A jealous husband, John F. Davis, murdered
Dr. Charles Wayne McCoy May 1, 1907. The following is an
account of the murder and the ensuing trial taken from the
local newspaper, the "Semi-Weekly Irontonian", Ironton,
Lawrence Co., OH. The articles were typed just as they were
printed in the newspaper--bad grammar, misspelled words, and
lack of punctuation. Any other errors belong strictly to the
transcriber.
Thursday, May
2, 1907, pg. 2--DR. WAYNE McCOY SHOT AND INSTANTLY KILLED--Capt.
John Davis of the Portsmouth Ferry Boat the Slayer. Awful
Tragedy at South Point in Which a Ruined Home was Exposed, a
Man Forfeited His Life and the Brand of Cain Marks Another:
Dr. Wayne McCoy, one of the best known physicians and
residents of Lawrence County, is dead at his home in South
Point from pistol wounds inflicted by the man who sought to
maintain the sanctity of his home, Captain John Davis, also a
well know and highly esteemed resident of South Point. The
tragedy occurred at 11:10 o'clock Wednesday night at Davis'
home and there were no witnesses but Davis and his wife. McCoy
had called at the Davis home sometime previous to his
discovery by the wronged husband and was in the house when
Davis returned home unexpectedly. What occurred just prior to
the shooting is not known as Davis fled after the shooting and
his wife could not be seen. It is known, however, that Dr.
McCoy was found in the house and that Davis opened fire on
him. The first ball struck McCoy over the left eye and
produced a flesh wound. It is thought he then started to flee,
when the second shot was fired. The bullet from the second
discharge penetrated the back of McCoy's head and caused his
instant death. Immediately after the shooting Mrs. Davis ran
from her home and notified the Mr. Brubaker and Peral Davidson
that her husband had shot McCoy. These men went to the Davis
home located just this side of the South Point School building
and there found the lifeless body of Dr. McCoy lying in the
yard. His hat was on the porch and blood spots showed the
trail followed by the death stricken man. The men did not
disturb the body, but immediately aroused the neighborhood and
a call was sent for coroner Remy. That official responded and
authorized the removal of the body to the McCoy home where it
was received by Mrs. McCoy. In the meantime, John Davis, the
slayer had fled and up to daylight, he had not been
apprehended. Indeed no attempt was made to effect his capture
or stop his flight. Where he went no one knows, but little or
difficulty will be experienced in his capture. Dr. McCoy was
39 years of age, was married, but had no children. He resided
a short distance above the Delta School House on the right of
the road. His wife was a Miss Bimpson, well know in Ironton
and throughout the county. She has many relatives in Ironton.
Dr. McCoy was a prominent Mason and in 1892 was appointed a
pension examiner under President Cleveland. He had always
enjoyed the highest esteem of the citizens of this community.
His neighbors stated to an Irontonian reporter that they were
unaware of his attentions to Mrs. Davis. The horrible tragedy
will cast gloom over the entire county. Undertakers Bingaman
and Jones were summoned and prepared the body for burial.
Coroner Remy stated that he would hold an inquest Saturday
morning. A Complete story of the tragedy will be published in
Friday Morning's paper.
Thursday, May 2, 1907; pg. 4—Shocked to numbness,
appalled to a degree of almost incomprehensibility and
thoroughly incapable of understanding or realizing the extent
of the crime committed, the people of this community learned
through the Irontonian Thursday morning that Dr. Wayne McCoy
had been shot and killed by a husband, John F. Davis, who had
been wantonly wronged. The sanctity of his home; aye his
castle had been demoralized; the infidelity of his wife; the
mother who bore his five children had been proven, and the
hearthstone of HOME, SWEET, SWEET, HOME was forever blasted.
What was left for him? Wife, home, children, friends, gone;
what he to care. A pistol ball would have and may be welcome
in preference to the memory of the once happy days when he
returned to his humble cot and was met with a wifely kiss he
knew to be pure and the childish glee and chatter of his
fledglings as they climbed his knee for a “bear squeeze” and a
kiss for papa. God what agony! What could John Davis do when
he met the despoiler of his home? Answer this those who can.
Dr. Wayne McCoy is dead; a man who ever enjoyed the respect
and esteem of his every acquaintance. His life was untimely
snuffed out by a man who felt aggrieved at the Dr. for an
alleged wrong. Dr. McCoy was a physician; his presence was
always for service. In the home a physician is a brother, a
father or a son; who can be trusted more? Was John Davis' wife
untrue to him or had she summoned Dr. McCoy for treatment for
herself or children? Time will tell. Dr. McCoy may have been
honorable, or his call may have been of evil import. Who
knows? Who will say that a man who finds a man in his home is
justified to kill without investigation? There is no unwritten
law. Davis is in prison, his wife and children disgraced; his
home destroyed. Dr. McCoy is dead, his death makes a childless
widow and destroys and entombs forever the esteem in which he
was held. Is revenge worth the price, when the Lord saith:
“Vengeance is Mine” or shall a man kill when the Lord saith in
one Commandment “Thou Shalt Not Kill.” Is there an unwritten
law? Echo answers: WHAT IS THE UNWRITTEN LAW?”
Semi-Weekly Irontonian, May 2, 1907--A COINCIDENCE.--Just
eight years ago Thursday, Wright McCoy, brother of Dr. Wayne
McCoy, was buried in Woodland Cemetery. He met death in a
tragic manner. A horse he was driving in Coal Grove, running
away and throwing Mr. McCoy from the vehicle. He sustained
injuries which later resulted in his death. The injuries
sustained where not necessarily lethal, but some days later
blood poisoning set in and death resulted. There was never a
truer gentleman in Lawrence County than Wright McCoy.
Friday, May 3, 1907, pg. 1--CAPTAIN DAVIS SURRENDERS TO
LOCAL COUNTY OFFICIALS--Slayer of Dr. Wayne McCoy--Is now
in the Lawrence County Jail Without Bond, But May be Released
Today. Wednesday Night's Tragedy at South Point was the Only
Topic of Conversation in Ironton and Lawrence County Thursday.
The Funeral of the Deceased Doctor Will Take Place Saturday
Morning at Nine O'clock Standard Time.--Captain John F. Davis,
the confessed slayer of Dr. Wayne McCoy is in the Lawrence
County jail to await the action of the Common Pleas Court
today relative to bond. The man who killed Dr. Wayne McCoy
does not express regret, nor does he seem to be remorseful. He
surrendered without remonstrance.--As told elsewhere Davis
left his home after examining the body of his victim. He went
directly to the river where he searched for a boat. He finally
found a boat owned by Clinton Davidson and by cutting one rope
and untying another he succeeded in freeing it. Alarmed at his
deed he started down the river and rowed to Limeville, KY.
Here he abandoned his boat and took up a tramp to Portsmouth.
Arriving in that city, he at once consulted with the law firm
of Milner, Miller, and Searl, and upon their advice he
concluded to surrender. Davis left Portsmouth on the C&O.
train due at Ironton at 12:01p.m. and went to Catlettsburg.
There he, or his father telegraphed Deputy Sheriff Kingery and
this official went over to Catlettsburg to take Davis in
custody, according to the wishes of the man wanted. Kingery
found Davis at the Alger House and he quietly submitted to
arrest and readily agreed to accompany the officer to Ohio.
The officer and his prisoner and a number of friends of Davis,
including his father and brother, came over to this city and
staid with the prisoner until his commitment. Immediately
after the arrival of Davis in this city an Irontonian man met
him and to the scribe Davis said that he left Portsmouth on
the accommodation train and arrived at Catlettsburg at about
10 o'clock. He crossed the ferry and was on the Ohio side at
10:20 o'clock. He went to his home immediately and there heard
mumbling in the house. He went in a side door and saw his wife
and Dr. McCoy embraced. He said that Dr. McCoy struck him
before he opened fire. The balance of the story is related
elsewhere. The funeral services over the remains of Dr. McCoy
will be held at 9:30 o'clock standard time Saturday morning
from South Point church. The interment will be in Woodland
cemetery.
WIFE MAKES CONFESSION--Says That Her Husband Caught Her
and Dr. McCoy Together--AN ANONYMOUS LETTER--Which Was
Received by Capt. Davis Wednesday Evening Apprised Him of the
Fact That All Was Not Well at Home. He Hastened to His
Sanctuary Only to Find it Defiled by a Neighbor Whom he had
Known and Respected for Many Years.--It is hard to imagine any
tragedy which could have caused more genuine surprise or
sorrow in this county, especially in the neighborhood of South
Point, that the horrible one which was enacted in that
peaceful, law abiding village Thursday night, when Captain
John Davis shot and instantly killed Dr. Wayne McCoy, one of
the most successful and highly respected physicians in
Lawrence county. From all the evidence obtainable after a
careful and thorough investigation it seems that the homicide
was committed after cool and deliberate consideration of the
matter by Capt. Davis in defense of the sanctity of his home.
Never in the history of South Point have the inhabitants been
so shocked and grieved and all business was practically at a
stand still Thursday for the citizens of the village and
surrounding county could think or talk of little else but the
deplorable murder which has brought a dark blot upon their
community which has always prided itself upon its freedom from
sensationalism and scandal.
NEIGHBORS HORRIFIED--The news of the killing spread
like wild fire Thursday night and shortly after Dr. McCoy's
lifeless body was discovered by Pearl Davidson, Elmer Brubaker
and J. Roten, the neighbors of the blighted household were
upon the streets anxious for the particulars of the tragedy,
which had resulted in the death of a man who was known and
admired by them all, men, women and children alike, and had
placed the brand of Cain upon one, who had for a number of
years, been a respected citizen of their town. Men discussed
the affair in subdued tones, while many of the women ran
hither and thither, crying and wringing their hands, some even
in their night clothes, so stunned had they been that they
neglected to dress before hastening from their homes to learn
if the report was true. The excitement had died down somewhat
when and Irontonian representative visited the scene Thursday
morning to learn more of the murder, the important details of
which had been published in Thursday's Irontonian bringing
such a terrible surprise to its readers, many of whom were
well acquainted with the victim of the murder and the slayer.
