Haymarket Affair Digital Collection

Illinois vs. August Spies et al. trial transcript no. 1
Testimony of J. W. Gage, 1886 Aug. 7.

Volume M, 487-489, 3 p.
Gage, J. W.
Owner of a painting and wallpapering company.

Direct examination by Mr. Zeisler. Cross-examination by Mr. Walker. Testified on behalf of the Defense, Spies, August et al.

Testified as to Henry Gilmer's general reputation for truth and veracity. Testified on various topics (page numbers provide a partial guide): Gilmer, Harry (vol.M 487).


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J W. GAGE,

a witness called on behalf of the defendants, was duly sworn and testified as follows:

DIRECT EXAMINATION
BY MR. ZEISLER.

Q- Where do you reside?

A- 16 South Paulina Street.

Q- How long have you been a resident of Chicago?

A- 16 or 18 years.

Q- Are you a born American citizen?

A- Yes sir.

Q- How old are you?

A- 45.

Q- What business are you engaged in?

A- Painter and Wall paper.

Q- Where is your place of business?

A- 16 Paulina street, South Paulina.

Q- How long have you been in business for yourself?

A- 8 or 10 years.

Q- How many men do you Employ?

A- Not many just now.

Q- What is the largest number of men that you employ?

A- I


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employ all the way up to 40.

Q- Are you a socialist?

A- No sir.

Q- Are you an anarchist?

A- No sir.

Q- Or a communist?

A- No sir.

Q- Do you sympathixe with any of that class?

A- No sir.

Q- I will ask you whether you know one Harry L. Gilmer?

A- Yes sir.

Q- When did you make the acquaintance of that gentleman?

A- About 4 years ago.

Q- Are you acquinted with the general reputation of Harry L. Gilmer for truth and veracity among the neighbors where he resided?

A- At that time.

Q- Yes.

A- Yes sir.

Q- How is that reputation?

A- Not very good.

Q- Well, is it bad?

A- That is what I would call it.

Q- Would you believe him under oath?

A- Well, I would have very grave doubts on some things.

Q- You would believe him if you knew the fact?

A- If I knew the fact I would believe him.

Q- If you did'nt know the fact would you believe him under oath?

A- I will tell it in my way and you can fix it any way you mind to, I will tell the truth.

CROSS EXAMINATION.
BY MR. WALKER.

Q- Where did Gilmer live?

A- Right next door to me.


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Q- In Castle's House?

A- Yes sir, in Mrs. Castle's little cottage on the alley.

Q- Right on the corner?

A- Yes sir.

Q- Do you know undertaker Howe?

A- Yes sir.

Q- And you lived right there in the neighborhood?

A- Yes sir.

Q- How long did Gilmer live there in the neighborhood?

A- Four weeks-- four months I believe, I am not going to put it down to the day, because I don't recollect.

Q- Which Was it, four weeks or four months?

A- About four months.

Q- And that is the acquaintance?

A- Yes sir.

Q- And you have known him ever since?

A- (No answer).


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