I Am Innocent, Says W.D. Covington, April 30, 1923

Covington Is Much Displeased

The following statement was received from Police Officer Covington with reference to his recent conviction at Chatham:

“I, W.D. Covington, want the public to know just how I have been treated in my trials at Chatham, Va.

“I was convicted through prejudice and not by evidence. I have served two years in both the states of Virginia and North Carolina. I have always used my very best judgment that I knew how.

“The reason I crossed the line on this occasion was to notify the Virginia authorities as they had asked me to do, to catch this man George Bryant, who had committed a felony in Virginia by shooting an officer by the name of Jerry Metz. Besides, he was a fugitive from justice in North Carolina, having several different charges against him in North Carolina.

“I went across the line with no intent. If I had Had any idea of coming in contact with this man over there, I would not have crossed the line under any circumstances, whatever.

“As I was going to telephone I was fired upon by this man, George Bryant. I fired in defense of my own life, and my conscience is perfectly clear. I told it just like it all happened on the witness stand.

“(I have) always been very careful (with my?) gun, and I have (used my?) gun only in defense (??), and I have always made it a practice to caution other officers who would be with me about using their guns. I put 10 reputable citizens on the stand to prove my character. Some of these men had known from the cradle up. They all gave me a good character. The state did not put on a single witness to attack my character. It is hard after serving as an officer as long as I have and exposed in all kinds of weather until I have lost my health, and now to be taken away from my family and be put in jail unjustly, and my family needs me to work for their support all the time.”

From the front page of the Reidsville Review, April 30, 1923

Nobles Innocent Say His Comrades on Death Row, April 30, 1923

Prisoners Contribute to Fight to Save Nobles

Raleigh, April 30—His comrades in “death row” have contributed $23 to the fund being raised by Rev. Sylvester Betts, local minister, to fight for the life of Daniel Milton Nobles of Columbus county, who is under death sentence for the alleged murder of his second cousin, Henry Nobles.

“The boys in ‘death row’ all believe that Dan Nobles is innocent,” said Rev. Mr. Betts today, “and they have contributed their mite to the fund we are raising in an effort to save this man.”

Nobles was to have been put to death in the electric chair at 10:30 o’clock Tuesday morning, but appeals were made by Rev. Mr. Betts, P.H. Weathers and Loomis Godwin, local churchmen, who declare they believe him innocent, caused Governor Morrison to grant a reprieve of 60 days in order that he may look further into the case.

From the front page of the Reidsville Review, April 30, 1923

Chemical Plants Join Tobacco and Textiles as North Carolina's Important Enterprises, April 30, 1923

Tobacco Gives Textiles a Race

Raleigh, April 30—Two hundred ninety chemical plants, excluding such industries as furniture, foundries, tobacco, metallurgy and water purification in which chemistry plays an important part, exist in North Carolina as one of the most important enterprises, according to an announcement by Frank C. Vilbrandt, professor of industrial chemistry, University of North Carolina.

“Compared with some of the more important industries in the state, such as cotton knitting and cotton mills, the chemical industries yield greater production in proportion to capital invested and laborers employed than any other class,” said the expert.

“The cotton mills and knitting mills, numbering approximately 625 in all have an invested capital of over $231,150,000, employing over 90,000 people and yielding $320,000,000 of products. The 23 tobacco plants, constituting the industrial side of tobacco, employing 9,300 people, have a capital investment of $130,440,000 and yield $225,000,000 worth of products.

“The chemical industries, of which there are 290 plants, have a capital investment of but $117,500,000 employing but 10,050 people and yielding $201,500,000 worth of products. These figures do not include proprietary drugs and medicines, which rightly belong to the field of pharmacy, but which the layman attributes to chemistry. Statistics show these chemical industries are almost on a par with our great tobacco industry, in which we lead the world.

“It is evident, therefore, that the state is as much of a chemical industrial state as it is a cotton or tobacco state,” he asserted.

From the front page of the Reidsville Review, April 30, 1923

Co-ops Firing Warehouse Heads, April 30, 1923

Co-ops Fire Many Warehouse Heads

Kinston, April 30—According to information given out by former officials of the Cooperative Marketing Association in the eastern belt, the association is withholding contracts of practically all if not all managers from whose warehouses were leased.

The first instance to be made public was the discharge of J.N. Gorman of Greenville, cooperative manager of the warehouse there, for “unsatisfactory services.” It is understood that T.C. Watkins Jr., the director at Richmond, is going the firing.

It is also understood that all warehouse leases secured by the association continue for a period of five years. No manager had a contract for more than one year, it is said.

According to word received here the cooperative managers at Greenville, La Grange, New Bern, Rocky Mount, Mayesville, Farmville and other markets lost their jobs.

From the front page of the Reidsville Review, April 30, 1923

Rockingham County Sunday School Rally, April 30, 1923

Many at Sunday School Rally

The first session of the Rockingham County Sunday School Rally was held Sunday afternoon at Main Street M.E. church and was attended by a large and appreciative audience. Splendid addresses were delivered by Miss Mary McElwe, state Philathea president, of Henderson. Miss Bertha Cates discussed the junior department of Sunday school from the viewpoint of “What can we do for the Juniors.” Her address was filled with helpful suggestions as to keeping the juniors interested in their work. A.B. Saleeby of Salisbury ably discussed the problem of “Stopping the Leak in Sunday School.” Special music by young ladies from Reidsville high school was greatly enjoyed by all present.

At the conclusion of the addresses a business session was held at which time officers for the local Baraca-Philathea City Union were elected as follows:

President—J.H. Allen.

Vice President—Mrs. W.S. Goodson.

Secretary—Mrs. Oscar Leath.

Assistant Secretary—J.F. Delancy.

Treasurer—A.H. Gwyn.

Assistant Treasurer—Mrs. H.F. Trent.

Historian—Mrs. Joe Johnston.

Reporter—C.E. Brewer.

The church auditorium was taxed to its capacity both afternoon and evening. During the progress of sessions the following interesting facts were brought out:

--Number of students under 25 years of age enrolled in the various Sunday schools, 821,999.

--Under 25 years of age not enrolled, 885,540.

--Number of Sunday schools, 8,525.

--Number of churches without Sunday schools, 1,210.

Rev. J.A. Ledbetter presided at the meeting Sunday night. The first speaker was Judge I.R. Humpreys, the daddy of the Baraca movement in Reidsville, who gave a brief review of the Baraca-Philathea work in Reidsville during the past 10 years. He said that during the present year 13 of these classes have been organized in Reidsville.

L.W. Clark of Spray spoke interestingly on the subject of “The Possibilities of a City Union and the Need of a County Union.” Mr. Clark declared that Reidsville and Greensboro were the best Sunday school centers in this state, and thought it proper that the movement for a county-wide organization should start in Reidsville. He offered many valuable suggestions which the Reidsville township union will doubtless adopt. Mrs. N. Buckner of Asheville was the principal speaker on this occasion. Mrs. Buckner has been engaged in the work of organizing Baraca-Philathea classes for a number of years. She brought out many interesting points not generally known by the public and her magnificent address spurred her hearers to take a greater hold on this important work.

Following the installation of officers, Clarence L. Virgin delivered the closing address, asking the cooperation of everyone in the great revival campaign which begins in Reidsville next Sunday.

From the front page of the Reidsville Review, April 30, 1923

Reidsville Review, Monday, April 30, 1923

Tornado Swept Northern End of Durham County Saturday Night, April 29, 1923

Cyclone Sweeps Northern End of County Saturday. . . Considerable Damage Done by Wind Storm in Lebanon Saturday Afternoon. . . Nobody Injured. . . Houses and Barns Were Blown Down and Fruit Trees Destroyed. . . Swept a Wide Area. . . Pathway Over 300 Yards Wide Was Cut by Winds of Tornado Intensity—Not Felt in the City

Swooping down with startling swiftness, a cyclone which swept through the northern end of Durham county Saturday afternoon did damage accounting to thousands of dollars and played many freakish pranks with the property of the people in the section affected. A pathway between 300 and 400 yards was swept by the wind of great velocity through a large section.

Houses were blown down, trees were twisted as though some giant hand in a moment of fun had taken hold of them. Fences were blown down, stock was turned loose, and telephone poles and trees lined the road into Lebanon township. The actual damage done could not be determined yesterday. As far as could be learned last night, no one was injured.

While the area swept by the high winds Saturday was not as wide as was that in the tornado of several weeks ago, the damage done was just as great, considering the size of the area visited. The wind was not accompanied by any great rainfall. Nothing was known of the storm the city until night when reports were received of the damage done. The wind in the city, while of March propensity, did not reach very high velocity and nobody dreamed that within 12 miles of the city the people were in the midst of a tornado.

The storm swept down upon part of Lebanon township shortly after 1:30 o’clock and passed over it from the Lebanon church to beyond the Roxboro road, and up the river. The storm was witnessed by Deputies Belvin and King, who were just emerging from the woods with an illicit still they had just captured. They were not in the range of the storm and were able to watch its progress.

The house rented and occupied by Dave Ellis and his family was blown from its foundation and approximately 30 steps away. Mrs. Davis was sick in bed but was uninjured when the house was blown from its pillars. She was none the worse from her experience, it was stated. The house, itself, was not damaged to any great extent. The buggy shed on the same property was blown down as was the smoke house, the contents of which including real smoked country hams, were blown about the lot. The damage done was estimated to be about $1,500. [Article says house occupied by Dave Ellis and Mrs. Davis was sick in bed. Maybe Mrs. Ellis??] Damage approximating $1,000 was done to the house and barn of J.D. Regan while the barn and porch to the residence of J.B. Andrews were damaged to the extent of about $1,500. Damage of about $2,000 was done to the house and barn of Will Holt. Dishes were smashed in some of the houses and considerable damage was done to the orchards.

The known damage, estimated above, amounts to about $6,000 but this, it is thought, does not represent all of the damage. The destruction wrought to the fruit trees and in fences blown down will amount to a considerable figure, it is thought.

Reports were received to the effect that Roxboro had been visited by the cyclone and that considerable damage had been done to part of the town. Investigation proved them to be false. The chief of police of Roxboro was communicated with and he stated that the storm did not strike his town but came almost to the Person county line.

From the front page of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, April 29, 1923

Tornadoes in Warrenton, Lucama Struck Yesterday, April 29, 1923

Heavy Loss Tornado Hits. . . Loss Estimated at $75,000 Reported

By the Associated Press

Raleigh, N.C., April 28—Property losses estimated at $75,000 and injury to several persons resulted from tornadoes that fell upon Warrenton and upon the Lucama section, six miles south of Wilson, late this afternoon.

No injuries were reported from Warrenton but the property loss from the destruction of tobacco prize houses and the blowing down of garages will reach $50,000.

