Introduction

 

Hagerstown, like any other community, is rich in history.  However, our memories of those who helped form the unique quality of our home town often fade away, and are forgotten.

For me, that summarizes the story of Leonard Geisler, a man who served as the Town Marshal and who died doing so.  Even after many hours of research into his story, I still don’t know a lot about Leonard Geisler, also known as “Lenny” or “Lenna” by those that did know him.  I do know that he was a respected member of our town and performed his duties diligently, having served as marshal for two years prior to being asked to return to town again as the marshal in April of 1905.

I chose to document Marshal Geisler’s story by simply retyping documents unknown to most of us, but documents maintained very well by local libraries and historical associations for the purpose of preserving our history.  I have made every effort to retype the text found in this document, including spelling and punctuation, as it appeared in local newsprint and other relevant documents.  The Hagerstown Exponent and Richmond Evening Item news articles are complete.  Omissions, or missing text that do exist, are a result of damaged or indiscernible newsprint, and I have identified missing, or indiscernible text, by using an asterisk in conjunction with an appropriate notation.

My work as identified two key people:  Marshal Leonard Geisler and his assailant, John Knapp.  News accounts clearly reference the good reputation of both families, and I do not intend to unnecessarily harm fond memories of the Knapp relatives.

As with any research project of this nature, there seems to be no clear stopping point; each new discovery taking me in a different direction.  I will certainly continue to study this incident and research those individuals involved.  However, for now, I have decided to stop here.

Kent F. Hollenberg

Former Police Chief, Hagerstown Police Department

The Hagerstown Exponent

May 4, 1905

MARSHAL GEISLER MURDERED!

John Knapp in Jail, Charged with Murder In First Degree

Lenny Geisler , City Marshal, was fatally injured, Saturday night, about 12 o’clock, and died Monday afternoon shortly before 5 o’clock, of his injuries.

Mr. Geisler had received his commission as marshal from the City Council just one week prior to his being assaulted. Saturday night he had been on duty and at a late hour went to Pipher’s barber shop for a shave, and after receiving his attention started to his home which is in the first block south on the west side of Perry street, from the Pipher corner, from Main. Hearing loud talking on the corner diagonally across the street, he went to the place, where some men were congregated, under the wooden awning.  Marshal Geisler expostulated, so it is said, with the men who were making the disturbance, urging them to go home, and turning to leave, some one struck him on the side of the head with a heavy iron bar. Marshal Geisler fell to his knees, and immediately began firing his revolver, unloading three shots. The shots went wild it was thought at the time, and no one was supposed to have been struck. Marshal Geisler then went to Pipher’s barber shop, Charles Bertram going with him, and told those present that John Knapp had stuck him with an iron rod, but that he was not hurt much. It was noticed that blood was flowing from he side of his head, and he was advised to see a physician, and Charles Bertram and Walter Foutz accompanied him to Dr. Stotelmyer’s office. The doctor had been called away, and they awaited his coming. Marshal Geisler talked rationally and told of the occurrence to those who had followed him to the office for at least ten minutes when he lost consciousness. Dr. Stotelmyer arrived in a very short time after Geisler lost consciousness; he gave him medical attention and with the assistance of others carried him to the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Geisler.

Sunday morning, Dr. Stotlemyer, assisted by Drs. Wampler and Bramkamp, of Richmond, performed an operation, in the hopes of saving the marshal’s life, but all efforts were in vain.

Coroner S. C. Markley, assisted by Dr. Stotlemyer, held a post-mortem Monday night. They found a scalp wound an inch long, above the right ear, running diagonally upward toward the center of the head. On removing the top part of the skull bone, a large clot of blood fully three inches in diameter, or about three ounces of blood, was found beneath the bone. A small triangular piece of bone was fractured from the inner table of the skull. All the vital organs of the thorax and abdomen were found to be perfectly healthy.

Great excitement prevails over the lamentable occurrence that caused the death of Marshal Geisler. He was fearless in the discharge of his official duties, and was held in high esteem by the law-abiding citizens. He was feared by the lawless and peace-disturbing element of the community, and it is stated that threats were made against his life. It is said that early in the evening, on the night of the assault, that one of the crowd which had congregated at the place where the tragedy occurred, revealed an iron bar that he had concealed under his coat, remarking that he had it for the purpose of killing the marshal. Many are of the opinion that the boisterous conduct of the man, supposed to be guilty of, or accessory to the crime, and who it is also said had been drinking, was for the purpose of a decoy for the marshal; if so, they succeeded in their deadly and nefarious premeditation.

The Wayne County Court has called a special grand jury to investigate the murder of Marshal Geisler.

Sunday morning John Knapp was placed under arrest, Charles Smith and James Bagford acting as deputies for Sheriff Smith.  They found him at his home and he was placed in the city jail. Soon afterwards he was taken to Richmond by Sheriff Smith and placed in jail, to await trial. The arrest of others is expected.

Prosecutor Jessup was notified by telephone immediately after the death of Marshall Geisler and he at once prepared an affidavit against Knapp, charging with murder in the first degree. Later, the same evening, a formal arraignment of the prisoner took place before Justice Abbott, the prisoner being represented by his attorney, John F. Robbins. The preliminary was waived and Knapp held to the grand jury without bond. It is said that Knapp, upon being informed of the death of Marshal Geisler, showed much feeling, giving expression in loud crying.

Prosecutor Jessup, in company with Deputy Sheriff Bailey, was here Tuesday, summoning witnesses to appear at the special grand jury today, when the trial will be commenced.

The funeral services were held yesterday morning, in the M E. church, at 10:30 o’clock, conducted my Rev. William Pierce, assisted by Rev. Warbinton. The church choir rendered ”Nearer My God to Thee,” “Rock of Ages” and “Come, Ye Disconsolate.” In the beginning of the service, Rev. Peirce, with the congregation, recited the beautiful psalm, beginning, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.” As a preface to the unreal oration, Rev. Peirce read the fourteenth chapter of John.

The Red Men’s cornet band left the funeral cortege from the home to the church, from the church to West Lawn, where the remains were interred, and from West Lawn to the home of the parents of the deceased, playing appropriate music.

Many floral pieces were the tribute of friends.

The pallbearers were:  Frank Geisler, George Geisler, John Geisler, Kern Sleifer, cousins of the deceased, Kirk Hughes and Florence Pipher, cousins by marriage.

Every business house in the town was closed during the funeral and burial services.

Following is the obituary as read at the services:

“Leonard Geisler was born in Hagerstown, Indiana, April 2, 1869, and died May 1, 1905, aged 36 years and eight days.  He was the son of Adam Geisler, who, with his sister, Mrs. Leota Whitesell, survive him, and mourn for the touch of a vanished hand and the sound of a voice that is still.” Lenna was good and kind to father, mother and sister, at all times thoughtful for their comfort and happiness. To neighbors and friends he was always good and willing to lend a helping hand in case of sickness or trouble. He was honored and respected by all good people who knew him because of his genial disposition and for his courage and bravery in the discharge of his duty.

“The truly brave are soft of hearts and eyes

And feel for what their duty bids them do.”

As an officer, he was ever vigilant and courageous in the discharge of his duty. For nearly a year and a half past he was employed at Indianapolis. For two years before going to Indianapolis he had served as town marshal of Hagerstown. He returned from Indianapolis and resumed his old position as town marshal just one week before the day when he received the fatal blow, while in the faithful discharge of his duty. His courageous determination to discharge his duty made for him his only enemies, those who were vicious and evil disposed, one of whom caused his death. Showing his vigilance in the discharge of his duty is the fact that on two different occasions his watchfulness saved the town from disastrous fires. He was most cowardly assaulted while in the line of his duty and because he was doing his duty as an officer. In his life and death is found as much of the stuff of which heroes are made, as can be found in the bravest soldier who falls on the field of battle. The good people of Hagerstown generally mourn his tragic death.

The Evening Item

May 1, 1905

Town Marshal Assaulted At Hagerstown

Lenny Geisler May Not Recover from Injury Received Last Saturday Night.

An Arrest Made

John Knapp Taken In Custody But He Denies Any Knowledge of the Affair.

Heavy Iron Bar Was Used

Geisler Struck on the Back of the Head and He Has Not Regained Consciousness.

Lenny Geisler, town marshal of Hagerstown, this county, lies in his home perhaps fatally injured as a result of an assault committed upon him late Saturday night. John Knapp, also of Hagerstown, is in the Wayne county jail pending an investigation of the case, but has not been formally charged with the assault.

He denies guilt; in fact enters a denial of having any knowledge of the affair whatever, and his wife and daughter have both stated that Knapp was at home and in bed at the time the assault on Marshal Geisler took place. There is little hope held out for the recovery of Geisler.

*missing text*

It is not plain whether there were any words following this, but it is certain that within a minute or so after the marshal came upon the group of men that he was struck on the back of the head with an iron bar, and knocked to the ground. The men ran, and Geisler fired his revolver at one of them. Geisler regained his feet and walked a half block to a barber shop which was still open, and to persons in the shop Geisler is said to have made the assertion that he believed John Knapp was the man who struck him.

Despite the face that Geisler had been knocked to the ground by the force of the blow delivered with a heavy iron bar, he was of the opinion that he was not seriously injured, and not until friends in the barber shop insisted that he should receive the attention of a physician would he consent.

He was taken to Dr. Stotlemyer’s office and attention given the wound. Within a half hour Geisler became unconscious, and it was apparent that his injury was of a serious character.

Sunday, Drs. Wampler and Bramkamp, of this city, went to Hagerstown and made an examination of Geisler’s wounds and it was found that the skull was dented though no fractured. An operation was performed in the hope that relief might result and it was attended by good effect, but Geisler did not regain consciousness. It is believed that a blood clot had formed as a result of the injury. This morning Geisler was still unconscious.

Early Sunday morning Sheriff Smith was communicated with and he deputized Charles Smith and James Bagford to arrest Knapp and hold him until he could reach there. The sheriff went to Hagerstown and returned with Knapp.

The wife of Knapp asserts that her husband was in bed when the assault took place. She fixes the time by the shots that were fired, all three of which, it is said, she claims to have heard. On the other hand, it is asserted, that two men claim that Knapp was the man who struck the blow that felled Geisler. He denies this accusation vigorously. Geisler’s statement that Knapp was the man who struck him probably was responsible for the arrest being made.

Prosecutor Jessup was at Hagerstown during Sunday and made a personal investigation of the case, interviewing the men who are said to have been in the group when Geisler was assaulted. The iron bar that was used was probably picked up near the place where the assault took place. A building at the corner, was being moved, and the tools of the workmen were lying about. The weapon used was a jack bar. It was brought to Richmond yesterday by the sheriff.

Up to noon today no charges had been filed against Knapp by Prosecutor Jessup, though it is said that the prosecutor has information at hand which justifies the belief that Knapp has knowledge of the assault. Knapp will be held awaiting the outcome of the injuries of Geisler. This afternoon word from Hagerstown was to the effect that Geisler might recover from his injuries, though there is still much concern felt over his condition.

Knapp comes from a well known and respected family. It is asserted that he has been in trouble several times before, and that while living in Jay County was at one time charged with assault and battery upon his wife, though was never prosecuted. When sober, he is said to be industrious and a good citizen, but when in his sups is inclined to be irritable.

Knapp’s claim that he was at home and in bed at the time of the assault is said not to be borne out by other testimony given to the prosecutor. The matter is being fully investigated.

The Evening Item

May 2, 1905

Assault of Geisler Becomes a Murder

Young Hagerstown Marshal Died Last Night as Result of Injury Inflicted While in the Discharge of His Duty.

Feeling is Intense

Hagerstown People Want Guilt Fixed and Just Punishment Meted Out

John Knapp Still Denies

Formal Charge of Murder in the First Degree Made – Preliminary Examination Waived

Lenny Geisler, marshal of Hagerstown, who was brutally assaulted late Saturday night, is dead. John Knapp, who was arrested Sunday at Hagerstown, and who was believed by the prosecutor as the man who committed the assault, has been charged with the murder of Geisler, and has been held to the Wayne county grand jury with out bond. The grand jury will take up the case at once.

The murder of Geisler is one of the most brutal crimes that has been committed in Wayne country in many years. Whether Knapp is the man who delivered the blow that caused the young marshal’s death is not determined, but the Hagerstown people want the responsibility fixed and proper punishment dealt out to the guilty.

Geisler died last evening between 5 and 6 o’clock. The physicians who were called upon to attend him soon after he was assaulted, ventured the opinion that death must follow unless the blood clot on the brain should not be of great area and should clear up in a comparatively short time.

Geisler was conscious for almost an hour after he was assaulted and during that period is asserted to have told several persons that John Knapp was the man who assaulted him. From the time that Geisler became unconscious Saturday night until his death he never regained his senses, and therefore it was not possible for family and friends to get from the victim the full story of the circumstances that led up to that assault it self. All day yesterday Geisler hovered between life and death. There was some hope that the young man might recover, until late in the afternoon, when pulse and respiration became greatly weakened, and those about the bedside realized that death was only a matter of a short time. The end came at the time stated above, and as soon as the announcement was made there was deep gloom in the town. Geisler’s reputation in Hagerstown was of the very best. He was a life long resident and his standing among the business men and citizens in general was high.

Prosecutor Jessup was notified by telephone that Geisler had died, and he at once prepared an affidavit against Knapp charging murder in the first degree. Later in the evening at the county jail a formal arraignment of the prisoner took place before Justice Abbott, the prisoner being represented by his attorney John F. Robbins. The preliminary was waived and Knapp held to the grand jury without bond.

