Preacher and Former Superintendent of Oconee Orphanage Guilty of Manufacturing Liquor, Nov. 20, 1923

Preacher on Trial Prays During Court

Gaffney Ledger

Today’s court of general session for Oconee county over which Acting Judge C.C. Wyche of Spartanburg is residing, has been full of dramatic thrills and climaxes. The case under consideration was that of Rev. S.C. Whitman, former superintendent of the Oconee orphanage, on a charge of manufacturing illicit liquor.

The state finished its testimony before the noon hour, and the defense counsel called the defendant to testify. After he had been sworn and as he walked to the witness chair he asked the court if he would be allowed to pray for himself. Acting Judge Wyche replied that while his request was very unusual, yet it would be allowed. As Rev. Whitman knelt to pray there was a painful silence in the court room which was packed beyond its seating capacity. The defendant proceeded to pray in a clear and audible voice that reached the ear of every person present. Acting Judge Wyche then suggested that he pray silently, which was done for a short time.

Suddenly the defendant leaped up and began to wave his arms and to shout in a language that was unintelligible to his started hearers. Sheriff Alexander approached the defendant, quieted him, had him take his seat.

In his testimony Witman admitted that he was present at a still but that he was lured there for the purpose of destroying his influence and to get him to leave the community.

The testimony of Sheriff Alexander and other officers to the effect that Whitman was working in the still and that grain mash and several gallons of whiskey were found at the place.

This case has attracted unusual interest and apparently some feeling. Whitman was convicted in the Federal court and served six months in the Spartanburg jail. His Spartanburg friends sent Robert J. Grant over there to assist his legal counsel, J.R. Earle, Esq. Solicitor Harris represented the state.

After all arguments were made and the judge’s charge delivered, the case was given to the jury at 6 p.m. and the jury rendered a verdict of guilty of manufacture.

From the front page of The Monroe Journal, Nov. 20, 1923