A negro boy was blown across an open field, a negro woman was hit on the head, and a white woman had leg broken in the Lucama section.

Heavy thunderstorms visited Raleigh and other sections in eastern North Carolina during the early evening.

From the front page of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, April 29, 1923

Deputy Sheriff Killed in Auto Accident, April 29, 1923

Deputy Sheriff Killed by Auto. . . Granville County Officer Jumps from His Automobile in Accident

Oxford, N.C., April 28—Crawford Davis, many years deputy sheriff of Granville county, was killed in an automobile accident Saturday at 2 o’clock. Mr. Davis was in a car with three men driving to Oxford. When reaching a bridge on Tar River, near Providence, on National highway, he was unable to stop his car on account of no brakes, and in jumping from his car to avoid anticipated crash with approaching car and was killed. His brother, Britt Davis, was also struck when jumping to the ground. Two occupants remaining in the car were not injured.

Mr. Pittman is entirely exonerated from any blame for the accident. Mr. Davis was rushed to Brantwood hospital, Oxford, where he died in a few minutes. The deceased was 28 years of age and son of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Davis of Providence. He was unmarried.

Mr. Pittman had his bride in his car, having been married today at Stovall to Miss Lucy Lewis, daughter of Charles Lewis. This is the second tragedy occurring in Granville during the week on the National highway, both resulting in death. Mr. Davis was very popular in Oxford and known as a fearless officer. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Davis was a member of trench mortar battery during the world war.

The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon. This accident reveals the peculiar fact that two bridal parties from Oxford in the last 24 hours have met with auto accidents. Last night, Mr. and Mrs. C.L. Neims, just married in Oxford, had an accident when their car was partially wrecked at Stem, on the National highway, though no serious damage was done in this accident.

From the front page of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, April 29, 1923

W.H. Johnson Died Saturday Night Following Auto Accident, April 29, 1923

West Durham Man Dies As Result Of Auto Accident

W.H. Johnson succumbed Saturday night about 11 o’clock to injuries received in an automobile accident between 5:30 and 6 o’clock in the evening, occurring on the Erwin road.

The accident occurred when the deceased, together with John Raykes, was riding on the Erwin road. The named man was driving the car. A wagon was moving just ahead of them and another wagon stood on the other side of the road. Thinking he had plenty of room to pass between the two vehicles, raykes is alleged to have attempted to drive the car between them with the result that the car struck the wagon. The automobile plunged down an embankment and overturned, pinning Mr. Johnson beneath it.

After he was extricated he returned to his home on Ninth street, West Durham, and medical attention was given him. He was found to be suffering from a fractured right shoulder. To relieve his suffering, the doctor is alleged to have given him an opiate to quiet him. He died around 11 o’clock. Whether or not he received internal injuries has not yet been determined. It was reported that he suffered a broken neck, but the truth or falsity of it was not determined.

After his death the sheriff was notified and he ordered the body held until Sunday morning when a coroner’s inquest will be held to determine the cause of his death and whether or not it was due to criminal negligence on the part of the driver of the car. No arrests were made last night, pending the outcome of the inquest.

The deceased has lived in West Durham for many years and was well known throughout that community. He was a carpenter by trade.

From page 3 of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, April 29, 1923

Measles Epidemic Among White School Children Continues in Durham, April 29, 1923

Report 322 Cases of Measles Here

As yet there are no indications that the measles epidemic now flourishing among the white school children of the city has started on a decline. According to J.E. Epperson, superintendent of the Durham health department, there were 322 cases reported to his office during the past week, an average of 54 cases each day. This average has continued for some time, and it is stated that on some days cases are reported faster than health officers can get around to the homes of tack up quarantine notices. One special officer is devoting practically his entire time to this work.

County and city nurses are being kept busy going from place to place in the interest of patients and carrying on an educational program of methods of treatment. It is pointed out that rarely does a person die from measles without complications, but that development into pneumonia and other complications is not uncommon. Several deaths of children where complications had set in have been reported to the department.

During the past week a total of 22 cases of whooping cough were reported to the department. Four cases of chickenpox were reported and one of smallpox. Only two cases of diphtheria were brought to the attention of the health officers.

From page 10 of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, April 29, 1923

Mill Workers Want Raises, April 29, 1923

Textile Workers After Increases

By the Associated Press

Huntersville, N.C., April 28—At a meeting held here this afternoon of the joint council of the Textile Workers’ unions of North Carolina and South Carolina, a resolution was adopted calling upon the officers of the various unions affiliated with the council to take immediate steps looking toward increase in wages. Another resolution adopted declared that the bonus system used by some textile mills was not acceptable to the workers, on the grounds that it depended on continuity of work. A third resolution condemned the discharge of men who affiliate with organized labor and declared that such action on the part of the mills would not be countenanced by the textile unions.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the unions in the two Carolinas, and it is understood that the movement for wage increases will get underway at once.

From page 10 of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, April 29, 1923

Rev. Langston's Funeral Held Saturday, April 29, 1923

Langston Funeral Was Held Saturday

With members of the Masonic lodges of the city in charge of the burial, the remains of Rev. G.D. Langston, who died Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock at his home in West Durham, were laid to rest in Maplewood cemetery Saturday afternoon. Rev. J.M. Bradley, pastor of the West Durham Methodist church, conducted the services held in the Methodist church.

Mr. Langston was one of the city’s most highly respected citizens. He was nearly 77 years of age. His illness extended over several years with the past eight months finding him perfectly helpless. He was for many years an active minister of the gospel of the Methodist denomination.

From page 10 of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, April 29, 1923

Durham Morning Herald, April 29, 1923

Good Housekeeping Cover, April 1923

Search for Killer of Deputy Sheriff "Little Bill" Burleyson, April 28, 1923

Searching for Slayer of Deputy Sheriff. . . “Little Bill” Burleyson Shot Through Vitals of Two Alleged Moonshiners

By the Associated Press

Johnson City, Tenn., April 28—Avery county authorities and a posse of men were today searching for Robert McKinneq, 22, alleged slayer of “Little Bill” Burleyson, 48, deputy sheriff who was shot through the vitals by one of two reputed moonshine operators in Star Hollow, Roaring Creek, near Minneapolis, N.C., according to information received here today. Quinzee Gabeal, a young man, is held in the Newland jail as an accessory.

The dead deputy sheriff was known as one of the most fearless officers in Western North Carolina. He leaves a widow and seven children.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, April 28, 1923

Jury Agrees John Baker Killed Minter in Self-Defense, April 28, 1923

John Baker Not Guilty

Asheville, April 27—John Baker of Knoxville, Tenn., who killed F. Minter near Franklin, in Macon county last December, was today found not guilty of a murder charge on which he had been given trial in Macon Superior court. Following the killing last November, Baker surrendered to the sheriff and stated that he had killed Minter in self-defense. He has been in jail since then.

From page 5 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, April 28, 1923

In Cabarrus County Superior Court, April 28, 1923

Court Cases

Superior Court for Cabarrus county at its sessions Friday continued to dispose of criminal cases on the docket, with Solicitor Z.V. Long of Statesville prosecuting on behalf of the State and Judge James L. Webb presiding.

Voight Barnhardt was found not guilty on a charge of an assault with a deadly weapon, this case growing out of an automobile accident.

Jim Douglas, charged with seduction, was found not guilty.

Rich Brown was found not guilty on a charge of assault with intent to rape.

Will Bray, against whom a bill for murder had been prepared, was tried for manslaughter, the solicitor announcing to the court that the State would ask for a verdict of manslaughter or second degree murder in connection with the death of Jene Hatley, which occurred at Silver Hill several months ago following a gambling party of negroes. The defendant was found guilty of manslaughter and was given 18 months on the public roads.

Clarence Shuping was fined $40 and placed under $200 bond for this good behavior during the next two years for an assault with deadly weapon.

Ernest Ludwic plead guilty to an assault with a deadly weapon and judgment was suspended upon payment of the costs.

The Grand Jury submitted its report to Judge Webb, and was discharged.

An adjournment was taken until next Monday, at which time the case of State vs Maurice Howie of Monroe, charged with the death of a child who had been struck by Howie’s automobile, will be taken up.

The civil docket will be taken up at the completion of the Howie case.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, April 28, 1923

Robbins, Former Member of Asheville Chamber of Commerce, in Jail On Bad Check Charges, April 28, 1923

Charged With Check Flashing in Charlotte

Asheville, April 27—Following his apprehension this morning at Oteen hospital where he was visiting friends, C.V. Robbins, former membership secretary of the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, was placed in the Buncombe county jail, where he is being held without bail pending his removal to Charlotte to face a charge of check flashing. The warrant was sworn out by W.W. Faver of Charlotte and Asheville, who with Mrs. Faver, conducted the Martha Washington candy shops in the two cities. The check in question was for $20 and was drawn upon a bank in Savannah.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, April 28, 1923. Check flashing was another term for passing a bad check.

Culp and Widenhouse Confiscate Still, "Hootch" and Lunch, April 28, 1923

Snake Season Disregarded by Prohibition Officers. . . Officers Culp and Widenhouse Revel in Ham Dinner, Leaving Prospective Purchasers to “Root, Hog or Die”

Albemarle News-Herald

Disregarding the inconvenience which it no doubt caused hundreds of prospective customers and absolutely inconsiderate of the fact that snake season is even now at hand, Prohibition Officers J.e. Culp of this county and D.H. Widenhouse of Concord raided the Bear Creek section just north of the Albemarle-Stanfield highway on last Thursday, smashed a perfectly good 90-gallon still and confiscated 16 gallons of what was regarded as a good grade of white sugar loaf “licker.” The still was cocked and primed and ready to run out this popular beverage at the rate of several hundred gallons per day, no bought, and indications were that the owners were on the job up until just a few minutes before the arrival of the officers. They had evidently gotten a “hunch” that the officers were coming and had snatched the large copper cap off the still and carried it some distance away, where Messrs. Culp and Widenhouse found it in their search. In attempting to save the cap to the still, however, the owners lost a perfectly splendid box of nice country ham and fried eggs, which had just been brought them for their lunch. This the officers also confiscated, and Mr. Culp will testify to the fact that no better ham has ever made his acquaintance.

The big still was cut into pieces and the cap brought to Albemarle, together with the 16 gallons of “hootch,” all to the great sorrow of the owners, whoever they may be, and to the unspeakable disappointment of some people who would have had, no doubt, plenty of good “licker” in their cellars at this writing, but for the raid.

The prohibition officers did not see any persons about the still and have not the remotest idea as to who the owners were. All they seemed to know when they arrived in Albemarle Thursday afternoon was that they had destroyed a mighty big “hootch plant,” seized 16 gallons of the real article, got one of th finest dinners consisting of fresh ham, eggs and large, white, mellow biscuits that it has ever been their satisfaction to come in contact with.

