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Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Can a Rich Man Be Sent to Electric Chair, Oct. 1, 1925

Can a Rich Man Be Sent to the Chair?

Six weeks have passed since Cole shot Ormond to death while the ex-service man sat in his Ford car on the main street of Rockingham 60 feet from the office of the mill owner. For six weeks Cole has remained n jail of Richmond county, and for six weeks Ormond’s young body had lain in the sandy loam of the Rockingham cemetery, writes Jonathan Daniels in the News and Observer

For six weeks Miss Elizabeth Cole the sweetheart and the daughter, has lived in silence with the tragedy which grew out of her love affair with the dead man.

The trial has raised throughout North Carolina the question whether or not a rich man can be sent to his death in the State’s prison here. Cole is rich and he will be defended by the ablest lawyers of the state, but wealth relatives of the dead man and members of the American Legion have provided funds for the employment of private prosecution equal in ability to the attorneys who will fight for Cole’s life.

Death Penalty Involved

The electrocution of Cole would be a new spectacle in the history of justice. In North Carolina newspaper men who attend the executions at the State’s prison have seen scores of terrified negroes strapped into the gaunt electric chair. White men who have been thrown into eternity by the lethal current have been ordinary men. Harris, of Black Mountain, who was executed one fair week was perhaps the most prominent who has gone down the bleak row. Yet not since electrocution at the prison was substituted for jailyard hanging, has as prominent a man as Cole taken his final seat in the fatal chair.

And Cole will never go to the chair until after a bitter fight that will end in ultimate proof of his guilt or his innocence. It is going to be one of the historic legal fights in the annals of North Carolina justice.

Cole’s Defense

“Mr. Cole has a perfect defense,” his attorneys have stated. They intimated that the defense would be solely along the lines of self defense. However, it is believed that they will use every available and legitimate means to secure the acquittal of their client. At one time, it was suggested that the defense would present a variation of the unwritten law around Ormond’s relations with Miss Cole. Then it was stated that the defense attorneys will protect Miss Cole’s reputation with the same ardor with which they will fight for Cole’s acquittal.

Recently a report that an insanity pleas would be made has been partially supported by the statement of Dr. J.T.J. Battle, medical director for the Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company, that “I have been spoken to about testifying.” Dr. Battle stated that he knew of at least one other doctor who was being considered by the defense as an expert witness. There has been insanity in Cole’s family.

The case has attracted particular interest, however, not only because a rich and prominent man shot down an incapacitated ex-service man, but because a distinct love interest is added to the tragedy by the one-time ardor of Ormond and Miss Elizabeth Cole. There are three principals to the tragedy—Cole, Ormond and Miss Cole.

Who Is Cole?

Cole is the son of John W. Cole, lawyer, and Mrs. Kate Cole, daughter of Robert Leak Steele. John cole was comparatively poor and was never a man of robust health. Mrs. Cole inherited land and money from her father. W.B. Cole did not go to college but attended school at the Horner Military Academy. Later he went to Rhode Island, where he completed a textile course. He worked for two years at Concord Cannon Mills. Later R.S. Steel of Rockingham organized the Hannah Pickett Mill and Cole became superintendent of it as well as of Steele’s Mill. He soon became the real genius of the mill, and, although Mr. Steele is president, Cole is completely in charge.

He gradually expanded the Hannah Picket Mill and two or three years ago practically doubled its capacity, giving it 82,000 spindles and 1,800 looms. He is considered one of the leading textile men of the state. His mill has never had to curtail. The mill is non-union and no attempt has been made to organize the workers. There has never been a strike which affected it.

He married Miss Elizabeth Little, daughter of Robert Little, who was raised in Anson county. Mr. Little had moved to Arkansas shortly after the Civil War and had become the state’s biggest farmer and a millionaire. Mr. Cole often visited his uncle, Thomas Steele, in Arkansas, and Mrs. Cole visited relatives in Rockingham before her marriage. Mr. Little left each of Mrs. Cole’s children $100,000, it is stated.

Enemies of Cole and friends of Ormond say that Mr. Cole’s father married Miss Steele for money and that Cole himself married Miss Little for money. This is denied by friends of the Cole family.

A conservative estimate by a Rockingham banker as to Cole’s wealth places it around $300,000 with the other members of his immediate family being worth approximately that much again. Cole’s property listed for taxes on the books of Richmond county is only about $40,000 but the larger part of his wealth is invested in cotton mill stocks, banks, an ice cream factory and other industries.

Miss Elizabeth Cole

Miss Elizabeth Cole is an outdoor girl. She plays tennis well and rides horseback astride. Outdoors she is free and attractive. She dances but little. And is at her best at the bridge table. She is 24 years old and is pretty but she never has been a belle.

She attended college at Converse College in South Carolina.

Miss Cole had never had many sweethearts, but when young Bill Ormond returned from the war covered with glory and incapacitated with wounds on the field of battle an ardent love developed between them. The two were sweethearts until October, 1924, at least, but toward the last Cole’s objections to the match gradually estranged the young people. Finally he forbade Ormond to come to his house but Miss Cole and Ormond corresponded until the early part of this year.

When her father shot down her former sweetheart, she was in Hamlet at a party. She was called back to Rockingham before her father was carried to jail. Conflicting stories have been told about her meeting with her father after the shooting. One was that she cried, “Oh! why did father do it?”

Friends of Ormond’s in Rockingham declared that when Cole broke up the love affair, Miss Cole went to the home of a girl friend and threw herself upon a bed weeping: “I’ve given up bill for father’s sake,” she said between sobs.

From page 3 of the Concord Daily Tribune, Thursday, October 1, 1925

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People Wonder About Possible Temporary Insanity Plea, Oct. 1, 1925

Cole to Plead Some Sort of Temporary Insanity, It Is Said

E.B. Hunter in Greensboro News

Rockingham, Sept. 30—Some sort of temporary insanity will be the major defense of William B. Cole, who is fighting for his life on a charge of killing William W. Ormond here August 15th.

This was apparent late this afternoon when the defense in cross examining an eye witness to the tragedy asked if Mr. Cole didn’t present a maniacal appearance.

Frank Steele, a first cousin of Cole, and Mrs. W.A. Wentz, both of this town, eye witnesses, pinned the slaying of young Ormond onto the cotton mill manufacturer. If Mr. Ormond made a dash for his gun, which it is said he carried in a pocket of his Ford roadster, neither of the witnesses were aware of it.

Mrs. Wentz, the wife of the manager of the Western Union here, demonstrated before the jury her recollection of Ormond’s posture in the car. A member of the prosecution’s staff acted as Ormond. Her vivid picture of the dead boy’s final moments on earth created a touching scene. Misses Myra and Ophelia Ormond, sisters of the dead man, dressed in deep mourning flocks, cried bitterly, while their father, Rev. A.L. Ormond, bowed his head in deep reverence.

Miss Elizabeth Annoyed

Miss Elizabeth Cole, who wore a diamond ring on her engagement finger Monday, today had it on a right hand finger. She spent most of the morning trying to shield her face from the glare of the photographers. She was visibly annoyed.

There was more talk of impropriety today. It was reported that a woman sympathizing with Mr. Cole went to one of the State’s witnesses last night and pleaded with the witness, a woman, to be very careful what the testifies because it might mean life or death for the defendant. Nothing official has been announced.

The court room was jammed, every foot of space being utilized by the throng. Cole stood and listened to the solicitor recite the charges against him. The mere mention of young Ormond brought tears to Miss Ophelia Ormond, the youngest of the three sisters. Mr. Cole, with the sangfroid that has characterized his appearance in the court room thus far, rocked to and fro for a moment, but he soon steadied himself and listened attentively to the charges. The eyes of the crowd were focused upon the central figure in the tragedy.

Cole listened to the evidence with unusual interest; at time he lunged forward to hear every syllable. Most of the day he sat with his wife and daughters and son.

From page 3 of the Concord Daily Tribune, Thursday, October 1, 1925

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Eyewitnesses Testify at W.B. Cole Trial, Oct. 1, 1925

Two Eye Witnesses of Ormond Slaying Testify for the State

Jonathan Daniels, in Raleigh News and Observer

Rockingham, Sept. 30—Trial of W.B. Cole, rich slayer of W.W. Ormond, started in earnest here this afternoon when the State began the presentation of evidence on which it will ask Cole’s death by electrocution and the defense laid the groundwork for a plea of insanity in the cross examination of the two witnesses for the State who took the stand. The trial started at 4:20 o’clock, after the selection of a jury from a special venire of 200 citizens of Union county.

All Jurors Married Men

The jury which must determine the fate of Cole is composed of: J.M. Ross, farmer; W.D. Clark, farmer; J.O. Smith, farmer; M.M. Winchester, farmer and farmer-merchant; M.A. Griffin, farmer; J.M. Edwards, merchant; Vester Autry, farmer; I.C. Edwards, farmer; C.E. Rushing, farmer; R.W. Kilough, farmer and gin operator; J.K. Starns, store clerk; and C.O. Howard, cotton farmer. All the jurors are married men with families.

A feature in the selection of the jury was the acceptance by the defense of C.O. Howard, rich cotton farmer, after he had told Solicitor Don Phillips on examination that he had formed the opinion that Cole was guilty. The State passed the juror and the defense, after a brief conference, accepted him also. The action of the defense caused a loud murmur of wonder to pass through the crowded court room.

Following the selection of the jury, the State put Frank Steele, first cousin of Cole, and Mrs. W.A. Wentz, wife of the local Western Union manager, on the stand to tell eye-witness stories of the actual shooting. The defense let Steele on cross examination with a single question but undertook to develop the fact that Cole was acting and looking like a maniac on the cross examination of Mrs. Wentz.

Both Steele and Mrs. Wentz made excellent witnesses but the defense succeeding in securing from Mrs. Wentz an admission that Cole was so wild and white looking that she did not recognize him. He denied that her sister-in-law, Mrs. J.L. Porter, who was with her at the time declared: “He looks so wild and crazy he might shoot us.”

Steele, who took the stand first, stated that he saw Ormond twice on the day of the shooting. Once at dinner time and again just before the shooting. He stated that Ormond came to Everybody’s Filling Station, two doors from the Manufacturers building, where Cole had his office, at about 5 o’clock. The dead man parked his car in front of the Page Motor Company building, which is between the Manufacturers building and the filling station.

Ormond walked out of the driveway of the filling station toward his car and Steele stated that he went to a bench along the wall of the filling station a few feet from Ormond’s car. He picked up a newspaper and began reading it when Ormond was about two steps from him on the way to his car, which was facing away from the Manufacturers building. He said that he looked up once and saw Cole coming out of the Manufacturers building. Then he saw Cole take a pistol from his pocket. He stated that he saw Cole fire the first shot as he came up from the [something missing in article] fired three times, he said. Cole turned away and Steele said that he ran to the car as Cole walked to his office. He called Ormond’s name twice, he said, but the ex-serviceman did not answer. Then, the witness aid, he went to get a doctor but the doctor came before he could find one. Solicitor Phillips conducted the examination.

