Stallions

The Stallion Murder Mystery

A few years ago, an old timer of Stone County asked me if I knew that Edward Costlow was once a Constable of Cape Fair. Upon replying "No, I didn't know that" , I heard a fascinating tale of a mystery in which Great Grandpa Ed Costlow was called upon to help with. Since then, I have searched archives, libraries, newpapers, tried to contact family members and done everything I could to get my hands on the details of this mystery. After at least five years of researching, there are still many unanswered question and unfound court records concerning this case.
I have attempted to transcribe newspaper clippings and court records of the day as accurately as possible.
If you have information that could shed a light on the events that happened over a hundred years ago. Please write me!

Was It Suicide
The Case of Alice Stallion of Stone County Now Looks Like It Was Murder
The Body Found In The River With The Neck Broken
The Relatives Are Suspected

No Date.
      From one of the members of the Aurora Fishing Club who has been at the James river the past week, we have received a graphic account of the finding of the body of pretty Alice Stallion, aged 16 years, and who had been missing from her parents home near Cape Fair since Monday evening.
       The story told to us is strictly reliable and is as follows, says the Aurora Argis. Monday evening about a half and hour before sundown, Alice, the murdered girl left the house telling her stepmother, Mrs. John Stallion that she was going after a load of wood. From that time until her dead body was found in the river, she was not seen by anyone , that is by anyone who would care to make known their identity.
        When she did not return Monday night an alarm was given and the whole country turned out to aid in the search for her, which was kept up until the body was found by the crew that was dragging the river.
         From account, her home life was anything but pleasant, and just before leaving the house for the last time her stepmother had chastised her severely and for a time it was thought the remorse which was caused by this act on the part of her stepmother, had prompted suicide. But, judging from the verdict that was rendered by the coroner's jury such was not the case as their verdict was to the effect that she had first been killed and then thrown into the river, floating on the surface until an obstacle in the way of a huge stone which stands out in the river about half way round the bend from the club house kept it from floating further down the river.
        At least 100 men, together with the Aurora Fishing club men were at the club house searching night and day using long poles with hooks on the end for dragging the bottom , and the first encouraging signs of their success in finding the body was the bringing up of a piece of calico Wednesday at 2:20 o'clock by one of the hooks. All the boats in the near vicinity were immediately attracted to the scene and the body was raised tenderly from its watery grave and laid in one of the boats.
      There were marks of foul play found upon the body. The neck being broken near the skull was easily discovered. Her hands were folded neatly across her breast, and this fact bears out the murder theory, as had she died from struggling, her features as well as her arms would have been distorted. She was barefoot and wore a cheap calico dress.
      The people in that immediate locality are greatly worked up over the affair and are making every effort to locate the guilty party who would make away with one so young and beautiful. They have their suspicions and it is likely that something new will develop in that country soon, as we understand close relatives of the girl are suspected of the crime.
       The young girls life was not all drudgery as a romance which might have ended happily but for her death, was part of her life and it was her fondest dream that some day a well cultured and equally well -to-do young man from of of the eastern states would come and take her from Stone County's barren hills to a spacious home in the east. The young man met the girl while on a fishing excursion on the James and immediately fell in love with her and after returning home sent letter to her often. It is said that her parents objected to this as they were under the impression that the young man meant no good in his attentions to their daughter and refused to allow her to receive his letters

. Was Murdered
Seven Year Old Sister Of Alice Stallion Says She Saw Sister Killed

Arora Argus (date unreadable) ---??? an almost certain fact that 16-year old Alice Stallion, the pretty Stone County girl whose dead body was found in the James river Wednesday by parties who were searching for it, was murdered, and if such proves to the the case and beyond doubt it is, it was one of the foulest crimes committed in the criminal annuls of Stone County., made doubly so by the fact that the stepmother wielded the ugly looking stove poker, while Alice, the innocent victim of one and had not harmed no further than that of being a stepdaughter, struggle in the strong embrace of a half-brother , who according to the confession of the girls seven year-old sister, held the murdered girl while the stepmother struck the intense blow that ceased the careers of Stone county's brightest girl.
The sister who made the confession of the murder committed and says that after the dead girl's neck was broken the body was wrapped up in an old quilt and taken to the woods late Monday night, where it was put in a safe hiding place and was not found by the men who were searching the country for her, for her stepmother had given out the report that she was missing.
The body was thrown into the river Tuesday and was not found until Wednesday at 2; p.m. Stone County citizens are greatly excited over the confession made by the child and have threatened to lynch both the son and the cruel stepmother , Mrs. Stallion. The girls father is not implicated in the crime, as at the time it was committed he was working at the home of Bryan Carr, a farmer near Cape Fair and in the same vicinity of the Stallions case.

