Thieves Stole New Ford Only to Abandon It Within a Few Blocks, May 31,1926

Thieves Work Fast Getting Car Here

An auto thief put in some speedy work in Shelby Friday night.

Early in the night Mr. Herman Eskridge drove a new Ford touring car up in front of the residence of Mr. DeWitt Quinn on South DeKalb, Mr. and Mrs. Eskridge entered the Quinn home and remained inside about five minutes. When they came out the new touring car was gone—stolen from under a street light amid late evening traffic, with the owner only a few feet away and gone only a few minutes.

The car was found about 30 minutes later, farther south on the street with the lights burning and the keys gone.

Just why the car was abandoned within a few blocks of the place from which it was taken remains a mystery. Suffice to say the locks on the car have been changed since the keys to the car are gone.

From the front page of The Cleveland Star, Shelby, N.C., May 31, 1926

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Chamber of Commerce Secret Board to Censor Community Advertising Efforts, May 31, 1926

Secret Committee to Censor Advertising. . . All Community Advertising Propositions Hereafter Must be Passed upon by Secret Board

One of the functions of the Chamber of Commerce will be to protect the merchants and business men against worthless advertising propositions, and a secret committee has been appointed by the board of directors to whom propositions must be submitted before any canvassing is done. To enforce this censorship, Secretary J. Clint Newton will send out a letter in a few days to all contributors to the Chamber of Commerce asking them not to buy any community advertising space until the solicitor has a letter of endorsement from the secret committee which will have thoroughly investigated the proposition and determined whether or not it has merit.

Merchants and business men have been bothered heretofore with outside solicitors who come in to get up some advertising novelty like folders, thermometers, ink stands, programs, booklets, stage curtains, etc., and these advertising propositions usually have little merit but the merchants in their rush to business, buy space without having time to investigate the worth. So in order to determine whether or not these propositions have merit, contributions to Chamber of Commerce are asked not to buy any space from canvassers until a letter of endorsement is shown from the secretary. This does not apply to individual advertising where a merchant buys something specifically for his own business, but it does apply to community advertising where a number of business houses are solicited.

Five thousand dollars a year can be saved if this worthless class of advertising is avoided, a prominent business man stated the other day, and in his opinion the chamber of Commerce will be worth the price if it does nothing else but stop solicitors, local and outsiders, who get most of the profit out of these propositions.

From the front page of The Cleveland Star, Shelby, N.C., May 31, 1926

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Dr. Ellis Surprised to Find Pres. Coolidge Looking "Very Old and Tired, In Fact, Worn Out" May 31, 1926

Dr. Ellis Shakes with the President

Dr. R.C. Ellis is back in Shelby from a week’s trip North, where he attended in Washington, D.C., a meeting of the Association of Surgeons of the Southern railway. (Dr. Ellis has been a surgeon for the railway for 20 years.) Five hundred members of the association assembled, and a feature of the program was a reception at the White house where all hands shook hands with President Coolidge.

Dr. Ellis said he got the shock of his career when he gripped the fin of the head of the nation. “He is a little man,” said the doctor, “weighing about 120 pounds; looks dried up and old—very old and tired. He looks, in fact, worn out.”

He said the Chief Executive looked about as animated, as he stood shaking hands with the group, as a wilted stalk of celery. Dr. Ellis visited Johns Hopkins hospital at Baltimore while away.

From the front page of The Cleveland Star, Shelby, N.C., May 31, 1926

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South Shelby School Closing Exercises, May 31, 1926

South Shelby School Has Great Closing. . . Medal Awards, Perfect Attendance Record and Honor Roll—Great Crowd Attends Exercises

A crowd that over-taxed the large auditorium of the South Shelby school attended the closing exercises Friday night when the medals were awarded, certificates given for perfect attendance and honor roll was read, following a cleverly presented operetta entitled “The Fairy Shoemaker” in which Hal Whisnant, Onnie Baker and Andrew Gardner were the main characters with 100 pupils from the primary department. The South Shelby building is the largest school building in Shelby and has the largest enrollment which touches the 500 mark. The people have been very loyal to the school and Miss Selma Webb, the efficient and popular principal, is receiving highest paise for her splendid work, the most outstanding school year in the history of that community.

Medal Awards

There were eight contestants for the Paul Webb and Odus Mull medals—four girls and four boys. Mildred Parker was the winner of the Paul Webb recitation medal. Her subject was “The Soul of a Violin.” The winner of the Odus Mull declamation medal was Tommie weaver. His subject was “The American Flag.” The judges were County Solicitor Charles A. Burris, Mrs. J.A Anthony, Mrs. Rush Stroup. Mr. Burris presented the medals to the winner.

The J.D. Lineberger medal for the best speller was won by Lottie May Mooney of the Seventh grade. She won out in a contest with pupils of the 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8th grades. This medal was presented by Editor Lee Weathers.

Perfect Attendance

Certificates were given to those who had neither been absent nor tardy during the year. The 16 pupils who had perfect attendance records follows:

Halbert Farris, Ray Ellis, 8th grade;

Henel Anthony, 6th grade;

Alma Blanton, Bessie Moore, J.B. Ellis, Annie Ray Jones, Aileen Jones, Louis Erwin, 4th grade;

Elizabeth Hughes, Pearl Glascoe, Gnett Spoke, 3rd grade;

James Moehead, Beula Price, 1st grade.

Honor Roll Pupils

Those how have made not less than 90 percent on their studies the last eight months of school are:

Ola Lee Glacoe, Ruby Lucile Blanton, Helen Anthony, Tommie Weaver, Myrtle Lee Bell, Pearl Glascoe, Mary Sue Hill, Virginia Campbell, Leola Strickland, Pauline Turner, May Oaks, Mary Stewart, Louise Whitener, Herbert Humphries, Edith Anthony, Beulah Price, T.G. Campe, Tom Kale.

From the front page of The Cleveland Star, Shelby, N.C., May 31, 1926

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Carr Cline New Worshipful Master at Cleveland Lodge, May 31, 1926

Masons Elect New Lodge Officials. . . Young Masons Move Up in Official Rank at Masonic Temple, Carr Cline is New Master

Cleveland Lodge No. 202 A.E. and A.M., Shelby’s strong Masonic order, is now governed by a group of young officials who have moved up through the various offices of the local lodge.

The annual election of the lodge was held Friday night of last week in the Masonic temple opposite the court square.

Mr. Carr E. Cline was elected worshipful master, succeeding Capt. J. Frank Roberts.

Mr. George D. Washburn was elected senior warden, succeeding Mr. Cline.

Mr. James F. Roberts is the new junior warden, succeeding Mr. Washburn.

Mr. Charles S. Young, a past master of the lodge, was elected treasurer, and Mr. Russell Laughridge was again elected secretary. Appointive officers are named by the worshipful master.

Past Year Good

The local lodge, one of the strangest Masonic organizations in the state and housed in one of the best temples in the Carolinas, increased considerably in strength during the past year and is now a smooth-working fraternal body that reflects considerable credit on the growing town of Shelby.

Following the unwritten method of rotation, the new officers elected last week have served in the offices below them and from the standpoint of experience and brotherly relationship are well qualified for their new posts.

Mr. Cline, the new master, is one of the most popular younger Masons in Shelby and is considered a fit successor to Capt. Roberts, retiring master, one of the most popular and experienced veterans of the local Masonic order.

From the front page of The Cleveland Star, Shelby, N.C., May 31, 1926

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J.C. Campbell's Chicken Lays Extra-Large Egg, May 31, 1926

Some Eggs Are Just Eggs

Hens, like men, sometimes stage remarkable exploits. Mr. J.C. Campbell, who lives about 12 miles above Shelby in the Polkville section, has such a hen.

Mr. Campbell last week brought into this office an egg measuring nine inches around the long way and 7 ½ inches around the other way—which is some egg in the parlance of the hard-boiled gentry.

The egg, which was laid by a white Leghorn pullet belonging to Mr. Campbell, is now on exhibition in The Star office, and old-timers in the poultry world refer to it as one of the largest hen eggs ever seen in the county.

From the front page of The Cleveland Star, Shelby, N.C., May 31, 1926

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Charlie Cordell, Shelby Pugilist, Visiting, May 31,1926

Cordell in Shelby for Short Visit

Charlie Cordell, native Shelby pugilist, is in Shelby for a short visit following training period in Georgia with his new manager, Jack Farnam. The latter is now in Charlotte arranging for exhibition training for his charge.

Cordell and his manager, it is said, will leave Shelby in about two weeks for New York, where Farnam will open up in fighting season with the local youngster in whom he has much faith. Cordell is under contract with Farnam for one year.

From the front page of The Cleveland Star, Shelby, N.C., May 31, 1926

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Child Thrown Through Windshield in Crash Not Seriously Hurt, May 31,1926

Autos in Crash Here on Sunday

Two autos came together in a wholesome jostle on the highway just beyond the Marion-Warren street V at 5 o’clock Sunday afternoon. One of the cars was from Charlotte, and the other was a Ford sedan of the Cleveland Springs filling station. The latter was driven by Roy Vest, and amongst the passengers was a small child, who was hurled through the window by the impact. The child, whose name could not be learned, was not seriously hurt.

The accident occurred, according to Chief of Police Hamrick by the Ford cutting into Warren street ahead of the approaching Charlotte car.

From the front page of The Cleveland Star, Shelby, N.C., May 31, 1926

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Ada Olivia Raper, 55, Buried in Winston, May 31, 1926

Mrs. Raper’s Body Buried Sunday. . . Wife of Beloved Pastor of LaFayette Street Methodist Church Buried in Winston Sunday

By Archie Galloway

Funeral services were held Sunday at 1 o’clock for Mrs. A.S. Raper, wife of Rev. A.S. Raper, who died at the Shelby hospital Friday afternoon.

Brief funeral services were conducted at the residence Saturday evening at 8 p.m. Dr. H.K. Boyer officiating, assisted by Rev. D.P. Waters, Rev. C.F. Sherrill, Rev. O.P. Ader of Kings Mountain and Rev. C.O. Kennerly of Dallas. The funeral party left Sunday morning for Winston-Salem, via Charlotte, Concord and Salisbury.

Ada Olivia Raper, nee Spaugh, was born October 4, 1874 in Davidson county, this state. The deceased was 51 years, 7 months and 24 days of age. She was baptized in infancy and at the age of 14 was received in the Friedberg Moravian church near Winston-Salem. She joined the Methodist church by letter February 24, 1901. She graduated from Salem academy (now Salem college) June 4, 1894, with honors, after which she taught school in Davidson and Forsyth counties.

She was married to Rev. A.S. Raper, member of the Western North Carolina conference, methodist Episcopal church, October 18, 1899 at high noon. For nearly 27 years this happy union existed and only death separated. To this union was born two infants, and death claimed them. With her husband she served the following charges: Watauga, Wentworth, East Greensboro, Bryson City, Randolph, (Epworth, Concord) Brevard Station, (Brevard street, Charlotte), (Dallas, High Shoals) and LaFayette, Shelby. Deceased is survived by her husband, one brother, A.A. Spaugh.

