The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1885-12-12


and found Parks lying on his bach
in comatose condition. While in the cor
ridor heard the second report of pistol
Parks had no weapon to my knowledge. Tit
blood had spurted on the floor and wall o
the corridor and room in few places. Go
ing out of the room picked up a bullet ly
of a bullet by the door. | found another
bullet under the lounge. THE bullets were
here produced by the witness.) Found thu
mark of bullet on the back Of the lounge
Met Weast in the hallway and asked hin
what he did that for-thought you were
making an attempt on me as well as Parks
lie said he had none but the most friendly
feelings for me. The shooting took place
about O. clock p. NJ. of Oct. 8. Murdoch
Reeves, Weast and myself met in the parlol
at 8 o'clock that evening. Reeves talked
concerning the matter and asked me Il
90 to Parks in regard to the case and en-
deavor 10 have the prosecution stopped
Weast said that he was now satisfied that nc
improper relations existed between Parks
and his wife. Mr.. Parks said that it was
serious case and that he did not feel like
having the matter settled he was not well
but would talk the matter over in the morn.
ing. Saw him next day and he thought the
matter should be fully investigated. On the
cross examination by Bull witness stated that
it was Mrs. Weast they expected to meet at
Reading. Parks told me So When we went
there | understood that my presence was not
desired and withdrew to one side while they
Parks and Mrs Weast) conversed about Ii
minutes. Got in the rig, q single seated one
horse buggy. The conversation was princi-
pally about the letter. After an hour and a
half in the box, the first witness was told to
step aside.
Newell, being recalled by the Defense sta
ted that Mrs. Weast said coming up in the
buggy, 81 think Pete has got that letter"
Moloney asked, What was said about Hannah
Johnson? Mrs. Weast talked o good deal
about girl she called Hannah. Bull here
objected, and was sustained by the court.
WALTER REEVES.
The above witness took the stand at 4:30.
He stated that he had been a resident OF
Streator for the past 10 years Went with
Weast in company with Mr.. Murdoch to the
Plumb House Feb Q, about in the after
noon. Met Mrs. Weast at the entrance. She
said, "Peer, you had better get all the law
yers in town" Was introduced to Newell
by Parks at the time. Mrs. Weast asked if
there was no room in which they could meet
and consult Offered them the use of my
office Subsequently went up to room AZ in
the Plumb House. After we entered the
room think | remarked, "Well, what are we
here for?" addressing inquiry to Mr.. Newell.
MIR. Newell said they were present in answer
to telegram from Weast, and were ready to
hear what was wanted. l said that there
was business matter between Weast and
Parks, and that Weast was on his way to
Benson when he was called back The mat
ter concerning the deciding of the property
was then spoken Of. Newell then stated that
there was something else, and called atten-
ton to the jealousy of Weast against Parks.
stated that MIR. Murdoch and myself had
nothing to say on that subject. Newell said
that they had nothing to say except to enter
general denial of the matter Murdoch,
Weast and myself retired for few minutes
conversation. Came back, and | stated that
there was certain matter which if MIR. Parks
could satisfactorily explain settlement
would be had. Weast had asked Parks some
time before if he had been to see the family
lately. Parks said that he had not, but said
it in such a manner that Weast felt there was
something wrong The next day he had asked
Mrs Weast if Parks had been there; Mrs.
Weast replied that he had Parks then said
that there was no use in his making state
ment unless Weast believed him. 10 which
Yeast replied that he would if the truth was
given. Parks said, "When met you on the
train did not want to say anything to excite
YOUR jealousy" (Here Mr. Reeves described
the positions of the occupants of the room.
Weast arose, and | said, "Sit down, Pete.
He dill so. He had his hat in his hand. He
asked Parks what time he was Mt his house,
and was answered that II was about o clock
or whereabouts. Weast asked him how long
he stayed. and was told until nine or half
past. Didn't you stay longer Parks
said "Wel, don't know; | have been al
WAYS kindly treated at your house and have
always been asked to remain for meals.
Weast then in a loud tone of voice said,
weren't you up stairs with her? You have
taken advantage of my wife," and pulled
out his revolver. Icaught him by the wrist;
Murdoch also caught him, and we command
ed him to put up the revolver. We struggled
with him and pushed him back to the double
door. All this time he was struggling anu
muttering "He took advantage of my wife
In the course OF the struggle ho ho'" VIZ "
volver in his right hand, which was raised
above his head Cannot tell exactly how tie
shot was fred After which We let him go
In the hallway | saw Weast, and he raised
his arm as though to shoot second time
when he saw Parks. Murdoch and then
went to him and pushed him into room,
where we disarmed him. Murdoch went to
where Parks was lying and turned him over
He was in fninting condition, A few mo-
meuts later other parties came in, and we
picked up the wounded man and brought
him to a window for air. Looking out saw
DIR. Minor and called him; he came. Parks
raised himself up and told us to put the crowd
ont of the room. There was blood on the
wall outside the room and on the carpet
Judge Blanchard here said that the mem
bers of the jury called for reading matter,
and ordered the sheriff to be very careful
not to furnish them any of the local papers
He said that one Of the jurors manifested
desire to read the Presidents Message, ana
no doubt was furnished it, On the re
direct examination Mr.. Reeves stated that he
saw Weast in various parts of the house that
evening: saw Weast and his wife and Newell
and Murdoch in the parlor that evening.
IN =. 1850 ,bara vhep I left Went to the