From page 4 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, April 28, 1923

J.B. Cobb Leaves 3,800 Acres in Guilford to Daughter, April 28, 1923

J.B. Cobb Leaves 3,800 Acres in Guilford to Daughter. . . It is Estimated Mr. Cobb Left an Estate Worth Approximately $50 Million

Greensboro News

The will of John Blackwell Cobb, who was found dead on a tram at the Pennsylvania station New York, April 9, has been admitted to probate at Stamford, Conn., according to a special dispatch appearing in the New York Tribune of April 26. The will disposes of an estate which has been estimated at $50 million.

The dispatch says, in part:

“The testator’s widow has the same use of his estate here and his late home at 2 West Seventy-Fourth Street, New York, as long as she lives, and an annual income of $25,000. After her death the real property is to be divided between Mr. Cobb’s daughters, Mrs. Mary Howard Gilmour and Mrs. Lucy Cobb Hill. The trust fund yielding the $25,000 income is to be divided at Mrs. Cobb’s death among George W. Hill, a grandson, who is to get $250,000 or less; the University of Virginia, which is to get $140,000, and Mrs. Gilmour and Mrs. Hill, who are to share equally in the remainder.

A 3,800-acre estate in North Carolina is given to Mrs. Gilmour and Mrs. Hill. Each of them is to receive one-third of the residue, the remaining third to constitute a trust fund.”

Mr. Cobb was well known in Greensboro and throughout this section of the south, and he has many relatives living in this locality. H.W. Cobb Jr. of this city, is a nephew and Mrs. James W.B. Reid and Mrs. Alice Vanstory, both of Greensboro, are nieces. Mrs. Lynn B. Williamson of Graham is another niece, and a brother, J.S. Cobh, and a sister, Mrs. Mrs. B.C. Glass, reside in Durham. Another brother, H.W. Cobb, formerly lived in Greensboro.

The North Carolina “estate,” to which reference is made in the dispatch from Stamford, Conn., is one of the finest agricultural properties in Guilford county. It is situated on the Greensboro-High Point highway. A handsome hunting lodge and other buildings are located on the property. During recent years Mr. Cobb frequently visited his estate in Guilford, and he often spent several weeks at the hunting lodge.

The man who amassed this great fortune was born in Caswell county and spent his early youth there. He went to Danville, Va., and engaged in the tobacco business, later going to New York. At various times during his business career, he was associated with some of the greatest tobacco concerns in America.

From page 5 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, April 28, 1923

Concord Local Mention, April 28, 1923

Local Mention

Cotton on the local market today is quoted at 27 ½ cents per pound; cotton seed at 66 cents per bushel.

Master Rogers Barnhardt, son of Mr. and Mrs. C.S. Barnhardt, is confined to his home on account of measles and pneumonia.

Twelve new cases of measles and five of whooping cough were reported Friday to the office of the County Health Officer.

Dr. T.F. Marr of Salisbury will preach at Forest Hill Methodist Church Sunday night at 7:30 o’clock. Dr. Marr is an unusually strong preacher and should be heard by a large congregation.

The many friends of Mr. John A. Barnhardt, a lifelong resident of the county and city, will regret to learn that his condition is not so favorable. He regrets that he is not able to see and enjoy his friends as of yore.

Good progress is being made with the addition which is being built to the Norcott Mill. Much of the brick work has already been completed. Work on the eight houses which the mill will erect for its employues also continues satisfactory.

Mr. Harry Caldwell will leave tonight for New Orleans on the first lap of a journey that will take him to Honduras, where he will make his home in the future. Mr. Caldwell will be associated with a fruit company while in Honduras.

The Mount Pleasant Collegiate Institute team defeated the Ellerbe team at Mt. Pleasant Friday by a score of 8 to 3. It was the best game played so far. The features of the game were the hitting of Smithdeal, Watts and Roberts of the winning team.

With the exception of two walls all of the structures on the property on which the Cabarrus Savings Bank is to erect its new home have been torn down. Workmen are now engaged in cleaning the brick and removing some of the debris which was made with the destruction of the buildings.

With the addition of the train service of the Southern Postmaster states that mail received by 4 p.m. each day at the Concord Post Office can be delivered by 9:15 the next morning in New York City. If mailed later than 4 p.m., it will be dispatched on train No. 38, which is five hours later, and will be delayed at least 10 hours.

Plans have been completed for the recital which will be given on Tuesday evening at the First Presbyterian Church, when Mr. Chas. G. Vardell Jr., dean of the Music Department, and Mrs. W.B. Robeson, head of the Violin Department of Flora Macdonald College, will be in Concord. No admission fee will be charged, but a silver offering will be taken.

A number of baseball fans of this city went to Davidson this afternoon to witness the Trinity-Davidson baseball game. This is the first time this year the two colleges have met in baseball and much interest centers in the game. A number of Concord fans also went to Greensboro today to see Carolina and Virginia play their first baseball game of the season.

Work is progressing rapidly on the widening of a portion of South Church street. The west side of the street is being widened from the Reformed Parsonage to the Covington Candy Works, and on the east side is being widened for about the same distance. The street will eventually be widened from the intersection of East Corbin to the intersection of East Depot streets.

Mr. E.G. Cook was host to the Men’s class of Trinity Reformed Church last night. Of chief interest was the election of officers for the year. Mr. James Cline was elected president, Mr. Charles F. Barrier vice president, and Mr. M.B. Fuller was elected secretary-treasurer. The class is in a healthy and progressive condition. The enrollment is 45 and the attendance more than 65 per cent.

Building activity is very much in evidence now in the business section of Concord. Workmen are continuing to push the construction of the new front in the Cannon & Fetzer building recently vacated by the Parks-Belk Company; in the new building being erected next to W.A. Overcash’s store; on the new Cabarrus Savings Bank building and on the new King building adjoining it; and on the Morris buildings on Barbrick street.

From page 6 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, April 28, 1923

Saluda Mountain Safety Switch Saves Another Train, April 28, 1923

Saluda Mountain “Safety” Switch Has Again Saved a Train

Salisbury Post

Railway trainmen of Salisbury and Spencer, many of whom in the past had runs on the Asheville and Spartanburg division, and who have had occasion to watch the operations of the famous “safety” switch on the Saluda mountain grade, will be interested in the following taken from Thursday’s Asheville Citizen:

For the first time in a long while an engine on the Saluda mountain yesterday morning, control of the train was lost after the first “safety” on the mountain grade had been passed but before reaching the second “safety,” the freight train had gained such momentum that the locomotive ran clear off the end of the track of the “safety.”

As chances would have it no member of the crew sustained injury of any consequence and little damage to the equipment was reported.

At intervals along the mountain grade of the railroad track are switches, which throw the train into a track leading up steep grades. These are controlled so that then a train becomes unmanageable, singlas are given and it is diverted onto the “safety.” Incidentally, this plan has proven its worth as a safety measure in previous instances while the trains are generally controlled without difficulty in making the descent.

From page 5 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, April 28, 1923

Smith and Baggett Working to See N.C. Railway Connect to Mountains, April 28, 1923

Trunk Railroad Is Talked at Ashboro. . . Representatives of Fayetteville, Raeford and Other Places in Conference

Fayetteville, April 27—Winston-Salem, High Point, Pinehurst, Ashboro, Aberdeen, Randleman, Raeford and Fayetteville today sent their representatives to Asheboro to confer on the plan which Edward Smith has worked out for linking the seacoast and the mountains with a trunk line railroad.

Nine of these industrial leaders were delegated by the conference to formulate a definite plan of organization by which the road may be built.

Great interest was shown by the delegations present in all the communities mentioned and indications are that the project, nurtured by Mr. Smith, is going to be consummated. His idea is to build a railroad from Swansboro to Winston-Salem, to connect at that point with the coal carrying roads. J.R. Baggett of Lillington, who has had a similar vision since his college days and had it well on the way to realization when the war came on, was present at the request of Mr. Smith and talked the plan over with the delegates present.

From page 5 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, April 28, 1923

Concord Daily Tribune, April 28, 1923

Caldwell County Farmers Like Advantages of Dairy, April 27, 1923

Some of Caldwell’s Advantages

Dairying in Caldwell county is making progress, says Count Farm Agent Roberts. The dairying industry is gaining friends every month. Within a few years there will be a complete change in the agricultural life of the county, in the belief of Mr. Roberts. The natural facilities for keeping dairy cows in Caldwell county and for profitable dairying only need a little development along the right lines. Some of the advantages of dairy farming over the present system of farming Caldwell county are defined by Mr. Roberts as follows:

Dairying provides a steady cash income from the sale of cream or milk throughout the year.

Dairying improves the soil and increases land value.

Dairying equalizes the distribution of labor throughout the year.

Dairying provides a profitable market for feed crops grown on the farm.

Dairying utilizes waste land for pasture, which might not otherwise be used.

Caldwell has climatic conditions so that feed crops can be grown successfully.

Soy bean hay is an indispensable crop for dairy cows. Early spring pastures and full pastures of wheat, oats or rye help to shorten the feeding period and reduce the cost of producing milk.

Good cows.

Proper feeding of cows.

A profitable market for butter fat.

A good dairy cow should produce at least 6,000 pounds of milk or 200 pounds of butter fat per year. Few cows in Caldwell county come up to this record of production.

Good cows may be obtained by purchase and by breeding and testing, and the Caldwell Co-operative Creamery offers a profitable market for butter fat.

Fred H. May, editor and manager of The Lenoir News-Topic, published advice on dairying from the county agent as his lead editorial on Friday, April 27, 1923. D.W.M. Roberts was the Agricultural Extension county agent.

Individuals Join Organizations to Bring Progress to Communities, April 27, 1923

Brings Individuals Together

As you look over any American community it is amazing how universally the idea prevails of organizing the social force of the people. If you go into the newest settled town of any community, you may find this same principle working itself out. Just as soon as the pioneers begin to get their breath and look around and plan out their common existence, they begin to form organizations to accomplish certain definite ends. Old World towns also have social forces fairly well organized. But this spirit is more highly developed in this country than elsewhere. The Americans are a restless and determined people, always looking on toward larger accomplishment

. In any live community there are a lot of things that people want that they have not got. It is their first instinct to get together and attempt to accomplish by united force what the individuals could not accomplish separately.

It is astonishing what a group of people can achieve when they unite for a common end. Individually they might seem commonplace or insignificant, and people would regard the expression of their opinion as unimportant, but when they associate for a common purpose, their separate individualities are fused in a powerful mass and men everywhere begin to take notice.

Organizations are the machinery through which the personality of a community accomplishes its purpose and gets things done.