There appears to be more or less mystery about the case that it is expected that the grand jury will untangle when it gets down to its investigation. Knapp has made no statement concerning the case, and it is not to be expected that he will, but it is said that he still vigorously denies any connection with the affair. The alibi he offers is strengthened by his wife and daughter, but according to the officers, there seems to be many people in Hagerstown who are of the opinion that the right man is under arrest.

Coroner Markley was summoned to Hagerstown immediately following the death of Geisler, and he held an autopsy on the body. The skull was opened and a blood clot on the right side of the brain was revealed. It was fully three inches in diameter, and three ounces of congested blood composed the clot. A small sliver of the skull was also found, showing that there had been a slight fracture. The autopsy was complete, and all organs of the body were examined. They were in a healthy state. Coroner Markley will examine various witnesses, including eye witnesses to the assault before returning his verdict. It is expected that in his verdict he will fix the responsibility in so far as it is possible for him to do.

When Knapp last evening was informed that Geisler was dead, he exhibited much feeling and wailed in his cell. Previous to this Knapp apparently had treated the matter lightly, maintaining throughout that though he was suspected of the assault on the marshal, he had nothing to do with it and therefore was not uneasy.

It has been asserted that Knapp’s record in the past has not been good, and it is alleged that while a resident of Jay County he became entangled in a criminal case of very serious nature. Prosecutor Jessup said this morning that he had no official knowledge of any of these charges, but that they would be looked into in order to establish the character of the prisoner. Knapp comes of a good family, and there is much sympathy felt in Hagerstown for the man’s relatives.

There are evidences that the case will be hard fought both by the state and the defense. The state will probably rely on the statement of Geisler immediately following the assault and on the testimony of eye witnesses which, it is said, tends to corroborate the ante-mortem statement of Geisler. Whether Knapp can establish his alibi as he and his friends claim, is to be determined.

Judge Fox this morning called the Wayne county grand jury to meet on Thursday and investigate the case thoroughly. Prosecutor Jessup today was busy arranging to summon a large number of witnesses to appear before the grand jury and these summonses will be served by the sheriff tomorrow.

The Evening Item

May 3, 1905

Jessup Says Evidence is Conclusive

Persecuting attorney believes John Knapp Will Be Convicted of Murder.

Twenty Witnesses

Grand Jury Will Convene Tomorrow and Investigate Case Thoroughly.

Knapp Shows No Concern

*Missing text* He Will Be Able to Prove His Innocence – Important Evidence to Be Given.

Twenty witnesses have been summoned to appear before the Wayne county grand jury tomorrow, when the murder of Leonard Geisler, marshal of Hagerstown, will be investigated. All of the witnesses are residents of Hagerstown. It is believed that the grand jury will conclude its (****) in two days, and it is expected that an indictment against Knapp will be returned not later that Friday.

 

Leonard Geisler Buried Today

The funeral of Leonard Geisler, of Hagerstown, took place this morning at his home and was very largely attended. Several Richmond people attended the services.

May 4, 1905

The Inquiry is begun by Grand Jury

Murder of Leonard Geisler, Marshal at Hagerstown, Being Investigated.

Indictment Sure

The Belief Prevails That John Knapp Will Be Charged With Crime.

Many Witnesses Present

A Hagerstown Man Who Says Murder Is Not Regarded as Mystery by People There.

The Wayne county grand jury convened for the second time during its term today. The investigation of the murder of Leonard Geisler, marshal of Hagerstown, was the subject for the inquiry, and Prosecutor Jessup expected to have plenty of witnesses here so that the work could be pushed with rapidity. It is the belief that an indictment will be returned against John Knapp, already under arrest, and also formally charged with murder in the first degree. The same evidence that prompted Prosecutor Jessup to make the charge will probably cause the grand jury to bring in an indictment. There are a number of witnesses here today who will testify as to the statement made by Marshal Geisler a few minutes after he was assaulted. Geisler did not become unconscious until thirty minutes or so elapsed after he was knocked to the ground.

Knapp was taken before the grand jury, as required by law, that he might offer any objections to any member of it. When Deputy Sheriff Bailey went to jail after Knapp, he placed handcuffs on the prisoner. “You do not have to do that; I don’t want to get away.” said Knapp, but the handcuffs were not removed. When taken before the grand jury he was asked if he had any objections to any member, and he answered that he had not. He was then taken back to the jail and the investigation was begun. The grand jury consists of the following:

J.F. Daveport, of Richmond.

Levi D. Parks, of Boston.

George McConaha, of Centerville.

Asher Pierce, of Williamsburg.

Elihu Mills, of Cambridge City.

George E. Cook, of Economy.

The grand jury will finish its work by Friday night or Saturday morning it is expected.

 

Feeling at Hagerstown.

Hagerstown people are considerably annoyed by the newspaper reports printed since the murder of Geisler. A Hagerstown man who was in Richmond yesterday, said to The Item:

“For some cause or other there has evidently been an effort to create the impression that the Geisler murder is regarded as a mystery by Hagerstown people. The truth is that the Hagerstown people do not regard the murder of Leonard Geisler as a mystery in any sense of the word. The opinion is almost unanimous that John Knapp who is under arrest, was the man who dealt the blow that killed the officer. Hagerstown people have the greatest sympathy for the immediate family and near relatives of Knapp. They are of utmost respectability, but John Knapp’s past record in and out of Hagerstown, has been of such character that he was not deemed a good citizen before this affair took place. Marshal Geisler told no less than a half dozen persons who the man was who struck him. Geisler was certainly not mistaken. There is much other evidence that the grand jury will probably ascertain, that indicates beyond doubt that Knapp was the assailant. It is asserted that he threatened Marshal Geisler early in the evening and the man to whom he made the threat has told the authorities.

“There is another thing that Hagerstown people do not like. The stories of what a tough place Hagerstown is are wholly untrue, and the record for several years will show that there has been less rowdyism there than at any place in Wayne county. The fact that an officer of the law was murdered does not justify the circulation of stories that lawlessness prevails. Hagerstown people have as much respect for the law as the people of any community. They look upon the murder of Marshal Geisler as being a dastardly crime, and they are demanding that proper punishment be dealt to the guilty man. We are not holding up our hands in terror, however, for lawlessness does not prevail.”

 

May 5, 1905

Knapp Is Indicted By the Grand Jury

Charged With Slaying Marshal Geisler, of Hagerstown, and He Will Be Tried for First Degree Murder—Grand Jury Made Quick Work of Investigation.

Coroner’s Verdict

He Also Holds Knapp Responsible For Death Of Hagerstown Marshal.

The Testimony Damaging

Witnesses Whose Stories of the Affair Resulted in Coroner Reaching His Decision.

Almost simultaneously the Wayne county grand jury returned an indictment against John Knapp charging him with the murder of Marshal Geisler of Hagerstown, and Coroner Markley returned a verdict holding Knapp responsible for the crime. Both the indictment and the coroner’s verdict were announced late last evening.

Coroner Markley’s verdict is as follows:

“I, Stephen S. Markley, coroner of Wayne county, having examined the body of Leonard Geisler, and having heard the testimony of witnesses, which testimony is hereto attached do hereby find that the deceased came to his death on the first day of May, 1905, from cerebral hemorrhage, the result of having been maliciously struck on the head with an iron crow bar wielded by John Knapp.”

The testimony taken by Coroner Markley yesterday is very damaging to Knapp’s alibi. The following is a part of the testimony taken:

 

Charles Bertram.

I am a resident of Hagerstown. I am a section hand. Am acquainted with John Knapp, and also was acquainted with Marshal Geisler. Knapp’s habits and reputation are unknown to me. I always thought Marshal Geisler was a nice fellow and always attended to his business, never annoying anybody. Between 11 and 12 o’clock on the night of April 29, I had been about town at Hagerstown, and about midnight I was on my way home. I had been drinking, but knew perfectly what I was doing. I am sure I was not drunk. I had been talking to Geisler on the northeast corner of Perry and Main streets, just before starting home. I had not gone more than fifty feet when I heard an iron bar fall on the cement sidewalk. I saw Lenny Geisler fall over toward the old photograph gallery, and John Knapp ran past me, running away from the direction where Geisler had fallen, toward me. He turned east into the alley and continued running. A few seconds after I saw Geisler fall, he began to shoot a revolver in my direction. I saw the flashes and heard three shots fired, I called to him, “Lenny, quit shooting, you might hit me.” I went to Geisler and asked him if he was hurt. He said: “John Knapp hit me over the head with a crow bar, but I will get him tomorrow.” I asked him, “Don’t you want to go to the doctor?” and he said: “No; take me to the pump and wash my head.” We started for the pump, and before reaching there we were joined by Walter Fouts, and as Geisler was bleeding badly we did not stop. I was very much excited, and we may have stopped at the barber shop, but I am not positive.

In continuing his testimony Bertram told of accompanying Geisler to Dr. Stotlemeyer’s office.

 

Benjamin Paul.

Benjamin Paul testified that he saw Knapp on the street about 9 o’clock the night of the assault, and saw him again at 11:45. At the latter time Mr. Paul saw Knapp, he said the latter was midway of North Perry street, where it joined Main street. He had come out of the dark part of the street. He appeared intoxicated, the witness said, and staggered like a drunken man. In continuing the witness said: “I asked him to go home. He said: “Wait a minute.” He walked down the street a short distance. I walked to the northeast corner of Main and Perry streets where Sherman French and one of the Lilley boys were standing. After two or three minutes Knapp came back to me, and taking me by the arm, said: “I want to talk to you.” I said: “John, let’s go home.” He said: “I don’t allow any —- —- —— to tell me what to do.” I don’t know whether he referred to me or not. Up to this time Knapp had not mentioned anybody’s name, I again said: “John, let’s go home.” He pulled an iron bar from beneath his coat and swung it about his head, saying: “I will get that Dutch —- — — —–.” He did not mention any name, but in his talk he said he would not let that —– marshal arrest him. After he swung the bar and made threats, I tried to dissuade him from committing any violence, mentioning his family and home. He said: “I don’t give a —-, and you have got to stay with me.” Knapp is my nearest neighbor, and I tried to prevent him getting into trouble on account of his family. I said: “John I can not do anything like that. Don’t hit anybody with anything but your fist. Come, let’s go home.” While we were talking somebody passed us. I walked away from Knapp going south on Perry street. As I walked away I looked over my shoulder and saw Knapp back up against the old building which was being moved, and which stood in the street.

In concluding his testimony, Mr. Paul said that after walking two or three squares he heard the revolver shots and returned to the corner. He did not see Knapp again, but saw Geisler being led down the street.

 

Other Testimony.

Florence Pipher, a barber, told of Geisler being brought into his shop by Charles Bertram. He said he asked Geisler what had occurred, and that Geisler replied: “John Knapp hit me with a crow-bar.”

Simon Miller, who was in the barber shop at the time Geisler was taken in there by Bertram, testified that he also heard Geisler say that John Knapp had hit him with a crowbar. Miller also testified that fifteen minutes before the assault took place he saw John Knapp standing within 20 feet of the place where Geisler was assaulted. Miller said Knapp was talking loudly to some fellows and that Knapp was holding something in his hand that looked like some kind of a club.

Several other witnesses were examined but the testimony of those given is said to have been the most important.

May 6, 1905

Knapp Enters Plea of Not Guilty Today

Arraigned in Circuit Court on the Charge of Murder in First Degree.

He Has Attorneys

Robbins & Starr Engaged by the Knapp Family to Defend the Prisoner.

One Witness Is Missing

One of the Men Who Was With Knapp on Night of Murder Not in Hagerstown.

John Knapp was arraigned before Judge Fox in circuit court this morning on the charge of murder in the first degree, and entered a plea of not guilty. The indictment returned by the grand jury was read by Deputy Clerk Huey, and Judge Fox asked Knapp if he were guilty or not guilty. “Not guilty,” answered Knapp, Judge Fox asked him if he had an attorney, and he answered in the affirmative.

Members of the Knapp family have engaged Robbins & Starr to defend Knapp. The date for the trial has not been set, but it will not take place until June and perhaps not until later. The criminal docket is well filled for this month, and the state will make no effort to hurry the case to trial, as it is customary in murder cases to give the defense all the time desired to prepare for trial.

It is believed that the case will be tried to Wayne county, although the report has been circulated that a change of venue will be asked. The court has no discretion in the granting of a change of venue in a murder case, the law providing that when an affidavit for change of venue is filed, it must be granted.

Knapp, handcuffed to Sol Locke, was taken to the court room from the jail by Turnkey Harris. He did not appear worried and talked freely with Mr. Robbins. Knapp is a powerfully built man, with broad, round shoulders. To all appearances he does not realize the seriousness of the situation in which he is placed.

One of the most important witnesses in the case, a man named French, who was with Knapp the night of the murder, has not been in Hagerstown since last Monday. He was supposed to testify in a case in Portland last Monday, and left before the death of Geisler occurred. Hagerstown people are of the opinion that he will return, but the face that he has been away so long is causing comment.

May 16, 2007

September 11 Date Set For Knapp Trial

Prosecuting Attorney Jessup Agrees to Let Case Go Over Until Fall.

Agreement Made

Defense Will Not Take a Change of Venue from Wayne County

Action in Court Today

Attorney Robbins Not Able to Have Defense Ready for a Trial in June.

On agreement in open court that no change of venue will be taken, Prosecuting Attorney Jessup today agreed to allow the trial of John Knapp, indicted for the murder of Marshal Leonard Geisler, of Hagerstown, to go over until September, and Judge Fox set the trial for September 11.

Prosecutor Jessup asked that the case be set for the last week in June but John F. Robbins, attorney for the defendant, stated that it would be impossible for him to be ready for trial by that time, owing to the fact that he has cases in court up to that time.

