Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 March 1884 — AN UNWORTHY SCION. [ARTICLE]

AN UNWORTHY SCION.

Thomas H. Crittenden, of Kentucky, Sentenced to the Penitentiary for Eight Years for Murder. [Louisville Telegram.] Thomas H. Crittenden, grandson of John J. Crittenden, the great Kentueky Senator, nephew of Gen. Thomas H. Crittenden, U. 8. A., and son of Col. R. H. Crittenden, late United Stales Marshal for the District of Kentucky, was sentenced to the penitentiary for eight years to-day for murder. Crittenden, who is 27 years old, whs the wildest blade of this celebrated family, noted for their dash and courage on the field and in private life. Gov. Crittenden, of Missouri, is a cousin, as is Gov. Murray, of Utah, and so also was the brave young Lieutenant of the Virginius, who met his tragic fate So coolly at Havana ten years ago. The young murderer, who was raised at Frankfort, Ky., has always moved In the highest social circles of the State. The crime for which he was sentenced is what is known in Kentucky as a “ niggerkilling.” Crittenden had whipped a servant on his father's place In the country, and was arrested on the charge of assault and battery. Rose Moseby, a negro man, who had witnessed the assault, gave the testimony In court which convicted Crittenden. Aftei tho trial Crittenden walked up to Moseby and said: “I will see you later." He then walked across the street to bis residence, procured a shotgun, came back, and blew off the top of Moseby s head The murder was shockingly unprovoked and cruel, but Crittenden succeeded in fighting off the trial until the negro was forgotten. Several of tbe ablest lawyers in tbe State volunteered for his defense, but he was prosecuted with the utmost vigor by Prosecuting Attorney Ciiruth. The prisoner’s family connection. made it impossible to convict him of murder, but the Jury, after an hour's deliberation, agreed on voluntary manslaughter. Two jurors were for iho death penalty. The prisoner’s mother, who was in court, fainted away on hearing the verdict. As he was led to jail he romarked: "1 expected to be convicted, but that eight years knocked me out when I heard It.”