On cross examination J. Chesley Sedberry, for the defense, asked Steele if he did not move Ormond’s car after the shooting. He admitted that he did.

Mrs. Wentz stood the strain of testifying remarkably well, although she is the mother of a month-old baby, who was born a few days after she witnessed the slaying.

Ormond Sitting in Car

She stated that she and her sister-in-law were walking up town when she saw Cole come down the steps of the Manufacturers building with his arm pointed at the street. She did not recognize him aft first. Cole was walking diagonally across the sidewalk toward Ormond’s car. She did not know Ormond but saw a man lounging in the Ford roadster by the curb. She stated that when Cole was about four feet from the car, he fired the first shot. The man in the car, who had his head turned toward the street, did “nothing at all,” she said when the first shot was fired, Cole walked up to the door of the car, she stated, and fired again. The man in the car reached out his right hand as if to close the door although the door was already closed.

Cole put his arm across the door and swung it back and forth. The man fell back after the second shot, she said, and then fell over the steering wheel after Cole fired the third time. On account of her condition, Mrs. Wentz stated she and her sister-in-law immediately left the scene.

J.A. Lockhart, of the defense, conducted the cross examination of Mrs. Wentz. He asked her about a statement made by Mrs. Porter immediately after the shooting. The State objected but Judge Finley overruled the objection. “Didn’t Mrs. Porter say, ‘He looks so wild he might be crazy and shoot us?” Lockhart asked.

“She did not,” answered Mrs. Wentz. However she testified that she herself said that Cole looked extremely wild.

“He looked so wiled and white that I didn’t at first recognize him,” Mrs. Wentz said. “He had run his hands through his hair and it looked rumpled. I didn’t recognize him until after the first shot.”

She denied that she had stated that Cole looked like a maniac.

She said that Cole had on neither coat nor hat.

Jury Chosen Quickly

The selection of the jury was completed with much greater dispatch than was anticipated by either the State or defense, only 65 members of the special Union county venire were called into the box in the selection, but several others were excused because of illness.

Union county showed a remarkable sentiment against capital punishment in the answers of the prospective jurors. Sixteen of the 65 men called into the box yesterday declared that they had conscientious scruples against capital punishment and were excused by the State on that ground.

Twenty jurors were excused by the defense when they admitted that they had formed the opinion that Cole was guilty. One man was excused because he had formed the opinion that Cole was not guilty and another because he had written a letter of sympathy to Cole after his confinement for the slaying.

Judge Kinley ordered Darby Covington, who was sworn in as the officer to the jury, not to allow the jurors to see newspaper reports of the trial. Judge Finley declared that the press is a great institution, but jurors ought not to see the papers.

The members of both the Cole and Ormond families were present in the courtroom throughout the proceedings today. Mrs. Elizabeth Cole, former sweetheart of the man slain by her father, sat with her mother inside the bar directly behind Cole and his attorneys. Miss Cole was very simply dressed today in contrast with the vivid costume she wore to the arraignment of her father on Monday. Today she had changed a solitaire diamond and platinum diamond ring, which she wars from her engagement ring finger to her right hand.

From page 3 of the Concord Daily Tribune, Thursday, October 1, 1925

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H.L. Crawford, Who Died When Sub S-51 Sunk, Was Previously Radio Man at Cape Lookout, Oct. 1, 1925

Submarine Victim Was Known in Beaufort

Among the 34 men who lost their lives when the submarine S-51 sank off Block Island near New York a few days ago was H.L. Crawford of Ardmore, Oklahoma.

Mr. Crawford was a radio man at Cape Lookout for some time and was known to a good many people in this section. He left in August for New York where he was assigned to duty aboard the submarine. The vessel collided with a steamer, the City of Roam, in the nighttime and only three men escaped death.

From the front page of The Beaufort News, Oct. 1, 1925

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Norman Bagget, 13, Herbert Bagget, 18, Badly Hurt When Car Strikes Hog, Oct. 1, 1925

Norman Bagget, aged 13, was fatally injured and Herbert Bagget, age 18, was badly hurt Sunday when their car struck a hog and turned over. The accident happened on Dunn-Clinton highway.

From the front page of The Beaufort News, Oct. 1, 1925

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J.C. Hudspeth Falls 40 Feet as He Tries to Escape Jail, Oct. 1, 1925

J.C. Hudspeth of Concord tried to escape jail in Greensboro a few nights ago and came near being killed. He was on a rope made from some of the prisoner’s underwear; the rope broke and he fell about 40 feet and dislocated his hip and had other injuries. He was taken to a hospital.

From the front page of The Beaufort News, Oct. 1, 1925

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Capt. Will Willis Brought in Good Catch of Mullets, Oct. 1, 1925

Good Catch of Mullets

A good catch of mullets was brought in Tuesday by Captain Will Willis in the W.M. Webb. There were about 18,000 pounds of the fish, and they brought 5 2-4 cents a pound. They were of medium size. The Web also brought in a right good quantity of menhaden at the same time.

From the front page of The Beaufort News, Oct. 1, 1925

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Two New Boats Join Beaufort's Fishing Fleet, Oct. 1, 1925

New Fishing Boats Put in Commission

Two new boats have been added to Beaufort’s fishing fleet in the past few days. One of the boats belongs to Way Brothers and the other to J.H. Potter and Son. The new vessels will fish for sea bass, blue fish, red snappers and other ocean fish. They will probably make their first trips to sea in about 10 days as the finishing touches on the boats are not quite completed yet.

The new boats are strong, seaworthy craft similar to other boats used n deep sea fishing. Way Brothers’ boat, named “Johnnie and Elinore” was built by Whitehurst and Rice of Beaufort. She is 42 feet long, 12 ½ foot beam and is equipped with a 40-horsepower engine. Captain Jess Pagel and a crew of four men will fish her.

“The Piggie,” which is the name of Potter and Son’s vessel, is 38 feet in length and 10 ½ feet beam. Captain Pete Nelson and crew will be in charge of “The Piggie.” Besides the two new boats, Way Brothers have the “Annis,” commanded by Captain Gus Anderson, and Potter and Son have in commission the “Alice,” commanded by Captain Tom Nelson. These boats and several others fish during the winter out of Beaufort mainly for sea bass. In summer they often go up the Jersey coast and work there for several months. The success or failure of ocean fishing in winter out of Beaufort depends mainly upon weather conditions. If there is much stormy weather, not many fish are caught, but if it is calm and favorable, good catches are often made.

From the front page of The Beaufort News, Oct. 1, 1925

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Farm Agent Hugh Overstreet Hurt in Car Accident, Oct. 1, 1925

County Farm Agent Gets in Automobile Accident

County Farm Agent Hugh Overstreet figured in a right bad automobile accident last Saturday afternoon. Fortunately, he was not seriously hurt, although he did receive some pretty bad bruises about the face and had one leg lacerated somewhat.

The accident happened near the Onslow-Pender line on the road to Wilmington. This is a nine-foot state highway. Mr. Overstreet saw another car coming and turned partly off the road so as to pass, the other car doing the same thing. At the time, a Dodge car driven by Charlie Brinson, a negro who works for the Highway Commission forces, came up behind and rammed Mr. Overstreet’s car, throwing him partly through the windshield. The County Agent’s car had a bent axle, smashed windshield, fenders damaged and other injuries. Brinson sent Mr. Overstreet on to Wilmington in his car and agreed to pay for repairs to the damaged car.

From the front page of The Beaufort News, Oct. 1, 1925

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Duncan and Wilis Opening New Men's Furnishing Store, Oct. 1, 1925

New Firm Starting

The room vacated Wednesday by the Bank of Beaufort is now being prepared for a store room which will be occupied by a new firm, Duncan and Willis. This concern will conduct a men’s furnishing store. The formal opening of the new business firm will be on Saturday the 10th. However, they will begin to open up their stock earlier in the week.

From the front page of The Beaufort News, Oct. 1, 1925

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Marriage Licenses Issued This Week, Oct. 1, 1925

Marriage Licenses

The following marriage licenses have been issued by the Register of Deeds Jno. W. Hamilton since last week.

Syenester Gray and Gladys Bryant, Newport.

Clarence M. Sanderson and Julie Jones, Morehead City.

From the front page of The Beaufort News, Oct. 1, 1925

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Maces Welcome Baby Girl, Oct. 1, 1925

Birth of Infant

Friends of Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Mace are congratulating them on the birth of their daughter, which occurred at their home on Wednesday morning. The infant has been named Mary Elizabeth Carrow.

From the front page of The Beaufort News, Oct. 1, 1925

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Rickard Pierce, 80, Buried in Beaufort, Oct. 1, 1925

Former Beaufort Citizen Brought Here for Burial

The body of Mr. Rickard Pierce, a former resident of Beaufort, was brought here Monday evening for burial. Mr. Pierce, who was 80 years of age, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Kate Atkinson, who lives at Winter Garden near Wilmington. Mrs. W.O. Noe, another daughter of Mr. Pierce, lives in Beaufort.

The funeral services of the deceased were conducted at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W.O. Noe Tuesday at 1:30 in the afternoon by Reverend E. Frank Lee, assisted by Reverend L.E. Boney. The interment was in Ocean View Cemetery.

From the front page of The Beaufort News, Oct. 1, 1925

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Monday, September 29, 2025

Authorities Hope to Settle Two Murders with Trials of Jacobs Brothers, Sept. 30, 1925

Hearing Is Set for Pair Facing Capital Charge. . . Cases of General and Lawrence Jacobs, Negroes, Scheduled for Wednesday Morning, October 7. . . Accused of Murders. . . Police Hope to Unravel Mystery Shrouding Brutal Crimes Which Occurred Several Years Apart

Preliminary hearing of murder charges against General Jacobs and his brother, Lawrence Jacobs, negroes charged with two of the three most brutal slayings in the recent criminal history of Northeastern Carolina, was set for next Wednesday morning, October 7, in recorder’s court Wednesday morning.

General Jacobs is charged with the murder of Nehemiah D Pendleton, elderly merchant of Old Weeksville, this County, on the night of November 9, 1923. Mr. Pendleton died a few hours after receiving two terrific blows on the head, administered by a club. Lawrence Jacobs is accused of killing Mack Whichard, aged negro painter, by a blow over the head with a pickaxe. The murder of Whichard occurred a couple of years before that of Mr. Pendleton.

Both negroes have several aliases, police records reveal. General Jacobs is known as James Jacobs, and besides is said to have traveled under the name of his brother, Lawrence. The latter’s alias is recorded as Eilhu Jacobs.

Continuation of the hearings was ordered upon the failure of several State’s witnesses to appear. Two were expected form Washington, North Carolina, where General Jacobs was arrested, and three were to come from Pitt County, whence Lawrence Jacobs was brought to this city for trial. All had been duly summoned, local court officials said, and the reason for their non-appearance was not known when court adjourned.

