The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1890-01-29
Trial for Manslaurhter.

TaylOr's Trial for Mansiaughter.
The Court Of Quarter Sessions was en-
gagged four days last week in tho case Of
the State Y. Jonathan Holmes Taylor.
This was an indictment for manslaughter.
On the afternoon of the 18th of Seplem-
Der last, John E. Bird, who was then 10
nm intoxicated condition, drove to the
blacksmith shop of the defendant at Rock
town and there had his horse shod by the
defendant. The horse was gray in color
and the wagon buggy without top.
About half-past four o'clock 10 the after
noon, the wagon having been backed out
of the shop, aud Bird being seated therein,
Taylor entered the wagon-against the
protest of Bird as some Of the witnesses
testifed-for the purpose, as he stated, OF
taking Bird home, and drove away in the
direction Of Birds residence. At about
nine o'clock that evening the dead body
of Bird was found IN the road at the
Hook In Lambertville. II appears that
Taylor drove past the residence Of Bird in
the direction OF Lambcrtville. He was
seen by several persons ON the road, both
before and after having passed Birds place.
Taylor was driving, and Bird was lying in
the bottom of the wagon. Taylor talked
to various persons about business and
other matters. The horse and wagon was
found the next morning, united, under
shed near the spot where Birds body was
found, 1t having been turned around 10
the road near that spot aud retraced its
course for short distance. 1t is about
eight miles from Rocktown to Lambert
vile by the road taken, and at a point
some three miles from Lamberlvllc blood
was found in the road the next day. The
doctors testified that there was wound
in Birds chin which had the appearance
OF having been made by wearing or
grinding away, the flesh and muscles be-
ing entirely gone and the bone having
been worn smooth. The theory Of the
State was that, as Bird was lying in the
wagon his head had protruded and been
caught between the shaft and the wheel,
and that while in that position Taylor
had driven on and the revolutions of the
wheel had ground Bird to death. The
turning of the wagon, 1t was supposed,
had released tho body and it had then
fallen in the road. at about nine and a
quarter o'clock that evening Taylor was
seen at the saloon of Mr.. Burroughs In
Lambertville, wherehe was refused drink
because he was Intoxicated. Taylor there
asked man whether he had seen any
thing Of John Bird, that he had come to
Lambertville with him and was to ride
back with him. The next morning Tay-
lor went to the office of DIR. Closson and
stated that he understood that Bird had
been found dead, and he supposed he
he was the last person who had been with
him.
Tho defendants version was briefly
that when Bird drove up to his shop he
called to the defendant and said that he
had bottle of whskcy in his pocket and
wanted defendant TO take drink; that
defendant said to Bird that lac must not
take out the bottle there because persons
were looking; that Bird drove in the shop
for the purpose of having new shoe put
on the horse, and while defendant was
shoeing the horse, and before and after,
the defendant and Bird drank out Of o
quart bottle, nearly full, several times;
that after the work was finished Bird
wanted defendant TO so with him tt
Trenton; that when the last drink was
taken in the shop, defendant said to Bird
that as but little whiskey was left he had
better take 1t home, as he would want q
drink in the morning. that Bird said no,
he would get another quart at brakes
slill-house, where he had got that; that
| defendant said to Bird that as he had
helped drink his whiskey he would give
Bird the money to get another quart, and
did so; that defendant said to Bird thai
he was going coon hunting that night,
and Bird said II defendant would go with
him TO brakes for the whiskey, and Their
home with him, he would go with him
hunting; that defendant got in the wagon
with Bird and drove Off; that after going
some distance, Bird drove so carelessly
that defendant attempted TO take the lines,
when the wagon ran in the ditch, and, ID
jumping out the dc cndant fell; that de-
fcunantihcn Intended to go back home
but was persuaded to go on upon Bird'i
promising to let defendant drive; that do
PENDANT then took the lines and did the
driving, with the intention OF taking Bird
to the house of his brother-in-law, who
lived about mile away, as both Bird
and the defendant were getting pretty
drunk; that from that time on he, the de-
PENDANT had no distinct recollection o.
anything that occurred; that he had {
confused recollection OF an impression o.
falling from wagon and losing ant
cropping for his hat, and of the though
that Bird had driven off and left him; ant
that the first thing he recollected clearl,
was finding himself lying on the grount
under the hotel sheds at New Hope. Tn,
case was given TO the jury yesterday
| tuesday,
The quarterly report OF the Ass istant
Adjutant- General, g. y. Magrath, OF th,
State G.. A. r., shows a membership o
1879. During the year the gains b.
muster have been 15s; by transfer, Al
L q mi Il