The Republican
Laporte, PA
October 2, 1885
Miss Arabella Kentner VS.
Lewis Zaner
This much noted case has
been the chief topic of conversation during this term of Court, and is
naturally a case in which the people of Sullivan County take a deep interest.
The defendant, Lewis Zaner,
has been ever since Sullivan County has existed, one of her most prominent and
influential businessmen. We have taken
a great deal of pains to lay before our readers a full report of the case,
believing that the interest manifested in it by the people of the County
warrants us in so doing.
The case was called up for
trial on Friday Morning. The following
counsel appeared on the case: for the Plaintiff, Ellery P. Ingham, and Bryan S.
Collins of Sullivan County, and H.F. Maynard of Bradford County for the
Defendant, Judge T. J. Ingham, E. M. Dunham and Rush J. J. Tomson, all of
Sullivan County.
The following is the Jury
Impaneled to try the case. Joseph L.
Aumbs, Henry Brackman, Henry Jordan, Charles Fawcett, Charles Messersmith,
Alfred Taylor, Abram Messersmith, Thomas Donahoe, Miles O’Barnes, Fred Knupper;
Michael McDonald 2nd, Ira Cott.
Ellery P. Ingham of
Plaintiffs Counsel opened the Case in a brief but effective address, after
which the Defendant was called for cross-examination under the statute. He was not present.
Miss Arabella Kentner,
sworn. Is plaintiff
in this case is 23 years of age, and has resided in Dushore this county, all
her life. Know the defendant. His wife died on the 9th. of Aug.
1883 or 1884. On my return from
Danville in Jan. 1884 Mr. Zaner called and wanted to know why I stayed away so
long, said he was lonesome without me, said he always liked me. In a few days called again, said he liked me
and was going to get married but not till his wife was dead a year. From that time on he used to all nearly
every day stayed for dinner often always asked for me. Said he wanted to get married, and wanted me
for a wife. Asked if I would marry him
he would make me happy and rich would give me 20 thousand dollars, that I could
have anything I wanted that he was worth 60 thousand dollars. Asked me what place I would like to live in
spoke of the Jake Yonkin property, and asked if I would like it. Spoke of his folks all opposing his getting
married again, and wanted me to go west with him and get married. Wanted me to go to St. Paul Minneapolis or
Detroit, and he would follow shortly.
Wanted me to start a Millenary store and not be idle, and I would have
so much more when he was through with it.
He gave me money to buy wedding dress, trunk, and to go to Detroit, it
all amounted to $100. He came in great
haste to give me good-bye when I started, and said, “My God I was afraid you
would be gone before I could see you.”
Wanted me to write him as soon as I got there. Gave me the name of a number of towns where he thought we might
do well in Business. I wrote him
immediately from Detroit telling him I should look for him. Had a line from him dated at hotel in
Detroit saying, “Dear Bell, I called on you and was greatly disappointed at not
finding you and saying. “If you want
money write me for it.
From this point Miss Kentner
detailed a long and pathetic account of her search for employment in a strange
and distant city, without money or recommendation, and of her failures and
tribulations. She then said: I first
agreed to marry him Zaner, in September 1884 and afterwards promised to marry
him while in Detroit. Mr. Zaner has
since married. At the time Zaner first
gave me his attentions my affections were engaged and I was under a promise of
marriage to James McMurry. When I told
him of this he says, “An Irishman, let him go.” I wrote McMurry telling him that Mr. Zaner would make me rich, if
I would marry him. McMurry wrote me
that he was a poor man and could only give me a true Irish heart, that we could
not live on love we wanted something more bread and butter, and released
me. My folks opposed our marriage
bitterly. Mr. Zaner ’s treatment of me
was kindly, affectionate and inspired me with confidence in him. His conduct was such as an engaged man uses
toward the lady to whom he is engaged there was nothing improper in it, but was
of such a character as I would receive from none but an intended husband.
Cross examined- on my return from Sandusky to Detroit I still had
money enough to take me home. I stayed
and tried to find employment believing Mr. Zaner would come to me and furnish
money as he had promised. Mr. Zaner
left Detroit about the 19th of May.
I remained in Detroit until the 7th of September. I did get out of money. Had employment for a while at enough for
board and lodging. Had to get some help
from stranger to pay my board and lodging part of the time. Had a letter from Mr. Zaner in June, saying
he would be there in July. I asked him
to send me money but he did not. Mr.