Thus far, the character of the evidence against General Jacobs has not been disclosed; but it is rumored that his arrest followed a statement to the Washington police from a feminine acquaintance of the negro there, with whom he had quarreled. General Jacobs denies emphatically that he had any part in the Pendleton murder, claiming he was in Norfolk at the time. However, he is said to have made statements connecting his brother, Lawrence, with the killing of Whichard.

Only minor cases were disposed of in recorder’s court Wednesday morning, after continuance of the two negroes’ hearings. Leonard Armstrong was fined $10 and costs on a charge of being drunk and disorderly, and was placed under a suspended judgment of 30 days in jail, effective for a year, and operative in the event that he was convicted of a like offense in that period.

J.E. Ridgeway, in charge of sewer construction work now in progress here, was fined $5 and costs on charges of assault and using profane language in an altercation with Tom King, but one of the epithets he is said to have used constitute an assault in the eyes of the law. It is probably the most uncomplimentary in the entire category of cuss-words.

Bessie Whitehurst was required to pay the costs of an action in which she was accused of assaulting Lillie Bell Best. Both are colored.

From the front page of The Daily Advance, Elizabeth City, Wednesday evening, Sept. 30, 1925

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Ithaca Man Impressed with Albemarle Area, Sept. 30, 1925

Highlights of Romance in Albemarle Portrayed by Visitor from North. . . Charles Reeve Hunt of New York State Tells of Jaunt Through Northeastern North Carolina. . . Impressed by Road. . . Observes that Great Dismal Swamp, Invincible for Centuries, Is Yielding to Engineers’ Skill

An entertaining picture of Northeastern Carolina as seen through the eyes of a visiting Yankee is presented in the following sketch by Charles Reeve Hunt of Ithaca, New York, who came here recently to visit his daughter, Miss Genevieve Hunt, instructor in history and English in the Elizabeth City High School.

Mr. Hunt obviously discerns much romance in this part of the South which hides itself from most of the folks living here, largely by reason of its very nearness. He writes vividly, and his account of a trip through this section holds more than usual interest, even for the reader to whom the facts set forth are as a familiar face.

By Charles Reeve Hunt

On reaching Norfolk, we took the train for Elizabeth City, North Carolina, a ride of 50 miles over level country, flat as the flattest prairie. The Great Dismal Swamp, here, arrests the attention by two features—its impregnability and the swamp canal surveyed by Washington in 1785.

Either of these would swamp the writer who attempts a full description in a newspaper article.

But the canal may first have a glimpse. It has been purchased by the Government. Incidentally I saw the pen used by President Coolidge last March when he signed the bill fo the purchase. The pen is with the Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce. The width of the canal at the bottom is 50 feet and at the surface is 90 feet. It was not opened for traffic until 1820, and has been in operation most of the time since.

The original canal helped make much history in the Civil War, and, in possession of the Government, its possibilities are great. It connects with the Elizabeth River—thence easily with the coast. Ohio and Indiana farmers have bought land here and report a remarkable fertility, and the value in the drained districts is $150 to $200 per acre. Most of this land is 22 feet above tidewater, proving that the whole swamp region may be drained successfully.

Interminable Difficulties

The Great Dismal Swamp, invincible for centuries, is at last yielding to the skill of modern engineering. A new highway recently has been put through the region, connecting Gates and Pasquotank counties, which promises untold agricultural and commercial advantages. Interminable difficulties have been in the way of this road construction. Great cypress trees in corduroy fashion have been buried under some eight feet of soil, overlayed with clay, which in due time will receive a coat of cement.

On reaching Elizabeth City, we found preparation in evidence for the celebration of the feat of building a highway through this mighty morass. In this, the group of counties lying in the northeast corner of the Old North State were to take part.

The hearty congratulations of these counties—pro and con and everywhere—were given expression in the speeches, music and a free barbecue in the court yard to more than 6,000 participants. Who says the Old North State is not coming to the front!

The region of the old swamp has ever been suggestive. It has many stories to tell. One of them is of Horace Greeley’s investment here. In the adjustment of matters after the Civil War, Mr. Greeley became acquainted with Matchell Taylor, interested in the welfare of the negroes, wrote Taylor, to purchase 1,000 acres of land cheaply which, he, Greeley, would sell to the blacks on a very liberal terms to them in founding homes. Taylor at once became philanthropic and bought the requisite acres right in the shades of the Great Dismal Swamp. Of course the land could not be cultivated, and Greely had his only satisfaction in a lawsuit by which he won the swam land to himself.

Where Ghosts Linger

The great Swamp has ever been suggestive, too, of spooks and hobgoblins, and there is one ghoulish incident right here that was pictured graphically by the pen of Sir Thomas Moore, the Irish poet.

When in Norfolk he heard the story of the enamored youth who imagined his deceased amoretti had been lost in the Dismal Swamp and still wandered in its gloomy morasses. Accordingly, Moore pictured the incident in a touching ballad, two verses of which are given here:

They made her a grave too cold and damp

For a soul so warm and true.

And she’s gone to the Lake of The Dismal Swamp

Where all night long by a firefly lamp

She paddles her white canoe.

Away to the Dismal Swamp he speeds

His path was rugged and sore,

Through tangled Juniper, bed of reeds,

Through many a fern where the serpent feeds,

And man never trod before.

The poem has long been left in the swamp of unforgetfulness. But when one is in the locality, the interest revives. Close range makes things real.

Conversation this this courteous people and a drive over the country soon bring many incidents to light, each with a lamp of its own. One such gratuitous drive, over concrete road, was to Edenton, on the Albemarle Sound, 30 miles southwest from Elizabeth City. Before reaching this early capital of North Carolina, we passed a spot under cypress trees on Plymouth River which a member of our party announced with one of the points at which George Fox, founder of Quakerism in England, preached while in America in 1672. The early story of the badgered Quakers will interest all lovers of history.

But in route we saw the new county high school building which represents the earnest effort North Carolina is now making for educational advancement. Just out from Elizabeth City is the Negro Normal School, which appears to enjoy an enviable equipment.

Relies on Past Centuries

At Edenton, the scene of numerous Revolutionary incidents, we found many relics of the old days. One of these was a stately brick building, 200 years old, called the “Hayes House” and built as a replica of the Hayes in England, the residence of Sir Walter Raleigh.

But with too many objects of interest to receive attention in this writing, let us note the bronze teapot that stands on an iron pedestal toward the front of a well-kept lawn—a teapot noted for its tempests. It tells of a never-to-be-forgotten Tea Party. But the old house in which this teapot belonged has been destroyed. It was the home of Mrs. Elizabeth King, where on October 25, 1774, the women of Edenton were convened for the purpose of protesting against the tax on tea, now ruthlessly imposed by England. The clear cut expression of their resolutions as well as the invincible spirit they bespoke, gained the attention of newspapers in both America and England.

Arthur Iredell of London, a brother of James Iredell of Edenton—the latter an American patriot of no little consequence—after seeing the comments of the English papers upon the American spirit of these Edenton women, wrote his Edenton brother. His evident attempt to interlard with satire led him to tell more truth than perhaps he had intended. He is here quoted:

“I see by the papers the Edenton ladies have signalized themselves by their protest against tea drinking. The name of Johnston I see among them. Are any of my sister’s relatives patriotic? I hope not for we English are afraid of the male congress. But if the ladies should attack us the most fatal consequences are to be dreaded. So dexterous in the handling of a dart, each wound they give is mortal. While we, so unhappily formed by nature, the more we strive to conquer them, the more we are conquered.

Female Artillery

“The Edenton ladies, conscious of their superiority by former experiences, are willing to crush us into atoms by their own omnipotency. The only security for our side, to prevent impending ruin, is the probability that there are few places in America which have so much female artillery as Edenton. Pray let us know all the particulars when you favor us with a letter.”

This, however, was but a part of the courageous protest of the Old North State against the John Bull taxes, and it may readily be seen as to be of a quality that deserved recognition—even at Boston.

Edenton was also the Albemarle port from which vessels were sent to Boston with donated food supplies when the later city was threatened with starvation. So it goes, and every locality has its signal incidents, though few have more Revolutionary turning points than may be brought to light in the Albemarle region of North Carolina.

With the prospect of great improvements in the efficiency of the Atlantic Coastal Service, bringing in tourists for the study of this attractive region, the Revolutionary history of North Carolina will have a renaissance, and its sounds and bays be much frequented.

Just a few miles out from Elizabeth City is the spot where, under the native forest trees, the first general assembly of North Carolina met in 1665.

Expecting a jaunt over the waters to Roanoke Island and possibly down to Cape Hatteras, your correspondent may find interesting matter to report.

From the front page of The Daily Advance, Elizabeth City, Wednesday evening, Sept. 30, 1925

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Editor Enjoyed Spence 50th Wedding Celebration, Sept. 30, 1925

We imagine that the man and wife in these parts who have enjoyed more years of wedded bliss than Captain and Mrs. B.F. Spence right here in the old hometown will be rather hard to find. We hope Captain Spence won’t forget the editor when he celebrates his 60th wedding anniversary.

From page 4 of The Daily Advance, Elizabeth City, Wednesday evening, Sept. 30, 1925

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Baptist Minister Leaves Pulpit to Become Cabaret Singer, Sept. 30, 1925

In Cabaret Now

Joseph Lycell, former Baptist pastor, now is a cabaret singer in a Chicago hotel. He left the ministry after one of his parishioners filed suit for divorce and charged the pastor with being too friendly with his wife.

From the front page of The Daily Advance, Elizabeth City, Wednesday evening, Sept. 30, 1925. To see a photo of Joseph Lycell, go to:

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3-Year-Old Gladys Pierce's Grave Is in Her Grandmother's Flower Garden, Sept. 30, 1925

Little Girl Dead

Sligo, Sept. 30—Gladys Vivias Pierce, 3-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Pierce of Sligo, died Thursday night, September 24. Her death was caused by croup. She was buried in the flower garden of her grandmother, Mrs. R.T. Bray of Sligo. Surviving are her parents, a sister 2 years old, and a half brother.

From the front page of The Daily Advance, Elizabeth City, Wednesday evening, Sept. 30, 1925

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Boling-Jennings Wedding, Sept. 30, 1925

Boling-Jennings

A marriage of more than usual interest was solemnized Wednesday morning at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Miles Jennings, S. Persse(?) street, when their daughter, Miss Emily Jennings became the bride of Mr. Floyd Jackson Boling of Atlanta. The ceremony was performed by Dr. N.H.D. Wilson, pastor of the First Methodist Church, and was witnessed only by a few relatives and intimate friends of the bride and bridegroom. The bride was attired in penny brown satin crepe with accessories to match. Her corsage was of bride’s roses and orchids. The room was tastefully decorated in shaded candles and potted ferns.

Shortly after the ceremony Mr. and Mrs. Boling left on a honeymoon to Richmond, Philadelphia and other points by automobile. They will be at home at 172 Park Drive, Atlanta, upon the conclusion of the trip.