The Kiwanis Club, just organized here, is worked out on a practical sort of a basis. Individuals come together once every week and touch elbows with one another. In these meetings they discuss subjects of vital interest to Lenoir. Individual views work into a kind of co-operative affair—and co-operation means community progress.

From the editorial page of The Lenoir News-Topic, April 27, 1923

Moore County Banks Working With Farmers, April 27, 1923

Our Banks

In a recent talk with two or three of the bankers of Moore county it was disclosed that the banks are taking care of the farmers in a broader way than has ever been possible.

Mr. McLauchlin at the Bank of Vass says the farm loans are extended as far as the legitimate practices of banking will permit, and the farmers are availing themselves in a greater manner of the business opportunity to pay cash for their fertilizer and other things needed in the spring, and thus they get the benefits of lower prices than was possible under the old system of buying on time and paying time prices. The Bank of Vass is growing in its ability to finance the farmers and is helping to the extent that it can, and that is helping to put farmers on a broader footing, and each in turn helps the other.

John McQueen of Lakeview is president of the Bank of Pinehurst. Mr. McQueen says his bank is making small loans to the farmers in numbers, the aim of the loans being to stimulate a better business habit among the smaller farmers, and put them on a more solid financial footing and custom.

The Page Trust Company, which has three banks in the county, is also considering the farmer more than in the past, for all the banks have more money and can do more to provide credit for the farmer than was the case in the years that are gone.

This is one reason why the farms of Moore county are entering a better era as far as industry and prosperity are concerned. The banks are doing all they can to stabilize the business of farming, and the next thing is for the farmers to help as the banks are doing. Greater thrift on the part of the farmers is one thing needed, and another is for every farmer when he has a dollar that is not in use to put that dollar in the banks that the money may be available for loaning to some other farmer who needs it. That keeps idle money moving, and as it is always at the call of the depositor when he wants it back, it makes all the capital of the community all the time.

An awful lot is said about helping the farmer, but the naked truth is that the help for the farmer must come chiefly from his own efforts. While the banks are helping him what they can help only as the money of the community is put at their disposal to lend the farmers and others, and it is up to the farmers to do their share along with the banks.

From the editorial page of The Weekly Pilot, Vass, N.C., Friday, April 27, 1923

Vass: Growing and Improving, April 27, 1923

How We Grow

For several years Vass has had a continuing exhibit of building going on in the community. During the last two years the activity has been sufficiently progressive to satisfy any one. Following the hotel, the printing office, the new McKeithan buildings and the Beasley block and the warehouse, came the Edwards building more recently finished, and now work is under way on the new post-office building that Mr. Cameron is putting up. This extends the succession of brick buildings along the street from the hotel toward the railroad crossing, and is gradually giving the village a right metropolitan air for a small rural neighborhood. In a short time another brick building will be started by Mr. Beasley in the vacant place between his present structure and the Edwards building. This will give a solid row of half a dozen brick buildings alongside of each other on that one street. With the exception of the bank building, these are all two story and all large buildings.

In the way of home building the same progress is in evidence, both in the village and out. Some of the farm homes that are springing up in the neighborhood are notable. The big new house on Evans farm would be a credit to any village in the state. Mr. Cameron is building a good house on his farm near town, and at other places similar construction is seen. On all the roads out of Vass the farms are showing the signs of prosperity by building and improving, and in town Paul Joyner is building near the Methodist church, and Neill McLean and S.R. Smith are improving and finishing their buildings.

It is a common sight all around Vass to see improvement in buildings, in the grounds surrounding the homes, and while this is under way the highway construction is giving substantial help toward the positive future of the neighborhood. The weather is such now that the bridge across the river between Vass and Lakeview is making good headway and the bridge at Cranes creek will be pushed along now, these being the chief obstacles in opening the road in the whole Vass section.

Fall will see a big change in town and out, through the agency of the saw and the hammer, and the whole area will have a different appearance to the tourists when the fall tide of travel sets this way again. Moore county is making big changes, and here in our part of the Sandhills it is gratifying to see that our share is keeping up with the procession.

From the editorial page of The Weekly Pilot, Vass, N.C., Friday, April 27, 1923

Moore County Winnings at the State Fair, April 27, 1923

Moore County at the State Fair

A statement from the management of the state fair at Raleigh showing the various winnings in premiums by the different counties puts Moore sixth on the list. Moore was outclassed by Buncombe, Catawba, Alamance, Guilford, and Wake. Of the $15,0287.50 in premiums to the counties, Moore county brought home $664. Moore, although only one per cent of the counties of the state, gets almost 4 ½ per cent of the premium money for good exhibits.

It is noticed that the big winning goes to Pinehurst for the livestock shown, and it is just as well for Moore county to recognize that Pinehurst is a big factor in this county in many ways. The Pinehurst livestock display at the state fair came away with $642 in premiums. Without that exhibit the winnings of the county would have been about in line with those of Robeson, Richmond, Montgomery, etc., which ranked between 45 and 50 in the list, where our county as it stands is sixth.

Vass is well represented as Laird Pharr and Worth Blue, in the Boys’ and Girls’ clubs, take $18 worth of prizes, and the Farm Life School club gets another rating, although the prize was only $1. With the exception of $2 to Mrs. Harry Viall at Southern Pines for an exhibit of fine arts, the deck is swept by Pinehurst, Vass and Farm Life School. This is satisfying to the peace of mind of this neighborhood, yet it is not a situation to be appreciated, for the rest of the county ought to have something at the state fair to show what Moore county can do. Where Pinehurst can make such a fine record with livestock not much more needs to be said in a general way by the county, but Moore has other things to present to the attention of the world, as the exhibits at the Sandhills fair at Pinehurst last fall made plain.

Moore county has a chance to do better than was done last year at the state fair, and even thought with the help of Pinehurst the county stood sixth, the farms of the county aside from what Pinehurst has been doing, can make a much better showing at the Raleigh exposition, and it is worth while. Vass is not the only capable community, even though the figures make it look that way and the boys and girls of the clubs are not the only capable farmers. This statement from Raleigh has something in it for Moore county farms to think about.

From the editorial page of The Weekly Pilot, Vass, N.C., Friday, April 27, 1923, Stacy Brewer, manager.

The Pilot, Vass, N.C., April 27, 1923

Jackson Spring News by L.T. Graham, April 27, 1923

Jackson Springs News

By L.T. Graham

The local and West End highs’ game of baseball here Thursday afternoon resulted in a 17 to 3 score for the locals. Woodley on the mound for the locals, struck out 18 men. He should not have been scored upon, but he aided the tallies for the visitors by issuing two free passes, throwing a weak one to first base, and another to the catcher letting a man score. Ralph Coxe for the visitors did not pitch as he did last season, or the locals have developed into a batting machine.

Things look very prosperous as to a large crowd here this summer, if appearance has anything to do with a crowd. Carpenters are busy repairing and painters adding a fresh coat. The groves have changed colors as well as the several buildings. The leaves are “puttin’ out,” and the grass and small grain sown a few weeks ago are up, adding much to the beauty of the rolling land that nature has made beautiful. The force at work on the grounds has been increased; shrubbery has been pruned and new shrubbery set, and another set of hands is now regrading the roads. As soon as the work can be completed near the hotel and spring, a small dam will be built on the mineral branch below the spring to add to the looks of things. A force will push out from the village and begin to build more roads, and clear more land.

Mineral Springs township walked away with more than their share of points in the county commencement events at Carthage on Friday, but the locals were not strong contenders as the interest was aroused too late. However, of the three girls, two won prizes: --Miss Mary Bruton, the prize as the best story teller in high school; and Miss Glenn McInnis for the best Palmer writing. Mis Vysta Woodley pulled through the township and county elimination contests for recitation and was among the three girls to recite. We believe honors should be divided among the schools over the county. The children must be trained to win honors, and it is up to the teacher to co-operate with the county superintendent and make the commencement a greater success next year.

“The Wren,” a play of five acts, was presented to a large crowd by the junior class in the high school auditorium on Friday evening. This was one of the best plays ever given by high school students here; each character was suited for the part they played and filled the places like veterans. Miss Maude Poole of Raeford directed the training.

The stork paid two visits near here last week. One to Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Meacheam and another to Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Bennett.

A.C. Carter and sons, Colton and Clayton, and Miss Eva, spent the week-end with relatives in Albemarle.

A prominent man here plans to go before Governor Morrison armed with affidavits of ex-convicts of Stanly county to seek pardons for Will McMaster, Monroe and Carl Luck, white men convicted on prohibition charges at the Moore special term of superior court in 1922, held by Judge W.F. Harding. He was liberal with road sentences and did not realize how much good he was going to do in one of the best communities in the state. It caused a stampede along with the strong sentiment against such lawlessness, and in that area of Moore, Montgomery and Richmond counties invested with blockade stills, raids have been scarce since August court. One of the men grew so unpopular in less than three years’ residence near that, we never heard of a petition being circulated in his behalf. The others got one farmer, one carpenter, and four merchants and clerks to sign their petitions. We understand they all went in some months ago with a long list of names. This man of prominence is very sympathetic, but shows no sympathy to those living in the area invested with blockade stills for two years. If he wants to encourage lawlessness he should go to court and save Kennie Luck, for he was bound over a few weeks ago after a raid. Vance Armstrong, a negro who was tried with the Lucks last August and acquitted, was arrested but made his escape. It is reported that Will Burroughs, a white man captured at a still more than a year ago, is in jail at Carthage. He moved away, and returned for court twice, and moved again not reporting for the third court. He forfeited his $500 bond. The county could be saved some expense if some one would go on his bond again for it is some months before August.

While some have taken up the howl of the northern people about the inhumane treatment in the southern prison camps, they say that we might as well have whiskey again as in old times, and take up the same howl as Dudding and other people far away. That is not the best class of people, and if Judge Harding holds many more courts in the Sandhills section, blockading will be broken up. Two weeks ago he sentenced Hosea McDonald, from a family of good circumstances, who fell into bad company and bad ways, to eight months on the Richmond county roads. He was seen at a still on Drowning creek a few miles from Hoffman where whiskey was shipped out by the carload about a score or more years ago. It was a whopper for a blockade outfit, pouring fourth a quart of the snake bite poison every two minutes. People grew tired of the government distilleries at Hoffman in the days when they could sell whiskey cheaper than the tax on the same for “block” was made in large quantities in those days. And some persisted in keeping it up after the government cut them out. The last whiskey case cost one Richmond county man over $18,000. That was a sum of money, and people howl if it costs one thousandth of that sum now; road sentences are the best cure. Twenty years hence there will not be much whiskey made. But men and women are creating a sensation by dancing a half a week without sleeping, and still beating one another’s record. What is going to happen by this immorality practiced so much over the world?

Mr. and Mrs. Geo. R. Ross and family are visiting in Graham.