Owing to the fact that a change of venue can always be taken in a murder case, the state could not insist on an early trial, and Mr. Robbins and Mr. Jessup agreed on the date of September 11, on condition that the case shall be tried in Wayne county and that there shall be no continuance unless for cause.

The agreement on the date for the trial will be, it is believed, generally satisfactory throughout the county. Immediately after the murder occurred, when excitement at Hagerstown was at fever heat, demands for an immediate trial were made, but is is now realized hat the defense should be given plenty of time to prepare its case, and it is believed by all concern

*missing text*

August 25, 1905

Knapp Case to Be Tried In October

Continuance of Three Weeks Granted by Judge Fox Under Conditions.

Attorney Is Ill

John F. Robbins Makes Affidavit That He is Unable to Try Case.

Objections Were Offered

State Attorneys Want Case Tried as Soon as Possible – October 2 Named.

A continuance until October 2 was today granted by Judge Fox in the case of John Knapp, charged with the murder of Leonard Geisler, of Hagerstown. The trial was set for September 11, an agreement having been made in open court soon after Knapp was indicted, between John F. Robbins, attorney for the defendant, and Prosecuting Attorney Jessup, to the effect that the case should not be tried until September, with the understand that there should be no further continuance.

This morning Mr. Robbins stated to the court, that owing to the fact that he was in poor health, and also that he had heard case in court both the week before and the week after the date set for the trial, he would ask that the case be continued until the October term.

Prosecuting Attorney Jessup and Attorney Henry U. Johnson, who has been engaged by Geisler’s father to assist in the prosecution, informed the court that a continuance would weaken the case of the state, as there would be difficulty in having some of the most important witnesses here at a later date. At the same time they showed a disposition not to force a trial of the case if Attorney Robbins was not physically able to look after it.

Judge Fox stated that at the time the agreement was made in open court he had announced that he would not continue the case on an agreement of attorneys, but that if Mr. Robbins would file an affidavit to the effect that he was physically unable to appear, he would set the case forward until October 2, which is the first day of the October term.

Before granting the continuance, Judge Fox required that the defendant appear in court and agree that there should be no application for change of venue. The court also announced that there would be no further continuance of the case for the same cause. Mr. Robbins agreed to these conditions and it is assured that the trial will begin on the second of October.

September 13, 1905

Venire for Knapp Case Is Ordered

Seventy-Five Names From Which Jury That Will Hear Case Will Be Secured.

The Trial Is Near

October 2 the Date Set and There Will Be No Further Continuance

In Trouble Once Before

Knapp Was Arrested Eighteen Years Ago for Assault With Intent to Kill.

Judge Fox this morning issued an order for a special venire of seventy-five names from which a jury will be selected for the trial of John Knapp, which will begin in circuit court, October 2, two weeks from next Monday. Owing to the wide publicity given the murder of Leonard Geisler, of which Knapp is charged, it is believed that considerable difficulty will be experienced in getting a jury of twelve men who have no opinion on the case.

It is always a difficult matter to get a jury in Wayne county to try a man on the charge of murder in the first degree. One of the requirements is that the juror shall have no conscientious scruples against capital punishment, and in this county the number of people who do not believe in hangings is said to be above the average. For these two reasons Judge Fox made the special venire unusually large.

It is certain that the trial of Knapp will begin two weeks from next Monday. Last Monday was the date originally set for the trial, but a continuance of two weeks was granted because of the illness of John F. Robbins, attorney for the defendant. Judge Fox has announced that no further continuance will be granted, and it is thought that none will be asked.

In looking over the criminal records of the county today, Deputy Sheriff Jesse Bailey found that Knap was arrested in May, 1887, on the charge of assault and batter with intent to kill. Richard A. Jackson was prosecuting attorney at the time. Knapp was fined $50 for the offense.

September 15, 1905

Looking Into Past History of John Knapp

Alleged That He Has Twice Been Charged With Assault With Intent to Kill.

He Cut His Throat

Two Witnesses for State Said To Have Disappeared From Hagerstown

Much Interest in Case

Special Venire Drawn – Eighty-Seven Names From Which Jury Will Be Drawn.

Prosecutor Jessup and Attorney Henry U. Johnson for the state in the case of John Knapp, who is charged with the murder of Marshal Leonard Geisler, of Hagerstown, have been looking into Knapp’s past record, and they have found that on several occasions he has been charged with serious offenses. Twice, it is alleged, he has been charged with assault and battery with intent to kill. The fact that he was arrested on that charge eighteen years ago in the county was recently reported. It has now been learned that an indictment on the same charge was returned against him at Portland only a few years ago.

It is charged that at Portland Knapp made an assault on his wife, and then cut his own throat. It was supposed that he intended to commit both murder and suicide, but neither attempt was successful. An indictment against Knapp was returned, but he left the county and was never prosecuted. His wife brought divorce proceedings, but later they patched up their differences and were living together at the time of his arrest in Hagerstown.

Two of the witnesses for the state have disappeared, and efforts to locate them are now being made. The witnesses are not the most important ones, yet their testimony would corroborate the testimony of the witnesses whose statements will prove the most damaging to Knapp. It is known that one of the men who left the state was paid to do so.

It is thought that the defense will endeavor to prove an alibi, and will maintain that the witnesses who claim to have seen Knapp at the time of the tragedy were mistaken in the man. It is understood that an effort will be made to lay the crime on others. The attorneys on both sides have been hard at work on the case for some time, and a hard fought legal battle will take place. Prosecuting Attorney Jessup and Henry U. Johnson will represent the state and Robbins & Starr and Byram Robbins will look after the defense.

The special venire of seventy-five names was drawn today, and when the case is called next Monday, eighty-seven jurors will be on hand. From this number it is expected that a jury to hear the case will be secured. Owing to the fact that the case has been discussed more of less all over the county, and the further fact that it will be necessary to have men on the jury who have no scruples against capital punishment, it is probable that most of the opening day will be required to get the jury, and that no testimony will be taken before Tuesday.

At Hagerstown, where the crime was committed, great interest is being taken in the case. While there is some difference of opinion in regard to it, there is no mistaking the fact that public sentiment is greatly against Knapp. At the same time a majority of the people want to see a fair and impartial trial of the case.

September 29, 1905

Jurymen for Knapp Trial Made Public

List of the Members of the Regular Jury and of the Special Venire.

Interest Is Great

Court Room Will Be Crowded Next Week During Trial of John Knapp.

Attorneys Hard At Work

Great Effort Will be Made to Save the Defendant – Subpoenaing Witnesses.

Sheriff Richard Smith and Deputy Sheriff Bailey today finished the work or summoning the members of the regular petit jury for the October term of court and of the special venire for the trial of John Knapp, which begins Monday in the circuit court. The work of summoning the eighty-seven men on the regular jury and special venire has been a big task, and has occupied the entire week. Every township in the county is represented on either the regular jury or the special venire.

A number of Jefferson township people are on the special venire but it is not probable that any of them will serve on the jury. Every one in and about Hagerstown has undoubtedly formed an opinion on the case, and it is unlikely that any so familiar with the circumstances will be permitted to serve on the jury. It is thought that most of the jurymen will be from other parts of the county.

Intense interest is being taken in the case at present in Hagerstown and vicinity. The trial will be attended by many people from that portion of the county.

Much interest is also being taken in Richmond, and the indications are that the court room will be crowded throughout the trial.

Tomorrow the witnesses in the case will be subpoenaed. A full list of the witnesses will not be furnished the sheriff at this time, but the state will have most of its witnesses on hand the opening day.

Following is the list of men on the regular jury, and the special venire.

Petit Jury.

Jesse F. Druley, Boston, township.

Erastus Burroughs, Dalton.

John Wuenker, Wayne.

John C. Ryland, Green.

Harry M. Sourbeer, Jackson.

Charles A. Harris, Perry.

Vernon Hosier, Harrison.

Daniel O. Kerlin, Washington.

Samuel J. Pressel, Jefferson.

James T. Reynolds, New Garden.

Albert A. Townsend, Franklin.

Harry G. Miller, Washington.

Special Venire.

Josiah Outland, Green township.

Albert H. Bertsch, Washington.

Lurton S. Neff, Center.

1. A. Dwiggins, New Garden.

John F. Barnes, Webster.

William R. Williams, Perry.

Clint Markley, Washington.

Grant Marshall, Franklin.

Francis D. Jay, Webster.

Job E. Dennis, Dalton.

John C. Keever, Dalton.

Frank Waltz, Dalton.

George B. Harris, New Garden.

Maberry Study, Green.

Frank Fr. Greenstreet, Perry.

Frederick L. Beeson, Dalton.

Wilbur Elwell, Washington.

John W. Doddridge, Washington.

John W. Doddridge, Washington.

Isaac P. Davis, Green.

Isaac J. Spahr, Center.

John W. Taylor, Perry.

Morton W. Edwards, Green.

Levi M. Bennett, Center.

Mordicia Doddridge, Washington.

Cyrus O. Saxton.

Levi Myers, Wayne township.

William C. Jeffries, Wayne.

Charles F. Hale, Washington.

Albert R. Swain, New Garden.

John C. Lumpkins, Dalton.

Thomas B. Allen, Jefferson.

Charles M. Hatfield, New Garden.

John S. Henwood, Abington.

George R. Clark, New Garden.

Frank Eliason, Harrison.

John S. Musser, New Garden.

Charles M. Fagan, Harrison.

Charles A. Davis, Jackson.

Hugh Allen, Jefferson.

1. E. Scott, Jackson.

Charles Petty, Jefferson.

Robert M. Beeson, Harrison.

D.W. Sheffer, Boston.

Lafayette Coggshall, Green.

Benjamin Connelly, Washington.

James C. Fulghum, New Garden.

Otto Crownover, Washington.

Joseph B. Hurst, Washington.

John C. King, Center.

Albert D. Pierce, Clay.

Edwards S. Martindale, Clay.

Will M. Roller, Clay.

John C. Campbell, Clay.

Albert Cain, Clay.

Oliver C. Cook, Clay.

Jacob Taylor, Clay.

1. W. Ebby, Boston.

Morrison T. Pyle, Franklin.

Frank M. Whitesell, Jefferson.

Daniel O. Clevenger, Washington.

Michael Gehring, Jackson.

Samuel R. Port, Abington.

John A. Rodenberg, Abington.

Charles M. Hurst, Washington.

James R. Clevenger, Perry.

John B. Pierce, Abington.

Samuel C. Alexander, Franklin.

John S. Harris, Wayne.

Frank E. Oler, Green.

Jacob O. Ballenger, Perry.

Joseph W. Palmer, Webster.

Noah Plankenhorn, Abington.

Frank Linderman, Harrison.

1. E. Davenport, Webster.

October 3, 1905

Hanging Is Opposed To by Majority

Interesting Fact Shown by the Examination of Jurors in Knapp Case.

Sheriff Is Busy

Only One Day in Which to Summon Seventy-Five for the Second Venire.

The Work Will Be Done

Case Will Be Resumed Tomorrow – Great Interest in the Trial is Shown.

That the sentiment, of a great majority of Wayne county people is opposed to capital punishment way very plainly shown yesterday when an effort was being made to secure a jury in the Knapp case. Sixty-two of the eighty-seven men composing the regular jury for the October term, and the special venire ordered for the trial were excused because they stated, in answer to the question put by attor- (******) will remain on the jury as neither the state nor the defense has nearly exhausted their challenges. Each side is allowed to excuse twenty without cause, and yesterday the state only excused four, and the defense three. In all, seventy-six men were excused, seven without cause, one because of deafness, six because they had formed an opinion which would prevent them from rendering an impartial verdict, and sixty-two because they had conscientious scruples against capital punishment.

Immediately after the adjournment of court yesterday afternoon the jury commissioners were called, and a second venire of seventy-five names was drawn. The names were furnished Sheriff Smith last night and the work of summoning the men named was begun at once. Judge Fox authorized the sheriff to deputize as many riding bailiffs as necessary. It is a big task to summon seventy-five men, residing in all parts of the county, in one day, but Sheriff Smith stated today that it would be accomplished and that all would be summoned.

All witnesses in the case were yesterday afternoon ordered to be here Wednesday. It is thought that a jury will be secured by noon Wednesday, and the hearing of the testimony will begin in the afternoon. There is little likelihood that the trial will be finished this week unless night sessions are held. Judge Fox may decide to have one or two night sessions in order to get the case to the jury this week.

Knapp yesterday seemed to take an interest in the proceedings. When the first men were excused from serving on the jury because they were opposed to capital punishment he seemed to lose his nerve for a moment, but soon regained his composure. With him most of the day were his wife and three children, two girls and a boy. Surrounding the attorneys for the state were members of the Geisler family.

Even through the tedious proceedings of examining jurors, the court room was filled, most of the spectators being from Hagerstown and vicinity. Interest in the case from that part of the county is intense, and much interest is also being shown by Richmond people.

*Missing text*

Says He Will Be Able to Prove His Innocence – Important Evidence to Be Given.

Twenty witnesses have been summoned to appear before the Wayne county grand jury tomorrow, when the murder of Leonard Geisler, marshal of Hagerstown, will be investigated. All of the witnesses are residents of Hagerstown. It is believed that the grand jury will conclude its work in two days, and it is expected that an indictment against Knapp will be returned not later than Friday.

Prosecuting Attorney Wilfred Jessup asserted today that the evidence which the state will introduce, will, he believes, prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Knapp committed the crime and as there was no eye witness to the murder the state will be compelled to prove its case on circumstantial evidence, but Mr. Jessup firmly believes that Knapp’s guilt will be proven absolutely. Geisler’s own statement immediately following the assault, in which he said Knapp struck the blow will have much weight.