She Has Confessed
Tells about the Same Story As Told By Her Little Daughter
Rumors of Lynching could not be confirmed at Aurora

     Aurora MO-June 6, 1901. Telephone messages from Galena, Stone County, report that Mrs. John Stallion has made a full confession of the murder of her step-daughter, Alice, the details being about the same as made by her 7 year old daughter, Implicating both the step-mother and her son in one of the most heartless and cold-blooded murders that has ever been committed in the state.
     Mrs Stallion is closely guarded at Galena, while the son is confined in a Stone County jail. Every precaution is being taken to prevent a lynching, as the greatest fears are entertained that an attempt will be made to hang the murderess and her son accomplice.
     A report was circulated on the streets tonight to the effect that the murderers had been lynched, but this could not be verified. An effort was made to reach Galena by telephone, but the office at Marionville was locked up and no word could be obtained. It is the consensus of opinion here that the law will be allowed to take its course inasmuch as the guilty ones have confessed and there is no possibility of escape for them.

She Did Not Confess
Reports from Galena concerning the Stallions were inaccurate
Sentiments Changing In Favor Of The Accused Step Mother Special to the Republican
     Aurora, June 7, 1901--According to the reports received Mrs. Stallions did not confess to the murder nor did the Crabtree boys, who are her brothers, but nevertheless they are held by the officers for trial next week, the same to be held at Galena.
      Sentiment in Stone County has undergone a radical change, and the people are not now so bitter in their denunciation of Mrs. Stallion, and it may be that she is innocent and has been made the victim of circumstances.
     The rumor that a mob of angry citizens were gathering in Cape Fair for the purpose of lynching the alleged guilty parties appears to be without a foundation, as the citizens are acting very wisely in the matter, and are letting the law take its course.
     Nothing new will develop in the case until the trial next week.

Stallion Mystery
Authentic news at last received concerning Stone County Killing.
The Pleminary Trial
Story that a Seven Year Old Girl had witnessed murder is not true.
No One Has Confessed Crime

Special Correspondent of Republican
     Cape Fair, MO, June 8 1901. After an all night ride through the hills of Stone County your correspondent reached the scene of the brutal murder of the pretty 16 year old Alice Stallion. On my arrival I found at least 1,000 people on the grounds and before noon, fully 4,000 more appeared on the scene to hear the preliminary trial of Mrs. John Stallion, stepmother of the murdered girl, and John and William Crabtree, her brothers. Many stories have been published in regard to the crime, which are raise, among them that Mrs. Stallion had confessed to killing the girl and that a seven year-old stepdaughter, who was a witness, had first given it away. Although the evidence against the accused is very strong, they all tell the same story of suicide.
     The girls broken neck, fractured skull and marks of violence on the body and the place on the banks of the James river where the murder was suppose to have occurred all bore evidence of a terrible battle for her young life.
     Mrs. Stallions admitted that she and the girl had a violent quarrel in the afternoon as the result in a letter the girl had written to John Yocum who lived down the river. Mrs Stallion told the republican representative that she has severely chastised the girl before for writing to this man without he first writing her. When interviewed young Yocum showed a letter written a week previous by a neighbor girl at the instigation of Alice Stallion and on the back she had written a few lines as follows:
      Mr. Jon Yocum, Dear Friend: I writ you a few lines in Jones letter. I am coming up to see you son. Wel I must clos hopin to see you son. Your frend, Alice Stallions.
      The Illinois river story which has been published originated in the sensational development of some enterprising newspaper man's brain. That the girl was very beautiful is not to be doubted, but judging from the script and tone of her letter, her education is very limited. Yocum explains the contents of her letter thus: She was aquainted with his sisters and family and was coming on a visit to them. When the dead body of the girl was found Stone County inhabitants were thrown into a pandemonium or excitement.
     The body was taken out about a mile from where it was supposed to be thrown in the river.
      That Alice Stallions home life was unhappy was generally known throughout the neighborhood in which she lived. As usual, the step-mother came in for her share of abuse at the hands of the neighbors for ill treatment of the girl, and since the recent developments there seems to have been just grounds for same. Neighbors were familiar with the facts of her being a common drudge at the house and had to make a hand in the fields many times. The Crabtree boys and Mrs Stallion were arrested four days after the angling of the dead body and Jas. Crabtree, father of Mrs. Stallion, at the beginning of the preliminary trial. The cause of so much suspicion resting on Mrs. Stallion and the Crabtree boys was the fact that William Crabtree went to Galena two days previous to his arrest to employ a lawyer; also blood stains were found among the river bank, their explanation to this being that they had killed a snake at three different places that day. Blood stains were also found in a tree, that the Crabtree boy said was a peculiar kind of glue from that kind of tree.
      Since their arrest, the accused have been placed under a rigid examination, but there is no truth in the reports that went sent out that a seven year old daughter was an eye witness to the crime and had just given it away and that a confession of the murder from Mrs. Stallion followed. nor has any confession been made by the parties implicated in the crime. Another theory advanced is that the oldest Crabtree brother murdered the girl while on her way to the forest for wood as was her custom, after having assaulted her, and , being resisted, sent her life into eternity, as it was known he was smitten with her charms.
      The old man Crabtree, father of Mrs. Stallion, was at the house all during the day of the murder and was placed under arrest at the beginning of the preliminary trial. The trial adjourned at 4.p.m. Saturday until Monday.
      The Defense is represented by Geo. Thornsberry, as the leading counsel. The defense agreed to hold the Crabtree boys and Mrs. Stallion if they would release Crabtree Sr. but the prosecuting attorney objected. Mrs Stallion is a frail delicate woman, the mother of twin babies, four months old, while her brothers are small of stature, with sallow complexion and gray eyes, with low foreheads, and are illiterate men. John Stallion, father of the murdered girl , is a well known honest farmer, hard working, who has always born a good reputation, while the Crabtree family have been regarded as a worthless type of Stone County backwoodsmen. There is no danger of Lynching, unless the Justices of the county turn them loose, as the people in the vicinity are willing to let the law take its course, i.e. as long as they are certain of convictions.