The bride was graduated this year at North Carolina College for Women and is an attractive and popular member of the younger social set. The bridegroom is a graduate of Trinity College and is vice president of the High Point Bending Chair Company.

From page 2 of The Daily Advance, Elizabeth City, Wednesday evening, Sept. 30, 1925

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Elizabeth City Personal News, Sept. 30, 1925

Personals

Miss Mary Trueblood has returned from a visit to her sister, Mrs. O.M. Woodhouse, at Norfolk, and her cousin, E.L. King at Ahoskie. She will leave Wednesday for Greenville, where she will enter East Carolina Teachers’ College.

Dr. and Mrs. R.W. Smith, Mrs. Frank Babb, and Misses Anna Whaley Smith and Emily Skinner of Hertford were in the city for a few hours Sunday as guests of Mrs. Francis Nixon and the Misses Albertsons on West Church street.

J.A. Harris, who has been spending several weeks with relatives here, left Monday to spend a few days at Norfolk before returning to his home at Winter Park, Florida.

W.M. Wilkins of Edenton was in the city on business Friday.

Misses Billie Saunders, Mary Byrd Saunders, and Olivia Benton spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Snowden at Maple.

Miss Rosa Bryant has returned to her home at Weeksville after spending the week-end with Miss Mattie Horton at her home on Ehringhaus street.

Mrs. Carroll Dale and little son, Carroll Jr., returned Sunday to their home on Second street after a week’s visit to Mrs. Dale’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Parrish in Chowan County.

Mrs. E.C. White, Mrs. T.C. Jones Jr., Charles Hollowell and Miss Lena Jones, of Edenton, were in the city Saturday.

Mrs. Annie Wilson is visiting relatives in Washington and Tyrrell counties.

Mr. and Mrs. J.G. Gregory and daughter, Miss Mary Gladden Gregorey, Miss Helen Leigh and J.I. Gregson motored to Norfolk Friday and were guests of Mrs. Gregory’s sister, Mrs. T.J. Mann.

J.C. Write of Shiloh was in the city on business Monday.

Mr. and Mrs. Lev Guirken and daughter, Mae, left Friday for their home at Huntsville, Alabama, after spending some time with Mr. Guirkin’s mother, Mrs. Mae Willey.

Rev. and Mrs. I.S. Harrell of Shiloh left Monday for Yeopim, where Mr. Harrell will assist Rev. A.A. Butler in revival services.

Mrs. J.I. Gregson and children, Miriam and Jack, are the guests of Mrs. Gregson’s sister, Mrs. Jack Newbold, at New York City.

P.C. Cohoon has returned from a visit to friends and relatives in Scotland Neck, Warrenton, Henderson and Littleton.

Mr. and Mrs. D.C. Tillett of Baltimore have returned home after visiting Mr. Tillett’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Tillett on Goodwin avenue.

Mr. and Mrs. C.O. Robinson have returned from New York City where they spent the last week.

Miss Lillie Grandy and brother, Charles Taylor Grandy, left Saturday to spend some time in Washington, D.C.

Leslie Sanderlin of Shiloh was in the city Saturday on business.

Mrs. J.H. White and daughter, Miss Ruth White, and Mrs. Walter Small and children, Walter Jr., Lillian and John Herbert, spend Saturday in Norfolk.

Mrs. W.O. Barnette is improving at her home on East Burgess street after being ill for a few days.

W.H. Zoeller is at New Bern this week attending the Eastern Carolina Photographers’ Association, of which he is president.

Miss Elizabeth Saunders was the guest of relatives at Norfolk Monday and Tuesday.

Miss Billie Coman of Norfolk is visiting Miss Ida Sawyer on West Burgess street.

J.T. Rascoe of Windsor was in the city Tuesday to attend the Boling-Jennings Wedding.

John Enright of Washington, D.C., who is spending a few days in Norfolk, was in the city Monday and Tuesday.

Miss Ivy Brickhouse of Columbia is visiting Miss Norean Williams, 601 First street.

Miss Mildred Spence is spending a few days in Norfolk visiting relatives.

Mrs. Joe Tom Daniels and little son, Bobby, of Wanchese, have returned home after visiting Mrs. Daniels’ daughter, Mrs. Walter Jones, 110 North Dyer street.

Mrs. Larry D. Hooks and little daughter, Frances Mann, of Fremont, are visiting Mrs. Hook’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. T.S. Mann Sr., 305 Second street.

Mr. and Mrs. Percy Sanders returned Monday from a week-end trip to Washington, Greenville and Wilson.

D.V. Meekins returned Monday from Raleigh, where he spent the week-end.

From page 2 of The Daily Advance, Elizabeth City, Wednesday evening, Sept. 30, 1925

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Mt. Herman Briefs in Elizabeth City Advance, Sept. 30, 1925

Mt. Hermon Briefs

Mt. Hermon, Sept. 10—Willie Denby has returned to his home at Moyock after spending several days with his sister, Mrs. H.L. Sears.

Mrs. J.C. Brite has returned from Woodville, where she spent a few days.

Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Sears and son, Ernest, motored to Currituck Sunday.

Mrs. C. Badgie and children of South Norfolk spent the week-end with her sister, Mrs. J.E. Wood.

From page 2 of The Daily Advance, Elizabeth City, Wednesday evening, Sept. 30, 1925

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Moyock Personals in Elizabeth City Advance, Sept. 30, 1925

Moyock Personals

Moyock, Sept. 10—Mr. and Mrs. J.F. Bryant and little son, Frank Jr., spent Sunday with Mrs. Bryant’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Flora.

Lloyd Sanderlin of Norfolk was the guest of Mrs. J.E. Barnard Saturday and Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Earl Cooper and little daughter, Donna Fay, motored to Norfolk Sunday and spent the day with Mr. Cooper’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.A. Cooper.

Allie Creekmore of Norfolk was the guest of his aunts, Misses Mattie and Pinkie Poyner, Sunday.

Miss Martha Flora of Norfolk spent Sunday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Flora.

Fred Poyner motored to Norfolk Sunday.

C.N. Baughan motored to Norfolk Sunday.

J.T. Jennings and son, Jack, Mr. and Mrs. H.O Harcum and Mr. and Mrs. S.J. Jennings motored to Oklako Sunday and were the guests of Mrs. N.B. Burgess.

From page 2 of The Daily Advance, Elizabeth City, Wednesday evening, Sept. 30, 1925

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Sunday, September 28, 2025

Crowd Gathers for W.B. Cole Murder Trial; Wonders About Insanity Plea, Sept. 29, 1925

Crowd Gathers for Cole Trial. . . Rockingham Manufacturer Enters a Plea of Not Guilty to Killing of W.W. Ormond

Rockingham, Sept. 28—The special grand jury assembled today to pass on the bill charging W.B. Cole with the murder of W.W. Ormond on August 15 were only one hour in brining in a true bill of indictment, charging that “W.B. Cole did kill, slay, and murder W.W. Ormond on or about August 15, 1925.”

After the bill of indictment was turned into the court, Cole, who has been in jail since the killing, was brought in and entered a plea of “not guilty.”

Judge Finley granted the motion of solicitor F. Don Phillips to call a special venire from some other county. The court that a venire of 200 be called to appear Wednesday morning, at which time real action will begin in what promises to be one of the hardest-fought cases in our State’s history. The defendant is wealthy and stands high in his section. Ormond had friends all over the State, and they are putting up a real fight to the end that his slayer may be brought to justice.

The insanity plea may be the real hope of Cole. There is hardly any other straw to catch.

From the front page of The Enterprise, Williamston, Martin County, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1925

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Rocky Mount Postal Clerk Robbed, Shot Himself, Sept. 29, 1925

Postal Clerk Robbed Mail and Shot Himself

John Burges, postal clerk of Rocky Mount, is under arrest at the Rocky Mount Sanatorium, charged with robbing and embezzling the United States Mails in the amount of $35,000, as a result of the investigation of the theft of three packages of currency containing that sum from the Rocky Mount post office on the evening of September 15th. Fifteen thousand of that amount was found last night in the cellar of the post office building.

The trial and preliminary hearing has been set for tomorrow afternoon before United States Commissioner Arrington of Rocky Mount.

It will be remembered that Burges was shot when found and said that he had been attacked by someone he did not know. He was taken to the sanitorium but will be able to stand trial tomorrow afternoon.

From the front page of The Enterprise, Williamston, Martin County, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1925

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Roanoke Rapids Medical Coverage Plan Adopted in Greece, Sept. 29, 1925

Roanoke Rapids Plan Is Adopted in Greece

Paying the doctor with a dollar a year is a plan which has long been in vogue in a North Carolina cotton mill town and which has recently been inaugurated by the medical director of the refugee districts and approved by the Greek Government.

Years ago the mills in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., of which Mr. S.F. Patterson is the head and director, adopted a cooperative plan for payment of doctor’s bills. Each person was taxed a small amount and a community doctor was employed to look after the sick, which service was free to the afflicted, with the exception of a small yearly assessment. It was to the doctor’s advantage to save all the time he could to keep the people well, and the last report from the government was that Roanoke Rapids had made a record in health statistics. Practically this same plan has been put over in Greece by the medical director of the refugees and approved by the Greek Government. Each person will be taxed $1 a year and 250 dispensaries, each in charge of a doctor, will be established throughout the district. The doctors will make tours on fixed dates through their field and emergency calls when necessary.

Special aim will be made to malaria and typhoid and other preventable diseases, and also stressed effort in cutting down the infant mortality rate.

From the front page of The Enterprise, Williamston, Martin County, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1925

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Superior Court in Martin County to Focus on Civil Cases, Sept. 29, 1925

Proceedings of Superior Court. . . Convened Monday Morning for Trial of Civil Cases; Several Minor Cases Disposed Of

The superior court, having completed the criminal docket Friday afternoon, reconvened yesterday morning at 9:30 o’clock to hear the civil docket. Judge Cranmer spent the week end with his family in Southport, returning Sunday afternoon. In a very few minutes a jury was selected, and several cases of minor importance were gotten off the docket in the morning session, and the Hill-Railroad case was begun promptly after the dinner hour.

Mrs. W.O. Hill, formerly of Washington but now of Raleigh, is suing the A.C.L. for damages to herself and a Lexington car sustained about three years ago.

It will be recalled that Mrs. Hill was in a car driven by her son, who lacked 60 days of being 16 years of age, coming to Williamston about 1:30 p.m., and failing to see the train at the crossing by the Standard Oil Co. yards, ran into the on-coming train, demolishing the car and injuring herself.

Witnesses for the plaintiff were heard during yesterday afternoon, and those for the defense today. Counsel will begin their argument about 3 o’clock this afternoon, which will probably not be concluded until tomorrow.

Court will very probably last the rest of the week, as there are a good many cases on the docket schedule to be tried.