Wilcox was the friend who paid for my board and lodging in August after I was
out of work at the fair. He was not
getting his board at the same place at that time. He was a single man had no near lady relations with me. Received a letter from James McMurry in
Detroit. He was traveling with minstrel
troop that summer. Don’t remember of
receiving letter from him saying I wish I had you in my arms and then kiss
you. “Don’t remember of his saying he
wished I could get a few thousand out of Zaner. McMurrey and I exchanged rings in Danville not in Sandusky. Was not with McMurrey in Sandusky. No
gentleman ever called on me until the last of July. While at Mrs. Powers, there was two nights I stayed over night
with a lady friend. I went to Putin Bay
in company with a young man and got left and had to stay over night.
Mr. Wilcox used to give me
meal tickets sometimes. I never
informed Mr. Zaner that I had been in a family way. He told me he had heard great stories about me and wanted to know
if they were true. I told him I would
not tell him whether they were or not if he had heard them he must form his own
judgment as to their truth and act accordingly. He said, “Let the stories go to the devil will marry you
anyhow. Mr. Zaner once said that John Mix had taken him to a house of ill
fame where I was, and John Mix told me it was a lie, he never said so.
Redirect- when I came home I
had to pawn all the clothes and jewelry I had
had nothing left for a change.
Went to church with Mr. Northrup in Detroit three Sundays in succession,
sometimes Mrs. McColly went along.
(Miss Kentner here produced a photograph of Mr. Zaner , which she said
he had given her to remember him by.)
Lewis Zaner swore: I am the Defendant in this case am a married man
now, was married the 6 day of September 1884.
Lived near Dushore 57 years. My
first wife died August 1883. Saw Miss
Kentner when she started for Detroit in May 1884. I lent her some money to go west with, and she refused to give me
a note for it. She agreed to repay the
money. Let her have money three
different times. She had $100. It was a cut throat not that’s is the kind
of notes we take now a days, and she refused to sign it. Talked of buying the Yonkin house for
myself. Might have talked with Miss
Kentner about it. but don'’ know why it was in fun or a joke. Did not send her west. Might have told her to write me at
Greamville Murcer Co. Pa but can'’ tell.
She wrote me at that place telling me where I would find her in Detroit. I was sick and started for home went by the
way of Detroit and through Canada to get there. Did not go there to see her or marry her. I was looking for a brother, did not find
him. Heard of him in Wellsville Ohio
Testified before Arbitrators in this case that my brother was in Detroit. If I said to Major Terry that I was going to
marry Miss Kentner it was in a joke. I
never intended marrying her. Did not
say to Miss Kentner she better be an old man'’ darling that a young man'’
slave. Wasn't looking for a wife spent
all the time I wanted to; looking after my brother.
Left a note for Miss Kentner
in Detroit, Don’t know where I stopped in Detroit; know they charged me enough
where I did stop. Did not show her
large packages of gold to count did show her some three certificates of deposit
of some $1000. Each. I never intended
marrying her, never promised to marry her, nor asked her to marry me. Never asked Rev. Burson to marry us.
Major Terry, sworn:-In March 1884 heard Mr. Zaner say at Mr. Kentner’s
“Bell and I have made up our minds to get married.” Mrs. Kentner said Bell was too young for him, and Zaner said he
had plenty of money and would take good care of her, Zaner asked Bell how the
Yonkin house would suit her. Another
time Zaner told her he had heard all sorts of bad stories about her but he
believed it was all a lie.
Rev. G. L. Burson
sworn: - Am minister of the
Gospel. In 1884, March, Mr. Zaner told
me he had made up his mind to get married- I asked to whom, and he said Bell, I
asked “Miss Bell Kentner,” and she nodded assent. He failed to come at the appointed time, and afterwards told me
the reason was the death of a grandson’s child on the day before.
Mrs. W. W. Kentner
sworn: - I am the mother of the
Plaintiff in this Suit. Bell came home
on the 21st day of January 1884.
He called as soon as she came home and continued to call once a day and
sometimes oftener. He always called for
Bell. They were often in company
alone. He spoke to her of marriage
frequently, he said she suited him as he wanted a young woman and one that
could take care of him. He said they
had an awful time at home, but did not care because he was going to marry
Bell. Intend to place 20 thousand
dollars in her hands before I marry her, and will buy the Yonkin house.
I heard the testimony of
Major Terry.
