The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1875-12-07
From the Noble County Republican, I'd inst.)
Trial Of Rev. Ryan.

Considerable interest was manifested
in Court, last week.. over the trial of
Rev. Ryan, Catholic Priest. who has
been in charge Of st. Henry's Church,
near Harrietsville. He was indicted by
the late Grand Jury, on three counts ::
shooting with intent to kill; to wound,
and to maim." The shooting was done
on the second of August, last The
facts, as we have been able to gather
them from the evidence, are. about this |:
William Smithberger, father Of the two
young men. Anthony and William G is
one OF the main pillars of the Church,
having contributed very literally Of his
means towards it's erection, and conse-
quently assuming, to some extent, its
control. After Rev. Ryan had been sta
toned at the Church awhile, coliness
grew up between him and. Mr.. Smith
berger. over church matters, and i. may
he, other things not connected with the
Cnurch The coldness eliminated by
the accommodation Of Mr.. Smithber-
ger, ostensibly for joining the Patrons
OF Husban,lry. After the ex. communi.
cation, Rev. RYAN, in his sermons, took
occasion to personate Mr.. Smithbefger
as "a wolf in sleeps clothing" On
the second of last August, Anthony aud
William, the sons, went to the parson.
age, As they claim, to talk with the
Priest and learn the trouble between
their father and him. Is being early in
the morning, upon inquiry Of the house.
keeper, they learned that he had not
arisen, and further that they had better
leave the premises. This they did, and
going out 10 the highway, called out in
loud tones to the Priest to come out and
they would whip him. Being aroused
by the noise, Rev. Ryan jumped up, and
with revolver in hand raised the window
Of his sleeping room, and discharged
The revolver five times. The witnesses
for the prosecution testify that he fred
at them, and that one ball, at least,
etruck in the ground near Anthony
The defense admitted the shooting,
claiming that it was only to scare the
boys away; that the revolver was not
pointed at them, but at the ground un.
dcrnea'h the window.
The case was commenced last Wed.
nesdav, James s. Foreman and Benja
min F. Spriggs for the defendant. and
David S Spriggs, Prosecuting Attorney
assisted by Jabez Belford, for the prose
cution. Judge Frazier submitted hii
charge 10 writing to the Jury. and Fri
day afternoon, retired to their room
and after being absent for about foul
hours returned "a verdict of guilty O
shooting with intent to wound
!. Counsel for defendant, Saturday morn
ing, commenced preparing papers, ask
ing that the verdict be set aside, and II
the midst of this work, Mr.. Foreman
the senior counsel, received o Telegram
announcing the death of his father, Hi
ram Foreman, Of Senecaville. This un
fortunate demise has prevented thi
Court from hearing the argument fol
setting aside the verdict up to this wri
ting, Wednesday afternoon. Until th
argument is heard the prisoner will no
be sentenced. He is, and will remain il
the custody Of the Sheriff until a pev
trial is granted, or sentence 10 pronoun
ced = frrra 8-sa7t II -.
| Rev. Ryan is an Irishman Of owe
fifty, who received collegiate educa
ton. He was for term OF years I
chaplain in British Regiment in Ess
i India. Afterwards q missionary il
!. South America and the West Indies.
He came to the United States som
years ago, and was stationed at Mem
phis, Tennessee, at the time Of the vel
low fever epidemic q few years since
and having in addition to theological
q thorough training in medicine, render
ed efficient aid at Memphis during tn
scourge. He has been stationed at 81
Henry's Church, where the shoOtin,
was done, about two years. iss''
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