There Was No Murder Motive
No Markes Of Any Consequence Found On Her Person Correspondence to the Republican

     Galena: June 9, 1901. The Preliminary examination in the case of the state vs Mattie Stallion, Thomas, William and James Crabtree, charged with the murder of Alice Stallion in Stone County May 22? began before T. A. Wyatt, Justice Of The Peace at Cape Fair, six miles south of Galena on Friday June 7.
       Esq. Wyatt , associated, with him J. T. Moore of Galena. The examination continued until Saturday at 3 p.m. at which time the state rested its case having examined some 20 witnesses. At the close of the case on the part of the state the further examination was continued until Monday June 10 when it is expected the defense will offer some evidence.
       The evidence on the part of the state has only proven the fact that the girl, Alice Stallion was found dead in the James river with no marks of violence on her person except that her neck was thought to be broken. A few incidental remarks
made by the defendant Mattie Stallion were construed by the state as threats.
       They were of frivolous character and not recent.
        The evidence disclosed the fact that the three Crabtrees, the deceased girl and a small boy ___years old worked together at shucking corn. Late in the evening all went to the home, which was the home of defendant Mattie Stallion , also the deceased girl. After doing some chores around the home, she went out as she said, to get some wood, went in the direction of the river and as far as known was never seen alive again.
        A mystery surrounds this case. It is the opinion of some that she killed herself by jumping into the river. However, there seems to be no good reason for such an act. The old man Crabtree is 52 to 60 years of age and has, it is said, been a father to the dead girl and was very much attached to her. According to the evidence , there is no founded cause for the charge of murder against them.
        The stories that have been published from time to time that a confession had been made by the 7 year old girl or the defendant, Mattie Stallion, step-mother of the girl is absolutely untrue.
        Thomas Crabtree is the father of Mattie Stallion. William and James Crabtree are brothers of hers. James Crabtree is an uncle of the deceased girl. The state has shown no motive for the murder by the defendant.
        An effort was made in the examination to prove that the step-mother and deceased, had trouble which was refuted by the father of the girl, who testified that the step-mother treated the girl very well and especially so for the past six of ten months.
        There is no probability for mob violence neither has there been at any time. Our people allow the law to take its course.
        While it's true the parties charged with the murder of this girl are poor, yet they have never been charged with any crimes before this. So far as I can learn they are strangers to the courts of the county. Tom Crabtree, the old man, served his country from '61-'65, has lived in Stone county 20 years and this is the first time he has been accused of any violation of the law. He has a good reputation for honesty and a law abiding citizen. James Crabtree is 30 years old and William 20. This is the first time in life any of the defendants were ever arrested charged with a crime.

They Were Held
John Stallion; Crabtree Boys And Their Father Held Without Bond
The Stepmother Will Be Guarded Till First Court Sets

Arora Argus--; June 10, 1901. At two o'clock this afternoon the preliminary hearing of the Stallion murder case was finished at Galena, Mo. , as the lawyers went from Cape Fair, the place where the preliminary was began to Galena to do the pleading.
     Mrs. John Stallion, the Crabtree boys and their fathers was according to the decision of the court, held without bond to await the action of the Stone County grand Jury, which meets in October next.
      The Crabtree boys and their father will be kept in close confinement while in all probability Mrs. Stallion will be placed in charge of a guard, as her four-month old twins will need the care that can not be given them in a stuffy jail cell.
       The preliminary was commenced friday and has been in progress ever since. Public sentiment has undergone a material change, and much sympathy is expressed for the mother, who is accuse of or as an accessory to the crime.
       While Stone County has again quieted down, not until the final trials is completed and the guilty party has paid the penalty of the atrocious crime, will the county assume its normal condition. Even then the story of the crime with all its repulsive features will be talked of around the family fireside, and the spot on which the pretty Alice met her fate, together with the placid water covering the grave in which her dead body lay for two days will be shunned as places too sacred for the feet or boats of man, and legend will count the story with the many other weird tales of Stone County.