From the front page of The Pilot, Vass, N.C., Friday, April 27, 1923

Miss M.H. Pinckney in Hickory Hospital, April 27, 1923

Miss Pinckney to Hospital

Miss M.H. Pinckney was taken to a Hickory hospital Tuesday night following an attack of appendicitis. Mrs. H.M. Teague and Mrs. Claude Triplett accompanied her to Hickory. Reports from her yesterday were to the effect that she is resting very comfortably. She will take treatment for a while. It is hardly thought that she will be operated on.

From page 4 of the Lenoir News-Topic, Friday, April 27, 1923

Dealers Wanted to Sell Willys Light Power Plants to Farmers, April 27, 1923

Dealers Wanted

To sell Willys Light in this territory. Willys Light is the most practical electric light and power plant for farms on the market. Driven by the famous Willys Knight (Light?) sleeve-valve engine, which eliminates vibration, valves and carbon troubles. It is produced and backed by the world’s largest manufacturers of starting, lighting and ignition systems for motor cars. This is an opportunity to establish a money-making business of your own with very little investment required.

For full information write to,

Home Lighting & Equipment co.

Willys Light Distributors

Plymouth, N.C.

From page 4 of The Progress, Enfield, N.C., Friday, April 27, 1923

Fred Gaddy Not Re-elected Town Commissioner After Bold Stand Against KKK, Says Editor, April 26, 1923

No use to try to analyze just why Fred Gaddy was not re-elected as town commissioner. He is the kind who had rather see no attempt at explanation. But, whatever the cause, it is no reflection on him. Awhile back he was hostile to the Ku Klux Klan, and let his sentiments become known in no uncertain tones. His attitude was such as to draw to him defeat from this source alone, if defeat it is to be called. He stands boldly and fearless in his convictions, and one never has to look behind the bush to see just how or where Gaddy stands on any question. He has fought when his fighting saved the town large sums of money. He has accepted criticism from sources that knew not that the thing being criticized was in conformity to the wishes of those for whose benefit the criticisms were being offered, and when his position was one calling for praise rather than censure. We hold no brief for Mr. Gaddy, but the best evidence given of his worth to the town and the true zeal he displayed comes by way of appraisal on part of the men who were associated with him. Wilson was defeated when the country most needed him. Bryan was never able to gain recognition. So one can’t sometimes always tell.

From the editorial page of The Albemarle Press, April 26, 1923, J.D. Bivins, owner and editor

Supreme Court in Declaring Minimum Wage Unconstitutional, Denies Right to Live, Says Editor, April 26, 1923

The Right to Live Right

The decision of the United States supreme court declaring unconstitutional the minimum wage laws for women in the District of Columbia will add force to the agitation against decisions reached by a bare majority of one in this tribunal. The decision was rendered by a vote of five to three, but Justice Brandeis did not participate, having been counsel some years ago in an Oregon case of a similar character. His individual opinions leave no doubt that, had he been sitting, he would have voted with the minority, making the decision one of those five-to-four verdicts which so seriously are disquieting the American mind.

The decision is based upon the constitutional prescription of inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness includes the right of a woman to sell her labor for less than the cost of subsistence, and the right of an employer to enforce not merely a starvation wage, but any conditions of employment which may contribute to his profit and which through his control of the labor market he can establish.

In rendering the decision Justice Sutherland tersely stated that: “In principle there can be no difference between the case of selling labor and the case of selling goods.” This may be a five-to-four construction of the law, but it is a principle that rubs the average American the wrong way, for no American, Christian or Pagan, will endorse the argument that men, women and children must labor for any price the “market” condition warrants, regardless of the cost of living. Many of the thinking men and women of this country long ago determined that any institution that did not or could not pay its labor sufficiently to live decently and honestly was a curse to the community and to society. Many towns and cities have refused to help manufacturers looking for new locations when it was found the average wage paid was below the cost of living.

The effect of the decision will be far-reaching. In at least 14 states there are laws for the protection of women and children that may be annulled. Another and equally important effect of the decision will be a knock-out blow to any proposition by farmers for stabilizing commodity prices. Under this decision any such legislation would be declared unconstitutional.

Another effect of the decision may be to stimulate labor organizations and in the end result in an amendment to the constitution along the lines proposed by Senators Borah, LaFollette, Norris and others, restricting the power of the supreme court in reversing any act of Congress.

The fact of the matter is that minimum wage laws and child labor laws ought to be unnecessary in this nation of peace and plenty. But unfortunately there are those who have less regard or interest in human life than they have for mine mules and knitting machines.

The decision involves the question of the right to live right.

From the editorial page of the Harnett County News, Lillington, N.C., Thursday, April 26, 1923, Henderson Steele, publisher.

State Bank Examiner Closes Doors of Harnett County Trust Company, April 26, 1923

Doors of Harnett County Trust Company Closed

Harnett County Trust Company, Lillington’s youngest financial institution, closed its doors at the noon hour today. State Bank Examiner Clarence Latham arrived shortly after noon and took charge of the bank. He will decide in his discretion whether the closing will be permanent, and if permanent, as to how the bank’s affairs will be liquidated. Cashier Walter L. Sutton as well as President B.P. Gentry and all other officials of the bank state that they feel assured that the assets of the institution will pay depositors 100 cents on the dollar, if the institution is liquidated at this time.

Closing of the doors of the bank came as a result, state its officials, of unsuccessful attempts to obtain ready cash with which to carry on its affairs. Steady decline of deposits, coupled with slow collection of outstanding paper is given as the cause for lack of ready cash at this time.

Efforts by the officials of the bank to obtain money on its collateral have proven unavailing, they state, the reason being that all banks, including some of the larger ones, being heavily drawn upon in the last few months, especially by farmers who are paying cash for fertilizers.

The failure of the Commercial National Bank in Wilmington some few months ago occasioned a small loss to the Trust Company, but it was thought by its officials that the institution could be tided over till fall collections came in.

Officials of the bank state that collateral for loans is ample and with strict collections all depositors can be paid in fall.

The embarrassment of the Trust Company does not in any way affect Lillington’s other financial institution, Bank of Lillington, this being one of the oldest and strongest institutions in this section with deposits of over a quarter of a million dollars.

From the front page of The Harnett County News, Lillington, N.C., April 26, 1923

Forest Fires Between Linden and Overhills, and Rockfish Township, Extinguished, April 26, 1923

Cumberland Fire Swept Portion of Harnett Sunday. . . Two Conflagrations Originating in Opposite Directions, Exhaust Their Force When Met by Fire Fighters of Harnett County

Fayetteville, April 24—Forest fires, sweeping an area of 60 square miles between Linden and Overhills hunting preserve and a 250-acre tract of valuable timber in Rockfish township, this county, have wrong damages which will amount high into the thousands of dollars.

The two fires seem of have started about the same time Sunday afternoon in opposite ends of the county from causes undetermined at this time. Both are now under control.

The timber burned in the Overhills-Linden section is estimated at more than $10,000, while some damage was done to growing crops and scores of farm houses were menaced. The damage from the Rockfish fire is not yet known, but the timber tract burned is said to have been of unusual quality.

A third fire swept part of the Fort Bragg artillery range, but no considerable damage is reported beyond an explosion which is thought to have been from a dud in the path of the flames. Reports of forest fires in the South River section of Bladen county have also reached this city.

The fire in the Overhills section reached its greatest intensity about 3 o’clock this morning. It has been fought since last Sunday afternoon by Warden R.W. Christian, Deputy Warden W.J. Adams and scores of farmers and others acting as volunteer assistants. According to Deputy Warden Adams, the burned area is 15 miles long and four miles wide. A 40-mile wind which sprang up last night carried the fire across many roads that had been counted on to check it, and the blaze would probably have swept its way to the Cape Fear river at Lillington but for the protection area which surrounds the Overhills estate.

From the front page of The Harnett County News, Lillington, N.C., April 26, 1923

Mrs. J.H. Baker, 73, Died April 20, 1923

Death of Mrs. J.H. Baker

The death angel visited the home of Mr. D.E. Baker on April 20th and took from him his mother. She was ill for two weeks, first having pneumonia, and age and a week heart unfitted her for the struggle with that treacherous disease. All that loving care and untiring efforts of a devoted family of children and grandchildren could do was most kindly done, but God called her and all human help was vain.

She was the wife of Mr. J.H. Baker, who preceded her to the grave several years ago. She is survived by 11 children—seven boys and four girls—who mourn her. Her years here were 73, having been filled with good deeds and examples.

Interment took place in Cumberland Union cemetery near Cokesbury.

From the front page of The Harnett County News, Lillington, N.C., April 26, 1923

J. Lawrence Smith, Confederate Veteran, Has Died, April 26, 1923

J. Lawrence Smith Dead

Mr. J. Lawrence Smith, Confederate veteran and prominent citizen of the county, died at his home on the Duke road Saturday and was buried at old Sardis burying ground Sunday afternoon. The funeral attended by a large throng and the floral tributes were many and beautiful.

Mr. Smith was in his 78th year and was the last of his generation of a large and influential family connection. He was a son of William T. and Mary Campbell Smith of Smithville, Cumberland county, having been born on his father’s plantation on the Cape Fear river January 28, 1945. His education was interrupted by the War Between the States. As a mere boy he joined the army of Virginia, participating in some of the hardest fought battles of the war. He bore patiently the depressions after the war, and marked the development of the last years with keenest interest. He was a member and at one time commander of Daniel McDougald camp No. 1662 U.C.V., which has headquarters in Lillington.

Mr. Smith was one of the best citizens, a devoted churchman, having for nearly 50 years been an officer in Sardis Presbyterian church.

He is survived by his widow, who was Miss Winifred Williams of Cumberland county; three sons, William T. Smith and Isaac W. Smith, two of Harnett’s prominent young men, and J. Lawrence Smith of Portsmouth, Va.

From the front page of The Harnett County News, Lillington, N.C., April 26, 1923

Harnett County News, Lillington, N.C., April 26, 1923

Local Items and Personal Menton, Albemarle, April 26, 1923

Short Local Items and Personal Mention

The family of C.C. Whitley was called to Statesville on last Sunday to attend the funeral of Mrs. Whitley’s aunt, Mrs. R.C. Stewart.

Visiting in the B.F. Ausband home Sunday were Mrs. T.B. Johnson and children, Mrs. Ralph Austin, and Mrs. Johnson Brown, all of Charlotte.

Mrs. N.J. Pennington received a crate of fine vegetables from her daughter, Mrs. T.R. Forrest of Florida. Onions 16 inches in circumference and large new Irish potatoes were in the lot.

Friends of Mr. T.S. Parker will be glad to learn of his improved health. He is now able to be at his place of business regularly.

