The most important details of Leo Frank's defense were the inconsistencies in his testimony. Jim Conley testified that Mary Phagan had arrived at the Pencil factory before Monte Stover, but the motor, man and conductor of the trolley asserted that she had gotten off at 12:10. Most witnesses agreed that it would have taken at least one half hour for the murder and movement of the body to the seller, the writing of the murder notes and Conley's hiding in the wardrobe to occur. However, there were only 30 minutes between 12:00 and 1230 that Frank's time was not accounted for. The defense called more than 20 witnesses to corroborate Frank's version of when the murder happened, where Frank had been, and at what time.
The first two witnesses, W.H. Matthews, motorman, and W.T. Hollis, conductor of the English Avenue car, testified that Mary Phagan got on at Lindsay Street at about 1150 and was alone. Herbert Schiff, assistant superintendent of the Pencil factory, testified to the system of business, the preparation of the financial sheet, the procedure for paying off employees and how the pencils are made. Miss Maddie Hall Stenographer from Montague testified that she finished her work, left around twelve two and punched the clock, and that Frank did not make up the financial sheet that Saturday morning. Miss Corinthia Hall swore that she was the four lady for the factory and got there Saturday around 11:30 a.m. with Mrs. Emma Clark Freeman. Miss Magnolia Kennedy swore that she was behind Helen Ferguson and Helen Ferguson did not ask for Mary Phagan's pay envelope. On cross examination, she stated that Barrett called her attention to the hair and her machine was right next to Mary's. Mary's hair was a light brown sandy color and she did not see the blood spots on the floor. Wade Campbell, another employee, was the brother of Mrs. White who told him about seeing the Negro on Saturday.
Lemme Quinn, foreman of the factory, testified that 100 women worked at the factory. He noticed the blood spots at the lady's dressing room on Monday and was in the office and saw Mr. Frank between 1220 and 1225. Several witnesses later testified that Quinn advised them he had visited Frank prior to noon in the factory the Saturday of the murder. Harry Denham, one of the carpenters on the fourth floor, testified that he was hammering about 40 feet from the elevator on April 26. Minola McKnight, the cook for the Seligs, testified that she worked for Mrs. Selig and cooked breakfast for the family on April 26.
Mr. Frank finished breakfast a little after 07:00 and came to dinner about 20 minutes after one. Her husband, Albert McKnight, wasn't in the kitchen that day between one and 02:00. Mr. Frank left that day sometime after 02:00 and next saw him at 06:30 at supper. She left about 08:00 and Mr. Frank was still at home when she left.