She Was Firm
The Little Stallion Girl Could Not Be Shaken In Her Testimony
Told A Straight Story of Disappearance Of Her Sister

Bonds Of Defendants Fixed

Galena MO.--June 12, 1901.(Delayed in Transmission) ---The preliminary examination of the Crabtrees and the Stallions charged with the murder of Miss Alice Stallion was resumed at Cape Fair on Monday, June 10. Several witness were examined on the part of the defense, among which was the nine-year-old sister of Miss Alice Stallion. She was at home on the evening that the deceased girl disappeared. The little girl, though timid, gave a clear and positive statement of when and how her sister Alice came to the house from her work in the field, brought up some water and then started on to get stove wood and did not return. She further stated that there had been no trouble between her sister Alice and her step-mother that day. She could not be shaken. The cross examination of this witness had a strong tendency to change public sentiment, as this little girl had been entirely separated from her mother Mattie Stallion, and the Crabtress for several days, and her evidence is looked upon as being true. Very little evidence of any importance except the little girl and that of the four defendants were offered by by the defense. The defendants all testified in their own behalf., absolutely denying the knowledge as to how the girl came to her death. The case was finally closed on Tuesday about 5: o'clock. The court heard the arguments of the attorneys, four in number; Attorney Moore and James George, of Cassville, on the part of the state, and Viles and Tornsberry, of Galena, for the defense. After a short consultation with his associate justices in the Case, announced that the defendants Mattie Stallion, Thos. Crabtree, James and William Crabrree, would be held to answer before the circuit court for further trial. The said defendants were granted bail, James and William to the sum of $5,000 each. Thomas Crabtree and Mrs. Mattie Stallion the sum of $1, 000 each. It is understood the father, Thomas Crabtree and Mrs. Stallion will promptly find the bail and be discharged. The other defendants , James and William Crabtree will make no effort at the present time of bond. John Stallion, the husband of the defendant Mattie Stallion and father of Alice showed considerable interest in getting bail for his wife and freely expresses himself that he does not believe his wife guilty of the charge. The examination of this case although a strong and extensive effort has been made, fails to clear up the mystery as to how the girl come to her death.

Stone County
The Crabtree-Stallion Murder Case Came Up For Trial In Circuit Court
Motion for Change of Venue Was Denied
Murder In Second Degree Special To The Republican
     Galena, MO. May 28, 1902. The Stone county circuit court convened in adjourned session Monday morning. Judge H. C. Pepper on the bench. There were twelve criminal and six civil cases to be tried at this term.
        The noted Crabtree-Stallions murder case was called Monday and the defense asked for a change of venue to another county on the plea that the people of Stone county were so prejudiced against the defendants that they believed they could not have a fair and impartial trial. After hearing the testimony of fourteen prominent citizens and arguments of counsel, Judge Pepper overruled the motion and ordered the sheriff to summon fifty men from the northern part of the county, to appear in the court at 4 o'clock p.m. Tuesday, from which number it is thought a jury will be secured and the case will probably be opened Wednesday afternoon. The defendants, Mrs. Mattie Stallions and Thomas and William Crabtree will have separate trial. Mrs. Stallions will be the first tried at this term.
       At the adjourned November term James Crabtee, a brother of Mrs. Stallion, was tried and convicted of murder in the second degree and is now serving a ten year sentence in the state penitentiary. At that time by special agreement all the defendants are to be tried for murder in the second degree. The trial of Mrs. Stallions will probably consume all this week.
       The defendants are charged with killing Miss Alice Stallions, a step daughter of Mrs. Mattie Stallion in August 1901. The dead body of Alice Stallions was found in the James river near the Stallions residence.
       Charles LeDuc of Cass Township in the northern part of Stone county who was indicted for grand larceny was arraigned Monday before H. C. Cartmel as special judge and pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in the penitentiary , and paroled.

Could Not Agree
Jury In The Crabtree -Stallions Murder Case Discharges.

*Note- Date June 1, ??. The article is unreadable. but from what few words I could extract...
It is said the vote stood eight for acquittal and four for conviction from the time the case?. Judge Pepper discharged the jury.

I believe there was probably a mistrial and another trial set. Unfortunately, these were the only news clippings that I have been able to located on this case. Apparently, interest waned after awhile.
Researched and abstracted by Robin Biddle March 2002.