Mrs. J.F. Hoffman and attractive daughters Alice and Josephine, of Gastonia, are visiting in the home of Mr. and Mrs. I.H. Underwood.

Mr. R.L. Furr of western Stanly is moving his family to Albemarle, having purchased the Homer Cotton house on Moss Springs road.

Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Cotton have sold their home to Mr. R.N. Furr of Oakboro. They expect to build a bungalow on Moss Springs road.

Mrs. S.T. Howell has returned from a visit to Concord. While there Mrs. Howell’s little daughter, Katherine, was quite sick with pneumonia.

Miss Ina Mabry and Mr. J.B. Ashe of Charlotte spent Sunday afternoon in the home of Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Mabry of Norwood.

Mr. and Mrs. Key Scales and sons, Fairley and Key Jr., spent the week-end in Monroe with Mrs. Scales’ mother.

Mr. Grady Rabe, clerk of the Hotel Albemarle, has received news of the death of his brother, Mr. W.R. Rabe, at Denver, Col., which followed a long illness.

Dr. and Mrs. F.P. Purvis and two children spent Saturday night in the home of Mrs. J.M. Brown in route to Henderson. Mrs. Purvis is remembered in Albemarle as Miss Belle Hicks.

Mrs. H.L. Coble, and two sons, Jack and Henry, and Miss Lochie Stover, of Greensboro, spent Sunday and Mr. and Mrs. T.P. Bumgardner. J.A. Little and son, D.L. Little, visited Mr. Little’s mother, Mrs. J.L. Little, in Union county last Sunday. Mrs. Little is very ill at this time, with small hope of her recovery.

Mrs. E.E. Snuggs was brought home Monday from the Charlotte Sanitorium. Her many friends will be glad to learn that her health is steadily improving. Mr. M.C. Thompson and son, Malcom, joined Mrs. Thompson and small daughter at the Hotel Albemarle for the week-end, and accompanied them to their home in Charlotte.

Mrs. P.W. Miller is able to leave Charlotte Sanitorium after a few weeks there, following an operation and treatment, and will spend a while with her daughter, Mrs. Jim Calloway, at Stanly Creek, before returning to her home on route 2.

Miss Josephine Copeland is spending a fortnight with relatives and friends at Columbia and Ehrhardt, S.C. She contemplates attending a convention of nurses at Charleston during her absence.

Z.V. Moss, superintendent of public welfare, went to Gastonia last Tuesday and carried Leonard Blalock, the 8-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Blalock of Palestine, to the North Carolina Orthopaedic hospital for treatment. The little boy is a cripple and has been for three years.

Friends of Wilson H. Cranford will be glad to learn that his condition is improving, following a serious operation which he underwent for appendicitis last week in Lincolnton. The sudden seriousness of Mr. Cranford’s attack made it impossible for him to reach his home in Charlotte for the operation.

Visitors in the Huckabee home for the week-end were Mr. and Mrs. Robbins Tilden of High Point; Mrs. Charles Tilden of Jamestown and Miss Bessie Harris of New London; James Rogers of Salisbury, and Misses Lois Howie and Elizabeth Robbins of Kannapolis, spent Sunday with Miss Bessie Huckabee.

Miss Lina Smith, who has been in China for the past six years training nurses for work there, is home on a short vacation. She has been visiting her aunt, Mrs. Nelson Clayton, about four miles north of Albemarle. She is an interesting talker, and her wide experience has broadened her education.

Mr. D.S. Eudy of Mt. Pleasant Route 2, was a visitor at The Press office Tuesday, and listed as a new subscriber. Last month Mr. Eudy buried his bright boy of 11. A year before, his young daughter underwent an operation for appendicitis, and he feels that he has now a large share of affliction.

Mrs. J.F. Kirk of Salisbury visited in Albemarle Wednesday.

Miss Blanche Bailey spent the week-end in Charlotte.

Mr. and Mrs. S.J. Horton spent Friday night in Concord.

Mrs. John Frank Biles is visiting her parents in Morganton.

Mrs. F.E. Starnes is indisposed with a severe cold.

J.W. Efird and family are spending today in Charlotte.

J.A. Groves spent several days in Charlotte last week.

Mrs. R.L. Erwin is visiting Mrs. M.J. Harris.

Mr. O.O. Zachary spent Sunday in Troy.

Miss Lesca Freeman of Norwood was in the city Monday.

Miss Clara Skidmore and Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Turner spent Wednesday in Salisbury.

Mrs. Sam McCubbins and daughter spent the week-end with Mrs. Ida Bostian.

Mr. F.E. Starnes made a business trip to Pinehurst Wednesday.

Mrs. C.E. Parks of Concord is spending several days with Mrs. O.H. Phillips.

H.L. Horton and family spent Sunday in Lexington with the family of Mrs. John Cowles.

F.V. Watkins and family, and Mrs. J.N. Anderson and son Richard, spent Sunday in Biscoe.

Miss Bertha Lipe and R.M. Russell spent Sunday in Greensboro and Winston-Salem.

Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Horton are spending the week in Cheraw, S.C.

Mr. and Mrs. Melvin of Troy were in Albemarle Tuesday shopping.

Miss Stella Lowder and Ray Dry visited friends in Monroe and Wadesboro Sunday.

Miss Mary Crowell of Concord is spending a few days in the city.

Dr. Walt N. Johnson is conducting a week’s meeting at the First Baptist church.

Miss Ruth Bullard of Hope Mills is visiting in the home of Mr. and Mrs. L.A. Barrier.

Mrs. Wilcox Brightwell is on a visit to her mother in Martinsville, Va.

Mrs. Hazel Morrow, who has been visiting in Marion, will arrive home today.

Mrs. Ira Plyler and son Bobbie spent the week-end with Mr. Plyler in Raleigh.

Miss Caroline Mann spent the week-end with Mrs. Frank Boyett.

Miss Bess Huckabee will spend the week-end in Kannapolis visiting Misses Pauline Harris and Lois Howie.

Mr. Erskine Smith, Miss Myrna Crowell and Mrs. Olga Tharpe spent Tuesday afternoon in Pinehurst.

Mr. and Mrs. Knopf and daughter Peggy of Rochester, N.Y., are visiting at Mr. D. Riff’s.

Mrs. J.T. Stover of Rutherford College is spending the week with her daughter, Mrs. T.P. Bumgardner. Mrs. W.B. Stover, who has been visiting in the Bumgardner home, left Monday to join her husband in Savannah.

Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Vanhoy and son Joe of Charlotte spent the week-end with Mrs. S.H. Milton.

Mrs. S. Wolf and little daughter Roberta have returned from a visit to Mrs. Wolf’s parents in Lake City, S.C.

Mrs. L.L. Ross of Mt. Gilead, Misses Pauline and Sadie Stanback, and Mrs. P.V. Godfrey of Mangum visited in Albemarle Friday.

From page 5 of the Albemarle Press, April 26, 1923

Save Money With Bull Durham Tobacco, April 26, 1923

Advertisement from page 7 of the Concord Daily Tribune, April 26, 1923

Police Chief B.M. Lawson, Accused of Donning KKK Robes and Whipping Women, On Trial with John Hedgepeth, Jule Brogden, April 25, 1923

Police Chief Will Be Tried on Nine Charges Tomorrow. . . Charges Range From First Degree Burglary to Simple Assault—Klan Interested in the Case. . . Two Call Cases in Lumberton. . . Two Other Men Will Be Tried With Police Officer—Women Allege That They Were Whipped

By the Associated Press

Lumberton, April 25—Facing nine charges, ranging from first degree burglary to simple assault, as a result of alleged whipping of Mrs. H.F. Purvis and Mrs. Mary Watson, B.M. Lawson, chief of police of Fairmont; John Hedgepeth, and Jule Brogden, both of Proctorville, are scheduled to be tried in recorder’s court here tomorrow.

The warrants were issued by W.B. Ivey, recorder here, following an account of the alleged flogging given by Mrs. Purvis last Thursday. The woman declared she and Mrs. Watson were removed from the former’s home at Proctorville on the night of April 14th by 18 masked and white robed men, carried to a negro church near the town and whipped severely on the naked flesh with a leather strap.

Mrs. Purvis told authorities she was told by the men that they were members of the Ku Klux Klan, and that if she revealed the punishment administered her she would be punished again. The men are said by Mrs. Watson to have whipped her because of alleged improper treatment she accorded her husband while he was ill. She denied the allegations.

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The Lumberton Robesonian has the following to say of the case:

Charged with being members of a band of 18 masked and white robed men who on Saturday night, April 14, took Mrs. H.P. Purvis and Mrs. Mary Watson from the former’s home at Proctorville, carried them to the Proctorville negro church, about a quarter of a mile away, and gave them a severe beating on their naked flesh with a leather strap, B.M. Lawson, chief of police at Fairmont, John Hedgepeth and Jule Brogden of Proctorville, will be tried in recorder’s court on Lumberton Thursday of this week at 10 a.m.

These men were arrested Thursday night on warrants issued by Recorder W.B. Ivey, after Mrs. Purvis told her story Thursday, the warrants naming 15 charges, ranging from first-degree burglary to simple assault. The arrests were made by Rural Policeman D.C. Ratley, and A.R. Pittman, who brought their prisoners to Lumberton and kept them under guard that night. Many witnesses were summoned from Fairmont and Proctorville for trial at 10 a.m. Friday, but the prosecution was not ready with its witnesses and the trial was postponed. Lawson, Hedgepeth and Brogden were released by Recorder W.B. Ivey upon agreement of the attorneys, under a joint bond of $10,000, signed by C.W. Graham of Proctorville, D.R. Lawson of Orrum, and D.A. Jones of Fairmont R.F.D., the bond to be forfeited if either of the defendants fails to appear for trial.

According to the story told by these women, they were bent over a log, their skirts raised and lashes applied on the bare flesh. They were threatened with pistols when they started to scream and under fear of death they say they were forced to endure the lash in silence.

A spot light was turned on them while the lash was applied, the women say, and the one who applied th strap occasionally would ask a tall member of the band, whom he addressed as “judge”, if that was enough; and only when “judge” was satisfied did the flogger stay his hand.

Black and blue and bruised and angry flesh a week after the event bears mute and humiliating testimony to the brutal treatment these defenseless women received on their terrible night, when, according to their story, for an hour and a half, from 10 to 11:30 o’clock, they were subjected to torture at the hands of these men, who said they were members of the Ku Klux Klan and three of whom Mrs. Purvis is positive she recognized. Two of these three men, Hedgepeth and Brogden, Mrs. Purvis says, also were recognized by her 16-year-old son, Conrad.

Mrs. Purvis says she was told she had to go to her husband, who has been working at Rocky Mount for some time, within 10 days, and that if they told what had been done to them, they would be punished, that the members were members of the klan, that there were 10,000 of them and that she could not go so far but what they could get her.