I opposed their going west
to get married. He said “Oh I have lots
of money, and Bell and I can live just as we have a mind anywhere.” He gave Bell money to buy a trunk, and after
looking at it called it a splendid one.
He called the morning Bell went west, in a great hurry and excited, and
asked for Bell. He said “Oh God, I was
afraid she would be gone before I got here.”
I called Bell and they were together by themselves for some time.
Lewis Zaner recalled: I might have said to Mrs. Kentner, Bell and others
that I was worth 60 thousand dollars in money, stocks and bonds & c, and I
was at that time might have been worth 80 thousand dollars at that time, but am
not now. Cant’ tell within 20 thousand
dollars of what I was worth at that time.
Was not engaged to Bell Kentner.
Don’t remember of swearing before the board of Arbitrators that Bell
gave me the sweetest kisses I ever had.
Don’t know I ever kissed her – might have done so I like the women. Own some coal lands worth some 50 thousand
dollars in this and adjoining counties in addition tot he other property, but
have given some of it away don’t need it.
Mrs. Sarah E. Aumen
sworn:-I am Bell Kentners
grandmother. Zaner came to my house and
said he thought Bell would be here. He
told of hearing that she was in a bad house in Danville and that she had had a
child in Williamsport, and said it was so.
It made me feel awful bad.
Before he left he laid his hand on my shoulder and told me he was going
to marry Bell and make an independent woman of her, and she would make him a
good wife. I advised him not to marry
her-she was too young for him. He said
he was worth 60 thousand dollars, and should never throw up anything to her
said we all had our failings, and he would take good care of her. They were at my house together three
different times. He told me he would
give her money to go west and would follow her there and marry her. He gave her 65 dollars then and promised her
more.
Cross Examined: - Never heard of Bells having a child except what
Zaner told me, and I saw her every day.
Miss Arabella Kentner
recalled: - Mr. Zaner never
loaned me any money nor asked me for a note.
He gave me $100 dollars to get a wedding dress, a trunk, and to go west
with of his own accord. I told Zaner
that I didn’t love him, but if I married him I would always respect him and
make him a good woman.
Lewis Zaner recalled:- Think I said to Bell that if, after she married me
she ever did anything wrong with other men I would never leave her a cent of my
property.
Court adjourned until
Saturday morning, when Mr. Zaner said in way of explanation that he never told
Bell Kentner that if she didn’t behave herself he would never leave her any
property.
Russel Karns, sworn:- Mr. Zaner told me a short time ago that he thought
of moving to this county when this case is settled. He had been an honest and successful businessman, but had made
tow mistakes and one of them was in this matter, with Bell Kentner.
Plaintiff Rests:- The case was than opened for the Defendant by rush
J. Thomson.
Miss Arabella Kentner
recalled:- for cross-examination
under the statue. I was in Tioga in
August of 1882. Q. Did you inform Mr.
Zaner that you had sexual intercourse with a man in Elmira: Ans. No sir. Q. While you were in
Danville did you have a disease, which would
be inconsistent for a decent woman?
Ans. No sir. Dr. Thomson treated
me once for a disease but not that. Did
not permit Mr. Walls at Detroit to place his hands on my limbs and breast. Didn’t go into his room partly undressed and
dance about there.
Dr. S.Y. Thomson Sworn.- Reside in Danville, some 58 miles from here. I am a Physician and druggist. I have treated the plaintiff professionally
for catarrhal affection of the head also for aggravated female affection a
non-specific disease. Gave tonics and
alternatives.
Cross Examined:- have treated women who to my certain knowledge were
above suspicion for virtue who were afflicted as she was. I treated her for lucareah, commonly known
as “whites”
Mrs. Ellen Williams
sworn:- A young lady calling
herself Bell Kentner came to our place in Canton to be taken care of and while
there a child was borne of her. Cannot
swear that this Plaintiff is the girl if it is she looks different then she did
then.
Cross Examined: The child
was born a week after she came, was borne alive only lived a few hours. Since I was subpoenaed have been at Mr.
Zaner ’s house in Muncy.
Henry Stahl sworn: I reside in Cherry Twp. Am a farmer am acquainted
with Bell Kentner, judging from speech of people her reputation for chastity is
not good.
The following witnesses gave
substantially the same evidence.
John B. Cox, S.F. Colt, JR.
