The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-06-10
ISABELLE TURNER
ON THE STAND
Defends Her Good Name
Against Aspersions.
A DRAMATIC RECITAL
intelligent and Refined Defence of
Her Position.
SHE CoNTRADlCTs GlLLIGAN.
Indignantly Denies the Terrible Accu
sations Against Her Characteristic
Holds Her Own Against Sc
we're Cross-Examination anu
Makes u Fine Impression.
Her Mother on Stand.

ISLE OF WIGHT c. II, VA, June 3
Special.-The Gilligan murder trial was
sensational interesting and almost ora
matte to-day Miss Isabelle Turner, the
prisoners former sweetheart and dauGh-
ter OF the deceased, went on the stand
and told a story that held the great au-
6!ence speli-bound. She is one of the star
witnesses. She is an educated young wo-
man. and she told a tale of the killing IN
weIl-rounded sentences; in language that
was well chosen, prettiIy worded, and, at
times. almost tragic in its intensity Her
story of the killing and attendant mel
dents contradicts the chief points in dii-
ligan's confession, as related by SherlH
Il D. Edwards.
She Indignantly denies the awful char
acter accusations brought by GililSan S
confession She was not asked about the
love-letters. a tender young woman. I'M
used TO court ordeals, heroicaliy faced the
lawyers fire of logic and discretion and
emerged unharmed. She impresses one as
being fortified with truth Either that. or
she is a great actress. The jury, the law
yers. and the spectators We're impressed
MISS TURNER ON THE STAND.
She was the first witness. She came
into court just before Ii o CLOCK ana WAS
sworn.
She had on a thin black veil. which
was removed before she began talking.
She looked straight at Col. Boykin our
ing the testimony. She wore a black
dress, hat and gloves. She had a black
fan, which she used. The witness look
ed sad. but composed. Several times
during the evidence her eyes grew moist
and tears came. She wiped them away
and the crowd almost held its breath
as the flow of language stopped.
She seemed unaware OF Gilligan's pres
ence GiIligan showed very little emo.
ton. lie looked a little nervous at first.
but very little. Most of the time his
arms rested on the table and he watch
ed Miss Turner's face intently.
DEFENDED HERSELF.
The crowd was almost death!y- quiet.
She contradicted all the main points in
Gilligan's confession as related yester-
day by Sheriff Edwards, of Surry-
She did not ask Gilligan to come TO
church nor on the wharf: she had not
said she would drown herself She was
not with him when the shooting was
done: she had not done other things Gil
ligan alleged In answer to questions,
Miss Turner said in substance:
Il was 20 years old on the day my father
was killed-Decemher 9th. I have been
off at school since l was 16 excepting the
session of 1SaS-'99. ! had come home to
pass ten days about Christmas time;
live near Fergussons Wharf
Witness told of her actions. whereabouts
and companions several days prior to the
killing She went to church Sunday and
attended church entertainments Monday
and Tuesday She told of her actions in
detail She went to St. Andrews church
Monday and at Bacon's Castle to en-
tertainment Tuesday. She took part
GILLIGAN5 DID NOT SPEAK.
In reference to the Bacon's Castle enter
1ainment, where Gilligan said she urged
him to come to her home, She said: Lit
tie Ned Smith with me most all
day / went to the church with little
Ned. Annie and Carrie Savage, Mrs. w
P Wilson and daughter The entertain-
ment lasted two hours and ended be-
tween and 10. / changed, my costume in
the dressng-room. Mother, Ned and l
were in company at the store We did
not leave till we were ready 10 go home.
Ned Smith drove me. Mr.. and Mrs. VIII
son were near us. We got to Mrs. Will
sons first From there mother and /
drove close together till we reached home
We got there al 1880, | saw Gillisan
at the entertainment l saw him when l
went down the aisle to see my mother:
saw him from the rostrum. Some one
hailed when we were outside: recognized
Mr.. Gilligan's voice. ] told mother.
He did not speak TO me that night; I
am positive
EMPHATIC DENIAL.
Miss Turner attended an entertainment
near Bay View Monday. In regard to see
ing Gilligan at the church entertainment
witness said dramatically:
There was no sign OF recognition, no
notes. no messages of any kind
When questioned she repeated erlDhati-
caIly s.No message, no notes; no COM
munication whatever
"wednesday l stayed home till . o'clock
In the afternoon, Went to the wharf 10
sea Mr.. Smith and little Ned off. We got
there ahead of the boat and Went 10 the
postoffice II was showing very fast. When
the boat left stepped out and waved.
After going a few steps from the oyster
house waved at the boat again. walked
away rapidly. Some persons We're in front
and some behind me. l slackened my
speed Later heard footsteps 1t was
Afr. tsflNsan. ! did not turn my head at
first He accosted me with:
:. Good evening. Miss Isabel
:. Good evening. Nick / replied.
HE hesitated, and said: Come on,
have something for YOU
II answered. I don't want it
Il walked more slowly. Mr.. Howle and
Captain Marshall came up Captain Mar
shall assisted me. We walked off the
wharf.
GILI1IGAN RIDES BY.
"Mr Giilisan came out of the post-of-
fee siashed his horse and drove away at
q rapid gait. The wharf Is half a mile
long.
Il made no request of Mr.. Giilisan TO
come and see me. / did not say I would
jump overheard IL he did not come. I
have stated every word spoken; / have
told ali, am positive:
..Mr. Howle drove me till we met father
and mother. We changed horses and moth
er and went to Smithtieid. She was with
me nearly the whole time there. She drove
homo with me.
When got home L heard some one at
that?
Mother said. WHO is that" Still no re-
My. s,,.as..AIr.s is;lliran. He ntI; his