Court Transcripts Circuit Court Stone Co, Mo. Oct 7, 1901

State of Missouri Plff ) Information in the first degree filed.
VS # 722 )
James Crabtree, Wm Crabtree
Mattie Stallion and Thomas Crabtree, Deff. )
Now at this day comes the Prosecuting Attorney for the State, and by leave of the Court files his information herein, charging the defendants with the crime of Murder in the first degree.
(order that court be ajourned until tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock.

Circuit Court Stone Co, MO
Regular term Oct 9, 1901
State of Missouri Plff ) Information for murder 1st degree change of venue granted and Hon.
VS ) Henry C Pepper called to try case Nov. 9, 1901
James Crabtree et all Deff )
The court having been of Counsel for the Defendants in this cause and being hereby disqualified to try the issues hereine, and the counsel for the plaintiff and Defandants failing to agree on some members of the bar to try the case?, the court of it's own motion granted a change of venue in said case and the Hon. Henry C. Pepper, Judge of the 24th jutitial Circuit Court of Missouri was requested to appear here on the 5th day of November A.D. et all adjourned tere of this Court to try said case.

Oct 9, 1901?
State of Missouri Plff ) Information for Murder 1st Degree
VS #722 ) Def. Thos A Crabtree recognised in the sum of $1000.oo with A. James Crabtree et al Def )Harrington, T. L. Viles, G. W. Noone Sureties.
Now at this day comes Thos. A. Crabtree as principla and A. Harrington, T. L. Viles, and George W Moore as Secirotoes, and each acknowledge themselves to own and stand indebted to the State of Missouri in the sum of One Thousand Dollars to be levied of their goods and chates, lands and tenements and to be void upon the following conditions, to wit: Whereas the above names Thomas C Crabtree stands charged in this court with the crime of murder in the first degree, now, if he, the daid defendant, Thomas C Crabtree shall make his personal appearence here before this court on the first day of the adjourned thereof to be hegun and holden at the Courthouse in the town of Galena, Stone Co, Mo, on Tuesday the 5 day of Nov. a.d. 1901 and so appears from day to day during said term, and on the first and every day of each sucedding term to which this casue may be continued, and at any and all times obey the orders and abide the Judgements of said court, and not depart the same until this cause shall have been finally disposed of or he be otherwise discharged by due process of law, otherwise to remain in full force and effect.

Oct 9, 1901?
State of Missouri Plff        ) Information for Murder 1st Degree
          VS                             ) Def. Mattie Stallion regognise in the sum of $1000. with A.
James Crabtree et al Def   ) Harrington, T.J.Vilses and G.W.Moore Securities.
At this day comes Mattie Stallion, as pricipal and A. Harrinton, T. L. Viles and G.W. Moore Securities, and each and severally , here in open court, acknowledge themselves to own and be indebted to the State of Missouri the sum of One thousand Dollars, to be levied of thier goods and chattels, lands and tenements, and to be void upon the following conditions to wit:
Whereas the above bound Mattie Stallions stands charged in this court with the crime of Murder in the first degree, Now if the said defendant Mattie Stallion shall make her persoanl appearence here before this court on the first day of the ajourned tere thereof , to be begun and held on Tuesday the 5th day of November A.D. 1901, and so appears from day to day druing succeeding tere to which this cause may be continued and at any and all times ober the orders and abide the judgements of said Court, and not depart the same without leave or umntil this cause whall have been finally disposef of or otherwise discharged by due course of law, otherwise to remain in full force and effect.

Nov. 5, 1901
State of Missouri Plff       )   Information for Murder ___________??
           VS                               )
Mattie Stallion et al Deff )   Severence Granted.

Comes now the State of Missouri by John T Moore, prosecuting Attorney of Stone County, Missouri and the Defendants, Mattie Stallion, James Crabtree, William Crabtree and Thomas Crabtree, also appearing in person and by their attorneys, and at the instance of counsel for the defendants, it is ordered by the court that each of the Defendants be granted and allowed separate trials, herein.

Nov 5, 1901
State of Missouri Plff     )   Information for Murder
             VS            #722        State elects to Try James Crabtree and Sheriff ordered to summon panel
James Crabtree     Deff    )   of 30 Jurors.
Now at this day comes the Prosecuting Attorney of Stone County, for and on behalf of the State, and elects to try James Crabtree, and the said defendants appearing in his own proper person and by attorneys, and bothe parties announcing ready for trial, Whereupon, it is ordered by the court that W. T Oliver, Sheriff of Stone County, summon a panel of thirty jurors from the body of Stone County.

And now comes Mr. George E Preston, Official Stenographer of this court, who being duly sworn enters upon the discharge of his duties.

Nov 5, 1901
State of Missouri Plff ) Formal Arraignment wavered, plea of not guilty by each defendant.
VS #722 )
Mattie Stallion et al deff )
Now at this day comes the prosecuting attorney of Stone County, for and on behalf of the State and the Defendants, Mattie Stallion, James Crabtree, William Crabtree and Thomas E Crabtree, also appearing in person and by attorneys, and the said defendants being here for arraignment upon the information herein, charging them with murder in the first degree and for plea , hereto say, they are not guilty in manor or form as charged in the information, and of this plea puts themselves upon the county for trial.