W.D. Bahr, Amos Cox, F.M. Crossley, Chas. Kisner, H.G. Huffmaster, John Spary,
C. M. Croll.
Geo. B. Richard
sworn:- Reside in Dushore.
Arabella Kentner’s character, from speech of people is not very good. She said to me that if she married Zaner she
would get him out of the way pretty soon.
Cross Examined::- this was said in Pomeroy’s Drug store. Charlie spoke of her marring Zaner and
laughed about it, and then she said she would get rid of him before long.
Mrs. J. W. Speary
sworn:- I am cousin to Arabella
Kentner. She occasionally talked in my
presence more than once don’t think she talked of marrying Mr. Zaner, but she
did say something about my helping her to marry him and she would pay me for
it.
Cross Examined:- I took it as a joke thought she was joking.
Defendant rests
Plaintiff’s
rebuttal: Mrs. M.J. O’Brian sworn. About thee years ago when Bell Kentner went to Tioga County, I saw her
and had seen her continuously for several months. Saw her when she started it was about the last of August. She did not show by her looks or form that
she was in a family way it could not have been possible that she was in such a
condition.
M.J. O’Brian sworn:- testifies substantially the same as Mrs. O’Brian.
Mrs. John Speary
recalled:- Remember when Bell went to Tioga County some
three years ago, fitted a dress for her at that time had fitted them for her
before saw nothing that looked as though she was in a family way.
J.P. Wilcox, sworn:- Reside in Detroit am superintendent for N.N. Smith
& Co., Jeweler’s. Let Miss Kentner
have five dollars and took two gold rings as security but afterward returned
them feeling sorry for her condition.
Furnished her meal tickets, and helped her in other ways. Never saw anything wrong with her.
The house where she stayed, Mrs. St. Clare’s, was respectable. If Miss Kentners uniformed conduct since I
have known her had not been that of a chaste and uprightly lady I would not be
here now. I am interested in this girl,
not in the case.
There were voluminous
depositions of a multitude of witnesses in Danville, pa. Elmira, N.Y and Detroit
Mich. Consuming nearly half a day in the reading, concerning the character of
the Plaintiff; but as they only repeat under oath many of the charges which the
public has already heard enough of in the way of rumor, we have decided not to
give tem further publicity Much of this evidence was rejected by the court.
Much of it was contradicted by counter depositions and much of it stands as
evidence in the case.
The evidence in the case was
closed at 10 o’clock p.m. and the jury instructed to be in the box at 10 Monday
morning, to hear arguments of counsel and instructions of the court.
The Republican
Laporte, PA
October 9, 1885
Miss Arabella Kentner VS.
Lewis Zaner
We this week republish, for
the benefit of those who have not before seen the evidence in the Kentner Zaner case, the evidence as we published it
last week, with the addition of the main points in the Depositions, and the
verdict of the jury.
The case was called up for
trial on Friday Morning. The following
Counsel appeared on the case: for the Plaintiff, Ellery P. Ingham, and Bryan S.
Collins of Sullivan County, and H.F. Maynard of Bradford County; for the
Defendant, Judge T. J. Ingham E.M. Dunham and Rush J. Thomson, all of Sullivan
County.
Following is the Jury
impaneled to try the case. Joseph L.
Aumbs, Henry Brackman, Henry Jordan, Charles Fawcett, Charles Messersmith,
Alfred Taylor, Abram Messersmith, Thomas Donahoe, Miles O’Barns, Fred Kunpper,
Michael McDonald 2nd, Ira Cott.
Ellery P. Ingham of
Plaintiff’s Counsel opened the case in a brief but effective address, after
which the Defendant was called for cross-examination under the statue. He was not present.
Miss Arabella Kentner,
sworn. Is plaintiff in this case is 23 years of age, and has resided in
Dushore this county, all her life. Know
the defendant. His wife died on the 9th.
