Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1880-10-06
THE NEvL1NG MURDER TRIAL


The trial Of John A. Nsyling for the shooting
Of Samuel Pennington at HoutIdale, on the l7th
Of February last, and from the effects Of which
Pennington died on Monday morning, April 18th,
1850, began in our Court, before Judge 0ryis, on
Tuesday morning Of last week. The Common
wealth was represented by District Attorney
MeKooriek and wmg NJ. Mccullough, ESQ, and
the prisoner was defended BY Messrs, MeEnally
a McCurdy and Smith V. Wilson, Esq Tuesday
forenoon was taken up 10 selecting jury, after
which the case vas ready for the attorneys. The
jury was eomposei Of the following
Adam Beck, farmer, Beccaria township,
Evans Milltf, farmer, Lawrence township,
William Thurstou, farmer Jordan township,
George Lingls, farmer, Girard township,
g. U. Heyerly, farmer, Beccaria township,
Samuel spanogle, farmer, Graham township,
sAmnei p. Shank, carpentcr, Lawrence twp,
Heury lirooms, painter, Pike township, N
Christian Eorb, farmer, Brady township,
Joshua Hartshorn, farmer, Pike township,
Zachariah Hoover, farmer, Bradford township
John Williams farmer, Jordan township.
large number ofwitnesses were examined on
each side. Maps Of lIou,ldale borough, showing
the scene Of the AiIrAy, and the gun from whsh
the load Of buckshot was discharged were offered
in syidsnee, Both sides rested ther case on
Thursday evening, and Friday was devoted to
the argument Of the case before the jury. District
Attorney MeKenriek spoke first, and was followed
by Mr.. Wilson and Judge McEnAlly. Mr.
Mccullough came lsst and concluded his arguI
msnt about half past nine in the evening.
Judge 0rvis delivered a careful and exhaustiv,
charge 10 the jury 10 fAir ahi Impartial man
ner, ard aftetwards Instructed them on the point
Of law submitted by Defendants counsel
Two tipstaves were sworn, and al out 1886
O'Clock 7. NJ. the jury retired to their room t.
deliberate upon verdict. Tue Judge CAV,
them notice that II they reached verdict any
time before 70 O'Clock that hight, Cour, wOulc
convene at the ringing Of the bell, and Il woult
be received. shortly before u O'Clock the bel
rang out its tones upon the Stiffness Of the mid
night air, an 1t was but few moments wher
men and boys oould be seen running to the Cour
llouse from all directions 10 hear the result Th
Court room was packed full, and everything wa
so quiet that nothing could bo heared but tn
ticking Of the clock in The tower. Tho prlsone
wAs brought in by Sheriff MahAney, and shortl!
ailerwArd tho jurymen hlsd in and took thei
seats in the box, The verdict Was handed 10 tn
Clerk. Mr. Bloom, who handed ii 10 tho Oour
foi examination, At tho request Of the Defend
ant's eou1ssl the jury was pOllsd, aftor which th'
Clerk said .'Uenlomen Of the jury, hearksn I,
your verdict as the Court do have 1t recorded
You hnd the Defendant, John A. Nevling, guilt
in manner and form as he stands indicted, an
guilty Of murder in the hf,t degree. And so 20
all say . They all responded In the afhrma,iv,
While the verdict was being received amid
the death.like stiffness that prevailed, the pri.
oner sat with Stole indifference, as be did through
gu. the entire progress o. the trail nj
eoan,enAneo was pale and sms-worn, caused b
his long imprisonment. The Sheriff ,ook tn
unfortunate man back to prison and locked BIZ
him up to await further action. 0alt
On Saturday morning Judge MeEpally mad
motion for new trial, which motion willptobI
bly, be argued this week.