From the front page of The Enterprise, Williamston, Martin County, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1925

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Margolis Family Travels to Goldsboro for Yom Kippur Services, Sept. 25, 1925

Jews Celebrate Yom Kipper Yesterday

Yom Kipper, the Day of Atonement for those of the Jewish faith, was observed by local residents Monday, September 28.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Margolis and Irving Margolis motored to Goldsboro where they attended services at the Jewish Temple in that city.

From the front page of The Enterprise, Williamston, Martin County, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1925. It's spelled Yom Kippur today, but it was Yom Kipper in newspaper.

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Miss Sara Funderburke, Missionary in China, to Speak, Sept. 29, 1925

Woman’s Missionary Union Roanoke Baptist Association to Meet Here Tomorrow. . . Miss Sara Funderburk, Returned Missionary, to Make Address

The 19th annual session of the Woman’s Missionary Union of the Roanoke Association of the Baptist Church will begin tomorrow at 10:30 o’clock at the Memorial Baptist Church, with the missionary societies hostesses to the association. This is the first time in eight years that the local church has entertained the union, and it expects at least 400 to 500 guests.

Mrs. C.T. Plybon will lead the morning devotional, after which Mrs. John D. Biggs Jr. will make the address of welcome, which will be responded to by Mrs. J.M. Wheless of Farmville. Reports will be made by the leaders of the various missionary organizations of the associations. They are Miss Nina Collins, Nashville; Mrs. C.V. Austin, Wilson; Miss Pearl Harris, Weldon; Mrs. A.C. Liverman, Scotland Neck; Mrs. L.A. Stroud, Greenville; and Mrs. Leon T. Vaughan of Nashville.

A delicious lunch of barbecue and other delicacies will be served at 1 o’clock to the visitors, which will be followed by a short social period before the afternoon program begins.

Devotional will be conducted by Mrs. W.R. White of Plymouth, and then the county leaders, Mrs. E.B. Beasley of Fountain, Mrs. I.L. Yearby of Tarboro, Mrs. J.D. Biggs Jr. of Williamston, Mrs. T.M. Jenkins of Rosemary, Mrs. Will Rhodes of Wilson, and Mrs. C.B. Smith of Whitakers will be heard.

They will be followed by Miss Sara Funderburke of Kong Moon, China, who is a missionary to that country and who will make a missionary address. Miss Funderburke is a very noted worker among the Chinese and her address is expected to be a shining light in the meeting.

From the front page of The Enterprise, Williamston, Martin County, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1925

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Local Men Pick Up New Model Fords at Assembly Plant in Norfolk, Sept. 29, 1925

Bring Ford Cars Back from Norfolk Plant

Messrs. J.D. Woolard, Perlie Roberson, J.G. Corey, Ira Harrison and George Harrison Jr. motored to Norfolk Saturday to get Ford cars of the new models from the Ford assembling plant for the Williamston Motor Co.

From the front page of The Enterprise, Williamston, Martin County, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1925

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W.A. Cherry Improving at Washington Hospital, Sept. 29, 1925

W.A. Cherry Improving at Washington Hospital

Mr. W.A. Cherry, who has been seriously ill at the Washington Hospital for the past 10 days, is steadily improving. This will be gratifying news to his many friends here and throughout the section, where Mr. Cherry works with the maintenance department of the State Highway Department of the State Highway Commission. Mrs. Cherry is at his bedside, where she has been constantly since his sudden attack.

From the front page of The Enterprise, Williamston, Martin County, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1925

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5-Year-Old Furney Howard Dies of Diphtheria, Sept. 28, 1925

5-Year-Old Child Dies of Diphtheria Monday

Furney, the 5-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Furney Howard, who live in New Town, died last night at 8 o’clock from an attack of diphtheria.

Unfortunately, the trouble was not discovered until the disease had made so much headway that toxin-antitoxin failed to arrest the trouble.

Funeral services were held at 11 o’clock today by Rev. C.O. Pardo.

From the front page of The Enterprise, Williamston, Martin County, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1925

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Local Talent, Professional Director Present "Rosetime" to Benefit PTA, Sept. 29, 1925

Benefit Play Friday Night. . . “Rosetime” to Be Presented Under Auspices of Parents-Teachers Association

“Rosetime,” a Wayne P. Sewell production directed by Miss Cartwright of Boston will be staged at the opera house Friday night. It is for the benefit of the parents-teachers association, and that fact alone merits the patronage of every man, woman and child.

Those who attend will see a delightful performance, the cast all local people but directed by a professional, Wayne P. Sewell, who staged “The Flapper Grandmother,” always sends out delightful comedies that appeal to the modern audiences. In many places people have considered “Rosetime” much better than “The Flapper Grandmother,” which made such a success here.

The chorus girls, Misses Mary M. Andrews, Eugenia Hoyt, Susie James, Trulah Ward Page, Elizabeth Gurhanus, Frances Williams and Thelma Brown, and Mrs. W.H. Capell Jr. are the most attractive bunch of girls Miss Cartwright has found since she has been directing “Rosetime”, according to her statement.

Miss Darden, Miss Laura Norton, Miss Martha L. Anderson, Miss Lucille Hassell, Mrs. P.B. Cone, Messrs. M.D. Watts, John Philpot, James Griffin, H.M Stubbs, and Solly Orleans form the cast proper, and they are each one well suited to his or her part.

The young men who support the chorus girls are Messrs. John Booker, Stanley Sessoms, William Cook, Charles Knight, and John Wadsworth.

From the front page of The Enterprise, Williamston, Martin County, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1925

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The Sinking of Submarine S-51, What We Know 100 Years Later

What we know about the sinking of the S-51 in 2025

First reports must often be incomplete. Once the investigations were done, once the S-51 was salvaged, this story was revealed.

The S-51 submarine out of New London, Connecticut, was out conducting exercises. It was on the surface with its running lights on. The City of Rome spotted the submarine but misjudged its course and speed. According to maritime rules in 1925, the S-51 had the right of way, so it continued on its course. By the time the City of Rome realized it needed to change course, it was too late, and the ship rammed the submarine on the starboard side, directly striking the battery room where most of the crew was asleep.

The submarine sank in less than a minute. There was no time to seal the watertight doors. Some men were thrown into the water and drowned. Only three men survived. They had been thrown from their bunks and were able to swim to safety. They were rescued by a small boat and brought aboard the City of Rome. The sub came to rest in 132 feet of water 14 miles east of Block Island. Thirty-three crew members perished.

The navy undertook a massive salvage operation, led by Commander Edward Ellsberg. The S-51 was raised in the summer of 1926, brought to the Brooklyn Navy Yard and displayed before being sold for scrap.

To see photos and read more about the U.S. Submarine S-51 Memorial Site, go to

www.s51memorial.org/accident

Survivors:

ALFRED GEIER. Electrician's mate, 2nd class. New Bedford, Mass.

MICHAEL LIRA. Fireman, 1st class. St. Louis, Missouri.

DEWEY G. KILE. Engineman, 1st class. Peoria, Mississippi.

Officers—All Killed

Rodney Hiram Dobson, Lieutenant, S-51 commanding officer, Brockport, Conn.

Frederic David Foster, Lieutenant Junior Grade, Nutley, N.J.

Turner Ashby Glascock, Lieutenant Junior Grade, San Antonio, Texas

James Dudley Haselden, Lieutenant Junior Grade, Dillon, S.C.

Harlow Milton Pino, Lieutenant Junior Grade, Long Beach, Calif.

Edmund Webster Egbert, Ensign, Mariner’s Harbor, N.Y.

Lost Enlisted Men

Paul Daniel Berk, Engineman, 2nd Class, Shoemakersville, Penn.

Ralph Edward Cassidy, Gunner’s Mate, 2nd class, Claremont, New Hampshire

Henry Lee Crawford, Radioman, 1st class, Ardmore, Oklahoma

Allan Clifford Earle, Engineman, 1st Class, Gloucester, Mass.

Harry Dick Elser, Coxswain, Columbus, Ohio

Rudy Firm, Motor Machinist’s Mate, 1st class, Klein, Montana

John Law Gibson, Engineman, 2nd class, Portland, Oregon

Valentine Hiltbold, Chief Torpedoman, Newport, Rhode Island

Franklin Pierce James, Chief Motor Machinist’s Mate, Stratford, Conn.

Walter Edward Lawton, Electrician’s Mate, 1st class, N. Weymouth, Mass.

Brady Domono Lindsay, Engineman, 2nd class, Pensacola, Fla.

George Henry Miller, Officer’s Cook, 2nd class, Philadelphia, Penn.

John Joseph McCarthy, Seaman, 1st class, New York, N.Y.

Oscar Joseph Milot, Fireman, 3rd class, Graniteville, Mass.

Frank Lester Mims, Fireman, 3rd class, Augusta, Georgia

Robert Seth Noble, Motor Machinist’s Mate, 3rd class, Merrimac, Mass.

James Marland Schofield, Radioman, 1st class, Bridgeport, Conn.

Frank Archibald Shea, Electrician’s Mate, 1st class, Gloucester, Mass.

John Joseph Sheehan, Motor Machinist’s Mate, 1st class, Groton, Conn.

Augustus Alexander Smith, Torpedoman, 2nd class, Milton, Florida

Herbert Eadleman Snyder, Chief Signalman, Philadelphia, Penn.

Frederick Peter Teschemacher, Seaman, 1st class, Bangor, Penn.

William Charles Teschemacher, Seaman, 1st class, Bangor, Penn.

Charles Carrol Thomas, Fireman, 2nd class, El Paso, Texas

Stephen Hartley Triffit, Torpedoman, 3rd class, Pawtucket, Rhode Island

Robert Holland Mills, Torpedoman, 1st class, Norfolk, Virginia

Frank Collins Wiseman, Torpedoman, 3rd class, South Boston, Mass.

You can see photographs of many of these young men at www.s51memorial.org/Crew

Saturday, September 27, 2025

No Students in Control of Sub When It Was Rammed, Says Submarine Base, Sept. 28, 1925

Students Did Not Control Sub When She Was Wrecked. . . Lieut. Commander Flanigan Denies Any Inexperienced Men Were on Sub at the Time of Disaster. . . Trying to Lift Sub at Present. . Divers Find No Holes But See Dent in Vessel—Slings Being Placed Under Part of Ship

New London, Conn., Sept. 28 (AP)—When informed by the Associated Press as he came on duty early today that the owners of the City of Rome had an affidavit which stated that the S-51 sunk 14 miles east of Block Island Friday night by the steamer, was commanded by student officers, Lieut. Commander H.A. Flanigan, executive officer at the submarine base here, denied that any one of the officers on the submarine at the time of the disaster was inexperienced.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Times, Monday, Sept. 28, 1925

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Crane Tries to Lift Submarine from Bottom of Atlantic, Sept. 28, 1925

Trying to Lift Vessel

Newport, R.I., Sept. 28 (AP)—Divers have found one of the interior bulkheads of the sunken submarine S-51 bent but not pierced, a radio dispatch received from the wreck today said. The messaged did not make clear whether the compartment was forward or aft.