EMBLEM OF PURITY--The scene of the tragedy is a pretty
two story frame house, painted white, the emblem of purity,
which stands at the forks of the South Point pike and the road
which leads to the ferry, just below the South Point school
building. The shooting occurred on a small porch at the upper
side of the house adjoining the kitchen and the victim of the
wronged husband's wrath fell dead but a few feet away.
According to Capt. Davis' statement, which is corroborated by
his wife and others, he came from Portsmouth, where he is part
owner and Captain of the ferryboat Emily which plies between
that city and Fullerton, KY, Wednesday night on the evening
train which reached Catlettsburg shortly after nine o'clock.
He got Wilson Spurlock, the night ferryman to take him across
the river in a skiff and after telling the ferryman to wait
for him, that he would be back in an hour, he went home which
is situated but a short distance from the top of the river
bank and slipped around to a small stable on the rear of the
lot. There he awaited the coming of the man whom he had been
informed in a anonymous letter which he had received Wednesday
afternoon, was visiting his home after nightfall. The husband
had not long to wait, for soon the despoiler of his home came
and entered the house where the children of Capt. Davis and
his wife, lay peacefully sleeping, dreaming the dreams of
healthy, childhood all unmindful of the awful event which soon
to take place beneath the rooms in which they slept, that
would ruin two homes, darken their own lives and that of their
parents and those of many others who were in no manner
responsible for the horrible deed.
FIGHT TO THE DEATH--In a few moments after he was
satisfied that his family physician had gone into his house,
as the writer of the letter had told him he would, Capt. Davis
removed his shoes and stealthily approached the kitchen door.
When he reached the door, he softly struck a match so as to
find the knob of the door, and then sprang into the room where
he found his wife and Dr. McCoy in a compromising position,
according to Capt. Davis' statement. Hence occurred a fierce
hand to hand inside in which Capt. Davis first had the
advantage of Dr. McCoy, and then the Doctor gained the upper
hand and fled to the porch where Capt. Davis followed him and
fired at him with a revolver which he had evidently brought
with him for that purpose. The first shot was fired from the
doorway of the kitchen at an angle of about 15 degrees. The
bullet hit the fleeing man a glancing lick over the left eye
while he was still staggering from the effects of the
encounter which he had just had with the husband of the woman
he had called to see clandestinely, and buried itself in the
porch about ten feet from where the user of the revolver
stood, Dr. McCoy placed his hand to his head and undertook to
escape by running through the yard. Just as Dr. McCoy stepped
off the porch Capt. Davis fired a second shot at an angle of
45 degrees and this shot caused the instant death of the
doctor, who fell on his face but a few feet from the house.
WIFE HURT--During the stubble in the house several
blows were struck and Mrs. Davis says her husband struck her
in the face when she attempted to separate them and she had a
discolored eye Thursday to substantiate her claim. After Dr.
McCoy fell, Capt. Davis walked up to him, turned him over and
remarked: "Well, he's dead" and then turning to his young
daughter said: "Go tell Uncle John (John Roten, a friend of
the family), that I have killed Dr. McCoy and to come and get
him". He then put on his shoes and left the house. The young
girl was afraid to go to Mr. Roten's alone and her mother
awoke the rest of the children and took them with her to the
home of Mr. Roten, about an eighth of a mile away, where she
asked to be given shelter, saying to Mrs. Roten, whom she has
known for many years: "Aunt Frank I am not worthy to come into
your house but for God's sake don't censure me; I have trouble
enough. John has shot Dr. McCoy. The woman and her children
were taken into the house and Pearl Davidson, a neighbor, and
several others were called and they, together with Mr. Roten
went to the scene of the tragedy, where they found the
lifeless body of Dr. McCoy just as Capt. Davis had left it.
The remains were left undisturbed until Coroner Remy arrived
and after viewing the body he ordered it removed to his home
about one mile away.
WIFE CONFESSES--To Mrs. Roten, Mrs. Davis made a
confession of what happened at the house. She said: "John
caught us" and she then told the story about as narrated
above. When seen by an Irontonian man Thursday morning at the
home of the Rotens, where she had come from the house of James
Borders, to which place she had taken her children earlier in
the day, Mrs. Davis refused to talk. She was defiant and scant
decency. She said that she did not intend to make any
statement whatever, and the public could think treated the
newspaper men with what they pleased, for she did not care. A
short time later she went to her home and in forcible language
ordered Constable E. D. Soutn, Marshal W. P. McKee, the
reporter and others who had gone there to look for some of the
property which had dropped from Dr. McCoy's pockets, from the
grounds and threatened to have them all arrested for
trespassing should they ever return.
THE LETTER--The letter which was indirectly the cause
of the murder was found Thursday morning by Marshall McKee in
a bill book on the river bank where Capt. Davis had lost it on
his way to the river. The book contained only a few street car
tickets and the letter which read as follows: "South Point,
O., April 29, 1907. John Davis, Fullerton, KY., You had better
look after your home. Your family physician was seen to go
there at 10 o'clock night before last and no lights in the
house, and staid quite awhile, and went away. Something wrong.
"A Friend."
Pg. 7--WAS CAUTIONED--Dr. McCoy had attended a meeting
of the "Mules" a protective order which meets in the Masonic
temple at South Point, earlier in the evening on the night he
met his death, and had left the lodge before it had adjourned.
He left his rig standing at the blacksmith shop, about 1/8 of
a mile from the Davis home, and walked to the place where he
was killed. At this meeting of the order, a case was brought
up in which a member of the lodge was accused of making
indecent proposals to a woman and Dr. McCoy is said to have
been one of the members present who advised that the matter be
disposed of by giving the brother a lecturing and saying
nothing further about the matter as the evidence adduced
failed to show that he was willfully guilty of any intended
offense. A personal friend of Dr. McCoy, who had heard rumors
of his misconduct with Mrs. Davis, took this opportunity to
talk with him about such actions without specializing and
apparently his listener approved of what he was saying.
Although Dr. McCoy was a prominent member of the "Free and
Accepted Masons" and the Mutual Protective Society, or
"Mules", these orders will not attend his funeral as a lodge,
deeming it inadvisable to do so under the circumstances. Quit
a number of his friends, however, will go as individuals,
should the obsequies be public, for Dr. McCoy was popular with
all who knew him.
IDEAL HOME--Dr. McCoy carried $7,000 life insurance,
$2,000 of which was paid up policy, the premiums upon which
ceased becoming due a few years ago. He was half owner in one
of the best farms in Fayette Township besides possessing other
valuable property and holdings. His home was an ideal one,
presided over by a loving, talented and highly educated wife,
is situated in the lower end of South Point, not half a mile
away from the Davis house, and is one of the costliest in the
vicinity.
DAUGHTER'S STORY--Hazel Davis, the 15 year old daughter
of Capt. and Mrs. Davis, who was told by her father to go and
tell "Uncle Jack" that he had killed Dr. McCoy, is a girl of
uncommon beauty and mind and she discussed the killing
Thursday in a very modest and retiring manner only after being
urged to do so. She said that she was asleep when the trouble
started, that she had heard only two shots, and did not know
what caused the shooting. She told of her father telling her
he had shot Dr. McCoy but said she was afraid to go to Mr.
Roten's alone.
DAVIS SOLD STOCK--Capt. John Davis sold his stock in
the Portsmouth ferry a day or two before the shooting to his
father for $3960, with the intention of returning to South
Point to live, it is said.
WIDOW'S REQUEST--Out of respect for the feelings of
Mrs. McCoy, who is perhaps the greatest sufferer from the
awful tragedy, and innocently so, the newspaper men made no
attempt to interview her Thursday, but they learned from a
reliable source that she said that she had no desire to have
the murderer of her husband punished, if matters were as they
were reported to be, but would like to see and talk to the
woman in whose company he was found when killed. Homer McCoy,
the only living brother of Dr. McCoy, who is a banker in
Chicago, telegraphed to the widow Thursday evening that he and
his wife will arrive in South Point Friday afternoon at 1
o'clock.
DR. WAYNE McCOY--Dr. Wayne McCoy was the son of Dr. and
Mrs. Charles McCoy, now deceased, and was born in sight of
where he met his death, The funeral of Dr. Wayne McCoy took
place from his late residence at South Point. The pallbearers
were six of his associates in the medical 39 years ago. He was
one of three sons, one of whom was killed eight years ago in a
runaway at Coal Grove, the other Homer is a banker in Chicago.
He was a most successful physician and had a very promising
career before him. He was appointed pension examiner under
President Cleveland and gave satisfaction to all concerned. He
was earnest companionable man and one who won every one's
friendship with whom he came in contact, and his acquaintances
were greatly shocked when they learned of his tragic death and
the circumstances which led up to it. He was married about
fourteen years ago to Miss Bessie Bimpson, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. J. N. Bimpson. Her mother was Miss Henshaw of one of the
county's oldest and most highly respected families. Dr. and
Mrs. McCoy have no children.
The funeral of Dr. Wayne McCoy took place from his late
residence at South Point. The pallbearers were six of his
associates in the medical profession in this city. The remains
were accompanied to beautiful Woodland in this city by a large
concourse of friends from his home and up river points.
CAPT. JOHN DAVIS--Capt. John Davis, the murderer is a
son of Capt. Wash Davis, one of the best known river men on
the Ohio. He is about 40 years of age and has always borne the
reputation of a law abiding industrious man. He is employed as
Captain of the ferry boat Emily, of Portsmouth, and some time
ago moved his family to that city, but Mrs. Davis did not like
her new home and returned to South Point. His wife was a Miss
Mede Moore, daughter of Mrs. Sarah Moore and a sister of the
wife of Robt. Field, the wholesale grocer of Catlettsburg and
ex-Sheriff of Boyd County. Her father has been dead for a
number of years. Mrs. Davis is about 37 years of age, rather
tall, slender and spare boned and of dark complexion. While
she is a woman of passing good looks she is not to say
attractive in appearance. So far as could be learned no
whisper of scandal has ever been connected with her reputation
until her name became linked with that of Dr. McCoy. She is
the mother of five bright, fine looking children, the oldest
of whom Haggard, a boy of 17 years, is employed in a
Portsmouth shoe factory, the others are Hazel, aged 15; Olive,
aged 12; Doris, aged 7; and Paul the baby, aged 5.