of Aug. 1883 or 1884. On my return from
Danville in Jan. 1884 Mr. Zaner called and wanted to know why I stayed away so
long, said he was lonesome without me, said he always liked me. In a few days called again, said he liked me
and was going to get married but not till his wife was dead a year. From that time on he used to all nearly
every day stayed for dinner often always asked for me. Said he wanted to get married, and wanted me
for a wife. Asked if I would marry him
he would make me happy and rich would give me 20 thousand dollars, that I could
ha e anything I wanted that he was worth 60 thousand dollars. Asked me what place I would like to live in
spoke of the Jake Yonkin property, and asked if I would like it. Spoke of his folks all opposing his getting
married again, and wanted me to go west with him and get married. Wanted me to go to St. Paul Minneapolis or Detroit,
and he would follow shortly. Wanted me
to start a Millenary store and not be idle, and I would have so much more when
he was through with it. He gave me
money to buy wedding dress, trunk, and to go to Detroit, it all amounted to
$100. He came in great haste to give me
good-bye when I started, and said “My God I was afraid you would be gone before
I could see you.” Wanted me to write
him as soon as I got there. Gave me the
name of a number of towns where he thought we might do well in Business. I wrote him immediately from Detroit telling
him I should look for him. Had a line
from him dated at hotel in Detroit saying “Dear Bell, I called on you and was
greatly disappointed at not finding you and saying. “If you want money write me for it.
From this point Miss Kentner
detailed a long and pathetic account of her search for employment in a strange
and distant city, without money or recommendation, and of her failures and
tribulations. She then said: I first
agreed to marry him Zaner, in September 1884 and afterwards promised to marry him
while in Detroit. Mr. Zaner has since
married. At the time Zaner first gave
me his attentions my affections were engaged and I was under a promise of
marriage to James McMurry. When I told
him of this he says, “An Irishman, let him go.” I wrote McMurry telling him that Mr. Zaner would make me rich, if
I would marry him. McMurry wrote me
that he was a poor man and could only give me a true Irish heart, that we could
not live on love we wanted something more bread and butter, and released me. My folks opposed our marriage bitterly. Mr. Zaner ’s treatment of me was kindly,
affectionate and inspired me with confidence in him. His conduct was such as an engaged man uses toward the lady to
whom he is engaged there was nothing improper in it, but was of such a
character as I would receive from none but an intended husband.
Cross Examined:- on my return from Sandusky to Detroit I still had
money enough to take me home. I stayed
and tried to find employment believing Mr. Zaner would come to me and furnish
money as he had promised. Mr. Zaner left
Detroit about the 19th of May.
I remained in Detroit until the 7th of September. I did get out of money. Had employment for a while at enough for
board and lodging. Had to get some help
from stranger to pay my board and lodging part of the time. Had a letter from Mr. Zaner in June, saying
he would be there in July. I asked him
to send me money but he did not. Mr.
Wilcox was the friend who paid for my board and lodging in August after I was
out of work at the fair. He was not
getting his board at the same place at that time. He was a single man had no near lady relations with me. Received a letter from James McMurry in
Detroit. He was traveling with minstrel
troop that summer. Don’t remember of
receiving letter from him saying I wish I had you in my arms and then kiss
you. “Don’t remember of his saying he
wished I could get a few thousand out of Zaner. McMurrey and I exchanged rings in Danville not in Sandusky. Was not with McMurrey in Sandusky. No
gentleman ever called on me until the last of July. While at Mrs. Powers, there was two nights I stayed over night
with a lady friend. I went to Putin Bay
in company with a young man and got left and had to stay over night.
Mr. Wilcox used to give me
meal tickets sometimes. I never
informed Mr. Zaner that I had been in a family way. He told me he had heard great stories about me and wanted to know
if they were true. I told him I would
not tell him whether they were or not if he had heard them he must form his own
judgment as to their truth and act accordingly. He said, “Let the stories go to the devil will marry you
anyhow. Mr. Zaner once said that John
Mix had taken him to a house of ill fame where I was, and John Mix told me it
was a lie, he never said so.
Redirect- when I came home I
had to pawn all the clothes and jewelry I had
had nothing left for a change.
Went to church with Mr. Northrup in Detroit three Sundays in succession,
sometimes Mrs. McColly went along.
(Miss Kentner here produced a photograph of Mr. Zaner , which she said he
had given her to remember him by.)
Lewis Zaner sworn: I am the Defendant in this case am a married man now,
was married the 6 day of September 1884.
Lived near Dushore 57 years. My
first wife died August 1883. Saw Miss
Kentner when she started for Detroit in May 1884. I lent her some money to go west with, and she refused to give me
a note for it. She agreed to repay the
money. Let her have money three
different times. She had $100. It was a cut throat not that’s is the kind
of notes we take now a days, and she refused to sign it. Talked of buying the Yonkin house for
myself. Might have talked with Miss
Kentner about it. but don'’ know why it was in fun or a joke. Did not send her west. Might have told her to write me at
Greamville Murcer Co. Pa but can'’ tell.