The compartment was being experienced by the rescue parties according to radio message. Two slings under the submarine, and an attempt was to be made shortly with a 300-ton derrick to lift it above the surface.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Times, Monday, Sept. 28, 1925

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Rescue Efforts Paused Due to Rough Seas, Sept. 28, 1925

Rescue Work Abandoned

New London, Conn., Sept. 28 (AP)—Advices ashore here at noon today were to the effect that conditions of the sea and weather at the locality of the S-51 wreck were so bad that rescue operations had to be suspended for the time being. The Century 100-ton crane vessel, was ordered to move to Block Harbor, and the Monarch, the larger crane vessel, was ordered to a harbor at Block Island and was starting there under tow.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Times, Monday, Sept. 28, 1925

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Cole Indicted by Grand Jury; Pleads Not Guilty When Arraigned, Sept. 28, 1925

Special Venire from County Other Than Richmond Asked by State at the Cole Trial. . . Motion Was made by the Solicitor. . . Cole Indicted by Grand Jury. . . Pleaded Not Guilty When Formally Arraigned—Jury Deliberated About an Hour

Richmond County Court House, Sept. 28 (AP)—After deliberating less than an hour, a grand jury today indicted W.B. Cole, wealthy cotton mill owner, for the murder of W.W. Ormond, formerly a suitor for his daughter’s hand.

Cole pleaded not guilty when arraigned before Judge Thomas B. Finley, designated by Governor McLean to preside over a special term of court.

Immediately after the arraignment of Cole, F. Don Phillips, solicitor, moved the court to call a special venire from another county from which to select the jury. The motion, a surprise to the defense, was agreed upon, and Judge Finely announced he would call 200 veniremen for duty beginning Wednesday from the county selected.

Richmond County Court House, N.C., Sept 28 (AP)—An indictment charging W.B. Cole, wealthy cotton mill owner, with the murder of W.W. Ormond was returned by a county grand jury here today.

In the language of the indictment, the jury found that W.B. Cole did kill, slay and murder W.W. Ormond on or about last August 15th.

The grand jury deliberated less than an hour.

Cole, who since the shooting, has been in jail without privilege of bond, made his entrance into the court room shortly after the indictment was returned. Sheriff H.D Baldwin accompanied the prisoner.

He was dressed neatly. After shaking hands with the defense attorneys he sat at the defense table.

F. Don Phillips, solicitor, entered motion immediately after the arraignment of Coile asking for a special venire from some county other than Richmond.

In making his motion Mr. Phillips declared that a jury would give a trial satisfactory to the state and defense could not be drawn from Richmond county.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Times, Monday, Sept. 28, 1925

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Reporter Covering Cole Trial Promises Public Sensational Reading, Sept. 28, 1925

The Cole Case. . . Associated Press Installs a Special Wire in Five Feet of the Judge

By Isaac S. London in Raleigh News and Observer

Rockingham, Sept. 27—The installation of a special Associated Press wire in the court room today, and the arrival of a group of staff men from various dailies, has brought into an even keener realization the all-state interest in the Cole-Ormond murder case that will be called for trial tomorrow.

Address Grand Jury First

The decision as to a special venire from this or some other county will not be made until tomorrow afternoon. Upon the convening of court at 10 o’clock, Judge Finley will address the six months grand jury for a few moments and then that body will retire with the usual batch of bills from the solicitor. Very probably the grand jury will take up the Cole murder bill first. Upon the reporting of a true bill the prisoner, W.B. Cole, will be arraigned. After this will come the question of a special venire.

Will It be a Richmond Jury?

It seems to be a foregone conclusion that the defense will be content with a jury from Richmond county but rumor persists that the State will certainly ask for a jury from some other county.

Hotels Filling Up

The hotels here are already filling up rapidly with press men, lawyers, friends and even onlookers moved only by curiosity. The lobbies were spotted with groups tonight with the approaching trial the center of interest. In fact this case has been tried many times over in almost every home in this community since that memorable afternoon of August 15th when W.B. Cole shot out the life of W.W. Ormond on the streets of Rockingham.

Arriving here tonight from Nashville were Rev. A.L. Omond and three of his children, Allison and Misses Myra and Ophelia. His other daughter, Miss Edith, remained at home with the stricken mother who since thekilling of her son six weeks ago has been practically prostrated, in fact that 63-year-old minister-husband has filled but few of his pulpit appointments since that tragic afternoon. Allison had intended entering Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia but the homicide necessitated a change in his plans. Since the homicide he has remained at Nashville, coming here today in the Ford in which his brother was killed.

And so the stage figuratively speaking is all set for what is generally considered will be the greatest legal battle in the criminal annals of the State, even eclipsing the now famous Peacock and Means trials.

Even the walls of the county jail were not immune today against curiosity seekers with scores of people filtering by at intervals merely to get a morbid view of the iron barred window from which Mr. Cole is permitted to talk to friends who come into the fence enclosure. And such still is the morbid sense that the local photographer has sold numbers of pictures at $1 each of the flower-covered grave of young Ormond taken on the afternoon of his burial. And a thrifty young man at Roberdel Mill has placed an order for 500 additional copies of a leading state daily with all other dailies figuring largely in increased sales.

With the Associated Press having a wire directly into the court room within five feet of where Judge Finley sits with the other big news gathering agencies well protected and every leading state daily having a special staff man here, the case will be fully covered and the public can be assured in advance that they will have an abundance of sensational reading.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Times, Monday, Sept. 28, 1925

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6-Year-Old Polly Gentry Found Wandering, Separated from Family, Sept. 28, 1925

Little Girl Found Wandering on the Road

Lexington, Sept. 26—A six-year-old girl, giving her name as Polly Gentry, was found wandering around on the central highway nine miles south of here late today ad brought here by June Page and H.R. Kyser, of Thomasville. She told Sheriff Talbert her father is John Gentry of Burlington and that she was with her parents returning from Blackshear, Ga. She could not explain how she got out of her father’s car.

Sheriff Talbert was trying tonight to locate relatives of the child, who is in his care.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Times, Monday, Sept. 28, 1925

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Edwin Patton Has Committed Suicide, Sept. 28, 1925

Found Dying with Bullet in His Head. . . Swannanoa Man Had Long Been Despondent Over Condition of His Health

Asheville, Sept. 27—Edward S. Patton, a lifelong resident of Swannanoa near here, was found in a dying condition from a bullet wound in the right side of his head, a short distance from his home this morning at 7 o’clock.

Mr. Patton, who was about 60 years of age, lived only a few minutes after he was found., according to officers who made an investigation. He had taken two pillows from the house, apparently, and gone a short distance to a pile of straw at the edge of the yard where he was found a short time later.

His sister, Miss Lizzie Patton, with whom he made his home, stated that she saw him leave the house with the pillow but did not see any pistol in his hand although she knew he had one in the house.

Mr. Patton has been in extremely bad health for some time, and it is believed that his condition caused him to become depressed. Dr. E.R. Morris, acting coroner, was taken to the scene by Sheriff E.M. Mitchell where an investigation was conducted. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Times, Monday, Sept. 28, 1925

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Pines Hancock, 16, Sentenced to Attend Church, Sept. 28, 1925

Youth Is Sentenced to Attend Church

High Point, Sept. 26—For the first time in the history of High Point’s police court, a defendant has been sentenced to attend church. Convicted here today on a charge of larceny, Pines Hancock, 16-year-old boy, had judgment suspended by Judge Donald C. MacRae, upon condition that he attend the Rev. Geroge Stepehens revival three times each week so long as it is in progress here. The suspended sentence also carried the stipulation that he attend Sunday school regularly each Sunday and that he report to the court every Saturday to show good behavior for a period of 12 months.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Times, Monday, Sept. 28, 1925

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Salisbury's Fire Bell Has Cracked, Sept. 28, 1925

Faithful Fire and Curfew Bell Cracks and Ends Long Service

Salisbury, Sept. 27—After 29 years of faithful service Salisbury’s fire bell has been put out of commission. It is cracked. For years the bell has tolled a curfew at 9 o’clock each night besides striking at noon each day and calling the firemen out at all times of the day and night. A new bell will be installed along with a number of new street fire alarm boxes.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Times, Monday, Sept. 28, 1925

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Friday, September 26, 2025

W.B. Cole on Trial for Murdering Daughter's Suiter, Sept. 26, 1925

W.B. Cole to Go on Trial Monday for First Degree Murder. . . Of W.W. Ormond on the Streets of Rockingham on August 15th. . . Special Term to Try the Case. . . To Be Presided Over by Judge Finley—Big Staff of Defense and Prosecuting Attorneys

Rockingham, N.C., Sept. 26 (AP)—Charged with the murder of W.W. Ormond of Raleigh, W.B. Cole, wealthy manufacturer of Rockingham, will go on trial in Richmond County Superior Court here next week. The special term oif court to try Cole will be convened Monday morning by Judge T.B. Finely of North Wilkesboro, named by the governor as presiding jurist.

Indictment is expected as a matter of routine during Monday after which the trial is expected to get under way at once.

That every issue presented to the court will be contested was indicated there this afternoon. A staff of defense attorneys led by James H. Pou of Raleigh, attorney of note, was ready to submit a plea of “not guilty” and to follow it up with a defense which it is said, will be based on self-defense. On the other hand Solicitor Don Phillips will be aided in prosecuting the case by several attorneys retained by the Ormond family and led by Clyde Hoey of Shelby, former congressman and one of the outstanding lawyers of North Carolina. Mr. Phillips has indicated that he will urge a verdict of first degree murder.

Ormond, who had been attentive to Miss Elizabeth Cole, daughter of the defendant, for a long period of time, had been requested by the parent to discontinue his attentions. It is said that there resulted a series of letters between he two men in which Ormond is alleged to have threatened Cole and which will form the basis of the defense plea of self-defense. On August 15th, the young man had visited Rockingham en route to a beach resort and it was while standing in front of his automobile on a main street of the city that he was shot and killed by Cole. The latter was arrested a short time later and has been in jail without privilege of bail since that date.

W.B. Cole, wealthy manufacturer of Rockingham, shot and killed W.W. Ormond of Raleigh, on the streets of Rockingham, Saturday afternoon, August 15th. The young man was standing near his automobile when Cole approached and fired the shots which resulted in death.

Immediately after the killing Cole returned to his office and subsequently to his home where he was arrested in a few hours and lodged in Richmond county jail. The defendant remained in jail without privilege of bond until this trial opened at Rockingham on September 28th.

With the killing there appeared a confusing mass of statements relative to Cole’s relations with Ormond prior to the killing. Out of them it was possible to ascertain that Ormond, formerly electrician of State College, had paid considerable attention to Miss Elizabeth Cole, daughter of the defendant, for a number of years. Ormond apparently was received into the Cole home for a lengthy period but recently had been denied this privilege.

A number of letters were said to have passed between Cole and Ormond following the request of the former that the latter cease his attentions to Miss Cole. Prior to the trial the contents of these letters were not revealed though there were vague reports as to what they contained.

