Murder of Mrs. Brownlie

The Murder of Mrs. Brownlie

AWFUL MURDER !

Mrs. A.W. Brownlie at Long Grove Assassinated
Particulars of the Tragedy - A Most Cold Blooded Deed-
Presence of her Children-Absence of the Husband-
Burglars Enter the House
(From the Davenport Gazette)

An infamous, unprovoked, as well as unaccountable murder as ever was perpetrated in this State, was committed at Long Grove, Winfield Township, in this county, last evening. The victim was Mrs. Lizzie Brownlie, daughter of Hon. Hugh M. Thompson.

THE CIRCUMSTANCES

are as follows: Mr. Brownlie left his home at half past seven o'clock, accompanied by a hired man, and went to the house of his father, Mr. James Brownlie, half a mile from his own home, to get some medicine for a sick horse. He obtained the medicine, talked a while with his parents and brothers, and then returned to his home. He went to the kitchen door, as usual, opened it, stepped forward, and

STUMBLED OVER THE BODY OF HIS WIFE!

He held his lantern down to it, for there was no light in the room, and there was his partner literally weltering in her blood. Her left arm seemed to be nearly torn away at the shoulder, and her right breast was in a similar condition: her clothes on that side were scorched, and appeared as if a gun had been held close to her and discharged. When Mr. Brownlie arrived, his children, four in number, came forward from a hiding place in the house, and told him how the

MURDER OF THEIR MOTHER

occurred. The names of the children are as follows: Sarah, aged eleven years; Willie, aged eight years; Henry, aged six years, and Andrew, aged four years. The house is a story-and-half one, the kitchen on the east side and a sitting room on the west side. The mother sat close to the kitchen window, working with a sewing machine when

THE ATTACK

came - first by a brick crashing through the window, and instantly two discharged from a gun followed, right at the same window! Mrs. Brownlie shrieked and fell to the floor,

EXCLAIMING

"O Sarah! O Sarah!" Then all was still. In a moment more, the daughter Sarah noticed fire on her mother's dress, and she stopped and extinguished it, then these

CHILDREN

remained in the room crouching on the floor in darkness and in terror, waiting for the return of their father. They were thus alone for more than half an hour. The nearest neighbor was John Greve, a quarter of a mile south, across fields, while their own house was half a mile from the Long Grove road, the nearest public highway. And so they dared not leave the house, nor shriek for aid. After Mr. Brownlie returned, he sent his hired man, Lewis Johnston, back to his father's to tell them of the murder. Then, after the relatives had been informed of it, there was little time lost in carrying the news to other neighbors- several of whom started

IN PURSUIT

of the murderers, but the result was not known at the time our informants left. It would seem as if

ROBBERY

was the object of the murders, or the neighbors discovered that the lower sash of one of the sitting room windows had been broken to pieces, frame and all, and that somebody had entered the room and rumaged [sic] through the drawers of a bureau therein. Whether money or other valuables were taken was not known at midnight, for the husband was nearly beside himself, though his agony was silent.
Robert A. Brownlie, John A.P. Flook and another neighbor, came to the city to

INFORM THE FATHER

of the murdered wife - Hon. Hugh M. Thompson - of the tragedy. He had been serving as foreman of the Grand Jury of the District Court for the past two weeks, and was stopping at the Ackley House. We draw a veil over this scene. His terrible grief did not express itself in cries or moans-but he seemed to lose consciousness, for the time, of everything about him.

THE DECEASED

was thirty-two years of age. She had been married about twelve years, having lived at Long Grove from early girl-hood. She was a lovely woman in all that pertains to the duties of wife, mother and neighbor and was regarded with affection by all in the neighborhood.

SPECULATION

as to the real motive of the bloody, heartless deed, is vain. One can only hope that the murderer, or murderers may be caught.

---The Davenport Gazette; Davenport, Scott, Iowa; February 19, 1874

THE LONG GROVE HORROR
A Double Murder - The Babe Shot in the Brain
One Thousand Dollars Reward
Coroner Grant Holds an Inquest
Examination of the Wife's Wounds
The Testimony - A Dark, Awful Mystery- Adjournment

The awful murder of Mrs. A.W. Brownlie, near Long Grove, an account of which was given in yesterday morning's GAZETTE, shocked this community to an extent not felt before in many years. The object of the murderer, as well as the murderer himself, is still shrouded in mystery, nothing more being known as to either, last evening, than when the neighborhood in which the victim lived was aroused on Wednesday evening.
Coroner Grant went to the house, yesterday forenoon, for the purpose of holding an inquest. On the way he met Hon. Hugh M. Thompson, father of the slain wife and mother, who had duties to perform as foreman of the Grand Jury, from which not even his great affliction could release him. He was in utter ignorance as to the animus of the crime. Arriving at the house the doctor found some twenty neighbors assembled near by, while the wives of several were inside attending to various duties. The house is some three miles north of Eldridge, its location and surroundings being accurately given yesterday. Dr. Grant at once entered upon his duties, and proceeded to hold an

INQUEST

W.G. Richie, Alex Brownlie, and John Robertson were sworn as jurors. The first matter was

EXAMINATION OF THE BODY

There was every indication of effect from two discharges of powder and shot. The first tore away the flesh from the left shoulder and upper portion of the arm, and riddle and lacerated the left breast; the second tore away a rib above the breast laceration mentioned, making a hole large enough to admit the entrance of one's hand. The nozzle of the gun had been held so close to Mrs. Brownlie as to burn the flesh while there were powder marks all through the wounds. The doctor took seven buck shot from the wounds. The

WINDOW

close to which Mrs. B. was seated when shot was examined. It was at the southeast corner of the room. The brick that broke the glass, first took a lower pane on the outside sash, struck a cross piece of the inside sash and tore half the lower sash away. Mrs. B. was evidently in the act of soothing her youngest child, Andrew, four years old, having her hand around his neck, resting on one shoulder, when the crash came - she turned towards the window, received the discharges, fell forward, the wounded shoulder striking the table of the sewing machine at which she had been working and covered it with blood. As for the rest, here is the

TESTIMONY

     A.W. Brownlie, sworn - The body that lies here is that of my wife; I was not at home when she died. I left home about half-past seven o'clock last evening; my wife and children were in the house when I left it; I had been at father's, James Brownlie, and up to the Station for some liniment for a horse of mine that was injured. I arrived home a little after nine - it was dark in the house. I struck a match, and went into the pantry and got a candle as I could not see the kerosene lamp; came out into the kitchen and found my wife lying on the floor, in the corner close to the sewing machine; I thought she was asleep. She lay just as if she had fallen off the chair while sleeping, and was in that posture on her side. I caught her by the arm and put my hand into the wound. I screamed, and my little girl, Sarah, came down stairs and told me what had happened. Before that she heard me, but thought that it was the robbers - but she know my voice and came down stairs. I went to go to the door, but she hung to me and cried, "you'll be shot, you'll be shot" and begged me to go up stairs with her to the other children. In a few minutes my hired man, Lewis Johnston, came home; he had come from town, and had been to prayer meeting at the Grove. After I got up stairs I opened the window and screamed for help, and he heard me and came running to the house. He asked, "what's wrong?" I told him my wife was shot and to run for some of the neighbors; neighbors soon arrived. My wife was thirty-two years of age and in good health; my children are four in number - Sarah is past eleven years; Willie is eight; Annie J. is six and Andrew J. is four years old. My wife was on good terms with the neighbors - was a favorite of all of them. I had double windows - and there was but one pane on the outside, sash broken, and three on the inside sash. On further investigation, I found that the lower sash of the south window in the sitting room was all smashed in. I noticed nothing else at all that was different from when I left the house.
     Sarah R. Brownlie sworn - I was at home when my father left the house last evening with my two brothers, sister and mother. I was present when my mother was shot. It was before eight o'clock, about twenty minutes after my father left when I heard the first noise. My sister and my brother and I were in the middle of the floor in the kitchen and my youngest brother was sitting beside my mother on a chair. He was four years old last November. He was with my mother in one corner at a sewing machine. My mother was sitting beside a window - close to it. We heard a noise and thought it was at the barn - it was like pigs, I thought, rattling at the platform. About five minutes after that a brick came through the window, and after that there came two shots. I saw the brick lying on a chair - it was half a brick. It went north of my mother and struck no one. I was not looking at my mother then, but I think she sat still and the gun shot came right through right after it, and there were two reports. I didn't have time to get up and go and see the window, after the brick came through, before two shots were fired. The shots sounded as if they were from a two barreled gun. We screamed "murder" because we were scared. I don't know whether my youngest brother screamed or not, I did. My mother next said "Oh dear Sarah," gasped once or twice and fell over slowly- her head rested on a chair and her body on the floor, and I think I moved her. She said nothing else at all. I heard no noise outdoors after the shots. I thought my little brother was dying; he was kind of crying; I picked him up and tried to wash him; he was hurt and bleeding in the left side of his head. After I got him washed I took him upstairs and the rest of the children, locking the door after me, and went to bed. I thought my father was killed too; I carried my little brother upstairs; I hears no noise in the room before the brick came through, besides that we were making in the kitchen. The kitchen door was shut, but not locked - all the outside doors were shout but not locked. I fastened the door of the room we were in up stairs. It seemed about one hour after my mother was shot before my father came home - I wouldn't say for sure, though. After he lit a light I came down. At first I thought it was the robbers, but I heard him scream and knew his voice. I thought he was going to go out, and took hold of him. No one entered the house to my knowledge from the time the shots were fired till my father came. Nothing was missed in the house - furniture, money, nor anything else. I heard nothing like [?] going off, nor people talking outside, after the shots were fired.
     A.W. Brownlie recalled - I missed nothing about the premises - nothing was taken, everything was in order save that the windows were broken in and the lamp chimney was broken. Lewis Johnston (the hired man) hadn't been home since last Saturday - he had been in town visiting. He didn't say when he left how long he should be gone. He didn't come direct home from town, he went to prayer meeting at the Grove. He has been with me about five years. He was on good terms with my family. He just came to the door when he heard me scream and turned and ran to the neighbors. I can't suspect any person I can't imagine why any person should murder my wife- it's all a dark, awful mystery to me.
     James Steffens sworn - I am not acquainted with Mr. Brownlie's family. I heard one shot at 8 o'clock last evening; I was outside the door at John Hell's where I am staying; when I heard the shot, I heard nothing else, no other noise, no screaming; I live about half a mile from here, straight across, but it is about a mile by the road. I thought to myself that it was an awful rough shot, and "it is over there," (meaning Brownlie's); from the noise I should judge the gun was pretty heavily loaded.
     The witness Sarah is an unusually bright child for one of her years, and her testimony was given with remarkable clearness. Her presence of mind with her brothers and sisters at the time of the murder was also remarkable. There was almost a

