100 years ago in Spokane: ‘Jury of hens’ upsets family after assault conviction

A guilty verdict in an assault case prompted a swarm of abuse from the convicted man’s relatives.

“There is no justice in the courts,” shouted his sister. “My God, such a jury of hens.”

This led to a shouting match between the deputy prosecutor and the relatives of T.H. Bishop, who had just been found guilty of stabbing Manuel Nelson on the street.

According to testimony, Nelson discovered Mabel, his 17-year-old daughter, in the company of Bishop, who was married to someone else. She was also wearing Bishop’s coat. In the ensuing altercation, Bishop took out a knife and stabbed Nelson.

Bishop had already been acquitted on a charge of “improper relations” with Mabel, but this trial was for the more serious charge of second-degree assault.

Bishop’s mother also went on a tirade against the prosecutor after the verdict was announced.

“Why, this girl has been on the streets since she was 12 years old,” said Bishop’s mother. “You know he should not have been tried.”

“I wish to tell you right now that any man would have done just what this father did if his 17-year-old girl, not mentally strong, had been taken out at night,” the prosecutor replied. “Tell me why your son had the big knife?”

Bishop shouted, “Now, you lay off of her, I tell you,” although it was not clear if he was shouting at his mother or the prosecutor.

The incident ended with the court officer ordering Bishop to “keep your mouth shut.” Then he led Bishop off to jail.

Bishop was subject to a sentence of one to 10 years.