Tuesday, May 7, 1907--DAVIS--Is Suffering with Attack
of Acute Nervousness.--I AM NOT SORRY--Are his words
when asked to discuss the shooting of Dr. McCoy. He was
compelled to consult a physician.--Capt. John Davis, who shot
and killed Dr. C. Wayne McCoy, the despoiler of his home has
been suffering with an acute attack of nervousness since the
shooting. Saturday he was compelled to consult a physician and
today was somewhat improved. Davis absolutely refuses to
discuss the shooting. His only comment is, "I did the best
thing and I am not sorry."--Portsmouth Blade
MRS. DAVIS CHOOSES--She Selects the Door which Conceals
the Tiger and Will Permit the Hidden Beast to Spring Upon the
Man She Swore to Honor and Love--Will the fair name of Dr.
Wayne McCoy be cleared of the terrible stigma which now rests
upon it and will the testimony which will be adduced at the
Trial of Capt. John F. Davis, which will perhaps result from
the sitting of the special grand jury to be called to hear the
evidence connected with the killing of Dr. McCoy by Capt.
Davis Wednesday night prove that the murdered physician was at
the Davis home at the time of the homicide upon strictly
professional business. Such may be the outcome of the trial.
It is said on good authority that Mrs. Davis will testify to
that effect should she be placed on the witness stand and
furthermore it is said that she will swear that Dr. McCoy left
some medicine for her to take and that she has the medicine in
her possession and will produce it when the proper time comes.
In fact, Mrs. Davis made such statements to Coroner Remy when
he asked her for her version of the shooting and she further
qualified her remarks by saying that when the time came she
would prove Dr. McCoy to be guiltless of the crime with which
he now stands charged. Mrs. Davis refused to make an affidavit
before the Coroner, and although that official had it in his
power to compel her to do so, Dr. Remy did not think that her
testimony was essential enough in the Coroner's court to
require him to resort to drastic measures to procure it, and
under the circumstances, he permitted her to have her own way
in the matter. The Coroner's inquest, failed to verify several
rumors which were current about the matter, the day following
the murder, especially as to the Doctor's condition at the
time he was found by the gentlemen who were first to reach the
body after Mrs. Davis gave the alarm. Never in the history of
Lawrence County has a tragedy created so much discussion, nor
the cost of the murder more fully realized. Homes have been
demoralized, a woman made a widow, a man a corpse and a
husband and father a murderer.
CAPT. DAVIS GIVES BOND--Capt. John F. Davis, the slayer
of Dr. Wayne McCoy, the despoiler of his home, is now out on
bond, having been released Friday morning from jail, where he
spent the night, Judge Corn heard the application for bail and
granted the same, fixing the amount at $5,000. The bond was
soon arranged for and was signed by Capt. Geo. W. Davis, his
father, of Fullerton, Ky.; ex-Sheriff R. A. Field, his
brother-in-law of Catlettsburg; J. R. Morton, the Greenup
county, Ky., tie dealer; B. F. Forgey, editor of the Register,
a relative by marriage; B. F. Bennett of Fullerton; Jas.
Harper, of Catlettsburg; W. T. Greenslait, a merchant of
Fullerton; A. L. Frownie, the saloonist and wife, Martha J.
Frowine, of this city. After Capt. Davis was released from
custody he was seen by an Irontonian man, but said he had no
further statements to make, as he had been advised by his
attorneys to say nothing more about the murder or the cause
which led up to it until he is required to do so in court. He
said, however, that he was very thankful for the many
kindness' extended to him by his friends and seemed confident
of his acquittal should his case ever come before a jury.
Capt. Davis returned to the home of his father at Fullerton,
Ky., Friday afternoon accompanied by the friends who had come
here with him Thursday when he gave himself up. He expects to
again take up his work on the ferry Saturday, and continue the
same until his case is disposed of by the court. While Capt.
Davis refused to make a statement for publication, he told a
friend Friday before leaving for Portsmouth, that he intends
to try and get his children, and if successful, will make a
home for them at Portsmouth. As to his wife, whose infidelity
was the cause of the shooting, he said he never wanted to see
her again, nor the town in which he had once lived so happily,
but which was now ever be associated with the horrible
tragedy, which branded his children, the daughters and sons of
a murderer.
CORONER HOLDS INQUEST--Coroner Remy held an inquest
over the remains of Dr. McCoy Friday afternoon and examined a
number of witnesses. Among the witnesses examined were: Mrs.
Davis, wife of Captain John F. Davis, the slayer; Elmer
Brubaker, Pearl Davidson, John Roten and others. Coroner Remy
did not divulge the evidence adduced, but it is known that he
will render a verdict to the effect that Dr. McCoy was killed
from pistol wounds inflicted by John F. Davis.
"THE LADY OR THE TIGER"--Upon the sworn testimony of
Mrs. John F. Davis, depends very materially the fate of her
husband, Capt. John F. Davis, who shot and killed Dr. Wayne
McCoy, whom he found in her company in their home Wednesday
night. Should she swear that Dr. McCoy was there solely on
professional business and that she had asked him to stop on
his return from lodge to prescribe for her, it is questionable
if a jury would decide that Capt. Davis was justifiable in his
action. On the other hand should she swear that her husband's
story of the affair is true, and that he did find her and Dr.
McCoy in a compromising position, and that their conduct of
late had been unholy, she may free the father of her five
bright and pretty children, but she will cast a heavy shadow
over their innocent lives and forever make herself an outcast
from respectable society. Which course will she pursue?
Ironton Register--May 9, 1907--HORRIBLE TRAGEDY--At
South Point in which Dr. Wayne McCoy is killed--One of the
most deplorable tragedies ever enacted in the confines of
Lawrence county took place at about 11 o'clock Wednesday night
at South Point, when Dr. Wayne McCoy was shot and instantly
killed by Capt. John Davis, who runs the Portsmouth Ferry, but
whose home is in South Point. Davis came home unexpectedly
last night, and finding Dr. McCoy in the parlor with his
(Davis) wife, shot him twice, from which effects he died
almost instantly. Immediately after the shooting, Davis fled
and Mrs. Davis ran to her nearest neighbors, John Roten and
Pearly Davidson and aroused them, saying her husband had
killed Dr. McCoy. They immediately went to the home and found
Dr. McCoy lying about 11 feet from the kitchen door with face
to the sky and arms outstretched. They unloosened his shirt
and found his body still warm, but the heart had stopped
beating. A reporter was on the scene this morning and gleaned
the following facts of the tragedy: Mr. Davis came up on the
C&D train about 8 o'clock and went to the river and aroused
the ferryman and wanted to be set across the river. The
ferryman got out his ______________________Davis helped to
pull across the river. He pulled strongly and seemed to be in
a hurry. He came to his home and pulled off his shoes and hid
in the coal house. McCoy had gone to South Point, from his
home below South Point to attend a meeting of the "Mules",
which was held at the Masonic hall. He hitched his horse to
the blacksmith shop, which is about half way between the Davis
home and the hall. When the meeting was about half over about
9:15 o'clock; McCoy left his horse at the blacksmith shop and
went to the home of Davis, which is about three squares from
the hall. Davis, as the report goes, slipped upon the porch
and looking in at the window, watched McCoy and his wife who
were in the kitchen. After awhile, he pushed the door open and
caught them in a comprising position. A scuffle ensured in the
kitchen in which McCoy was shot once, the ball entering just
behind the ear and coming out above the eye. The gun was so
close that the powder burns are seen on the ear and face.
After the first shot was fired, the men had passed through the
door and were out on the back porch, which is about four and
one-half feet wide and ten feet long. Here they must have fell
as there is a bullet hole in the porch and blood stains, while
about an even distance from the bullet hole is the floor in
the yard, there was a pool of dried blood about 6 inches in
diameter where the body was found by Pearl Davidson, Elmer
Brubaker and Will Freeman. When examined McCoy had a bullet
wound in the back of his head, just at the base of the brain,
which caused his death. This is the wound which bled so
profusely and left the pool of blood on the green grass. After
the last bullet was fired, Davis turned McCoy over where he
had fallen, just off the porch and saw that he was dead. He
then went up stairs and told his oldest daughter "to go and
tell Uncle John (Roten) that he had killed Doc McCoy." He then
went down stairs and put on his shoes, which he had left in
the coal house, and went upstairs again and repeated the
message to his daughter, after which he crossed the river into
Catlettsburg and caught the C&O train for Portsmouth. After
Davis departed, his wife and all the children, five in number,
went to the home of John Rotter who lives about two squares
away. Mrs. Davis knocked at the door and said "Aunt Francis,
let me in." I am not worthy to come in, but for God's sake
don't censure me, I am in trouble enough. After that, her
neighbors conversed with her, but when seen by a reporter at
the home of her brother at North Kenova, she refused to say a
word, and acted very stubborn and defiant, and to all the
questions she refused to answer. She was seen again at the
Roten home in the afternoon and still refused to say a word,
and would not let any of the _____ folks of the Roten family
say anything. Marshall McKee found on the ferry grade a letter
which seems to be the cause of the whole trouble. The letter
is in possession of Postmaster Ross, who refused to let the
reporter see it without the consent of the marshal. The
marshal also refused to let it be seen, as he thought it might
injure him in some way if it was given for publication. In
substance, the letter is as follow: "John, you should look
after your home. Your family physician was seen to go into the
house and stay for quite a while without any lights in the
house. I am your friend, as you will see when you find out for
yourself." The letter was written on April 29, mailed in
Catlettsburg on April 30, received by Davis on May 1 and he
killed McCoy on May 2nd, all events following one another. Dr.
