davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

ing that his testimony first given i'm
plIcating the three women was false ;
that neither OF them had any connec-
tion with the murder: that they were
innocent OF participating, aiding or
abettin0 in the commission of the hor-
rible crime, and TO this last statement
he adhered, TO his death on the ecaffold.
THE WOMEN CONVICTED.
The other women, MARY Abernathy
and Pokey Barnes) were also convicted
upon the indictments against them,
and were sentence to be hung. They.
as well as the prisoner, applied ulti-
mately to the Supreme Court Of Ap-
peals for relief. Owing to circumstan-
ces peculiar in their character, but un-
necessary TO mention, the writ OF error
awarded in the case OF the prisoner
was dismissed.
NEW TRIALS GRANTED
New trials were granted to the other
women.
On the second trial Of Mary Aber-
nathy there VI as conviction OF MUIR
der in the first degree, and she was
again sentenced to be hung. An APP
peal was taken to the Circuit Court,
and upon the hearing that court held
that the evidence did not warrant the
finding of the jury, and another tIial
was awarded, whereupon q nolle prose-
qui was entered and she was discharg-
ed.
DISCHARGED FROM CUSTODY.
On the second trial OF Pokey Barnes,
after all OF the evidence had been in
troduced, the attorneys for the COM
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

Ben Moseley, colored, the driver for
Messrs. Tolley and Peterson at Whist
ler, made a shot last week that will do
the shooting clubs we'll to ponder over.
He was at work in the wood yard OF
the latter gentleman, when he saw q
large hawk flying around. Ben watch
ed his manoeuvers for some time,
when Mr.. Hawk descended upon an
unsophisticated brood and came up
with half grown chicken. Ben ran to
the house, procured q gun, snapped
twice at the hawk. and by this time
the hawk, with its prey. had taken
possession of the top of large oak
Ben went into the store. procured q
fresh cartridge fired at Mr.. Hawk and
killed both the chicken and hawk. The
distance was about seventy-fve yards
Mobile, Ala, Daily News.
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

and undoubtedly received the greatest
ovation ever rendered any troupe in
this place. The success of the enter
tainment was largely due to the untir-
ing efforts of Rev E. d. Samuels. The
troupe was loud in their gratuitous ex-
pressions in connection with the hos
pitable treatment rendered them by
the ladies of the Union Baptist Church
and return them their most hearty
thanks.
Judging from the expression from
those who witnessed the Cantata al
the 2nd Baptist Church Sunday School
has scored a point in the musical world
and the people of Ashland will be Of.
fering them inducements to come
again.
Miss Rosa b. Yancey, the pianist IA
vored the audience with several fint
selections between acts.
WITNESS
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02
Burned to Death.
NoMAD,

On last Monday morning at A. M.
little Baby Harris, the year old boy
of Mr.. and Mrs. Jack Harris of 1912
Jacquelin Street, was fatally burned
breathing his last at Q p. m, the same
evening. The mother and father were
out at work, leaving their three little
children in the house, theoldest being
Ave years Of age. The unfortunate in
fant was playing in the fire and its
clothes ignited.
The eldest child opened the door and
the infant rushed in the street envel.
succeeded in subduing the flames
but too late to save it from its awfu
fate.
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

monwealth. deeming the evidence ia
sufficient to convict, with the assent II
the court. entered q nolie pPOeequi,
aud she was discharged.
In neither of these last trials was
Solomon Marable introduced, though
he had been the most prominent wit
ness in the trial of Mary Barnes and
the first trials of the other women, his
conflicting and contradictory state
ments having rendered him absolutely
unworthy of belief.
DECLARED THEM INNOCENT.
1t Will be seen that two of the wom-
en- implicated by Merable in his first
statement, but whom he declared to be
innocent in his subsequent and dying
statements, have been acquitted and
dische rged, yet the third, Mary Barnes
against whom. in my opinion, there
was the least evidence-absoluteiy
none except the first statement Of Mar
able-is still suffering the penalty OF
her conviction.
AN APPEAL TO FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
The life or liberty of citizen, how
ever humble, is toe sacred in the eyes
of the law or of civilized man to be
taken upon the testimony alone OF q
self-convicted perjurer and murderer,
lone declared to be so base and degrad-
ed as to exclude him as witness in
subsequent trials in a court. Every
mandate of justice and dictate of con-
science require that the prisoner be
restored to her liberty.
THE PARDON Is GRANTED.
She may be guilty, but no jury OF
honest convictions and freedom OF
judgement would, il Marable were still
living, and with the facts recited be-
, fore them, consider his evidence for 9
! moment.
The pardon is granted.
} When solomon MarabIe glibly told
= of the part played by Mary Barnes il
the murder of Mrs. Lucy Jane Pollard
= he was met by the statement OF ole
man Pollard himself that she was IL
the field, working with him at the
time the murder was alleged to have
been committed.
= The jury ascertained her punish
4 ment at ten years in the Virginia pen
= itentiary, and she had to be smuggleC
!, away from Lunenburg county to pre-
vent lynching.
HER ANKLES SKINNED.
When she reached the penitentiary
= for weeks afterwards she couldn't wea
= any shoes, because of the iron man
s acies which had scraped the skin from
. her ankles.
e Mary Barnes had therefore becom
2 separated from the other prisoner
{ and any change in her condition from
e legal standpoint would have return
g ed her. not to Richmond jail with Ma
= ry Alternately and her daughter, Poke
= Barnes, but to Lunenburg Co.
rrupa ~ n ANoup
Therefore, when it was presume
that a new trial would be- granted Sol
4 omon Marable, Mary Abernathy an
), Pokey Barnes, a serious apprehensio
d was felt for Mary Barnes.
; 1t was thought that the placing {
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02
RELIGIOUS CANTATA
Rich Costumes Superb
Acting.
CATCHY MUsIO-ENFHUsIAsFIC
AUDIENCE.
"REBECCA.'' y
AsHLAND. Va, December %, '96,