DOUBLE MURDER

in fact it will in all probability turn out so, for the little boy Andrew received six buckshot in the left side and top of his head. One buck shot entered his brain certainly, as was ascertained by probing, and the doctor was convinced without probing that another did so. The other shot tore through the scalp to the skull in a glancing direction. There is scarcely a possibility of the recovery of the boy. After examining the child the

INQUEST ADJOURNED

until to-morrow forenoon.
While the inquest was in progress Police Justice Kauffman and Chief Martens arrived at the house, but were unable to find the least clue to either the coming or going of the murderer. In their presence, several of the substantial farmers of the township held a meeting, and authorized the GAZETTE reporter to announce a

REWARD OF $1000

for the detection and apprehension of the murderer. It would be well for the Governor of the State and the Board of Supervisors to supplement this with sums that will make the reward at least $5,000. It was a year ago last September, only seven miles northwest of this place of this tragedy that the

MURDER OF MRS. ALGER

occurred and the murderer has remained undetected to this day. That was evidently for money, as the murderer secured $1100 in gold. The murderers of both women were brutal, cowardly fiends, and who knows where they may strike their next blows for money or to gratify feelings of revenge.
An awful tragedy hangs over this Long Grove tragedy, which ought to be solved in some way. And the community ought not to rest till it is solved.

---The Davenport Gazette; Davenport, Scott, Iowa; February 20, 1874

THE LONG GROVE MURDER
The Coroner's Inquest Resumed - Testimony of the Hired Man, Lewis Johnson -
Sarah Brownlie Again on the Stand - Evidence of A.R. Brownlie -
The Crash in the Front Room - Adjournment

     Coroner Grant resumed the inquest on Mrs. Brownlie, yesterday forenoon, at the Court House. No new developments had been made since the previous day, and the mystery continued impenetrable. One piece of information was elicited yesterday, which explains a query that had arisen in the minds of many. How could the murderer smash a half sash of glass in the front room, next the room in which Mrs. B. was sitting, and not arrest her attention. Sarah Brownlie, yesterday, said she and the other children were making a good deal of noise, and when the crash in the other room came, Mrs. B. turned and said warningly, "Hush-hush!" Then Sarah asked "What is it?" Mrs. B. said it was the pigs in the barnyard. Evidently she did not wish to alarm her children - but she knew the noise was about the house. When the villain came to the window at which she was seated, she may have seen him, and he knowing that she recognized him, murdered her to prevent exposing him.
     Yesterday County Attorney Bills acted as examiner of witnesses, his questions being very thorough. The testimony was taken in short hand by L.P. Dosh. Here is the report of it:
     Lewis Johnson sworn. - Live at Long Grove with A.W. Brownlie, been living with him four years; my age is twenty-five years; did work for Brownlie, but quit just before Christmas; haven't worked any place since, but have made my home with Brownlie - doing chores for board; have no family; wasn't staying out at Brownlie's last Tuesday or Monday, either; left there a week ago this morning, and came to Davenport and staid here till Wednesday at 3 o'clock then started out for Brownlie's. Went with a farmer as far as the six-mile house, and then walked up to the Grove - don't know who the farmer was; he lives east of the six-mile house, but don't know how far; never saw him before - he was a German; got out of his wagon at Steffen's at Duck creek - don't know how long I remained at Steffen's. Didn't go into the six-mile house when there. I went on the railroad track and stopped at the meeting house at Long Grove; got there about 8 o'clock - there was a prayer meeting and stayed till the meeting was out and went away when the rest did. Went away with James Brownlie, Mr. and Mrs. Fearing and Mr. Exley, the minister; went with them as far as James Brownlie's, the father of A.W. Brownlie; don't know what time we got to James Brownlie's. Mr. and Mrs. Fearing turned off before we got there and went to their own home. Exley went along as far as James Brownlie's but didn't stop and I went into the house at James Brownlie's; couldn't say what time it was, but it must have been after nine o'clock - remained there half or three-quarters of an hour; saw Mrs. James Brownlie, her two sons, Robert and Andrew, and son-in-law and Mr. A.W. Brownlie; the son-in-law's name is John Flook; saw a cousin of his there named Catharine Watson; didn't see any one else. From there I went to A.W. Brownlie's on foot - went along the railroad track a little ways and then turned off on the road; no one went with me - no part of the road; don't know how long A.W. Brownlie had been at James Brownlie's - found him there when I went in; he didn't say anything about going away with me. I went on foot, and he went on horseback - know no other reason why we didn't go together; neither one said anything about going home together; I heard him say he had been after medicine; he started away a minute or two before I did. He started on the wagon road and went on the railroad - they are side by side; we were in sight of each other for awhile. It is about a mile and a quarter from James Brownlie's to A.W. Brownlie's; I didn't see him much of the way, because he went faster than I did; I walked middling fast across there a mile and a quarter. Don't know the way; was alone; when I got pretty near to A.W. Brownlie's I say a light up stairs; I was a quarter mile off. The first thing I heard was Brownlie calling me - he said, "Oh, Lewis." I don't mind of his saying anything more till I got in; I answered when he called - he was up stairs; It sounded as if he had his head out of the window; I went into the door - only one door into the house - don't think there was any light below; when I got up stairs I saw Brownlie and his daughter. Brownlie said his wife was dead, that Sarah said she was shot. Brownlie wanted me to go down and help place his wife's hands. The body was lying on the floor down stairs. Went down immediately - Brownlie and myself and Sarah. Found her in the kitchen where she usually sat. There were three windows - two in the kitchen and one in the pantry. We did not remove the body - don't know who did. From there I went to Robert Brownlie's, then to Jas. Brownlie's, and Mr. Thompson's and James Neal's and John Robinson's and John Pollock's and then back to A.W. Brownlie's. Don't mind what time it was when I got back - it must have been after one o'clock. Remained there all night. Next was at A.W. Brownlie's part of the time and at John Grieve's part of the time.
     Witness then gave particulars of the family life at A.W. Brownlie's - the kindness with which Mr. and Mrs. B. had treated each other - and he said he had never witnessed any trouble between them; he was questioned very closely by Mr. Bills. No other testimony was elicited, save that it appeared that a double-barreled shot gun was taken from Mr. Robert Brownlie's about a month ago and had been found since.
     Adjourned till two o'clock P.M.