McCoy, the murdered man, when found had all his clothes on,
including overcoat. He had been a practitioner in that
neighborhood for the past 15 years and was beloved by all the
people who speak very highly of him, he was well and favorably
known in Ironton. He was a prominent Mule and Mason. He was
well known in this part of the county, and was a prominent
member of the Tri-State Medical Society, of which was
president. Mrs. Davis, the woman in the case, is a woman who
looks to be about 35 years old, rather tall and slender,
complexion dark, teeth prominent, especially two gold filled
ones in front, dark hair and spare features. When seen she
wore her hair done up loosely on her head and wore a loose
dressing jacket, brown skirt and patent leather oxfords, and
was sitting in a rocking chair, and seemed not in the least
bit worried over the affairs. She is a sister-in-law of Mayor
R. A. Fields of Catlettsburg, and has always borne a good
reputation, although in the last year, she had dressed more in
the manner of a girl than a woman, and has dressed to make
herself as attractive as possible. She is the mother of five
children, the oldest 16 and the youngest 6, three girls and
two boys. She has a black bruise over her left eye, which it
is supposed she received in the scuffle. Mrs. McCoy could not
be seen by a reporter, but it is said she takes the matter
very cooly. Davis has always borne a good reputation and is a
prominent Odd Fellow. Dr. Remy, Prosecutor Andrews and Dr.
Keeler went to South Point Thursday afternoon and held a post
mortem examination over the remains. An inquest was held
Friday morning at the McCoy home where the body was taken.
Portsmouth, O., May 2, 1907--Capt. John Davis, who with
his father, Capt. G. W. Davis operates the ferryboat Emily at
the upper end of this city, was seen by your reporter at 10
o'clock this morning and an interview brought out the
following story of the tragedy. Capt. Davis said that on
Wednesday afternoon he received an anonymous letter addressed
"Capt. John Davis, Portsmouth, Ohio," which read as follows:
"You had better watch your family. Your family physician has
been going to your home and staying late at night with the
lights all out." A FRIEND. Capt. Davis said when he got
this message, he thought he would go up home and see. He
boarded the 8 o'clock C&O train, and arriving at Catlettsburg,
crossed over to South Point on a skiff. Slipping up to his
home, he opened the door and struck a match at the same time
and caught Dr. McCoy and his wife lying on the floor. At the
same instant he says, Dr. McCoy arose and struck him and they
grappled each other and fought through the house. That he shot
him once in the face then they fell on the porch. Thence they
rolled off the porch and Dr. McCoy fell on top. He then, after
struggling for some time, succeeded in turning the Doctor
over, and at the same time he fired the second shot. Realizing
in a minute that Dr. McCoy was dead, he ran to the river,
procured a skiff and started toward Portsmouth. He rowed all
night, and at daylight arrived at Limeville, Ky., where he
left the skiff and walked the balance of the way to his
father's home at Fullerton. After discussing the matter at
some length with his father, Capt. G. W. Davis, it was decided
as best to return to Catlettsburg and surrender to the proper
authorities. He accordingly sent a telegram to Sheriff I. Ward
Taylor of Ironton, that if he would come to Catlettsburg this
afternoon, he would accompany him to Ironton. Sheriff Taylor
sent his deputy, D. E. Kingery to Catlettsburg, and he found
Mr. Davis at the Alger House, who readily gave himself up and
accompanied the officer to this city. They arrived here at 4
in the evening and the prisoner will have a preliminary
hearing before Squire Neal this evening. He will doubtless
waive examination and be bound over to court.
Ironton Register—May 17, 1907—pg. 2—MRS. DAVIS LEFT COUNTY—And
Her Present Whereabouts are Unknown. Attorney Theo. K. Funk of
Portsmouth Has Been Employed to conduct Defense Should
Indictment Be Found and it is Said That Johnson and Jones Will
Assist in the Prosecution.—Attorney Theo K. Funk, of
Portsmouth, one of the best criminal lawyers in Southern Ohio,
has been employed by Capt. John Davis, to conduct his defense,
should the grand jury now in session bring in a bill against
him for killing Dr. McCoy. Mr. Funk will be assisted by some
of the brightest legal talent in Ironton and will make a
strong effort to clear his client upon the “unwritten law”
plea, it is said. Mr. Funk, accompanied by his wife, came to
Ironton Wednesday to get the “lay of the land” and expected to
drive to South Point in the afternoon to the scene of the
crime, but was prevented because of the weather. Mr. Funk is
still in the city and will quite likely visit the Davis home
this morning to view the place where Dr. McCoy met his tragic
end. According to good authority, Attorneys Johnson and Jones
will not assist in the defense of Capt. Davis as reported, but
on the contrary will aid Prosecuting Attorney Andrews, having
been employed to do so. It is said by Mrs. McCoy and the
Doctor's brother, Homer, a banker in Chicago, who with many
friends believe him guilty of the crime with which Capt. Davis
accuses him and who desire that his name be freed from the
shadow which now hangs over it. The morning following the
tragedy, Mrs. McCoy expressed a desire to see the wife of
Capt. Davis, the woman in the case and to hear from her lips
the true story of the crime which had blighted both their
lives, but in a different manner. Last week the widow wrote to
Mrs. Davis and asked when she could see her. Mrs. Davis sent
back word that she could be found at home at any time.
Saturday Mrs. McCoy accompanied by a lady friend visited the
Davis home, and had a long talk with the woman, the jealousy
of whom, caused Capt. Davis to become a murderer and Dr. McCoy
her family physician a corpse. What passed between the two
women at this meeting is not known. It was thought that Mrs.
Davis would be a witness before the grand jury but she left
home Sunday before she could be subpoenaed. She at first went
to the home of her sister, Mrs. Fields, of Catlettsbury, where
it is alleged she met her husband. Where she is now is not
known. By some it is claimed she is visiting relatives in or
near Catlettsburg. Others say that she has joined her husband
at Fullerton, Ky. This is not likely, however, as Capt. Davis
said before leaving Ironton that he never wanted to see her
again. The oldest Davis girl also left home Sunday and is now
living with her grandparents at Fullerton opposite Portsmouth.
Should the grand jury bring a bill of first degree murder, the
trials, which will be a hotly contested one, will attract
considerable attention throughout the country owing to its
several sensational and unusual features. If the case comes to
a trial, Mrs. Davis cannot be called by the state as she
cannot testify against her husband. Should she be placed on
the stand, however, by the defense, then the state's attorneys
can cross examine her and secure from her testimony that they
cannot get otherwise. It is a question if the defense will
place her on the stand as it is not known how she will testify
when placed under oath.
RELEASED ON $5,000 BOND--John F. Davis, the slayer of
Dr. Wayne McCoy, was given a preliminary hearing before Squire
W. N. Neal Thursday evening, and waiving examination, was
bound over to court without bond. He was accordingly taken by
deputy Sheriff E. D. Kingery, to whom he had surrendered to
the county jail and locked up for the night. Last Friday,
Davis was taken from the Justice's court, before Judge Corn of
the Common Pleas court and a formal application made to have
the prisoner released on bail. Judge Corn heard the petition
and fixed the bond for the appearance of Davis before the
grand jury at $5,000. Bond was readily given and signed by the
following persons: Geo. W. Davis, R. A. Field, J. R. Morton,
R. F. Forgay, James Harper, B. K. Bennett, S. J. Frowine, W.
t. Greenslait, and Mrs. Martha J. Frowine. Davis was thereupon
released and in company with his father and a number of other
friends who had come here to intercede for him, went back to
Portsmouth where he will resume his work on the Ferryboat
Emily.
NO STATEMENT TO MAKE--To a Register man today, Mr.
Davis said that he did not care to talk about the case further
but at the proper time and place, the court room--he would
tell all. He took the matter cooly and never seemed to doubt
this ability to give bond in any amount.
ATTORNEYS IN CASE--Attorney C. M. Searl of Portsmouth
appeared for Davis here, but it is understood that his
connection with the case was only temporary. It is known that
some of the best lawyers in the city have been linked to take
the case but whether they have accepted, we cannot say. It is
intimated that a special grand jury will be impaneled about
May 14, to inquire into the case and some others that need
attention.
POST MORTEM--The post mortem examination over the
remains of Dr. Wayne McCoy was held Thursday evening at his
late home in South Point by Coroner Remy and Dr. Lester
Keller. The examination disclosed the fact that death as
caused by the bullet which entered the back of the head and
severed the spinal cord. Death was instantaneous.
INQUEST HELD--An inquest was held over the remains by
corner Remy. Mrs. Davis, John Roten, Elmer Brubaker, Pearl
Davidson and other being examined. The coroner found that Dr.
Wayne McCoy came to his death from a gunshot wound at the
hands of John F. Davis.
FUNERAL SATURDAY--The funeral took place from the South
Point church Saturday morning at 9:30 o'clock, after which the
remains were brought to beautiful Woodland, where they will be
interred.
AT REST--Are Laid the Remains of Dr. Wayne McCoy--All
that is mortal of Dr. Wayne McCoy was laid to rest in
beautiful Woodland Saturday morning. The funeral was held at
9:30 o'clock at his late home in South Point and was attended
by a large concourse of sorrowing friends and relatives, many
of who were from Ironton. The pall bearers were chosen from
the Lawrence county Medical Society of which he was formerly
president and were Drs. Keller, Moore, Brown, Bakman, Marding
and Lynd, all of this city.
SPECIAL--Grand Jury to be Called to Hear Davis Case--A
special grand jury will be called for the 14th of this month
to hear the evidence in the Davis-McCoy case and about fifteen
others which should receive an early consideration.
Semi-Weekly Irontonian—May 17, 1907, pg. 4—FIRST DEGREE IS
CHARGE—Found by Special Grand Jury Against John Davis,
Slayer of Dr. Wayne McCoy. Davis Will be Arrested and Placed
in Jail. John Davis, slayer of Dr. Wayne McCoy, must face
twelve good men and true, to battle for his life, which is
demanded in payment for the life he took. The special grand
jury called to consider his and other cases returned an
indictment, charging him with first degree murder. The finding
of the jury is no surprise as such action was anticipated. No
attempt has been made to take Davis into custody, but he will
probably be brought here and jailed today as his alleged
offence admits of no bail. He must be imprisoned until his
fate is settled by a jury.
