Proclaimed Her Innocent
May 16, 1896
Summary
A contemporary newspaper, the Daily Times, weighs in on Pokey Barnes’ recent court case.
Transcription
[Richmond, Va , Daily Times]
Probably never was the dignity of conscience innocence more strikingly exemplified in any trial recorded in the annals of Virginia's jurisprudence than in the statement of Pokey Barnes, who was put on the stand in her own behalf by the defense this afternoon. Her voice rang clear and distinct through the room, and each ear was strained to catch her every word, as in measured tones, never faltering nor tripping, she accounted for her every movement on the 14th day of June 1895, from the rising of the sun until the going down thereof.
If she were acting a part the luminous lights of the stage would do well to learn of her. And her evidence had its effect. Many who believed her guilty now proclaim that she is innocent. The officers of the court declare that they have never witnessed a more impressive scene nor heard more convincing testimony. The day all through has been a good one for the prisoner, and up to this point nothing conclusive has been adduced as to her guilt.
Probably never was the dignity of conscience innocence more strikingly exemplified in any trial recorded in the annals of Virginia's jurisprudence than in the statement of Pokey Barnes, who was put on the stand in her own behalf by the defense this afternoon. Her voice rang clear and distinct through the room, and each ear was strained to catch her every word, as in measured tones, never faltering nor tripping, she accounted for her every movement on the 14th day of June 1895, from the rising of the sun until the going down thereof.
If she were acting a part the luminous lights of the stage would do well to learn of her. And her evidence had its effect. Many who believed her guilty now proclaim that she is innocent. The officers of the court declare that they have never witnessed a more impressive scene nor heard more convincing testimony. The day all through has been a good one for the prisoner, and up to this point nothing conclusive has been adduced as to her guilt.
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Upper Left Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Liam Eynan
Citation
“Proclaimed Her Innocent,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed January 20, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1620.