AFTERNOON

     The inquest was returned at 2 o'clock, the testimony being as follows:
     Sarah Brownlie recalled - When father went away to go down to town I didn't hear him say anything particularly about going; I knew that he was going before he went; heard him tell mother so; he said he hated to leave - didn't know why; we were in the kitchen when this talk was going on; before that mother was in the kitchen washing dishes; father said he was going after some medicine for a horse; mother told him, "yes, go" - but I don't remember what else he did say; father didn't go away very often in the evening unless he was at church. I washed the milk pails, and mother had the rest of the things washed. I don't know how long it was after father went away before mother sat down to the sewing machine - couldn't have been very long. Then in about twenty minutes, I think, but couldn't say for sure, the robbers came. That must have been from 10 to 20 minutes after father left, and pretty much after mother sat down. Before that I and my oldest brother had been playing ball for a few minutes. I did not see father after he went out to go away, but he went down to the barn to unload some bran, and after that he went away. I did not see him when he was unloading it. Willie went to help him unload. Willie was eight years old last October. Father did not come back when he unloaded the bran - but Willie came in; he wanted to go along but mother didn't want him to. Mother didn't make any objections to father going - didn't say anything about staying alone and wasn't a bit scared. Can't say what I was doing when the brick was thrown through the window. There was a letup on the machine. Don't know whether I looked out of the window or not - I was scared at first. I don't know whether it was dark out doors or not, didn't hear anybody say anything outside; don't think I heard a noise at any other window, but thought it was pigs rattling on the planks; there was a curtain at the window when the shot came through, but it was not down; heard nobody running after the shots were fired; father had been in town before and got medicine - had no horse doctor - didn't ? him was whether he got any medicine or not; the ..... [can't read rest of sentence]. There was a gun that was ....[can't read]..out on the porch. It was one barrel; he got it last winter, did not see Lewis have a gun lately; our folks had a hired girl a few months in the summer but ...[can't read numerous lines]. There is only one door to the house - everything came in and out of it. Didn't hear father light the match. There were candles in the flour house. The lamp went out when the shots were fired - but as I had just put a few cobs in the fire there was light. The chimney fell off but the lamp didn't. I didn't try to light the lamp. Father didn't come right up stairs; thought it was the robbers till I heard him scream and then I knew him. I can't remember anything that he said. I told him I would tell him about it. I told him there was a noise and mother said "hush" to me and stopped to listen, and we all were still. I asked her what she thought it was and she said it was the pigs running over the platform. About five minutes after the brick came through the window and the shots were fired. There wasn't time for the same man to throw the brick and then fire - it was so quick. I didn't go out. I thought the door was fastened; there was a catch over the latch, and I went to fasten it, and Willie got into a sort of a pet and run and turned it up, and I suppose I got contrary, too, and I fastened it again, and he unfastened it. My mother didn't look out of the window. My brother Willie was with me most of the time before the shots were fired. My father came up stairs - I wanted him to. I told him to come up and see Andrew. Father acted as if he didn't know what to do - he was going to run out of the door and I just held to him. No stranger has been in our house lately, except a man who came and asked for A.W. Brownlie and Lewis told him he was at the nearest neighbor's. Lewis told father the man was wild-looking, and wouldn't look him in the face. Don't know how long ago it was. I haven't talked with father and Lewis much since mother died, for I have been at grandfather's most of the time. I was at home the next afternoon. Neither father nor Lewis has told me what I was to say. Saw a double-barreled shot gun at grandfather's, but it was stolen. Heard father and Lewis telling me about it - they said they couldn't think who had stolen it. Father and Lewis never had the gun at our house. I thing I should have known it if they had. Never heard that they got any track of it. I don't think they looked after it.
     To Juror - Brownlie - I never knew of father going to grandfather's to milk cows and leaving mother to milk our cows; never heard of it. He never did such a thing.
     W.A. [sic A.W.] Brownlie recalled - After I left the house, I got at father's twenty minutes before eight. I looked at the clock when I got there. I remained there nearly an hour. Then I went up to the station. I saw my mother and brother and cousin at father's; wasn't five minutes till I got to the station - bout sixty rods off. I saw Mr. Riches' two boys there, Ned Richardson and several other boys. Went to Dr. Richardson's store. I asked for Pryer's balsam at the store - he hadn't any. I didn't take any other kind. Remained there five minutes, and went back to father's. I don't know what time it was when I got back to brother'. I didn't sit down at all. My father-in-law had come in from the West and I staid and talked with him - this was the first time. The last time father and Lewis came in from the prayer meeting. Said nothing to Lewis nor he to me. I expected he was going straight home. Father asked me why I hadn't been at prayer meeting. Lewis didn't go home with me because I was on horseback. On foot we always go on the railroad. My mare wasn't shod, and where it was hard I had her trot and when soft she walked. I never saw Lewis on the road, never looked around; it was a tolerably dark night. Could see no light at my home. Threw the halter over the mare's neck and opened the door - it was dark. It was a few minutes after nine. I didn't expect to find my people in bed. I struck a match and lit a candle. Looked for the lamp but it wasn't where it always stood. Got a candle in the pantry. I then supposed they had all gone to bed. I thought it was rather early. All slept up stairs. Been married twelve years last January. Good many two-barreled guns in the neighborhood - at Robert Brownlie's, my father-in-law's, Mr. Richies and one at father's, but it was stolen. Lewis had my father's last winter - he got it for a few days for chickens; used it very little; the gun has not been in the house since that time; it was four weeks ago that brother Robert told me their gun had been stolen. He said two young men came in there and wanted work, and after that the gun was missing; they thought those men might have stolen it; they made no search for it; I have a single barreled gun in the flour house; it was loaded last March, and the load is in it today; my brother Robert loaded it for me; I bought it to shoot prairie chickens, but never shot it off; I have fired my father's gun some times; heard of no other gun missing about there. I have two brothers and they both live at home; I have two uncles there - Alexander and Robert; the former has a farm, I believe; he has some boys, Robert has none; Robert told me he had a gun two weeks ago; he said they wouldn't let him carry the gun in the cars. Three years ago yesterday I took my wife to the Insane Asylum; she was there fourteen months and eighteen days (weeping.) This winter she has appeared a little dull once or twice - not as talkative as usual; didn't seem as lively and cheerful at these times as she commonly was. She had no trouble with Lewis. This winter she said to me she didn't think we needed a man, she'd rather we'd be alone. Had other hired men last summer - one for a month last summer, Thomas McAdam - haven't seen him since. Never had a word with a hired man that ever I had.
     Here the witness, in reply to questions, spoke of a matter that occurred five years ago between himself and another man, but it need not be reported as the public has no present interest in it. He then resumed:
     Wednesday evening from the time I left my house to go to the grove, I met no person. No person would have been likely to come through to the road to my house. I have no knowledge of any person being about there only what Dr. Richardson told - that two men that drove up to his store about 7 o'clock, and one went in and bought four cigars. I was home all day Wednesday - James Neal and wife and Mrs. Thompson, my mother-in-law, were at my house that day. After they went away I attended to my chores and a sick mare. Nobody called during the day, except these visitors. My wife has not been from home very recently. I didn't know that Lewis was expected home that night - he went and came just when he pleased. He told me he was taking in a couple of pigs to a friend in town. He never had any company visit him from town. I have had no hired girls recently - not since last harvest. When my wife was at the asylum, I had two different girls - one four thirteen months and the other till the fall after my wife came home; she is now living at my nearest neighbor's. We got home from the asylum the last of May or first of June. We visited some friends before we got home. Never knew my wife to have trouble with any one - except when she was deranged she had a little difficulty with a girl. I have not been in the habit of keeping money in my house, except in the form of certificate of deposits. That night there was a little money in my pants' pocket on the wall -but it was not disturbed.
     The witness detailed particulars concerning the broken window in the sitting room, given before - and also what his daughter Sarah told him when he got home, not differing from Sarah's evidence. He also told of the [?] of the windows. And then continued:
     I made no examination of the house because I didn't feel like it. Neighbors looked through the bureau and found nothing disturbed. A great many people came to the house that night. I never heard anything about the gun after it was lost. It took me fifteen to twenty minutes to ride from my house to father's. My house is ???theast of father's - just about a mile and a quarter. Know nothing of any suspicious character in the neighborhood that night. Had observed nothing unusual about my wife's actions. No trouble ever occurred between my wife and myself - never in the world. I went for the liniment because my wife urged me to go. She was not afraid to stay alone. I often went to prayer meetings leaving her and the children - she would say the children were company enough for her. My wife and her relatives were on good terms - extra good terms, I believe. My house is not on round that would naturally be traveled - people would not come there except on purpose, except they might be going across fields on foot. My wife and I had not a living enemy that I know of.
     [Can't read next paragraph.]
     At five o'clock yesterday afternoon, the wounded child, Andrew, was not expected to live through the night.

-- The Gazette; Davenport, Scott, Iowa; February 22, 1874

THE LONG GROVE MURDER
The Wounded Boy Rests with his Mother
The Inquest Continued - Testimony Concerning Family Relations - The Husband's Treatment of his Wife -
What Time A.W. Brownlie Arrived at his Father's House Wednesday Night - No Trace of the Murderer.

     The murder of Mrs. Brownlie and her little son Andrew - for the child died on Saturday evening, and was laid by the side of his mother on Sunday afternoon - is a mystery still, and the guilty person still pursues his own way and keeps his own counsel.
     The inquest was resumed by Coroner Grant at the Court House at 10 o'clock yesterday afternoon, with County Attorney Bills to conduct the examination of witnesses. The Court room was almost crowded with spectators who held their places from beginning to adjournment, although half of them could hear but a small portion of the testimony of witnesses.
     Henry Berg, gunsmith at the corner of Third and Harrison streets, was called. He testified that one of the Brownlies, he didn't know which one, brought him a double-barrelled gun for repair last fall, and did not call for it until some six or seven weeks ago.
     Then Edwin Richardson, son of Dr. Richardson, who keeps a store at Long Grove, was called and testified as to his going to James Brownlie's on New Year's to borrow a gun, and then it was ascertained that the gun had been stolen. Was told that two men went to James Brownlie's and asked to be furnished lodgings for the night; they couldn't [?] and they went away. Afterwards the gun was missed.
    Hon. Hugh M. Thompson, father of Mrs. Brownlie, was called to the stand. He lived about a mile and a half from his daughter in a direct line - two miles by road. She was married at his house twelve years ago on the 22d day of January. Her mother is still living. The families have been on familiar terms as much as possible. Witness had always been on pleasant terms with Mr. Brownlie. Mr. Thompson, in answer to questions, gave account of Mrs. B's insanity, her being taken to the insane asylum, and her return home - much of which has been given in these columns as testimony of other witnesses. He had seen her frequently since her return, and noticed no indications of return of insanity, save a little absent mindedness occasionally. He then testified to the domestic relations of his daughter and her husband, saying, in effect, that they were contented and happy. He saw her at his house in the latter part of January, when she was in very good spirits - he had not seen her since, as he has been in town serving on the Grand Jury. When insane she never attempted to injure her children. Mr. and Mrs. Brownlie were both inclined to save. He was well off - owned his farm of 160 acres, and other property beside; has 490 or 500 acres of wild lands in the State. They always had a well supplied table, their house was not showy, but had a good many accommodations. The examination as to family matters was continued at great length, but with only one result in information - uniform kindness on the part of the husband, and calm, even-tempered, exemplary conduct on the part of the wife. Then there was testimony as to Maggie May's services as hired girl - and the only incident mentioned was that once when witness and wife were at Mr. Brownlie's, at dinner, Maggie sat at the table, and Mrs. B. waited on the guests. Maggie's character was beyond even an insinuation of suspicion so far as witness knew. She left a year ago, on account of being informed that if she stayed it would be at smaller wages. She has visited there since, and has been at witness's house. Mr. Brownlie's treatment of his wife since she came back from the asylum has been kind, good, liberal in every respect.
     Dr. Maxwell, of this city, testified that he had been acquainted with A.W. Brownlie and wife for six or seven years. Treated Mrs. B. for insanity on both occasions of affliction with the malady. The form of insanity was puerperal mania. Never attended in any family where there was more kindness and attention on the part of the husband. Noticed nothing like penuriousness on Mr. B's part - he was liberal enough, as much as any family the doctor ever attended.
     The inquest then adjourned till two o'clock in the

