Milford chronicle., 1909-04-09
YOUNG MILFORD MAN
MEETS A TRAGIC DEATH

D While in the act Of attacking Jester
A. Gray, Walter J. Gillispis was killed
just before midnight on Tuesday las,
by knife thrust into his heart. This
terrible affair occurred in South Milford
in front Of the residence OF George G.
Abbott, at about II 49,, and Jester A.
Gray appears from the evidence given
before the COroneT's Jury TO have only
defended himself from the assault sbut
unfortunately in defending himself he
plunged the blade Of 3 small pocket
knife which he had in his hand for the
purpose Ofcutting of the end OF q cigar.
into the breast Of Gillispie Just over the
heart. Beth young men are between
twenty and twenty.One years old, and
are connected with the best families.
and moving in the best society circles
Universal sympathy has gone out to-
both families.
Walter ]. Gillispie lived but q few
seconds after the fatal wound was in
flicted. He was the only son of Mrs
Bessie Giliispie Of South Walnut Street,
and the late DR.. 6 Gillispie Of Phila-
delphia. They formerly lived at Mil
ton aud are well known to the people
Of lower Delaware.
Jester A. Gray is the son Of Mr.. aud
Mrs Frank Gray of Milton, and has
always born a splendid reputation for
morality and good behavior He is
about six feet tall, manly appearing
and Of fine presence, He Immediately
assisted in caring for Gillispie and
was in the greatest mental agony over
the unfortunate ending Of the trouble.
In company with MIR. COnwell, the
banker Of Milton, he came to Milford
OIL 7 lesday evening and called upon
Miss Frances Bennett, who is student
ofthe Milford High School, with whom
he visited several Of the young people
Of Milford earlier in the evening, and
then passed the later hours st the home
OF Miss Bennett in South Milford. He
was on his way down town, and in the
act Of preparing to light a cigar when
he was met by Gillispie who got into
an alteration with him, and finally
struck him a blow and followed it 40
with an effort to get at young Gray.
The hole story as told at the Coronerls
inquest Was brought out in the exsmi-
nation Of William Gray. Norman
Windsor ana others all Of Milford.
Jester A. Gray gave himself up to the
officers and made no effort to escape
any responsibility for the result OF the
trouble.
Coroner Griffith was notified at his
home in SeafOrd, and came to Milford
in an automobile, arriving shortly after
noon. He empsnneled jury consist
ing Of the following
William V. Supple, chairman John
P. Holland. secretary Asbury Smith,
Edward Pierce, Harry Pierce, Charles
P. Tatman, George Reynolds. Ed ward
George n Draper, Alfred E.
Archer and Robert Griffith. They sat
n the Windsor Hotel and summoned
Gray aud Norman Windsor
Is the main witnesses Mr.. Gray told
low Walter J. Gillispie had announced
lis intention aud desire OF going
It that late hour to the home Of the
-Oung lady for the purpose Of having
n understanding with someone un.
nown to them That he and Windsor
ccOmpanied him, and at the residence
George q. Abbott met Jester A.
fray on his way down town, that
iillispie provoked by swearing and
nally by blows the defendant, who
tempted to defesd himself against
asailant and struck q blow 1t Gillispie
lfiicting the fatal wound. The de-
ills rs testified to by all witnesses was
bout the same and clearly showed
lat Gray WAS justified in making an
fort to save himself.
The physician called, DR. J. 5. Pretty
ian, testified that Gray not only called
T him to render aid in person, but
emed beside himself with anguish az
lie terrible results that he carried, or
sisted in carrying Gillispie to his
'rch, and assisted in every way pos
BILE, and finally without suggestion.
'ye himself up to the authorities.
The jury rendered a verdict as followss
We find that Walter J. GlllIspie
me to his death from a penknife
'und inflicted by Jester A. Gray In
id.efense, and that we fully and abso-
Lely eKhOnOrated the said Jester A.
'ay from al blame in the case.
The funeral Of Walter J.. Gillispie
u be held this Friday evening at
e residence Of his mother. on South
alnut Street, at p. M, aud the re-
aims will be taken on the first train
Saturday morning from Milford to-
Iiladelphia for burial Another SER
e will be held there from No. 4O2
nth 10th Street, at D. M. on Mon.