Thursday, February 3, 2022

Jonah Alford Not Guilty of Murder; Joseph Ball Nol Pros for Manslaughter, Feb. 3, 1922

Jonah Alford Acquitted In Superior Court Friday Afternoon of Charge of Murder—Joseph Ball Received a Nol Pros—Court Adjourned Friday—Grand Jury Report

Jonah Alford was acquitted Friday morning of the charge of murder brought against him by the state for having killed a colored man at his home several years ago, after the negro had attacked him with a brick, and the Court adjourned for the term.

The case was begun on Thursday and on account of the heavy snow that fell that night the jurors were delayed in arriving Friday. At the opening of the evening session it was found that all the jurors but one were present and upon agreement the case was concluded with 11 jurors. The jury was out only a few minutes before rendering their verdict of not guilty.

During the wait on Friday morn the attorneys on both sides took up the Joseph Ball case for manslaughter, and discussed it before the Judge for a ruling that would determine what disposition should be taken. After hearing the arguments of both sides the Court advised the Solicitor to accept a nol pros, which he did. This case was the one which grew out of the setting of a trap gun in the second story of his store and in his bed room by Joseph Ball of Alert, which killed a man by name of Chambley who was attempting an entrance through a back window.

These two cases were the last tried and completed the work of the Court.

Grand Jury Report

Franklin County

To Honorable W.A. Devin, Judge holding the January Term of 1922 of Franklin County Superior Court:

We the Grand Jury for the January Term 1922 of Franklin County Superior Court respectfully beg leave to submit the following report:

We have passed on all bills which have been given us in charge and have examined into all matters which have been brought to our attention and which have come to our knowledge.

A committee visited the Home for the aged and infirmed and report finding the same in splendid condition, the inmates well cared for and satisfied. We have visited the County jail and find the same in excellent condition and the convicts satisfied and well cared for. We find that the plank enclosure around the Jail will need repairing soon. We recommend that the plank enclosure be taken away and be replaced by a wire fence and that the County purchase a bath tub for the Jail. We have visited the County offices and find the same in good condition, and books and records well kept and properly indexed.

Respectfully submitted,

C.C. Winston,

Foreman Grand Jury

From the Franklin Times, Louisburg, N.C., Feb. 3, 1922

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