AFTERNOON

when the court room was again crowded.
     John Greve, Mr. Brownlie's nearest neighbor, living one hundred rods at the south, was sworn. He was out hunting some loose colts last Wednesday evening and testified as to having heard what he thought were footsetps in a certain part of his field, but went there next day and could see none. Heard no gun fired in the evening. He made examination for tracks from A.W. Brownlie's. Found some across the fields, which were ascertained to be those of a woman who had crossed the previous afternoon. Then he testified as to another track from A.W. Brownlie's barn southwest to a creek and he was questioned about this to a great length, but no very important information was elicited. Witness was not informed of the murder until the morning after it occurred.
     Miss Maggie May was called and gave the names of families for whom she has worked since her arrival to this city and county from the North of Ireland, three years ago; her uncle, Thomas Johnson, resided at Walcott. She lived at A.W. Brownlie's two months before Mrs. B returned from the Asylum, and seven months after. After Mrs. B. came home, she noticed nothing but the kindest treatment on Mr. B.'s part. Mrs. B. appeared well, was special, and was affectionate towards her husband and children. She mended very fast after returning, and was in good health all the time witness was there; witness did most o the work - the cooking and house work. She left because Mrs. B. thought she could get along herself, and didn't want to pay so high wages for winter work. Mr. Brownlie had nothing to say about it. Witness was getting $12 a month there. Witness saw no indication of insanity after Mrs. B's return. Never heard her speak of being afraid of any person. Never knew her to have trouble with any one. Witness said that she sat at the table on the [?] Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were there, because Mrs. B. asked her to and desired to wait on her father and mother herself. She nearly always sat at the table with the family - the food was placed on the table and there was nothing t o serve except tea or coffee, which was placed at Mrs. B's plate. Witness was at Mrs. Brownlie's last fall when she appeared cheerful and pleased. She had no hired help, spent the say once when Mr. B,. was absent, and the evening once after [?].
     Andrew T. Brownlie, son of James and brother of A.W. Brownlie, testified to his living at home, and in regard to A.W.'s coming there on Wednesday evening last. He arrived about twenty minutes past seven, and witness came in at half past seven. A.W. remained ...[cant read several lines[... meeting, his father appearing soon after. He also gave particulars as to the stealing of the gun, same as heretofore published. And also concerning the departure of Lewis and A.W. He also testified as to the friendly relations that existed between his family and A.W.'s family - all were on intimate terms.
     Robert Brownlie, also son of James and brother of A.W. Brownlie, was called. The most important part of Robert's testimony concerned the arrival of A.W. Brownlie at his father's house on Wednesday evening; when he came in his mother said, "if you are going to prayer meeting its time you were there," or words to that effect. Witness looked up to see the time; there are two clocks, one above the other, one showing Arsenal time and the other railroad time. It was twenty minutes after seven by one and about twenty minutes to eight by the other. A.W. said he didn't think he should go to prayer meeting, and spoke about wanting liniment for his horse. After remaining some time he went to the station returned in a few minutes - after his father and Lewis Johnson had come in. His brother started to go home a little before Lewis, and witness followed out and talked about his sick horse. Witness then described the return of Lewis with the news of the murder, the consternation of the family, the going of himself and brother-in-law to look at the house, his return home thinking the murderer might have attacked his father's family. He returned to A.W.'s, inspected the premises some, saw no marks but the broken windows. He and Mr. Flook and Mr. Richie then came to town to inform Mr. Hugh Thompson of the event.
     Hugh M. Thompson, Jr., was called - 21 years of age and lives in Madison county, where he went last December. Returned on Friday morning; saw his sister frequently when at home. The families were always friendly. Witness never told Lewis Johnson that his sister was treated badly.
     The inquest was then adjourned till 10 o'clock tomorrow forenoon.

-- The Davenport Gazette; Davenport, Scott, Iowa; February 24, 1874

SUSPICION DUMFOUNDED.
Continuance of the Brownlie Inquest - A Suspected Man Winds a Coil About Himself, and it is unwound by Others -
Blank Contradictions Caused by Whisky - Pat Hennessy Not the Man - Further Testimony - Adjourned Till Saturday.

     Coroner Grant and his jury and County Attorney Bills spent another day, yesterday, in endeavoring to gain knowledge that might be of service in opening the way towards the lair in which the murderer of Mrs. Elizabeth Brownlie and son lies concealed. A week has passed since the innocent woman and her babe were assassinated and as yet the murderer was safe from detection or even suspicion, as though he was in Patagonia on the night of the 18th inst. We do not say there was no suspicion attaching to any person, for there was - but last evening when the inquest adjourned, the suspected man was considered as innocent of the crime as the most harmless person in the Court room.
     The proceedings were watched with close attention by a crowd that filled the Court room- showing that public interest in the tragedy has abated but little.
     To give the reader a correct idea of the intention of the day's examination, we may state that a teamster named Patrick Hennessy, who lives at the corner of Tenth and Harrison streets, in this city, was strongly suspected of being the guilty party. The suspicion was based on the fact that some ten years ago Hennessy was employed by James and A.W. Brownlie, father and son, to work in the harvest field - and one night while he was in their service the house of A.W. was entered and a watch stolen therefrom. Hennessy was suspected, was arrested and brought before Justice Blood, in Davenport, for examination. He was discharged, and was heard to say that he "would pay Brownlie for this, if he had to wait ten years for the chance." Added to this, was a report that Hennessy had been seen once or twice since, looking over Brownlie's place and also that he was seen in the neighborhood of Long Grove on the night of the murder, driving in a wagon and accompanied by another man. Besides, two "wild looking men" stopped in front of Richardson's store that evening and one of them got out of the wagon and bought some cigars in the store. And it was believed that Hennessy was one of those men. Furhtermore, Hennessy left here on Friday morning, and his whereabouts were not known until day before yesterday, when it was ascertained that he was at Maysville. On Tuesday evening, Constable McNamara drove out to Maysville and found Hennessy at a tavern there, subpoenaed him, and came to town with him yesterday morning. These remarks will explain the tenor of

YESTERDAY'S INVESTIGATION

     The first person sworn was Mr. L.A. Towns, who testified that he was out at Long Grove last Wednesday afternoon, accompanied by Mr. Wilson, and stopped at Mr. Richardson's store at 7 o'clock in the evening and bought some cigars. He had a conveyance, being engaged in the sewing machine business. After that he drove to town via the Dubuque road, arriving here at 10 o'clock.
     Patrick Hennessy was now brought to the witness stand - and it will be seen that if only his testimony and that of his wife had been all that could have been offered in proof that he was in the city, their stories were so strangely contradictory that the suspicion against him would have been strengthened to such an extent that he would have found himself in a perilous situation.
     He testified that he lives on Tenth and Harrison, in Dr. Maxwell's house; that he had lived in Davenport for seven years, but had been in the country a good deal of the time; that he trades horses once in a while, and runs a threshing machine - had been hauling coal some this winter. Has no family other than his wife. Was at home last Wednesday all day. In short he came in from the country on Sunday with his wife, having been out to Mr. Picken's and was taken sick, and remained in the house Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and on Thursday till 10 o'clock A.M. Did not go out at all on Wednesday - was not able to go out. Was not at his gate on Wednesday afternoon. First heard of the murder on Thursday evening, when he was standing at his gate and heard a young man tell another young man about it, and that the funeral was to take place the next day - and he went to a neighbor's and asked about it. Knew nothing of Dr. Maxwell's visiting his house on Thursday morning. He reiterated the statement that he never had his team out of his barn from Sunday evening till Friday morning. All this time his wife took care of the horses. No one used his wagon on Wednesday - was sure of it. He was acquainted with the Brownlies - worked for the old gentleman for two harvests several years ago. A W. Brownlie had him arrested for stealing a watch and he was tried before Justice Blood and acquitted. He never threatened to take revenge on him - has never spoken to him since. Was out at John Greve's once, to look at a stallion - but never was under a tree since watching A.W. Brownlie's place. Was not in Mr. Noth's saloon on Wednesday, nor in his brewery, nor in any saloon that day. Was in the habit of drinking enough to get out of his head sometimes.