In the house at the time of the visit of the hooded band were Mrs. Purvis, her three children, Conrad, 16, and two other boys aged 13 and 10; Mrs. Mary Watson, wife of S.C. Watson, policeman at Proctorville with her two daughters, Miss Norine, 18, and Nathalee, 12; and Miss Line Ratley, who has lived in the Purvis home for many years.

About 10 o’clock Mrs. Purvis saw through the glass of the door some white-robed men on her front porch. She called to her son, intending to tell him to bring her pistol, when immediately several men similarly disguised opened the back door, which was not locked, with such violence as to slam it against the wall, and ran up the hallway to her, pointing pistols at her and forcing her to open the front door, when others entered. Every man seemed to have a pistol. Mrs. Watson and Mrs. Purvis were taken out and placed in a car and the young girls, Norine and Nathaleen, were hustled outside, given a shove and told to go home. Nathalee says one of her arms was made sore by the rough handling she received when one of the men, with a pistol in one hand a club in the other, caught hold of it.

After being flogged, the women were allowed to walk back home, the men accompanying them about half way, to the tobacco warehouse, when they granted Mrs. Purvis’ request not to go with them any farther as she was ashamed to be seen going through town with them.

Mrs. Watson says she was so frightened that she could not say a word. Mrs. Purvis says she was not frightened until they started out of the house with her, and she thinks that the way she talked to them and shamed them for coming here disguised probably was the cause of the punishment she received.

She said Lawson, whom she had known all her life, seemed to be the leader, that he gave directions about what to do, and that the others said nothing or talked in whispers. Jule Brogden, she said, led the way through the front door and John Hedgepeth led the way through the back door.

Mrs. Purvis says she told the men they would reap this before they died and Lawson, she said, then made his threat about what would happen if it were told. She was reminded that she had said she was not afraid of the klan, and she replied that she was not, that if they’d take off their masks they were like other men.

Mrs. Watson was told, she says, that she had not done her duty by her husband when he was sick, but she said there was no truth in that, that she had given him every attention; and this statement was corroborated by her daughters.

Mrs. Purvis, Mrs. Watson and Miss Norine say there is no truth in any of the charges made by the men against any of them, and they say that three of them returned the Tuesday night following to apologize to Miss Norine, in regard to whom, they said, they had made a mistake.

After telling their story to Solicitor T.A. McNeill these women were afraid to go home and are boarding in Lumberton for the present. Mrs. Watson says she has no means of paying for herself and her two daughters, and Solicitor McNeill has assumed the obligation of seeing that their board is paid. It is understood that several citizens have assured Mr. McNeill that they will stand by him in this obligation.

From the front page of the Concord Daily Tribune, April 25, 1923

Feds Want to Talk to Gaston Means, Accused of Shaking Down Liquor People, April 25, 1923

Gaston Means Charged With ‘Shaking Down’ Liquor People. . . Former North Carolinian and Principal in King Murder Case at Concord Again in Serious Trouble

By H.E.C. Bryant in Charlotte Observer

Washington, April 24—Gaston B. Means, well-connected and well-known in North Carolina, is in trouble again if affidavits filed with the department of justice can be backed up with reliable evidence. This attack comes from Chicago, where he is disliked by a group of wealthy bankers connected with the old murder charge at Concord.

Department of justice agents are searching for Means, formerly employed for special work by William J. Burns, director of the bureau of investigation. They are investigating charges made by certain owners of warehouse liquor who claim that he, representing himself as an agent of the department of justice, swindled them out of large sums of money. John W.H. Crim, assistant attorney general in charge of criminal prosecution, explained that Means had been engaged by Mr. Burns, and that Mr. Burns was in California and had not made a report to him on Means.

“We are hunting for Means,” said he, “and I am going to get the facts about his connection with the department from Mr. Burns. It takes a little time to do these things. This is a matter that deserves serious and careful attention. It must have prompt, vigorous and intelligent consideration.

“Mr. Burns can tell just when Means quit the department, and what he did while here. I shall not rush through his papers to get the facts, but shall let him tell me the story.”

Mr. Crim declared that he had seen a copy of the affidavit sent to the treasury department by E.M. Salomon of Chicago, who accused Means and an associate with “shaking” him down for thousands of dollars on a promise to have his liquor transferred from a warehouse. Salomon declared that his loss was more than $100,000. Charles W. Johnson of Philadelphia claims to have lost from $15,000 to $20,000 in the same way. More people are ready to make similar affidavits. Treasury officials believe that the complaints will run up a half hundred or more.

The Means scheme, it is said, commenced to operate last fall. Acting Attorney General Augustus T. Seymour said today that the last record he could find of Means drawing money from the department for work done was in February, 1922. He explained that Mr. Burns had employed Means.

Speaking for the department, Mr. Seymour said:

“As far as I can determine form newspaper articles and rumors, certain persons who desired immunity from punishment or protection against prosecution by the department of justice claim to have paid certain sums of money to Gaston B. Means and others upon their promise to obtain such immunity or protection. Up to this time no one has claimed that either Means or anyone else has been successful in obtaining the desired results. If promises have been made to obtain favors from the department of justice, no one has been able to deliver such favors. As between men who have attempted to purchase such influence and men who have promised to deliver such influence for payment, I am interested to the extent only that if any one has offered or paid a bribe to any employe of the department of justice while in the service of the government it would be a serious crime on the part of both parties to the transaction.

“Mr. Crim reported to me some of these facts 10 days ago, and he has been conducting an investigation since that time. He is in full charge of the criminal work of the department and undoubtedly will see to it that any person who has been promised immunity from punishment will be put on trial as speedily as possible, and anyone who has been guilty of crime under the federal statutes will be promptly prosecuted.”

Means has been in the limelight for five or six years. He was charged with killing Mrs. King, a wealthy Chicago woman, for whom he had worked, at his old home, Concord, N.C., and was tried and acquitted. Soon after Mr. Burns was appointed head of the bureau of investigation of the department of justice he engaged Means to do some special work. For 10 or more years prior to that time Means had worked for the Burns Detective agency in various capacities. He and Mr. Burns have been very close friends for years. During the world war, but before the Unites States entered it, they were engaged by various nations for particular jobs. Means was one of the lieutenants of Boy-Ed, head of the German detective force in this country.

When it became known that Means was connected with the department of justice, protests from Chicago, North Carolina, and other places began to pour in. Senator Simmons of North Carolina ssked Mr. Burns about Means’ connection, and Mr. Burns wrote him that he was doing certain special work the nature of which could not be made public. Soon the storm against Means became so strong and widespread that Attorney General Daugherty had him suspended. Still complaints came. It was asserted by people in the department who knew Means that he was still occupying a room there. But after a few months, the talk about him died down, and he lived here at a popular northwest hotel, and conducted private business.

It was generally understood that he had resumed his old place with the Burns agency. Several weeks ago Secretary Mellon was informed that Means was engaged in a lucrative game with owners of large quantities of liquor. Affidavits followed, and they were turned over to the department of justice. Means left here some time ago, presumably for his health. Mr. Crim said today the last he heard of him he was in New York. Some of his friends reported that he was in Florida.

It was generally understood that he had resumed his old place with the Burns agency. Several weeks ago Secretary Mellon was informed that Means was engaged in a lucrative game with owners of large quantities of liquor. Affidavits followed, and they were turned over to the department of justice. Means left here some time ago, presumably for his health. Mr. Crim said today the last he heard of him he was in New York. Some of his friends reported that he was in Florida.

It was generally understood that he had resumed his old place with the Burns agency. Several weeks ago Secretary Mellon was informed that Means was engaged in a lucrative game with owners of large quantities of liquor. Affidavits followed, and they were turned over to the department of justice. Means left here some time ago, presumably for his health. Mr. Crim said today the last he heard of him he was in New York. Some of his friends reported that he was in Florida.

It was generally understood that he had resumed his old place with the Burns agency. Several weeks ago Secretary Mellon was informed that Means was engaged in a lucrative game with owners of large quantities of liquor. Affidavits followed, and they were turned over to the department of justice. Means left here some time ago, presumably for his health. Mr. Crim said today the last he heard of him he was in New York. Some of his friends reported that he was in Florida.

The men who claimed to have been fleeced by Means tell an interesting story. They say that Means and an associate, a man who never had any connection with the department, approached them with a very plausible proposition to get liquor moving. They were to secure permits for so much per barrel, but would not take the money until the goods were delivered. But the tax had to be paid before the stuff could leave the warehouse. This mounted up in a hurry, for it was more than $6 a gallon. The co-operating victim put up that money, and, according to evidence in the hands of government agents, he never saw Means or his pale any more.

Means will fight. He is not convicted by a long shot, but the department of justice is going into the case thoroughly with a view to prosecuting him on the charge of bribery, conspiracy, or impersonating an officer.

If it turns out that Means did “shake” down the liquor people while he was an employee of the department of justice, he may have to answer for accepting a bribe and for conspiracy to violate the laws of the nation. If he acted after he quit, but represented himself to be an agent of the department, he can be indicted for impersonating an officer to defraud.

Mr. Crim refused today to state whether or not he thought Means was guilty. He rested on the declaration that he would not promptly and vigorously get at the truth. His first great desire is to hear from Burns, and his second, to locate Means.

From the front page of the Concord Daily Tribune, April 25, 1923. If you are looking for information about Gaston Means, be sure to search for his name in this blog. There are many articles about his murder trial.

Annie Cline Barnhardt Valedictorian of Winecoff School Class of '23

Winecoff School Closes Another Successful Year. . . Closing Exercises Began Last Week and Were Concluded Monday Night

The Winecoff High School closed this year’s session on last Monday night, April 23rd, with the class day and graduating exercises. The class of ’23 has five members, and they took part in the evening exercises as follows:

President’s Address—Leroy Umberber.

Class History—Annie Cline Barnhardt.

Class Prophecy—Ada Rebecca Castor.

Last Will and Testament—Brad Houston Stroud.

Valedictorian—Annie Cline Barnhardt.

New features of the commencement this year were the awarding of an efficiency prize offered by Mr.s D.B. Castor to her room, and won by Ruth Umberger and Clinton Hartsell; and the awarding of a gold medal to Frank Litaker, offered the High School by Mr. R.D. Goodman; and the awarding of a gold medal in recitation to Estelle Ezzell, given to the High School by Mr. H.A. Scott.

Twenty certificates for perfect attendance were awarded to pupils in this school, notwithstanding the epidemics. These were awarded with appropriate words by Prof. Robertson.

Rev. T.N. Lawrence made the literary address on “Service as the Measure of Success.” His address was pointed and practical and thoroughly enjoyed.

The school during the year has made several valuable improvements, and among these was the installation of a new electric lighting system. These were used to good effect during commencement.

