The Grange advance. [volume] (Red Wing, Minn.) 1873-1877, 1875-11-10
A Girls Road 10 the Gallows.
from the Rochester Democrat

Ever since the beginning of the trial Of
DR. Paul Davis and his wife, for the
murder of Jane Vaughn Gilmour, at To.
ronto. by procurement of abortion, the
public here have naturally maintained
much interest in the case. That interest
was, of course, much increased when at
the conclusion Of the careful and thor
ough deliberations Of the court, the two
prisoners were convicted and sentenced to
be hanged December 9Th. One of the
parties now under sentence Of death was
known in this city as debased and viii
famous criminal Of the blacklist dye, but
the other was comparatively unknown.
Very little was ever seen or heard of her
until she accompanied Davi; into court at
the time he was last arraigned in this
city, charged with crime similar to that
for which he is soon to answer with his
life. Her appearance then attracted much
attention, and the statement Of the prin.
cipal witness in the preliminary examine
ton implicated her as well as her
husband in the crime of pro-
curing abortion. It was then as.
serted that the first interview with the
girl in question was held with Mrs.
Davis, at which time the price charged
for the crime was discussed, and advice
regarding secrecy and deception given.
AS she appeared in court she looked to be
woman not possessing disposition
naturally depraved, but there was, on the
contrary, something attractive about the
expression of her face. She was rather
small and slender in stature, had delicate
features, black. 'well.arched eyebrows
and v~ry dark eyes. She was much
younger than Davis, and is now twenty.
five years ofage.
In consideration of the fact that so
much interest is now felt in this case.
owing to the natural repugnance arising
in the public mind at the idea of hanging
a woman, we have taken considerable
pains to find out some of the facts in re-
lation to Mrs. Davis earlier life, and
how she came to be entangled in the
snares of such villain as Davis.
Alice Chapman was born in the town
of Ontario, Wayne county, Of respectable
parents. Her father, Elisha Chapman, is
farmer in ordinary good circumstances.
She has one sister, young lady a few
years younger than herself, who is un-
LAdIIIcu duu living az AOue. 1uIOuSu
all her childhood Alice showed
the possession Of many good quail.
ties of intellect and disposition.
and was therefore highly thought of in
the community where she resided.
When she grew up she was decided ia
vorite in her society set, and no party
was considered complete without her
presence. Her disposition was rather
quiet, though she entered into the merry
makings of her friends with great zest,
and always was among the foremost in
devising and carrying out schemes for
social events of pleasure. Her education
was gained chiefly in the common schools,
but her quick perception and taste for
reading stored her mind with good
strong stock of useful knowledge. There
was never the slightest whisper of gossip
against her character, but she was highly
esteemed and respected as a virtuous,
high-minded young lady. At least, SO
saw those who knew her intimately for
many years.
Paul Davis married his first wife about
fourteen years ago. They separated. and
Paul began looking about for another
to share his fortunes. Unfortunately,
while spending some time in Wayne
county visiting relatives of his family, he
saw and was charmed with the appear
ance of Alice Chapman. His character