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Saturday, July 22, 2023

H.B. Allen's Paul Gray Plantation School Closed Feb. 14, 1923, on Grounds of "Grave Suspicion of Immorality"

Virginia After Bertrand Allen. . . Arrest in Los Angeles on Charges of Violating Mann Act

Richmond, July 21—Helon Bertrand Allen, arrested in Los Angeles on charges of violating the Mann act, has been sought by federal and Virginia state authorities since February, last, when he disappeared just prior to the closing of the Paul Gray Plantation School at Sabot, Va., by the Virginia Welfare Department. The school was closed on February 24 on the grounds of “grave suspicion of immorality.” At that time a proclamation was issued by the State Welfare Department urging that support be cut off and that no assistance be given the Cowee Mountain School at Franklin, N.C.

An indictment was returned by a grand jury in federal district court, here soon afterward charging Allen with serious offenses against the inmates of the Paul Gray Plantation School. The children at the school were taken in charge by the state Welfare Department and recently a voluntary petition in bankruptcy on behalf of the institution was filed in federal District Court here by Mrs. Allen. There were 45 boys and girls, ranging in age of from 4 to 17 years at the home when it closed. They were subjected in an educational system which attracted the attention of the educators, state officials and others from the time Allen came to Virginia from the Cowee Mountain School about three years ago.

From the front page of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, July 22, 1923

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