She had been in failing health for the past few years. In all her life she was loving, patient, kind, tender, sympathetic, and faithful in all good church work, and departed with a consuming desire to be spared to do more in the Vineyard of the Master, whom she knew and loved to obey Here was a beautiful and full life of devoted service.

Interment was held at Mt. Olivet Methodist church near Winston-Salem, the former home of her husband. Services were conducted by Bishop Ronthaler and her first pastor, Rev. James E. Hall, of Winston-Salem. Many friends from Shelby, Gastonia, Charlotte, Concord, Salisbury and other cities attended the funeral Beautiful floral tributes were sent from many cities.

From the front page of The Cleveland Star, Shelby, N.C., May 31, 1926

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Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Odom Murdered, Leave 3-Year-Old, 1 1/2-Year-Old Behind, May 21, 1926

An Awful Crime Committed

One of the most horrible crimes that has ever been committed in Warren County occurred near Arcola Sunday afternoon when William L. Ross, a white man of Hollister nearby, went to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Odom and shot them both to death. Ross then went to the home of Mr. Lewis Capps at Arcola and asked him to ride down the road with him. After getting a short distance he told Mr. Capps what he had done and asked Mr. Capps to take him to Warrenton, where he could surrender himself to the sheriff. This was done, but soon thereafter, the sheriff rushed Ross to the State’s prison, at Raleigh, to avoid a possibility of any trouble by the citizens of the outraged community in which the crime had been committed.

Ross returned to Warrenton Monday afternoon and was given a preliminary hearing before Justice John W. Allen Tuesday at noon. Mr. Allen sent the cases on to Superior court then in session and later on the case was set for trial yesterday (Thursday). The State is represented by Solicitor Parker, Williams and Banzet, Frank H. Gibbs and Stanley Winborne, while Ross has for his counsel Mr. Harold D. Cooley.

The facts in the case, as related, are about as follows:

The incident that led to the shooting was the fact that a sister of Mrs. Odom, whom Ross and his wife had adopted, had fled to the Odom’s residence because Ross had mistreated her.

It is reported that Ross went to the Odom home Sunday and tried to persuade the girl to return to his home, which she refused to do. He then drew his chair by Mr. Odom, who was sitting by the fireplace, and began talking of matters in general, and without a moment’s notice took his pistol from his pocket and shot Odom through the head, then turned the pistol on Mrs. Odom, shooting her in the face, a second shot taking effect in her throat. He then turned his pistol on the girl as she ran through the door, but she escaped to the home of her cousin, J.D. Odom. As she ran out a shot was fired at her but missed its mark.

Mrs. J.D. Odom ran over and found Sidney Odom sitting upright in a chair, his hands in his pockets and his cap on his knee, showing he had not made a struggle.

The body of Mrs. Odom was lying in a pool of her own blood, and her 18-months-old baby was sitting by its mother, its clothes stained with his mother’s blood.

Hundreds of people visited the scene yesterday. The funerals were held from the Methodist church of Arcola this afternoon and the interment was in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Odom leave two small children, one 18 months old, and another 3 years old.

From page 5 of the Norlina Headlight, May 21, 1926

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Klan Will Not Interfere With Debate, Will Simply Place 500 Klansmen at Debate, May 30, 1926

Klansmen Will Not Interfere in This Meet. . . Announce They Will Not Attempt to Break Up Debate at Charlotte

Charlotte, May 29—Mayor D.M. Abernethy early today wired Harry F. Ward of New York, chairman of the American Civil Liberty Union advising that the scheduled debate between representatives of the American Association for the Advancement of Atheism and the Anti-Evolution League next Monday and Tuesday night will take place outside this city, and therefore not within our “police jurisdiction.”

The telegram was in reply to one received from Mr. Ward saying “we are advised the Ku Klux Klan in your city have publicly threatened to prevent” the debate and urging proper protection be afforded” so that the constitutional rights of free speech and assemblance are maintained.”

Resolutions were adopted and made public by the local K.K.K. shortly after Dr. T.T. Martin of the anti-evolution league issued his challenge. The resolution put the klan on record as opposing any debate in which an atheist was to participate. Later a new story was published crediting an official of the klan would see to it no atheist should make a public address here, but this statement was later repudiated by an official of the klan.

The Charlotte Observer will say tomorrow that it was advised tonight by two officials of the klan that the organization stand ready to place 500 men at Lakewood Park on the occasion of the debate to see that order is maintained and that the speakers suffer no interference. Lakewood Park is just outside the city limits, it was explained.

The Observer will say that while the klan is on record as opposing the debate, it is ready to take action to maintain the constitutional right of free speech.

From the front page of The Goldsboro News, Sunday morning, May 30, 1926

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Mrs. Frank Morton Held on Manslaughter Charge After Striking 6-Year-Old With Her Car, May 30, 1926

Woman Bound Over for Manslaughter

Greensboro, May 29—Mrs. Frank Morton of this city was given a hearing in Municipal Court here today on a charge of manslaughter, as a result of striking 6-year-old William Hattaway, the son of Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Hattaway, of this city, with her automobile. She was bound over to Guilford Superior Court. She was not required to give bond.

From page 5 of The Goldsboro News, Sunday morning, May 30, 1926

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Boney Harrell Dies in Hit-and-Run Accident, May 30, 1926

White Man Run Down by Unknown Negroes in Auto. . . Tragedy Occurred Two Miles on Highway No. 40—Driver of the Car Escapes After the Accident

According to information received by The News at an early hour this morning, one Boney Harrell, white man, was run down by a Ford touring car driven by one of four unknown negroes, occupants, and instantly killed.

The tragedy occurred on Highway No. 40, two miles from Wilmington.

The details of the affair were meagre, but it was stated by the informant that the driver of the car was heard by a white man to say, “Take the car—I’m gone,” and “sold out” for parts unknown.

Police of nearby towns have been notified to be on the lookout for the negro and an arrest is expected soon.

From the front page of The Goldsboro News, Sunday morning, May 30, 1926

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Greensboro Woman to Face Jury After Marriage Scam, May 30, 1926

Woman Wanted for Frauding. . . And It is Alleged That She Used the Mails to Do the Job

Greensboro, May 29—After capias for her arrest had been returned not executed, this for the second time, it is learned that Maude Jackson, alias Mamie Wilson, alias Maude Wilcie, wanted on charges of defrauding gullible males, matrimonially inclined, is probably in Danville, Va., and it is expected that she will be brought here to explain to a federal court and jury why she promised to marry four but failed to marry even one.

The woman, under indictment in Federal District court here on charge of using the mails to defraud, is said to have advertised in magazines carrying matrimonial ads, and when she received replies would inform her correspondents that if they would pay her way to a certain place, she would marry them.

M. Morris, of Center, O.; James de Palma of New York City; J.W. Dodson of Winfield, Ala.; and Grover C. Montgomery of Kayce, Wyo., are four named in the documents in the office of the clerk of court as having been victimized by the woman. She would receive money for railroad fare from these trusting males, and that would be the last of it, is the allegation. She is said to have operated from Thomasville, Ga., and railroad fare was a sizeable sum in some cases, especially from there to Wyoming.

Capias was issued for her, and she could not be found, and capias returned not executed. Again it was issued, and while she was not placed under arrest, a deputy marshal thinking that she is in Danville, Va. Her case is scheduled for the June term in United States District Court here, beginning the first Monday.

From page 10 of The Goldsboro News, Sunday morning, May 30, 1926

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Kinston Woman Just Couldn't Shoot Man, Not Arrested, May 30, 1926

Kinston Man Is Elusive Target as Woman Shoots

Kinston, May 29—A wild woman shot five times at a man during a row on the outskirts of Kinston on a recent night, and though the target was only two or three feet from her, failed to score a hit. Authorities apparently failed to get a report on the incident, and persons acquainted with the facts took pain to conceal names and motives.

The first shot whirled harmlessly past the man. The second and third passed near enough to make him jump in his tracks. He was afraid to run. The fourth missed him by several feet. Then the angry woman clenched her teeth and grasped her pistol with both hands. She drew a bead and banged away. The bullet struck something seven feet to one side of the man.

Then the gunwoman collapsed in a fit of hysteria.

From page 3 of The Goldsboro News, Sunday morning, May 30, 1926

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Commencement at Mount Olive High School, May 29, 1926

Commencement at Mount Olive. . . Graduating Exercises at High School Were a Success

Mount Olive, May 29—Thursday night marked the class exercises of the annual commencement exercises of the graduating class. Ben Thigpen, president of the class of 1926, and Ernestine Flowers, secretary of the class, were in charge of the program which was decidedly superior to any presented in the high school in the past several years, according to the opinion of many.

First on the evening’s program was the address of welcome to the audience by Ben Thigpen president of the class. Julia Grimes presented the class history, which gave everyone a backward glance at the four year high school career of the class of ’26. The class poem was written and read by Marie Lewis.

The Class Grumbler was read by Mollie Mae Britt. This entertained the audience very much, showing how many people of this world always look on the dark side of life. Roslyn Southerland, the winner of the essay medal, read her essay on “The Cherokee Indians in North Carolina.”

Lillian Summerlin, the class prophet, read the prophecy, which gave us a look into the future of each member of the class.

The class will was read by Walter Cherry, the draughtsman of the will. Mixed with the humor was enough of the serious to make the feature very interesting.

Julia Marr, the giftorian, furnishes the audiences with numbers of good laughs, when gifts were presented to the various members of the class. Many humorous, most of them appropriate, with personal touches for each, the gifts proved a delightful feature. The giftorian presented Mr. J.O. Bowman with a check for $85 from the Senior class to be used for the stage curtain. Last she presented Miss Goff, the Senior class teacher, with a beautiful wrist watch, as a parting gift from the class.

Written by Roselyn Southerland, the class song was the next song, and the Seniors filed from the platform to mingle with the audience, and figuratively, with the world.

From page 6 of The Goldsboro News, Sunday morning, May 30, 1926

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Glen Barden on Way to Belgian Congo to be Missionary, May 30, 1926

Local Boy Now on Ocean Wave. . . Glen Garden Sailed Yesterday from New York for Far Away Belgian Congo

Glen Barden, Goldsboro boy who is being sent to the Belgian Congo as a missionary by St. Paul Church of this city and for whom a farewell service was held there last Sunday night sailed yesterday from New York.

The trip to his destination will require several weeks and it is said that it will probably be August before he will arrive and take up his work.

From page 7 of The Goldsboro News, Sunday morning, May 30, 1926

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Bruce Mabee Moving Back to Montana June 15, 1926

Bruce Mabee Resigns from State College

Raleigh, May 29—W. Bruce Mabee, extension entomologist, has resigned his position with the College to take effect on June 15th. Mr. Mabee will return to his native state of Montana and will be associated with the agricultural college of that state as extension entomologist.

Mr. Mabee graduated form the Montana State College in 1919, where he specialized in Entomology and Zoology. He came to North Carolina in May, 1920, and when his resignation takes effect will have been with the college for six years.

