Illinois vs. August Spies et al. trial transcript no. 1 Direct examination by Mr. Grinnell. Cross-examination by Mr. Foster. Testified on behalf of the Prosecution, People of the State of Illinois. Testified as to Harry Gilmer's general reputation for truth and veracity. Testified on various topics (page numbers provide a partial guide): Gilmer, Harry (vol.N 173).
Testimony of John M. Dahl, 1886 Aug. 10.
Volume N, 256-259, 4 p.
Dahl, John M.
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[Image, Volume N, Page 256]
JOHN M. DAHL,
a witness called andsworn on behalf of the people was examined in chief by Mr. Grinnell and testified as follows:
Q What is your name?
A John M. Dahl.
Q Where do you reside?
A 723 Elston Ave.
Q How long have you lived in Chicago?
A Fourteen years.
Q Do you know Harry L. Gilmer?
A Yes sir.
Q How long have you known him?
A The last four years.
Q Do you know the reputation of Harry L.. Gilmer among his associates and acquaintances in the city of Chicago for truth
veracity?
A Yes sir.
Q Is it good or bad?
A Good.
Q Would you believe him under oath?
A Yes sir.
CROSS EXAMINATION BY
Mr. Foster.
Q How long have you known him?
A The last four years.
Q Did he ever work for you?
A Yes sir.
Q How long?
A About five or six weeks---about that.
Q Is that the only acquaintance you had with him?
A That is all.
Q You didn't know him before that long?
A No sir.
Q Did you ever know him before you hired him?
A No sir.
Q Did you ever know him after you hired him? or after he got done and went away?
A Yes, I met him off and on right along.
Q Did you ever have any business with him except that one time?
A No sir.
Q How long was it he worked for you?
A It was in 1882.
Q Where did he live then?
A That I don't know.
Q Was he married or single?
A I don't know.
Q Who were his associates at that time?
A I don't know.
Q Where did you live at that time?
A I lived at that time at Seeger street.
Q You hired him as painter?
A Yes sir.
Q He worked for you four weeks?
A About that time, four or five weeks/
Q Then he went away?
A Yes sir.
Q How do you know what his reputation for truth was?
A I gave him charge of some work and found what he told me was true. He had charge of a good many men at the time---I had him work in the Armor house right across from me.
Q What did he tell you?
A What he told me I found was the truth.
Q What was that?
A It was about the men.
Q That is, he gave himself a good character?
A He proved to be a good man himself.
Q He is a good painter--he could reach a long ways, and get over a good deal of ground in a day I suppose?
A Well, he was a good painter---I found him a good man.
Q This is not a question whether he is a good man to paint. The question is whether he is a truthful man among the people that he lives with, and associates with--now, do you know the people that he lives with?
A I don't.
Q Do you know any of the people that he associates with---you don't take him into the bosom of your family and introduce him to your wife?
A No sir.
Q You have a wife?
A Yes sir.
Q He was never at your house?
A No sir.
Q You were never at his house?
A No sir.
Q You don't know whether his house was on the north side or south side or west side, do you?
A No sir.
Q You know nothing about who his associates were at all?
A No sir.
Q He simply worked for you? and did the work you told him to do---that is all you know about it?
A Yes sir.
MR. FOSTER: That is all.