Now comes the wife's testimony:
     Mrs. Ann Hennessy sworn - I am Patrick Hennessy's wife - been married 6 years - a year after I came from England. My husband heard of the murder at 6 o'clock Thursday evening, and told me of it. He told me heard of a lady out there being dead. My husband was sick in bed on Thursday. He got up in the evening - also sick on Wednesday. I took care of his horses - fed them and watered them. He was taken sick on Sunday evening and never got up until Thursday. I guess he was bilious - I got some pills for him. He went out on Wednesday evening to Mr. Shaughnessy's to get some corn - he was not able to to but he had to, to get his corn. Mr. S's place is on Harrison street - below where we live, it is below Eighth. He got about $2 worth. Our house is on Tenth. He was gone about half an hour. I don't think it was six o'clock - about dark. I was at home while he was gone - I was up when he got home. I lit a candle for him at the barn. He unhitched his horses. Friday he drove into the country to collect some money and said he would then go to Chicago as work was very dull here. I did not hear from him again until this morning when he came in with a man and a buggy. I remember Dr. Maxwell's coming there early on Thursday morning, before eight o'clock. I told him he had gone down town, and I didn't tell him my husband was in bed. I told him that my husband had gone after a beef steak. This was about 8 o'clock. The doctor came for rent - but witness didn't know why she said her husband was not at home unless it was because she didn't want to call him up.
     Thomas Shaughnessy - grocer on Seventh and Harrison, testified that Patrick Hennessy came into his store on the night of the 18th, Wednesday, between 7 and 8 o'clock, and got two bushels of corn, and that he helped him to put it into his wagon. Several persons were in the store at the time. He made entries of it in his books. Mr. S. was requested to appear with his books in the afternoon.
      George Noth, the brewer, testified that Patrick Hennessy was in his barroom on Harrison street on Wednesday evening, the 18th, to get a glass of beer - coming in ???? that he was there nearly an hour and a half at a table with Nick Schlaback who was sworn and corroborated Mr. Noth's testimony.
      Mrs. Hennessy was recalled and recalled her testimony that her husband left home for the corn at 6 o'clock Wednesday evening and was gone but half an hour and that was all the time he was gone.
     Wm. Morrison, who lives a half mile west of Eldridge, testified in regard to seeing a buggy going north towards evening on Wednesday, but could not tell who was in it.
     Adjourned till 2 o'clock. In the

AFTERNOON

the Court House was more crowded than at any previous time, word having gone abroad that "Hennessy was in a tight place!"
     William Brownlie, who lives in Davenport, explained the gun business testified to by Mr. Berg on Monday. He took the gun to Mr. Berg to get fixed, and went after it about six weeks ago. He has the gun yet.
     Mr. Shaughnessy was recalled, and produced his day book and ledger, and showed charges against Hennessy for two bushels of corn - dated February 18th in the former and entered on the 19th in the latter.
     Patrick Hennessy was recalled, and stated that he recollected something about going to Shaughnessy's for corn, but the reason he didn't remember it before was because he had been on a regular bender for three or four days. He was under the influence of liquor when he was on the stand in the forenoon. He also remembered now, that he stopped at Noth's and took a glass of beer last Wednesday evening. He saw Mr. Noth and Nich Schlaback. He did the drinking that had affected him, out at Maysville. He saw Mr. Cody at Shaughnessy's and believed Mr. S's brother was there. He staid at Noth's pretty late. Witness had never had the delirium tremens, but had felt mighty nervous. Knew it was Wednesday night when he got the corn, because either he or his wife put it down in a book.
    Constable McNamara testified that he brought Hennessy into town in the forenoon; started about 8 o'clock from Maysville; Hennessy drank two or three times before he started, and twice while coming in. Was told out at Maysville that Hennessy had been drinking hard all the time; witness saw him drink seven or eight times on Tuesday evening.
     Patrick Shaughnessy, who lives at Ripley and Eighth streets, testified that he saw Hennessy at his brother's store at about 7 o'clock on Wednesday evening.
     James Horan also testified that he saw Pat Hennessy at Shaughnessy's store on Wednesday evening.
     James Brownlie affirmed - I am father of A.W. Brownlie; have lived at Long Grove thirty-five years. Was at prayer meeting last Wednesday evening at the Grove. Noticed Lewis Johnson when he came in - it was just when the meeting was out. The meeting was short, and we stood talking some time about making arrangements to go on a visit - the preacher and some others. It occupied from twenty minutes to half an hour. Witness took out his watch when they were leaving and it was just twenty minutes to nine o'clock. Lewis must have arrived there at eight or a little after. Lewis said he had been to town, and thought he would be in time for the meeting. It would take about two hours and a half to walk from where the Dubuque road crosses the railroad to the church, for a man like Lewis. It would be equal distance for a man to go to A.W. Brownlie's instead of the church - a little farther to the church, however. Lewis and I walked home together and he came into my house with me and we found Alexander and my son talking together. Noticed nothing unusual in Lewis' face or actions. My son didn't remain at my house more than ten minutes after I got home. I don't think it was quite 9 o'clock when I got home. Alexander got on the horse and went ahead. I heard no more of Lewis until I heard him cry outside that Alexander's wife was dead. It was an awful sound to me. He appeared very much excited. Witness detailed the appearance of Mrs. Brownlie and child, and said no search was made for tracks or evidence as it was very dark. He had no knowledge as to what become of the gun that was stolen at his house. Lewis has sustained an irreproachable character during the years he has lived at the Grove. Witness had no suspicion as to who committed the murder.
     John Hell who lives a mile and a half south of Long Grove, and half mile from A.W. Brownlie's testified it was at his house that Mr. Steffen hears the report of a gun - but "I don't believe it, because Steffen isn't right in his mind." Steffen came to his house for a job of work, and he gave him work for two weeks, the time expiring last Saturday evening. Steffen was at his house on Wednesday evening when he got home at 7 o'clock, and was in the house after that. Witness testified as to his part in the search for tracks the next day - his evidence being the same as that heretofore given. He also testified that in going out of town on Wednesday afternoon he saw Patrick Hennessy at his gate; Pat said good evening to him and went on down town.
     William Duncan, who lives at Long Grove, and one mile from A.W. Brownlie's testified as to searching for tracks - found one, but ascertained that it had been made by the woman who crossed the fields the previous afternoon, as heretofore testified.
     A.W. Brownlie was recalled, and testified as to the death of his son Andrew, wounded at the time his wife was murdered.
     Robert Johnson, who lives near Long Grove, testified as to search for tracks, but found none besides those heretofore described.
     Henry Gertz, who lives in Lincoln township, ten miles from Davenport, testified that he was in the city on Wednesday the 18th inst., and on reaching Steffen's, a colored man got into his wagon with him, and rode to the six mile house, and got out there and took the railroad track for Long Grove. It was about five o'clock when the man out. The colored man had nothing with him, he said that he was going to Long Grove ,and worked for Mr. Brownlie.
     William Wertz was called. Lives on the Dubuque road. Knows A.W. Brownlie. Never told any person that he heard Mr. Brownlie was to be sent to the asylum again. It had been reported that he did make this remark about Mrs. Brownlie.
     The inquest was adjourned till Saturday forenoon at 10 o'clock.
     Thus ended the days' investigation - with the officials and the public as much perplexed, and quite as much excited, over the tragedy, as when the inquest commenced.

--- The Gazette; Davenport, Scott, Iowa; Thursday, February 26, 1874

STARTLING DISCOVERY
The Gun that was stolen from James Brownlie Found
THE PLACE - HOW IT CAME THERE
Great Excitement at Long Grove
Lewis Johnson Arrested on Suspicion and Brought to Jail
History of an Important Day

On yesterday a discovery was made near Long Grove which created excitement in the neighborhood equal to that which prevailed one week ago yesterday morning after the murder of Mrs. Brownlie became generally known.

THE SHOTGUN

which was stolen from the porch of the residence of James Brownlie, father of the husband of the murdered woman, between Christmas and New Years, was found. The discovery was made about noon by Mr. Spencer Clapp, a well-known farmer residing in the vicinity of the Grove, his home being about three quarters of a mile from the place of the tragedy. Mr. Clapp has devoted his spare time to searching in out-of-the-way places for the gun since Saturday last, having been requested so to do, in a quiet way, by a former policeman of this city. He made the discovery about noon on yesterday, and

THE PLACE

was a clump of hazel brush near the point where the lane to A.B. Brownlie's house strikes the Long Grove road. It will be remembered that this lane crosses the D. & St. P. railroad track just after it leaves the Long Grove road, the distance between the highway and the railroad being something like a thousand feet at that point. Well, the clump of hazel brush in which Mr. Clapp found the gun was bout one hundred and fifty feet north of the lane, and twenty-five feet east of the track, it having been thrown from the railroad evidently, for Mr. Clapp discovered no foot tracks leading to the spot. The stock and double barrel were ten feet apart, and both were sunk in the snow enough to conceal them from the view of one on the track, and at just bout the depth they would go from a throw and their own weight. Furthermore the barrels were rusted only at the muzzles and at the nipples, and dampness had not penetrated the stock - proof conclusive that the gun had been in the snow but a few days. The stock and barrels were

NOT DISTURBED

by Mr. Clapp, as he wished that others should see them before they were touched. So he went to the residence of Mr. James Brownlie, from whom a gun had been stolen, and informed them of his discovery; and members of the family proceeded to the place, and immediately recognized the gun as the one that had been taken from its place in the porch between Christmas and New Years. And then the news spread through the neighborhood, and the people assembled at the place. Immediately Mr. R.K. Brownlie went to the D. & St. P. telegraph office at Eldridge and sent

A TELEGRAM

as follows:
To Lawyer Bills:
     The gun is found - send officers quick.
                        R.K. BROWNLIE
     The dispatch was received at the Western Union office here at 1:25 p.m. but it was nearly 2 o'clock before Hon. J.C. Bills, County Attorney, received it. He immediately summoned Loftus Keating, ex-Chief of Police, who had been making investigations as to the murder for several days, and authorized him and ex-policeman Joe Clinton to proceed to Long Grove with all possible haste. They hired a fast team and to Long Grove they went, arriving there in about two hours and a half. A crowd of men were standing about the place of discovery, and the gun had not been moved, but it was taken up immediately thereafter. The gun was not large - calibre about 14. It bore evidence of having been

SECRETED

in a barn or stack of straw or hay, for the strap on the barrels, and the ramrod, which was in its proper groove, had been nibbled by rats or mice, the marks of the teeth being fresh - or not discolored at all - as if recently made. The iron pin which originally fastened the barrels to the stock had been lost before the gun was stolen from the porch of James Brownlie's house, and a pin of hickory wood had been substituted for it, and half of this wooden pin was still in its place in the stock - showing that all the person who threw the gun into the thicket had to do to separate barrels and stock, was to strike the gun across some hard substance. Having done this, he threw one piece into the thicket and then the other, from his place on the railroad. The place of discovery was about a half mile northwest of the house where the murder was committed. Loft Keating immediately proceeded to

