This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: BIRD, BLANFORD, BYRD, CRAWFORD, INGRAM, JOHNSON, THOMAS, THORNTON, WILLIAMS Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Xd.2ADE/1460 Message Board Post: “SUPERIOR COURT YESTERDAY.—The Jury returned a verdict of ‘not guilty’ in the case of Taylor JOHNSON (col.) tried Thursday. “After the sentences had been pronounced on the persons convicted, the case of Ben. WIGGINS, charged with the murder of Wm. BYRD, was taken up. Solicitor [Cary J.] THORNTON and G. E. THOMAS, Esq., appeared for the State and prosecution, and INGRAM, CRAWFORD & CRAWFORD, BLANFORD & THORNTON, and C. H. WILLIAMS, Esq, for the defense. The entire morning was occupied in hearing witnesses. Their evidence was about what we published about a month since, on the preliminary investigation. At 12 ½ p.m. the Court took a recess until 3 p.m. “In the afternoon speeches were made by Solicitor THORNTON and G. E. THOMAS, Esq., for the prosecution, and Hons. M. J. CRAWFORD and M. BLANFORD for the defense. The jury was out some five minutes, when they returned with a verdict of ‘not guilty.’ “This morning the regular call of the criminal docket will be resumed.” [From the “Columbus, Georgia, Daily Sun” newspaper, Saturday, 07 JAN 1871....PLEASE NOTE: two of the items previously posted, "Committed for Murder" and "Muder near the Columbus Factory," were errantly sourced as coming from the "Daily Enquirer;" these actually appeared in the "Daily Sun" - my apologies for the oversight. - jml]