The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-08-31
0'BYRNE'S !
DEATH
Recalls To Mind a Man
Who Was Prominent !
-. in this County rs
-. Years Ago. ]

Tho death Of genial, bright and witty
John O'Byrne, at San Franoisoo. ,yester.
day, recalls to mind man who was prom.
inent In this city twenty live years ago, a.
criminal lawyer. Hi was one Of Che
leaders at the bar and enjoyed large and
lucrative practice, and no achieved great
fame especially as counsel for big Frank"
and the other burglars who robbed the
Delaware bank In 1879 Mr.. O'Byrne made
a strong defense but the burglars were
convicted, nevertheless
Mr. OByrne amassed small fortune pre-
viously and came here about 1870 and en-
tered In to politics. He resided on the old
Douohoe property Just opposite Rlverylew
Cemetery which was then one OF the pref.
tiest residences In the country where no
entertained lavishly, a,,ooiating with the
leaders OF the state He finally aspiied to
the United State Senate. and to aid his Is.
started the Morning Herald.
But he people regarded O'Byrne a.
carpet Dagger and he was compelled to seek
new ventures after 1880 when the Herald
was sold to H. G. Conrad.
Then MIR. O'Byrne went to Philadelphia
where he soon became prominent, especial.
" MS counsel for Geo S. Tw.tcholi, who
killed his mother-in law, Mrs. Hill, ut
their home, northeast corner Tenth and
Mrs. Hill was wealthy aud did not nut
out her cash fast enough to suit the son.
in.aw. Soit was determined to get rid Of
the woman. Twitchell beat her over tho 2
head and then tossed the body out OF the :
window. His wife, daughter Of the MUIR
dered woman. was also held a. an access!
sorry to the crime, and acquitted. The
trial attracted great attention and
wa. the sensation Of the day. Colonel
Mann appeared for the prosecution and
O'Byrne for the defence The prosecution
was strong and pointed directly Twitchell
as the murderer. At the darkest hour In
the trial O'Byrne flashed his defense
II was that burglars had killed Mrs.
Hill. and In proof VI hi, assertion he pro-
dneed sling shot. Then came tho climax.
Colonel Mann produced twisted pokor,
wall Of the house. 1t fitted the wOuuda on
the woran's head. Twitcbell was cone
victed, and committed suicide In prison.
O. Bryno was congratulated on all sides for
bis clever defense In an almost helpless
case.
About this time the lawyer had obtained
tho grace OF John Kelley, then powerful 10
The head Of Tammany Hall. O'Byrne
pulled up stakes, shook of the dust of Phil
York city. Soon he was appointed an AS
,istant District Attorney at u good salary.
Money flowed, wine flowed. and che Phil
,delphiR attorney was In tho front rank
With John r Fellows, Justice Smyth and
he others who basked in the sunshine Of
,fflcia recognition. .M
But there came dark day for O'Byrhs
ie bc came Involved In monetary and other
His downfall was quicker
han his lise. Silently he stole from
he scene Of his former triumphs
He landed In California, and the
mantle: Of death now covers the form
I one Of the bright, but disappointed, men
I his time.
Colonel O'Byrns was born in Dublin in
S25. and at the age Of 30 entered the army
= Ireland During the American Civil
Var he was Colonel Of q Pennsylvania
9gment.