On the day of the killing Ormond had left his home near Raleigh for a trip to one of the Carolina beaches and decided to pass through Rockingham. Before leaving Raleigh his parents urged him not to go to Rockingham. It was generally believed he wished to communicate with Miss Cole but it was not known whether he accomplished his prupose before the shooting which resulted in his death. It was later in the day that he was killed while about to enter his automobile. First reports were that he was unarmed at the time and later it was stated there was a pistol in the pocket of the automobile on the side opposite to which he had been standing.

Ormond’s funeral, held in Rockingham was said to have been attended by the greatest throng which ever gathered in that little city for a similar service. The young man was a veteran of the world war and had been gassed in action and for a number of years suffered as a result.

Governor McLean was requested to call a special term of court for the trial on September 21 but it later was decided to hold the term on September 28. The Governor requested former Chief Justice W.A. Hoke of the Supreme Court t preside over the court but the aged jurist replied that he would be unable as he expected to enter a hospital for treatment sometime before the trial. Early in September he underwent a slight operation and died from heart trouble on September 13. Governor McLean then appointed Judge T.B. Finley of Wilkesboro to preside at the trial after announcing that he would not appoint any judge which either side urged.

Attorneys for Cole for a number of days refused to state what his defense would be and up to the time of the trial no definite statement had been issued though tit had gradually been made known that a plea of self defense probably would be entered. In advance of the trial the State planned to ask for a verdict of first degree murder.

A bill of indictment against Cole charging murder was given to the grand jury immediately it reported for duty at the opening of the special term of court. A staff of outstanding lawyers of the state was employed by the defense while the State was aided in prosecuting the case by lawyers equally noted.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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Sheriff Holds Father Until Family Brings in Murderer, Sept. 26, 1925

Father Is Set Free

Salisbury, Sept. 25—By a clever exchange of prisoners Sheriff Krider has at his jail Frank Cowan, negro, who shot his wife to death Wednesday night. When the sheriff got to the scene of the shooting yesterday he found the slayer had been carried away by his father, so the officer brought the old man to jail, telling the other relatives that if frank was brought to jail by any of them he would turn the old man loose. Today relatives of the wanted negro brought him up and the old man was liberated.

From page 4 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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Supreme Court Says Griffin Has No Cause for Complaint, Sept. 26, 1925

H.D. Griffin of Martin county, convicted as the leader of the mob which mutilated Joseph Needleman, must serve 30 years in the State prison, the State Supreme Court denying him a new trial. Griffin appealed on the ground of “cruel and unusual punishment,” but the Supreme Court did not agree that he had cause for complaint. Neither does the average North Carolina citizen. The crime for which Griffin was convicted was one of the most revolting in the history of North Carolina, and the public feels that his sentence is not too severe.

From the editorial page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925.

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Practical Joke Was No Laughing Matter, Sept. 26,1925

Nick Chacas Seeking Damages from William Bouras as Outcome of Practical Joke

Durham, Sept. 24—As the result of a practical joke played upon a friend, Wiliam Bouras, a Greek and proprietor of a local café, is facing a possible criminal charge or, at the least, a damage suit. Nick Chacas, another Greek, employed in a Durham café, claims that Bouras invited him to go out to call upon some lady friends near Durham early last Sunday morning. The pair, he says went to a point about 10 miles from Durham and near Hillsboro. Arriving there, Chacas says that his friend knocked on the door; a male appeared, seemed to recognize the caller, declared that he was a scoundrel who had been calling on his wife and opened fire with a gun.

Bouras fell, apparently dead. Chacas, being panic stricken, started to run. Through woods, briar patches and over field he fled. He broke his collar bone, broke a wrist, tore his clothes and was bruised and bleeding when he showed up at Henderson hours later, only to find that he had been the victim of a joke. He returned to Durham to find he had lost his job. Now he has placed the matter in the hands of a lawyer and is demanding satisfaction and monetary damages.

From page 5 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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Tom Jimison Entering UNC Law School, Sept. 26, 1925

Tom Jimison at University Law School

Raleigh Times

The trustees of Wake Forest College have an undisputed right to refuse admittance to Tom Jimison. Tom—and let’s get this said and over with as quickly as possible—has acquired a reputation just a bit ripe for the palate of the guardians of youth whom it is determined to submit to no disturbing influences. He is something of a social agitator, has repeatedly thumbed his nose at the established order in church and state, was LaFollette elector, ran with the Socialists at Winston-Salem and was their candidate for mayor of that community, quite the Methodist ministry in favor of a labor paper at Charlotte and was convicted and fined for transporting liquor, offered to make amends by yielding himself to the law and finally decided to secure license to practice the same in North Carolina. At Wake Forest last summer he was discovered by officers in the presence of liquor which in the municipal court was proved to be of somebody else’s providing.

We trust that is the last time we shall ever feel called upon to refer to Tom’s past shortcomings. He has gone to Chapel Hill and as a citizen of the State applied for admission to the University Law School, which has properly been opened unto him. It is to be hoped that he will benefit from his associations at the University, which in turn should profit from association with him.

He can pass the examination for law license as easily from one school as another. He had no claim on the Baptist denomination; he has the same claim upon the University as any other citizen of the State.

He couldn’t be a martyr on the campus at Chapel Hill if he wanted to—let’s concede that he exhibits no such desire—and it is now squarely up to him.

And here’s wishing him luck. With one of the brightest minds in the commonwealth, he ought to add something to the State’s mental content.

From page 3 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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As Business Picks Up, Drought Forces Two Day a Week Shutdown, Sept. 16,1925

Tough Break for Cotton Mills

The cotton mills have had another tough break. They have been waiting for “better business” that was “just around the corner” for some time and just as they begin to see the light they are forced to curtail on account of the drought.

The fact that practically all of the local mills are running every available hour now indicates that business with them is better than it has been. Traveling textile men who come here say conditions are much the same in their territory. The mills are getting orders that mean a profit after some lean months.

Still many people think the forced shutdown two days a week has been responsible for the orders, as the markets have had opportunity to get rid of their goods, and they claim the drought has helped the mills as well as it is hurting them now. Still, the curtailed program has been in effect only a few weeks and the markets must have been affected by other causes, though the curtailed program undoubtedly has been a contributing cause. With a cotton crop much larger than had been predicted earlier in the season and mills receiving orders daily, business conditions in this county promise to be good for the Fall and early Winter at least.

From the editorial page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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Personal Notes from Concord Tribune, Sept. 26, 1925

Personals

Miss Margaret Virginia Ervin, Miss Elizabeth Smith, Miles Wolff, Robert Bell and W.W. Flowe are among the Concord persons attending the Wake Forest-Carolina game at Chapel Hill today.

Mrs. S.L. Brown will return today from Greensboro where she has been spending a week with her sister, Mrs. S.I. Parker.

Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Propst and son, John Kimmons of Pamlico, S.C., arrived this afternoon, being called here by the death of L.E. Boger.

Mrs. Eugene Correll and children are spending the week-end in Hiddenite with Mrs. Correll. They were accompanied by Miss Rose Willeford.

Miss Jessie Combs returned Friday night from Greensboro where she spent several weeks with relatives.

Mr. and Mrs. A.S. Webb of this city, Richard Webb of Los Angeles, Calif., and R.M. Webb of Iredell county are spending the week-end with Mr. Webb’s sister, Mrs. H.L. Cannon at Guilford College.

Miss Elsie Riddick of Raleigh is visiting her friend, Miss Rosa Mund.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown Phillips were among the Concord people at the Made-in-Carolinas Exposition in Charlotte Friday night.

Mrs. J.R. Ninnis and two children of Charlotte are spending the week-end with Mrs. C.F. Ritchie.

From page 5 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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Mrs. R.A. Russell, 66, Died Suddenly Sept. 25, 1925

Sudden Death of Mrs. R.A. Russell

Mrs. R.A. Russell, well known woman of the Hartsell Mill community, died suddenly at her home Friday evening about 8 o’clock. Funeral arrangements have not been made pending arrival of out-of-State relatives.

Mrs. Russell is survived by her husband, four sons and five daughters. She was a member of the Westford Methodist Church. She was 66 years of age.

From page 5 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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John Calvin Ferguson, 67, Dies of Heart Attack, Sept. 26, 1925

John Calvin Ferguson Died Suddenly Today. . . Death Caused by Heart Attack

John Calvin Ferguson died at 8:30 this morning at his home near here. Mr. Ferguson had not been well for four or five months, but had never been confined to his bed. He had a sudden heart attack Friday at 5 p.m. from which he never rallied.

Mr. Ferguson was 67 years of age, a lifelong citizen of Cabarrus county, having lived at his paternal great grandparents’ old home place for the past 35 years.

He is survived by his wife and six children: John and James Ferguson of Watauga, Okla.; Mrs. Chas. Crowell of Mt. Pleasant, J.H. of Concord, and Misses Ethra and Bertha Ferguson at home. Also, three sisters survive, Mrs. Geo. H. Price of Concord, Mrs. J.D. Sossamon of Kannapolis and Miss Anne Ferguson of Statesville. All of the family were at his bedside with the exception of the two sons in Oklahoma.

The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon at 3 o’clock.

From page 5 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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Elsie Winecoff, 45, Died of Pneumonia Sept. 25, 1925

Mrs. W.F. Winecoff Died Here Friday Night

Mrs. Elsie F. Winecoff, wife of W.F. Winecoff of Vance street, died Friday night at 7:45 o’clock after an illness of five weeks. Death was caused by complications following pneumonia.

Mrs. Winecoff was 45 years of age and was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Silas Price of Union county. She had been married about two years.

She is survived by her husband, mother and father.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at Forest Hill Methodist Church, of which the deceased was a member. The services will be conducted by the pastor of the Church, Rev. T.F. Higgins, and interment will be made in Oakwood cemetery.

From page 2 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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Luther E. Boger, 38, Died Sept. 25, 1925

L.E. Boger Died at Home Here Friday. . . Had Been Ill for About a Week But Condition Became Critical Only a Few Minutes Before He Died

Luther E. Boger, well known member of one of the county’s most prominent families, died Friday afternoon at 2:15 o’clock at his home on North Spring street, death being due to an attack of sciatica which affected his heart.

Funeral services will be held at the home tomorrow afternoon at 3 o’clock, conducted by Rev. L.A. Thomas, pastor of St. James Lutheran Church. Interment will be made in Oakwood cemetery. The following will be pall bearers at the funeral: Ernest Porter, H.W. Caldwell, A.L. Brown, E.T. Cannon, Dr. W.H. Wadsworth and W.M. Sherrill.

Mr. Boger was 38 years of age and was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Martin Boger. He was born and reared in this county, his family having been prominently identified with the life of the county for many years.

The deceased is survived by his wife, two daughters, Misses Mary Orchard and Frances Boger, one son, Edwin, and two sisters, Mrs. W.A. Foil and Mrs. P.M. Lafferty.

