Members of the Johnston County Bar Association and friends from neighboring counties in an assembly at the court house here yesterday afternoon commemorated the life and death of one of the most prominent members of the bar, and voices in unmistakable language the sentiment which prevails against the manner in which he came to his untimely end.
The meeting was called to order by President G.A. Martin, who called on Mr. F.H. Brooks to make the opening prayer. In beautiful language God’s blessings were invoked upon the aged mother, the wife and children, the brothers and sisters, and sorrowing relatives of the departed member.
President Martin spoke feelingly of Mr. Holt and denounced his killing by Officer Wyatt. Col. Ed S. Abell in a touching manner paid tribute to the life of Mr. Holt and in his denunciation of the manner in which he lost his life, stated that in his opinion J. Winder Bryan, chief of Raleigh police, could be jointly indicted with Wyatt for this unjustified murder. Mr. Abell read a letter from Judge W.S. O’B. Robinson of Goldsboro in which he lamented the untimely tragic death of his much loved and devoted friend. He stated that it was on motion of Mr. Holt that he was unanimously admitted as an honorary member of the Smithfield bar. Hon. Edw. W. Pou paid a loving tribute to the memory of his friend, and Mr. Ed F. Ward read resolutions form the Mecklenburg bar. Col. Albert M. Cox of Raleigh was present, representing the Wake County Bar Association, and delivered a special message of condolement from Judge Frank A. Daniels. The Wake County court adjourned yesterday out of memory for Stephen S. Holt. Others who made appropriate remarks on this occasion included J.D. Parker, who stated that is first acquaintance with “Steve” Holt was in 1889 at Davis and Turlington School; R.L. Godwin of Dunn; J.M. Broughton of Raleigh, C.V. Batts of Raleigh, J.M. Bickell, Secretary Merchants Association of Raleigh; Mr. Holloman, Manager Chamber of Commerce of Raleigh; James Best, Dunn; A.M. Noble, L.G. Stevens, J.A. Narron, Jas. A. Wellons and F.H. Brooks.
Mr. E.F. Ward spoke for Mrs. S.S. Holt’s deep appreciation for all that was said.
At the Recorder’s court last Tuesday a committee was appointed to draft suitable resolutions upon the death of Mr. Holt, the committee being composed of Ed S. Abell, James A. Wellons and F.H. Brooks. The resolutions were presented by Mr. F.H. Brooks for the committee and were unanimously adopted. The resolutions are as follows:
Whereas, the relentless reaper, Death, has again invaded the ranks of the Johnston County Bar and taken one of its older members in the person of Stephen S. Holt, who was carelessly killed and murdered by one Jesse Wyatt, Captain of the Raleigh plainclothes police, on Monday, June 1st 1925 about 3 o’clock p.m., and
Whereas, Stephen S. Holt was an honored member of our profession, practicing in Smithfield since his admission to the bar at the Fall Term of 1908 of the Supreme Court, and had gradually but steadily forged to the front in his chosen profession until he stood high in the esteem of his brethren of the Bar, the Judges of our Courts, and the people of our county. He was not only learned in law, but was one of the best read men in our community and a talented gentleman. He was courteous and polite to the Judges of our Courts and his brethren of the Bar; honest and fearless in the practice, and though he was a hard worker for his clients, yet he would not take an unfair advantage of his adversary, and his agreements with counsel or Court never had to be put in writing—his word was considered as good as his bond, and his clients would have to stand by and live up to his agreements or get other counsel.
Steve Holt, as he was affectionately known over the county, will be missed by the Johnston County Bar, as well as by the people of the county. He was always ready to lend a helping hand in any laudable undertaking in the interest of his county or town, and
Whereas, the Bar of Johnston County desires to record at least a slight appreciation of our co-laborer and fellow member of the Bar; and record our severe condemnation of his unwarranted and reckless killing:
Therefore, be it resolved:
First, that we shall ever hold in tender and cherished memory his many noble traits and amiable characteristics, and his achievements as a practitioner of this Bar, and throw, as it were, a mantle of charity about any weaknesses or failings he might have possessed:
Second, That we condemn most vehemently the spirit of lawlessness evidenced by the officers of the law in the unnecessary and unjustifiable taking of his life, and call upon the Court to vindicate the law, avenge his death and punish the violators;
Third,
Third, That we express to the widows and children, mother, brothers and sisters, our sincere and profound sympathy in the untimely taking away of our friend and loved one;
Fourth, That a copy of these resolutions be placed upon the records in the Minutes of the Superior Court and Recorder’s Court of Johnston County; copies sent to the family, and to the County papers for publication.
From the front page of The Smithfield Herald, Tuesday, June 9, 1925
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073982/1925-06-09/ed-1/seq-1/#words=JUNE+9%2C+1925
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