Much, it is believed, depends on the testimony of the two men who were with Geisler before the assault, Sherman French and Charles Bertram. It is believed that these men will tell the true story of the affair, and that it will furnish strong evidence for the state. Others will testify to important circumstances in connection with the affair, and it is understood that the statement made by Knapp’s wife that he was in bed at the time the assault occurred, will be contradicted by several witnesses.

Knapp appears to be worrying little over the trouble. In the county jail he talks freely and stoutly maintains his innocence. An acquaintance called at the county jail this morning to see other prisoners and Knapp called to him and asked him to come and see him. He said he had nothing to do with the affair and would be able to prove it. For a time after being notified of the death of Geisler his manner was changed, but he is not unconcerned as ever and does not seem to realize the serious position he is in.

There is no truth in the report that Knapp has a bullet wound in his left hand. It is true that his hand has a flesh wound, but Prosecuting Attorney Jessup stated today that the wound was probably not caused by a bullet.

October 5, 1905

A Strong Case Being Made By State in the Knapp Trial

Testimony of Witnesses Being Directed Toward Circumstances Which Point to John Knapp as the Slayer of Marshal Leonard Geisler.

Big Crowd Attends

Interest In Case All over County Shown during Day’s Proceedings.

May Continue a Full Week

Every Inch of Ground to Be Fought by the Attorneys on Both Sides – The Testimony.

Good progress is now being made in the Knapp murder trial. Each side has a large number of witnesses, but the examinations today were conducted with as much dispatch as possible. The state will probably not rest its case before tomorrow night, and there is no possibility of the trial being concluded this week. The attorneys are of the opinion that the case will not go to the jury before Tuesday of next week.

After a jury had been secured and sworn in yesterday afternoon, Prosecuting Attorney Jessup made a motion for the separation of all witnesses in the case, and Judge Fox sustained the motion. There were nearly fifty witnesses in the court room at the time, and all were required to adjourn to a room outside, Judge Fox threatening to impose fines in any case where witnesses violated this rule of the court.

Opening Statement.

The opening statement of the prosecution was made by Prosecutor Jessup, and it was a clear and concise statement of the state’s views of the case. At the outset Mr. Jessup read the indictment retuned by the grand jury against Knapp, charging him with murder in the first degree. He then explained at some length the law in regard to the different degrees of murder and manslaughter, and the punishment which may be inflicted, emphasizing the fact that the difference between murder in the first degree and murder in the second degree is that in the former there is premeditation.

In regard to the circumstances leading up to the murder of Leonard Geisler, and the murder itself, the prosecuting attorney said in part:

“On April 29, John Knapp, the defendant, and Leonard Geisler, the murdered man, both lived in Hagerstown. Previous to the two years preceding the crime, Geisler had been marshal of Hagerstown, but for some two years of less he had been employed at Indianapolis, returning just a week before he was killed to accept the appointment of town marshal, offered him by the town board. On the night of April 29, about 11:30 o’clock, he was assaulted near the corner of Main and Cherry streets, while he was on duty, being struck on the head by an iron bar. Soon after being assaulted he became unconscious, and remained so until Monday evening, May 1, when he died.

Knapp’s Enmity.

“It will be shown that John Knapp had held enmity toward Leonard Geisler for a long time previous to the murder, and that at numerous times during the time that Geisler was first marshal of the town, during the time he was at Indianapolis, after his return, and on the night of the murder, he made threats against him, some times threatening to take his life.

“At the time of Geisler’s return to Hagerstown, John Knapp was employed by his brother, Martin Knapp, in the work of moving a house from one part of Hagerstown to another. On the Saturday that the crime was committed, the house had been moved to a point on Cherry Street, (Perry Street) just off on Main street. The jacks and bars used in moving the building were in the house and about it on the outside.

“A night or two after Geisler returned, Knapp was in Campbell’s saloon talking to several men, when Geisler passed the place. His attention was called to the officer, and he replied, ‘Yes, and I’ll kill the —- — — —– before three weeks.’ Later in the week, he tried to get a boy to dress up as a woman, and entice Geisler into an alley, and the assault him. Knapp told the boy ‘I will be on hand, and if you do not succeed, I will come in and finish him.”

Had Iron Bar.

“On the Tuesday night before the murder, Knapp was seen with an iron bar, and in the presence of one of two men he swung it over his head, saying that if that would come down on Geisler’s head he would never know what hit him. Early on the night of the murder, Knapp met two young men and told them that Geisler was after them, but that he would not get them.

“On the night of the crime there was s how of some kind in the opera house, and it was largely attended. The streets were well filled with people. Knapp was in and out of Davis’ saloon a number of times during the evening, and drank considerably. Later in the evening he was under the influence of liquor. After 11 o’clock he met several men at the corner of Main and Cherry streets (Perry Street), where the house that was being moved was standing. The men had been drinking and were loud in their talk. Knapp told one of them that he would not let any Dutch — — – —– tell him when to go home.

“A few minutes before the attack was made, Knapp walked with a companion to the house which he had been helping to move. He picked up one of the steel rods used in the jacks, and stood up close against the building in such a position that he could not be seen from Main street. His companion then left him, and after walking a short distance west, met Geisler, who was going in the direction of the corner. A moment or two later he heard a sound resembling that of a steel bar falling on the cement walk. He turned, and just as he did so, Knapp ran past him, going west. At the same time he saw a man fall to the pavement. The man who had fallen pulled his revolver and shot three times. The man who had seen him fall called to him not to shoot, and then hurried to him. He assisted him to the town pump, near by, where his head was washed. He then took him to the office of Dr. Stotlemeyer. The doctor was in the country at the time, but was called by telephone, and arrived half an hour later. Before he arrived, Geisler became unconscious, and remained so until the time of his death.

Arrest of Knapp.

“John Knapp was not seen again that night. He lived on Cherry street (Perry Street), about three blocks south of Main. The next morning a warrant was issued for the arrest of Knapp, and two special constables went to his home. His little daughter came to the door, and the officers asked for her father. She went away, and then Mrs. Knapp came to the door. The officers told her of the warrant which was for Knapp’s arrest on the charge of assault and battery with intent to kill. She returned up stairs and remained probably ten minutes. She then came down again, Knapp following her and carrying a rifle. Knapp asked them what was wanted, and the officers told him. Knapp then held the rifle in position to shoot, and said ‘Well, you don’t think I am going with you, do you?’ The special officers expostulated with him, saying that it would be better for him to go peaceably, as he would have to go with some one else if not with them. They told him that he had the drop on them, and that if he refused to go they would leave. Finally Knapp consented to go, but said that he first wanted to shave. While doing so he talked with one of the officers and asked him to say nothing about him meeting them with a gun, referring to the fact that they were both Odd Fellows.

“After Knapp had shaved, the three left for the calaboose. To do so they had to walk by Geisler’s home, and there was quite a crowd in the yard. Knapp asked that they cross the street, saying that he did not want to go through the yard. Knapp told the officers that he did not hit Geisler, but that he was glad some one had, because he had it in for him.”

The First Witness.

The first witness examined was Dr. Charles Stotlemeyer, of Hagerstown.

In answer to questions he gave the following testimony:

“Leonard Geisler died at 5 p.m. on May 1, 1905. He was 26 years old, and weighed about 150 pounds. I was called to attend him about 11:30 o’clock on the night of April 29. At the time, I was four miles in the country, and I returned to my office at once. I found Geisler sitting in a chair, supported by Charles Bertram. He was unconscious. I found a scalp wound, above the right ear, about two inches in length. There was no indenture of the skull. The covering of the skull bone was peeled back. After the wound had been dressed, Geisler was removed to his home. Sunday morning I called Drs. John M. Wampler and Allen Bramkamp, of Richmond in consultation. An incision was made in the skull, but no fracture could be found. After Geisler’s death an autopsy was conducted by Dr. S. C. Markley and myself. The top of the skull was removed and a large blood clot was round on the brain. This blood clot, which was caused by a fracture in the skull, resulting from a blow received on the head, was the cause of his death. The other organs of the body were examined and all were found to be in normal condition.”

The cross-examination brought out no additional facts.

Geisler’s Father.

Adam Geisler, father of the murdered man, was the second witness. He testified that his son was 36 years and 8 months old at the time of his death. He said that the morning after the assault he went to the place where it occurred and found a pool of blood on the sidewalk. Close behind it he found a steel bar about three feet in length and half an inch in diameter. The bar was introduced in evidence before the jury.

Frank Whitesell, brother-in-law of Geisler, testified as to Geisler’s death.

Dr. Allen Bramkamp was next called, and testified concerning the examination made of Geisler’s wounds on Sunday morning. His testimony coincided with that of Dr. Stotlemeyer.

The last witness yesterday afternoon was Dr. S. C. Markley, county coroner, who testified concerning the autopsy, his testimony being the same as that given by Dr. Stotlemeyer, to the effect that death was the result of a blow received on the head.

At the conclusion of Dr. Markley’s testimony an adjournment was taken until this morning at 9 o’clock.

This Morning’s Session.

Adam Geisler was placed on the stand by the defense this morning for further cross examination. He said the pool of blood which he found was on the cement sidewalk about three feet from the curb.

Dr. J. M. Wampler.

Dr. Wampler’s testimony was in regard to the examination of Geisler’s wound made the morning after the assault. His statements were repetitions of those made by Drs. Stotlemeyer and Bramkamp. During his testimony a skull was introduced to illustrate the location of the wound.

Dr. S. C. Markley.

For the purpose of answering some technical questions, Dr. Markley was again placed on the stand. He gave a description of the bones which form the skull using a skull illustration. The location of the fracture found at the autopsy was described. The fracture was about half an inch below the wound in the scalp.

Robert A. Howard.

County Surveyor Howard verified a chart drawn by him of the streets, alleys and buildings in the vicinity of the scene of the assault in Hagerstown. Mr. Howard described the location of all buildings, which will be brought into the case, giving the distances between them, their size and other facts in connection with them.

George H. Geisler.

The witness was a cousin of Leonard Geisler. He was present with Robert A. Howard when the survey was taken and testified that with the exception of the building, which was being moved at the time of the killing, the buildings were all the same when the survey was taken as at the time Leonard Geisler was killed. He further testified to finding blood spots on the sidewalks on Perry street at the point where Geisler was supposed to have been struck. The spots covered a space about four feet square. The witness said he found a freshly made bullet hole in the awning post west of the blood spots.

George Calamese.

George Calamese, an elderly colored man, who resides at the corner of Cherry (Perry) and Main streets, was the most important witness of the morning: In answer to questions, he said:

“I had my home in the two-story building at Main and Cherry (Perry) streets. On the night of April 29 I was sleeping in the middle room up-stairs. I was awakened by some loud talking. A few minutes later I heard something fall on the sidewalk. A second or two later I heard three shots fired. When the first shot was fired I jumped out of bed but when the second shot was fired I jumped back in. I did not leave the building until next morning. The talking I heard seemed to be under the awning on Cherry street. I could not tell who was talking or what was said. The next morning I saw spots of blood on the sidewalk.”

Afternoon Session.

George Calamese was placed on the stand for cross examination when court convened this afternoon. The cross examination brought out no further facts of importance.

Terry Walker.

The witness visited the scene of the assault early the following morning. He saw a bullet hole in one of the posts and blood spots on the sidewalk. The bullet was in the hole at the time. On cross examination he said he did not know who removed the bullet from the post.

Merton Grills.

Justice of Peace Merton W. Grills, of Hagerstown, testified as follows:

“I knew Leonard Geisler and know John Knapp. One day last December Knapp and I had a conversation while walking together on Plum street. During the conversation Geisler passes us on the other side of the street. Knapp called my attention to him and said, ‘I am going to get that —- — ——.’ ”

On cross examination the witness said he was not certain that Geisler passed them on the opposite side of the street, but he believed that he did. He said t was possible that they began talking about Geisler without seeing him, but that it was his impression that he passed them. He testified that in his opinion the conversation took place before Christmas.

. . .

Notes of the Trial.

Mrs. Adam Geisler, mother of the murdered man, attended the trial today for the first time, occupying a seat at the table of the state’s attorneys. She was visibly affected at different times when the death of her son was referred to.

Knapp is taking interest in every point brought out by the testimony for the state. Seated between his attorneys he frequently consults them.

 

October 6, 1905

The Defense of John Knapp Not an Alibi

Said That His Attorneys Will Not Made Effort of This Kind.

Damaging Stories

Were Told To The Jury By Witnesses For The State During Today.

Was Premeditated Crime

Several Persons Told of Threats That Had Been Made By Knapp Against Geisler.

The state is now delivering its hardest blows in the Knapp murder trial. That a strong case is being made is the opinion of a majority of the people who are attending the trial. The introduction of important testimony for the state took place today and yesterday when witnesses swore that Knapp bore malice toward Geisler. None of the witnesses yesterday afternoon testified in regard to anything that happened on the night of the crime, their testimony being confined to threats alleged to have been made at different times previous to that night.

During the afternoon it developed that the two witnesses for the state who have disappeared are Jim Carpenter and Allen King, who, together with William Christian, according to Christian’s testimony, had been in conversation with Knapp a few nights previous to the crime. According to Christian Knapp said that Geisler would not be on duty long because he was going to kill him.

The state will probably rest sometime tomorrow. It will require two days for the introduction of the testimony for the defense and the case may not get to the jury before Wednesday. What the line of defense will be is still unknown, but it can be authoritatively stated that no effort will be made to prove an alibi.