May 17, 1907, pg. 4—DAVIS CASE—Prosecuting Attorney L.
R. Andrews, of Ironton was in the city this morning looking up
some minor details relative to the McCoy-Davis murder case at
South Point and statements purported to have been made by
Davis to reporters and others after the shooting. He expressed
an opinion that Milner, Miller and Searl would not handle the
case at trial but that the defense would be in the hands of a.
R. J. Johnson, of Ironton. There have been, the prosecutor
stated, some important developments and the evidence adduced
for the state will contain some evidence not heretofore made
public. A special grand jury will be called tomorrow in Common
Pleas court at Ironton, for the consideration of the case. It
is a forgone conclusion that an indictment will be returned
and that Capt. Davis will have to fight for his life or
liberty in court.—Portsmouth Blade.
May 21, 1907, pg. 2, col. 1&2—Mrs. Davis Did Not go to
Fullerton—To Live With Her Husband. His Relatives Deny all
Knowledge of Her Whereabouts. At Capt. John Davis' home in
Fullerton emphatic denial is made that Mrs. Davis, the alleged
cause of the recent South Point tragedy, had come there from
South Point, as reported. All knowledge of her present
whereabouts were disclaimed although it was admitted that the
oldest daughter, Hazel, spent Monday night there. She had come
down from South Point to visit her father, who had been
feeling ill, but she left again Tuesday morning.—Portsmouth
Times.
May 21, 1907, pg. 3, col. 1—JUSTIFICATION IS PLEA—The
announcement made by the Irontonian Thursday morning of the
fact that Attorney Theo. K. Funk of Portsmouth would have
charge of the defense in the Davis-McCoy murder case proved to
be quiet a surprise to those interested in the case in
Portsmouth. In speaking of the matter the Portsmouth Times
says:--“The fact that Attorney Theo. K. Funk had been retained
to defend Capt. John Davis in his coming trial for the killing
of Dr. McCoy was so closely guarded by him that the
announcement came as quite a surprise. “While it was known Mr.
Funk had gone to Ironton, Wednesday, he had told no one of his
mission and when the suggestion was made that he would take
charge of the Davis case it met with a denial from those close
to him.” “Asked what would likely be his line of defense Mr.
Funk said Thursday he had not fully determined. It would not
be the “unwritten law” however, for said he; “There's no
unwritten law about it. He caught McCoy in the act of
committing a felony and we will plant the case on the ground
of justification.” Mr. Funk is enthusiastic over the outlook
for clearing his client and considers that he never before had
a case which affords as good opportunities for going before a
jury. While it is most probable that Capt. Davis will be
indicted Mr. Funk says he found a strong sentiment the jury
decline to enter into the case because of its extraordinary
features. “Mr. Funk will have no other lawyers associated with
him in the conduct of the defense.”
May 21, 1907, pg. 4, col. 6—BROTHER—Of Captain Davis
Disappointed Over His Fate.—Gene Davis went over to Ironton,
this morning, to see his brother, Capt. John Davis, who was
indicted by the Lawrence county grand jury for the murder of
Dr. C. Wayne McCoy. Much to the surprise of Captain Davis and
his friends, this body charged him with murder in the first
degree, which charge denies him bail. He was, therefore,
placed in jail to await trial at the June term of court. His
friends claim that, if permitted, he could execute bond in any
sum demanded. Gene is very much distressed over the
confinement of his brother. Catlettsburg Press.
May 21, 1907, pg. 5, col. 4—LOCAL TRAGEDY IS DISCUSSED.
By a Writer in the Catlettsburg Press. He Discusses the Case
From Every Standpoint.—A writer in the Catlettsburg Press who
signs “AN OBSERVER” has the following to say of the
Davis-McCoy case: Is there anything more terrible than the
killing of Dr. McCoy, a man of many opportunities, of fine
physique, a man of education who had seen the different phases
of life with its shadows of sin and purity, who had a
comfortable home, graced by a pure affectionate wife. Is there
anything more terrible than the killing of such a man? Yes,
emphatically for the crime for which he was killed. Two homes
and six lives have thereby been destroyed. The offenders have
proven themselves to have been murderers, thieves and liars.
Murderers because they were destroying the life happiness of
homes that men established with the promise of peace, love and
loyalty. Thieves, because they were stealing their rightful
service to their own homes and misusing it for their own
sinful purposes. Liars, because they pledged themselves to be
faithful and true to the companion they choose for life, yet
have shown themselves false and untrue. The condemnation of
such sin cannot be too loud or too severe. It is a crime so
common that the world seems to be growing indifferent to it.
It is just his indifference to which we could call the
attention of our community, for in our midst immorality is
rampant and raging. Now is the time some decided effort should
be moved to check the progress of this vile monster for too
many of the innocent are made to suffer with the guilty, men
and women who can't govern themselves, must submit to be
governed. It is the duty of every community to prevent wrong
doing. That requires vigilance and courage. But let us look
into the purity of our people and by sacrifice and service
help them to a nobler higher standard of living. Our hotels
should employ men instead of depraved women to serve the
tables. No home that prizes virtue and desires the atmosphere
of home to be pure, should accept a servant who life is
questionable unless that life comes to a home for protection,
with a desire to live upright. These are difficult problems to
solve and to handle but they can and must be managed if we are
true citizens. To kill a criminal is a greater kindness to any
community than to harbor one and remain silent and submissive
while he or she shyly and purposely poison the lives of the
innocent and the purity of the home. Let us meet this problem
with courage and determination. How shall we do it? Let us
hear from the people and the press. We must reform.
May 21, 1907, pg. 6, col. 6—CAPT. DAVIS IS HELD—Capt.
John Davis was arraigned Friday afternoon upon the charge of
murder in the first degree. Through his attorney, Hon. Theo.
K. Funk, he entered a plea of not guilty. The charge being for
a capital crime, not being bailable, Capt. Davis was remanded
to jail until June 17th
at which time his trial is set. Capt. Davis came up from
Portsmouth on the noon N&W train and was accompanied by his
father, Attorney Theo. Funk, Henry Herr of the Savings and
Loan Co, of Portsmouth and Henry Brodbeck who were expecting
to go on his bond if he was to be held under bail. R.A.
Fields, his brother-in-law of Catlettsburg was also present.
Capt. Davis did not look any the worse for having gone through
the trying ordeal that he has during the past three weeks, and
seems to be in the best of spirits. Of course, upon the advice
of his attorney, Davis would not talk. Sometimes it is
possible to be able to get the court to admit a capital
offense to bail where it can be shown that the degree of
indictment is not warranted by the evidence. But to do this
such evidence would have to be submitted, and thus the line of
defense would be exposed to the prosecution, and this Mr. Funk
said he did not desire to do. Mr. Funk did not know just what
his line of defense would be, as he had not studied the case
very carefully, and whatever line of defense he might intend
to make would likely be changed by the prosecution when the
trial was begun. It is understood that it will be shown by the
defense that a shot was fired on the inside of the building
which would make three shots all together which were fired, as
one was fired into the floor of the porch, and the fatal shot
which entered the back of Dr. McCoy's head. The trial of a
murder case in the first degree is different from any other
murder or criminal trial. In a trial of this kind, a special
venire of 36 jurors are drawn from the box. These names are
placed in the hands of the sheriff for summons. As soon as
possible he must make a return to the clerk, stating whether
or not all have been served. If all have not been served by
the sheriff, by reason of, misnomers death, removal or other
causes, another venire must be drawn until the panel of 36 is
full. The examination of the jurors cannot be begun until the
36 jurors are present in the jury room. These jurors are
examined separately under oath, touching their qualification
to sit in the case. Besides having the right to excuse any
juror for good and sufficient cause, the state has the right
to four peremptory challenges and the defense sixteen. A
special venire of thirty-six jurors was ordered drawn and the
following names were drawn out of the box: Robert Rucker,
Mason township; Oscar Mathews, Upper; Adam Metz, Lawrence;
John Shafer, Mason; A.L. Mayenschien, Elizabeth; C.E. Gruber,
Windsor; J.H. Lambert, Fourth ward; W.S. Walber, Fayette; Geo.
D. Wolfe, Third ward; Lewis Felnup, Washington; Elias Kitts,
Union; Sam McCorkel, Union; Thos. B. Edwards, Third ward; G.W.
Whitley, Union; C.E. Mossman, Symmes; G.A. Winters, Sheridan;
M.D. Bandy, Symmes; Herman Lipker, Third ward; A.C. Lewis,
Rome; John A. Neal, Aid; W.A. Snell, Fayette; T.J. Gilbert,
Second ward; John Shafer, Upper; Ernest Horschel, Third ward;
J.F. Verigan, Third ward; Alonzo Marks, Rome; H.A. Clary,
Mason; John Keller, Aid; T.S. Cowden, First ward; Jas. W.
Stilliman, Lawrence; C.H. Brubaker, Fayette; Chas. Myers,
Fourth ward; J.K. Brammer, Perry; Burton Moore, Fayette,
C.G.Waller, Perry; J.H. Malone, Aid.
May 21, 1907, pg. 7, col. 5—McCOY FARM—Handsomest Stock
Farm in Ohio For Sale—Since the beautiful McCoy Farm has been
advertised for sale, almost every day parties drive there to
see it. It is a pleasant ride from this city along one of the
prettiest roads in the state, many parts of it densely shaded,
making it an ideal drive on a hot day. This farm stretches
along the Ohio river, lying between Sheridan and South Point
and contains nearly 400 acres. It is an ideal stock farm and
many persons wishing to raise fine stock are becoming much
interested. A prominent stockman from Michigan is looking at
this farm as a favorable location. It has many features that
appeal to man of understanding. It is right now ready for
occupancy. A large and comfortable farmhouse containing 10
bright, sunny rooms and the locality is said to be
exceptionally healthy. If you are interested in land of this
kind it would be well to see or address. CHAS. ANKRIM,
Sheridan, O.
