037 Sheet – American State Trials 1918 Volume X Leo Frank Document

Search for:

Reading Time: 2 minutes [314 words]

Here is the translated text as follows:

EDWARD D. WORRELL

January 19

Today, the special term of the court opened for the trial of Edward D. Worrell, following a severance of the prisoners who had been jointly indicted. The prisoner was brought into court, attended by his father and mother. When called upon and the indictment read to him, he pleaded not guilty.

D. Q. Gale, Circuit Attorney; John D. Coalter and W. V. N. Bay, for the State.

Uriel Wright, for the Prisoner.

The indictment alleges that Edward D. Worrell, along with William H. Bruff, feloniously, willfully, deliberately, and premeditatedly, and with malice aforethought, did shoot and discharge a pistol loaded with a leaden bullet at Basil H. Gordon. The bullet struck, penetrated, and wounded Basil H. Gordon in the back of the head, causing a mortal wound one inch wide and six inches deep. As a result of this wound, Basil H. Gordon died instantly.

The indictment further states that Edward D. Worrell was present, aiding, helping, abetting, comforting, assisting, and maintaining William H. Bruff in committing the felony and murder of Basil H. Gordon. Therefore, the jurors, upon their oaths, conclude that William H. Bruff and Edward D. Worrell, in the manner described, feloniously, willfully, deliberately, premeditatedly, and with malice aforethought, did kill and murder Basil H. Gordon, contrary to the statute and against the peace and dignity of the State.

---

Dante Quincy Gale (1807-1894)

Born in Amesburg, Massachusetts, Dante Quincy Gale settled in Washington, Franklin County, Missouri, in 1837. He initially worked as a carpenter and builder, constructing the first brick house in Washington. He served as the town's Postmaster from 1838 to 1857 and as a Town Trustee from 1841 to 1876. Additionally, he was the Presiding Judge of the County Court from 1840 to 1847, Circuit Attorney from 1850 to 1865 and 1867 to 1869, and Circuit Judge from 1869 to 1875. He died in Washington, Missouri.

---