HUNT FOR FOOT TRACKS

and he found some which had not been discovered before. Those commenced about an eighth of a mile east of the railroad, toward A.W. Brownlie's house, and followed a south-westerly direction in the snow till they struck the railroad at a point south of the lane leading to the place of tragedy, and between two hundred and three hundred yards south of the place where the gun was found. The tracks were on a stretch of land which had not been examined before. Of course, after the tracks had struck the railroad they would be traced no further as the road bed was free from snow. When Messrs. Keating and Clinton arrived at the place they found that

SUSPICION HAD ALREADY RESTED UPON LEWIS JOHNSON.

the colored man who had been employed by, and lived with A.W. Brownlie for the last two years and whose evidence at the Coroner's inquest removed the doubts of almost everybody who heard it, as to his innocence. However, no move toward his arrest had been made when Messrs. Keating and Clinton arrived, but prevention of his escape, should he attempt it, had been determined upon. Now,

WHY

Lewis Johnson should be suspected cannot be told in a few words.
     In the first place the measurement of the tracks above noticed corresponded with the measurement of his boots or rubbers.
     Secondly, Mrs. Brownlie had desired her husband not to keep him through the winter, as she thought there was no necessity for it.
     Thirdly, there was something over an hour of time in his foot journey from the place near the Six Mile House, north of this city, where he left the wagon of James Gertz, with whom he had ridden from Steffen's to take the railroad track for his walk to Long Grove, which he had not accounted for in his testimony. He left the wagon at 5 o'clock, the distance to the church at Long Grove, where he went to attend prayer meeting was about six miles and he did not arrive at the church till after 8 o'clock, yet he testified that he walked right along and did not loiter on the way. And he had plenty of time to reach the lane leading from the main road to A.W. Brownlie's home, take the gun from the secret place, commit the murder, walk back to the railroad over the track been found he seemed agitated. But, when questioned, he would look the questioner straight in the eye, and answer as cooley as he did Attorney Bills when on the witness stand.
     What other reasons the people of Long Grove may have had, are not known to us at the hour of this writing - but it is certain he cannot be convicted on the grounds mentioned alone.
     However, here comes in another fact which heightens the suspicion. On Saturday last, Joe Clinton visited the house of A.W. Brownlie and in looking about the kitchen in which Mrs. Brownlie was sitting when killed, he discovered a

PIECE OF PAPER

on the wall. It was a sort of flat roll, and when opened it was not larger than one of his fingernails. Yet it was evidently a piece of the wadding of the gun which was fired at Mrs. Brownlie. He put it in his wallet, said nothing at the time, but exhibited it to Coroner Grant and Attorney Bills after his return to the city. Yesterday he again went to Mr. Brownlie's house, and opened Lewis Johnson's trunk; and on the top of the articles in it, he found two pieces of newspaper, the size of the letters on which corresponded to the size and style of those on the wadding. To be sure the wadding does not fit any place on either of these two pieces, and no one but a printer would detect the resemblance of the letters, for the wadding is soiled. The words on one piece of the wadding are: "that house" with terminal letters of other words on either side - the obverse bear the letters "igno."
Messrs. Keating and Clinton returned to the city last evening and called on Mr. Bills at the Newcomb House at 9 o'clock, having the gun with them. Their representations of the feeling at Long Grove towards Johnson, the suspicions against him being so deep and prevalent, were such that Mr. Bills thought best to have

JOHNSON ARRESTED

and brought to jail, although the people of Long Grove had devised measures to prevent his escape. Nevertheless, it is not exactly the proper thing to allow a merely suspected man to remain in the keeping of a people suspecting him of the perpetration of one of the most atrocious murders ever committed in the State, and Messrs. Keating and Clinton were directed to return to the Grove, arrest Johnson, and bring him to the Davenport jail. They departed on this mission at 9:30 last night, and

MADE THE ARREST

at the residence of James Brownlie, where he was sleeping, at 11:30. When Johnson was aroused he was astounded and when the hand-cuffs were fastened to his wrists, he became really weak from nervousness for the first time. He dressed himself without haste, however, and was cool as when on the witness stand. He bad good-bye to members of the family, and gave his gloves to a party in the room. On the way he protested his innocence several times, and said he "would leave it to God." He talked very little however, and sat perfectly still, betraying no agitation whatever. He was brought to jail, searched, and place in a cell.
So closes another day's efforts in endeavoring to dispel the cloud of mystery which shields the murderer of Mrs. Brownlie and her boy. The reader has the facts before him - he can draw his own conclusions as to the grounds which rest the suspicion against Johnson.

--- The Davenport Gazette; Davenport, Scott, Iowa; Friday, February 27, 1874

THE LONG GROVE TRAGEDY
Another Day of Inquest
Excited Thousands about the Court House
QUITE IMPORTANT TESTIMONY
Elder Exley's Interviews with the Prisoner - More Evidence from A.W. Brownlie -
Johnson's Purchases of Shot - His Ride on the Dubuque Road

Although a week and three days had elapsed since the murder of Mrs. Brownlie and her child, at Long Grove, was committed, public feeling over the tragedy never exhibited itself as it did yesterday. It will be remembered that the Coroner's inquest adjourned from last Thursday afternoon till 10 o'clock Saturday forenoon; and as early as eight o'clock yesterday morning people commenced assembling at the Court House and by nine o'clock the Court room was completely packed with men, while hundreds were crowding the outside steps and inside stairs, all impatient to hear the day's evidence at the inquest, while other hundreds gathered in the square. Sheriff Leonard saw that it would be utterly impossible to continue the inquest in the midst of such a multitude, and at half-past nine he ordered the Court room cleared - it was done. Very few men left the square, however, but crowds gathered here and there, within the enclosure and on the outside walks, and in every group the murder was the subject of discussion. By a quarter to 10 o'clock, from 2,500 to 3,000 men had assembled at the Court House. There was a possibility of the recalling of Lewis Johnson - and the city police were sent for to preserve order. Men lined the two or three paths, one of which Lewis must use in going from the jail to the Court room. And late in the day our reporter was told by reliable individuals that there were ropes in the pockets of several in the crowd! We do not believe, however, that any illegal proceedings would have been resorted to had Lewis made his appearance, but that he would have been allowed to go directly to the Court room. A number of men were on the ground from the vicinity of Long Grove, but they were bent on keeping matters quiet rather than in making threats. Lewis was not summoned, however, and so the mutterings in the wind were soon silenced. At 10 o'clock the

INQUEST

was resumed in the presence of about a hundred men in the court room.
     Mr. Spencer Clapp was the first person sworn. He had lived in Sheridan township for sixteen years, his home being a few rods over a half mile from A.W. Brownlie's place. He had been hunting for the gun since the morning after the murder, and about one o'clock P.M. on Thursday last he discovered it. Mr. Clapp gave a succinct account of the discovery - a diagram of the place and its surroundings being of service to him. The spot was among high weeds eighty-three feet north of the lane to A.W. Brownlie's, sixty-five feet east of the Long Grove road, twenty feet west of the D. & St. P. track, and ten feet west of a rail fence which is twenty feet west of the railroad. Along the fence were tracks from the lane to the place the gun was found. No officer came until the ones from Davenport, and the gun was not taken up until they came. The snow was five or six inches deep and hard. Witness went after other persons, and went back with Robert Brownlie, Mr. Richie, and Martindale. Several others came. Mr. Clapp described the tracks seen, and the recognition of the gun by James, Andrew and Robert Brownlie. When Lewis came he said "the gun is found," to witness, and walked back into the road. The gun was covered with rust - had been rubbed off. Saw no tracks of animals- rabbits or rats.
     Robert K. Brownlie was recalled, and told how and where he first heard of the gun being found. He afterwards met his father and Lewis Johnson, and stepped right in front of the latter, and noticed he "was all a tremble." Lewis said, "Robert, the gun is found." "Yes, Lewis." He asked, "Any news from the corpse?" "No, Lewis." Lewis referred to the remains of witness's brother-in-law expected from Georgia. Witness also gave clear account of the place, tracks, and proceedings. Witness saw no other tracks than those heretofore described. Lewis' voice trembled when he spoke, as if he wanted to say something and didn't know what to say. Witness went to H.M. Thompson's - they all jumped up when he went in, and he told them the gun was found, and then A.W. Brownlie said, "where, where, was the gun found?" Witness said the gun was the same as described by him before as hanging on the porch. There was chicken shot in a shot pouch and a leather sack next by, but they were not disturbed - both sack and pouch were exhibited.
     Moses Bush, a colored man, who lives on Farnam street, four doors north of Locust, testified that he is a laboring man, and has lived where he does for seven years. He had known Lewis for three years. He spoke of engaging the pigs from Lewis and how Lewis used to make his house his home on coming to town and Lewis was there Saturday night, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the week the murder was committed. leaving on the latter day at two o'clock. Witness has a wife and three little girls. The chief portion of the witness's testimony was concerning Lewis going to Third and Harrison streets (Berg's) about the second of January, and buying some shot - 15 cents worth, and put it in his pocket, it being wrapped in a small piece of paper. Lewis told witness he wanted to shoot wolves. Witness had heard his little girl speak of finding a gun cap on the floor on Wednesday and handing it to Lewis. Witness said Lewis spoke in the highest terms of the Brownlie family. Mrs. Brownlie was a clever woman, and treated him well - he eat at the same table with the family, no matter how many went there.
     Mrs. Moses Bush also testified as to Lewis stopping at her house, giving pretty full particulars. She spoke of the gun cap, and how the little girl found it and Lewis said he had dropped it, and so put it back in the pocket of his overcoat. Never heard Lewis speak ill of Mrs. Brownlie. Lewis did not talk against Mrs. B. but praised her highly.
     Adjourned till