ASHLAND, VA, December %, '96.
When the 4 so train from Richmond
arrived here this evening a troupe of
singers from the cond Bapt. Church
Sunday School alighted. Their visit
to the city was for the purpose OF pre-
senting the beautiful Cantata of RE
becca'' at the Union Baptist Church Of
which the Rev. E. d. Samuels of Rich
mond, Va. is pastor. .3
On the arrival pf,the company at the
church, the ladies had prepared q ta-
BILE with all that was necessary to sat
isfy the inner man. The ladies and
gentlemen composing the troupe were
made welcomed by the hospital ladies
of the church. and TO say that enjoy
ment reigned supreme would be only
putting il in q mild way. The per-
formance was presented to a crowded
house composed OF some of the most
intelligent people OF Ashland and vi
cinity.
The esingers,were sncored to the echo
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

were elected for the ensuing term: G..
@, j. w. Randolph; V. O., J. @. Will
son; M. of f., L. 8. Luton; N. Of Ex .
j. j. Corprew; K. of r. and S., j. q.
Brinkley Prelate, @. f Lomax; M. at
A, James Williams 1. G., j. w. Sher-
ran o. G., J.. ]. James; Representa-
tives to the Grand Lodge. Alexander
Jones, J. c. Brinkley and R. E. Kin
dred. The meeting was very largely
attend and after the routine Of busi-
ness was transacted thanks was turned
to God for having led the lodge to sue
cess throughout the old year.
On the oath OF December it pleased
, God to remove by death brother Rob
ert Hill. The Sir Knights are in sym.
pathy with the bereaved family. He
leaves a wife and daughter to mourn
their loss. Sleep on until We meeI
again.
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

We are proud to see that the lodge
Of the city have learned to know that
it's always better to keep a good article
when you once come in possession of
it. Good officers are needed in all
lodges and the Sir Knights have come
to the conclusion to keep the old war
horses in harness as is evidenced by
the elected officers of Old Dominion,
Richmond and Planet Lodges. We
are glad to see SO many of the old
names before the public again.
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

was addressed to Judge Orgain as fol~
lows:
ATroRNEY-GENERAL's OFFIoE,
Richmond. Va. Nov. 13, 1895.
Hon. GEORGE @. ORGAN.
Judge of Lunenburg County Court:
Dear SIR
Mr.. W, B. Lynn, superintend-
ent of the State penitentiary, has
handed to me the process of your
court, dated the 18th instant, which
process commands him to produce be-
fore you this day the body Of Merry
Barnes, IN his custOdy-in the words OF
the process, Ito do. submit TO, and re-
ceive all and singular those things
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

