Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1922-06-29
WlLBuRN CONVICTED.

IN. I, w.. rrr-5cr of Deputy Sheriff John
-.-. IN oran county during the armed
-, NJ the coal miners in August,
.o5r The prosecution had piled up a
-. - NJ evidence against Wilburn from
-, there was no escape, even though
ILLNESSES we're the subject OF
zoe attacks on the part of the de-
.srse in attempts to break down their
.ss,;mony Friday was given over to
re summing up by the attorneys, each
Side being allowed three and a-half
SS,,-s The courtroom was packed
III 8,y long with men and women
s,or, every section of the county, who
rs,sned With attentive interest to the
s,efches of the lawyers. Those who
s1ole for the defense were James M.
Mason. Ir. II. w. Houston and T. c.
townsend Col. Forrest w. Brown,
Prosecuting Attorney John Chain of
Logan county, Hon. c. w. Osenton and
i VI. Bclcher spoke for the prosecu
,ion and il vas agreed that they had
the rest of the argument. The State
messed for a verdict of murder in the
frst degree, and described with
startling yiviinesS the cruel murder
Gore ami the two other deputies who
we're shot down on Blair Mountain.
The defense dwelt principally upon at
,acks on the crediblity of the States
Witnesses.
During the long and trying day the
prisoner sat in his chair with but lit
lie change of expression upon his face.
His wife and several of their children
we're with him. Mrs Wilburn was
nervous and i'll at ease, and wept when
the attorneys turned their batteries of
ienunciatiOn upon her husband. A
night session was held, and Attorney
Belcher made the closing argument for
the State About SIS the case was
given to the jury and they retired to
their room. where Jesse A. Engle was
chosen As foreman.
The crowd remained in the court
room, though the Judge left the bench
and went to his chambers. 1t seemed
to be the general opinion that a ver-
5ict would be agreed upon, and the
crowd buzZed and chartered as ii
awaited the decision. The prisoner and
his family sat alone within the en-
closure Of the bar, apparently deserted
ty the union leaders who had gotten
him into his predicament. At 9.35 a
bell ranc, and almost instantly there
was Silercc-it was a signal from the
jury room. a moment or two later
the jury with serious faces filed into
the room and took their places. Fore.
man Ene'c held a paper in his hand.
Clerk Conrad asked him if the jury
mad agreed upon a verdict. eve have"
he replied. and handed the paper to the
clerk, who read it, 1t was verdict
ihat James T. Wilburn was guilty Of
murder in the second degree. The
prisoner scarcely changed expression
ei all. His wife put her face into her
hands and wept bitterly. The Judge
suggested change in the phraseology
ot me verdict and Clerk Conrad wrote
u rs IT, should he in order to conform
q, IeEai requirements. The jury affirm
20 mat ms was their verdict. The
attorneys for the defense made the
->"i. notions for 4 new trial, to be
t,EDs' LATER. Judge Woods then or
l'.H mgr the Jury be released from
."."-r .... or this term and court
~ .N-'ea The prisoner was led hack
I. me county iail. A friend guided
.s.Tr wife through the crowd
81 'ne outside of the court
'". or two persons spoke a
.' sympathy 10 her. and a ten
49, .' woman pressed into her
,... - ."".serehief with which she
r ..'r her -dimmcd ewes.
g.. '- men. weary and anxious