AFTERNOON

when the rain had kept many people away. But more than a thousand men were in the court yard, however, when the court room doors were again opened. The afternoon testimony was very important and we give it in full.
     [Cannot read next paragraph]
    John R. Thompson sworn - Am son of Hugh M. Thompson. Live at Earlham, Madison county, Iowa. Was not here when the murder was committed- got a dispatch about it the next day, and reached my father's on Friday morning's train. Have had slight acquaintance with Lewis Johnson for five or six years. I think he is a little taller than I. I have walked from the Long Grove Church to where the railroad crosses at Dubuque road. Left the church gate at 8:8, stopped four minutes at Robert Brownlie's and got to the middle of the Dubuque road at 9:52. I had to wait during that time for the train to pass at the cut. When a man is not encumbered he can walk the distance very comfortably in an hour and twenty or thirty minutes. I discovered a track about forty rods south of first cross road that crosses north of Farber's field - near Claus Kiehl's. It is north of the brick school house on the Dubuque road. It was larger track than mine. The party had stumbled a little at the east side of the railroad and that was the first that I had noticed. I followed it towards Mt. Joy and wherever the new snow hadn't blown too deep I could follow it. I did not point out these tracks to anyone else. There had been a good deal of travel on the railroad north of Claus Kuehl's. Followed the track to within forty or fifty rods of the place where the railroad crosses the Dubuque road. I saw the window where the shooting was done - saw the powder mark on the sash; and I tried the range from the outside, and found that to shoot the gun in the window with the muzzle on a level with the powder mark, would require me to stand tip toe unless the stock of the gun was very crooked. The black spot could not have been made by the explosion of a cap.
     Jennie Jackson, daughter of Mr. Bush, 6 years old, told of her picking up one cap on the floor as related by her mother, and gave it to Lewis; he said it was his, and put it in his over coat pocket.
     Jonathan Boothe sworn - I live at North Davenport; keep a store; have lived there 16 year; keep shot for sale. Have known Lewis Johnson four or five years; been in my store frequently; he was in my store a week ago last Wednesday, between three and four o'clock in the afternoon; no one beside myself was in the store. He asked if a party had called for him that he expected to find there. I told him no. He went out, came back in a short time, asked for the man and I told him he was not there; he said it was late, and he would go out and if the man came to tell him he had gone on to Steffen's. The man came, and seemed disappointed at not finding Lewis there; Lewis had been gone half an hour; Lewis bought five cents worth of shot, and said something about killing something that was destroying eggs in the barn. The man that called seemed to be on foot. I was not A.W. Brownlie - I know him; don't know that I ever saw the man before; he had sandy whiskers, trimmed close around his face; has mustache inclined to red; looked like an American. He seemed to be expecting Lewis, and kind of stood at the door as if debating whether he should go on or not. Lewis frequently stopped at my place, calling as he was going out. Know all the Brownlies- the man was not any of them. Lewis asked if there had been a man stopped here for him. The man called was about my size, but not so tall as Lewis by a head. I didn't look to see what kind of conveyance he had - if asked the question whether he had a team or not, I should say no. I should say the man was afoot. He said nothing about Lewis wanting to ride with him. After I told the man what Lewis said he kind of held the door knob in his hand as if thinking. He had a short sack coat, no overcoat, and a kind brown, sunburnt [?}; I should say his coat was brownish. His hair was not so much inclined to red as his whiskers - straight and short hair. Nothing was in his hands. I said to Lewis "I expect there is a good deal of game out your way." He said "yes, there is, but I don't go out very often, " and spoke of killing something that destroyed the eggs; John Keating came and asked me if Lewis had purchased shot at my place. I remember very well that it was Wednesday that Lewis bought them. He bought no other ammunition. It was under a pound of shot - only five cents worth; it would answer for two charges and a half. It was No. 2 shot. I gave some to Mr. Keating, Lewis made no objection that they were too small.

--- The Davenport Gazette; Davenport, Scott, Iowa; March 1, 1874

One Thousand Dollars Reward.

     Governor Carpenter has issued a proclamation offering a reward of one thousand dollars for the apprehension of the person or persons who committed the murder at Long Grove. In addition to this, Mr. James Brownlie has personally offered a reward of five hundred dollars for the arrest of the murderer. This in addition to the one thousand dollars offered by the farmers of Long Grove, and the one thousand dollars by the Scott county Board of Supervisors, makes a total reward offered of three thousand five hundred dollars. Here is a chance for detectives and police officers.
     No murder that was ever committed in Iowa created a greater or more profound feeling of sorrow and indignation, or more excitement than has the Brownlie murder. We are told that all through Scott county the feeling is still intense, and should the murderer be captured and should there be no doubt as to his guilt, there is not the slightest doubt that a piece of rope would be turned into a necklace for him or them. Even at this distance the first inquiry made of any one from Davenport, is in regard to this tragedy. All trails for the murderer having now failed, the authorities are actively searching for something more to develop.
     The gun with which Mrs. Brownlie was shot was found Thursday, and Lewis Johnson - a colored man who lived at Brownlie's - was arrested. There are strong suspicious circumstances against him, although he protests his innocence and shows not the slightest agitation.

---The Hawk-Eye; Burlington, Des Moines, Iowa; Thursday Morning, March 5 1874

THE BROWNLIE MURDER
Why the Coroner's Jury Brought in a Verdict Against Lewis Johnson

     The Davenport Gazette says that the verdict of the coroner's jury in the Brownlie murder investigation, charging Johnson with the crime, has the effect of enhancing public interest in the case, and of renewing inquiries as to the evidence which ruled the minds or the jurymen. And a statement of the testimony that produced the verdict will not be unacceptable.
     1st. The entering wedge of the suspicion against Lewis Johnson was the length of time he, on his own statement, took on the night of the murder, to walk on the Davenport & St. Paul railroad track to the Long Grove Church, being over three hours, when he ought to have made it in an hour and forty minutes.
     2d. The jury did not believe he followed the railroad, but crossed to the Dubuque road, and rode thereon some distance with a farmer, crossing from it to Brownlie's house where the murder was committed.
     3d. The jury believed that for two Wednesday nights successively, prior to the night of the murder, Johnson lay in wait watching for Brownlie to go to prayer meeting, he (Johnson) having walked out from Davenport on these occasions just as it is alleged he did on the fatal night - and that circumstances, or fear, prevented him from carrying out his plan.
     4th. The jury believed that Johnson stole the missing gun from James Brownlie's and secreted it in a place in A.W. Brownlie's barn that no one, beside himself, except Mr. B., could have well known. The finding of the missing piece of the gun strap exposed the hiding place.
     5th. Johnson's statement that he had bought no shot or other amunition [sic] at any place besides Richardson's at Long Grove, this winter, when he did, in fact, purchase shot at Boothe's grocery and at Berg's gun shop in this city, was, in the minds of the jury, another important link in the chain of testimony.
     6th. The finding of shot in Brownlie's barn of exactly the size of those bought at Berg's, with the paper in which it was believed Berg wrapped them.
     7th. The weight and size of the shot taken from the body corresponding with the Berg shot.
     8th. The demeanor of Johnson at prayer meeting the night of the murder, and elsewhere after it, and whenever the murder was mentioned in his presence.
     9th. The anxiety of Mrs. Brownlie to have her husband discharge Johnson when he desired to remain, having a home where he was treated as an equal, Mr. Brownlie desiring that he should remain. And the jury believe that as Mrs. Brownlie alone prevented him from staying on the place as long as he chose, he determined to remove this obstacle, especially as she disliked him very much, and expressed her opinions freely to her husband and sometimes to her children.
     10th. The straight aim with which the shots were fired, the height of the window above the ground requiring a tall man to make it.
     11th. To the last idea, the one that the murderer, from all circumstances, must have been somebody familiar with the premises.
     12th. The finding of a piece of paper gun-wadding, the letters on both sides of which correspond exactly with the letters on both sides of pieces of torn paper found in the top of Johnson's trunk.

---The Hawk-Eye; Burlington, Des Moines, Iowa; Thursday Morning, March 12 1874

- The startling theory is now propounded that Lewis Johnson, accused of the murder of Mrs. Brownlie, near Davenport, also committed the Alger murder, in the same vicinity, several years ago. Mrs. Alger had about eleven thousand dollars in gold, which the assassin obtained, and it is reported that Lewis Johnson loaned out that amount of gold to a Scott county farmer.