bitter cold Christmas morning she was
turned adrift by the authorities at the
penitentiary in the streets of a strange
city.
This was done too after repeated ef-
forts had been made to ascertain the
time at which she would be released
from the gloomy walls of the pri-on.
They said she would go out at about 9
O'Clock; instead, she was sent out at
about o'clock, although Octavia
Hodges, another pardoned inmate was
not sent out until long time after
wards.
PREPARATIONS WE'RE MADE.
known that preparations had been
made to lead the lone woman to a
place of comfort where kind friends
were ready to assist in an atonement
for the wrong which had been done.
Superintendent Lynn was absent.
and this may account for the peculiar
action of his subordInates. Suffice it
TO say that Editor Mitchell was there
at the appointed hour and learned that
Mary Barnes had been sent TO his office
in company with a Mrs. Crump. moth
or of one OF the inmates of the peniten-
tiary. 1 he office, of course was closed
it being Christmas, and Mary Barnes
was carried to the extreme end OF
Manchester, thinly clad, and just from
IA warm cell, to weather the chilling
blast of a December morning.
She was not found until past mid
day. and she was carried to the resi-
dence of Mr.. and Mrs. Benjamin Jack
son, 902 North 7th St, .,-another chap
ter in the peculiar conditions in tru-
ly celebrated case
1t was impossible to secure for heI
the necessary clothing at that time
but on Saturday morning, she was
returning to the place from which she
was sent, she received her mileage Al
she describes 1.-two one dollars, fif
ty cent piece and three cents.
In assigning his reasons for his ac
tion, the Governor says:
"This woman was tried and convict
ed as an accessory befOresthe fact to TIT
murder of Mrs. Lucy Jane Pollard il
Lunenburg county on the 14th day o
June, 1895, and was sentenced to
term of ten years in the penitentiary
which she has been serving since th'
22nd day of July, 1895.
THE ONLY TESTIMONY.
It is conceded that the only testi
mony against her was that OF one Solo
omon Marable, who was convicted a
the mt rderer, sentenced and executed
She was first indicted with Marabl'
and two other women Mary Aftermath,
and Pokey Barnes) for the murder. /
was discovered, however, that sh
would be able to prove an alibi by th'
testimony Of the husband of Mrs. Pol
lald and this indictment was dismiss
ed and an indictment as an accessor.
before the fact found
MARABLE's VARIATIONS.
On her trial as we'll as on the trials O
Mary Abernathy and Pokey Barnes
Marable made several conflicting an
contradictory statements, finally stat
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02
FYTHIAN NOTES.
WITNESS

The members of Old Dominion lodge
met Christmas Eve at their castle hall
for the purpose of holding their regu-
lSr meeting and to give the members
the Christmas treat mentioned in our
notes of last issue. The treat turned
out to be prayer meeting and K. of
R. & s. Sir Knight Joshua Kinney
was called upon to lead in prayer.
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

The officers elected at the last meet
ing of Planet Lodge. %, also the mem
bers are requested to be present Mon
day night, Jan. 4th The Grand Chan
cellor and his deputy will be on hand
for the purpose of installation and it
is earnestly hoped that large number
will be present to greet them on their
arrival.
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

The members of Myrtle Lodge. IL
are requested to meet at their castle
hall on 3rd st Thursday night at s
o'clock sharp. This being the first
meeting in the New Year it is earnest
ly hoped that all of the members
whose names appear on the roll will be
present and that an extra effort will be
made to carry the lodge to success
both numerically and financially.
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

the prisoners within the active iuris-
diction of the County Court OF Lunen-
burg would ensue their return to that
rebellisus locality.
WITHDRAWAL OF THE PETITION.
1t was then that consultation was
held and counsel decided that John
Mitchell, Jr. should take with HIM a
notary public and repair to the peni-
tentiary and secure the signature or
mark Of Mary Barnes to the document,
asking for the withdrawal of her peti
tion for new trial.
Her case was accordingly dismissed
Her return to Lunenburg county at
that time meant certain death and it
was thought that the other prisoners
had slim chance OF remaining on "this
side of the river"
JUDGE oRaAIN's ORDER.
Efforts were made even after this
withdrawal to secure her person as the
following order entered by Judge E O..
Organ will show:
The COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA,
To the Sup't of the Virginia State
PenitentiarY-Greet
We command you that the body of
Mary Barnes. detained by you, and
under your custody, as it is said, 10y
whatsoever name she may be called ,
you have before the judge Of our coun-
ty court of the county of Lunenburg,
at the court-house thereof, on the 18th
day of November, 1895, to do, submit
to, and receive all and singular those
things which shall then and there be
considered of her in this behalf, and to
make defence to q motion then and
there 10 De made on that day TO cor
rect the records of Lunenburg county
court upon her trial for murder of NJ
J. Pollard. And have then and there
| this writ.
Witness Jno. L. Yates, clerk of ouI
said court, at the court-hOuse, the 1IJh
day of November. 1895, in the 120tI
year of the Commonwealth.
| JOHN l.. YATES, CLERK.
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