May 24, 1907, pg. 2, col. 2—MRS. DAVIS HAS RETURNED HOME—The
Portsmouth Times has the following to say relative to the
Davis case:--Capt. Geo. W. Davis went to Ironton, Monday, to
see his son John who is in the county jail charged with the
murder of Dr. McCoy. The accused has been sick imprisonment,
but is improving somewhat. Capt. John Davis the alleged slayer
of Dr. McCoy, and whom the court refused bail, is taking his
imprisonment philosophically realizing as he does full well
that it does not militate against his case. First degree
murder is not bailable under the constitution and before a
court can grant bail, it must be satisfied that the grand jury
was mistaken in the degree and unless it could be shown that
the jury had indicted him for a higher degree he would not be
admitted to bail. It would have been necessary for Davis'
counsel to disclose the defenses to show why he should have
bail and this attorney Theo. K. Funk refused to do. He
declares that in all his practice he has never had a case of
which he felt so confident of winning. He expects to introduce
an abundance of evidence to show that Davis was justified in
his act. Mrs. Davis has returned to her home in South Point,
according to reliable information received Sunday and had been
simply visiting a sister at Catlettsburg. It was announced at
Ironton that she could not be found but the facts are, says
Mr. Funk the authorities had reasons for not wanting to locate
her. Hagar and Hazel, the oldest son and daughter respectively
are with their grandparents at Fullerton, Ky. The former is
employed at the Irving Drew shoe factory.
June 4, 1907, pg. 1, col. 2—DAVIS—Is Quite Ill in
Lawrence County Jail.—Capt. G. W. Davis, of Portsmouth was
summoned to Ironton, Monday by a message announcing that his
son, Capt. John Davis, was quite ill in jail. Capt. Davis'
trial will be opened two weeks from Monday. He has been ill
for the past few days. Attorney Theo. K. Funk will come to
Ironton Wednesday to confer with his client.
June 11, 1907, pg. 9, col. 3—MRS DAVIS TO TAKE STAND—That
the wife of Capt. John Davis will go on the witness stand in
behalf of her husband to tell the truth of the killing of Dr.
Wayne McCoy, for which Davis is indicted for murder, is the
interesting information divulged by Attorney Theo. K. Funk
upon his return from Ironton Saturday morning, says the
Portsmouth Times. Mr. Funk spent all day Friday going over the
ground, and among other places visited the Davis home in South
Point. There he found Mrs. Davis and had a lengthy talk with
her, in which she declared she will tell all she knew about
the tragedy. She, herself tabooed the oft repeated stories,
evidently created for the purpose of dividing sentiment, that
McCoy had paid her a professional visit. She said she had been
engaged in house cleaning the day of the tragedy and naturally
felt exhausted but did not send for the doctor. The state, it
was learned, has two witnesses who will testify they were at
the Davis home and that Mrs. Davis was ill and received two
calls from McCoy during the course of the day. Mr. Funk said
the Davis home was nicely situated on a flat with a sweeping
view of the valley and the little children were about the
prettiest he had ever seen. Mrs. Davis, herself is a fairly
good looking woman, but of delicate health. Capt. Davis
himself is taking his imprisonment good naturedly and has the
greatest confidence that he will be acquitted. Sentiment at
South Point, was found to be in his favor. Mr. Funk was more
than pleased with what he found. He says that Judge John F.
Hagar and Attorney Edgar Hagar, of Ashland, both of whom are
related to the Davis family, will assist in the defense. Mr.
Funk will himself lead the defense and local counsel at
Ironton will also assist in the impaneling of a jury but there
have not as yet been determined upon. It is generally
understood that Attorney Yates will assist Prosecuting
Attorney Andrews for the state. The trial will begin Monday,
June 17th.
Tuesday, June 18, 1907, pg. 1—TRIAL OF CAPTAIN JOHN DAVIS
FOR KILLING DR. WAYNE McCOY—Was Started Monday in Common
Pleas Court—Jurors Selected—No. 3 From the Nineteen Who Were
Examined at Monday Afternoon's Session of the Court. The Three
Selected are From the Country. Court will Re-convene at 8:30
O'clock This Morning.—The Jurors—Robert Rucker, Mason Twp.;
John Shafer, Mason, Twp.; Elias Kitts, Union Twp.—A great
crowd of interested spectators was in attendance at the
opening of Common Pleas court Monday afternoon when the case
of the state of Ohio against Captain John Davis, charged with
the murder of Dr. Wayne McCoy of South Point several months
ago. The case has attracted wide spread attention, owing to
its nature and to the prominence of the principals. It was a
murder or shooting following Davis' discover of Dr. McCoy in
the former's home at a late hour of night upon Davis'
unexpected return to his home. Dr. McCoy was shot and
instantly killed. Captain Davis fled, but surrendered to the
Lawrence county authorities the next day. The grand jury
returned a verdict of first degree murder and Davis has been
in jail for several weeks. Judge E.E. Corn is presiding at the
trial and Prosecuting Attorney J.O. Yates is conducting the
prosecution. The defense is being looked after by Hon. Theo.
K. Funk of Portsmouth. Attorney Edgar Hager of Ashland and
Attorney R.B. Miller, of Ironton and Attorneys Miller & Irish,
Ironton. Every indication points to a most bitter and
determined fight. Captain Davis, accompanied by his younger
brother, was brought into court by Sheriff Taylor. He clearly
showed the effects of his confinement. His aged father sat
opposite him at the table whereat the lines of the defense are
to be worked out. Attorney Funk sprung a surprise before the
hearing was a minute old. He moved the court to set aside the
panel of the jury on the grounds that Sheriff Taylor had not
complied with the statutes that two jurors “were not found.”
Mr. Funk thought this was indefinite and that it should have
shown “not found in the county.” The court overruled the
motion and exceptions were filed. The court then granted the
sheriff leave to amend his return. The jury was then called
and they arranged themselves around the bar. After the
preliminary questions were propounded to the panel as a whole
the prospective jurors were dismissed from the room. Before
the examination of the first juror as to his eligibility Judge
Corn, in reply to an inquiry from Mr. Funk, stated that the
preemptory challenge must be exercised at the time of the
examination and could not be exercised after the twelve men
had been selected. Robert Tucker, of Mason township, was the
first juror to be examined. He had read the papers and had
formed an opinion, but felt he could hear the case and render
a verdict according to the evidence adduced. Mr. Rucker was
asked whether or not his verdict would be influenced if the
decedent had had illicit relations with the defendant's wife
or if the defendant had a belief that such illicit relations
existed. The question was overruled. Mr. Rucker passed a
satisfactory examination and was passed for cause on behalf of
the State. Mr. Andrews is conducting the inquiry of the jurors
for the state. Mr. Miller is conducting the inquiry for the
defense. The customary questions were propounded and
satisfactorily answered. He was passed for cause by the
defense, and quickly accepted by both sides. The first juror
was accepted, a rather unusual piece of luck. Mr. Rucker was
sworn and took his seat in the jury box. George Kerns, of
Center Furnace was next called but was quickly excused because
of his connection with the government, in the postoffice
department. Oscar Mathews of Coal Grove, was the third juror
called and he stated that he had read of the case and had
formed an opinion. He said it would take evidence to change
the opinion formed. He said his opinion would probably
influence his verdict and he was peremptorily challenged. The
court excused him. Adam Metz, of Lawrence township, was next
called and closely examined along the customary lines. Mr.
Metz was passed by the state. He was then examined by the
defense and was given a most thorough examination. Mr. Miller
wanted Mr. Metz excused on account of his lack of knowledge of
the English language. Metz did not know the meaning of the
words “bias” and “prejudice,” but the court overruled his
motion to this effect. Metz was accepted by the state, but was
excused by the defense peremptorily. John Shafer of Mason
township, was next called and passed a satisfactory
examination and was accepted. He was the second juror chosen.
C.E. Gruber, of Windsor township was examined, but was excused
for cause. He had formed an opinion. Mr. A.L. Mayenschein, of
Elizabeth township, was next. He said he had read and talked
about the case and had formed an opinion. He said he could
hear the evidence and render a verdict accordingly, but to the
court he said he thought his opinion would stand. The defense
challenged the juror for cause and the court dismissed. Thomas
B. Edwards, colored, of Ironton, was next and he said he had
formed an opinion from what he read and heard, but it could be
changed by the evidence adduced at the hearing. He said it
would take evidence however, to change his opinion. For this
reason he was challenged by the defense for cause and Mr.
Edwards was excused. J.H. Lambert, tester, of Ironton was next
examined. He had formed no opinion, but he was excused upon
demand of the defense as Mr. Yates, one of the attorneys, has
a case in court for Mr. Lambert. The name of W.S. Waller of
Fayette township was next called. It developed that the
juror's correct name was W.L. Waller. Pending a decision as to
his eligibility in view of the fact that he had been summoned
under a name not his own, a recess of five minutes was taken
to give the attorneys an opportunity to look up the law. When
court was called to order the state proceeded with its
inquiry. Mr. Waller had formed an opinion from what he had
read and heard. He also had expressed an opinion and it would
take evidence to remove his opinion. He thought he could hear
the evidence and render a fair verdict. The juror was passed
for cause by the state. The inquiry for the defense was then
taken up. He had read accounts of the case in both local
newspapers. He was challenged on the grounds that he was
summoned under a name other than his own. The defense
challenged him. Louis Feinup of Washington township was next
called. He had formed and expressed an opinion and he thought
that no amount of evidence could remove his opinion. He was
promptly excused. Elias Kitts of near Bradrick, was next
interrogated. He said he felt like he would not be a competent
juror in the case, but could hear the case and render a fair
verdict. He was passed for cause by the State. For the defense
the examination was along the usual lines and the juror was
passed for cause by the defense. Neither the state of the
defense exercised a preemptory challenge and the juror was
accepted. He was the third accepted. W.A. Snell, of Fayette
township was next. He knew Captain Davis, but did not know Dr.