---The Hawk-Eye; Burlington, Des Moines, Iowa; Thursday Morning, March 12 1874

The Trial of Johnson

For two days the principal business of the District Court for Scott county, Iowa has been the paneling of a jury to hear the testimony in the case of the Statve vs Lewis Johnson indicted for murder in the first degree. The regular panel of twenty four jurors was exhausted then a special venire for fifty-nine citizens was ordered and when this was exhausted on Wednesday evening another special venire for twenty-five citizens was issued. The Sheriff did his duty. And at half past ? o'clock yesterday forenoon after one hundred and fourteen persons had been questioned as to whether they had read the papers or not and were competent to form an ? judicial opinion as to the guilt or innocence of the defendant a jury was sworn. The names of the jurymen are:

F. Kautz, of Buffalo township
[can't read]
[can't read]
Geo W Robinson of Davenport township
[can't read]
[can't read]
[can't read]
C.J. Meyer of city of Davenport
[can't read]
John C. M'Cullough of city of Davenport
[can't read]
Chas. Hoffman of Buffalo

     The case for the State was stated by Hon. J.C. Bills who appears with District Attorney Ellis - and there was adjournment at 3 PM when Hon John W Green counsel for defendant with W.A. [?] Esq. made a statement of what defendant [? ?] to establish his innocence.
     We [?] not state the particulars of the murder of Mrs. Alex W. Brownlie and child which was perpetrated at Long Grove in this county on night of the 18th day of last March [Note: murder was in Feb., not March]. The details of the tragedy were given in the GAZETTE next morning and subsequently the testimony before the Coroner's jury which was published in full in these columns made our readers familiar with the circumstances of the case and of the suspicions which led to the arrest of Lewis Johnson the hired man in employ of Mr. Brownlie.
     Louis Johnson is a mulatto of tall form and rather good head though he has high cheek bones piercing black eyes and curly [can't read]. He had been at work for Mr. Brownlie at the time of the murder for a long period.
     The first witness called was Sarah Brownlie daughter of the murdered woman. She was in the room playing with her little brother and sisters when her mother was shot through the window of the kitchen. The only new testimony given in her examination was that she looked at the clock just after her mother was shot and that it was ten minutes to 8 - and that Lewis Johnson had talked improperly with her on several occasions and had attempted improper liberties with her person on two occasions. She had promised him - she a mere child - that she would not tell any person of his [can't read] her personally and concerning the two other colored men in the neighborhood had told him of their doings with the little daughters of their employers....[cannot read rest of article.]

--- The Davenport Gazette; Davenport, Scott, Iowa; October 2, 1874

The Trial of Johnson

    When the District Court adjourned on Friday afternoon Mr. Dosh was on the stand, and a question as to the right of the State to introduce the portion of Lewis Johnson's evidence before the Coroner's jury which related to his purchase of shot without giving the whole of his testimony, was pending, the Judge having taken it under advisement. When the Court opened yesterday morning the State's attorneys withdrew the question, and announced that their evidence was all in, save perhaps one witness that they might wish to call. The trial opened on Wednesday, the 1st inst., and forty-five witnesses have given testimony since then.
     The defense now called their witnesses. Moses Bush (colored) testified as to the time that Johnson left his house near the fair grounds, on the afternoon of the murder, and also that Johnson's reputation among the people of his color was good. Then several residents of Long Grove and vicinity were called to prove Johnson's good character. David Harding, Wm. Robertson, Sr., John Pollock, John Hell, Thomas Martindale, J.A. Knouse, John Greve, James Brownlie, A.W. Brownlie, Alexander Brownlie, James Clapp, Wm. Robertson, Jr., John Hardy, and Robert Johnson all testified that he had a good character of the Grove up to the 18th of March, the day which Mrs. Brownlie and son were murdered. Sheriff Leonard testified as to Johnson's good conduct in jail. Rev. Henry Exley, pastor of the church at Long Grove, testified that he was present at the prayer meeting, the evening of the murder, when Johnson came in, that the room was not brilliantly lighted, but that he noticed nothing unusual in Johnson's appearance; afterwards he shook hands with Johnson, the latter's hand being bare, and that it was free from moisture. Henry Evans testified that Johnson took dinner at Schomberg's about 3 o'clock that afternoon. Washington Wilburn, a colored teamster, swore that he saw Johnson a little beyond Duck Creek at a quarter to 5 o'clock on the evening of the 18th of March.
     It was now three o'clock and being Saturday, and some of the Jurymen wishing to go to their homes in the country, and Tuesday being election day, the Court dismissed the Jury until 9 o'clock Wednesday morning.
     It is likely that the defense will rest on Thursday and that the case will be argued on Friday and Saturday, and be given to the Jury on the latter day.
     Court remained in session until after 4 o'clock, when there was adjournment till Wednesday morning.

--- The Davenport Gazette; Davenport, Scott, Iowa; October 11, 1874

Summing Up

The arguments before the jury in the Johnson trial were commenced yesterday morning by District Attorney Ellis, who spoke till the noon hour, and then again to the hour for evening adjournment. The court room was filled with spectators all day, who listened with the greatest interest as the case was presented as the State understands it - listened all day without a thought of tiring. It was one of those efforts which have given Mr. Ellis popularity as an advocate, and assisted in keeping him in the office he fills so well. He made an analysis of the testimony, and set forth every feature of it which could help to fasten the guilt upon the prisoner, with almost terrible earnestness. He went into a keen search for motives, and fastened upon the prisoner's desire to conceal his improper conduct and conversation with little Sarah, the eldest daughter of Mrs. Brownlie, from the mother, as one; he feared the counsel claimed, that Sarah would tell her mother - yes, and he charge her with revealing his conduct to her mother, for the latter had changed in her conduct towards him. With exposure would come blackened character in the neighborhood in which he was respected by all, and treated accordingly, the color of his skin making no difference with the people there. If he could put the woman out of the way, and still cover his tracks so that the crime would never be imputed to him, then his course for the future would be clear, and his chances for a home and maybe a farm improved. So the speaker went on, showing the preparations of defendant for the deed, and following his supposed plans and steps till the fatal shot was fired at the window, making especial use of the ammunition purchased in the city, the disappearance of the gun from James Brownlie's and the unaccounted for time in making the six miles between the six-mile house and the church in which the prayer meeting was held which defendant attended, and the appearance he presented to old "Aunt Lucy" when he entered the room. From beginning to ending the argument was granted.
Hon. J.W. Green follows for the defence to-day. W.A. Foster closes for the prisoner and it is not likely that he will get through before this evening. Hon. J.C. Bills will make the closing argument for the State to-morrow - and the case will probably be given the jury late in the afternoon.

--- The Davenport Gazette; Davenport, Scott, Iowa; October 16, 1874

The Trial of Johnson

     The trial of Lewis Johnson for the murder of Mrs. Brownlie, which commenced in the District Court on the 20th ult., came to an end at half past five o'clock yesterday afternoon, having been in progress nearly three weeks. Hon. J.C. Bills made the closing argument for the State and of the case yesterday. The Court room was crowded all day - a goodly portion of the audience being composed of ladies. And there the people remained, closely packed, through the hours, as on the argument days of last week, with the closest attention. None of our readers need be told that Mr. Bills' statement was solid and stupendous. It was for him to meet the able, ingenious and eloquent efforts of the prisoner's counsel; he attacked all their main points, exposed what he esteemed their sophistries, endeavored to undermine their construction of testimony; to parry their hard hits and put in harder ones in return, to shatter the foundation of the theory of innocence of the defendant which they built - and then he turned to the evidence as he understood it, took up each piece of it, connected all like a chain, and wound it about the prisoner at the bar, and so handed him to the jury, claiming a verdict for the State. It was an argument that will long be remembered by all who heard it.
     Judge Brannan delivered his charge to the jury, occupying some fifteen minutes in reading it. It was complete in instructions as to their duty under the evidence and the law. He said at the close that the form of their verdict might be guilty or not guilty, as charged in the indictment, but they had the physical power to find guilty of murder in the second degree, or of manslaughter.
     The jury retired with the charge and various documents and things offered in evidence during the trial.
     At three o'clock this morning the jury was still in consultation with little or no prospect of agreement.

EXCITING DAY IN COURT

There was another day of interest and excitement at the Court House yesterday. Monday closed with the giving of the case of the State vs. Lewis Johnson for the murder of Mrs. A.W. Brownlie, into the hands of the jury that had listened closely to the evidence and the pro and con of the arguments of the attorneys for nearly three weeks. And the morning GAZETTE had informed the people that the jury had not agreed in the night. So when the court opened a large number of people thronged the court room, all anxious to hear something from the jury, and expecting they would ask a hearing and seek advice from the Judge, concerning matters upon which they disagreed. But when the Court was ready for business, cases which diverse lawyers had in hand were brought up, and rulings announced - ...
... Towards noon the

JOHNSON JURY

entered, and their foreman stated that they had not agreed, and that it was impossible for them to reach an agreement. The Judge made the usual inquiries as to any advice they might wish, and the result was that they went back into the jury room...
... Just as he finished, there came word to the Sheriff that the

JOHNSON JURY HAD AGREED!

The news quickly spread, and the crowd about the Court House thronged into the room and filled it. Johnson was brought in. Then the jury filed into their seats - a convenient apartment in that new jury room. The foreman of the jury passed a package into the hands of the Clerk White, who quietly unfolded it ,and raised a slip of paper to his eyes. There was the silence of death in the crowded room, and every head was inclined forward, every eye strained as if eyes could hear as well as see. The Clerk read: "We, the Jury, find the defendant

NOT GUILTY!"

The stillness continued for a moment, then there was a murmur of applause, and then - Johnson sprang to his feet, grasped the hands of the attorneys, Messrs. Foster and Green, and shook them earnestly. And well he might - they had pulled him safely through a perilous trial. Then Egglesht, at Johnson's side, arose and grasped Johnson's hands, and the two shook, and the prisoner to be tried for forgery congratulated the prisoner who had been tried for murder. They had been together in the jail for long months and their now farewell "shake" as they supposed it to be, was but natural. But it was not a final goodbye, for the Judge broke the rustling and hum that prevailed with the words - and silence reigned again - "gentlemen, there is

ANOTHER INDICTMENT

against the defendant Johnson, for the murder of the child!"
"Yes, your Honor," quickly responded Mr. Ellis, "and we propose to try him on it, too."
Messrs. Foster and Green rushed to Ellis' side, and there were hurried but earnest whispers. Ellis shook his head, as the negroe's attorneys whispered to him, and the latter went back to jail with the Sheriff. A crowd followed him and thronged about the jail entrance as he disappeared, expecting him to come out soon, a free man. But they had misunderstood the cause of his going back, and went away when told that he was to be held for another trial.

--- The Davenport Gazette; Davenport, Scott, Iowa; October 20, 1874