Peninsula Enterprise, April 8, 1893

ACCOMAC COUNTY COURT.

Proceedings, March Term, 1893.

The following fiduciary accounts confirmed and ordered to be recorded: Orphan accounts of Elijah W. Sturgis, Mary A., Jennie M., James B. and John F. Lingo, Elmer K. Lewis, Ida E., Alberta and Isaac J. Hudson, Asa T. Taylor, Wm. J. and Clarence E. Burch, and Harry A. Hopkins; Catharine Watson's account with committee; Audits of estates of Rachel Marshall, John Ashby, colored, Mary K. Mason, John Y. Fitchett, Thomas Bagwell, colored, John Savage Sr., Wm. Kilmon of John, Catharine Watson and Frances Annie Metcalf; Trust accounts of John E. West, Alexander J. Ward and Emily L. Upshur.

Wm. T. Harris qualified as administrator of John Harris, deceased.

Augustus T. Doughty was removed from office as guardian of Marietta and Claudius McLane, and Lorenzo D. Mears was appointed and qualified.

A regular grand jury empanneled returned the unprecedented number of 33 indictments, 19 of which was for violations of the oyster law, and offenses occasioned by same, one for housebreaking, one for forgery, two for perjury, two for obstructing public road, one for shooting on the high way, three for assault and battery, one for carrying concealed weapons, one for grand larceny, one for petit larceny and one for attempt to commit rape.

George Revel committed to jail to answer indictment for tonging oysters without a license, was discharged, it appearing that the Legislature in passing the oyster law made it unlawful to tong oysters without a license, but failed to provide punishment for the offense.

George Bundick and Eber Lang were discharged from jail, having served their term.

Commonwealth vs. George R. Justice Jr., (on indictment for criminal assault). Defendant tried, found guilty by jury of attempt to commit the offense and his punishment fixed at three years in the penitentiary.

The boats, "Trinket", "Grant and Webster", "Wm. McDaniel" and "T. J. Hickman", were condemned and ordered to be sold for being used in violation of the oyster law.

On petition of John W. Bowdoin and others for a public road. Bond and contract entered into by Wm. T. Bundick, contractor, to build a road was approved by the court.

All road accounts presented at this term of the court were allowed except the following: Noah E. Miles, John W. Belote, Elijah Russell, David F. Wright, Stephen J. Pilchard, John W. Kelly, and James E. Smith -- the first four mentioned disallowed because the dates of service were not given in the account, and the others because the surveyors failed to make the annual report as required by law. There were 81 surveyors of public roads in Accomac county and only 43 of them made the annual report as required by law.

Commonwealth vs. John W. H. King, (on indictment for felonious housebreaking). Defendant tried, found guilty by the jury and his punishment fixed at two years in the penitentiary.

Commonwealth vs. Richard P. W. Taylor, (on indictment for assault and battery). Defendant tried, convicted and paid fine and costs into court, amounting to forty four dollars and ninety eight cents ($44.98).

Benj. S. Evans, Benj. H. Evans and Thomas C. Evans, citizens of Maryland, recognized to appear and answer indictment for felonious dredging, failed to appear and their default was entered.

The jail inspectors made a report which was duly recorded, and the jailer was directed to have jail white washed, scoured and cleaned.

Commonwealth vs. Louis Fedder, (on indictment for perjury). Defendant tried, convicted and paid fine and costs into court, amounting to $26.78.

Bond and contract entered into by George R. Nock, contractor, to build a bridge over Assawoman mill branch were returned to the court and by it approved.

Upon petition of Sealmore Bloxom and others for a public road. Report of viewers returned and entered and petition dismissed because of excessive damages assessed to the land owners.

The court ordered that it will on 1st and 2nd day of April term next proceed to hear applications for license to sell ardent spirits in Accomac county, other than where Local Option prevails.

The condemnation proceedings against the Flora Bradden, charged with being employed in violation of the oyster law, were dismissed, it appearing that the said boat was not so employed and the sheriff was directed to deliver said boat, tackle, &c., to claimant L. W. Chase.