Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1921-06-21
CIRCUIT COURT.

In the jefferson Circuit Court last week
Henry Johnson was found guilty of murder
in the First Degree for shooting Robert
Mans field on March 80 last, the Porter
field farm Charles Town, with recon-
u1enGaton by the jury that causes life
sentence in the penitentiary.
The entire day Tuesday and part of We'd
nesday morning were employed in the exam
inat:on of witness for the state, none of
whom eye-witnesses to the killing
most of them testifying to circums tances
leading UP to the tragedy.
Johnson was the only witness in his be-
hal. and his side of the story was heard with
interest by the large crowd of spectators in
attendance at court both days. The accus-
ed maintained that he shot Mansfield in de-
Tending himself when be believed that his
own life in danger.
Trouble had occurred between the two
men at Mans fields house on Saturday night
March rs. 1t was shown that Mansfield put
johnson out of his house after an alterca-
ton. and they did not again till the follow
ing Wednesday when Mansfield was blowing
for corn in a field the Porterfeld farm
and johnson was hauling logs through the
held to saw mill on the same farm. In
his statement before the jury, johnson said
when he, on his log wagon team approached
Mansfield with the pillow team, the latter
threw stone which struck him in the face.
causing him to fall from the saddle. AL
most before he could regain his balance
Mans field was nearly upon him. Then
johnson drew revolver from his hip-poeket
and fired at his assaiant several times.
decree was entered authorizing John F.
Myers, Admins traitor and others to pay to
the Farmers and Merchants Trust Company
of Chambersbu burg, Pa, all moneys due John
p. Alice II. and Margaret Clark. infants.
The Trust Company was empowered to bring
suit to collect any funds due said infants il
such action was found necessary.
Report of George M. Beethoven, Jr,
Special Commiss Toner in the case of A.
Douglass Freeman and others vs. Julia Free
man Boil and Others was confirmed the
commissioner being allowed to retain the
shares of two minors, parties to the suit
ppending the qualification of a suitable
guardian for them.
Upon their petition t. Shirley and Ella S.
Eby were permitted to adopt Elsie Nora
Reynolds as their child, she to take the name
Of Elsie Nora Ely, and to succeed to all the
rights and privileges she would have enjoy
ed had she been their lawful child.
Report of sale of house and lot subject OF
sult IN chaneery wherein William o. Rau,
guardian of Robt. G. George and Martha
stuart, were plaintiffs and NJ innie L. Stuart
and others defendants confirmed Sale
OF the property was made to Lewis H. Rick.
A rule was issued against Earl R. Coulter
to show cause why he should not be adjudg-
ed guilty of contempt in failing to supply
an allowance for the support of Nellie CouI-
ter had been required by a previous order OF
conrt to maintain the defendant Nellie Coul-
tef and her minor children.
A divorce was granted Jesse Carson Law
son from Fannie E. Lawson, and it was
ordered that the case be stricken from the
docket.
N. I. Snyder administrator of Daniel By
eers was authorized to sell the real estate OF
his descendant, after first advertising the
sale in The Farmers Advocate
secondhand Chandler touring car pay-
ment for which was sought by Hugh Miller
a Front Royal garage man, from Leonard
Cooley, Skepherdstown merchant who had
bought 1t, furnish he'd anus ement for Jurors
ana spectators at a trial of the Wednes-
day afternoon and part of Thursday. The
evidence showed that Mr. Cooley had bought
the car for $500. paid 5000 down, and on the
representation that it was in good running
order, took it to his home in sbenberds to,yn
The car, according to Mr.. Cooley and his
witnesses, proved hundred per cent lemon
and the purchaser refused to pay the balance
due on it. verdict was returned in favor
of Cooley.
Court VIII be in session again tomorrow