Mr. Boger has been an active member of the Concord lodge of Elks for a number of years and was a member of the Lutheran church, having joined the church when a young man. He was popular with a wide circle of friends throughout the county and his sudden death came as a distinct shock to them.

From page 2 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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Thursday, September 25, 2025

34 Men Remain on Submarine S-51, Laying at Bottom of Atlantic, Sept. 26, 1925

34 Members of Sub Crew Are Imprisoned on Ship Which Lays at Bottom of Atlantic. . . Rescue Ships on Watch for Vessel. . . The Men Are on Sub S-51 Which Was Rammed During the Night by a Vessel at Sea. . . Three Survivors Are Picked Up. . . Fleet of the Rescue Craft Searching for the Sub—Fate of the Men Is Causing Much Anxiety

Boston, Sept. 26 (AP)—Thirty-four members of the crew of the submarine S-51 lay imprisoned at the bottom of the Atlantic today after their vessel was rammed last night by the steamer City of Rome, of the Ocean S.S. Company, on her voyage from Savannah, Ga., to Boston. Three survivors were picked up by the steamer and it was a matter of conjecture as to whether the remainder were drowned or were alive in the underwater vessel.

While a fleet of rescue craft from Newport, R.I., New York City and New London, Conn., the submarine’s base, was rushed out to the point 20 miles east of Block Island where the disaster occurred, those on shore eagerly awaited news of the crash. The City of Rome was proceeding to Boston, and Capt. Diehl, her commander, gave no details in his first message to officers of the company. She was due to reach Boston some time this afternoon, and it was said she might not arrive before 4 or 5 o’clock.

Hope that the 34 men who went down with the S-51 might still be alive was increased when the destroyer Putnam, sent to the scene from the naval training station at Newport, sent a wireless message saying they had discovered what apparently was a buoy made up of a bunch of life preservers.

Naval men at Newport express the hope that the buoy had been floated out of the sunken craft by members of the crew who might be alive and wanted to give their position beneath the water.

Men rescued by the City of Rome were Dewey Kile, F.F. Lire, and A. Gler, all members of the engine room force, according to a message received at the Boston Navy Yard. “Nothing else could be found,” said the message. “An oil spot showed up where the S-51 went down.”

At New London, from where the S-51 sailed on September 20th for a practice cruise, naval officers and the fact that the oil showed upon the surface of the water did not necessarily indicate that the craft was a total wreck. They said she might lie at the bottom of the 125 feet of water with all her hatches closed, and many of the men in her alive.

Ships being rushed to the aid of the submarine besides the Putnam include a salvage ship with diving and hoisting apparatus from Newport, three submarines from New London, and the salvage ship Vulcan, form New York. Efforts were being made to communicate with another salvage ship somewhere at sea. No ships are being sent form the Boston navy yard, although a rescue vessel stood by throughout the night waiting for orders to proceed.

It was not believed that the City of Rome sustained any damage from the crash with the submarine. Her captain’s message indicated she was in good condition and proceeding to Boston.

Efforts to learn details from him by wireless were futile, and it was not expected he would tell his story until the ship reached port. The City of Rome plies regularly between Boston and Savannah, with freight and passengers, and follows the outside course around Cape Cod. It was reported she might come through the canal today, however, but officers of the line were without advice on this score.

Radio messages received from New London stated that the Chawink and the submarines S-1, S-3, S-49 and S-10 were being sent to the scene of the collision. They will endeavor to locate the sunken vessel with listening gear. The commander of the control force, it was reported, was proceeding to the scene on the Camden. The Camden is a 9,000-ton auxiliary cruiser.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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Position of Sub S-51 Located Off Block Island, Sept. 26,1925

Position of Submarine Located

Newport, R.I., Sept. 26 (AP)—The position of the submarine S-51, sunk off Block Island last night in a collision with the S.S. City of Rome, was located today by rescue craft searching for the vessel, it was reported in a radio message to the Newport naval training station. There were no signs of life, the message said, but crews of the rescue ships were optimistic that some of the 34 men who went down with the submarine might be alive.

The position of the S-51 was given as about 1 ½ miles southeast of that given first by the City of Rome. Four submarines were standing by as was Vincent Astor’s yacht, the Mourmahal.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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'City of Rome' Arrives in Boston, Sept. 26, 1925

City of Rome Comes Into Harbour

Boston, Sept. 26 (AP)—The steamer City of Rome came into the harbour shortly before 3 o’clock this afternoon. It was expected that it would take some time to warp her into her berth at Charleston.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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Ship that Rammed Sub Should Have Remained on Spot, Sept. 26, 1925

The City of Rome Should Have Remained on the Spot

Washington, Sept. 26 (AP)—The steamship City of Rome should have remained on the spot unless urgently impelled to leave, after ramming the submarine S-51 last night, secretary Wilbur said today.

The conduct of the captain of the City of Rome, the secretary added, would be inquired into in connection with the investigation that would be ordered, and if it was found there had been any criminal act of negligence on his part, action would be taken against him.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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Mine Sweepers on Way to Wreck of Submarine S-51, Sept. 26, 1925

Mine Sweepers Ordered to Scene of Wreck

Boston, Sept. 26 (AP)—The mine sweepers Lark and Mallard, now at New York, have been ordered to the scene of the wreck of the submarine S-51, off Block Island, the Charleston Navy Yard reported today.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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Diver Sites Damaged Sub; Unable to Communicate with Crew, Sept. 26, 1925

Efforts to Communicate with Crews Unsuccessful

Portsmouth, N.H., Sept. 26 (AP)—A wireless message from the Camden picked up here this morning said:

“Diver reports S-51 resting on keel, inclined to port. Attempts to communicate with crew unsuccessful. Large hold (hole?) in port side aft conning tower.”

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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Skeleton Found Near Morganton Hospital, Sept. 26, 1925

Skeleton Found Near Morganton Hospital. . . Man Had Been Dead Long Time—Believed to Have Been a Suicide

Morganton, Sept. 25—Wednesday morning a patient from the State hospital who has the freedom of the grounds and had gone into a thicket just beyond the hospital to set a squirrel trap made a gruesome discovery. About 300 yards from the Enola road and on the State grounds lay a pike of clothes and bones, outlining a man’s form, and several yards from the body was a skeleton.

Coroner J.B. Riddle was notified and summoning a jury made an investigation. The man had evidently been dead for some time and the evidence pointed to suicide. Above the spot where the skeleton lay was stretched a wire to which dangled a fragment of cloth. The coroner’s jury reached the conclusion that the man, possibly a patient at the State hospital, hanged himself and that the body hung suspended in the secluded place, unnoticed until it dropped from decay.

About seven months ago a patient by the name of McCrary disappeared mysteriously from the hospital and until this time nothing had been heard of him or no trace found. The theory is that the bones and clothing discovered represent the mortal remains of McCrary.

Considering the length of time that has elapsed, the clothing was in fairly good condition. The blue of the shirt and the heavy work shoes were evidence that it was the body of a farm patient at the hospital. In the pockets of the trousers was change in the amount of $1.10.

The remains were placed in a coffin and after such further investigation as the hospital authorities can make will be given decent burial in the hospital cemetery.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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W.F. Ellis Fortunate to Escape Death After Fall, Sept. 26, 1925

W.F. Ellis Badly Hurt at His Home. . . Falls from Second Floor Over the Railing to First Floor—Has Remarkable Escape

Salisbury, Sept. 25—W.F. Ellis is suffering from severe bruises received last night when he fell from the second floor landing at his home over the railing to the floor below Mr. Ellis is about 70 years of age and rather heavy, and his escape from death in the fall is remarkable.

He is well known throughout the state, having traveled over a large territory as a salesman for years. He was formerly a member of the Ellis-Stone firm at Greensboro.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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Fred Grigg of Gastonia Captain of Duke Blue Devils, Sept. 26, 1925

Grigg to Captain of Duke Blue Devils. . . All-State Tackle Unanimously Elected to Lead Methodist Eleven This Year

Durham, Sept. 25—Fred Grigg of Gastonia, all-state tackle outstanding player on the Duke University football team, was unanimously elected captain of the Blue Devils at a meeting of the varsity here tonight at 9 o’clock. He will lead the Duke gridders against the Guilford Quakers in the opening game of the season here tomorrow.

Grigg last season proved one of the most aggressive players, especially as a defensive man, in North Carolina and was loudly praised by Tar Heel sports writers. This season he has shown up brilliantly in scrimmages both in the offense and the defense. He will be a power in the Methodist line. Coach Pat Herron and Duke supporters are expecting Grigg to go better than ever this year.

The new Duke captain is a popular man on the campus and when the news was circulated among the students here tonight every one expressed immense satisfaction at the selection of the team.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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Sarah Jane Moser, 83, Died Sept. 26, 1925

Death of Mrs. Sarah Jane Moser

By James Moore

Kannapolis,Sept. 26—Mrs. Sarah Jane Moser, aged 83, died this morning at 5 o’clock at the home here of her son, Rev. J.F. Moser, with whom she had been making her home for about two years.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow at Prospect Church in Union county.

Mrs. Moser was a native of Union county, where she spent the grater part of her life.

The deceased is survived by three sons, Rev. Mr. Moser of Kannapolis and George and William Moser of Union county.

From page 2 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, September 26, 1925

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Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Will Broadway Charged with Dynamiting His Mother's Bed While She Lay There with Grandbaby, Sept. 25,1925

Woman’s Home Is Dynamited

Albemarle—One of the most dastardly deeds ever perpetrated in Stanly county occurred when someone placed dynamite under the bed room of Mrs. Jane Broadway of the western part of Albemarle and set it off with the result that Mrs. Broadway was thrown into the middle of the room and rendered unconscious, and her little 4-weeks-old grandchild, who was sleeping with her, was thrown across the room landing near the door to another room.

Will Broadway of Thomasville, a son of the injured woman, is in jail here charged with the crime.

The wonder is that both were not instantly killed because the iron bed in which they were sleeping was twisted and torn, the mattress was demolished and set on fire, and the bolster, which was beneath the woman’s head, was thrown the whole distance of the room.

From the front page of The Norlina Headlight, Friday, Sept. 25, 1925

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State Supreme Court Upholds 30-Year Sentence for H.D. Griffin, Sept. 25, 1925

Griffin Must Serve Term

The Supreme Court refuses to interfere with the 30-year sentence of H.D. Griffin, Martin county man convicted of being the chief aggressor in the mutilation of Joseph Needleman, a Philadelphia salesman. Griffin was the only defendant to appeal from the sentences imposed by Judge N.A. Sinclair, his sentence of 30 years being the heaviest, none of the others exceeding 10 years.

High Praise was given to Judge Sinclair for the fair and impartial manner in which he tried the case, by Justice Adams who wrote the opinion in the case. After reviewing the exceptions entered in behalf of the defendant at some length, Justice Adams concludes:

“The judgment being within the limits of the law was also in the discretion of the presiding judge and is not subject to review in this court.”

From the first page of the Zebulon Record, Friday, Sept. 25, 1925

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