From the front page of The Goldsboro News, Sunday morning, May 30, 1926

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Will Voters Support "Sheriff Who Rarely Puts Anybody in Jail"? June 5, 1926

Warm Fight in County of Jones. . . Sheriff Who Doesn’t Like to Put People in Jail Has a Scrap on His Hands

Kinston, May 29—The “sheriff who rarely puts anybody in jail” is having to hustle to keep his job in Jones county. Joe Westbrook is being opposed for renomination by Herman Parker and Gus Mallard. The three are asking support of the Democrats in Jones in the primary June 5. All are well-known.

From page 4 of The Goldsboro News, Sunday morning, May 30, 1926

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Come Up with New Evidence Now or Face Electric Chair June 11, 1926

Fred Jones Must Die in Electric Chair

Raleigh, May 20—Fred Jones, negro, slayer of J.M. King in Winston-Salem, must die in the electric chair at the State Prison her on June 11th unless his attorneys are able to dig up sufficient new evidence to warrant a reprieve, it was learned today, as application for a reprieve pending further investigation into the case has been denied by Governor McLean and H. Hoyle Sink, commissioner of pardons.

The granting of reprieves to prisoners under sentence of death in order to permit their attorneys to try to find some additional point upon which to ask for clemency is being discouraged by Governor McLean, who has announced that only in extreme cases does he intend to grant such reprieves.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, May 29, 1926

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LeRoy Wingate Charged with Complicity in Murder of David Peele, May 29, 1926

Negro Is Jailed

Wilson, May 28-LeRoy Wingate, negro was jailed here today on a charge of complicity in the murder of David Peele, merchant of Aycock’s Cross Roads. Peele was shot down by one of two negroes who were making purchases at his store the night of May 5. Both escaped. Wingate denied the actual shooting, officers stated, but admits he was one of the two negroes.

From page 6 of The Goldsboro News, May 29, 1926

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Henry Goss Clings to Life; Assailant Will Ferrell in Jail, May 29, 1926

Badly Wounded, But He Hangs On to Life

Durham, May 28—While Henry Goss, Durham county tenant farmer, is hovering between life and death at Watts Hospital with 20 punctures in his intestines, 18 inches of which, including a fold, had to be removed, the stork is hovering over his simple home and is expected to light momentarily.

Meanwhile Will Ferrell, who married Goss’ sister, is held without bond, pending the outcome of the shot fired through Goss’ body last Saturday night, while the wives of the two men and their four children each watched the incident following a quarrel over division of work Goss was doing with Ferrill’s horses which were used to farm the land he had rented, sub-letting a part to Goss. The shooting was Goss’ porch.

From page 3 of The Goldsboro News, May 29, 1926

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Bennett, Banks, Jordan Returned to Prison Farm; $25 Reward for W.G. Ross, May 29,1926

Reward for Capture of Escaped Convict. . . W.G. Ross of Rowan Escapes from the Caledonia Prison Farm

Raleigh, May 29—The escape of one prisoner and the re-capture of three fugitives has been reported by State Prison authorities. W.G. Ross, white man from Rowan county, serving a term of three to five years for larceny, escaped Thursday from the Caledonia prison farm he was in the field supposed to be plowing at the time of his escape. A reward of $25 has been offered for information leading to his re-capture.

Floyd Herman Bennett, sentence to State Prison for from three to five years for kidnapping, from Mecklenburg county, and who escaped in February, was reported under arrest in lake city., Fla. Identification had been made by finger prints.

Alfred Banks, negro, who had been sentenced from five to 10 years for housebreaking who escaped from a prison camp rock quarry near Asheville, was reported to be in custody in Pasquotank county, where he is facing new charges. He will be tried there, and if convicted, will serve whatever his new sentence may be and then returned to complete his unfinished term at the prison here.

William Jordan, negro, who escaped form a prison road camp in Madison county, and who was serving a term of from seven to 10 years for housebreaking from Buncombe county, is in the Michigan State Prison, the prison here was notified. Identification in this case was also established by the finger print method.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, May 29, 1926

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William Clinard Dies Instantly Under Wheels of Street Car, May 29, 1926

Prominent Man of Winston-Salem Is Killed on Street. . . William H. Clinard Either Fell or Leaped Beneath Street Car and Was Instantly Killed. . . Had Been Ill for Some Time. . . Spoke to Motorman of Car as it Passed and Few Seconds Later He Was Found on Tracks

Winston-Salem, May 29 (AP)—Falling or leaping beneath a street car shortly after 10 o’clock this morning, William H. Clinard Sr., prominent business man of this city, was instantly killed and wheels crushed his skull and mangled his body. He was 65 years of age.

The tragedy occurred on South Main Street. The motorman saw Mr. Clinard standing six feet from the track and greetings were exchanged by the two men. Eye witnesses saw Mr. Clinard pitch forward under the car between the front and rear trucks, and when the car was stopped his head was between the wheels of the rear truck. As he fell, he struck a valve on the air reservoir, breaking it off. The noise of the escaping air attracted the attention of the motorman, who immediately stopped his car.

Mr. Clinard had been in ill health for some time. For a few eeks he had been able to take short walks, and was returning from one of these when the accident occurred, almost opposite his home.

Mr. Clinard conducted a painting establishment here, and was well known throughout the state. He is survived by his widow and several children.

From the front page of the Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, May 29, 1926

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Campus Leaders at UNC-CH, May 29, 1926

Next Year’s Campus Leaders

Above are the men who will direct Carolina’s outstanding activities and organizations next year. They were elected at the recent elections and formally took office this week.

Top Row, left to right, they are:-- C.A.P. Moore of Union, S.C, editor of the Yackety Yack; Frazier Glenn of Asheville, president of the Y.M.C.A.; Ted Smith of Charleston, editor of the Buccaneer.

Middle Row, left to right:-- S.G. Chappell of Belvidere, president of the Student Body; Bunn Hackney of Durham, president of the Athletic Association; J.T. Madrey of Scotland Neck, editor of the Tar Heel.

Bottom Row, left to right:--Julian Starr of Rock Hill, S.C., editor of the Carolina Magazine; Charles E. Smith of Goldsboro, president of the Senior Class.

From the front page of The Tar Heel, UNC-CH student newspaper, Saturday, May 29, 1926

To see photos of these students, go to:

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4-Year-Old Killed in Car Accident, May 29, 1926

Little Girl Killed in Motor Car Crash

Fayetteville, May 28—Riga, 4-year-old daughter and only child of Sergeant Michael Reardon, quartermaster at Fort Bragg, was killed last night in an automobile accident near here when the car driven by her father struck a sand bed, careened, and threw the child into a windshield. Her neck was broken.

Mrs. Reardon suffered a broken collar bone and internal injuries, while Sergeant Reardon received several minor cuts.

From page 6 of The Goldsboro News, May 29, 1926

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Ellen Carpenter Gives Birth in Central Prison While Serving Year Sentence for Disorderly Conduct, May 29, 1926

Baby Born in Prison

Raleigh, May 28—A boy was born within the walls of State Prison here today. Ellen Carpenter, white woman sentenced from Macon county for disorderly conduct last week, is the mother, Superintendent Pou said the child would be turned over to the welfare department as soon as possible. The mother has a year’s sentence to serve.

From page 7 of The Goldsboro News, May 29, 1926

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Concord Theatre Closes Balcony to Colored People, May 28, 1926

Boxed Ad on Front Page

ANNOUNCEMENT

We know that a few people in Concord, and our opposition, will rejoice when they read this:--

AFTER SATURDAY NIGHT

this week, our Balcony will be closed to colored people.

We will not try to copy Winston-Salem, High Point, Lexington, Raleigh, Asheville, Charlotte, Hickory, Lincolnton and several other cities in this state!

Concord Theatre

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, May 28, 1926

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Duke University Students Protest Legislation to Restrict Teaching, May 28, 1926

Protest Educational Restrictions

Durham, May 28—Following its organization two weeks ago, the society formed by Duke University students to protest educational restriction through legislation, has grown until it now numbers 300 members.

Students announced their intention of opposing all organized effort which might restrict the teaching of science in North Carolina educational institutions. Plans are now underway by the society—which the students call Schola Caveat—to hold a State convention for the purpose of organizing similar society in North Carolina and other states.

Just how Schola Caveat began is not definitely known. It was rather a spontaneous thing, several hundred students suddenly conceiving the idea simultaneously. Organization was probably expedited, it is believed, by recent efforts in this state to arouse opposition to the teaching of science, insofar as it applies to the creation of man.

Editor’s note: Schola Caveat is Latin and means “Let the school beware.”

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, May 28, 1926

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Samuel Patterson, 55, President of American Cotton Association, Has Died, May 28, 1926

Samuel Patterson Died Early Today at Roanoke Rapids. . . He Had Been in Failing Health for Several Years—President of American Cotton Association. . . Was 55 Years of Age. . . Was President of Rosemary Manufacturing Co., One of the Largest Textile Mills in the South

Roanoke Rapids, N.C., May 28 (AP)—Samuel F. Patterson, president of the American Federation of Cotton Manufacturers Association, died at his home here today, after several years of poor health. He was elected president of the organization last week at the convention in Atlanta. He was 55 years of age.

His illness is said to have been aggravated by his recent trip to Atlanta to the convention. He had been confined to his bed since returning.

Mr. Patterson was president of the Rosemary Mfg. Co., and general manager of the Roanoke Rapids Mfg. Co., two of the largest textile establishments in the state. He was at one time manager of a silk mill in Baltimore.

The twin towers of Roanoke Rapids and Rosemary in their recent development were largely built by Mr. Patterson. The mill owner took an active interest in looking to the betterment of conditions among his employees.

Mr. Patterson was born in Winston-Salem. He is survived by three children.

Although funeral arrangements had not been made this morning, it was expected that burial will be in Winston-Salem either tomorrow or Sunday.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, May 28, 1926

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Negro Chauffeurs Club Formed in Asheville, May 28, 1926

Negroes at Asheville Form Chauffeurs’ Club

Asheville, May 27—The Asheville colored chauffeur’s club filed a certificate of incorporation in the office of J.B. Cain, clerk of Buncombe county superior court, Tuesday morning, giving as the purposes of the organization a course of training for chauffeurs “in the science and art of driving and operating motor-propelled vehicles” and stating the club is privileged to promote social intercourse among its members and guests.

This is the first club of its sort to be formed by negroes of the state, it is said. The course of instruction will be a thorough one in order that the members may give better service to their employers and the public generally.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, May 28, 1926

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North Carolina Permits Children to Work 11-Hour Days, 60 Hour Weeks, May 28, 1926

North Carolina Is Singled Out. . . Federation of Labor President Cites North Carolina in Child Labor Case

Atlantic City, N.J., May 27—William Green, president of the American Federation of Labor, in a plea to the 18th biennial convention of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, for increased activity for the adoption of the federal child labor amendment, singled out North Carolina as typical of objectionable conditions of child labor.

