Adams County, Ohio Articles
The Lords day court again convened on last Sabbath. Judge Thoroman on the bench. The case of the State of Ohio vs. Margaret Case and Susan Frost was called. The prisoners were ushered into the presence of his excellency and stated they were ready for trial. The attorneys took their places. Attorney General Wisecup, and Robert Cochran alias Tom. Hamer, acted for the prosecution; and the old and reliable attorney, J.N. Hook, with Jas. Tarlton, alias Tom. McCauslin, for the defense. After it was learned throughout the city that the above named men of talent had arrived and would act as attorneys in the case, aforesaid, the streets were full of people crowding their way to the court room so that they might get to look upon their noble forms, or have the honor of shaking their hands.
Tarlton alias McCauslin seemed to be quite sociable with all, and ready to converse with the uneducated, or the laboring men and shake them by the hand. No vanity or self importance was discernable more than should belong to nobility, attorneys of the first class, or statesmen. Bros. Hook seemed to be cast down and unnerved; but was ever ready to recognize his acquaintances and friends. His indisposition was caused by having again to face the Attorney General, and Cochran alias Hamer were jubilant, owing we think to their superior knowledge of the case, and the law. The case was properly brought before the court by them, and they seemed to behold victory perched upon their banner from the first.
The witnesses were called, and very closely examined by both parties, the attorneys were very careful to note every thing of importance in their testimony, and after the last had finished the crowded house was held spell bound for one-half hour by the eloquence, and very powerful argument of the Atorney General. He so brilliantly defined the law in regard to the case and so cut and covered the evidence, that Tarlton alias McCauslin who followed him was for a moment embarrassed, and it was thought that he would be unable, with all his talent, to reach a point that would command respect; as it seemed to the most gigantic minds, composing the audience, that the Attorney General had said all that could be said in the case.
But ah, directly you hear his voice rise clear and strong. The people became interested, and while he continued to uproot the evidence and with the greatest precision define the technicalities of the law, the people were attentive and surprised beyond measure and after taking his seat, had it not been feared that it would have been considered a contempt of court, he would have received a hearty cheer from the audience.
Bro. Hook then arose making an excellent speech under great applause, after which the people began to wonder if Cochran alias Hamer would attempt to speak, or even rise up, when it seemed impossible to say more in addition to what had already been said. But, hark, he clears his throat, he rises and then behold him, with the dignity of a man, bows to his excellency, the Judge, and with pleasing words to his brother attorneys commences his speech.
Turn the ear, arise to your feet, and hear the touching appeal he makes for protection of life, of property, of law and a just infliction of punishment. Just observe the stearn countenance of the audience and the judge, and see if he will not carry his point, look if you please at the prisoners, and at the attorneys Hook and Tarlton, and see hopelessness written in their countenances. He carried everything before him. The case is won. He knows it. The parties are recognized and must give bail. Miss Case has failed and must be locked up to await her trial in the metropolis of the county.
SOURCE: The Adams County New Era - West Union OH; December 7, 1877