Frank Phifer Chases Mandy Ross with Shotgun, She Burns His Home Down, June 10, 1926

Seeking Vengeance, Woman Fires Home of Negro Here. . . Mandy Ross Arrested at Home of Friend Here, Following Burning of Frank Phifer’s Home

Because he chased her with a shot gun on May 30th, Mandy Ross, colored, formerly a resident of this city and at present giving her address as Salisbury, last night set fire to the home of Frank Phifer in Crockertown, the colored settlement just east of Concord.

The house, which was the property of the Southern Loan and Trust Company, burned to the ground, and the adjacent house, property of Q.E. Smith and occupied by Carolina Moore, was damaged beyond repair. Both houses were covered by insurance.

With vengeance in her mind and package of kindling, oil, and matches in her hand, Mandy boarded a train in Salisbury late yesterday afternoon and came to Concord, ostensibly to visit a friend of hers on Georgia Avenue. Early this morning, about 2 o’clock to be exact, Mandy left the home of her friend and started her nocturnal expedition. Traveling in her stocking feet it was not long until she had reached her destination. There, to her dismay, she found that she had left here bundle of kindling and oil behind. Frantically searching through her clothes she finally found a single match and manipulating it with great care she managed to ignite a piece of wood sticking out from Phifer’s house. Then she turned on her heels and fled.

The fire spread rapidly and before Monday had reached town the alarm had been given. Bob Faggart, leaving Howard’s Filling Station on his way to the fire, met her on her way from it, still carrying her shoes, and asked her where it was. She told him that it was in Crockertown.

A number of large, unshod footprints all around Phifer’s house led local officers to the belief that someone had been guilty of arson. Upon talking with Faggart, who told them of the negro woman he had passed on his way to the fire, their case became cut and dried. They arrested Mandy, and upon searching the house of her friend, found the bundle of material she had brought with her from Salisbury for the purpose.

Confronted with this evidence of guilt, Mandy this morning in jail confessed to having fired the house in her desire to get revenge for the ill treatment on the part of Phifer.

From page 2 of The Concord Daily Tribune, June 9, 1926

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A.C. Lovelace is New High School Principal of Shelby Schools, June 10, 1926

Prof. A.C. Lovelace. . . Head of Shelby Schools

Prof. A.C. Lovelace, native of Rutherford County who was superintendent of schools at Sylva in Jackson County, has been elected by then city school board as High School principal of the Shelby schools, to succeed Prof. J. Horace Grigg, who recently resigned to become county superintendent of education in Cleveland County.

Prof. Lovelace was first principal of Round Hill Academy in Rutherford County and later attended Wake Forest College, where he was graduated in 1916. While there, he took a high stand in academic work and was assistant in English in the college. After his graduation, he was professor of English in Coker College, Hartsville, S.C., while Dr. E. Walter Sikes was president of the institution. At the outbreak of the war, he enlisted for service and made a splendid record. After his discharge, he returned to his native county of Rutherford and for five years was principal of that school. For the past two years, he has been superintendent of the Sylva graded school.

Prof. Lovelace is splendidly equipped for his duties, and the school officials of Shelby feel fortunate it being able to find a man that is so well qualified of the position.

From page 4 of The Forest City Courier, Thursday, June 10, 1926

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Wm. C. Bostic Jr. Receiving M.D. Degree at University of Pennsylvania June 16, 1926

Dr. Wm. C. Bostic Jr. will graduate at the University of Pennsylvania on June 16. Announcement of the 170th commencement have been received by friends here.

Young Dr. Bostic is following in the footsteps of his illustrious father in the practice of medicine and should meet with great success. He is a fine young man of whom his many friends expect great things, and no one will be disappointed.

From page 1 of The Forest City Courier, Thursday, June 10, 1926

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Tompkins, Benton, Dedman Join The Courier, June 10, 1926

Two Clever Employees Join the Courier Force

The Courier, despite the tactics of a competitor in beguiling employees from this office, has maintained a force sufficient to carry on in the growing business, and take pleasure in announcing that Messrs. J.L.O. Thompson, an experienced editor and printer who is well known to our people, and Mr. W.P. Benton, an expert Linotype operator, have taken positions with us, thus rounding out a force of competent printers second to none in any city of this size.

Mr. Thompson has just returned from his home town of Pickens, S.C., where he assisted Mr. Gary Hiott, formerly of this city, in getting out a mammoth booster edition of The Pickens Sentinel that is a credit to the profession. He will look more closely after the job printing department of The Courier, and our many customers can depend upon our usual prompt service.

Mr. Benton, formerly with The Charlotte Observer, is not only an expert linotype operator, but a clever young gentleman who will prove a strong asset to The Courier. He has moved his family here, where they will receive a warm welcome from our people.

Another recent addition to The Courier force is young Mr. “Doc” Dedman, an expert press feeder and all-around good boy.

S.P. Brewer and W.G. Julian, former employees of The Courier, but more lately of Rutherfordton, are now working in Charleston and Salisbury, respectively.