McCoy. He had formed an opinion from what he had read and
heard. He had also expressed his opinion and he still had his
opinion. He did not know whether or not evidence could change
his opinion and accordingly he was excused. Sam McCorkle of
Union township was next on the list. He had formed an opinion
from what he had read of the case and was excused after a
consultation. D.W. Whitely of Union township followed Mr.
McCorkle. He had formed an opinion, but felt that he could
render a fair verdict. He said through a misunderstanding of a
question propounded to him that he was related to some of the
principals in the Shafer murder case. He was passed for cause
by the State. Inquiry by the defense developed the fact that
it would take evidence to change the juror's opinion. To the
court he said, however, that he would lay aside his opinion.
The defense challenged the juror, but the challenge was
overruled by the court. After further examination it developed
that Mr. Whitely was a brother-in-law of Mrs. Shafer, who was
recently killed. He said that the fact that his sister-in-law
was recently killed would have no bearing on his verdict in
the case. It would have no influence whatever. After repeated
inquiries, Mr. Whitely was excused as he finally said he could
not lay aside his opinion. Herman Lipker, of Ironton, was
examined. He had formed an opinion from what he had read and
heard. He felt that he could not change his opinion unless
only on the strongest evidence. He was promptly excused. R.C.
Lewis, of Rome township followed. He had not formed an opinion
of the guilt or innocence of the defendant. He could render a
fair and an impartial verdict after hearing the case. He was
passed for cause by the State. Inquiry by the defense showed
that the juror was a little past 63 years of age, a veteran of
the Civil war and a native of Lawrence County. Lewis said the
reason he had not formed an opinion from the newspaper reports
was because a person could not believe what he read in the
papers. Mr. Lewis was excused because he said he entertained a
little bias or prejudice. John A. Neal of Aid township had
read the papers of the affair and had not formed an opinion.
He would observe the law and render a fair verdict from the
law and evidence. Neal was passed for cause by the State
Inquiry for the defense developed the fact that Neal had
expressed an opinion, but it could be change by law and
evidence. The defense challenged the juror for cause, but the
challenge was overruled. The State had no preemptory challenge
but the defense had and the juror was excused. J.K. Brammer of
Perry township, an infirmary director of Lawrence County, was
next. He had read the papers and had formed an opinion. He
thought he could lay aside his opinion and render a fair
verdict. He knew Dr. McCoy, the decedent, but does not know
the defendant. The juror was passed for cause by the State.
The defense inquired of the juror very closely. He said to Mr.
Funk that it would take evidence to change his opinion and
accordingly he was challenged for cause by the defense. To the
court Mr. Brammer said he could lay aside the opinion without
evidence. The challenge for cause of the defense was
overruled. The State had no preemptory challenge but the
defense had and Mr. Brammer was excused. At this juncture the
evening adjournment was taken. Judge Corn admonished the three
jurors who had been selected and then the remainder of the
panel was called in and given similar instructions.
Adjournment was taken until 8:30 o'clock Tuesday morning.
Tedious Work—The panel of thirty seven jurors drawn for
appearance on the opening of the trial of Captain Davis was
more than half exhausted Monday afternoon as nineteen were
examined and only three accepted. From present prospects it
seems that the panel will be exhausted by noon today, when it
will be necessary to make another draw. This may be done this
morning to avoid any delay that might follow the exhaustion of
the present panel. The greater number of the jury have been
excused on the ground that they have formed strong opinions
that would require evidence to overcome. The “unwritten law”
has not been referred to in the examination of the jurors and
but one or two references have been made to whether or not the
jurors favored capital punishment.
He Has Friends.—That Captain John F. Davis, the alleged
slayer of Dr. Wayne McCoy, is not friendless, is attested by
the presence in the court room of his father and brother and a
number of friends from this county and from Kentucky. The
accused shook hands with his friends after the adjournment of
court Monday evening and seemed to have been deeply affected
by the kind words bestowed upon. Captain Davis is modestly
dressed in a full black suit and is evincing a lively interest
in the examination of jurors. He is frequently consulted by
his attorneys and he in turn offers many suggestions which his
counsel seemingly accepts. Captain Davis' father sits at his
son's elbow and he also holds frequent consultations with the
attorneys.
June 21, 1907, pg. 6--TUESDAY'S SESSION OF THE DAVIS TRIAL.
Captain John F. Davis was in court Tuesday morning looking
greatly refreshed. His father had a seat to his left and both
father and son seemed hopeful and happy. Court was supposed to
have opened at 8:30 o'clock, but it was close to 9 when judge
Corn rapped for order. There was quite a crowd in attendance
when the first juror was called for examination as to his
eligibility. T.J. Gilbert, the well known manufacturer was
first called. He had formed an opinion from what he had read
and heard, but was able to give a fair and impartial verdict.
He was passed for cause by the State. Inquiry by the defence
developed the fact that it would take evidence to remove his
opinion. He could not discharge or relieve his mind of the
opinion formed from newspaper accounts of the tragedy, without
strong evidence. Mr. Gilbert was excused for cause by the
defence. C.E. Mossman of Waterloo, and aged gentleman, was
next examined. He had formed no decided opinion as to the
guilt or innocence of the accused and could render a verdict
from the evidence adduced. He does not know the defendant, but
did know Dr. McCoy. He was passed for cause by the State. Mr.
Mossman was closely examined by the defence and it developed
that the juror knew Dr. McCoy's father. During the examination
of the juror Attorneys Andrews and Miller had a little tilt
about the conduct of the interrogation. The juror was passed
for cause by the defence. The state had no peremptory
challenge, but the defence had and the juror was excused. E.
Horschel, the butcher, was next called. He had formed an
opinion from what he had read and heard, but could hear the
evidence and decide the case on its merits. The juror was
passed for cause by the State. Mr. Horschel said it would take
evidence to relieve him of his opinion, but he felt that he
could render a fair and impartial verdict. The defence excused
Mr. Horschel for cause. Alonzo Marks, of Rome township was
examined. He felt that he had formed no opinion and could
render a fair verdict. The juror was passed for cause by the
State. The defence passed the juror for cause and as there
were no peremptory challenges the juror was sworn and took his
seat in the jury box. Mr. Marks was the fourth juror. John F.
Verigan of Ironton was next examined. He had formed an opinion
from what he had read and heard. He could lay aside his
opinion and render a fair verdict. He was passed for cause by
the State. After close inquiry Mr. Verigan was passed for
cause by the defence. The State had no peremptory challenge,
but the defence had and Mr. Verigan was excused. H.A. Clary,
of Mason township had formed no definite opinion and could
render a fair verdict. The juror was passed for cause by the
state. After close inquiry the juror was passed for cause by
the defence. The State had no peremptory challenge and as the
defence had none Mr. Clary was sworn as a juror and took his
seat in the jury box. Mr. Clary was the fifth juror chosen.
John Keller, of Aid township had read and heard of the case
and had formed an opinion. He was promptly excused for cause
by the State. T.S. Cowden, the dry goods merchant of this
city, was next examined. He had formed an opinion from what he
had read and heard. Mr. Cowden could not lay aside his opinion
and was excused. C.H. Brubaker of Fayette township was next.
He lives within one mile of the scene of the killing of Dr.
McCoy. He had an opinion of the guilt or innocence of the
defendant and it would take evidence to remove his opinion. He
was promptly excused. Charles Meyers of Ironton was next
examined. He had an opinion from what he had read and because
it was a strong one Mr. Meyers was excused. James W. Sillman
of Lawrence township had no opinion and could render a fair
verdict. He was passed for cause by the State. After close
inquiry the defence passed the juror for cause. The state had
no peremptory challenge and as the defence had none Mr.
Sillman was sworn as a juror. He was the sixth juror chosen.
Burton Moore of Fayette township had formed an opinion from
what he had read and heard. It would take evidence to remove
his opinion and Mr. Moore was excused. C. G. Waller of Perry
township, had an opinion and was excused because he could not
lay aside his opinion. J. H. Malone of Aid township had read
of the case and had formed an opinion and could not lay it
aside. He was excused. G. A. Winters of Perry township, had an
opinion that could not be laid aside without evidence and he
was excused. William Whitlach of Elizabeth township, had read
and heard of the case and had formed an opinion which could
not be changed. He was promptly excused. S. K. Hastings of
Fayette township was next examined. He had read and heard of
the case. He had no opinion. He knew both Dr. McCoy and
Captain Davis. Mr. Hastings was passed for cause by the State.
He was also passed for cause by the defence. The State had no
peremptory challenge and when it was known that the defence
had none Mr. Hastings was sworn as a juror. He was the seventh
juror. At this juncture the noon recess was taken court
adjourning until 1 o'clock. A. A. Payne had read and heard of
the case and had formed an opinion which he could not lay
aside. He was excused. Mr. Payne was the last of the first
panel and the next juror called was J. W. Berkley. He was the
first of the new venire. Mr. Berkley was a member of the grand
jury which indicted Davis and he was excused. At this juncture
the noon recess was taken, court adjourning until 1 o'clock.
The sheriff reported that some members of the new venire could
not report until Wednesday morning as they lived a great
distance from Ironton. Some were reached by phone and those
who lived in Ironton were reached personally. The new jurors
summoned were: David Davis, Washington township; J. M. Smith,
Elizabeth township; W. W. Griffith, Elizabeth Township; E. F.
Shafer , Mason Township; W. W. Wiseman, Symmes township; V. D.
Lemley, Union Township; J. W. Berkley, Second ward; Frank
Dillon, Windsor Township; John Mayberry, Windsor Township;
William Morris, Windsor Township; T. J. Yates, Symmes
Township; W. H. Hardy, Symmes Township; T. B. Hall, Third
ward; Frank Orthmeyer, Elizabeth Twp; C. L. Steed, Perry
Township; William Bowen, Union township; William Weiler, Third
ward; M. S. Brammer, Union Township; Fease Hamilton, Union
Township; L. F. Howell, Third ward; F. C. Payne, Mason
Township; W. C. Thacker, Union township; Frank Kelley, Fourth
ward; S. S. Littlejohn, Hamilton Township; Adam Shafer, Aid
Township; T. R. Jones, Rome Township; Adam Daniels, Third
ward; John Grimes, Decatur Township; Bernard Smith, First
ward; Decatur Henderson, Rome Township; George Meyers, upper
Township; Grant Dovel, Upper Township; Samuel Loth, Second
ward; E. G. Cox, Second ward; Roscoe Waddell, Windsor
Township; Clayton Freeman, Perry Township. At the afternoon
session the jurors were called to the number of ten or more.