Nov 5, 1901
State of Missouri Plff   )   Information for murder in first degree, Motion to elect to try Deff for murder in
             VS                          second degree sustained.
Mattie Stallion     Deff )
Now at this day come the Prosecuting fro Stone County for and on behalf of the State and the defendants Mattie Stallion, James Crabtree, William Crabtree and Thomas Crabtree also appearing in person and by attorneys, and the Motion here to for _____????? (*researcher note: part of entry missing. However, it was a motion to reduce the charge to Second degree murder.)

Nov 5, 1901
State of Missouri Plff   )   Information for Murder. Add. Subp. awarded for Plff. for Frank Chidesto??; rs
            VS             # 722     Mrs. Frank Chidesto??; and old lady Chidesto?
James Crabtree      Deff )
At this day comes the Prosecuting Attorney on behalf of the State and upon his oral motion is is ordered that an additional subpoena for Franks Chidesto(?) , Mrs. Franks Chidesto(?) and the old lady Chidesto(?) on the part of the state issue herein returnable ______??

Nov 5, 1901
State of Missouri Plff   ) Information for Murder
           VS                        ) Panel of 30 Jurors qualified and list furnished to clerk.
James Crabtree     Deff   )
Now at this day comes the Prosecuting attorney for the State and the defents in his own proper person and by attorney, and also comes W. T. Oliver, Sheriff of Stone County, and makes return of the following list of Jurors to wit: (1) J. H. A. David, (2) J.M. Conner(?) (3) George Burkhardt, (4) R. S. Munson, (5) Pashal Hudson, (6) Alfred Wolf, (7) Lu Wise, (8) R. A. McCullah, (9) J. D. Parks, (10) W. N. Mitchell, (11) A. J. Ledbetter, (12) C. L. Steele, (13) J. W. Hair, (14) M. R. Newman, (15) Green Peters, (16) Manlius Steele, (17) Y. B. Rickman, (18) Harry McBride, (19) T. D. Smith, (20) Frank Wheeler, (21) William Sietz,
(22) Ab. Long, (23) Abbot Wise, (24) P. Gipson, (25) Grant Brown, (26) Taylor Wilson, (27) J. W. Ellis, (28) Joseph Gold, (29) William Gardner, (30) Thomas Hilton.
Who have been duly chosen and qualified are discharged under instructions of the Court until 8 o'clock tomorrow morning, and the clerk of this Court is orndered to furnish a list of said panel of Jurors to the plaintiff's and defendants attorneys. Harry C Pepper, Circuit Judge.

Nov 6, 1901
State of Missouri Plff )   Information for murder
           VS           # 722       Trial by Jury- Jury Sworn, evidence heard in part, and Jury respited.
James Crabtree     Deff )
At this day comes John F. Moore, Prosecuting Attorney of Stone County Missouri, for and on behalf of the Sated, and the said Defendant, James Crabtree appearing here in open court in his own proper person and by his attorneys and both parties having hereto fore announced ready for trial.
Wherefore comes the following Jury, to wit:
(1) J. W. Conner, (2) R. S. Munson, (3) Pashal Hudson, (4) R. A. McCullah, (5) W.N. Mitchell, (6) Green Peters, (7) Y.B. Rickman, (8) Frank Wheeler, (9) William Sietz, (10) Ab. Long, (11) Albert Wise, (12) Grant Brown.
Twelve good and lawful men summoned from the body of Stone County who having been duly tried, chosen and sworn to well and truely try the issues herein joined, and a true verdict render unto the court, and after hearing the evidence in past, and there not being sufficient time to complete this trial on today, the said jury is respited in charge of the sheriff until tomorrow morning at 8'oclock.

Nov 6, 1901
State of Missouri Plff )   Information for murder
           VS           # 722     ) List of Jurors returned.
James Crabtree     Deff )
Now comes the Prosecuting attorney for the State and the defendants and appearing in person and by attorney's and also came the panel of 30 Jurors herd four qualified, and the said attorney's here now make return of the list hence four furnished by the clerk showing the challenges made by each party.

Nov 7, 1901
State of Missouri Plff )   Information for murder additional Subp. awarded deff, for T. H. Sanith, J. B.
           VS           # 722       Scott, O. Scott, J. F.S. Bookout.
James Crabtree     Deff )
At this day comes the Defendant by attorney and at his instance an additional subpoena is ordered to issue in behalf of the defendant for T. H. Smith, J. D. Scott, O. Scott, J. F. S. Bookout.