From page 4 of The Forest City Courier, Thursday, June 10, 1926

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Miss Edith Jenkins is Bride of J.C. Cowan Jr., June 9, 1926

Prominent Couple United in Marriage. . . Miss Edith Jenkins Becomes Bride of Mr. J.C. Cowan Jr.

Avondale, June 8—A beautiful wedding, centering the interests of a wide circle of friends, was that of Miss Edith Jenkins of Avondale and Mr. J.C. Cowan Jr. of Rutherfordton, which was solemnized at the home of the bride, Wednesday afternoon, June 9, at 4 o’clock.

Dr. Zeno Wall, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Shelby, officiated using the impressive ring ceremony.

The vows were spoken in the living room before an improvised altar of Southern smilax and ferns, flanked with cathedral candlesticks holding lighted tapers. The season’s flowers wee used throughout the house with artistic effect.

Prior to the ceremony, Mr. Hollis Owens, brother-in-law of the bride, sang “At Dawning,” accompanied by Mrs. J.S. Rudisill, pianist. The bridal party entered to the strains of the wedding march from “Lohengrin.” During the ceremony, “To a Wild Rose,” was softly placed and Mendelssohn’s march was used at the conclusion. Mrs. Rudisill was gowned in French blue georgette, wearing a large picture hat and corsage bouquet of Columiba roses and ferns.

Mis Mary Jenkins, dressed in peach chiffon and carrying an arm bouquet of pink roses, attended her sister as maid-of-honor.

The bride was lovely in a gown of poudre blue crepe Elizabeth, beautifully embroidered. She wore a blue hat trimmed in maline, and carried a shower bouquet of bride roses and valley lilies. Miss Jenkins was given in marriage by her father, Mr. Z.O. Jenkins.

Attending the bridegroom as best man was his cousin, Mr. Arthur Harrill of Rutherfordton.

Immediately after the ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Coan left for a two weeks’ motor trip through the mountains of Western North Carolina, after which they will be at home in Rutherfordton.

Mrs. Cowan is the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Z.O. Jenkins of Avondale. She is an attractive brunette and is a young lady of charm and pleasing personality. She was educated at Converse and Meredith Colleges, graduating from the latter in 1921 with an A.B. degree. For the past year she has taught Latin and French in the Cliffside high school, where she has proven herself an efficient teacher and has won a host of friends.

Mr. Cowan is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Cowan of Rutherfordton. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, receiving his A.B. degree in 1921, and is a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. Since graduation he has been connected with the Stonecutter Mills Company at Spindale, of which he is assistant secretary and treasurer. He has a sterling character and is one of the most promising young me of the state.

After the ceremony an informal reception was held, during which Mr. and Mrs. Z.O. Jenkins, parents of the bride, and Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Cowan, parents of the groom, received the wedding guests. Those assisting in receiving were Misses Sara and Viola Cowan, sisters of the groom; Mr. Andrew Harrill and Mrs. H.H. Jenkins, sisters of the bride; and Miss Ruth Higgins of Caroleen.

Tuesday evening following the rehearsal Mr. and Mrs. B.P. Aldwell at their home in Cliffside, entertained the bridal party and a few invited guests.

From page 1 of The Forest City Courier, Thursday, June 10, 1926

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Mr. and Mrs. Harrill Honeymooning in Western N.C., June 10, 1926

Interesting Wedding of Popular Young Couple

A wedding that came as a surprise to their many friends was that of Miss Ollie Tate and Mr. Jack Harrill, which took place Friday afternoon, June 4, at Rutherfordton. The ceremony was performed by Dr. M.A. Adams, and the happy couple left immediately for a bridal trip through the mountains of Western North Carolina, returning to Forest City Sunday, where they will make their home with the groom’s mother, Mrs. P.D. Harrill Sr.

The bride, who is the charming young daughter of Mrs. J.M. Tate, was beautifully attired in a dress of tan crepe with accessories to match.

The groom is the son of Mrs. P.D. Harrill Sr., and is a very promising young business man.

Both bride and groom are from two of Rutherford Couty’s most prominent families and have many friends who wish for them a long and happy life.

From page 1 of The Forest City Courier, Thursday, June 10, 1926

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Harrill-Tate Wedding at Henrietta, June 9, 1926

Harrill-Tate

A wedding of much interest to their many friends was that of Miss Ocie Tate and Mr. J.K. Harrill, which took place Wednesday, June 9, at Henrietta. The Rev. J.P. Hornbuckle performed the ceremony, which a very quiet affair.

The bride was beautifully attired in a dress of navy blue georgette with tan accessories.

Mrs. Harrill is the charming daughter of Mrs. J.M. Taite, and is one of Forest City’s most popular young ladies.

The groom is the son of Mr. H.P. Harrill, and comes from one of Rutherford County’s most prominent families.

Immediately after the ceremony, the happy couple left for Newberry, and Columbia, S.C., to spend a few days, after which they will be at home in Forest City.

Both bride and groom have a wide circle of friends who wish for them a long and prosperous life.

From page 4 of The Forest City Courier, Thursday, June 10, 1926

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