Nearly all of the witnesses placed on the stand yesterday afternoon testified in regard to threats against Geisler alleged to have been made by Knapp. By this testimony the state is endeavoring to show that the crime was premeditated. The following was the testimony given:

Alex Anderson.

“I knew Leonard Geisler and know John Knapp. Two years ago Geisler arrested my brother for selling liquor to Knapp. A short time after, Knapp and I had a conversation about Geisler, and he said, ‘I don’t like that Dutchman.’ ”

Alvin Fouts.

“I am a contractor, and reside in Hagerstown. About a year and a half or two years ago, John Knapp and I had a conversation on a train between Cambridge City and Hagerstown. Lenny Geisler was in Indianapolis at the time, and had previously been marshal of Hagerstown. We talked Geisler, and he said, ‘If that Dutch —- — — —– ever tries to arrest me. I will fix him.’ I do not remember what brought up the conversation. Knapp had a knife in his hand at the time. He said he had been arrested at Cambridge City. Knapp mentioned Geisler’s name during the conversation.”

William Christian.

“I live near Hagerstown, and know John Knapp. I knew Leonard Geisler by sight. I saw Geisler the first night he was on duty after he returned from Indianapolis. Jim Carpenter, Allen King, John Knapp and I were in Scott’s saloon in the evening. I do not know what night of the week it was. King said, ‘There is Lenny Geisler; it is his first night on duty.’ Knapp said, ‘Yes, but he won’t be on duty long, for I will kill him.’ King said, ‘What do you want to do anything like that for?’ Knapp answered, ‘ Because the —- — — —- stopped me from buying anything to drink in this town.’

On cross-examination, Christian said he had been working near Hagerstown for seven months. He came from Bourbon, Ky., where he had lived all his life until he came to this county. The witness was questioned severely by Attorney Robbins, and was somewhat bewildered, but stuck to his story.

On re-examination the witness said he was not drinking on the evening the conversation took place. He said Carpenter and King had both left Hagerstown, and that he thought they were in Kentucky. He said that they left some time after Geisler was killed.

On re-cross examination, Christian testified that he and King came to Richmond before going to Hagerstown and were arrested here for carrying concealed weapons. They went to jail to lay out their fines. He stated that King and Carpenter were both in the county at the time the grand jury was in session, and testified before the grand jury.

Sherman Morris.

“I am the son of Joe Morris. I live five miles north of Cambridge City. I knew Lenny Geisler. I was at home the night he was killed. I heard of his death the Tuesday evening after he was killed. I knew John Knapp six or eight months before Geisler was killed. I worked with him for some time. Three days before Geisler was killed, I had a conversation with Knapp about Geisler. The conversation took place on Main street in front of Patterson store. No one else was present. Geisler passed on the other side of the street. Knapp said, ‘There goes the — — — —– I will kill.’ I asked him who, and he said Lenny Geisler. I asked him what he wanted to kill him for, and he said that he had been around town long enough. He told me to go down the street and make a racket, and when Geisler came up to hit him. Knapp said, ‘If you don’t get him, I will.’ I told him I would not do it, because Geisler had never done anything to me. The conversation took place after supper.”

On cross-examination the witness said he was 14 years old, and weighed 104 pounds. He said he was working for Martin Knapp on the day of the conversation. He testified that the conversation took place Thursday night and that he returned home Saturday at noon. On Monday he went to work at another place, and did not hear of Geisler’s death until Tuesday. He said that he told his parents about it when he returned home the next Sunday. The boy became somewhat confused on dates. The defense will endeavor to show that the boy quit work for Martin Knapp on May 21, the day before Knapp returned to Hagerstown.

Mrs. Adam Geisler.

The mother of the murdered man was the last witness of the afternoon. She stated that Adam Geisler and herself were both of German descent. Leonard Geisler’s hat was presented to her for identification. She burst into tears, and it was some time before she was able to recover from her emotion.

James Wyatt.

One of the best witnesses the state has produced was James Wyatt, the first witness called this morning. He stated that he was 17-years old, and lives in Kentucky; in answer to questions he said:

“I was working five miles north of Cambridge City last April. I know John Knapp, and know Leonard Geisler. The Tuesday night before Geisler was killed, I was in Hagerstown. I met John Knapp on the north side of Main street. Knapp said, ‘I understand Lenny Geisler is looking me.’ He then pulled an iron bar from his sleeve and said, ‘If this comes down on his head, I guess he won’t get me.’ I was not in Hagerstown again until the night Geisler was killed. On the night Geisler was killed, I saw Knapp twice. The first time I met him just south of the house that was being moved. Geisler came north on Perry street, and turned west on Main. As he approached us Knapp put his hand inside the house through a window, and said, ‘There goes Lenny now.’ At 11 o’clock I was in Davis’ saloon. John Knapp was in there. Fred Young, Allen King, Jim Carpenter and myself left the saloon together. Knapp went out about the same time. As we were passing Perry street, Knapp was standing beside the house that was being moved. He called to Jim Carpenter. Carpenter went over and talked to him. Carpenter returned in a few minutes and the three went to Carpenter’s house, where he spent the night.

On cross-examination, the witness said that he came from Kentucky the first time, two years ago, but returned. He came again last fall and went to Henry county. In January he came to Wayne county. He stated that he returned to Kentucky last summer, and came back last week to testify in this case. Frank Whitesell, he said, furnished the money for him to come. He stated that Whitesell went to Kentucky after him.

Wyatt was on the stand nearly two hours. He withstood the cross-examination well, making few contradictory statements. On re-examination, he stated that Knapp had been drinking Saturday night. He stated that he did not know where King and Carpenter are at present.”

George Ulrey.

“I was acquainted with Leonard Geisler. On the night he was injured I was standing between Jack Davis’ residence and his saloon. I saw Geisler walking east on Main street about 11:30 o’clock. No one was with him. We spoke to each other as he passed. About five minutes later I heard three shots fired. I started in the direction from which the reports came. At the corner, Arch Knapp joined me. When we reached the wooden awning I saw Leonard Geisler, Charles Bertram and Milton French. Bertram and French helped Geisler to the corner and I followed them. We all stopped there, and Geisler showed us his head which was bleeding. Bertram, French and Geisler started for the barber shop, and Arch Knapp and I followed them. They went into the shop, and I went on home. ”

On cross-examination the witness stated that he did not see John Knapp after or immediately before the shooting took place. He said he did not hear anything fall on the sidewalk.

Conrad Geisler.

“I am 11 years old, and am the son of John Geisler. I remember the night Lenny Geisler was killed. The next morning I was under the awning where Geisler was hit, and found a bullet. I found it about three feet southwest of the second post to the north. I gave it to my uncle, Adam Geisler.”

Adam Geisler.

The father of the murdered man was re-called to the stand to explain concerning the whereabouts of the bullet found by Conrad Geisler. He stated that he put it away somewhere in this home, and had not been able to find it. He stated that he would make a careful search for it this evening. He identified the revolver of his son, which was offered in evidence.

Clarence Pfeiffer.

“I was present in Dr. Stotlemeyer’s office when Leonard Geisler was brought in. I removed a revolver from his pocket.”

The revolver in evidence was identified as the one which he took from Geisler’s pocket.

Fred Young.

“I am 18 years old, and live in Hagerstown. I knew Leonard Geisler, and know John Knapp. I was working on the Pennsylvania railroad as a section hand when Geisler was killed. I roomed at Tate’s about half a mile from the Odd Fellow’s hall. I know James Carpenter, Allen King, and James Wyatt. On the night Geisler was killed I was up town. I was in Davis’ saloon about closing-up time. I went with Carpenter, Wyatt and King. We went east to Perry street and started south. Just as we turned some one called to Carpenter to come across the street. I did not know who called him. He went over, and in a few minutes he came back. We all then went home.”

Frank Witesell.

Frank Whitesell was recalled to testify in regard to blood spots which he examined on the sidewalk where Geisler fell the morning after he was injured. His testimony coincided with other testimony on the same subject. The witness also identified Geisler’s hat.

On cross-examination, Attorney Robbins offered Geisler’s hat in evidence.

George Calamese.

At the beginning of this afternoon’s session, George Calamese was again called to the stand to tell from which direction the sound of the shooting came. He said the sound came from beneath the wooden awning.

Edward Imel.

“I am a barber by trade, and live in Hagerstown. I knew Leonard Geisler. At the time he was assaulted I worked in Renneger’s barber shop. Between 11:30 and 12 o’clock on the night he as killed. I heard three shots. Five minutes previous to that I had seen him pass the shop where I was working He stopped for about a minute in front of the shop. He then went east, in the direction of the Odd Fellow’s hall.”

Earl Brown.

“I live at Hagerstown, and work on the railroad. I know John Knapp. On the Wednesday night before Leonard Geisler was killed, Walter Fouts and I were standing in front of Patterson’s store, and John Knapp came along. He said he understood that Lenny Geisler was looking for him.”

Alvin Fouts.

“I live at Hagerstown, and know John Knapp. I remember the night Leonard Geisler was killed. I roomed across the street from where he was assaulted. While I was getting ready to retire, I heard three shots fired, I went to the window and saw Geisler and Charles Bertram going down the sidewalk.”

Walter Fouts.

“I work in a cigar factory at Hagerstown. I was there the night Lenny Geisler was killed. I saw John Knapp and Lenny Geisler talking together at the corner of the Odd Fellows’ building. They were there about 11:30.”

“About fifteen minutes later I passed the corner again and they were not there. On the Wednesday night before the killing Earl Brown and I were talking on Perry street. Knapp came up and said; ‘Some Kentuckians told me that Lenny Geisler was going to pinch me.’ ”

Simon Miller.

“I am 16 years old and live at Hagerstown. I am a son of John Miller. I knew Leonard Geisler during his life time and I have known John Knapp for a year and a half. I remember the night Lenny Geisler was killed. I attended a show at the opera house. The show let out about 10:45. After the show Mr. Heit, of Edwardsport, and I went to the barber shop. We then went two squares west on Main street, then went three squares south, then two squares east, one square south and then came back north. While on Perry street we met my father. We then went north to Main street and on north two squares and then came back. As we came toward Main street I saw three or four men standing near the second building south of the alley. They were north of the old house that was being moved. The men were talking but I could not hear what they said. I recognized John Knapp as one of them, but I did not recognize the others. Knapp had something in his right hand. It looked to me like a club. From the distance I walked I judge this was about 11:40. After we left them we went to Pfeiffer’s barber shop. While I was in the barber shop I heard three pistol shots. The shots were fired about ten minutes after I entered the barber shop.”

 

 October 7, 1905

Knapp’s Conviction Regarded as Certain by State’s Attorneys

Chain of Evidence Presented Has Been Such as to Indicate Strongly That the Accused Was With Leonard Geisler Within a Few Minutes of the Time That the Assault Was Made.

The State’s Theory

Pounds Hard Blows in Effort to Convince Jury of Knapp’s Guilt.

What Will Defense Be?

If Not an Alibi, What Will John Knapp’s Attorneys Attempt to Prove?

In the opinion of persons who have been constant attendants at the Knapp murder trial the state has made a very strong case, and unless the defense has something up its sleeve in the nature of a surprise, a conviction of Knapp is certain.

Theory of State.

The state has in belief proven the following facts: Geisler died from the effects of a blow administered by a steel bar about 11:35 or 11:40 on the night of Saturday, May 29, under the wooden awning adjoining a building at the corner of Main and Perry streets, in Hagerstown, John Knapp bore malice toward Geisler and had on numerous occasions threatened his life, both on the night of the crime and previous to it, Knapp was in an ugly mood on the night of the crime; he was seen by six different people within a few feet of the place where Geisler was assaulted a few minutes before the assault took place; to one of them he showed a steel bar and said he was going to get the Dutchman; Knapp was seen running away from the scene after the assault had been made and as Geisler was firing; Knapp resisted arrest, meeting the special officers who went to serve the warrant with a rifle.

How the defense proposes to meet all this convincing testimony is causing a good deal of speculation. The statement in The Item last evening, to the effect that the defense would not try to prove an alibi, caused much surprise, even to the attorney’s for the state. It was generally supposed that Knapp’s wife, mother and children would testify that he was at home in bed at the time of the crime, statements having been made by them to that effect after Knapp’s arrest. Some maintain that the defense proposed to admit that Knapp struck Geisler during a quarrel and endeavor to make out a case of involuntary manslaughter.

Considerable testimony which was given at the coroner’s inquest will not get before the jury. The statement made by Geisler after he was assaulted and before he lost consciousness, to the effect that John Knapp had hit him, is not admissible as evidence at the trial. Geisler, according to the testimony given before the coroner, made this statement to several people, but as he lost consciousness before an ante-mortem statement give to a proper official could be secured, this fact will not get before the jury.

Testimony late yesterday afternoon and today was as follows:

John Miller.

“I am the father of Simon Miller. I live on South Perry street, in Hagerstown. I am in the saloon business. I closed my saloon a few minutes after 11 o’clock and went straight home. On my way home I met my son and another man. It was 11:20 when I got home.”

Charles Peed.

“I am a barber by trade, and worked on Pfeiffer’s shop in Hagerstown at the time Leonard Geisler was killed. Simon Miller came into shop between 11:30 and 12 o’clock on the night Geisler was killed, and remained about 15 minutes.”

William Weimer.

The witness was shown the steel rod introduced as evidence, and stated that it was a jack lever.

Charles Smith.

