Illinois vs. August Spies et al. trial transcript no. 1 Direct examination by Mr. Grinnell. Cross-examination by Mr. Foster. Testified on behalf of the Prosecution, People of the State of Illinois. Testified as to Harry Gilmer's general reputation for truth and veracity. Testified on various topics (page numbers provide a partial guide): Gilmer, Harry (vol.N 187).
Testimony of John Steele, 1886 Aug. 10.
Volume N, 187-189, 3 p.
Steele, John.
Painter.
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[Image, Volume N, Page 187]
JOHN STEELE,
a witness called and sworn on behalf of the People, was examined in chief by Mr. Grinnell, and testified as follows:
Q. What is your name?
A. John Steele.
Q. What is your business?
A. Painter.
Q. Where do you reside?
A. 224 Cottage Grove Avenue.
Q. How long have you lived in Chicago?
A. About twenty-seven years.
Q. Were you in the army?
A. Yes sir.
Q. During the war?
A. Yes.
Q. Do you know Harry L. Gilmer?
A. I do.
Q. How long have you known him?
A. I think six or seven years.
Q. Has he worked for you or not?
A. No sir, never worked with me. Never worked together.
Q. Do you know his reputation for truth and veracity in the city of Chicago, among his acquaintances and associates?
A. It is good.
Q. The answer should be yes or no?
A. Yes.
Q. Is it good or bad?
A. It is good.
Q. Would you believe him under oath?
A. I would.
CROSS EXAMINATION
By Mr. Foster.
Q. Did you ever live in the same building with him?
A. No sir.
Q. Never knew where he lived?
A. No sir.
Q. How long have you known him?
A. Six or seven years.
Q. Have you associated with him?
A. In militia, in the same company.
Q. He is a militia man?
A. Yes sir.
Q. Did you associate with him about the streets or at places of amusement or in your family?
A. No sir, my residence is on the south side.
Q. You have a family?
A. Certainly.
Q. Have you ever invited Mr. Gilmer and introduced him to your wife?
A. No sir.
Q. Have you a daughter?
A. Yes sir.
Q. You never introduced him to your daughter?
A. No sir.
Q. Or any lady?
A. Not any of my acquaintances.
Q. You met him as a militia man?
A. Yes sir.
Q. He stood well in the militia, did he -- about six feet three?
A. Yes.
Q. He was No. 1 in the rear rank, wasn't he?
Objected to.
Q. Is that the only place you have seen him about?
A. I saw him at balls.
Q. Did you never paint with him?
A. No sir.
Q. Never employed him?
A. No sir.
Q. Ever see him paint?
A. I have.
Q. Seen him paint for others?
A. Yes
Q. But never knew where he lived?
A. No sir, never,
Q. You did not know Mrs. Holt?
A. No sir.
Q. You don't know whether he lives with Mrs. Holt or not?
A. No sir.
Q. You don't know whether he was arrested in Chicago and put in jail?
A. No sir.
Q. You don't know anything about his being expelled from any society a year ago on account of an attempt on his part to seduce a young girl?
A. No sir.
Q. Did you know anything about his being arrested in Cedar Rapids, Iowa?
A. No sir.
Q. You marched with him in a military company, and his reputation was good?
A. Yes sir.
Q. He was a good marcher?
A. Yes sir.