Ocean County , NJ History

New Jersey Mirror Dec 7 1881 Our report of the Williams-Ross murder case closed last week with the testimony of Mary Cromwell. The case was resumed on Wednesday morning. John Thompson, white, testified that he was at the party; saw no difficulty between Williams and Ross, but heard Williams say he was the best man in the house and would kill the first person who laid hands on him; afterwards heard him say he was going to kill the man who tore his coat. Thomas Joy and John Griffin both white, testified to being at the party but their testimony developed nothing important, except that Griffin heard Williams say he would kill the first person who laid hands on him. Wm. Johnson and John McCloe swore to threats by Williams at different times to kill Ross. James Howard testified to being present when Moss carried Ross out doors; Moss and Ross both fell; Ross lay on his back with his arms stretched out and witness stood at the left of him; saw Williams on the right side kicking Ross