“I reside at Hagerstown. I am a traveling salesman. I was formerly in Worl’s hardware store at Hagerstown. I knew Leonard Geisler and know John Knapp. I remember the night Geisler was killed. The next morning I went to the house of John Knapp. Before, going I was at the office of John Grills, where I took an oath as special officer. After leaving his office I asked James Bagford to accompany me to Knapp’s house, and he did so. His little girl came to the door. We stepped inside. The little girl went up stairs and about ten minutes later Mrs. Knapp came down stairs. We had a conversation with her, and she went back upstairs. While she was down stairs we went into the dining room. After she had been upstairs about five minutes, John Knapp came down. Bagford was standing in the door between the two rooms. I was by the table. I had a revolver and a mace in my pocket, but I did not have them out of my pocket. When Knapp came down he had a pair of shoes in his left hand and a rifle in his right. The hammer of the rifle was pulled back. He dropped the shoes and put the rifle to his shoulder. He asked what we wanted, and I told him I had a warrant for his arrest. He asked what for, and I told him that some one had struck Lenny Geisler, and he was suspected. I told him that ‘Squire Grills had sent me.’ He said, ‘Well, do you think you can get me?’ I told him he had the drop on me, and that I could not take him unless he wanted to go. I tried to get my revolver out of my pocket, but he pulled the rifle into my face, and said, ‘I have been hearing a good deal about you, and I guess I had better get you while I have the chance.’ I told him that if he did not go with me, he would have o go with some one else. He then stopped and looked at me and said, ‘Why, is that you, Smith?’ With that he put down his gun, and said he would go. He put on his shoes, and asked me to go to the yard with him. He then said that he was only bluffing with his gun. He said we were both Odd Fellows, and he asked me to say nothing about his having the gun. After he returned to the house he shaved. While he was shaving, Mrs. Knapp said that John took the children to the show the night before, and brought them back home. On the way to the caliboose Knapp asked that they go across the street, so as to not pass the crowd in front of Geisler’s house.”

Fred  Benbow.

“I reside half a mile north of Hagerstown. I was in Hagerstown on the night that Leonard Geisler was murdered. I was in Davis’ saloon about 11 o’clock. After leaving the saloon I started home. I went east on Main street to the first street east of Perry street. As I crossed Perry street I saw John Knapp standing on the south side of the building which was being moved. There were two other men with him. I do not know who the other two men were.”

James Bagford.

The testimony of Bagford, who was one of the special officers who arrested Knapp, was practically the same as that of Charles Smith. The witness told of the arrest from the time Smith went for him until they reached the caliboose.

Benjamin Paul.

“I reside in Hagerstown, and am a carpenter by trade. Last April I lived on Perry street, one lot from where John Knapp lived. I knew Leonard Geisler for several years, and have known John Knapp for fifteen years. I remember the night that Geisler was killed. About 11:30 I saw Knapp standing against the house on Perry street that was being moved. Knapp walked out to where I was and I spoke to him. I asked him to go home with me. He said, ‘I will in a little bit.’ I then went to the restaurant and bought a sandwich. When I came out I walked to the northeast corner of Main and Perry streets. I saw Milt French and some other men. While I was there John Knapp came up from the south, and said he wanted to talk to me. I said, ‘Let’s go home,’ and he said, ‘I don’t allow any — — —- to tell me what to do.’ We then went north, out from under the awning. Knapp was pretty drunk. He said he was going to hit that Dutch —- — — —-, He wanted to borrow a dollar of me, saying he had spent his last 50 cents for whisky. He said there was going to be a racket around there before the night was over. He took an iron bar from his coat and swung it over his head, saying that he was going to hit that Dutchman. he tried to make me take a drink from the bottle of whisky which he had. I then tried to get him to go home. I then left him and went south on Perry street. When I had gone about two blocks I heard three pistol shots. I turned around and saw the flash of two shots. I stood there two or three minutes, and then started back up town. I saw some one carry a red lantern around the corner. Then I saw some men start west on Main street. When I got up to Main street I saw Charley Bertram, Walter Fouts and Leonard Geisler.”

This Mornings Session.

The examination of Benjamin Paul was continued when court convened this morning. In answer to further questions the witness said:

“It could not have been more than ten minutes after I left Knapp until I heard the shots. Perhaps it was not that long. When I heard the shots I went north on Perry street to Walnut street, thence west to Plum street and north to Main street. Then I went to the barber shop.”

Attorney Robbins’ examination of Paul was a long and severe one. The witness stated in answer to a question that he served eleven months in prison in Illinois for robbery. In answer to other question he said:

“I was not under the influence of liquor the night Geisler was assaulted. I sometimes get drunk but I was not drunk that night. I saw Knapp several times during the evening. The first time was in Miller’s saloon. Later I saw him in front of the blacksmith shop. Then he pulled out the bar. I don’t know where he had it. Knapp tried to borrow a dollar from me but I do not know whether it was before or after that that he said there was going to be a racket around there pretty soon. Just before I left Knapp said: ‘Go back and tell the damn marshal that I am here.’ ”

The witness repeated the conversation between himself and Knapp, the cross examination varying little from the direct examination.

On re-examination the witness said:

“I was only 23 years old when I was sentenced to the penitentiary. I was sentenced to 14 years, but served only 11 months, being paroled because of a petition circulated in Hagerstown. I was not married then. I am married now and have three children.”

Richard Smith.

“I am sheriff of Wayne county. I know John Knapp. I went to Hagerstown the Sunday after Geisler was killed. Frank Whitesell gave me the steel bar and I turned it over to Wilfred Jessup. I brought John Knapp to Richmond and had a conversation with him on the way to Richmond. Knapp said: ‘When I came downstairs this morning I picked up a shotgun, but I did it for a bluff.’ I asked him what time he got in the night before and he said about 10 o’clock. Knapp then said: ‘Geisler is a dummy and ought not to have been made marshal. He got just what he deserved but I did not hit him.’ I asked him who did and he said it might have been John Locke.”

In cross examination Sheriff Smith said he supposed Knapp’s reference to Locke was meant for a joke.

Charles Bertram.

“I have lived at Hagerstown for nine years. I knew Leonard Geisler during his life time. I know John Knapp. I saw Knapp on the night Geisler was killed. I first saw him in Jack Davis’ saloon between 9 and 10 o’clock. I saw him again after this trouble occurred. He ran past me. I met Geisler at the northeast corner of Main and Perry streets. On the corner were Merl French and Charlie Little. French and Little left and Geisler and I remained a few minutes. Lenny told me it was about time for me to go home and I started home. I walked under the wooden awning going north. Before I got to the alley I heard steel bar drop on the sidewalk. As I turned I saw John Knapp run past me. He ran up the first alley, turning east. Then I heard a shot fired. I saw Lenny Geisler by the flash of the revolver. I called to Lenny not to shoot me. Then I hurried to him and asked him if he was hurt. He said, ‘Yes, John Knapp hit me.’”

Attorney Robbins objected to this testimony and Mr. Johnson stated that he had not intended to bring out the conversation. The court ordered the settlement in regard to Geisler’s statement stricken out. Continuing the witness said:

“I helped Geisler to his feet and Arch Knapp and Charles Fouts came across the street. We took Lenny to the pump and washed his head. We then took him to the barber shop and then to the doctor’s office.”

On cross examination Bertram said that he had been working as a section hand for the Panhandle. The cross examination by Mr. Robbins lasted nearly an hours, but the witness made few contradictory statement. Most of the cross examination was in regard to distances.

Lewis Bowman.

Lewis Bowman, town clerk of Hagerstown, testified in regard to the appointment of Leonard Geisler as marshal and described the uniform which Geisler wore.

On cross examination the witness was asked if there was any agreement between Geisler and the board in regard to his not drinking in case he was appointed. The witness said he knew nothing of any such agreement.

Adam Geisler.

The father of the murdered man was called to the witness stand to place in evidence the bullet which was taken from the wooden post near where his son was assaulted.

Michael Coniff.

“I am a member of the town board of Hagerstown. Leonard Geisler was appointed April 17, 1905. Geisler was at Indianapolis at that time. He returned on April 22 and was sworn in on that day. He wore a star on his coat lapel while on duty.”

Fred Hastings.

“I reside at Hagerstown and was in the restaurant business last April. I saw Benjamin Paul in my place of business about 11:30 on the night Lenny Geisler was killed. I went home right away after that and was at home when Geisler was killed.

Merton Grills.

‘Squire Grills was again called to the stand to identify the criminal docket of his court, and the record of the arraignment of John Knapp.

Wilfred Jessup.

The prosecuting attorney testified that John Allen King and James Carpenter were witnesses before the grand jury, when the death of Geisler was investigated.

Mrs. Jennie Howard.

“I am a sister of James Carpenter. He lived in Hagerstown during last April and May. He left Hagerstown on August, 15. My father, my sister and his wife went with him. I do not know where he is now. He took part of his household effects with him, and said he would send for the rest.”

Frank M. Whitesell.

“I went to Kentucky to see James Wyatt and found him. I paid his way to Richmond. I went after him at the request of Prosecuting Attorney Jessup and Mr. Johnson. I went to Illinois to look for James Carpenter, but could not find him. Mr. Jessup and I went to Hamilton, O., to look for Allen White, but could not find him.”

The state rested at 2:30 o’clock.

October 10, 1905

The Extreme Penalty of Law Is Asked

Attorneys for the State Will Ask Jury to Send Knapp to the Gallows.

Trial Near End

***If Defense’s Witnesses Are Believed They Have Doubtless Impressed Jury.***

Some Weak Points Found

The State Will Make Effort to Impeach the Testimony Given by Some Witnesses.

The attorneys for the state make no secret of the fact that they will ask the jury in the Knapp case to fix the death penalty as the defendant’s punishment. They claim that the testimony presented for the defendant has strengthened the state’s case. The plea of self-defense, they say, will not stand a minute, and the statement by Knapp and his brother that the defendant was not under the influence of liquor at the time the assault was made, has, the state’s attorneys believe, deprived him of the only mitigating circumstance in the case.

If the testimony of the witnesses for the defense is believed by the jury, the defense has a strong case. But, it is generally believed that the testimony of Knapp’s brothers will not save him. They are reputable men in Hagerstown, and have good reputations for honest and truthfulness, but the fact that they are the defendant’s brothers, and their testimony is so conflicting with that of the witnesses for the state, will, in the opinion of most of those who have been watching the trial, react against Knapp. It is understood that the state will make a strong effort to impeach their testimony.

In his cross-examination Mr. Johnson is bringing out with emphasis the fact that Knapp’s brothers never told any one except their attorneys, the stories which they have told on the witness stand. The witnesses are unable to explain why they have kept silent when their brother was being denounced, and sentiment was crystallizing against him.

It is probable that the taking of testimony will be finished today. It is possible, however, that the state will not begin its testimony in rebuttal until tomorrow morning, but the argument in the case will begin not later than tomorrow afternoon. Prosecuting Attorney Jessup will make the opening argument. The attorneys for the defense will speak next, and Mr. Johnson will make the closing argument. It is possible that the case will go to the jury tomorrow night.

The testimony late yesterday afternoon was as follows:

Mrs. Marshall Knapp.

“I am a sister-in-law of John Knapp. I reside in Hagerstown. I remember when Leonard Geisler was killed. My husband and I were up town that night. We went up town about 7:30 o’clock. We went to the home of a friend, and my husband left me about an hour, returning about 8:30. We went home at about 11 o’clock, and a few minutes later he left the house.”

Marshall Knapp.

“I am a brother of the defendant thirty years. I remember a boy named Sherman Morris, who worked for me last April. My brother John kept the time of the men who worked for me. It was on April 19, 20 and 21 that I moved a barn in Hagerstown. The Morris boy worked for me at that time. At the time Geisler was killed I was moving a house, and part of it was, on that night, left on Perry street, just off Main street. There was only one window on the south side of the house, and the bottom of it was about seven feet about the ground. I knew Leonard Geisler. I had a conversation wit him on the Thursday before he was killed, in which Geisler said, ‘John will have to quit loafing around here. I have come back here to be marshal, and I do not propose to fool with him. I will kill him the first chance I get.’ I told John of the conversation, the following morning. On the evening Geisler was killed John quit work at 6 o’clock, and I paid him five dollars. I saw Lenny Geisler between 7 and 8 o’clock. I spoke to him about watching the building I was moving, and he said he could not do it. I then saw my brother John and asked him to watch the house. About 11:30 I went to the other part of the house I was moving, three squares north. From there I went south. I met two or three men going north, but I did not know them. Near the first alley north of Main street I met John, and had some conversation. I then started home and stopped to look back at the building we were moving. I noticed that there was no jack under on of the posts. I had John put the jack in place. John then started around the northwest corner. Just then I heard two shots fired. Then I heard a sound like an iron bar falling, and a third shot was fired. John Knapp ran past me. Between the second and third shots I heard a cry, and recognized it as Geisler’s. I then went to John’s house. I went into the house and saw John washing his face. His wife was washing his right ear. I remained there ten minutes. I had a conversation with John in regard to the trouble. When I left there I went home.”

The cross-examination of the witness lasted for nearly two hours. The witness admitted that he had never told any one of what he knew about the case, not even his wife. He said he did not know why he did not go before the grand jury.

Mrs. Rose Knapp.

