The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1883-09-06
FRANK JAMES
On she Witness Stand = His Own
Story.

GALLATIN, Mo-, August 31.-The
defense this morning continued their
impeachment Of the states witness.
James S. Demasters, justice of the
peace, testified that at the coro-
ner's inquest over the body of Wood
Hite, Mrs. Bolton testified she had not
seen Frank James for two years, and
then at his fathers house,
Here Gen. Joe Shelby came into
court and apologized for his conduct
while testifying yesterday. Judge
Goodman read Shelby severe lecture
for appearing in court in an unfit
condition, and fined him $40 for his
treatment of the states attorneys.
Several witnesses testified as to
Ford and Bolton saying they had not
seen Frank James for years, and that
he had gone south and was trying to
lead better life.
John Samuels, a half brother of
Frank James, testified that he had not
seen Frank before the Winston rob-
berry since 1876, and then at home.
Saw Jesse in May, 1881, with Dick
Liddell at his mothers house; heard
both Jesse and I4idGell say they mad
left Frank in Kentucky, and that he
was going south. There was strik-
ing resemblance between Wood Hite
and Frank James; saw Jim Cum
mings, in the summer of 1851, IN lcom-
pany with Jesse and Dick Liddel
Cross examined : Knew they were
all outlaws, were armed at all times,
and had heard they robbed banks and
railroad trains.
Bird Harb.Son, a neighbor of Mrs.
Po1fnr no oh lo.s
house during May, 1881, Defendant
coroner'S jury at Heit'S inquest. Did
not know that Mrs. Baltop said any,
{ thing at that time about Frank
| James.
After recess of fifteen minutes
the defendant took the witness sta1d.
He showed not the least tr5pidation,
but looking the jury squarely in the
face gave, In a clear and distinct
voice. his testimony, which was sub
went from Missouri to Ten
nesSee; came to Nashville and
returned to the farm in the White
creek neighborhood. In 1880 l was
logging for an Indiana lumber COM
/ PdAJ. ~ 0do AdIu WOlh, 6tuQ LII y
health becoming impaired, / moved
into Nashville to go into other bust
ness. first met Jesse the year after
went to Nashville. I was in store:
he stepped up and spoke, but we called
no names, he said was he living in
Hamburgl county, Tenn, and buying
grain. Saw Bill Ryan in 1879. Did
not see Dick Liddell, Ryan and Jesse
together very often. lett Nashville
firstly, to look for a livelihood for my
family; secondly, to getting away
from these parties to George Hites, a
relative in Kentucky. Regarding the
afficer's appearance at Hites, three
men approached and Jesse said
"They are after us" said, mo
they can't be after u.s.
they passsd and did not come back
Wood Hite followed them a short dis.
Etance. 1t was said there was q strong
resemblance between WeOd Hite and
myself. We vent from Hite's tc
Logan county, KY, and Jesse ana
u Dick went away, did nat know
where. No arrangement was made
, between Their, and me to rob the ex
press at Kansas City. On the con
trary, tried to dissuade them from
going to Missouri, as il was unsafe
and advised Dick to go to work. Be
tween May 10 and 10. 1851, Invent t.
} Louisville and then to Clay. county
Texas; went to Mrs. PalmeF's IN jun
and stayed there FIVE or six weeks