“North Carolina,” he said, “permits an 11-hour day and a 60-hour week. Several other large states permit children under 16 years to work 54 hours a week and in many of these states provision is made for longer hours of toil in case the repair of broken machinery interferes with the normal course of employment.”

Mr. Green said that many states which voted for prohibition, the federal income tax and woman’s suffrage voted against federal legislation to protect the lives of the children of the nation.

Editor’s note: As of 2026, there is no constitutional amendment to limit, regulate or prohibit the labor of persons under 18. States may have laws concerning child labor, but it’s not considered a federal issue.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, May 28, 1926

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Aden Proctor Sent to State Prison for Burglary, May 28, 1926

Proctor Enters State Prison

Raleigh, May 28—Aden Proctor of Buncombe county arrived at the State Prison today to begin serving a five-year sentence for burglary. He was given prison number 20,000, this being the number of prisoners at the prison since its establishment in 1869.Superintendent Pou called attention to the fact that of the 20,000 prisoners in 57 years, approximately 7 ½ per cent are still confined at the institution.

Proctor, a negro, is an unusual prisoner. He is 22 years old, and in that time has attained the height of but 4 feet 9 ½ inches.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, May 28, 1926

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Wesley Banks, 44, Dies of Wound, Accused Assailants in Jail, May 28, 1926

Wounds Prove Fatal to J. Wesley Banks. . . Southern Conductor Dies of Injuries Received in Fight with Negroes

Asheville, May 2? (AP)—The victim of an attack by several negroes, J. Wesley Banks, 44 years old, conductor on the Southern Railway, died here early this morning of spinal meningitis resulting from a fractured skull. Although the fight occurred Monday night, Banks was released from a local hospital shortly after he entered, as it was thought his injuries were slight. He returned to the hospital Wednesday night and physicians learned spinal meningitis had developed.

Banks and a friend, Carl Pinner, were walking along a street, it was alleged, when an automobile containing five negroes drove on to the sidewalk. Ranks ordered them to back off, but they refused. Words let to blows, and Pinner entered the fray. One of the negroes is said to have struck Banks on the head with a rock. Pinner was slightly injured.

All five of the negroes, one of whom is only 15 years old, are being held without bond in the city jail and will be turned over to the Superior Court following the coroner’s inquest.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, May 28, 1926

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Two Menhaden Plants Up and Running, May 27, 1926

Two Menhaden Plants Are at Work Now

Only two of the fish scrap factories in the county are engaged in the Spring fishing. They are the factories of Mr. C.P. Dey and the Taylor’s Creek Fish Scrap and Oil Company. The latter has one boat, the Captain Dick, in commission and Mr. Dey has two boats, the Alert and the Elizabeth at work. So far the menhaden boats have done fairly well.

On Monday the Alert and Elizabeth got about 200,000 each. Tuesday the Eliabeth caught 110,000 and the Alert about 75,000. The fish are what is known as “summer” fish and are not large. At this season of the year they have very little oil in them and most of the manufacturers think that it does not pay to operate their plants. In the Fall when the big fish begin to run all of the factories will start up and if the fishing is good, there will be lively times in these parts.

From the front page of The Beaufort News, May 27, 1926

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NCSU Researchers Trying to Remove Smell from Menhaden Fish Oil, May 27, 1926

A More Human Interest in Fatback Sweet at Source

A headline in North Carolina Agriculture and industry—“Studies on Deordering of Menhaden Fish Oil”—leads to two hasty conclusions. Further perusal disclose that one’s heart, if it beat with sympathy for Morehead City, Beaufort, and their lovely environs, has been too soon made glad.

The headline, in fact, is accurate. It is only excited to fervent a wish. For whereas the article has to do with the removal of the slightly unpleasant odor of the oil of the “fat back” as finally extracted for commercial purposes, we had begun to imagine the end of those scents which now and again come across leagues of water from the factories, so potent as even to desiccate the penultimate romantic setting of a boat with a taut sale gliding over the track of the moon on the waters.

We learn from the article that menhaden oil is useful for such things as tempering steel, currying leather, linoleum and soap-making. It is a prime carrier for paints, and for painting smokestacks is no plus ultra. We can well believe it an upstanding article, as all nostrils its aroma has painted will testify.

What the State College scientists are aiming at is so to eradicate the bouquet of the menhaden’s final protest as to make its product suitable for food as well as varnish and pigment, and the other manifold employments.

We wish them all success, but is there any hope in the way of filtering the breeze attending the first processes of its manufacture?

--Raleigh Times

From page 4 of The Beaufort news, May 27, 1926

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Fishing Parties Arriving in Beaufort, Morehead City, May 27, 1926

Fishing Parties Arrive

Fishing parties from up the State and elsewhere are arriving in Beaufort and Morehead City almost every day now.

Blue fish and mackerel are being caught to some extent now and pig fish, croakers, black fish and other sorts are rather plentiful.

A party from Salisbury composed of Messrs. P.B. Beard, A.H Graff, E.R. Overman, and Dr. J.A. Cadwell of Mount Clair, New Jersey, arrived Monday and have had fair success with the hook and line. They are stopping at the Davis House.

Another party at the Davis House is composed of Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Staley, Broadus Staley of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Mr. P.L. Walker of Greensboro.

Editor's Note: You probably haven't seen pig fish at your local fish market because they are primarily used as a bait fish today. And black fish was a rather generic term that referred to several types of fish. Markets today sell these fish under their more exact names: Tautog, black sea bass, sheepshead, bowfin, and black drum.

From the front page of The Beaufort News, May 27, 1926

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Louis Lawherne Seriously Injured When Coca-Cola Truck Turns Over, May 28,1926

4,000 Bottles Spilled on Highway

Wilmington, May 27—Four thousand bottles of Coca-Cola were broken and Louis Lawherne, an employe of a local bottling works, was seriously injured late yesterday when his truck, throwing a wheel, overturned on the highway a short distance from Delco. His two assistants jumped and were not injured. A passing motorist brought Lawherne and his assistants to the city, where Lawherne was entered at a local hospital.

The truck, carrying a capacity cargo of bottled drinks, 5,000 bottles, turned completely over.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, May 28, 1926

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Report from the Bay View Community in Beaufort News, May 27, 1926

Bay View Items

We are having some real spring weather now.

Messrs. George Lewis, Joe Cutler and Misses Jennie Springle, Janie Gabriel and Lela Pearl Gabriel of Beaufort passed here Sunday enroute to Morehead City.

There will be a picnic at the M.B. Church at Bay View June 19th. The public is invited to come and bring baskets.

Quite a number of people from here spent Sunday at Russell’s Creek visiting relatives.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Ira Culpepper, a son, Thursday the 20th. The infant has been named Norman Lee.

Mr. C.H. Haskett and family and Mr. Owen Cottle motored to Bear Creek Sunday. Mr. Leon Merrit and daughters Annie Mae and Nettie were visitors at Bay View Sunday.

Quite a number of people from here spent Sunday afternoon at Oyster Creek.

Mrs. Joe Small had a nervous breakdown Thursday afternoon when her brother-in-law’s mule got frightened and ran away. The doctor was summoned and she soon revived.

From page 3 of The Beaufort News, May 27, 1926

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Merrimon Briefs in the Beaufort News, May 27, 1926

News from Merrimon

The Free Will Baptist had a very successful meeting at South River school house that continued about two weeks. Elder Earl Edwards began the meeting and afterwards was assisted by a young Mr. Gaskill of Sea Level. The meeting closed Sunday night and the baptism was Sunday afternoon. There were seven candidates for baptism.

Miss Mildred Salter entertained quite a number of her friends and school mates of Beaufort Thursday afternoon at her home in Merrimon. They reported a pleasant time.

Mr. and Mrs. R.B. Bell returned home Saturday after spending the week at North Harlowe with their sons, J.R. and Geo. W. Ball. [Parents’ last name Bell and sons’ last name Ball in newspaper.]

Mrs. Martha Mason and her daughter, Miss Blanche, went to New Bern last Tuesday shopping.

Mr. S.E. Gaskins, who is the contractor of the Star Route from Lukens to Merrimon, has purchased a car and is in better shape to give us good service.

Mr. Windley and family of Oak Grove were down Sunday, the guests of J.M. Carraway and family.

Mr. and Mrs. D.M. Salter motored to Beaufort Sunday afternoon.

Mrs. H.B. Salter was right badly hurt last Tuesday night. She had going from the boat home after she had gotten in the yard, the horse jumped ahead, jerking her down inflicting a severe hurt.

From page 3 of The Beaufort News, May 27, 1926

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Local Boys Making Money with Hog Projects, May 28, 1926

Agricultural Boys Still on the Job Here

Ivey Blake has sold from his hog project the past year 10 pigs for $85.50 and three porkers that were dressed 496 pounds for $90.28, for a total of $175.78. All from his one brood sow. He has grown out and has on hand a fine Berkshire gilt that has seven pigs; a nice young male hog, a Pinehurst Berkshire, two nice 6-week-old pigs, and a third brood sow that he purchased lately. All of his expense has been $114.75, not including his old brood sow.

Allen Blake purchased a nice Berkshire gilt from the Pinehurst Farms last fall and has just sold her first litter of eight pigs for $8 or $64 [total]. He states that he could have sold three times as many. He has fed out and sold three porkers for $87.45 or $151.45 for both. His expense has been $65, not including the cost price of his sow. She is worth more now than when he bought her lat fall. He has recently bought a nice brood sow from Wiley Nance, known as the Russel sow. He is growing out a young pig for a brood sow, which will give him three brood sows for another year.

Earl and Colon Hurley have sold six pigs from their two sows for $60 and have seven on hand either to keep for brood sow or feed out. In addition, they have bought four recently for $30, spent $32.50 for feed, and sold the four pork for $113.50.

Earl Hicks has recently sold a litter of seven from his Berkshire sow for $52.50. His expense was only $14.50 and the table scraps.

Wiley Nance has sold around 25 pigs from his farm.

These boys started this work two years ago when they fed out 223 pigs from the Pinehurst Farms and repeating it again last year with 28 pigs. Since that time a few of the farmers of the count, under the direction of County Agent A.R. Morrow, fed out and marketed a car load of porkers.

Just recently Mr. A.E. Bridges at the Hurley Dairy has fed out and marketed around 40 head. Blalock and Watkins at their Rocky Creek Farm around 25 head, Mr. Mark Harris 10 head, Mr. John Hicks 7 head, and Mr. D.S. Hurley around50 on his Mt. Gilead farm, and several with a smaller number. All of these were marketed locally and at Lexington, Salisbury, etc. In every case this work was carried on at a profit.

Editor's note: These hog projects were were forerunners of the Extension Service 4-H Club, and were run by the Ag. Agent, the local schools, or a combination of the two. A school that had an ag. teacher might take the lead; otherwise, the ag. agent would go into the school and form a club.

From the front page of The Montgomery Herald, Troy, N.C., Thursday, May 27, 1926

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A.W. Brinson Elected President of Poultry Producers Group in New Bern, May 31, 1926

Poultry Producers

New Bern, May 31—Poultry producers of the section organized here Saturday for the purpose of studying economic production and better methods of marketing surplus chickens and eggs.

