Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1904-02-11

On Thursday last the Court House was
again the centre of attraction for people
interested in the trial of John D. Payne for
the murder of William L. Minks on June
% last. Every seat in the Court House
was filed with an eager crowd that ex-
pected on this day to hear the most sensa-
tional testimony of the trial.
Court opened at 8 Is o'clock when Mrs.
John Calan was put on the witness stand.
She testified that John and Lizzie were in
the saloon on Saturday afternoon and that
John was acting very badly. Lizzie after
an effort got away from Payne and went into
the back yard and told Mrs. Callan that she
was afraid that John would shoot her.
Lizzie then went out of the front door and
around to her own home. John told Mrs.
Callan that Lizzie had hurt his feelings.
Then John went out the back way.
Mrs. Callan after short cross -examina-
ton was dismissed, and her husband took
the stand. On Friday night before the
crime Payne asked Callan for pistol, but
Callan refused it as he did not own one.
In the saloon Callan said to Payne ''if this
girl is going to turn your nut this way John
it will be worth the best part of your salary,
whatever it is, to get rid of her." John
was silent. Under cross-examination Cal
Ian SAID That Payne had ueen coming to the
hotel with Lizzie for drinks.
Squire George R. Mankin testified
that he had taken Payne in charge just
after the Yerricks boys had caught him.
Mankin then took Payne up the street
until officer Dubois came.
Phi ip Hughes testified that on hearing
the three shots he ran over to the scene of
the tragedy. Payne handed him his coat
and hat which he hung on the fence. Payne
said to Hughes, i've done one but I've
got to do another. I've got to do Lizzie. "
Payne then saw Lizzie and chased her
across the street where the Yerricks boys
caught him.
Officer HI. J. Dubois testified that he
arrested Payne on Oak street, and Payne
said several times that he would do the
whole family if he had the chance
William R. Dobson was recalled and his
testimony was just about as it was on
Wednesday.
Mis- William L. Minks, the widow of
the murdered man, sworn. Mrs M;nks
said that Payne had been going with Lizzie
for several years and that the night pre-
vious Payne came to the house shortly
after eleven o'c ock, knocked at the back
door and asked to see Lizzie. Mrs. Minks
said he cursed her terribly, and that she
was much frightened by him. He went
away but came back shortly and asked to
see Lizzie, each time he was refused. At
last Mr.. Minks came down stairs and told
Payne to go away and that the only time
he could come there was when he was
sober.
On the night cf the murder Mrs. Minks
said that she and her daughter were stand
ing at the front windows and saw the whole
tragedy. John came to the door and asked
to go away and Mr.. Minks gently pushed
him of the front step into the yard.
Payne leaned over the fence. Payne then
asked if he might talk to him. Mr..
Minks said stno, you insulted my wife last
night and want you to go away" Some
words followed. Payne said to Minks,
s'if you were younger man you wouldn't
say that" Minks replied, Pm young
enough for yon" and then struck Payne a
blow in the face knocking him down.
Minks then went into the street aud slapped
Payne in the face while down. Payne said
tive got enough, I'll 60 home" Mr..
Minks said, "Thats what I want you to
do" Payne then asked for rag to wipe
She blood away from his face but
Minks replied, sI'll give you nothing"
Payne stood up pulled his revolver and
said, s'If you move I'll shoot" Minks
turned, Payne shot, Minks rushed at Payne
and the two other shots rang ont. Payne
then fell with Minks on top him.
Under cross-examination Mrs. Minks told
Of the coultship Of Payne and Lizzie, and
said that they were engaged, and had
even gone SC far as TO talk Of renting q
house
Lizzie Minks, who followed her mother,
seemed anxious 70 tell all about herseIi, and