History of the County of Middlesex

[ London, Looking SE Across the River, The courthouse is pictured in the top left of the drawing., Unknown, University of Western Ontario Archives Historical Tray #2, 1840 ][...] In April, 1880 Justice Wilson presided over the Assize Court. The question of change of venue [[italic]]in re[[/]] the persons charged with the Lucan murders was presented by Mr. Irving, and opposed by Messrs. Macmahon and Meredith. In October, 1880, the jury disagreed. On Jan. 26, 1881, the Biddulph murder cases were brought before Justices Cameron and Osler. The Crown was represented by Ǽ Irving, Q. C., and James Magee; while Hugh Macmahon, W. R. Meredith and J. J. Blake appeared for the prisoners. The Grand Jury comprised W. D. Cooper, Westminster; Wm. G. Carry, Adelaide; Robt. Cowie, East Williams; Thos. Elliott, Parkhill; A. Finnemore, Westminster; G. M. Gunn, Westminster; G. J. Hutton, Caradoc; J. J. Jelly, Dorchester; Alexander Johnstone, Strathroy; John Jarmyn, Biddulph; John Legg, West Nissouri; Henry Lockwood, Caradoc; James Moran, city; John Mossop, Dorchester; John C. Merritt, city; Edwin M. Moore, city; R. S. Munson, Ekfrid; Archibald McPherson, city; Hugh McLaren, city; Duncan McLean, Lobo; Wm. Patrick, London; John Thompson, Ailsa Craig. This case was ultimately decided in favour of the defendants. The special commission in the case, sitting for nine days at London, cost directly $3,355.96, exclusive of Judges' salaries, counsel fees and cost of witnesses for the defence. The counsel for the defence were untiring in their efforts to save their clients, and when it is considered that Bill Donnelly, acknowledged to be one of the most naturally astute men of the county, aided the prosecution in the effort to punish the murderers of his relatives, the victory of the defense is more surprising. [...]

Source: Unknown, "History of the County of Middlesex, Canada" (Toronto: W.A. & C.L. Goodspeed, 1889). Notes: J.J. Talman Regional Collection, University of Western Ontario Archives

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