Adam Daniels of Ironton was the first to go on the stand for
interrogation as to his eligibility as a juror. Mr. Daniels
stated that he had read and heard of the case, but had formed
no opinion. He thought he could render a fair verdict and the
state passed him for cause. Dilligent inquiry by the defence
showed Mr. Daniels acceptable as a juror and he was passed for
cause. The State had no peremptory challenge and the defence
had none. Mr. Daniels was sworn as the eighth juror. Bernard
Smith of Ironton was next called. He had read of the case, but
had no decided opinion. He thought it would take evidence to
change his opinion and he was excused by the State for cause.
Sam Loth, the Second street merchant was next called. He had
formed an opinion and it would take strong evidence for him to
lay aside his opinion. Neither side challenged the juror for
this reason and he was passed for cause by the State. After he
had been passed by the State the defence challenged him on
account of his opinion and the court promptly excused Mr. Loth.
B. F. Howell, of Ironton was next. He had formed an opinion
from what he had read, but thought he could render a fair
verdict. He thought however, that it would take evidence to
remove his opinion. On this ground Mr. Howell was excused upon
the challenge of the defence for cause. Frank Kelley of
Ironton was next. During the inquiry it developed that Mr.
Kelley's wife was a cousin of the defendant. He was passed for
cause by the State. The defence also passed the juror for
cause. When the State was asked if it had a peremptory
challenge Mr. Andrews said he challenged for cause on the
grounds of relationship. The court refused to dismiss the
juror for cause and then Mr. Andrews peremptorily challenged
and the witness stepped aside. S. S. Shafer of near Marlon was
next called. He had formed a decided opinion which would
require strong evidence to remove. He was excused. T. B. Hall,
contractor and builder of Ironton was next. He had read the
papers and had formed an opinion as to the guilt or innocence
of the defendant. He felt that he could not change his opinion
under any circumstances and he was excused. C. L. Steed of
Perry township had read and heard of the case and had formed
an opinion. He said it would require evidence to change his
opinion. Mr. Steed was excused for cause by the State. William
Weiler, of Ironton was next examined. He read the story of the
case and had formed an opinion. He said it would take evidence
to remove his opinion and he was excused for cause by the
State. At this juncture all of the jurors of the second venire
who had reported had been exhausted and a recess of an hour
was taken. During the recess Davis was surrounded by his
friends. Upon the calling to order of the court after the
recess of one hour the clerk called the name of David Davis.
The jurors did not respond and several other names were called
before a juror responded. J. M. Smith of Elizabeth township
was the first to answer to his name. He had read and heard of
the case, but had not formed an opinion. In explaining his
position Mr. Smith stated that he was unalterably opposed to
the death penalty. He opposed taking life. Mr. Smith is
postmaster at Pedro and claimed exemption from jury duty on
account of his government service. He was excused. Clayton
Freeman of Perry township, had read the papers and talked to
neighbors about the case. He had formed an opinion and thought
that evidence would be required to remove his opinion. Mr.
Freeman was passed for cause by the state. The inquiry by the
defense developed the fact that Dr. McCoy had been the family
physician of Mr. Freeman. He knew the Dr. well and his
relations with him were very pleasant. He said to the defense
that he could not banish his opinion and he was excused for
cause upon the challenge of the defense. Grant Dovel of Upper
township, was next called and he said he had read the
newspapers and had heard of the case but had not formed an
opinion. He was passed from cause by the State. The defense
passed the juror for cause after diligent examination. The
court then called for peremptory challenges and Mr. Andrews
exercised the right to reserve his challenge until after the
defense had been called upon. This reservation caused a row
among the attorneys and Judge Corn finally decided that Mr.
Andrews' position was the correct. The defence excepted to the
ruling and had the exceptions noted. The defense finally
excused Mr. Dovel peremptorily. E. T Shafer of Mason township
was next called. He had read the papers and had heard of the
case, but had formed no opinion. He was passed for cause by
the State. After close questioning the juror was passed for
cause by the defense. The State did not exercise a peremptory
challenge; neither did the defense and Mr. Shafer was sworn as
the ninth juror. W. W. Wiseman of Symmes Township was next
called. He had read of the case and had formed an opinion
which nothing could change but evidence. He was promptly
excused by the court. This was the last juror present and
Judge Corn, after instructing the clerk to draw twenty-five
additional names, adjourned court until this morning at 8:30
o'clock. The clerk immediately drew the following names and
the sheriff was instructed to summons the gentlemen forthwith:
S. B. Corbin, Lawrence Township; John Imes, Elizabeth
Township; J. R. Cooper, Symmes, Township; G. W. Lauderman,
Union Township; Wesley McDaniels, Union Township; Ollie Kitts,
Union Township; B. F. Winters; Hamilton Township; R. l. Jones,
Upper Township; D. K. Edwards, Upper Township; J. M. Cook,
Washington Township; E. l. Lambert, Fourth ward; John Snyder,
Union Township; James Jenkins, Lawrence Township; V. F.
Dillon, Rome Township; George Phillips, Decatur Township; C.
H. McKee, Perry Township; Joseph A. Swain, Rome Township; John
Holschuh, Rome Township; John M. Taylor, Elizabeth Township;
J. B. Griffith,. Lawrence Township; James Gallagher, Elizabeth
township; John Asberry, Symmes Township; C. C. Freeman,
Fayette Township; George Peters, Elizabeth Township; Henry
Baker, Windsor township. The examination of jurors will be
continued this morning and it is thought that the remaining
three men will be chosen before noon.
JUDGE CORN: Judge E. E. Corn, who is presiding at the
trail of Captain Davis, has given ample notice that he is
indeed a judge. He is in supreme control of the proceedings
and is remarkable for his fairness and impartiality in passing
on mooted questions. He compels respect, obedience, and
civility from attorneys as well as spectators and that he
knows the law in an admitted fact everywhere. An incident to
show his punctuality is given. He adjourned Tuesday morning's
session of court until 1 o'clock in the afternoon. When 1
o'clock came Judge Corn rapped the court to order. The sheriff
was late with the prisoner, the attorneys were not in the
room, but this made no difference to the judge. He gave hasty
orders to have the principals in the trial summoned to the
room and the grind was soon on. During the heat of the
afternoon Judge Corn informed the jurors that they could
remove their coats if they so desired. When Judge Milner was
on the bench he gave the sheriff orders to eject everyone
appearing in the courtroom in their shirt sleeves. There is a
difference.
June 21, 1907, pg. 7—BRAIN STORM IS ALLEGED AS A GROUND FOR
DEFENSE—Fate Of Capt. John F. Davis Rests With These
Men.—Robert Rucker, Stock Dealer, Mason, Township; John
Shafer, Farmer, Mason Township; Elias Kitts, Farmer, Union
Township; Alonzo Macks, Farmer, Rome township; H. A. Clary,
Farmer, Mason Township; James W. Silliman, Farmer, Lawrence
Township; S. k. Hastings, Justice of Peace, Fayette Township;
Adam Daniels, Baker, Ironton; E. T. Shafer, Farmer, Mason
Township; John Imes, Teacher, Elizabeth Township; J. R.
Cooper, Justice of Peace, Symmes Township; R. L. Jones,
Motorman, Upper Township. SUMMARY OF EVENTS—;Last juror
chosen Wednesday just before noon adjournment. In all ninety
eight jurors were summoned, of whom about seventy were
examined. The defense exercised nine peremptory challenges and
the State one. Statements of case made to the jury Wednesday
afternoon and the examination of witnesses immediately
started. Dr. T. H. Remy, county coroner was the first witness
examined. The number of witnesses subpoenaed is about seventy
and seven were examined Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Funk of
counsel for the defense, stated that Davis was the victim of a
BRAIN STORM at the time he slew Dr. McCoy. He also said
that Dr. McCoy used hypnotic influence over women to
accomplish their ruin. He styled him a Dr. Jeckyl in the day
time and a Mr. Hyde at night. The trial will not be completed
this week.—Wednesday, the third day of the trial of Captain
John F. Davis, saw the usual crowd of spectators in
attendance. The nine jurors selected had seats in the box when
court was called to order at 8:30 o'clock and efforts to get
the remaining three jurors was immediately resumed. The first
juror called was W. W. Griffith of Elizabeth township. He had
read of the case and had talked about it. He had an opinion
and had expressed it to others. He said he felt that it would
require evidence to remove his opinion and for this reason he
was excused by the court. W. D. Lemley of Union township was
next. He had heard and read of the case and had formed an
opinion. He also said he would have to hear evidence before he
could banish the opinion from his mind. He was also excused by
the court. John Mayberry, of Windsor township, had read and
heard of the case and had formed an opinion. He thought it
would require evidence to remove his opinion and accordingly
he was excused. William Morris of Windsor township had read
and heard of the case and had an opinion as to the guilt or
innocence of the defendant. He felt, however, that he could
render a fair verdict. Closer questioning elicited an answer
from Mr. Morris to the effect that evidence would be required
to banish his opinion. He was excused for cause by the State.
Thomas J. Yates of Symmes township that he cold lay aside his
opinion and render a fair verdict. He was passed for cause by
the State. Inquire by the defense developed the fact that Mr.
Henderson was undesirable as a juror. He was passed for cause,
however, by the defense, but a peremptory challenge was
exercised later by the defense. This was the seventh
peremptory challenged exercised by the defense. E. G. Cox, of
Windsor township was not desirable as a juror in anyway. He
had read and heard of the case, has an opinion which would
require evidence to remove and his wife's brother had married
defendant wife's sister. He was promptly excused by the court.
Roscoe Waddell, of Lawrence township