The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1886-10-16
THE CIRCUIT COURT.
A Number of Criminal Cases Dis
posed of This Week.

PoSS" VI NNsSNs
| The Circuit Court after recess of nearl!
two weeks resumed its sessions for the Sep
tetnber term on Wednesday morning last
Judge Stump alone occupied tue bench
The criminal docket was resumed Tn
first case taken mp was that of Mrs. Mari;
Dell, of Port Deposit, indicted for assault
with intent to murder Charles Huber,
youth residing with his pareAts next doc
to the accused. 1t appeared that There wa
the too frequent neighbprly quarrel, HUI
ber's parents claiming that Mrs. Dell had
struck nearly all their children and the ac
cused stating that she had been annoyed 10y
chickens etc, etc. Charles Huber testified
that on the 18th of last August while Ii.
was engaged in cutting down weed, in front
of Mrs. Deli's property whieh his father
had been authorized! To have done by the
town baiitf, she cut him On the cheek with
a knife and then threw water over him.
Mrs. Dell denied the cutting and stated
that the youth had struck her with his fist.
Huber's father and mother testified against
Mrs. Deli, and the latter's husband and
other neighb,rs testified in her behalf The
jury after consulting for but a few minutes
returned with verdict of not guilty. Il.
&. Tnackery, Esq, defended Mrs. D..
The case of John Mendinhall indicted for
rape on Ella Ida Miller was then taken up.
MeHdinhali is tifty-six years of age and his
hair and bear. (the latter IA foot long) are
partially gray. He is miller by trade and
although d native of Cecil county, resided
for number of years lately in Philadel-
phia. In March he rented he mill of David
Phillips in the Sixth district, several miles
from Rising san which he managed until
brought to Jail early in June where he has
since remained, the privilege of giving bail
not being allowed persons charged with SO
serious an utfense. Ella Ida Miller is ara,her
goo Hooking girl of about II years of age,
but appears to be somewhat Older Her
father lives in Philadelphia. Mendinhall's
wife brought her from that place to do
hnusework. there was soue difficulty in
getting jury. the defence making mapy
challenges. The girl testified that Oh the
afternoon of the 10Th day OF last May when
Mendinhall and she We're d lone in The house
that he threw her on IL sofa in the parlur of
his residence and accomplished his purpose
notwithstanding her resistance and outcries
Mendinhall's wife was away at the time
The girl dld not tell any one of the assault
until the next day. Margaret Phillips, a
maiden Quaker Lady, daughter OF the ow ner
of he mill, testified that she heard the girl
make AL onrcry Oh Ihe afternoon it was al
Legged tie assault was conlmitte.i. Witness
did not femerIi Der great any things and
would say Il don't know | tell thee. I"
When asked why she didn't sehd for IL
doctor for the girl when she was afterwards
sick instead of doctoring her herself said
1--WE don't believe Ill doctors, or lawyer
cit! err" Mendinhall testified in his own
beh .If. He denied committing the assault,
and also daniGd having any improper rela-
lions with the girl. He had slapped her
for misbehavior, and she thre.t To tell
something on hun. Four men residents OF
Philadelphia who knew Mendluhall when
he resided in that city testified To his good
character. Mrs. Miller, Ella A-step:uuther,
testified that she was an incurrigable story
teller. Two women who had boarded at
the same house as MenuiuLall, testified to
his good character. \ brother of the rrisr
oner testified to loose ACTIONS of the girl
The care was argued before the jury, whn
after remaining out but half an huur re-
turned al 9:30 p. NJ, with verdict of not
guilty. Albert Constable and Heistrr Hess,
E-qS., defended Mendinhall
On Thursday morning Nathl ni-l But cher,
placed on trial on the charge of larceny Of
500. Tho Case was concluded early il the
afternoon. The jury after remaining up all
night ami failing to agree was discharged
L. &. Thackery defended the prisoner.
William Freeman, alias "Mopkey'' Free
man, colored youth, of this town, was
tried before a jury on the charge of assault
and battery on George SHIPPERS coloreu, and
for carrying concealed weapons. He was
convicted of both ofienses. The Judge in
consideration of the fact that he had been
confined in Jail for five months only i'm
posed Il fine Of s. and costs for the last
named otfense but for the former sentenced
HIM to four months in the House of Correc-
ton. AT the evening session Frank A
WaltherS who was under sentence of $500
fine and thirty days N Jail for violating III.
local option law, was convicted in three
other cases for the same otfrnse and had
the same penalty imposed in each. The
sentences com bined make four months in
Jail aud he will be required to serve two
months additional for non payment of fines
On Friday morning Harry Morgan of
Elkron, was placed on trial before a jury OF
the charge Of larceny of about $40 from,
Henry Mcconnell. The case was still /on
trial when We went to press. I
Paul Read was brought into court about
half past two in the afternoon and sentenced
to be hung. The Governor is required to
tx the date.
Judge Stump said In sentencing him that
there " as no doubt i'll his mind that Man
non struck the blow but the fact that he
was acquitted did not make Read the less
guilty.