Winecoff takes special pride, both in the number of young people it now has in college and the number of young people it has had to graduate from college in the last few years.

Monday evening’s program marked the close of another good year’s work done at Winecoff.

From the front page of the Concord Daily Tribune, April 25, 1923

Negro Exodus to North Hasn't Hit N.C. Yet, April 25, 1923

Negro Exodus Cuts Planting in South. . . Government Survey Shows Big Migration of Farm Workers to North

Washington—A general movement of Southern negro farmers to Northern industrial centers, where high wages are obtainable, is indicated by a special survey of farming districts in the South made by the Department of Agriculture.

Unprofitable cotton growing, due to boll weevil conditions, unrest among returned negro troops who experienced more attractive living conditions away from farms during and after the war, and the breakdown of the contract labor system are cited in the report, made public today, as contributory causes of the migration.

Approximately 13 per cent or 32,000 of the total number of negro farm-hands in Georgia is estimated to have moved North during the last 12 months, and the movement continues, although crops for the present season are already started.

A large abandonment of acreage is reported, and the labor shortage is expected to be a major factor in limiting acreage this season. The situation in Georgia is declared to be much worse than that prevailing generally.

From South Carolina about 22,750 negro farmers, or about 3 per cent of the total negro farm population, have departed.

The movement from Florida is estimated at about 2 per cent on negroes living in or near farming communities.

Alabama reports that approximately 3 ½ per cent of its negro farmers have moved North since the last crop season.

Arkansas shows a movement of about 15,000 negro farmers, or about 3 ½ per cent of the negro farm population.

Movement from Kentucky has been very small, and from Missouri, North Carolina and Oklahoma no migration is reported.

Louisiana reports an exodus of about 1 per cent, Tennessee about 4,500 negro farmers since April, 1922, while in Texas the farm labor situation apparently is not so serious as in the Eastern cotton-growing States.

From the front page of the Concord Daily Tribune, April 25, 1923

In Cabarrus County Superior Court, April 25, 1923

Two Counts of Murder Returned by Grand Jury Tuesday Afternoon

Tuesday was another busy day in Cabarrus County Superior Court, a number of cases being disposed of before Judge James L. Webb.

The grand jury was also busy Tuesday. True bills charging murder were returned against Maurice C. Howie of Monroe, who is alleged to have run down a small girl here with his auto; and Will Bray, negro, charged with killing another negro.

C.S. Smith, Clarence Shuping and Charles Dees, charged with carrying concealed weapons and with assault with deadly weapons, were tried Tuesday and all found guilty. Sentence has not been passed. The men were charged with firing at Mr. and Mrs. B.W. Means and daughter and threatening several other Concord men on the Kannapolis road several weeks ago. E.W. Cailes, the fourth man in the party, did not show up for trial, he having been released recently on a $100 bond, which he forfeited. The jury recommended mercy for Dees.

John Barbee plead guilty to a charge of carrying a concealed weapon. He was fined $50 and the costs. He was cleared by a jury on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon.

John Staton was freed by a jury on a charge of robbery.

Tom Madison, colored, and Charles Wilson, charged with larceny, were sentenced to the chain gang. The former will serve 60 days and the latter four months.

Most of the jurymen that were called Monday were discharged by Judge Webb. Most of them were farmers and were excused so they could continue their farm work.

From the front page of the Concord Daily Tribune, April 25, 1923

Thomasville Telephone Rates Increase, April 25, 1923

Thomasville Telephone Company Increases Rates

By the Associated Press

Raleigh, April 25—Increased rates of 75 cents each on special line business telephones, 50 cents each on duplex line telephone lines, and 25 cents each on special line residence phones, all monthly charges, today were authorized for the Thomasville Telephone Company by the State Corporation Commission. The town officials and business men approved the increase.

From the front page of the Concord Daily Tribune, April 25, 1923. Businessmen used to be spelled “business men.”

Mrs. Chapman Killed, Husband Dangerously Injured in Car Accident, April 24, 1923

Mrs. Chapman Killed When Auto Turns Over

Durham, April 24—Mrs. J.J. Chapman of Keokuk, Iowa, was instantly killed this afternoon about 4 o’clock at Bullock, on the national highway, 10 miles from Oxford, and her husband, J.J. Chapman, a prominent western banker, was dangerously injured, when the car in which they were riding and operated by Mr.s Chapman plunged not an embankment. It is believed that Mrs. Chapman lost control of the automobile and was unable to right it before the crash came.

From the front page of the Concord Daily Tribune, April 25, 1923

Concord Daily Tribune, April 25, 1923

Casey Morris, Carolina Captain, Hits Winning Homerun, April 24, 1923

CASEY THE GREAT

Casey’s terrific drive for the circuit was the deciding factor in Saturday’s victory over State College. History repeated itself in this instance, for in 1921 Morris won the Wake Forest game with an unusually long home run, and last spring his four base clout decided the last Trinity contest

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Casey’s Mighty Smash Over Riddick Mount Gives State Team First Defeat of Year. . . Bryson Stages Come-back and Holds Hard-Hitting Techs to One Lone Run. . . State Is Dumbfounded. . . Entire Team Gives Superb Support—Jones and Bonner Provide Fielding Gems

By G. Wright Lankford

Raleigh, April 21—“And mighty Casey had struck out,” ends a famous American poem on a famous national sport called baseball—and, as the tale relates, the mobs in the stands groaned and growned as Casey took his bat and walked away, defeated.

But here in Raleigh today mighty Casey Morris, Carolina’s captain, didn’t strike out; he struck the ball a mighty smash that carried it far and away above Riddick mountain in the left field of State College’s ball park, across the high hedge and crashed it into the walls of the college Y.M.C.A. building. It was in the fourth inning when neither side had scored and no one was on base, but Casey scored, and the hundreds of Carolina students, alumni and friends yelled wildly, and the confident State College stands were silent. Casey had not struck out—he had hit for four bases.

It was the first run in Carolina’s first clash with N.C. State for the 1923 baseball season, and it somewhat dimmed the confidence in the (when the game was over and the score stood Carolina 2, State 1) most surprised student body in the world. The Techs said the Tech supporters were dumbfounded as inning after inning wore itself away and the great A. and E. baseball team, with 10 victories and no defeats to its credit, failed to hit the steady Herman Bryson to a run-making degree, and as each Carolina player in some way or other fought his way into the hearts of Carolina’s fans who were watching the contest.

When Coach Fetzer announced his lineup for the day the Techs crowded around the scorers to learn the pitching choice, and when told that he was Herman Bryson they, remembering the Trinity game, were delighted and said as much. But Mr. Bryson walked calmly into the box and let Casey Morris hold his mitt to receive the ball. The ball went home every time and, although State got 10 hits, they were scattered over 10 innings and proved deadly only in the eighth when Bryson allowed three in a row.

Carolina’s Second Score

Following Morris’ homer in the 4th neither State nor Carolina threatened in the fifth, but in the sixth “Monk” McDonald, who got two of Carolina’s four hits, crashed a double onto the bank in the left field, went to third on Joe McLean’s sacrifice, and squeezed home on Bonner’s sacrifice bunt which Curtis booted. This boot was the only error of the whole affair.

State could do nothing in her half of the sixth but in the seventh the now-frightened student body stood up, responding to the pleadings of the cheer leaders and stamped time with the wildly playing college band. They were looking for blood and it looked as though blood was coming as Captain Redfearn led off with a terrific double to left center and went to third as McDonald threw Faulkner out at first.

Carolina’s supporters were roaring, too, but not loud enough to be heard above the noise of the band and the maddened Techs. For the first time in the game Bryson walked a man, Dutch Holland, upon whom he had had to waste the first two throws as he was looking for a squeeze play. But Dutch, stealing second, over slid the bag and Monk tagged him.

Bonner Is Here

The chances to score were not gone, however, and with Redfern (Redfearn?) still prancing at third, “Red” Lassiter lifted one of Bryson’s hot ones high into left field with home run written all over it. From the stands it looked like it was bound for the same resting place with Casey’s smash, but Merle Bonner seemed not to think so. He climbed Riddick mountain; Redfern crossed the plate, Carolina hearts perched in Carolina throats and State College throats literally split themselves over the success of the “rally,” and—and Bonner caught that ball. Someone in the State stands said, “Of all the damned luck,” and someone, everyone, in the Carolina stand said, “What a great ball player.”

“Rabbit” had again won his laurels. He was almost mobbed then with joy-maddened Tar Heels and he and Casey had an awful time getting to the dressing-room after the game.

It was the first half of the eighth inning and Carolina got not a single man on first. State came up and again State students were yelling for runs. So far fate and the excellence of Carolina’s baseball team had decided that the score should be 2 to 1.

State Scores

But fate changed her mind and, even though Curtis, the first man up, whiffed, Ruth, Gladstone and Johnstone didn’t Ruth crashed a single to left and Gladstone followed with another to the same territory. Fast work by Bonner held Ruth at second, but Johnson (Johnstone?) slashed a two-base hit into Bonner’ field again and “Babe” scored. More fast work held Gladstone on the third bag.

Then the Techs lost another chance to score. Correll hit to Jones at third, and old “Touchdown,” who accepted seven hard chances without a bobble, threw the State center fielder out at first. Johnson went almost to third on the play and Shirley played the ball to McDonald. Gladstone had started to sneak home but “Monk” knew what to do with the ball. He gave it to Bryson on the line near the plate, Bryson threw to Jones who ran the State man down for the last out and the game was won.

Carolina looked good for another run in the ninth as Bonner led off with a drive into the left field hedge. It smelled like another four-base wallop, but he got only two. Hopes went up in smoke quickly, however, as Redfern snatched in Shirley’s drive and threw to second for a double play. The last chance for more runs was gone as Curtis fielded Morris’ hot smash and threw him out at first.

State’s half of the ninth seemed like an eternity to Carolina supporters. Bryson did not field the ball cleanly when Redfern, the first man up, hit to him. But Herman was playing ball today. He picked it up and got his man at first by the length of a mosquito’s hair. Faulkner hit a Texas-leaguer type to right but Carmichael came in and got it. Then Holland smashed one so hot to Bryson that he couldn’t handle it and Lassiter lifted a high one to Bonner. Bonner caught it as usual and all the old dope and confidence lay dead and buried. The game was over.

Carolina’s long hits won the game. True, state got 10 hits to Carolina’s four, but the Techs’ hits went for 12 bases and Carolina’s for nine. Almost as good, and Carolina seems to know how to run bases, and where to play the ball when State tries to get funny. Not a student in West Raleigh was looking for today’s defeat, none of them were looking for another when their team comes to Chapel Hill, but Carolina is good for many more victories.

. . . .

From the front page of The Tar Heel, Chapel Hill, N.C., April 24, 1923