“I am the wife of the defendant. We have three children. I knew John Allen King. He was from Kentucky. I remember the night Geisler was killed. King was at our house the Wednesday before. He came about 6:30 in the evening. We were eating supper. He came to the door and inquired for John. He then came in and went into the front room. John went in and then I went in. King said, ‘John, I came to warn you. This new marshal told me he was going to arrest you and kill you the first time he caught you up town at night.  He said he had promised to do it, and he was going to keep his word.’ On Saturday evening John came home to supper at 7 o’clock. After supper he went up town. He came home near midnight. I was upstairs when he came home. When he came in, he called me. I went down stairs. He was in the back room. The right side of his face and ear were dark. I bathed his face. His face was dark from smoke and there was powder in his ears. I picked the specks of powder out of his ear. While I was bathing his face Mart Knapp came into the house. The next morning, between 6 and 7, two men came to arrest John. We were not up yet. I sent my little girl down stairs and she let the men in. She then came back and I went down stairs and saw Charles Smith and James Bagford. I went back up stairs. John was still in bed. He dressed and went down stairs. He took a shot gun with him. The shot gun was in the landing on the stairs, and he picked it up as he went by. The gun was not loaded, and was broken. He carried the gun on his right side. He asked the men what they wanted, and they told him they had a warrant for his arrest.  He asked what for and they told him for striking Lenny Geisler. When John came into the room Smith pulled a revolver from his pocket and pointed it at John. John then pointed the gun at Smith. John said to not shoot, and gave Smith a sign. Smith then said, ‘I did not know you was an Odd Fellow. There will be no shooting here.’ John then put his gun away, and said he would go with them. After John shaved, he left.”

This Morning’s Session.

The defendant, when brought into court this morning, looked very worried. The unconcerned look which was so evident during the early days of the trial was gone and apparently he realized his serious position.

Court convened at 8:45 o’clock, and Mrs. Knapp, wife of the defendant, took the stand for cross examination. Mr. Johnson conducted the cross examination and in answer to questions the witness said: “I told Smith and Bagford when they came to arrest my husband that he had been at home the night before at the time Geisler was hit. I picked the powder out of John’s ear with a needle. I do not know how many pieces of powder I removed. Mr. Robbins was the first man I ever told about these circumstances. I told him the first week after Geisler died. I never told anyone else. The reason was because I had told them John was at home when Geisler was hit. Another reason was that I feared mob violence against my husband. One reason that I feared mob violence against him was that he had been shot at and attacked by members of the Geisler family.

John Knapp.

“I am the defendant in this case. I live at Hagerstown. My family consists of my wife and three children. I am a brother of Marshall Knapp and Charles Knapp. Last April I was helping my brother, Marshal, move a house in Hagerstown. I kept the time of his men. Sherman Morris worked for him April 19, 20, and 21. He was not employed by my brother the week of the trouble and I did not see him that week. Geisler was not in town the week before. I had no conversation with him in Campbell’s saloon the Saturday before the trouble. I know James Wyatt. On the Wednesday night before the trouble I had no conversation with him in which I threatened Geisler. I did not reach in a window in the house we were moving on the night of the trouble and shake some iron bars as Geisler was going across the street. James Wyatt and I had some difficulty last December. He pulled a revolver and ordered me off the farm where he was working. I know Allen Fouts. I remember going on a train from Cambridge City to Hagerstown about two years ago. I had been arrested in Cambridge the day before and when I talked to Fouts I referred to the man who arrested me there. At that time Geisler was not at Hagerstown. I know Ben Paul. I did not see him at all the night of the trouble and had no conversation with him. I know John Allen King. He came to me the Wednesday evening of the week of the trouble and told me Geisler told him he was going to arrest me and if he had a chance he would kill me. On Friday morning my brother, Marshall, told me of threats Geisler had made against me. Saturday evening Marshall Knapp paid me $5. Later in the evening he asked me to watch the building we were moving and I did so. I saw Geisler on the corner about 11:30 o’clock that night. He came up from the west. He said ‘Hello, what are you doing here. I told him I was watching the building for my brother. He told me it was about time I was going home, and I said I was going just as soon as I went to look at the other building. He then searched my pockets and I asked him what he was doing. He said, ‘I want to see if you have a revolver.’ I told him I did not have any. While we were talking, Simon Miller passed us. After Geisler left I went around the building and met my brother, Mart. He asked me to help place a jack under one of the posts, and I did so. I then took an old jack and a bar that were there and took them around the house to put them inside. Just as I reached the door I saw Geisler. I swung the jack inside, and just then Geisler pointed his revolver at me and fired. I jumped aside and swung around the bar. As he fired again I ran away. I went home and told my wide what had happened. I washed my face, and my wife picked some powder out of my ear. While she was doing so Mart came.”

Knapp’s testimony in regard to his arrest was identical to that given by his wife on the subject.

In cross examination Knapp, Mr. Johnson went into his past record. Knapp stated in answer to questions, that he was arrested three times while he lived at Redkey, one for intoxication, once for assault and battery on his wife and once for arson.

 October 11, 1905

Knapp Trial Will Soon Be Thing Of Past

The Arguments of the Attorneys are Being Made to the Jury Today.

Final Testimony

Case Will Be In Hands Of Jury Not Later Than Tomorrow Morning.

All the Testimony Is In

Opening Argument for the State Made by Prosecuting Attorney Wilfred Jessup.

The Knapp murder case will soon be with the jury. The attorneys are presenting their arguments and the case will get to the jury tomorrow. The state finished its rebuttal before court adjourned last night, but if required a session lasting until after 6 o’clock to do so. This morning the defense introduced some evidence in rebuttal and then the arguments began.

Prosecuting Attorney Jessup made the opening argument for the state. Byram Robbins followed for the defense and the balance of the time allotted to the defense for the argument of the case will be occupied by John F. Robbins. The closing argument for the state will be made by Henry U. Johnson.

The attendance at the trial today was greater than ever before. All available space in the court room was occupied during the arguments of the attorneys. The witnesses in the case, who were barred from the court room while the testimony was being given, flocked into the court room when the arguments began.

There is much speculation as to the outcome of the case. It seems to be the opinion of a majority of those who have been attending the trial that life imprisonment will be the penalty inflicted. A verdict for manslaughter would be regarded as a victory for the defense.

Yesterday afternoon the coat worn by Knapp on the night of the trouble was introduced into evidence. In the front of the coat near the lower right hand pocket was a hole and the lining of the coat was scorched and stained. Mrs. Knapp was placed on the stand and identified the coat as that worn on the night of the killing. She stated that Knapp wore it to Richmond and that a few days later she brought him down another coat and took this one to Mr. Robbins office, showing him the hole and the other marks on it.

1. C. Dickinson was called and upon examining the coat stated that in his opinion the hole in the coat had been made by a bullet. He also stated that the bullet had entered from the inside of the coat and that he thought the stains on the lining came from gunpowder.

Prof. D. W. Dennis testified that he had made a chemical analysis of the stains on the lining of the coat and that they had been made by gunpowder. He also expressed the opinion that the hole in the coat had been made by a bullet.

The defense rested after the introduction of the coat in evidence. The state then began its rebuttal, introducing evidence as follows:

Vincent Newman.

“I reside three miles north of Greensfork. I am a farmer and am a stockholder in the bank at Greensfork. I know Marshall Knapp. I met him on Eggemeyer’s corner in Richmond about three weeks ago and had a conversation with him in which Knapp said: “I do not know who killed Lenny Geisler, but I know John did not do it, because he was with me at the time. About 11 o’clock I went uptown and found John drunk on the corner. I took him home and was with him when the shots were fired. Whoever hit him did not mean to kill him, for one of those jack screws weighs six pounds, and if he had meant to kill him Geisler would never have gotten up.” The witness was not cross examined by the defense.

Richard Smith.

“I had a conversation with Mrs. Knapp at the jail a few days after her husband was locked up. She said: ‘This would never have happened if John had been sober. Whisky was the cause of it.’ While I was bringing Knapp to Richmond I did not see any marks on his face or ear.”

Charles Smith.

“When James Bagford and I went to Knapp’s house his daughter came to the door and she had a dress on. The gun which Knapp brought down stairs with him had a cap on it. I did not point my revolver at Knapp at any time during the conversation. Nothing was said about Odd Fellowship before we left the house to go to the out-house. While Knapp was shaving nor at any other time did I see any marks of any kind on Knapp’s face or ear.”

James Bagford.

The testimony of Bagford was similar to that given by Smith. He testified that he saw no marks on Knapp’s face or ear.

Samuel Heiney.

“I know Charles Bertram and saw him on the night Geisler was killed. I played cards with him in Miller’s saloon about 10 o’clock. He was not intoxicated.”

Walter Newman.

“I know Charles Bertram and saw him on the night of the killing. Sam Heiney and I and another man played cards with him in Davis’ saloon. Bertram had been drinking but he was not drunk.”

Dr. Stotlemeyer.

“When I came to my office after I had been called to attend Lenny Geisler, Charles Bertram came into my shop with Leonard Geisler after he had been assaulted. He was not drunk.”

Paul Fritz.

“I remember a conversation about two years ago between Lenny Geisler, Tom Murray, Charles Wedekind and myself. Geisler did not threaten to kill Knapp, but stated that if he ever resisted arrest he would hit him.” On cross examination the witness admitted that he had told Attorney Robbins at Hagerstown that Geisler has threatened to kill Knapp.

Sherman Campbell.

Sherman Campbell was called to describe the interior of his saloon and to show that persons standing in the rear room could see out on the street.

Character Witnesses.

The state introduced sixteen character witnesses and had four more to examine when attorney Robbins stated to the court that he would introduce no character witnesses. Judge Fox then ruled that it was not necessary for the state to examine more. All of the witnesses but one were from Hagerstown. C.E. Haveland of Redkey testified that Knapp’s character was bad while he was a resident of that place. Each of the following Hagerstown men testified that Knapp’s general moral character in the community was bad and that Geisler’s reputation for peace and quietude was good. Dr. Stotlemeyer, Merton Grills, William Pitman, John Hartley, Lewis Bowman, Charles Wedekind, Charles Williams, John Replogle, Charles Hughes, Harvey Dye, Elias Hoover, John Werking, Roe  Stewart, Curtis Hughes and Harry L. Stokes.

This Morning’s Session.

Court did not convene until after 10 o’clock this morning, owing to delay in the arrival of witnesses from Hagerstown. The state continued its rebuttal, calling Mrs. John Knap to the stand. Mrs. Knapp was asked if she had a conversation with Mrs. Isaac Pitts the Monday or Tuesday night after Geisler was killed. She stated that she had.

Mrs. Isaac Pitts.

“I am 72 years old and reside at Hagerstown. On the Monday or Tuesday evening after Geisler was killed, I went to Knapp’s house and had a conversation with Mrs. Knapp, in which she said: ‘I do not know anything about this affair. I did not know Geisler was hurt until the officers came to arrest John. Saturday night when John came home he was not intoxicated, for when he is he lays down on the floor and kicks things about the house. He took off his shoes down stairs and came up to bed. He took out his knife and trimmed a corn which he said was hurting him. He was not at all excited.’ ”

The state turned the case over to the defense after Mrs. Pitts’ testimony.

Mr. Robbins asked permission to show the jury the defendant’s ear, which he said had powder marks on it. The jurors examined his ear and face through a magnifying glass. The defense then rested its case.

Time Not Limited.

Judge Fox announced that attorneys would not be limited in time for their arguments. Prosecuting Attorney Jessup began addressing the jury shortly after 11 o’clock.

October 13, 1905

The Closing Argument in Knapp Case

Henry U. Johnson Makes a Powerful Plea for Conviction of Defendant.

Big Crowd Attends

Hagerstown Largely Represented In The Crowd Of Spectators Today.

Sentiment Is Unchanged

Apparently the Feeling Against Knapp Is as Strong as Ever – Close of the Trial.

The argument of John F. Robbins in the Knapp case was the longest address made before a jury in Wayne county since the Morrisson will case ten years ago. For nine hours he argued the case and pleaded for the life and liberty of his client. His plea was logical and strong and undoubtedly made an impression on the jury.

Mr. Robbins did not conclude his address until 5 o’clock last evening and Henry U. Johnson did not begin his argument yesterday, as had been planned. This morning at 9 o’clock he began the closing argument for the state.

The address of Mr. Johnson today was regarded by many of those who listened to it as one of the greatest efforts of his notable career. He brought all his powers to bear in his argument which was eloquent and convincing. With burning sarcasm he held up for scorn what he termed as the perjured testimony of the defense and then logically discussed the evidence of the state.

At the outset of his address Mr. Johnson stated that if he was not able to show that the defense was nothing but perjury and fabrication, he would not ask for a conviction. He said he would not only show that witnesses had perjured themselves, but that the coat having a bullet hole through it was a base fabrication.

Mr. Johnson first took up the character of Leonard Geisler. Then he dealt with threats alleged to have been made by Geisler against Knapp. While discussing this phase of the case he paid particular attention to the testimony of Charles Knapp, denouncing it as inconsistent.

The testimony of Marshall Knapp was dealt upon at great length by Mr. Johnson and seldom has a witness been more scathingly held up for scorn as was the defendant’s brother, the chief witness of the defense. The inconsistencies of his testimony, the improbability of his story and the apparent impossibilities of portions of it were laid before the jury in a most convincing way.

This afternoon Mr. Johnson took up the state’s testimony and systematically went over the evidence produced to show Knapp’s guilt. He referred to the crime as a cold blooded, premeditated murder, and said that a verdict for anything but murder in the first degree would be a travesty on justice.

When Mr. Johnson concludes his address Judge Fox will read his charge to the jury, the last chapter of the trial. Judge Fox will receive the verdict up to 10 or 11 o’clock tonight, but if the jury is not ready to report by that time he will not receive it until tomorrow morning.

In spite of the strong plea made by Mr. Robbins those who have been following the case believe that the defendant will be convicted. There are few who believe that the death penalty will be inflicted, but most of those who have been following the evidence closely express the opinion that the verdict will be life imprisonment for either first or second degree murder. Some are firm in the opinion that a manslaughter verdict will be returned.

Nearly half of the spectators at the trial today were from Hagerstown. They were attracted by Mr. Johnson’s address, which is to them the most interesting part of the trial. Apparently sentiment at Hagerstown is as strong as ever against the defendant.

