The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-09-15
FUSS ABOUT A FEATHER.
A Curious Lawsuit i'm Jersey over
the Alleged Larceny of n Feather.

feathers" has never been better exempli-
fled than in case which has Just been
tried by the Hunterdon Circuit Court in
the old Courthouse in this town, Chief
Justice Beasley presiding. The suit is
for SANDER, and was brought by Miss
Matte Hummer, milliner, Of French
town, against Miss Frances Stryker, an
other milliner, doing business in the same
village. Although it is only about a
feather, nevertheless it has crowded
the Courtroom to excess for two
days, and has brought e.sry gos-
sip in the county to hear it. The facts,
as they appeared during the trial, are
as follows: In February, 1878, the Pres
byterian congregation of Frenchtown
paid their annual donation visit to their
pastor, Rev. Job Randolph. Among the
numerous merry maidens were Miss
Hummer and Miss Stryker, two spinsters
and rival miliners. Miss Stryker wore
most gorgeous feather in her bonnet,
worth, so she testified, "$9 at the whole
SALE" She placed her hat in the room
set apart for the ladies, after it had been
greatly admired and commented upon.
When she got ready to leave she was ui,.
able to find the hat. She, assisted
by several other ladies, searched
diligently and at stfound it, but minus
the feather. That had been stolen III
quiries were made, but in vain and it was
finally given up as lest
Over two years afterward, namely, in
the autumn of 1877, Mrs. Large, sister
of Miss Hummer, brought her hat to the
shop of Miss Stryker to get it trimmed.
She also brought feather, which she left
to be placed as plume in the bonnet.
When she returned in few days to get
the trimmed article of attire, Miss Stry-
ker informed her that the feather she
gave her to put on was the identical one
stolen from her at the donation party,
and demanded an explanation. Mrs.
Large said that she procured the feather
of her sister, Miss Hummer, but she did
not know where Miss Hummer came
across it. That was all the conversation
they had, but Miss Stryker informed the
scandal-mongers of the town that Miss
Hummer had her feather, and it was
funny how she secured it. The news
spread rapidly and afforded splen-
did topic for debate at the
next sewing circle. Soon it
reached Miss Hummers ears, and she
said she would have an instant retraction
from Miss Stryker The next day the
two milliners met and gave vent to their
feelings Miss Hummer said Miss Stry-
ker must take it all back. This Miss
Stryker declined to do unless the feather
was brought back and she found she was
mistaken as to its being the original
plume. Miss Hummer Indignantly re-
fused to do any such thing, and they have
never spoken since. Meanwhile reports
derogatory to Miss Hummcr's character
were industriously circulated, and the
usually retiring inhabitants of French
town became great y excited over the
feather. Sentiment was about equally
divided as to her guilt or innocence, ac-
cording to the proclivities of the gossips
toward the one or the other of the mil
liners. The fancy trade was fourishing
in each of the ladies' shops, owing to the
number of females who dropped in to
talk the affair over. The story of the
feather spread all over the country and
the old reliable gossi ps of each town
travelled from "morn to dewy eve" to
retail and detail the events.
Last fall Miss Hummer came to the
conclusion that her reputation was be-
coming seriously injured, and she consult
ed lawyer in this town. He drew pa
per which was served on Miss Strvker, in
forming her that unless she went before
Ju u,tice Srope eand madea public retraction
of the SANDER, which might be printed
and circulated, she must take the conse-
quences. Miss Stryker paid no attention
to the notice, and hence the matter cul-
minated in the trial which has over
crowded the town and court room yester-
day and to-day. The most eminent coun-
sci in the county were employed and the
examination of the spinster litigants was
exceedingly interesting and amusing.
Nearly one-half of Frenchtown
were summoned as witnesses,
fortunately for the court
and jury, only some twenty were ex-
amined. Strange as it may seem, no
murder trial or civil commotion ever
drew as many people as has this Feather
trial." as it is popularity styled. Two
thousand dollars damages we're claimed
by Miss Hummer, and she grew even
fearful while depicting her troubles on
the stand. Miss Stryker also testified
most emphatically, and said: 81 have my
opinion of person who will steal feath-
ers." The closing speeches of counsel
about 3o'clock this. afternoon.
The Chief Justice charged strongly in
favor of the plaintiff, and then the jury
retired to render a verdict. The iurv
came in early this evening and awarded
Miss Hummer, the plaintiff, a verdict of |
s75 damages and costs of the suit.
Gen. Fitzmayers strictures on tho |