Age 19 years. Edward died of a gunshot wound on September 1, 1891, and was buried in Ronaldson's Cemetery, Philadelphia, on September 4, 1891, with his mother.

A Murderer at Large.

PHILADELPHIA. Sept. 2 — Yesterday Edward Widener, who was shot late on Saturday night by an unknown colored man at Tenth and Bainbridge streets, died in the Pennsylvania hospital. Deceased was in charge of the Ronaldson cemetery, at Ninth and Bainbridge streets, and also lived there. Detectives Geyer and Crawford, who have been searching for the murderer have not yet been able to locate him.

—Carlisle Evening Herald (Carlisle, Pennsylvania), Wednesday, September 2, 1891, p. 1

WIDENER.—Suddenly, on September 1, 1891, Edward A., son of Edward A. and the late Ella Widener, aged 19 years.

The relatives and friends of the family are responding invited to attend the funeral, on Friday afternoon, at 1 o'clock, from the residence of his uncle, Alfred Elwell, at Ronaldson's Cemetery. Services at Evangelist P. E. Church. Interment private.

—The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), Friday, September 4, 1891, p. 6

Lewis Washington was arraigned yesterday before Judge Finletter charged with the murder of Edward A. Widener, shot at Tenth and Bainbridge on August 29. Assistant District Attorney Kinsey conducted the prosecution, but Attorneys W. O. Cross and Thomas F. Cross set up an alibi and Judge Finletter charged that even if it was the prisoner who did the shooting it was done in self defense and he had a right to shoot. Washington was acquitted.

—The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), Saturday, December 5, 1891, p. 2

NOT GUILTY OF MURDER.

Washington Sets Up an Alibi and the Jury Acquits by the Court's Instructions.

Lewis Washington, the young colored man who was arrested for the murder of Edward A. Widener, at Tenth and Bainbridge streets, on the night of Saturday, August 29, 1891, between 11 and 12 o'clock, was tried yesterday in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, and the jury rendered a verdict of not guilty.

The Commonwealth, represented by Assistant District Attorney Kinsey, produced as it principal witness Edward Woods, who testified that he and Widener were at the southeast corner of Tenth and Bainbridge streets, when they saw two colored boys dancing on the northwest corner. They went over to the boys and had a quarrel. Woods knocked one of the down and the two boys ran away. Washington then appeared and resumed the quarrel. Woods knocked him down, and, as Washington was getting up, he fired a pistol, the ball from which entered the abdomen of Widener. Washington ran down Tenth street and Widener was taken to the Pennsylvania Hospital, where he subsequently died.

Washington, who was represented by Lawyers William C. and Thomas F. Gross, denied that he was in the neighborhood of Tenth and Bainbridge on the night of the shooting and said that the nearest he was to the locality was at Malatesta's saloon, Eighth and Lombard streets. He accounted for his whereabouts from 7 o'clock that evening until 1 o'clock the following morning, and he was corroborated by several witnesses.

After the evidence had closed Judge Finletter said to the jury that no matter how far Washington had made out his alibi, it was the Court's duty to say that the Commonwealth had failed to establish its case. Even if Washington were there and was attacked by Woods and Widener, he had a right to defend himself. There is no doubt they attacked him, as they had attacked two boys shortly before, and the result is only what could have been expected.

The jury then returned their verdict of acquittal.

—The Philadelphia Times (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), Saturday, December 5, 1891, p. 7