Atlanta, Ga., March 28—John S. Williams, wealthy Jasper county farmer, on whose plantion the bodies of eight negroes were uncovered the past two days, and his negro farm boss, Clyde Manning, whose confession led to the discovery of the bodies, are expected to go to trial on charges of murder when the July session of the Newton county superior court convenes at Covington.
Both Williams and Manning are in the county jail here on indictments for murder by the Newton county grand jury in connection with the finding about 10 days ago of the bodies of three negroes in the river which separates Newton and Jasper counties.
Solicitor A.M. Brand, of the Stone Mountain circuit court, announced today he was ready to try the men at the present session of court, but it was considered likely Judge Hutcheson would grant a postponement at the request of counsel for the defendants, thus carrying the trial over to July.
In the meantime, Federal officers are pushing their investigation of peonage in Jasper county, while the Jasper county authorities are planning a special session of the grand jury this week to investigate the disclosures made at the Williams’ farm.
The last two of the bodies fund on the Williams farm were taken from the Alcovy River yesterday after about five hours’ dredging work by the posses. The bodies were bound together with chains and wire and were unrecognizable. Six other bodies had been found Saturday, five of them buried in shallow graves and another taken from the river. These, with the three bodies recovered from Yellow River about 10 days ago, account for 11 victims, the number given in the confession of the negro Manning.
Williams and Manning both are held in the county jail at Atlanta on Warrants charging murder. Williams has stoutly denied any participation in the killings on his farm.
From the front page of The Charlotte News, March 28, 1921
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