She wrote me at that place telling me where I would find her in
Detroit. I was sick and started for
home went by the way of Detroit and through Canada to get there. Did not go there to see her or marry
her. I was looking for a brother, did
not find him. Heard of him in
Wellsville Ohio Testified before Arbitrators in this case that my brother was
in Detroit. If I said to Major Terry
that I was going to marry Miss Kentner it was in a joke. I never intended marrying her. Did not say to Miss Kentner she better be an
old man'’ darling that a young man'’ slave.
Wasn't looking for a wife spent all the time I wanted to; looking after
my brother.
Left a note for Miss Kentner
in Detroit, Don’t know where I stopped in Detroit; know they charged me enough
where I did stop. Did not show her
large packages of gold to count did show her some three certificates of deposit
of some $1000. Each. I never intended
marrying her, never promised to marry her, nor asked her to marry me. Never asked Rev. Burson to marry us.
Major Terry, sworn:-In March 1884 heard Mr. Zaner say at Mr. Kentner’s
“Bell and I have made up our minds to get married.” Mrs. Kentner said Bell was too young for him, and Zaner said he
had plenty of money and would take good care of her, Zaner asked Bell how the
Yonkin house would suit her. Another
time Zaner told her he had heard all sorts of bad stories about her but he
believed it was all a lie.
Rev. G. L. Burson
sworn: - Am minister of the
Gospel. In 1884, March, Mr. Zaner told
me he had made up his mind to get married- I asked to whom, and he said Bell, I
asked “Miss Bell Kentner,” and she nodded assent. He failed to come at the appointed time, and afterwards told me
the reason was the death of a grandson’s child on the day before.
Mrs. W. W. Kentner
sworn: - I am the mother of the
Plaintiff in this Suit. Bell came home
on the 21st day of January 1884.
He called as soon as she came home and continued to call once a day and
sometimes oftener. He always called for
Bell. They were often in company
alone. He spoke to her of marriage
frequently, he said she suited him as he wanted a young woman and one that
could take care of him. He said they had
an awful time at home, but did not care because he was going to marry
Bell. Intend to place 20 thousand
dollars in her hands before I marry her, and will buy the Yonkin house.
I heard the testimony of
Major Terry.
I opposed their going west
to get married. He said “Oh I have lots
of money, and Bell and I can live just as we have a mind anywhere.” He gave Bell money to buy a trunk, and after
looking at it called it a splendid one.
He called the morning Bell went west, in a great hurry and excited, and asked
for Bell. He said “Oh God, I was afraid
she would be gone before I got here.” I
called Bell and they were together by themselves for some time.
Lewis Zaner recalled: I might have said to Mrs. Kentner, Bell and others
that I was worth 60 thousand dollars in money, stocks and bonds & c, and I
was at that time might have been worth 80 thousand dollars at that time, but am
not now. Cant’ tell within 20 thousand
dollars of what I was worth at that time.
Was not engaged to Bell Kentner.
Don’t remember of swearing before the board of Arbitrators that Bell
gave me the sweetest kisses I ever had.
Don’t know I ever kissed her – might have done so I like the women. Own some coal lands worth some 50 thousand
dollars in this and adjoining counties in addition tot he other property, but
have given some of it away don’t need it.
Mrs. Sarah E. Aumen
sworn:-I am Bell Kentners
grandmother. Zaner came to my house and
said he thought Bell would be here. He
told of hearing that she was in a bad house in Danville and that she had had a
child in Williamsport, and said it was so.
It made me feel awful bad.
Before he left he laid his hand on my shoulder and told me he was going
to marry Bell and make an independent woman of her, and she would make him a
good wife. I advised him not to marry
her-she was too young for him. He said
he was worth 60 thousand dollars, and should never throw up anything to her
said we all had our failings, and he would take good care of her. They were at my house together three
different times. He told me he would
give her money to go west and would follow her there and marry her. He gave her 65 dollars then and promised her
more.
Cross Examined:- Never heard of Bell’s having a child except what
Zaner told me, and I saw her every day.
Miss Arabella Kentner
recalled: - Mr. Zaner never
loaned me any money nor asked me for a note.
He gave me $100 dollars to get a wedding dress, a trunk, and to go west
with of his own accord. I told Zaner
that I didn’t love him, but if I married him I would always respect him and
make him a good woman.