A.W. Brinson was elected president and J.T. Monroe vice president, Miss Cornelia Simpson, home agent of Craven county is acting as secretary.

From the front page of The Montgomery Herald, Troy, N.C., Thursday, May 27, 1926

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New Bern's Annual Memorial Day Exercises May 31, 1926

New Bern, May 31—Annual Memorial Day exercises were conducted in the city and throughout the county Sunday by the Donerson-Hawkins post, American Legion, under the direction of Commander Albert T. Willis, the principal exercises of the day were held in the federal cemetery, with addresses by Commander Willis and Dr. N.H.D. Wilson. The annual poppy sale was reported very successful.

From the front page of The Montgomery Herald, Troy, N.C., Thursday, May 27, 1926

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Work Begun on Second Story of Morehead City's New City Hall, May 27, 1926

New Hall

Morehead City, May 31—Morehead’s handsome new city hall is growing into the second story stage. During the past week workmen completed the ground floor and the walls started shooting up to another level. The structure is expected to be finished during the summer. It will cost equipped approximately $100,000.

From the front page of The Montgomery Herald, Troy, N.C., Thursday, May 27, 1926

Another article on the front page of the May 27 issue describing events that supposedly occurred May 31.

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Wade Cranford Elected Superintendent of Star High School, May 27, 1926

Prof. E. Wade Cranford Goes to Star School

Star, May 25—At a meeting of the board of Trustees of the Star High School here on last night Professor E. Wade Cranford was elected Superintendent to succeed Professor Kizer who resigned at the end of the school year.

The Star School is the second largest High School in Montgomery county, being second only to Tryon in numbers and if present arrangements materialize it is expected that Star will have the largest enrollment next year of any school in the county.

Professor Cranford is a Montgomery Couty man, having been born and reared in Montgomery County. He is an honor graduate of Trinity College, now Duke University, and is one of the outstanding school men in this section of the state. He has taught for the last two years in the Eldorado Consolidated schools and is well known and liked by Montgomery county people.

He is a brother of Dr. W.I. Cranford formerly Dean of Duke University, who now holds the chair of Philosophy in that institution.

From the front page of The Montgomery Herald, Troy, N.C., Thursday, May 27, 1926

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Local Boy, A Freshman at Duke University, Wins Debater's Medal, May 28, 1926

Ivy [Ivey?] Wood Keeps Pace by Winning in Debate. . . Although a Freshman, He Wins Debater’s Medal at Duke University. Had Good Record Here in High School

In a telegram to his father Mr. E.H. Wood, a very gratifying bit of news was announced last week, that Mr. Ivey Wood, one of Troy’s most popular and promising young men and now a student at Duke University, of which he is a student medal awarded by one of the literary societies of that institution.

When the size and standard of the university of which he is a student is taken into consideration together with the fact that this contest is open to all classes in the University except the Senior, this victory that Mr. Wood has achieved is no small honor. Among the vast array of students gathered from very nearly every state of the Atlantic slope it would be a distinguished honor for a member of any class, wub when a Freshman goes over the top and outstrips the bunch in a game of this sort it is a matter to make all hands sit up and take notice, and to call for big headlines in the newspapers.

Mr. Wood is one of the recent graduates of Troy High School and is a youth of marked talent and brilliant promise. While here in high school he showed much talent in the art of debating having once represented the school at Carolina in the finals of the Triangular series. He has shown marked capabilities along other lines of mind power and efficiency for which Montgomery county and Troy in particular has just reason to be proud. A man of this type is always an honor to the place from which he comes, and a citizen of this quality is a valuable asset to any town or community of which he is a product and adds just a little more value to every man and woman as well as every other asset of that community.

Mr. Wood is a son of Mr. E.H. Wood, Register of Deeds of Montgomery count and the Herald wishes to extend its sincere congratulations to him and his family for the honor that has come to them, and to drop a prophetic hint that other and greater things are awaiting just ahead to make his name a familiar one to the press and the public.

One thing the Herald would like to say, and that’s to the school patrons all over the county. The Herald has heard that Ivey Wood has a record of having never missed a day from school for 11 years prior to this graduation from Troy. Maybe this doesn’t’ mean anything. But it’s a fact, and it won’t hurt is to think about it a little.

From the front page of The Montgomery Herald, Troy, N.C., Thursday, May 27, 1926

The newspaper spelled Wood’s first name as Ivy and Ivey. To see the photo of Ivey Wood that accompanied this article, go to:

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Kingston's Newest School Going Up in Vernon Heights, May 27, 1926

New School

Kinston, May 31—The newest unit in the local school system, the walls of which are being reared on Vernon Heights, North Kinston, will be the most imposing building in the city. The new Grainger high school will be a landmark visible for miles to persons approaching Kinston from the north. The Harvey primary school erected a year or two ago looms up imposingly at the western edge of town, and is visible for a long distance.

The Granger school, which will be completed by late summer, is of classic design. It will contain a model library. The structure will cost $250,000 and will be of brick, concrete and stone construction. It will be the last building in a system which will be a model for this part of North Carolina.

From the front page of The Montgomery Herald, Troy, N.C., Thursday, May 27, 1926

Granger or Grainger? It’s spelled both ways in the newspaper.

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J.C. Hurley Jr. Buys Cole's Grocery Store, May 27, 1926

J.C. Hurley Jr. Buys Cole’s Grocery

The grocery store on North Main Street, formerly owned by the late J.K. Cole, has been purchased by J.C. Hurley Jr., and is now being operated by him with the assistance of Mr. Walter Blue, who was with the former owner.

This is one of the best grocery stores in the city, and friends of Mr. Hurley feel that he has made a good investment in its purchase.

From the front page of The Montgomery Herald, Troy, N.C., Thursday, May 27, 1926

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Mrs. Nicholson Hosts Twentieth Century Mother's Club, May 31, 1926

Mrs. M.A. Nicholson Hostess

The Twentieth Century Mother’s Club held a most delightful meeting with Mr. M.A. Nicholson Monday afternoon May 31.

The reception room and drawing room were decorated in a very artistic manner with roses, anomy water Spirea and bowls of sweet pea.

The President, Mrs. O.B. Deaton opened the meeting with the Lord’s Prayer, followed by the roll call and the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting.

Under the head of business the cast of characters in; the play “Cupid Up-to-Date” were assigned, and two committees were appointed to see the different persons expected to take part in the play.

New committees for the coming year were read and a list of each given to the chairman.

It was voted that the club have its Annual Outing Thursday of next week at Ellerbe Springs.

The hostess, assisted by Mrs. R.T. Poole, served a most delectable course of ice cream in the form of pink rose, almonds, stuffed dates pound cake, devil’s food topped with English Walnuts and mints in pink rosebud cups.

Besides club members, Mrs. Nicholson had as her guest Mrs. Crocker Albright of Miami, Fla.

Editor's Note: I know it's strange to see a story about a May 31st meeting in a May 27th newspaper, and I could explain how that could happen. Let me know if you want to learn about that.

From the front page of The Montgomery Herald, Troy, N.C., Thursday, May 27, 1926

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Old Coggins Mine Re-opening as Rich-Cog Gold Mine, May 27, 1926

Rich-Cog Gold Mine May Start Operations Soon. . . Prospects Are Bright for Re-opening of This Mine—Owners Now Investigating. . . Will Use New Process

The indications are now that the Rich-Cog Gold Mine, better known to the people of Montgomery as the Coggins Mine in the Eldorado section, will start operations soon. The report is that the property has been leased by a strong company from one of the northern states and that work of draining the shaft has already begun. It is reported also that the leading company plans to install the cyanide process of working the ore, which is a more thorough and saving process than the one hitherto used on this property.

It is said by persons who know, that the machinery and equipment on the ground are of the best, and that it is one of the best equipped mining plants anywhere in their part of the country. Developments are anxiously awaited by those interested and if the leasing company finds the proposition a paying one, projects of vital interest to this part of the country are expected to be forthcoming.

Eldorado and the property above mentioned are in the heart of the Uwharrie Mountains, a section famed throughout the East for its mineral resources and perhaps admitted to be, along with its outlying ridges and plateaus, the greatest gold-producing area east of the Mississippi. It is ardently hoped that the above undertaking may prove to be an entering wedge for a wave of renewed and productive mining activity in the county, and that more detailed reports of the county’s operations may be given later.

From the front page of The Montgomery Herald, Troy, N.C., Thursday, May 27, 1926

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C.P. Nance Dies at Hands of Unlicensed Pharmacist Practicing as a Physician, May 27, 1926

Dies in Florida from Result of Quack’s Medicine. . . C.P. Nance Was Given an Overdose of a Powerful Medicine for a Disease Which Was Not Afflicted. . . Doctor Arrested on Murder Charge. . . Body Was Brought Back to Boardman and Buried in the Family Burial Ground Friday

C.P. Nance, formerly of near Cerro Gordo, died in Tampa, Vla., last Wednesday as the result of treatment by an unlicensed druggist of that place practicing as a physician. Nance’s death has been the cause of the arrest of the malpractioner who will be prosecuted by state authorities of Florida.

Nancy was born and raised in Columbus county near Cerro Gordo and had been in Florida since last September. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. R.J. Nance. His brother, D.L. Nace of near Boardman, was in Tampa during the illness and death of the victim, whose body was brought back to this county and buried at Macedonia in the family burial ground Friday. He is survived by three brothers and sisters.

Following is the account of the affair as it appeared prominently in The Tampa Morning Telegraph:

C.P. Nance, 1535 ½ Franklin street, employe of the Atlantic Coast Line railway, is in Gordon Keller hospital, and T.C. Whitehurst, owner of a drug store at 1546 Franklin Street is confined in the county jail, alleged to have administered to Nance by injection an overdose of a powerful medicine. Nance is expected to die.

Attaches of the hospital stated last night Nance has been paralyzed and in an unconscious state for three days as result of the injection. They expressed belief he could not live through the night. His condition was steadily growing worse, they said.

Allege Maltreatment

Nance was “treated” for a serious social disease though he was suffering only from the effect of poison ivy and had neve had a disease of the kind for which the medicine is used, his relatives said last night.

Whitehurst was arrested yesterday afternoon by Deputy Sheriff Haston Taylor after a warrant had been issued for him, charging practice of medicine without license.

Sheriff L.M. Hiers said last night at Whitehurst will be held in the county jail without bond, pending the outcome of Nance’s condition. In the event of his death, charges of second degree murder or manslaughter will be preferred against the druggist, authorities stated.

No Medical License

Dr. W.M. Rowlett of Tampa, secretary of the state board of medical examiners, stated last night that Whitehurst has no license to practice in this state, and that he had personally warned him against any attempt to practice or prescribe medicine here. Other physicians stated that Whitehurst is not a licensed physician in any state, and doubt was expressed that he is a registered druggist.

Charges will be preferred against him by the Hillsborough County Medical Association, pending the outcome of Nance’s case and possibly of criminal action, it was stated last night.

