
succesliyey accepted. Myer Hamburger made the
eighth Juror Samuel Pield was next accepted Henry
q Belyin sauce and pickle manufacturer, made the
tenth Juror Augustus Ferger, barber was sworn as
the eleventh Juror Seth Ely, rectner, completed the
list AS soon AS the Jury were impanneled Judge Bar
nard said that in consequence OF press OF other duties
he would adjourn the trial until Wednesday next eau
tonHg the Jurors In the meantime not TO converse with
any person about the matter This trial Will probably
occupy day and "a hail.