Lewis Zaner recalled:- Think I said to Bell that if, after she married me
she ever did anything wrong with other men I would never leave her a cent of my
property.
Court adjourned until
Saturday morning, when Mr. Zaner said in way of explanation that he never told
Bell Kentner that if she didn’t behave herself he would never leave her any
property.
Russel Karns, sworn:- Mr. Zaner told me a short time ago that he thought
of moving to this county when this case is settled. He had been an honest and successful businessman, but had made
tow mistakes and one of them was in this matter, with Bell Kentner.
Plaintiff Rests:- The case was than opened for the Defendant by rush
J. Thomson.
Miss Arabella Kentner
recalled:- for cross-examination
under the statue. I was in Tioga in
August of 1882. Q. Did you inform Mr.
Zaner that you had sexual intercourse with a man in Elmira: Ans. No sir. Q. While you were in
Danville did you have a disease, which would
be inconsistent for a decent woman?
Ans. No sir. Dr. Thomson treated
me once for a disease but not that. Did
not permit Mr. Walls at Detroit to place his hands on my limbs and breast. Didn’t go into his room partly undressed and
dance about there.
Dr. S.Y. Thomson
Sworn.- Reside in Danville, some
58 miles from here. I am a Physician and
druggist. D I have treated the plaintiff professionally for catarrhal affection
of the head also for aggravated female affection a non-specific disease. Gave tonics and alternatives.
Cross Examined:- have treated women who to my certain knowledge were
above suspicion for virtue who were afflicted as she was. I treated her for lucareah, commonly known
as “whites”
Mrs. Ellen Williams
sworn:- A young lady calling
herself Bell Kentner came to our place in Canton to be taken care of and while
there a child was borne of her. Cannot
swear that this Plaintiff is the girl if it is she looks different then she did
then.
Cross Examined:- The child
was born a week after she came, was borne alive only lived a few hours. Since I was subpoenaed have been at Mr. Zaner
s house in Muncy.
Henry Stahl sworn: I reside in
Cherry Twp. Am a farmer am acquainted with Bell Kentner, judging from speech of
people her reputation for chastity is not good.
The following witnesses gave
substantially the same evidence.
John B. Cox, S.F. Colt, JR.
W.D. Bahr, Amos Cox, F.M. Crossley, Chas. Kisner, H.G. Huffmaster, John Spary,
C. M. Croll.
Geo. B. Richard
sworn:- Reside in Dushore.
Arabella Kentner’s character, from speech of people is not very good. She said to me that if she married Zaner she
would get him out of the way pretty soon.
Cross Examined:- this was
said in Pomeroy’s Drug store. Charlie
spoke of her marring Zaner and laughed about it, and then she said she would
get rid of him before long.
Mrs. J. W. Speary
sworn:- I am cousin to Arabella
Kentner. She occasionally talked in my
presence more than once don’t think she talked of marrying Mr. Zaner , but she
did say something about my helping her to marry him and she would pay me for
it.
Cross Examined:- I took it as a joke thought she was joking.
Defendant rests
Plaintiff’s
rebuttal: Mrs. M.J. O’Brian sworn. About thee years ago when Bell Kentner went to Tioga County, I
saw her and had seen her continuously for several months. Saw her when she started it was about the
last of August. She did not show by her
looks or form that she was in a family way it could not have been possible that
she was in such a condition.
M.J. O’Brian sworn:- testifies substantially the same as Mrs. O’Brian.
Mrs. John Speary
recalled:- Remember when Bell went to Tioga County some
three years ago, fitted a dress for her at that time had fitted them for her
before saw nothing that looked as though she was in a family way.
J.P. Wilcox, sworn:- Reside in Detroit am superintendent for N.N. Smith
& Co., Jeweler’s. Let Miss Kentner
have five dollars and took two gold rings as security but afterward returned
them feeling sorry for her condition.
Furnished her meal tickets, and helped her in other ways. Never saw anything wrong with her.
The house where she stayed Mrs. St. Clares, was respectable. If Miss Kentners uniformed conduct since I
have known her had not been that of a chaste and uprightly lady I would not be
here now. I am interested in this girl,
not in the case.
DEPOSITIONS
Mrs. Mary F. Powers: Reside in
Detroit know Arabella Kentner. After
Miss Kentner had been at our house about a week, she went away and the
Defendant came in her absence.
There was one gentleman, Mr.