At 2:30 o’clock this afternoon Attorney Johnson was still talking but it was the understanding that he would conclude his address before 4 o’clock. It is expected that the jury will get the case before 6 o’clock and many believe that a verdict will be reached quickly.

The Mystic Power of Friday, the 13th

John Knapp, slayer of Marshal Leonard Geisler, will today be given the opportunity to decide whether the mystic “Friday, the 13th,” is a hoodoo or good luck, for it is expected that the jury will get the case sometime today. The combination of so-called unlucky day and date did not seem to have any terrors for the defense, for Attorney John F. Robbins spent all of yesterday in argument, necessitating the continuation of the case until today. Whether Knapp is superstitious of the Friday, the 13th, proposition is not known, but he seemed as calm this morning as at any time during the progress of the case. In this connection it is noted that the defense introduced just thirteen witnesses in Knapp’s behalf. If Knapp draws a verdict of acquittal, the superstitious idea will be shattered.

October 14th, 1905

Murder In The First Degree And Imprisonment For Life Is Verdict In The Knapp Case

Man Who Killed Marshal Leonard Geisler at Hagerstown Last April Narrowly Escapes the Extreme Penalty at the Hands of the Jury Which Heard the Case and Returned Its Verdict at 8:30 This Morning.

Knapp Finally Breaks Down

Retained His Composure Until After Verdict Has Been Announced and the Jurors Had Left the Court House, and Then his Pent-Up Emotions Were Allowed Full Sway.

How Jury Stood

It Was Unanimous On The Question of Guilt On The First Ballot Taken.

Fixing the Punishment

Eleven Ballots Necessary, One or Two Forcing the Death Penalty for a Time.

“We, the jury, find he defendant, John Knapp, guilty of murder in the first degree, and fix his punishment at imprisonment for life.”

—

Such was the verdict of the twelve men who composed the jury in the *missing text*- Knapp for the murder of … Leonard Geisler, of Hagerstown, which occurred near midnight… April 29 last. The verdict was delivered to the court at precisely 8:32 o’clock this forenoon, at a time when the lobby was only partly filled.

Knapp Was Cool.

Knapp received the verdict with the same coolness that has characterized his demeanor most of the time since the trial was opened. His face was a trifle paler, perhaps, and the manner in which his eyes wandered about the court room previous to the jury’s entrance to the box, indicated that he was laboring under a mental strain, but for all this, he did not betray weakness to a visible degree. His aged mother and his wife and children composed the little family group that gathered at his side, and the scene was a pathetic one. Though neither the mother nor wife of Knapp broke down when the verdict was read, their great sorrow was just as apparent, and the sympathy of everybody within the big court room went out to them.

Feared Disagreement.

Last night at 9:30 o’clock, when Judge Fox went to his home, after awaiting at the court house for several hours, there were expressions heard that the jury would disagree, but at that very time the twelve men had decided upon the guilt of Knapp, had fixed the degree of the homicide and the only thing not decided upon was the punishment. This morning, before 7 o’clock, Judge Fox was notified at his home in West Richmond, that a verdict had been reached during the night.

The court instructed that the attorneys for the state and defense be sent for, and that Sheriff Smith be ordered to bring the defendant to the court house. In the meantime, Judge Fox reached the court room, and then followed a delay of half an hour awaiting the arrival of the attorneys.

Attorneys  Appear.

Prosecutor Jessup was called to Indianapolis last evening on business, and Henry U. Johnson, who had assisted in the prosecution, represented the state. He took his seat at the table on the west side of the court room and with him were one or two members of the Geisler family. Across the room Attorneys John F. Robbins and Byram C. Robbins were seated at their accustomed places. Mrs. Knapp, wife of the defendant, and the mother of the defendant, accompanied by Knapp’s children, entered the court room at 8:20 and took their seats by the attorneys for the defense. Mrs. Knapp, the wife, was visibly nervous, but she bore up with a display of fortitude which was wonderful.

Defendant Arrives.

Sheriff Smith reached the court room door with Knapp in charge, a few minutes later. The defendant walked to the side of the defense with a firm step, and as he reached his wife, stooped over and kissed her affectionately, following this by bestowing kisses upon his mother and children. Then Knapp took his seat, and leaning over to his attorneys, conversed with them in a low voice. Every eye in the court room was fixed upon the defendant, and there was absolute quiet, indicating that the mental strain on the small lobby of spectators and *missing text*

The Verdict Given.

Bailiff Markley unlocked the jury room when Knapp had been seated and the jurors, every one showing unmistakable evidence of fatigue as a result of the long siege, filed into the jury box.

“Gentlemen of the jury, have you arrived at a verdict?” asked Judge Fox.

“We have,” answered Lafayette Coggeshall, the foreman.

“You will deliver it to the court,” said Judge Fox.

Foreman Coggeshall took from his inside coat pocket the slip of paper upon which had been written Knapp’s fate, and it was delivered to Bailiff Markley, who presented it to Judge Fox. The latter read the verdict aloud. When the words: “We find the defendant guilty” were uttered, Knapp never flinched, nor did he take his eyes from Judge Fox, and when the final words, “fix his punishment at life imprisonment” were read, there was not a trace of emotion upon the defendant’s face. His wife and mother sat motionless, as if stunned by the verdict, yet they did not betray their feeling by any demonstration at that time.

Jury Was Polled.

“Do you wish to poll the jury?” asked Judge Fox of the attorneys for the defense.

“We do,” answered Attorney John F. Robbins, and rising to his feet he asked every juror as the names were called by Deputy Clerk Huey, “Is this your verdict?” Every juror stood as he answered in the affirmative, “Yes, sir.”

Judge Fox then addressed the jury, saying: “Gentlemen, I wish to thank you for your attention during the long case. You are now discharged.”

It was stated that the attorneys for the defense would make a motion for a new trial at once, having already prepared a bill of exceptions. Knapp was in conversation with his attorneys and family members for several minutes after the juror had left the court.

Knapp Finally Breaks Down.

After the jury had gone, Knapp gave way to his emotions and broke down. For a moment he wept bitterly. Mrs. Knapp also broke into tears. It was a sorrowful procession that went back to the county jail. The convicted man was handcuffed to Sheriff Smith, and beside him, with her arms around his neck, was his faithful wife. One of the children walked in front of them, and the other two behind.

After the jail was reached, Knapp regained the composure which has marked his conduct throughout the trial, and he endeavored to comfort his wife. A little later Mrs. Knapp and her children left the jail with Mr. and Mrs. Charles Knapp.

It is probable that Knapp will not be sentenced until week after next, as Judge Fox will not be here next week. Sentence will not be pronounced until the motion for a new trial has been ruled upon. As the case was very carefully conducted it is thought that there is very small probability of the motion for a new trial being granted.

 

October 16, 1905

His Bad Name in Jay County

John Knapp’s Record There Is Now Commented Upon.

Prosecutor Regarded Him as Worst Man He Ever Knew – Arrested Many Times.

The Portland Review of Saturday evening contained the following:

Knapp is remembered by many people in Jay county and especially at Redkey, where he lived for a long time. In speaking of Knapp Saturday when informed of the verdict , Former Prosecuting Attorney Del Dragoo said: “John Knapp, I believe, was the said: “John Knapp, I believe, was the ple will insist that he was the worst man that ever lived.” *missing text*

While living at Redkey four years ago Knapp was arrested on a charge of arson, his wife making the affidavit. Knapp piled up some bed-clothing in the home one day and after pouring coal oil on it started a fire.

The fire was extinguished by the Redkey fire department and Knapp was arrested. He was placed in the county jail here, where he remained for a long time until his brother came here from Hagerstown and put up government bonds at a local bank as bond for his appearance and he was released.

Then Knapp’s wife disappeared, pretending to have gone to Colorado. She wrote back that she did not want to prosecute him and as she could not be brought back from the west the case had to be dismissed.

It was afterward leaned that all of the time the women pretended that she was in Colorado she was only at Hagerstown.

While living at Redkey Knapp was repeatedly arrested for drunkenness and for beating his wife. Once when he was arrested he attempted to cut his throat.

October 23, 1905

John Knapp Is Sentenced

Judge Fox this morning overruled a motion for a new trial to the Knapp case, and sentenced the defendant to imprisonment during life in the state penitentiary at Michigan City.

John F. Robbins presented his formal motion for a new trial, and for more than an hour argued the case on each point where he claimed an error had been made by the court. At the conclusion of the argument Judge Fox promptly overruled the motion. He then addressed Knapp, asking him if there was any reason why sentence should not be pronounced, to which the prisoner merely answered “I am not guilty.”

Judge Fox told the prisoner that he had been tried and convicted by a jury of more than ordinary intelligence, and that he had been ably defended. Concluding, he said: “It therefore becomes my painful duty to sentence you to imprisonment for life in the state prison.”

Sheriff Smith will take Knapp to Michigan City some day this week. The law allows the sheriff five days after sentenced is pronounced to remove him to the penitentiary.

John Knapp Speaks

 

Note from the author:

At the turn of the century [1800 – 1900] many Indiana prisoners serving life terms provided an account of the circumstances for their imprisonment.  John Knapp was one of those who provided a statement and archives officials believe John Knapp himself penned the original document.

The Indiana State Archives in Indianapolis provided me with a true and accurate copy of John Knapp’s original statement.  The following text is John Knapp’s statement that has been retyped for the purpose of this document.  It is complete including spelling and punctuation.

John Knapp # 3268

 

Age 43.  Sentenced Oct. 23’ 1905; Life.  Killing Marshall Geisler of Hagerstown, Ind.  April 29’ 1905.

 

Home: Hagerstown

 

No one was with me

 

Occupation:  Housemoving

 

Busy at the time.

 

Have a wife and three children.

 

Mother is living

 

Fifth grade in public schools.

 

I am not guilty.  Pled not guilty.

 

Never convicted before

 

Never served a jail or workhouse sentence.

 

I use intoxicants occasionally

 

My brother M.M. Knapp bought a hotel building to move on a lot of his own.  I was superintending the work when he was not present.  The building was in two sections.  We took the east half of it near his premises, left it near his premises, left it standing in the street, loaded and moved the west half of same structure and moved it east and north as far as the town hall or Odd Fellows Hall, at 6:30 P.M. Saturday April 29” 1905: there we had intended to leave the building until the following Monday.  There had been a Medicine Show in the hall every night for a week and there was still one on this Saturday night, first across the side walk from the building we were moving,  The boys were climbing up in this building and there was lots of glass in it besides tools.  My brother wanted me to watch the building, to keep the boys out of it and to keep (one word indiscernible) lights in place until the crowd got away.  I said to him “Why don’t you speak to Geisler the marshall.”  He said “I did.  He is half drunk and says he wont fool with it.  that it don’t amount to anything anyway.”  My brother then said that he had been burned out three times and he wanted me to watch the building as he had other things to look after.  I  then told him all right that I would go home and let my wife know that I would not be home until late.

 

Geisler had threatened me to my face and seven parties told me of threats he had made concerning me.  I knew he was insane and thought perhaps he would demand my arrest.  then I intended to go with him, thinking that might end it.  At 11:30 P.M. April 29” 1905, Marshall Geisler came up to me and said “Aint it about time you were going home”?  I said “Yes Leney.  I am tired and worn out.  I have worked hard all week.  I am going first as soon as I  can go to the north building and see if things are all right.”  Geisler then said to me “Aint you got a gun?”  I said “No Leney.  I don’t carry one, don’t even own one.”   He searched me felt over my clothes and then said he was going home.   One of the Fouts boys came a long.  I don’t know whether he saw him search me or not.  Geisler said “I am going home”  I started to the north building and met my brother.  He said he had been to the north building and that everything was all right.  We then went to the south building and my brother told me to put a jack under that veranda post that is loose.  I set a 16 inch jack under it, and tightened it up as my brother walked around the building to the right which was the proper way to go home.  I picked up a 10 inch jack with the lever that I used to tighten up the 16 inch jack, walked around the building to the left to an open door to put them inside.  As I went to set them in Geisler stuck a revolver in my face.  I dodged, threw up my hands and said “don’t shoot.”  He fired, dodged down and fired again.  I struck him and he fell and fired again as I ran north.  The first shot burned the side of my face, my ear has powder in it today.  The second shot went through the side of my coat at my hip and from the front, as was proven by an analyst.  There was no mark or trace of the third shot.

 

Signed

 

John Knapp

 

Conclusion

Hagerstown Marshal, Leonard Geisler, died at age 36, May 1, 1905, and his funeral was May 3rd at the Hagerstown Methodist Episcopal Church on South Perry Street.  He is buried with his parents and other family members at West Lawn Cemetery in Hagerstown; section 2, lot 40, space 3.

John Knapp, a resident of Hagerstown, was convicted by a jury for the murder of Leonard Geisler and sentenced to prison in 1905.  On January 7, 1921, his prison sentence was commuted from Life to 15-20 years by Governor James Putnam Goodrich.  His prison record is not clear, but John Knapp may have been officially discharged from prison January 30, 1922.

I do not know details of John Knapp’s residence or employment after his release from Michigan City State Prison, but his travels took him to Osgood, Indiana, a small community north of Versailles, Indiana.  While in Osgood, on August 26, 1924, John Knapp was struck by a train and was killed.

John Knapp’s body was returned to Hagerstown for his funeral on August 29, 10:30 am at the home of Charles Knapp.  He is interred at Brick Church Cemetery near Hagerstown with other family members; section 4, lot 81, space 3.

Marshal Geisler died at the hands of John Knapp, and John Knapp by a train.  Interestingly, both men died of blunt force trauma – skull fractures.