Evidence that on a previous occasion Whitehurst prescribed medicine for a man named Cohen had been obtained by the local medical society, it was stated last night.

From the front page of The News Reporter, Whiteville, N.C., Thursday, May 27, 1926

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Court Rules Against Mansel, Sets Date for Electrocution, May 27, 1926

Supreme Court Rules Against Mansel

Raleigh, May 27 (AP)—Alvin Mansel, Buncombe county negro convicted of attacking a white woman, must die in the electric chair at State Prison, the State Supreme Court decided today. No error sufficient to order a new trial was found by the court. June 11th, the third Friday after the certification of the opinion, is automatically set as the date for the electrocution.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, May 27, 1926

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Honeycutt Looking for Owner of Abandoned Ford Roadster, May 27, 1926

Ford Roadster Selected by Deputy Sheriff

Deputy Sheriff Honeycutt seized a Ford roadster near Concord yesterday afternoon after its occupants had deserted it. The seizure was made after Mr. Honeycutt had chased the roadster for several miles.

While driving on the Poplar Tent road, Mr. Honeycutt stated, he saw the Ford standing in the road with one man in it and another standing behind it. He slowed down to see if he could help and as he did so, the man jumped in the car and the driver whirled and started back to town.

Mr. Honeycutt’s car was almost across the road, but the driver ran his roadster on a bank and opened up with all the Ford had. When Harris street was reached the driver turned in with Mr. Honeycutt only a short distance behind.

The road struck at the end of Harris street was not so smooth and after traveling it for about half a mile the Ford occupants decided to trust their feet rather than the car. They left the car in the road and took to Raleigh in an effort to locate its owner.

Why the men ran, Mr. Honeycutt does not know, for he found no liquor in the car. He says he suspects the car had been stolen.

From page 2 of The Concord Daily Tribune, May 27, 1926

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Police Seeking Chain Gang Escapee Who Recently Stole Two Pistols, May 27, 1926

Seek Negro Who Left Chain Gang in County. . . Officers in Charlotte on Watch for Negro Who Is Alleged to Have Robbed Store

Local officers as well as those in Charlotte are on watch now for a “bad” negro who escaped from the Cabarrus chain gang several months ago and is believed to have stolen two pistols recently from a Landis store.

The negro, whose name is not divulged by officers, was one of several who overpowered a local chain gang guard on the Gold Hill road several months ago, making their escape after cutting their shackles and chains.

It is reported that the negro was seen here this week and that he intimated to another man who knew him when both were on the chain gang, that he was going to Charlotte.

From page 5 of The Concord Daily Tribune, May 27, 1926

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Thurmon Hicks, 26, Killed Instantly in Fall from Power Pole, May 25, 1926

Winston Young Man Is Killed Instantly. . . Thurman Hicks Falls from Electric Power Pole and His Head Is Fearfully Crushed

Winston-Salem, May 25—Thurmon Hicks, aged 26 years, was instantly killed late this afternoon at West Forsyth and Broad streets when he fell from the top of a pole where he was aiding in the stringing of high voltage wires. He laned on his head, which was fearfully crushed by the fall.

Another man was at the top of the 30-foot pole with Hicks but he was unable to account for what caused his companion to fall. Employees of the company were not positive wherever Hicks came in contact with a life wire or just lost his balance.

He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hicks and in addition to his parents is survived by his wife and two children.

From page 4 of The Concord Daily Tribune, May 27, 1926

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Lee Dunton, 65, Former State Legislator, Kills Self, May 25, 1926

Lee Dunton Kills Self in Currituck. . . Fires Fatal Shot While Standing in His Front Yard—Former Member of Legislature

Elizabeth City, May 26—Lee Dunton, 65, formerly Currituck county representative in the general assembly and long active in the business and political affairs of the county, took his own life at his home on Pine Island, Currituck county, yesterday afternoon, it was learned her today.

Mr. Dunton is said to have been despondent as a result of ill health He is reported to have arisen from the dinner table, walked into his front yard without hinting at his intention, and shot himself through the head, death resulting immediately.

From page 4 of The Concord Daily Tribune, May 27, 1926

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Family Says Mrs. Blackwelder Died of Accidental Overdose of Medicine, Not Carbolic Acid, May 27,1926

Funeral of Mrs. Blackwelder This Afternoon

Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Edna Blackwelder, wife of J.M. Blackwelder, who died yesterday morning at her home at the Brown Mill, were held this afternoon at 2:30 at St. James Catholic Church, conducted by Rev. Father Kerman.

Mrs. Blackwelder was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Kellough of Brown Mill and was 36 years of age. She had been married about 16 years.

Surviving are her parents, husband, and the following children: Margaret Virginia, James W., Daniel E., Mafaldiad, Edgar and Paul Blackwelder.

Relatives deny that Mrs. Blackwelder’s death was caused by carbolic acid, as was first reported. She took an overdose of medicine by mistake, they report.

Editor's Note: Carbolic acid was a painful but common method of committing suicide in the 1920s, which is why the family is denying earlier reports.

From page 5 of The Concord Daily Tribune, May 27, 1926

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The End of W.L. Ross's Story

Update on W. L. Ross:

I finally located the death certificate of William Lawrence Ross. Contrary to every assumption — including my own — he did not die in the 1920s or 1930s.

Ross lived until November 11, 1962, when he died of a heart attack at Rex Hospital in Raleigh. At the time of his death, he was living at the Raleigh Rescue Mission on Hargett Street.

He is buried in City Cemetery on Tarboro Road.

This means Ross was eventually released from state custody after decades in institutions. His final days were spent at a Mission only blocks from Central Prison, with Dorothea Dix Hospital up on the hill across Western Boulevard — the same institutions that had shaped most of his adult life.

Ross had been a religious man before he broke and murdered two of his friends. At the end of his trial, he got down on his knees and asked 15‑year‑old Sallie Bet to pray for him and forgive him. I trust he found people who would pray with him — and for him — at Raleigh Rescue Mission.

W.L. Ross--1927

W.L. Ross -- 1927

W.L Ross has been in Central Prison, Raleigh, since June of 1926. Although the state supreme court orders a new trial, W.L. Ross has been too ill to withstand that trial. Also I would point out that there is absolutely no question that Ross murdered the Odoms and he would have also murdered 15-year-old Sallie Bett, but she was able to escape in the confusion. This is not a case of mistaken identity or the State prosecuting the wrong person. It’s simply a story of justice and prisons in 1926 and 1927. You also need to keep in mind the state of treatment of mental illness in this timeframe.

Calendaring North Carolina Events in Year Just Closed

W.L. Ross appears twice. Prisoners were rushed to State Prison or a jail in another county when the crime had so angered the people that law enforcement feared they could not prevent a lynching. This is also why, when the trial was held, the national guard was called up and men in uniforms with fixed bayonets were in the courtroom.

May 15th: Warrenton—W.L. Ross slays two neighbors; rushed to State penitentiary for safekeeping.

August 6th: Raleigh—W. L. Ross, convicted of murder, attempts suicide on death row.

From page 6 of The Concord Times, Jan. 3, 1927

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W.L. Ross Gets New Trial

W.L. Ross, slayer of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Odom in Warren county last May, gets a new trial. He was convicted of first degree murder.

The Supreme Court sends the case back, after months of wrestling with the case, which from the legal point of view presented more glaring errors in procedure than any tried in a generation, according to Chief Justice Stacey, but Justices Adams and Clarson dissent.

The most glaring errors seems to have been due to the fact that the brutal slaying of the couple, at whose home the step daughter of the defendant was staying, aroused such excitement that little attention was paid at the trial to legal form.

The Chief Justice orders a new trial on the grounds that evidence as to drunkenness of the defendant, which would tend to show lack of felonious intent, was improperly excluded. I tis this point only that will become present in the annals of the court. The other glaring errors are left out of the record, though the Chief Justice reviews them in his opinion.

--News & Observer. 14

From page 5 of The Norlina Headlight, Jan. 14, 1927

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Ross Granted a New Trial

By International News Service

Raleigh, Jan. 14—When informed through an Internal News Service correspondent Wednesday night that the Supreme Court had granted him a new lease on life, W.L. Ross, convicted slayer of two, received the news stoically.

The convicted slayer of the aged Warren county couple that had befriended his step-daughter who had run away from home, would not make any comment, and no perceptible sign of emotion played over his countenance.

The Supreme Court reversed the decision of the Warren County Superior Court and granted Ross a new trial on the grounds of exclusion of testimony.

Ross is an inmate of death row at State prison. He will remain in solitary confinement until his next trial, which remains to be set.

Points other than the exclusion of testimony were mentioned, but not passed on by the Supreme Court.

From page 6 of the Concord Daily Tribune, Jan. 15, 1926

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A mention of W.L. Ross in a long story about Otto Wood:

While on “death row” Wood attracted attention to himself by summoning aid to the cell of W.L Ross, Warren county murderer, when Ross attempted to commit suicide by setting fire to his straw mattress and wrapping himself up in it.

From the front page of The Yadkin Ripple, East Bend, N.C., Feb. 17, 1927

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Another Trial for W.L. Ross, Slayer. . . Since First Convicted He Has Lost Mind and Trial May be Mere Formality

By J.C. Baskervill

Raleigh, May 25—Sentenced to death almost a year ago to the day—on May 23, 1926—W.L Ross today sits in the Warren county jail in Warrenton, awaiting a new trial that is scheduled for this week, unmindful of what has passed, or of what is to come. He does not remember that he killed Mr. and Mrs. Odom in cold blood after his foster daughter had fled to them for safety from his threats.

For W.L. Ross is today stark mad—a maniac.

And his new trial—if one is really held—will be little more than a formality, with a directed verdict of insanity likely.

While no formal announcement to this effect has been made, it is generally understood that this course will be pursued, following a mental examination of Ross made at the Central prison here several days ago.

The examination was made quietly, and newspapermen were not informed that it had been held, or of its results. It was only attended by Dr. Albert Anderson, superintendent of the State Hospital for the Insane at Raleigh, by a number of his staff physicians, and several state officials.

When taken from the cell which he has now occupied for a year, in “death row,” Ross was scarcely able to walk, staggering from side to side, as do insane persons who have lost the power of orientation, and who are no longer able to direct their bodily movements. He stared blankly into space with glassy eyes—indicative of insanity. He was unable to answer even the simplest questions asked him. He was but a mere shadow of a man, the outer shell, with the mind a blank. When taken back to the cell house, instead of attempting to walk, he reverted to the aboriginal, dropped to all furs, and trotted down the runway and into his cell, like an animal into its cage.

When asked what he thought of Ross’s mental condition, Dr. Anderson is said to have stated that he would not hesitate to tell a jury that Ross is unqualifiedly insane, and that he is now in the advanced stages of a form of insanity with which he has probably been suffering for years. Others were of the same opinion.

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A fragment from M.L. Shipman’s “Our Raleigh Newspaper” that mentions W.L. Ross:

W.L. Ross, who killed two friends because they befriended his step-daughter, was taken from death row to Warrenton for his second trial on the murder charge but collapsed and the case had to be continued. He probably will escape the chair on a plea of insanity.

