Watkins Tried For Murder of Cronk

WATKINS, CRONK

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 10/26/2007 at 17:18:45

History of Jackson County, Iowa, 1879, page 409:

The trial of Watkins for the murder of Cronk "took place before Judge J. Scott Richman, in Andrew, beginning December 16, 1867, or eleven months after the tragedy. The counsel for the prisoner were Messrs. William Graham, D.A.Wynkoop and C.M.Dunbar. The prosecuting attorney Lyman A. Ellis, was assisted by Judge J.S.Darling. The case was conducted on both sides with much ability. The trial concluded December 24, 1867."

Maquoketa Excelsior, December 26, 1867:

"The prisoner during his whole trial preserved an even temper of mind and although he was conscious, when the jury filed to the box in the courtroom, that they held within their minds, a verdict second only to that which will be pronounced upon the day of judgment by the Great Jehovah, not a movement of muscle was visible. His eye followed each individual juror as he took his seat and when the documents from the court, which they had been examining in their room were thrown upon the table, his eye followed them, but was at once lifted to the little slip of paper handed by the foreman to the judge, as each fold was unrolled the serious glance of the prisoner accompanied it until the words were pronounced."

"The trial of Watkins concluded on Monday evening last at 11 o'clock, and at 2 o'clock on Tuesday the 24th inst., the jury brought in a verdict of guilty of murder in the first degree."

Watkins was sentenced to be hanged. A new trial and change of venue were granted. The prosecution was subsequently dropped.

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