Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1884-1886, 1885-02-06
THE DISTRICT COURT.
The Jury in the Hensberger-
Scheldon Case Find De-
fendant Guilty.
In Case of the State VS.. ]. J. Williams a
Jury was Empanelled and the
Witnesses Examined
Digest of Tes-
timony.

The evidence in the bastardy case, In
which Susan E. Hensbergcr was complain
ant, and Casper Scheldon defendant, having
all been given on Wednesday evening and
the case rested, court opened yesterday
morning by an able speech from Prescott
ing Attorney Balderson. He was followed
| in a fortv-fve minute defense of the man
with wife and four children, by II. G. Rug.
giles. Frank Dale summed up the case with
a fine effort to secure justice TO poor half.
witted girl and father for the little wall
who had caused all the trouble. The room
was packed with an eager audience who in
dulged in numerous smiles as many scien-
tific points in physiology were discussed and
elucidated upon BY the able counsel. A re-
mark from one attorney that he could not
vouch for certain results from
personal experience, brought forth
drive from the opposite counsel
al bachelors This point was, however
lost, as no one could imagine to whom he
referred and the time was too limited for q
reply.
At 1850 the case was given TO the jury
and at noon they returned with verdict OF
guilty-and the baby had father.
While the jury IN this action was out, the
case of the State of Kansas rs. J. J. VII,
liams was called.
Great care was exercised in selecting o
jury and not until six jurors had been ex-
cused was the box filed with full quota
that was satisfactory TO both sides in the
case.
Frank Dale made an opening address to
the jury in which he set forth, from pros
ecuting standpoint, a synopsis of the facts in
the case. T. B. Wall followed with the
same, as construed from the opposition, or
defence. Court now adjourned the fore
noon session.
When at LEO p. m. court reconvened, the
witnesses were sworn and the examination
began.
John II. Ayers. the prosecuting witness,
and the person who had received the cutting,
was the first to take the stand and testified
rs follows: Am foreman of the EAGLE Of
fee. Came to this city in July. Had diff
Guilty with the defendant, Williams. He
came to the EAGLE Office on the night of
November Sd last Was in company with c.
Ford. Defendant cut me seven times. Three
of these were severe and dangerous, the
other four slight. OF the severe cuts, one
- If fl,,n, h. ,aaly
back Of and below the left ear, and the third
upon the muscle of the left arm. The slight
cuts were, two on the head, back of the ear,
a slight scratch upon the face and a-slssh
across the abdomen that cut through the
clothing and made a scratch upon the body.
Cross-examined-Ha been on usual duty
that day. Went to EAGLE office to assume
the duties of foreman. Don't know how
long Williams had been employed at the
office when | first went there
Never had any previous difficulty with VIII
liams. This was the only trouble
between US. II grew out of Williams and
Ford coming TO the Office under the infu-
ence of liquor and persisting in interfering
with the men at work. Usually call lunch
at II O'Clock at night. This interference oc-
| Cured aboul lunch time. There were other
printers off duty that night. Williams and
Ford made two visits to the Office on the
night in question. The first time they came
Ford was in the lead. | stood near the FIN
posing stone" when | told them it was
against the rules to interfere with the men
while at work and that they must 20 out Of
the office. They stood at the first lease" talk
ing 20 Mr.. Coombs. They kept on talking
after had ordered them out. Did not at
first know what Williams and Coombs were
converting about. Afterward knew that it
WAS about an overcoat. Williams said he
wanted Blackman's overcoat. When they
would not leave the Office | turned to the
imposing stone and picked up therefrom a
''side-stick" and said to Ford you must and
win go out Exact language as near as can
recollect was, by God, you will go out or
| will break your head" Then took Ford
to the door. He offered no resistance ex-
cept TO lean back somewhat in walking.
Williams said that he had done nothing and
| offered no resistance TO leaving the room ex-
cept he pulled back little as Ford had
done. In twenty or twenty-five minutes
they returned. ! said boys you must 60 out,
will not allow you up here tonight. Took
hold of Williams and turned him half way
around. Don't know that he said anything.
The side-stick was here produced in court.
Is an iron bar about thirty inches long and
weighs four or five pounds. 1t always lays
on the imposing stone. Let go of Williams
and took hold of Ford. By tie arm.
He offered some resistance by
leaning back. Don't know where
Lon Miller was at this time. Did not shut
the door when he had put GU; Ford. Ford
said he would throw stones at me. When
returned TO room Williams was about TWEEN
~ feet from the door. Was jumping up
and down and in loud voice exclaiming:
Put me out, I'll cut, I'll shoot" Caught
him by back of neck. / did not have side
stick in my hand AT this time. Caught him
with left hand. Right hand was free.
Dragged and pushed him to the door. He
caught door casing with left hand. A strug-
gle here ensued. Immediately after saw
knife in his hand, felt blood on nv face and
realized that | was cut. Started into room
for some weapon TO defend myself Saw
Lon Miller at the door. Saw that he had
side-stick in his hand. | grabbed it and
struck Williams Was SO cramped for
room that the bow was light one. Vii
liars started to run. l grabbed door casing
with left hand and swinging out struck him
blow on the hesd as he reached the second
or third step from the top of stairs. got
supper al home that evening. Do not recol-
lect of stopping anywhere on my way to the
Office.
Col. NJ. VI. Murdoch sworn: Am editor
of Wichita EAGLE. On the night of Nov.
3. 1854. John H. Ayers wss foreman OF the
night forces on the morning paper AZ the
EAGLE office. Had instructed Ayers not TO
allow drinking or jamborees in the office
Had had trouble from such things and want
ed no more of il. Do no; recollect of tell
ing him not 10 allow the men when of duty
to visit the Office.
Chss. Coombs, a printer, was next called:
On the night in question was working on
Blackman's case. Saw Williams in the Office