The distinction which Michigan is achieving for its murders and murder trials, will not be abated by the very remarkable trial of Mrs. Barnard for the murder of Mrs. Curtis of Lapeer. Mr. Curtis is a Baptist clergyman long connected with the denomination. He formerly preached at Greenville, in this State, where the Barnards lived. His conduct, according to his own testimony, has not been altogether up to the standard demanded of the clergy. He has "swapped" horses, driven them on the track—but not for money—and lost at "a three-card monte" game of cards. He desires to give the impression that Mrs. Barnard, who is accused of murdering his wife, has for some time shown a particular interest in him, to the extent of riding in a row-boat with him and sending her boy "across lots" through the woods; coming to him while at his barn one moonlight night at Greenville and telling him she could not bear to have him go away, as he thought of, to another parish, because she loved so to hear him "preach and pray" and adored him next to Jesus Christ Himself; and following him to Lapeer. It was at this latter place one evening last winter, while Mr. Curtis was just beginning to preach his evening sermon, that cries were heard in his house. The neighbors rushing in, found Mrs. Curtis on fire. The kerosene lamp was overturned and broken and Mrs. Curtis clothes were found saturated with the oil. She said that while sitting in her house Mrs. Barnard came in, and said she wished to talk with her; that Mrs. Curtis had wronged her and that she would have her revenge; that Mrs. Barnard then came forward and with a cloth saturated with gasoline tried to suffocate her victim. Mrs. Curtis fought her as long as she could, inflicting several scratches upon her face. The light was put out, and when Mrs. Curtis recovered consciousness she found herself on fire, which the neighbors quenched. The doctors announced that she could not live and, in prospect of death, she charged Mrs. Barnard with killing her, persisting in the charge when Mrs. Barnard was brought into her presence and denied the crime. Witnesses who were at the church that night when Mrs. Barnard appeared some time after the services began and only a short time before word was brought there that Mrs. Curtis had been burned, testify that she appeared much disturbed; that her face was red and bore slight marks of violence. Some also detected an odor; while others saw neither the marks upon her face, nor perceived any odor of oil or gasoline.

Such were the chief points of the accusation. The defense proposes to show that Mr. Curtis is not a trustworthy witness; that Mrs. Barnard was not at Greenville when he charged her with meeting him at his barn; that she did not "follow" him or admire him, and that, although Mrs. Curtis was jealous of Mrs. Barnard, as of other women, Mrs. Barnard was not at her house the night of the burning. The theory is that Mrs. Curtis had fallen asleep, as she not unfrequently did, in her chair, and being jealous of Mrs. Barnard was dreaming of her, when the lamp exploded and threw its burning contents over her. Awakening, she connected her dream with the situation and was convinced that Mrs. Barnard was the author of the catastrophe. The defense also rely on testimony to the good general character, conduct and reputation of the accused woman.

Detroit Free Press (Detroit, MI) Wednesday, 30 Nov 1881, page 4