Nov, 7, 1901
State of Missouri Plff ) Information for Murder, Deposition on part of Deff ordered filed.
VS # 722
James Crabtree Deff )
Now this day comes the defendand and in his own proper person and by his attorney and by leave of the court files the deposition of Wm. Pace and Rosco Pace, witness for the defendant.

Nov 7, 1901
State of Missouri Plff ) Information for murder
VS #722 ) Additional subpoena for Andrew Morris.
James Crabtree Deff )
At this day comes the Prosecuting attorney and at his instance an additional Subpoena orderd to issue for Andrew Morris, on behalf of the State.

Nov 7, 1901
State of Missoui Plff ) Information for murder. Trial continued, evidence heard, and the argument
VS ) of counsel in part and the Jury respited.
James Crabtree Deff )
Now again comes the Prosecuting Attorney of Stone County on behalf of the State and the defendant also appearing in his own proper person and by Attorneys, and also came the Jury herein:(1) J. W. Conner, (2) R. S. Munson, (3) Pashal Hudson, (4) R. A. McCullah, (5) W.N. Mitchell, (6) Green Peters, (7) Y.B. Rickman, (8) Frank Wheeler, (9) William Sietz, (10) Ab. Long, (11) Albert Wise, (12) Grant Brown. hereto four empounded and sworn and after hearing the remaining evidence in the case and hearing the argument of counsel in part, and there not being sufficient time in which to complete the trial on today, the said jury is respited in charge of the Sheriff until tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock.
Ordered that the court adjourn until tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock. Henry C Pepper, Judge.

Nov 8, 1901 Court met pursuent to Adjournment, Present as on yesterday.
State of Missouri Plff ) Information for murder
VS ) Arguments of Counsel concluded and Jury rendered Verdict of Guilty.
James Crabtree )
Now again comes the State of Missouri by her Prosecuting Attorney, and the Defendant, James Crabtree also appearing in his own proper person, here in open court, and by his attornys, and also come the Jury hereto four empounded in chard of the Sheriff of Stone County; to wit: :(1) J. W. Conner, (2) R. S. Munson, (3) Pashal Hudson, (4) R. A. McCullah, (5) W.N. Mitchell, (6) Green Peters, (7) Y.B. Rickman, (8) Frank Wheeler, (9) William Sietz, (10) Ab. Long, (11) Albert Wise, (12) Grant Brown. who after hearing the remaining argument of cousel and having received the saw as declared in the instructions of the court, after due deliberation return unto open court the following true Verdict, to wit: "We the Jury fines the defendant guilty of Murder in the second degree and assess his punishment of imprisonment in the penitentiary for a term of ten years. D. W. Sietz, Foreman."

Nov 8, 1901
State of Missouri Plff ) Information for Murder
VS ) Continued by agreement until 26 of May, 1902
William Crabtree Deff )
Now at this day comes the prosecuting attorney for the State and the Defendant William Crabtree also appearing in his own proper person and by Attorneys and by agreement of parties this cause is continued until the 26th of May, 1902.

Nov 8, 1901
Sate of Missiouri Plff ) Information for Murder
VS ) Continued by agreement until 26 of May, 1902
Thomas Crabtree Deff )
Now at this day comes the Prosecuting Attorney for the State and the Defendant appearing by counsel and by agreement of parties this cause is continued until the 26th of May 1902.

Nov 8, 1901
Sate of Missiouri Plff   ) Information for Murder
         VS                            ) Continued by agreement until 26 of May, 1902
Mattie Stallion              )
Now at this day comes the Prosecuting Attorney for the State and the Defendant appearing by counsel and by agreement of parties this cause is continued until the 26th of May 1902.
J. C. Pepper, Judge.

Nov 9, 1901
State of Missouri Plff ) Information for Murder
VS ) Bond filed at $1, 000.00.
William Crabtree )
Now at this day comes the Prosecuting Attorney for Stone County and the Defendant in his own proper person and by Attorney, and is is ordered by the court that the said Defendant be admitted to bail at the sum of One thousand Dollars.

Nov 9, 1901
State of Missoui Plff ) Information for Murder
VS ) Motion for new trial filed and _______????
James Crabtree Deff )
Now at this day comes the Prosecuting Attorney on behalf of the State and the Defendant also appearing in his own proper person , and by his Attorney's and by leave of the court, said Defendant files his Motion for a new trial. ( rest of page is missing.)

(no date)
State of Missouri Plff )   Information for murder. Application for Change of Venue filed and overruled.
          VS
Mattie Stallion     Deff ) # 722

And now on this day comes the Prosecuting Attorney for the State in this behalf and also comes the defendant in her own proper person as well as by her Attorneys, and said defendant, by leave of the court files herein her application and affidavit for a change of venue in this cause and said application being seen, heard and fully understood is by the court is overruled.

