The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-09-01
Each Recalls Some Incident of
Value to the Man on
Trial.
TRAPPER FANCHER's STORY.
Contradicts the Prosecutions Evidence
Regarding the Prisoners
Horse.

WEAVERVILLE, CAL, Aug. 31.-
Round Valley is turning out in force to
save Joe Gregory from death by the moose.
In point OF numbers the witnesses for the
defense have the best of it, but much of
their testimony is conflicting, and when
cross-questions extend beyond the range
OF former rehearsal there are frequent
contradictions. Round Valley, though, is
loyal to Gregory, and few OF its denlzens
fail to recall some circumstance that will
help to prove Gregory guiItless of the MUIR
der of Jack" Littlefeld
Somewhat of surprise was sprung upon
the spectators shortly after court opened
this morning. when G. B. Fancher, a gem
tleman OF nomadic instincts, was called to
be sworn. AS he sat down in the chair.
adjusted his glasses. leaned forward on a
broomhandle, which served as staff, and
began to talk, it was apparent that the
witness character was as UNIQUE as his
appearance.
He stated that he was a hunter and
trapper by occupation, and that he had
resided in California since 1849, and he
could not name one locality where he had
resided in for period of three months at
a stretch during that time. His present
leased the township, which was but half
surveyed, from William Thompson as a
grazing range for cattle, in case he should
see ut TO accumulate some and place them
upon it. He had some hogs when he left
home, but was not certain that they would
be there when he returned. He had
started his sons in business by presenting
to each OF them sow. a cabin had been
built upon his range, but he did not re-
mem Der IN what year, as he was not feel
ing very well at the time and took no
notice.
Fancher stated that on the 9th of Sep
TENDER, while fishing on the north fork of
Eel River, he had seen Joe Gregory and
fred Radcliffe cross at the Wilburn or
lower crossing at shutdown, going toward
the Vinton cabin. Al the time he was DIS
tant from them about fifty yards. There
was considerable stream of water then
and as Gregory stopped to let his horse
drink, with the horses head pointing
down the stream, he noticed that the
horse was bald faced. He had met no
other persons on the river that afternoon,
though be had been in the locality for two
hours. He stated that he had caught
some fish and cleaned them after dark,
utilizing his sense of feeling in lieu of
light after he got to camp.
Should his testimony prove trueF this
witness would be a powerful aid for the
defense, and for this reason larger por-
questioning him, and it was apparent dur
Ing the afternoon session that he was be-
coming entangled in the traps set by the
prosecution. AT the beginning of his
examination the witness had complained
OF being somewhat hard of hearing, until
he CHANGED to mention that he had heard
Radcliffe and Gregory in conversation
after they had crossed the river, when
Radcliffe had remarked to Gregory: "Mr
Gregory, we will go over to Louisey Creek
tomorrow and look for some cattle"
Upon being reminded of his infirmity by
Deputy Attorney-General Post, the wit
ness explained that after he had become
acquainted with the sound of a strange
voice 1t was no difficulty for him to under
stand, even when spoken in a low tone
Westerman, George Cummings and Tom
Henley were again called to testify in re-
gard to distances measured by them.
Jack" Weldon of Ukiah was questioned
In regard to a conversation between Peter
o Neil and Peter OFarrell, and confirmed
none of the latters statements. Tom
Hayden, at whose house the plot OF assas-
sination is supposed. to have been LAID,
and who is charged with completely in the
crime, stated that he had never heard of
or entered into any plot to kill Jack"
Littleheld. He had been at home at sun
down on the evening of September 81
1895. Buck Lacock, Bayliss Van Horn,
Fred Radcliffe, Joe Gregory, Frank Han
over, Fleetwood and DR.. Joyer had been
at his house that day. Lacock had gone
after Fred Radcliffe and Gregory. Rad
cliffe came unarmed, but went away with
Vinton's rifle, and the party of six-the
witness. Radcliffe Gregory, Lacock, Van
Horn and Crow-went up on to the hill.
Oregon Sanders, attorney for the de-
tense, at this point asked for recess, as
he was indisposed.