Thomasville, March 17—Thomas S. Jones of Appalchia, Va., husband of Mrs. Elizabeth B. Jones, who was shot here in the home of J.T. Carter between the hours of 12 and 1 o’clock Thursday morning, came to town this morning.
He was shown the city manager’s office, where he got in touch with various officials of the city government. His first request was to be taken to Lexington. Policeman Younts accompanied him in a car and it was after their return here that your correspondent met Mr. Jones, who made the impression at once that he was in great mental strain and not in the least inclined to talk except to someone who could give him some light on the subject that was apparently crushing his soul.
On arriving in Lexington, according to a statement by Mr. Younts, Mr. Jones’ request was to get in touch with Sheriff Talbert and then be permitted to see L.C. Jenkins, who, according to the verdict of the coroner’s jury here on Friday, killed his wife, and was in jail there. The request was granted and he was soon face to face with the accused man. Jenkins was told that the man facing him was Mr. Jones, whereupon Jenkins was asked if he had anything to say. He seemed to be unable to speak. It was then suggested that possibly he could write, but his hand trembled so that he was unable to steady a pencil on paper sufficiently to make more than a crooked scratch.
Upon his return here Mr. Jones, after conversing with Mrs. Carter for a time, requested officers that he might be permitted to see his little Pearl, who had been committed into the hands of the Carters by the sheriff with instructions that no person be allowed to speak to her of the recent happenings.
There was every expression of natural affection shown at the meeting of the two, the same that would be expected between any devoted father and daughter. One exceedingly touching incident occurred between the two and that was when the father stopped to embrace and kiss the little one, she said in a low town of voice, but distinct, “Daddy are you going to take mamma home.” The father was overcome at this point and was unable to answer very distinctly.
The body of the deceased is still in the undertaker’s establishment. But arrangements are being made to get it shipped on Monday night to the mother, Mrs. Jesse F. Hawkins, Memphis, Tenn. Mr. Jones will accompany the body. Thousands of people and many of them from a long distance, have been coming throughout the day, hoping to see something or somebody, that might gratify curiosity, more to see the little girl than anything else.
Mr. Woodruff of Asheville came in today on Southern train No. 36, and on grasping the hand of Mr. Jones, said, “I have come to see if I can be of any assistance in any way.” Mr. Woodruff showed a very tender affection for the little girl. Sheriff Talbert came over this afternoon in an effort to get some testimony from the little girl that would relieve her so that she might be able to accompany her father to Memphis and witness the burial of her mother, but the sheriff things she should remain here in the hands that are as tenderly caring for her, at least until the hearing of the murder case, which it is now thought, will take place.
The girl is spoken of still as an adopted daughter, but in reality, a niece of Mr. Jones, and will go when released to live with her father at Appalachia, Va.
From the front page of the Tri-City Daily Gazette, Leaksville, N.C., Monday, March 17, 1924
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