Manchester Lodge, II will have an
annual sermon preached January "a,
1897 at the 2nd Baptist Church, Man
chester, Va, Rev. d. w. Davis Of Plan
ct Lodge, %, the pastor of the church
will ofticiate. All Divisions and Sir
Knights are invited to be present.
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

cred of her in this behalf, and to make
defence to motion then and there to
be made on that day to correct the
records of Lunenburg county court up
on her trial for murder OF NJ. j. Pol
lard Who applied for this writ, /
know not, but suppose it was upon the
petition or motion of the attorney for
the Commonwealth.
WITHOUT JURIsDIoTIoN.
The papers delivered to Superintend-
ent Lynn with the body OF Mary
Barnes are attested as the record OF
her trial in your court. and show that
Mary Barnes was found guilty OF the
murder of Mrs. Lucy Pollard, and her
punishment ascertained by jury
ten years imprisonment in the peni-
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

Friendship Lodge, 8 of Norfolk, Va,
heads the list and is the only lodge in
this jui sdiction that has a member
ship sufficiently large to warrant the
election of three grand represents
tives.
NoMAD.
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

Richmond Lodge, 1, will hold its reg
ular monthly meeting Monday night
Officers elect are requested to be pres
ent prepared for installation. Mem
bers of sister lodges are invited
Lodge opens at o'clock sharp.
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02
TIE oFFIoIALs coNFrs.

There was quite a commotion when
it was known that such an order had
been entered and many we're the spec
ulations concerning the same. A hur-
ried consultation was held by the Gov
ernor, the Attorney-General and the
Superintendent OF the Virginia Peni-
tentiary. The res ult was that a lett
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02
PRICE, 5 CENTS,

been working away from the city have
been seen during the holidays and
hand-shaking has been quite common.
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

In all of our travels on Christmas
Day we are glad to say that "Nomad"
did not see single Sir Knight drunk.
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

SHE Is FREE.
Mary Barnes Released
From the Penitentiary.
THE LONE WOMAN'S
TROUBLES.
Adrift in the Streets of a
Strange City.
NOW IN A PLEASANT
HOME.
She Waited Patiently for
Deliverance.
THE DISTINGUISHED COUNSEL.
Sketches Oftheir Career
Governor Charles T. O'Ferrall decid-
ed on Wednesday night, December 33.
1895 to pardon Mary Barnes, and on u
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02
sKReEANr EPPs NoT ro BLAME.

If wrong was done. and the dignity
of your court or yourself trespassed
upon, the Governor and myself. and
not Sergeant Epps, were the offenders.
/ know Of my own knowledge and con-
nection with this matter that no indig-
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

Eureka Division, will hold its first
meeting for 'e7 on Thursday plight III
is needless TO say that the Sir Knights
will be out in large numbers as from
what we can learn the Division expects
to make more rapid strides 10 the front
in the future than in the past. Every
Sir Knight whether uniformed or not
should be present and help to encour-
age the newly installed captain. The
Sir knights should make q sacrifice to
attend every drill Of the divisionin or
der that good showing can be made
at Suffolk during the Grand Lodge ses-
sion. No Sir Knight should think OF
going in the street who does not attend
The drills as he will really do more
harm than good.
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

tentiary; and this term of servitude
she is now rendering in that prison.
house. 1t therefore must follow that
Mary Barnes is civiliter mortuus, and
over her the county court of Lunen-
burg has no jurisdiction or power.
NO DIsREsPEcT INTENDED.
Without meaning or intending any
or the least disrespect to your court,
by my advice and by my direction
superintendent Lynn respectfully de-
clines to obey the process served upon
him have advised Judge Mann and
Mr.. Southall, with whom had a salts
factory conference to-day, of my ac-
ton.
Without the petition upon which the
process of your court is based, it is i'm
possible for me to prepare Superin-
tendeEt Lynn's return thereto. Oblige
me. therefore, by sending me copy.
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02
NO DIsREsPEcT INTENDED.
WILL APPEAL THE CASE.

As soon after I received it rs possi-
BILE / will prepare his return upon the
lines indicated in this letter and,
should the return prove insufficient
and unsatisfactory, then make your
order and punish the contempt. From
this order 1 will appeal, give proper
bond, and tie Court of Appeals decide
the issue thus raised.
This is q matter too far-reaching in
it's consequences to let it stop short of
the judicial tribunal Of last resort.
THE suPERNrENDENT's POWER AFFECTED
If such power as you propose to ex-
ercise after conviction, sentence, and
/ incarceration in the State prison-house
be in the courts, then the penitentiaTy
| is no longer under the control of the
superintendent and board-the Com.
monwealth's selected and entrusted
agents.
Before concluding this letter, I take
the liberty to say that l regret your
action in awarding the rule for con
tempt against Sergeant Epps, the jailel
of this city.
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

Many of the Sir Knights who have
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

