The Jury Reaches It's Verdict

Judge Beer charged the jury at 5:05PM on Tuesday June 22, 1880.....unlike these days, there was no recess until the next day...these folks got down to business and commenced the ballots about 15 minutes after retiring from the court room. Seems according to report, there would be no doubt as to the outcome of murder...the question would be....First Or Second Degree...Enoch Young's life was indeed at stake.

According to the Marion Star the first ballot showed the jury coming up with 8 for second degree murder, 4 for murder in the first degree. Several ballots took place between the time of retirement until about 3AM Wednesday when the ballots were showed 7 for 1st degree and 5 for second...seems things were not going Enoch's way. That would change around 4:30AM, for reasons unknown, the jury agreed to spare Enoch Young's life....MURDER IN THE SECOND DEGREE....

Back to the Courtroom_______

At 5 in the morning, the deputy sheriff notified Judge Beer and both sides attorneys that a decision had been made, and the jury was ready to report. Justice is seems was swift in those days, 12 hours, several ballots, and a decision was rendered.

The judge announced the decision, and addressed Young, who by this time was standing, if he had anything to say...the paper wrote "the prisoner, who arose to his feet", and the prisoner, "in a sleepy, stupid manner"(who wouldn't be at 5 O'Clock in the morning?) said, "don't reckon I have"(at the same time taking a long yawn)...the paper in it's usual unbiased reporting(sic) that is didn't appear that Young cared about it(the verdict) one way or the other. Judge Beer then addressed the prisoner, telling him that the jury had found him guilty of murder in the second degree, and according to the Laws of the State of Ohio, it was mandatory that he be sentenced to life, at hard labor(what a concept!)...Enoch Young took the verdict without emotion and "apparent satisfaction", and took his seat beside his attorneys.

The judge addressed the jury and complimented them on their work, especially considering all that had happened(?). Young was taken back to jail to await the paperwork completion(a day or two), and his trip to the State Prison in Columbus.

The "Star" commented that the opinion of the community was that the verdict should have been first degree murder, but seemed satisfied that the men of the jury had done their job.

The story of Enoch Young was far from complete....and was to involve the work of this two daughters and a future President....(and Ohio Governor at the time) William McKinley.

Before we go there however, it would be Gilman Houseworth's turn....my Great-Great Uncle....that story continues next......