From page 5 of The Franklin Times, Louisburg, N.C., June 3, 1927

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Five Prisoners on Death Row. . . One Is to Die Friday. Smallest Number Awaiting Execution in Some Time

Raleigh, N.C., June 6 (INS)—The population of State Prison’s Death Row has dwindled to five.

The removal of Mose Green to Wilson for a new trial granted him recently by the Supreme Court left the lowest number of inmates along death’s row in many months.

One of the inmates, a white man, W.L. Ross, convicted Warren County slayer of two, is under the observation of experts who will decide his sanity. He collapsed when he was taken to Warrenton for his second trial recently.

Ross is the only white inmate of Death’s Row. The other four are negroes.

Two of the negroes have their doom date set.

Pearl Mitchell, Chatham County slayer, is under sentence of death on June 10.

Joe Anderson, Franklin County, is under sentence to die in the electric chair on July 1.

Mitchell has lost an appeal to the Supreme Court, but Anderson still has time in which to perfect an appeal.

From the front page of The Beaufort News, June 9, 1927

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Few Prisoners in Death Row. . . Only Three Men in Penitentiary Cells Awaiting Electrocution. One Declared Insane

Raleigh, July 2 (INS)—State Prison’s Death Row presented a lonely appearance today, with only three condemned men along the row of strong cells. There were four, but executive clemency whisked Joe Andrews, Franklin county negro, from the jaws of death and placed him in the State Hospital for the Insane C(olored) at Goldsboro.

It now appears that there will be no execution at the prison for the remainder of the summer. The lone white man on Death’s row is W.L. Ross, alleged double slayer of Warren County, but he will get a new trial in September.

The other two inmates, negroes from Gaston County, have appeals before the State Supreme Court. Their execution will be stayed until the high tribunal acts on their cases. The Supreme Court is now having its summer recess, and the cases will not be reached until Fall.

Ross, the white prisoner, was convicted nearly two years ago, for the murder of an aged Warren County the benefactors of his little daughter. [This sentence is typed the way it appeared in the newspaper. I don’t know what was meant. The Odoms were not an aged couple. His little daughter was 15 years old when she witnessed the shooting, and she was 15 and either his adopted daughter, perhaps his wife’s child from before her marriage to Ross, or the sister of Sidney Odom.] Alienists are now examining the doomed man for traces of insanity. They are expected to make a report on his case in the near future.

From page 7 of the Beaufort News, Thursday, July 7, 1927

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Another newspaper printed the above story with garbled sentence now clearly written:

“Ross, the white prisoner, was convicted nearly two years ago for the murder of an aged Warren county couple, the benefactors of his little daughter.”

Only problem with sentence is now it’s incorrect. The Odoms were not an aged couple and they were not benefactors of his little daughter. Ross had a young daughter, unnamed, younger than 10, but the girl who sought shelter with the Odoms was Sallie, who is variously described as Ross’s adopted daughter, step daughter, foster daughter, but she is 15 years old at the time, and Ross attempted to shoot her when he shot and killed the Odoms.

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Slayer of Aged Couple Goes On Trial Again This Week

Raleigh, Sept. 20—W.L. Ross of Warrenton, confessed slayer of an aged couple who befriended his step-daughter, is scheduled to leave “Death Row” at State Prison this week for another trial in Warren County. Mr. and Mrs. Sidney R. Odom were slain by Ross as they sat I their home at Alert on May 16, 1926.

They had befriended the step-daughter of Ross, who had left his roof on account of his persistently intoxicated condition.

He does not want to live, he says.

Taken to the prison immediately after the crime, he pleaded with officers for an immediate execution, denied tis he attempted suicide by wrapping himself in the mattress of his cell and setting fire to it. Repeatedly he has asked for and sought death.

About one week after the crime was committed, he was tried and sentenced to die, but the State which sought his life then closed the door of death. It appeared that Ross was insane—that there was evidence of his insanity which should have been presented at his trial.

The Supreme Cout granted a new trial.

When his second trial was called in May, Ross was brought into the court room in Warrenton in such a weakened condition that the trial was postponed.

He sits in his cell today emaciated and unkept with the blank silent stare of a madman. He has heard the last prayers for almost a dozen doomed men about to receive the punishment he has been denied.

He seems to resent it.

From the front page of The Beaufort News, Sept. 22, 1927

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From page 2 of The Norlina Headlight:

Oct. 5, 1927, a $2 jury tax was levied in the case of W.L. Ross. Page 2 of The Norlina Headlight, Dec. 23, 1927

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Editor’s Note: I haven't found the end to W.L. Ross's story yet. The newspapers go silent after 1927,perhaps because they started using his full name instead of initials. That means I haven’t yet located any record of the court's decision on his sanity, or on death his death or burial. I hope to check Ancestry.com soon and will update this post when I find more information on this sad story.

A Story of the End of W.L. Ross of Hollister, N.C., May 25, 1926

EDITOR'S NOTE: A reader has suggested that I put related stories together, and not just post them by date as I find them in newspapers. I thought I’d give this a try in the story of W.L. Ross of Holister (or Hollister as it’s spelled in subsequent articles) who killed Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Odom of near Arcola. Ross was a widower who had three children 10 years and younger with his wife who died several years ago (1923 in another article). His stepdaughter or adopted daughter or foster daughter Sallie Bett (spelled various ways in different articles) is described as having been mother to the children since the death of their mother. Sallie Bett, who is now 15, may or may not have been related to the deceased Mrs. Ross. She also may be the sister of Sidney Odom; that was stated in one article but not in any others. Whatever the relationship, Sallie Bett goes to stay with Mr. and Mrs. Odom because she says Ross is chronically drunk and mean. He goes to the Odom house to get her to return, she refuses, perhaps the Odoms say something, Ross takes out his gun and shoots Sidney Odom and his wife. He aims at Sallie Bett, but Mrs. Odom moves on the floor and he turns to shoot her again, which gives Sallie Bett a chance to get to the door. She runs to a neighbor’s house, another Odom. Ross, looking at the people he’s just murdered, goes to a friend’s home, explains that he’d just killed the Odoms and asks his friend to drive him to the Warren County jail. In other words, he gives himself up, confesses, and is put in jail. Here’s the first article I saw:

Man and Wife Slain in Row.. . . Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Odum of Near Arcola Dead—W.R. Ross Is Held—Quarreled Over Girl

Norfolk, Va., May 16—Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Odum of near Arcola, N.C., were both shot and killed this afternoon, according to a special dispatch to the Virginia-Pilot from Warrenton, N.C. W.L. Ross of Holister, N.C., is in jail charged with the double slaying and is alleged to have confessed, saying the affair grew out of a family quarrel.

According to the dispatch the trouble centered around Ross’ stepdaughter. The girl was said to have left home a few weeks ago because of alleged cruel treatment and had since been making her home with the Odums. This afternoon Ross is said to have gone to the Odum home, and following a quarrel fired five shots from a revolver into Mr. and Mrs. Odum, killing both. Following the double killing Ross went to the home of Lewis Capps, well known merchant of Arcola, and, according to the dispatch, told him of the affair and asked that he be taken to the Warren county jail. This was done. The case is expected to be taken up at the term of the superior court, which opens in Warrenton tomorrow.

From the front page of the Messinger and Intelligencer, Wadesboro, N.C., Thursday, May 20, 1926

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Justice was swift 100 years ago. Trials started quickly and ended quickly. Since the defendant has already confessed, the trial began May 20. It took all day to select a jury from the 200 men called for jury duty. They had to question 125 men to select 12 jurors.

Slayer of Warren County Couple Soon to Know His Fate. . . Man Who Shot Two Who Came to Help Girl Faces Jury. . . Taking Testimony in Case of W.L. Ross, Charged with Slaying of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Odom, at Arcola, Last Sunday, Will Begin This Morning-Trial Expected to be Short

Henderson, N.C., May 20 (AP)—With the entire day consumed in the selection of a jury, the taking of testimony in the case of W.L. Ross, charged with first degree murder, is expected to begin in Warren county superior court in Warrenton, tomorrow morning.

Ross is charged with the murder at their home in Arcola, Warren county, of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Odom, last Sunday afternoon.

The jury had just been completed when court adjourned for the day, after examination of more than 125 men out of a special venire of 200 summoned. All the evidence is expected to be in shortly after noon tomorrow, court officials said.

Solicitor Hunt Parker is trying Ross on the first degree murder charge in connection with the death of Mrs. Odom, in the belief that the stronger evidence is available in that case.

From the front page of the Goldsboro News, May 21, 1926

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This article tells you what happened during the trial. After being found guilty, Ross asked the judge to order his execution quickly, saying: “I have killed my best friends and have nothing left to live for. I am suffering great remorse.”

You will notice the National Guard was present during the trial. This was done to keep order during emotional trials, especially to prevent lynchings.

Slayer of Two Sentenced to the Electric Chair Murderer of Couple in Warren County Will Pay Death Penalty Very Soon. . . Warren County Jury Deliberates for Hour and a Half and Returns a Verdict of Guilty of Murder in First Degree Against W.J. Ross, Who Last Sunday Shot and Killed Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Odom of Arcola

Warrenton, May 22 (AP)—W.L. Ross, Hollister man who has been on trial for his life in Warren count superior court for the double murder last Sunday afternoon of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Odom of Arcola, Warren county, was tonight convicted by a jury of first degree murder. The verdict was returned at 11:15 o’clock, after the jury had been out for 1 ½ hours.

Judge Crammer [Cranmer], presiding, at once sentenced the defendant to be electrocuted in the state prison at Raleigh on June 22nd.

“Your Honor,” said Rose [Ross], after the verdict had been returned, “I want to ask you to make the time as short as possible. I have killed my best friends and have nothing left to live for. I am suffering great remorse.”

The sentence followed.

The case went to the jury at 9:30 o’clock tonight. It was apparent to the crowded court room that a powerful case had been built up against the defendant, and there was no surprise at the verdict.

Harold Cooley of Nashville closed the case for the defendant a short time before the court recessed. He argued that the prisoner was insane and pled with the jury to return a verdict of insanity, which would relieve him of responsibility for the crime.

All day the court room has been filled to capacity, with hundreds congregated on the outside. Members of Warrenton Company of National Guard have been on duty since late yesterday stationed at all entrances to the building and in spots over the court room. The soldiers were placed there purely as a precautionary measure; there has been no indication of violence.

Ross in marked contrast to his demeanor yesterday when he almost collapsed on the witness stand and opiates were administered to bolster him up, has been one of the most composed persons in the court room today. On cross examination, the prisoner today stuck to his testimony that his mind was a blank as to his act. Ross has had a checkered career, his acquaintances here state. He was born in New York’s East side and came to Hollister some 15 years ago to work in a lumber camp. He afterwards was entrusted with the responsibility of night watchman and some time later, under the spell of a religious revival, joined the church and later became teacher of a Bible class, and then superintendent of the Sunday school. At one time he was postmaster of Hollister, and at another was a deputy sheriff in Halifax county. He was once a member of the school board, and has been otherwise prominent in his community.

