The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1895-06-26
REV. TODD is FREE
JURY ACQUIT HIM OF THE SERIOUS
CHARGE OF RAPE

Verdict in Thirty Minutes--Testimony
of Miss Della Coffey Unsupported and
Penalty Considered too Severe--Opin-
ion OF Todd's Guilt is Stin Divided
Among the Colored People Who Took
Great Interest in the Case--Tedd was
Rev. Dennis Todd is again a free
man.
Yesterday his case went to jury OF
his fellow countryn1en who washed his
reputation from the stain that was
placed upon il by the charges Of Della
Coffey, whittier than snow.
The case occupied the attention Of
Judge Reed for five long days. There
were five attorneys engaged in it, twelve
jurors and from 300 TO 500 colored spec
tators and witnesses.
So far as the colored population was
concerned it was probably the most
exciting case ever drawn through the
court of this county.
Rev. Dennis Todd came here from
Tennessee with that best of recommen-
dations, a license TO preach the gospel,
a license to place the word Reverend"
before his name and a license 10 be in
touch with the hearts of his people.
In due time he was installed as pastor
Of the Friendship colored Baptist
church and was looked upon by his
followers as a divine distinguished not
only for his eloquence and force in the
pulpit but for his probity of character
as well. He preached for several months
TO a poor but jealous congregation and
showed them the path that leads TO the
golden gates and pearly streets of the
future in simple but assuring manner.
He not only taught the grown people
but on the Lords day he gathered the
young about him and inculcated the les
sons OF scripture into their youthful
minds. Among his parishioners We're
the Coffey's. They too, came from
Tennessee and being Baptists of his
school it was but natural that they be-
came friendly. Mr.. Todd like all or
mostly all of his profession had a fond
ness for good dinners. Mrs. Coffey
was a genius at making of chicken pot
pies, custards, sweet potatoe bakes and
all other culinery achievements dear to
the southern heart. In the south where
hospitality has its home at all seasons
il was the custom to invite the preacher
to Sundy dinner and the Coffey'S
brought the admirable custom with
them. Dennis Todd and his wife were
invited frequently and accepted the in
vita ton. Family dinner table prayers
were said and the topics of the day were
discussed with the bill of fare. Mr..
Todd was very agreeable company and
because of his presence at the Coffey's
so frequently they were looked upon as
favored people by the remainder of the
Friendship church congregation. After
awhile there was GOODNESS between
the Coffey's and their pastor. Their
door was not darkened by him any more
His name was not considered when they
were getting up their Sunday feaSts
and no more was their chickens slaugh
tered TO tickle his palate. There was a
change in Della the fourteen year old
belle of the Coffey family and the pre-
ceeding labor day was recalled with
sorrow in the household. for according
to Delias story upon that day Rev.
Dennis Todd fell from grace himself.
abused the privileges and hospitality
extended him by her family and forev-
er blasted her reputation and blighted
her life