Description
"The April 2, 1859, news article continues reporting on the Buchanan County Circuit Court, St. Joseph, Missouri, trial against John Doy charged with stealing a slave. The trial started on March 28, 1859, continued March 29, 1859, and recessed. The trial resumed on April 1, 1859.
Prior testimony was repeated of Platte County witnesses Fielding H. Lewis (Weston, Missouri), Edward Washburn (Weston Township), Hugh Murdock (City of Weston), John S. Woods (Marshall Township) and Benjamin Wood (Dick’s enslaver, Mayor of Weston, Missouri).
Witnesses in defense of John and Charles Doy gave testimony. The prosecution called Alexander Miller to testify: “Mr. Doniphan asked if he had ever seen the prisoners in Platte County. Witness (Alexander Miller) stated that he could not swear positively that he ever did see prisoner (Doy) in Missouri, but he believed he had. He believed that he had seen him (Doy) on this side of the river in the last four or five months.”
The prosecution recalled witness Fielding H. Lewis: “I saw Dr. Joy in Lawrence on 14th of January, for the first time. He was in conversation and I heard some parts.” (Objection sustained to further testimony)
The parties rested their case and Court adjourned to Saturday morning when jury instructions were argued and closing arguments were made. Court resumed on Sunday and the jury were given their instructions. The jury was unable to reach a verdict and was discharged. It was reported 4 juror voted for conviction and 8 voted for acquittal. The case was reset for trial beginning on Monday, June 4, 1859."Date(s) of Creation
4/2/1859
