The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1901-06-25
THE WILLS EPISODE.

= THE WILLS EPISODE.
The unfortunate state of affairs in thu
n family of Judge Benajah P. Wills were
given further airing on Wednesday
: when the young man who has precipitat
ed the entire trouble WIS arrested.
On Tuesday evening there were rumors
of proposed tar and feather expedition.
About nine o'clock several men had gath
cred in the vicinity of the Wills home and
little groups stood around to witness
whatever might happen. The house was
dark save at one window up stairs, where
light showed dimly. The reformers
stood around outside awaiting a chance to
enter the house and bring the victim out,
but they gained the information from
some source that loaded shot gun await
ed them, and the would-be tar spreaders
contented themselves with walking around
the house They had been expected,
however, and although there was no sign
of life within, there is no doubt there was
any amount of vitality around A small
dog gave notice that something was going
on and frequently a window would be
raised and woman's voice would encour
age the dog to keep up his barking. The
tar BOYS remained in the vicinity until
midnight and then departed.
Baxter, the young man in evidence,
was certainly very much scared and de-
termined to leave the town early in the
morning. This may have been contem-
plated the previous night as Judge Wills
young son was down town trying to get
cash for two checks of $50 each, signed by
Anna W. Wills
Shortly after six o'clock on Wednesday
morning, Judge Wills was standing with
came along, with the evident intention of
taking the first trolley to Burlington. The
Judge spoke to him and remarked that as
the fellow was apparently going to quit
the town it was hoped it would be for
ever The Judge, naturally indignant at
the manner in which the fellow had
usurped him in the affections of his fam
lily, used stronger language than we have
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volver, at the same time backing into the
| Grant street station. He reached the
back door of the station where he was
met by William Gennet, who took hand
in the affair and pushed Baxter into the
street. The latter ran to the front, again
fiourishing his revolver, remarking that
he intended to protect himself. Capt.
Micajah E. Matlack, with whom Judge
Wills had been conversing, seized Baxter
by the wrist and wrested the pistol from
his hand. The man then started up the
railroad on run.
During the encounter Baxter had been
roughly handled and had lost his hat.
His clothing was also somewhat rumpled.
At sharp pace he went up the railroad
until he reached the old depot lot across
which he sped, finally reaching the rear
of the residence of Mrs. Mark r. Sooy
Here he pleaded for protection, and Mrs.
Sooy very promptly let him in the house.
She assured him he should be protected
from the mob, but that the law must be
honored and if he was sought by the au-
thorities she would deliver him to the
proper person. Baxter was frightened
and physician had to be called to give
him something to quiet his disturbed
nerves.
In the meantime Judge Wills and Capt.
Matlack had gone before Justice Krayer
and entered complaint against Baxter for
assault and battery with intent to kill.
Warrants were issued and placed in the
hands of officers to be served. With the
idea that the man had gone to Burlington
thew went to that city, ignorant of the
fact that their man was right in their own
midst.
After Baxter had become Gained it was
decided that the authorities should be noti-
fed of his whereabouts. Judge Wills,
having received information of the facts,
went before Justice Jamison and entered
second complaint The warrant was
given to a constable, and the commitment
was handed to Sheriff Fenton. The latter
went to the Sooy residence and secured
the man, who was quickly conveyed to
the Jail. There was crowd in readiness
to see him, but no demonstration was
made. Baxter seemed in great fear and
begged for protection. When he alighted
from the wagon in which he made the
trip, he did not stop a second but ran into
the Jail yard and up the steps rapidly
He seemed much relieved when safely in
side the building.
When questioned with reference to a
hearing. he asked for time to get his New
York lawyer here, which request was OF
course granted. He was not allowed to
be without company very long as Mrs.
Wills was soon to see him and before the
day had advanced much further, mother,
daughter aud son had all visited the fellow.
The affair reached the high water mark
on Friday, when Baxter was released on
bail Harry s. Scovel, of Camden, was
engaged as his counsel and put up 81, 900
cash as security for the release OF his
client, the money evidently being furnished
nv Mrs Wills The latter, accompanied
by her daughter and son, went to Camden
On the $50 train. Baxter left the jail
about five o'clock. He was accompanied
nv his lawyers and Sheriff Fenton, and
took a hack in which he rode to the
station. There were few people at the
Jail and at the railroad station, drawn by
curiosity. No demonstration was made
Raxter was pale, but did not show any OF
the nervousness which had been apparent
at other times.
Before leaving the Jail Baxter thanked
the Sheriff and his deputies for their
kindness to him. He also babe them
goodbye and said he had had enough OF
the town and would not likely return
unless he was compelled to.
The departure of Mrs. Wills and her