Every member of Planet Division. s
are requested to be present Monday
night. Business of Importance to be
transacted. Excuses not accepted IS
your presence is needed. A treat In
store for you.
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

At a meeting OF Friendship Lodge, g
Of Norfolk, Va, held "wednesday night
December 23rd, thofollowing officers
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

Continued in fifth column fourth page
Richmond planet., 1897-01-02

Governor Charles T. O'Ferrall decid-
ed on Wednesday night, December 73.
1895 TO pardon Mary Barnes, and on u
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1897-03-08

fots1 70 &Uu1KaEhoF&s
Sealed proposals will be received by the
Board Of Insane Asylum Directors, at the
Office OF the Secretary, Marcus Brunswick
day of April, A. ID. 1897, at 10 O'Clock,
noon, for tho erection Of the addition to the
New Mexico Insane Asylum, to be con-
structed according to and under the con-
ditions named In the plans and specihca-
lions prepared by /. II. and w. NJ. Rapp,
architects of East Las Vegas, which will
be on file and open to inspection at their
Office. Each proposal must be accompa-
MED by a certified check OF two per cent.
of the amount Of the bid. such check pay
able to Marcus Brunswick, Secretary, as
q guarantee that the Contractor will enter
into a contract for construction ut his bid,
IL the same is accepted, and will give sat
isfactory bono for the performances Of his
contract, as provided In the plans an
specifications. A successful bidder failing
to give such bond will forfeit his certified
check. Bids must be made out ON blank
proposals, which will be furnished by the
Architects. Contractors may bid on the
| whole work, or on the whole and any part,
or on separate parts only, according to the
classification In the specifications. Con-
tractors will be required to keep the build
| ing free from liens, and to see that all la
borers and sub-contractors and material
men are paid, before receiving last pay
| ment. The Board reserves the right to re-
ject anv and all bids.
LAS VEGAS, N. NJ, February 10th. 1897.
ELISHA v. LoNG,
Pres. Board Directors.
MARCUS BRUNSWICK, Secretary.
BENIGNo ROMERO
FRANK 8. Crosse N,
31w-9t Directors.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1897-03-08
NEW MExioo BOARD or nEAsTH.


Many persons postpone taking medicine
TbIIl slcknes. ac1asccilnced thesms4fey q
this foolish idea and many thousands more
have spent months on the sick bed who
could q been spared much suffering had
they taken q few timely doses OF P~RIcKLY
ASH BITTERs. Biliousness, liver disorders,
constipation, stomach troubles, are only
should receive immediate attention.
PRIcKLY ASH BITTERs is a kidney tonic
and liver regulator. 1Clesnses the bowels
OF constipated conditions, tones up and
strengthens the stomach and digestion and
purihes the blood. A short treatment
with this remedy regulates tho entire
system, restores n maintainf health. Sold
by M~urphey-Van Petten, Druggists.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1897-03-08
News From Mora County.

To the Editor Of the Optic.
HOLMAN, N. M, March 4th, 1897
About six inches of snow fell here last
night, but nearly all of IL is In the air
this morning. The wind Is blowing II
about In a lively manner.
Mrs. Tomas Casaus, of Mora, died
at her home, Sunday, after an illness
Of several weeks.
A fine, big girl was born to Mr.. and
Mrs. Joe Doherty, OF Cleveland, last
Friday.
Mrs. Jake Stern, Of Mora, also pre-
sented her husband with another boy.
Jake is doing well.
Simon Vorenberg, Of Cleveland, and
Chas. U. Strong, of Mora, popular
merchants, visited your city on bust
ness, this week.
A great many ties and piling are be-
ing taken from here to Watrous.
Probate and commissioners court
were 10 session this week. Arthur
Romero is the popular deputy probate
clerk. Con.
Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1897-03-08
ONLY A rRlor.


From the Democrat.
Albuquerque seemed to be very willing
10 got rid OF the Territorial ~uniyersityl
and II would not surprise many II the
present legislature would hold then e.
their offer and remove the name 70 Lar
Vegas--OrTic,
Don't you believe Il. The removal
OF the university TO Las Vegas was only
a rider to be tackled on to the capital
removal bill, to help certain fellows
carry out their pledges that the capita
should not be removed. The report
that Albuquerque was to lose tho uni
versity was spread here by one OF the
boss ~lieutennnts. Las Vegas repre-
sentatives were ready to make the
necessary amendments. The protest
against trading off tho university had
already been made. Do you see how
ii all workedf The Territorial off,
GERS have all been dispensed with, AL
puquerque has her university. Santa
Fe will continue to be the capital, and
Las Vegas figured In the little scheme
in name only.