Saturday, June 20, 2026

Memphis Police Commissioner Gives Facts on Dr. Chappell's Arrest in Brothel, June 19, 1926

Police Commissioner at Memphis Gives Facts

Memphis, Tenn., June 18—Police Commissioner Thomas H. Allen said last night that Dr. Ashley Chappell, pastor of a Methodist church at Asheville, N.C., was arrested in a house of ill-fame operated by a negro woman here on the night of May 8th. He posted a cash bond of $10 for his appearance in city court on a charge of disorderly conduct, but forfeited the bond, the commissioner said.

The minister was arrested, Mr. Allen said, by Patrolmen Charles Redders and C.K. Brigance, when they raised the house, and who arrested several other persons, including one or two negro girls. At police headquarters after the raid, Commissioner Allen said, Dr. Chappell gave the name of “J.S. Smith” and his residence as “at large.”

Explaining that the house raided by the officers had been a source of trouble to his department for some time, the commissioner said Patrolmen Redders and Brigance reported to him that they had entered the place under orders from their superior and found “Mr. Smith” in a bed room. His clothing was disarranged, the officers told their chief.

Upon his arrival at headquarters, Commissioner Allen said, Chappell, or Smith, declared that he went into the place to re-adjust a truss which had become displaced.

The prisoner had no money in his pockets when he arrived at headquarters and the commissioner said a man whose name he could not divulge volunteered to go to his hotel and get the $10 for the bond. This messenger, according to the commissioner, discovered the identity of Dr. Chappell and advised police officials.

Dr. Chappell is a member of a prominent family of clergymen. His brother, Dr. Clovis G. Chappell, is pastor of the First Methodist Church here, and another, Dr. E.B. Chappell, is connected with the Methodist Sunday school board in Nashville.

From the editorial page of The Concord Daily Tribune, June 19, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1926-06-19/ed-1/seq-4/

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Stories in This Series

Rev. Dr. Chappell cleared by fellow ministers, returns triumphant to pulpit

www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8493267847537044513/4934689628465213641

Community and church convinced Rev. Dr. Ashley Chappell, arrested in brothel, will be found innocent in church trial

www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8493267847537044513/1538195782401204593

Arrest of minister is “unfortunate,” says Hickory Record

www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8493267847537044513/7285046020540013526

Dr. Chappell’s mistake was how he handled arrest, says Charlotte Observer

www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8493267847537044513/6261857839660054437

Memphis Police Commissioner explains how Rev. Dr. Chappell was discovered and arrested in brothel

www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8493267847537044513/4378423803409010640

I’m embarrassed but innocent, says Rev. Dr. Ashley Chappell

www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8493267847537044513/4570916935553323164

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