West-Jersey pioneer., 1877-01-11
CUMBERLAND COURTS.
THURSDAY MORNING, Jan. 4th.

Judge Alfred Reed presiding.
In the Common Pleas Court the first case
tried was that Of Chas. Dick gs. the Bridge
ton and Millville Turnpike Co. 1t was al
legged that Dick had been in the habit of
using the turnpike and avoiding the toll
houses at both ends Of the road by turning
off into by-road, known as the ''shun pike
road, thereby laying himself open to fine
of $500 for each offense.
Mr.. Dick admitted that he had used the
turnpike upon the occasions specified, but
not with the intention of defrauding the
Company. His plea was that the toll gate
keepers were abusive to him, and for this
reason he avoided them. He also stated he
was willing to pay for SO much of the turn
pike as was used by him.
Judge Reed reserved his decision until
later in the session. He said that this was
question of intent as to whether Dick did
or did not leave the pike for the purpose of
avoiding the toll house; also as to whether
he had or had not violated the letter and
spirit of the act under which the penalty is
claimed.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON
In the Oyer and Terminsr, the trial of
David Moore was moved. He was indicted
for abusive treatment of his wife, who
claimed that among other things, he had
amused his high toned mind by throwing a
butcher knife across the table at her. By
request, Charles P. Woodruff Esq, defend.
ed the prisoner. The defense was denial
of any assault or battery on the part of the
prisoner. 1t was admitted that there had
been disagreement between the husband
and wife, but it was claimed to have been
Of SO trivial a nature that it was not worth
while to take cognizance of it. Verdict of
the jury, guilty.
The State rs. Emily Pearce, colored, was
next tried. By request of the Court, Mr.
Woodruff also defended this case.
The prisoner was indicted for battery.
Several witnesses were called, who managed
to make the proceedings rather more anus
ing than otherwise. The jury retired and
presently returned with verdict of guilty
Alex. Washington, cold, was next tried
for an assault and battery upon his wife,
who had been attending prayer meeting
rather ofteuer than was necessary. He re-
monstrated by applying cord wood stick
to her. Mr. G. E. Sheppard conducted the
defense.
FRIDAY, Jan. 5th.
Judge Reed presiding. In the Comm Oh
Pleas Court, several cases of minor import
ance were tried.
SATURDAY, Jan. 9th.
AT the opening of the Court of Oyer
and Terminer the case of G. Fl. Lewis,
who had previously plead guilty to the in
dictment of forgery, was taken up. Chas.
E. Sheppard made an earnest and feeling
appeal in behalf of the accused for mercy
He cited the previous good character of the
prisoner, and asked that the demands of
justice be made mild
Judge Reed, after a few remarks in re-
ply, sentenced Lewis to one years i'm
prisonment in the State Prison.
Samuel Spencer plead guilty to assault
and battery. Sentenced to one dollar and
costs, or to twenty days imprisonment.
Hugh D. Fowler plead guilty of assault
and battery. Sentenced to four months in
the county jail
Charles F. Filler and Joseph Mowers,
plead guilty to grand larceny. Sentenced
to pay fine of $100 and costs, or to COM
mitment in the county Jail for five mouths.
Emily Pierce, convicted of assault and
battery. Sentenced to one dollar and costs,
or to one month in the county Jail
Mordecai Murray, convicted of assault
and battery. Sentenced to two years at the
State Prison. Also plead guilty of larceny
Sentenced to two years at the State Prison
Both sentences to run concurrently.