Wilcox used to call at her room quite often after tea, and went out walking
with her generally coming back late at night.
This would happen two or three times a week. She was gone all night once or twice, but generally told where
she went to. Was out all night one time
when she went with him and at other times she started alone and stayed all
night . Toward the last she was gone
almost every night but she would not come home every night. There was another gentleman that came to see
her but I do not know who he was. Do
not think he was there more than once or twice probably three times was there
in the daytime once. She told me he was
some one she knew before she came here.
She said she went to
Sandusky to see a friend. On Monday the
Defendant came to see her, told me who
he was, and was very much chagrined that she was not here. He wanted to engage a room at our house and
stay until she returned, but as we had no room for him he said he would go to
his hotel and call again. He inquired
where she had gone.
Mrs. Jennie E. Stone. The
plaintiff came to my house between the 10th and last of May
1884. I heard her repeatedly speak of
her engagement with "the old Man,” and finally I wanted to know who the
old man was and she told me his name was Lewis Zaner. She said she was going to marry the old man and he would not live
long and she could marry some young man and spend the money. She was going to get $20,000 out of him
before she married him. She said if the
old man did not marry her she would sue him for $20,000 she meant to have the
$20,000 out of him any way. I have
heard her repeatedly say that at the table when the inning room was full. One time when she came over from Mrs.
Powers, she said the old man had been in town and she didn’t care that the old
fool needn’t to have come so soon for she didn’t expect him until the next week
she didn’t have much company in my house, but went out very often in the
evening. She was out three evenings I
know with one gentleman, and have met her on the street three different times
with two different gentleman besides those who were in my house. They were strangers to me. I never heard her say a word about a Millinery store. The subject was never mentioned in my presence.
Mrs. Catherine L.
Davis- I know a young lady named
Bell Kentner. I heard her say there was
an old man who wished to marry her and if he would make over $20,000 to her she
would marry him. She said his name was
Zaner and he was about 70 or 80 years of age.
She never told me she was engaged to the defendant. I have heard her jestingly say she had an
old man beau, and she would marry him if he would make over $20,000 to
her. Hear her say she expected him to
come but did not her say he was coming t
marry her. Think it was
generally understood she was engaged with the defendant. It was often the subject of friendly jokes,
so much so I thought she got rather tired of it. Once she said “Hang the old man, I don’t care what becomes of
him.”
Abram L. Power: The
deposition of this witness substantially reiterates that of the two preceeding.
Hattie VanHorn:- I know the plaintiff. She told me she did not calculate to go into the Millinery
business’s he calculated to get married the next week to an old gentleman from
Dushore about 80 years old, and he was going to give her $20,000. She laughed and joked about it
considerable. I asked her if she had
his picture and she went and got it and showed it to me. I said to her: “The idea of your marrying such an old gentleman as that,” and
she said she did not care as long as she got the money. I asked her why she did not have it taken
with his hat off and she said he did not have any hair on his head. She said he gave her a hundred dollars to come here with to get
ready to be married and he was to buy her a $20,000 home, and she was to have
everything she wanted.
She asked how far it was to
Sandusky and she knew a young gentleman there who traveled with minstrels and
she wanted to go and stay over Sunday, and she expected Mr. Zaner the next
week. She went on Friday and did not
get back until Tuesday afternoon and in the meantime he had come and gone.
When she came back she felt
real bad about it and cried and went down to the Michigan Exchange where he
stopped. She said if he didn’t come
back she would sue him for breach of promise and she told me she wrote to him
to send her $500 right away.
She had a great deal of
company.
She went with Mr. Northrop
and a great deal with a Mr. Wilcox. He
called there a great many times, but never was up to her room to my knowledge
but three times.
At this point the Court
adjourned until Monday morning at 10:o’clock, at which time the case was again
taken up and the Court allowed three hours on a side for argument to the jury,
which time the counsel fully occupied and begged for more. The jury were sent out at about 6 o’clock in
the evening, and Court adjourned to meet at the ringing of the bell. Before his honor had fairly got his teeth
picked after supper, the bell sounded and the jury, which had been “suppered”
in the mean time, returned with a verdict of “We find for the plaintiff, Miss
Arabella Kentner, the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars” We understand that the defendant’s counsel have filed reasons for
a new trial, which will be argued at nest term.
We are indebted to Tina Pastusic of Plains, PA for typing up these proceedings.