Fulton County GaArchives News.....Ozburn's Fate In The Balance June 25, 1891 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Linda Blum-Barton http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00003.html#0000645 March 16, 2006, 9:27 pm The Atlanta Constitution June 25, 1891 A Remarkable Day in Court. The Trial Before Judge Calhoun and a Jury. No Decision Reached As Yet. Ozburn's Appearance in Court - The Testimony of Experts and Others - Speeches of Counsel, Charge of the Jury and Then the Long Wait. Ozburn's fate is still uncertain. The jury of inquest had not made a verdict up to 4 o'clock this morning. Just before 3 o'clock Judge Calhoun completed his charge and the jury retired. Just how they stand is unknown. The work of the day is presented below: Ozaburn's Ride to the Courthouse. Ozburn spent Tuesday night sometimes restless, sometimes resting as quietly as a baby. At an early hour, barely sunrise yesterday morning, he was complaining, and Mr. Jordan gave him a strong toddy. At 6:15 o'clock, when Mr. Turner called at his cell he found Ozburn awake and complaining of pains in his head. "Let me have some water, please," he asked. "What do you want for breakfast?" Mr. Turner asked. He hardly seemed in a condition to eat any at all, but soon the water and a meal, consisting of two eggs, some beefsteak, a biscuit and a cup of coffee, was placed before him. "I can't eat. My head hurts me," said he. "If you don't eat, you can't take a ride after awhile," said Mr. Turner. "Well, put it away and keep it warm. Maybe I'll eat it directly." In the meanwhile, Dr. Connolly of Dallas, Ga., an old friend of the doomed man, came to the jail with Mr. Seab Ozburn, the condemned man's half-brother. "Don't you know me, Charley," said he, after a moment's pause. There was not the slightest recognition manifested. Dr. Connolly stayed wtih him for a short while carefully observing his condition, mental ?????. It was now about 7:30 o'clock. At this time Mrs. Ozburn made her appearance, bringing a fresh suit of clothing and bed covering. Ozburn was taken from his cell, given a bath and then atirred in the new apparel - a suit of a dark gray color, a colored shirt and collar, and a neat looking derby hat. Then he was brought into the room just across the hall from Mr. Faith's office. He sat down, looking about him in a dazed manner. "Want a ride?" Mr. Turner asked. "Yes. Are you going to take me to the boat?" he inquired, looking up. "No. We're just going to take you for a little ride." "All right," was responded quickly. "The fresh air will do me good." The reply was one not characteristic of a person mentally unbalanced, and was noted by some of those present. After sitting a short while longer, staring about him and picking at his face, the cab arrived. "Come on, Charley," said Mr. Turner, "we're going to take that ride." Assisted by Bailiff Mauldin and Mr. Jordan, he was conducted to the hack, and then the party drove toward the court house. Accompanying them on foot were Messrs. Gladys, Wheeler and Couch, revenue men about the jail who had faithfully attended the doomed man. They were summoned as witnesses. As Ozburn proceeded towards his place of trial, eager crowds on the sidewalk watched intently to see him if possible. When the court house was reached the place about it was filled with curious spectactors of all ages, sizes, color and occupation. The path to the steps was lined on each side with the more fortunate early callers. As Ozburn, alighted, there were remarks from all quarters. "Is that him?" "Look's thin, don't he?" "I thought he was older." "Seems pretty weak." There were many others of like nature. Mr. Jordan and Mr. Mauldin assisted him to the hall of the courthouse, going carefully with him. Everyone wished to see the man, and as he walked along large numbers followed, anxious to obtain a second glimpse at Bradley's player. The Ozburn Jury. The big crowd which followed Ozburn into the courtroom gave Sheriff Morrow and Deputies Green and Barnes enough to do. But the sheriff was equal to the occasion. The crowd was handled in the best manner imaginable, and it was done in an even, easy, graceful manner, too. Sheriff Morrow was constantly on the move in the throng, and the excellent order he kept was wonderful. The jury is one of the best Atlanta has ever known. Everywhere the character of the gentlemen composing it was discussed. No finer body of men could be drawn together anywhere, was the universal comment. They are all well-known business men. Mr. E. P. Chamberlin is one of the leading dry goods merchants of the city, and a prominent member of Trinity church. He has held positions of honor and trust in this city. Mr. W. W. Boyd is a member of the board of water commissioners, and a large machine works man. He is a leading member of Dr. Barnett's church. Mr. A. J. Haltiwanger is well known as a leading druggist and is a gentleman possessing the respect and esteem of all. Mr. Lewis Beck is known as a member of the Beck-Gregg hardware company, and has long been one of Atlanta's most valued citizens. Major J. H. Ketner is known by everybody, and all who know him admire, respect and love him. Dr. Baird has long ago made his reputation as one of Atlanta's leading and most successful practitioners. He is secretary of the board of health, and has a fine character all over the state. Mr. A. J. McBride is a member of the council from the second ward, and is known throughout the south as one of the most progressive and energetic citizens. Mr. Green Adair has long ago made a record of which any man may be justly proud. He has long been one of Atlanta's most successful cotton merchants. J. M. Alexander has been in the hardware business in Atlanta so long that everybody knows him. He is admired and respected by all who come in contact with him. T. B. Neal is the president of the Neal Loan and Banking Company, living on Washington street. He is a gentleman of undoubted veracity, and has a wide- spread reputation for thoroughness and sagacity. Mr. Harry Stockdell is too well known to require any comment. He was once a member of the aldermanic board, and is a prominent leader in Masonic circles. Mr. George Lownde's home has been in Atlanta for years, and here he is known as one of the most careful, conservative and honorable citizens. Additional Comments: Part 1 of a full front page spread. More to come. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/fulton/newspapers/ozburnsf1208gnw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/gafiles/ File size: 6.9 Kb