Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 34, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 December 1901 — The Circuit Court. [ARTICLE]

The Circuit Court.

The jury in the case of Ed. Griggs, who thrashed Richard Meyers at the school entertainment at Fair Oaks could not agree, and were discharged, The court then acquitted Griggs. The evidence showed that the conduct of Meyers was so rough and obscene that he deserved all the hammering he got and a good deal more. He appears to have cleared out for good. John Huff plead guilty to burning Mrs. Laura Michaels’ barn, and much of his brother Julius’ property, and was given from 1 to 21 years in the Michigan City prison. He is 81 years old, which is one year too old for a reformatory sentence. He still insists that he started the ffire accidently, but no one believes him in that statement. He set the fire in revenge beoause Mrs. Julius Huff had retained $5 of his money, to compel him to give up a pair of rubber boots that belonged to another party. The case of Coen vs Halstead was one of tbe most important civil cases tried during the term. Mrs, W. 8. Coen, as executrix, leased the Madison Makeever lands to Everett Halstead for a term of years. There was a disagreement as to the rights of the renter to chop wood on the land. The heirs brought suit against Halstead, and a verdiot of $247 was given in their favor. The case will be appealed, it is now stated. The case of Forsythe vs the City of Rensselaer, was tried by Judge Lairy, who took it under advisement. Mr, Forsythe was dissatisfied with the assessment against his property, by the city oounoil, for benefits from the improvement of Van Rensselaer St., along the west side of his store, and brought suit to have the assessment reduced.