Tuesday, July 6, 2021

"Little Tom" McAuley, Jay Cross Fight After Smith and Jones' Trial, July 6, 1921

Fight at Huntersville Follows Prosecution in Still Case

An aftermath of the trial here at the last superior court, when W.A.L. Smith and Thomas H. Brown, citizens of Huntersville township, were convicted of operating the 2,000-gallon still near Huntersville, occurred the afternoon of July 4 at Caldwell & Bradford’s store, when “Little Tom” McAuley and Jay Cross had a fight in which Cross sustained a painful injury over the eye with a coca-cola bottle thrown by McAuley.

Much feeling has existed in the locality where the still was fund and where the principals in the trial were concerned, and when some of them met at the store Monday a fight ensued.

Jay Cross was arrested and was to have been tried before Magistrate J.W. Cobb Tuesday but the defendant waived examination and the merits of the case will be tired in the next superior court here.

Shortly after deputy sheriffs, rural policemen and city detectives found the big 2,000-gallon still some months ago the grand jury brought indictments against W.A.L. Smith, Jay Cross and Thomas H. Brown, alleging they were concerned in the operation of the still. Cross was not tried on that charge, however, but was tried for having a gallon of liquor in his possession and paid a $50 fine.

Brown and Smith were sentenced to 18 months each on the roads and appealed. The new phase of the case is expected to attract much attention when it comes up in superior court here.

From The Charlotte News, July 6, 1921 -- Judge Hears Case Linked With Still

An aftermath of the discovery of a 2,000 gallon liquor making establishment near Huntersville some months ago and the subsequent conviction of two citizens of the county n the charge of aiding in the operation of the still was heard in superior court before Judge J. Bis Ray when he opened the second week of the present term of superior court Monday.

Jay Cross, Lee Cross and Thom McAuley, all citizens of the community where the still was found, are before the court charged with having engaged in an affray July 4th at Bradford’s store, when the still incident was mentioned. There had been some feeling about the matter for some time, it was testified in court. Monday morning, and when a considerable crowd gathered at Bradford’s store the subject came up. Just what direction the remarks about the incident took can not be said, but a mix-up in the shape of personal combat occurred, and when the smoke of battle had cleared away Jay Cross was wearing the mark and imprint of a coca-cola bottle hurled at him with a strong arm and said to have been wielded by Tom McAuley. It came in contact with Mr. Cross’ forehead and he has been carrying a small bandage there for some time.

From The Charlotte News, July 17, 1921

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