Ross had been twice married and is now a widower, his second wife having died several years ago. His counsel contends that he has had so many reverses in life that they have made him insane and that he had suffered from amnesia He has been a free user of intoxicants also, he has testified.

Sa??da [Sallie] Bett Odom, his adopted daughter, kept house for him, and she claims that the prisoner was so cruel to her that she ran away several weeks ago, and had made her home with the Odoms ??? the crime.

She was the only eye-witness to the crime, and escaped death herself at the hands of Ross only by fleeing after the Odoms had been killed.

The case has been, perhaps, the most unusual in the history of Warren county, and has attracted probably the largest crowds ever in attendance upon a court session here.

From the front page of The Goldsboro News, Sunday Morning, May 23, 1926

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After hearing he was sentenced to die June 22, got down on his knees before his adopted daughter and asked her to pray for him and forgive him. There was no headline with this brief summary in the Watauga Democrat.

Warrenton, May 22: W.L. Ross, charged with the murder of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Odum in Warren county last Sunday, was convicted by a jury in Warren county superior court of first degree murder tonight. The jury was out about an hour and a half. Judge Cranmer sentenced the defendant to be electrocuted at the state prison at Raleigh on June 22.

“Your honor, I want to ask that you make the time as soon as possible,” Ross told Judge Cranmer, after the jury had returned its verdict, and the defendant was asked if he had anything to say.

“I have killed my best friends and I have nothing to live for, and I don’t want to live. I am suffering great remorse.”

After the sentence had been passed, Ross asked for the little girl, Sally Bett Ross, his adopted daughter, whose leaving home prompted the murder, he said. Getting down on his knees before her, he begged her to pray for him and to forgive him.

From page 2 of The Watauga Democrat, Boone, N.C., May 27, 1926

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Jury Says Ross Guilty of Murder in First Degree. . . Prosecution Claims Slaying of Mr. and Mrs. Odom Was Deliberate Murder; Ross Says His Mind Was Blank and Had Often Gone Blank Before Story of Crime

By W. Brodie Jones

Warrenton, May 22—The jury in the case of W.L. Ross, Hollister man on trial for the past two days for the murder of Mr. and Mrs. S.J. Odom of Arcola last Sunday, tonight at 11:15 o’clock returned a verdict of murder in the first degree after being out for an hour and a half. Judge E.H. Cranmer sentenced Ross to be electrocuted on Tuesday, June 22.

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Warrenton, May 22—“I will be convicted tonight. I want Sallie Bett to have everything she wants from house,” W.L Ross, on trial here for the past two days on the charge of the murder of Mr. and Mrs. S.J. Odom of Arcola last Sunday, said in the court room tonight after the case had gone to the jury at 9:40 o’clock. He asked a lawyer to see that the court changed the name of his adopted daughter before the verdict of the jury came in. then hands some steadier than before scribbled a letter painfully, slowly, to Sallie Bet. “I want your forgiveness and prayers. Won’t you please pray that God may be merciful to me. I can die in peace with my Lord if you will forgive me.” The letter was handed to the girl quietly. She did not answer then.

Ross, apparently much stronger and with nerves steadied, resumed testimony at 9:30 o’clock this morning after a quiet night in Warren Jail under guard of the men of Co. B., the Warrenton unit of the National Guard. Persons composing the huge crowd yesterday moved to their homes as the shadows of evening lengthened and the night passed quietly. The spirit of the community was calm today. Argument of the counsel began at 12 o’clock with B.B. Williams opening for the State. Stanley Winborne followed him before adjournment at 1 o’clock.

Into the evidence yesterday had come the story of Sallie Bett Ross, 15 years old adopted daughter of the prisoner, who had been a mother to Ross’s three children, all under 10, since Mrs. Ross died in 1923, and who was the only witness to the killing of Mr. and Mrs. Odom at their home near Arcola on Sunday afternoon when Ross went there to persuade her to come again to his roof. Sidney Odom, 29, was shot through the back of the head from a distance of three feet. Mrs. Odom was shot first through the face as she ran for the door and the gun turned upon Sallie Bet. Mrs. Odom turned over on the floor and Ross shot her again. The girl broke from the house and on wings of fear flew to the home of Dempsey Odom, half mile away.

These facts were substantiated by the story of Ross with the exception of the actual killing. He told the court that he had a headache after the other visitors left the Odom home.

“My head felt like it was tearing off, my mind went blank and the next ting I knew was when I saw Sally Bet running across the field and I was sitting under a tree near the house. I went in and realized what I had done. I went to Mr. Capp’s store and asked that he bring me to Warren jail.”

In cross examination this morning by Solicitor R. Hunt Parker, Ross was questioned about the 32-calibre pistol which he had carried to the Odom home. The prisoner said that he had always carried the gun since he was deputy sheriff and revenue officer as he had received threats. He quit as deputy sheriff because his wife, before her death, had asked him to give up the post and further because the job took too much time from his business, Ross testified.

From the front page of The Franklin Times, Louisburg, N.C., Friday, May 28th, 1926

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Despite Ross’ plea for a quick execution, there is talk of an appeal. It is made and the execution is postponed until after the state Supreme Court can review the case and the governor can decide on a pardon or commutation.

Ross Trial Thought a Precedent. . . Double Slayer Convicted in Less Than a Week after Commission of Crime.

Henderson, May 24—It is believed by court officials that the disposition of the case against W.L. Ross of Hollister, for the killing of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Odom of Arcola, Warren county, sets anew record for speedy justice in North Carolina. Within less than a week of the time the murder occurred on Sunday afternoon, May 16th, about 4 o’clock, the double slayer is in a cell in death row at State Prison awaiting the execution. This prompt handling of the case was due to the fact that criminal court opened in Warren the day after the killing occurred, and the refusal of Judge Cranmer to permit a continuance.

There was some talk today of the Ross appeal. Notice of an appeal was given in behalf of Ross Saturday night after he was sentenced, and soon after a motion was made to set the verdict aside, the latter procedure being overruled by Judge Cranmer. Solicitor Parker said today, however, that he thought the appeal would actually be perfected, and this automatically stays the execution of the condemned man.

From page 5 of the Norlina Headlight, May 28, 1926

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Ross Not So Anxious to Die, It Appears. . . Slayer of Warren County Couple Perfects Appeal to Supreme Court

Raleigh, June 17—W.L. Ross, sentenced to die next Tuesday for the murder of Mr. and Mrs. S.J. Odom of Arcola Warren county on May 17th, today perfected an appeal to the state supreme court, which automatically stays the execution. Ross made his appeal as a pauper.

Pardon commissioner Sink received this information today from the clerk of the superior court of Warren county.

Ross killed Mr. and Mrs. Odom after they had given refuge to his adopted daughter, who was Mr. Odom’s sister. The child left Ross, she testified, because he continued to drink.

The man declared throughout the trial that he had no desire to live and when the verdict of guilty was reached by the jury he asked that the date of his death be made as early as possible. His attorneys pled insanity as a defense for their client.

He was convicted and sentenced on May 23 just six days after the double slaying.

From the front page of The Goldsboro News, Friday morning, June 18, 1926

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No Effort to Save Life of W.L. Ross

Raleigh Times

Will W.L. Ross, convicted murder of Warren county go to the electric chair next Tuesday without Having made an effort to save his life?

By Thursday morning, just before he is supposed to die, neither Ross nor his attorneys nor his friends have either made an appeal from the death sentence or requested executive clemency, as far as is known by H. Hoyle Sink, commissioner of pardons, or Edward Seawell, clerk of supreme court. Unless there is some eleventh-hour action taken, this will be unique in the experience of Mr. Sink since he took over the pardon office.

Sink Investigates

Thursday afternoon Mr. Sink wired the clerk of the Warren county court to learn if a notice of appeal had been filed and the supreme court notified.

However, the fact that Ross and his friends have not taken the initiative in asking for executive commutation will not prevent the case being given thorough consideration. Not waiting for a petition, Mr. Sink has gone ahead with his investigation just as if one had been made, and before Ross goes to his death, if he does, his case will go to the Governor for final decision as to whether he lives or dies.

From page 4 of the Cleveland Star, Shelby, N.C., Monday, June 21, 1926

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Now it is August and this newspaper reports two suicide attempts, one by starvation and the other by fire. This is a paragraph about news from Raleigh, which is why it has no headline. W.L. Ross, who got into death row by a double murder of two younger relatives in Warren county several weeks ago, attempted this week to commit suicide by starving himself for six days. this evidently was not very pleasant for he then, in some way unknown, obtained some matches and prepared to burn himself to death by setting his mattress afire. This attempt also was foiled when another prisoner in the row gave the alarm.

From page 6 of the News Reporter, Whiteville, N.C., Aug. 12,1926

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General article on men on Death Row, which mentions Ross as having been on Death Row since June.

Seven Still on Death Row Waiting Their Day of Doom

Raleigh, Sept. 23 (AP)—The execution of John Williams, negro convicted of murder, from Halifax County here Tuesday, reduced the population of death row at the state prison to six a number which officials regard as slightly below normal at this time of the year when appeal cases are prone to pile up following the vacation of the Supreme court.

None of the six men know the date they are to walk to their doom in the little octagonal room jutting out from the front of the right wing of central prison. All of them are living in hope that the course of the footsteps will be to the left and not to the right when they are taken from their death row cells for the last time.

The course to the left leads to the prison proper and life imprisonment or into the outside world for a new trial, but the few steps to the right lead but to one end and in the case of the six present occupants will be taken only after adverse decisions from the Supreme court or a denial of respite from the Governor.

They all have appeals before the Supreme court which are scheduled for arguments at the present term. In the event of an adverse decision the date of execution is automatically set three weeks after the Friday following the decision, and the only hope for the condemned man is a direct appeal to the Governor. But should the court find some error or grounds for a new trial, the case goes back to Superior court and the execution indefinitely delayed. While Williams went to his death without registering a formal appeal, such cases are extremely rare. Pardon commissioner Hoyle Sink has stated that here has been only one other such instance during his term of office, and that was the case of Len Walton, a negro convicted of murder.

Two of the men now awaiting execution are white and the others negroes. Five were convicted murder and the fifth of rape.

The death row roster follows:

--W.L. Ross, white, convicted of a double murder in Warren county and confined on death row in June.

--John Gray, white, convicted of murder in Stanly county. Brought to the prison last April 6.

--James Jeffries, negro, convicted of assault on a white woman in Wake county and committed to death row on May 10.

--Booker T. Williams, negro, convicted of murder in Robeson county. Committed to prison on February 4.

--Robert Lumpkin, negro, convicted of murder.

--Moses Green, negro, sentenced to death from Wilson county for murder. Arrived on death row September 6.

From page 14 of the Goldsboro News, Sept. 26, 1926

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I will continue articles about W.L. Ross tomorrow.

I also welcome any comments about this approach to giving information from 100-year-old North Carolina newspapers. Thanks, Joan Gosper, Raleigh, N.C.