*Note ( No date on this page, but according to the newspaper, I am assuming it would have been in May 1902. )

State of Missouri Plff ) Information for murder Sheriff ordered to summon panel of thirty jurors.
         VS                           )
Mattie Stallion    Deff )
*   Note from researcher: the bottom of this page is missing. but should be a court order to locate jurors.

State of Missouri Plff ) Information for Murder, Add Subp. awarded Deff for C. B. Carr, and Mrs. C. B.
Vs ) Carr returnable instaut__?
Mattie Stallion Deff )
Now at this day comes the Prosecuting Attorney for the State and at his instance it is ordered by the court that an additional subpoena issue for C. B. Carr and Mrs. C. B. Carr, Wittness on the par t of the State, and that it be directed to the Sherifff of Stone Coutny and be made returnable instaubo(?)

State of Missouri Plff ) Information for Murder-Add. Subp. issue and awarded Deff for George E Preston
VS ) , returnable instantes.
Mattie Stallion )
Now at this day comes the Defendant by her Attorney's, and at their instance , it is ordered by the court that a subpoena Dues Tecum? issue for Mr. George E. Preston, Witness on the part of the Defendants, that he be requested to bring and produce in evidence his Stenographic notes taken in the case of the State of Missouri against James Crabtree at the Nov. Term 1901 of the county that the said be directed to the Sheriff of Green County and be made returnable instantes.

May 31, 1902
State of Missouri Plff ) Information for Murder
Vs ) Trial Concluded, Jury disagreeing are discharged.
Mattie Stallions )
Now comes the Prosecuting Attorney for the State, and the defendants in her own proper person and by Attorney's an the jury hereto from empanneld, in charge of the Sheriff of this County to witt.:
S Sullivan, W. H. Crumblis, W. H. Tatem, J. R. Estes, W. T. Mitchell, Charles Gardner, W. E . Wright, J. T. Roy, J. H. Leath, O Plunkett, W. A. Crumpley, W.L Gamble.
And the said jury failing to agree upon a verdict, are by the court discharged.

May 31, 1902
State of Missouri Plff ) Information for Murder
Vs ) Continued by agreement until Dec. 1, 1902.
Mattie Stallions Deff )
Now comes the Prosecuting Attorney for the State and the defendant appearing in person and by counsel, and by agreement of parties, it is ordered by the Court that this cause be and the same is hereby continued until December 1, 1902.

No Dates...Researcher believes this to be final dispositions of the court.
State of Missouri Plff )   Murder
         VS                         ) Nolle Prosequi
Mattie Stallion   Deff   )
Comes now at this day Rufe Scott, prosecuting attorney of Stone County Missouri who prosecutes for the State and states he will not prosecute this action against the defendant but will suffer the same to be dismissed. Wherefore it is ordered by the Court that the State of Missouri take nothing by virture of its writ, that the defendant Mattie Stallions be discharged and go hence without day and that she hand and recover of and from the State of Missouri her cost in this behalf expended and that a fee bill issue thereof.

State of Missouri Plff ) Murder
VS ) Nolle Prosequi
William Crabtree Deff )
Comes now at this day Rufe Scott, prosecuting attorney of Stone County Missouri who prosecutes for the State and states he will not prosecute this action against the defendant but will suffer the same to be dismissed. Wherefore it is ordered by the Court that the State of Missouri take nothing by virture of its writ, that the defendant William Crabtree be discharged and go hence without day and that he hand and recover of and from the State of Missouri her cost in this behalf expended and that a fee bill issue thereof.

State of Missouri Plff ) Murder
VS ) Nolle Prosequi
Thomas Crabtree Deff )
Comes now at this day Rufe Scott, prosecuting attorney of Stone County Missouri who prosecutes for the State and shs he will not prosecute this action against the defendant but will suffer the same to be dismissed. Wherefore it is ordered by the Court that the State of Missouri take nothing by virture of its writ, that the defendant Thomas Crabtree be discharged and go hence without day and that he hand and recover of and from the State of Missouri her cost in this behalf expended and that a fee bill issue thereof

State of Missouri Plff ) Murder
VS ) Nolle Prosequi
James Crabtree Deff )
Comes now at this day Rufe Scott, prosecuting attorney of Stone County Missouri who prosecutes for the State and states he will not prosecute this action against the defendant but will suffer the same to be dismissed. Wherefore it is ordered by the Court that the State of Missouri take nothing by virture of its writ, that the defendant James Crabtree be discharged and go hence without day and that he hand and recover of and from the State of Missouri her cost in this behalf expended and that a fee bill issue thereof.

Final Notes from Researcher. I have attempted to Extract as many of the court records as possible. There may be a chance that entries were overlooked. My intentions were to extract every item having to do with this case.
If there seems to be a gap, perhaps interest in the case waned. I searched for transcriptions of the testimony at the trial, but none were located.
If you have information involving this case, please write to Mindvoice@ Msn.com.

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