Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-08-23
LYNCH F0UNDGUILTY
THE CHESTERFIELD JURY GIVES HIM
i8 YEARS IN PRISON.
The Prisoner Thought He Ought to Have
Been Convirtsd of Murder or Ac-
qultted-Brief Manchester Items

james Lynch. the tramp who has been
confined in the Chesterfield County jail
for several months charged with the muir
der OF the unknown one-armed stranger.
near Chester, last April, has been convicted
of murder in the second degree and SEN
fenced to eighteen years in the Peniten-
tiary. The trial began Monday morning
and closed yesterday afternoon.
Messrs. Ernest Wells and W. G. Pilkin-
ton. who were appointed by the court 10
represent the prisoner, looked after the
defence. while Commonwealth Attorney
Cogoill conducted the prosecution. In ms
opening argument. Mr.. Cogbill admitted
that the prisoner might have been insane
taAthe time of his confinement IN the asy-
lSS, CsSiated in the letter from Dr. Page
superb fendent Of the DaDvers' Lunatic
Hospital in Massachusetts, but emphasiZ-
ed the point that the accused had been
only victim of primary dementia.
Mr.. Pilkinton spoke tor half an hour.
and Mr. Wells made strong plea ot IN
sanity for the accused. Mr.. Cogbill in
submitting the case stated that he would
ask verdict of murder in the second de-
gree, "a the evidence showed that there
had been a struggle between the two mem
at the scence Of the tradgedv, and there
was possibility that they had become in
Yolyed IN difhculty.
BRING IN THEIR VERDICT.
The Jury remained out only ten minutes
before rendering the verdict.
When sentence was pronounced ard the
prisoner was allowed TO speak he stated
that he thought the jury ought either TO
have convicted him of murder IN the first
degree or have acquitted him. Lynch
was very cool during the entire proceed
ings. though he manifested considerable
interest in the trial. The court oyerruled
q notion for new trial.
Judge ClOpton, in pronouncing sem
tence. made some earnest and touching
remarks TO the convicted man. which were
Well-timed and altogether appropriate.
When the Judge remarked that he hop ed
tho prisoner would have time TO repent
Lynch coolly retorted. "Ah yes eighteen
years ought to give man plenty OF time
to repent"
SEVERAL. ARRESTS YESTERDAY.
A white man was arrested at Forest Hill
Park Yesterday evening, charged with
being drunk. Justice Jones Will look INTO
the case to-day.
The Swansboro' magistrate will also
have a negro named Aleck Chapens before
him. Aleck was arrested yesterday by
Constable TURNKEY. on q charge of wife
beating. Both men were locked mp III the
Manchester Station.
Chef of police Llbscomb arrested a
negro Yesterday as being suspicious
character. The man gave the name of
Wright and he will be before the Mayors
court this morning.
A negro named Joe Johnson, was ar
rested III Richmond last night and turned
over TO the Manchester authorities. 1t IL
alleged that johnson struck another negro
Sunday with q rock and then trled to
rob him.
Mrs. ". r. Reams and children are vis-
iting relatives in Petersburg.
BRIEF DITs OF NEWS.
Mr.. NJ. A. Cogblll. of Chesterfield, has
prepared list of the members of Com
paDv d, Fourteenth Virginia Regiment,
Armistead's brigade, ri ckett's division,
Lorgstreet's corps. The Captain was the
late W. W. T. Cogbill, father of Mr.. +. ':
CocbIll. Commonwealth Attorney of
Chesterfield. The company was raised IN
Chesterfield. and there are now but few
surviving members.
There was no evidence against Charles
Fisher. the negro arrested Monday night
charged with stealing a watch from Mr..
Carroll. and he was discharged by the
Police Justice yesterday morning.
c. Nj. Bower, a shoemaker, living on
Hull street, near the railroad crossing. was
hi, with rock Monday night by negro.
The police are investigating the matter
Bower was quite painfully hurt. and was
attended BY DR.. William. p. Mathews.
The Petersburg Jr,der-ApDedi says Miss
Hester A. Claiborne. of Manchester, is WIS.,
iting in Prince George county.
Rev. l.. J. Phaup. of Bon Air, who was
hurt in runaway accident there Satur-
day, continues IN very bad condition.
Mr.. jim Whitlock and Mr.. Forrest Whit
lock left SUNDAY evening TO visit relatives
and friends III Roanoke. where they expect
TO remain for several DAYS.
Mr.. William Ryan. of Richmond, having
been appointed Collector Of Internal Rev
enue for the Richmond district, Manches-
ter and Chesterfield will be given repre-
sentation in the Office.