Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-05-07
Minnie Thinks Was in the But.
terry That Saturday,
And Swears GetcheII Drank from Il
First of the Week.
witness First Pup-A Watchiul landIady-
Brother Wasn't lnquisitivs.

this will probably be occupied by it.
On Saturday the defence had a witness
to xQlain why any seeming irregularities
at Ocean Point between the defendant and
Trask, and the witness was very positive
one and evidently watchful. Not only did
she deny that Trask kissed Mrs. Getchell
good bye at the wharf, but that be was not
on the wharf at all when she left.
Then bright Lad took the stand and
stated that Ellis, who opened, as he says,
the letter from defendant to Trask, told
Trask in witness hearing that he didn't
open the letter, also that Eli, told Trask
on that occasion that it WAS a letter which
Mr.. Getchell ordered his wife to write to
Trssk. This witness was very sure about
the time of events and his calendar dated
from the time he got his first pup. This
little incident served to relieve the strain
which had been apparent throughout the
week in the court room and every body
smiled, including the court.
Then the defence got a round quart bot
tie in evidence as the one which contained
the gin and sulphur, but which isn't the kind
of bottle heretofore described. Then Min
ME Jones stated she was sure Getchell took
a two-gallon jug of cider to the buttery
week or so before he died, and thought the
jug was there that Saturday, but didn't
know whether there was any cider in it.
Then the brother of the defendant fatty de-
nied some of Abbie Keen's testimony about
his getting Trask over there at his sisters
request, after Sheriff Norton was there
The little girl, Minnie Jones, daughter of
Mrs. Getchall before she married Getchell,
is not through with her cross-examination.
She behaved admirably on the stand, Sat-
urday, and showed intelligence beyond her
years.
The prisoner and jury give evidence of
the strain of the trial. Mrs. Getchell, how
ever, seems to have rather the best of it, SO
far as her face indi Gates it. From Satur-
day until today she had the comfort of her
children with her at the Jail. The court
ordered everything done for the comfort of
the Jury during the Sunday recess. 1t was
planned for them to attend the Universalist
church in the forenoon and ride to Togus
in the afternoon. The rain spoiled the
latter part of the arrangement, and as some
of them were not feeling well they did not
attend church.
AT the opening of the trial Saturday there
was little delay in getting the witnesses.
The audience, at the opening of the trial
Saturday, was mostly confined to the
habitues of the trial. those who have sat
throughout nearly every day. They, how
ever, occupy two-thirds of the room as
signed to spectators.
The prosecution wished Annie Dudley
recalled. She took the stand.
Q.-I understand that you testified you
had attended every campmeeting for nine
years.
Had been to campmeeting every year for
nine years. Witness was sure of this be-
fore leaving the stand.
Q.-How many days were you at the
campmeeting last fall?
A.-Dont remember.
Odd you ever go down the track with
Mr.. Trask more than once?
A.-Yes.
Odd you have Mrs. Getchell's cloak
and hat on?
Ayes sir.
Q-What time was this?
A.-Dont remember.
Q.-When was it you went down the
track with Trask and saw Ida Smith?
Al think it was two years ago last fall.
Council for the defence wished to show
what property VIM. Henry Getchell died of
as bearing on the alleged motive and in
this connection wished to put in the pro-
bate court records.
This was allowed. The papers put il,
showed that his personal estate was 1888
Real estate S2l00. The widow was allowed
all of the personal estate.
Rosanna Burnham of Ocean Point was
called.
Stated she was widow and had three
children. They were at her house last
summer. Last summer Mrs. Getchell and
Mary Peaslee stopped at her house. They
slept in the bed room on the lower floor off
from kitchen through closet.
Q.-During any part of that time did La
forest Trask stop at your house?
A.-Laforest Trask boarded there two
days. He slept on the lounge in the
kitchen.
Odd Laforest Trask at any time 20
into the bedroom of Mrs. Getchell?
A.-No sir.
Odd you ever ask Mr.. Trask to come
in there at request of Mrs. Getchell?
A.-No sir. 1t did not happen.
Odd you ever see anything improper
between Mrs. Getchell and Trask.
Al never did. S.
Q.-Didyou remember when Mrs. Task
left Ocean Point? =
Ayes sir. Was at the wharf when
Mrs. Getchell went away.
Q-Was Trask there?
A He was upon hill by hotel. UMrs.
Getchell, Mary Peaslee and witness stood in
front of the store when waiting for the boat.
Q-Where was Trask then!
Ale was with Mr.. Van Horn down
nm the side of the hill