Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-10-09

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W.O. Douglass, Deputy Sheriff.
c. NJ. WOrmell,
A. b. Goodwin,
HoratiO Austin, with the Grand Jury.
II. f. Hsmmond. Crier.
W. A. Barrows, Messenger.
Monday was devoted 10 the trial of
Manuel of Oxford tor the larceny of four
bushels of corn from car at Oxford Sta
ton on the Grand Trunk. State put in
evidence that Manuel on Saturday pre-
yious declared be had no grain; on
searching by warrant next week. four
bushels of corn were found. This corn
was full OF bulls, cobs, Sc. such as
rise TO top OF Car load when transported
some distance. Also proved wagon
track with wabbly wheels, leading from
car toward Manuels house, and similarity
of horses foot to track made from car.
Defense was that Manuel purchased the
seized corn st Lewiston. Jury did not
ind sufficient evidence to convict. On
taking the verdict, however, Judge Wal
ION remarked AT the same time, Mr..
Foreman. don't you think you had better
admonish Manuel against stealing any
more corn" This seemed 10 be the
opinion of many who heard the evidence.
Bisbee tor State. Black tor defendant.
One Of the most interesting and closely
contested cases oil the term was State vs..
stevens. This was tried Tuesday. De-
lendant wac bound over by Justice Whit
man on charge OF BigamY; and the
Grand Jury found true bill against him
for that crime. State introduced Eliza
Anna (Spencer) Stevens who swore that
she was married 10 respondent on the
2S:h day OF April 1861, by Justice Little
held in the town OF Bloomfield; that she
has lived with him in various places in
this State, all within two years, and has
by him one son, twelve or fourteen years
OF age. In regard to her marriage she
testified that her father opposed the
match, and she walked from her home
10 Skowhegan and met Stevens at
s saloon, from which they proceeded to
a daguerrean artists and had their pic
lures taken. They next went TO house,
which she is positive was on the Bloom
field side. aud were married By said
Littlefeld. Shortly afterwards Stevens
lett Tor the army. Ga his return they
lived as husband and wife as aforesaid.
Parties were introduced to prove that
Stevens and this woman lived IS man
and wife for years. Thos. Littledeld Of
Auburn, keeper of the jail, testified that
while Stevens was in his custody, be
asked permission for his wife TO minister
TO him during sickness. This was
granted and Eliza Ann was with him for
several weeks, sharing his cell. A short
time since Stevens was married 10 Helen
futile OF Norway by Rev. J. \. Saiiz al
the parsonage. There was 10 dispute as
TO the validity OF this marriage.
Defense claimed that there never wss
any marriage between Stevens and Eliza
Ann Spencer; but that they had lived IS
paramours. Town records OF Bloomfield
and SSOShegau were introduced 10 show
that neither the intention nor marriage
hsd been recorded. Il was asserted that
April 2s.h was Sunday hence her account
could not be correct, IS saloons are not
open on the Sabbath. IL was also proved
that the Justice never lived On the Bloom
field side-and if she was married where
she stated II was not by Liilledeld. It
was IN evidence that Littleield was dead,
and that during lite, be was always par
ticular 10 record his marriages in bust
ness-like manner.
l, seemed plain to those who heard the
testimony and observed the appearance
of Eliza Ann. that she supposed Stevens
to be her husband. His appearance,
during the trial, however, conveyed far
different impression. He put on q dia-
oolical grin, aud suggested the most
shOckingly disgracetul. questions to his
counsel.
County Attorney Bisbee appeared for
the State, and conducted the case in a
most able, careful and systematic man
ner. lie mad sll facts in the case at CON-
msnd, and was ready to prove each point
set up.
II. NJ. Be.Tce, Esq. counsel for the
prisoner, was associated with Hon. E..
Foster, Jr. He, too, showed that the
case had received careful attention. The
defense was most ingenious and was well
sustained; but lacked weight in that it
was wholly negative evidence. The
closing argument by Mr.. Foster was very
powerful. and did as much for the pris-
oner as did the evidence introduced.
Jury brought in a verdict of guilty,
after being out 3 very short time. Mr..
Besrce carries up the case on the ground
that Judge Walton made certain remarks
during the trial which might be construed
as the expression of an opinion. Judge
w. knew Stevens's character, having
sentenced him 10 Auburn Jail before this
fern his srmnafhu fnr the ..dnsnrtnI