Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1885-11-12
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The ssAbc Rnzzard'' OF ans Rordcr-
Death OF w. M. NeaIs


Special Correspondence OF Gazette and journal.
CENTREv114Ir, Nd, Nov. THREE years
ago a large theft Of meat was made in
this county in the neighborhood of
Smiths shops. After some investigation
the completely of man named John W.
Corkrell, and a youth named George s.
Taggart. was discovered The two were
sent to the penitentiary for two years. On
the 18th of last May farmer living near
Rockville, this county, had q valuable
horse stolen from him. The thieves, of
whom there were two, were traced into
Delaware and captured. One of them was
negro by the name of Wright; the
other was George s. Taggart. A short
while after they were confined in the Jail
here both managed 10 escape. Taggart
was recaptured near Townsend, but the
negro has thus far eluded the vigilance
of the others. Since then Taggart has
made two Intellectual attempts Mt escape.
Some weeks ago he wrote a history of his
life, and il was published in the Centre
vile Record. It created some little
sympathy, perhaps, but still more aniuse-
ment. On Friday his case came up for trial
before the court. He pleaded not guilty,
and in lieu of any special speech his
counsel, A. II. Weldon, Esq, read a
letter to the court, written by Taggart, in
which he entreated the court to belenient
with him on account of his extreme
youth. He is but 81 years of age. In
pronouncing sentence, Judge Robinson
remarked that his plea for leniency might
have some weight were it not for the fact
that he was an old offender. His SEN
tence was eight years in the penitentiary,
in which time, the judge facetiously re-
marked, he would have ample opportu-
nifty and leisure for repentance.
George s. Taggart bears very I'M
savory reputation in various sections of
Delaware, particularly about Smyrna.
His life reads like dime novel, and he
has been compared to Abe Buzzard, SO
numerous are his wild and unlawful ex-
PLOTS. In every neighborhood which he
has inhabited petty thefts have always
attended his departure. He is rather
stout in person, dull in feature, and has a
villainously low forehead, over which his
hair falls in punches. During the judges
speech he sat perfectly motionless, with
head down, but pair of cunning eyes
were upturned all the time.
Willard H. Neal, prominent citizen of
this county, died at his home last Friday
after a short illness. He leaves a small
family. Mr.. Neal recently came into
great notoriety in the county through his
energetic fight against the Jury plan
system of nomination by the Democrats, oi
whose party he had been lifelong mem.
Der. He was one of the SYSTEMS most
sturdy supporters when it was adopted
several years ago, but afterwards recanted
and took up bitter fight in the news
papers against 1t. 1t is rather singular
coincidence that the two died the same
week-the Jury plan" on Tuesday and
himself ON Friday.
Among our merchants business, 80 long
depressed, is reyiving. Walter F. Har
man is at last comfortably settled in his
handsome store. Several new firms hav,
recently opened in our town, and affair
in general wear. very cheerful aspect.