Henry Edward Jacobs, 8, Killed When Lightning Bolt Strikes Back Porch, Aug. 12, 1926

Indian Boy Instantly Killed by Lightning. . . Struck While Leaning Against Post on Back Porch

Henry Edward Jacobs, 8-year-old son of Hursley Jacobs, Indian, of Pembroke, was instantly killed about 1 o’clock Tuesday afternoon when he was struck by a bolt of lightning.

The boy had just returned form a swim with his father and was leaning against a post on the back porch during an electric storm that visited that section, when the lightning struck the post and killed him.

No damage was done to the house other than splitting the post into splinters.

From the front page of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Aug. 12, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1926-08-12/ed-1/seq-1/

John Finch, 40, Claims Conspiracy to Send Him to Insane Asylum, Seize His Estate, Aug. 12, 1926

Unusual Suit in Charlotte

Charlotte Observer, Aug. 11

Charging his brothers with a conspiracy to incarcerate him in an insane asylum and seize his estate, John G. Finch, 40, former wealthy High Point man, now a dependent of the Salvation Army at Spartanburg, S.C., seeks $300,000 damages in a complaint to be filed in federal court today.

Summons were issued yesterday for the two brothers in the action, Walter G. Finch and P. D. Finch, prominent mill men of Lexington, and J. Frank Hunsucker, High Point mill man, Thomas J. Finch and wife of High Point, and D. B. Stafford, sheriff of Guilford county who are name co-defendants in the complaint.

From the front page of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Aug. 12, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1926-08-12/ed-1/seq-1/

Miss Flora Carl New Robeson County Home Demonstration Agent, Aug. 12, 1926

Miss Flora L. Carl Is New Demonstration Agent. . . M.A. Graduate of Columbia University with 4 Years’ Experience in Home Demonstration Work Succeeds Mrs. R. E. Lawrence—Will Report for Duty September 1

News has been received here from the district home demonstration agent, Mrs. Estelle T. Smith of Goldsboro, of the appointment of Miss Flora Lee Carl as home demonstration agent for Robeson County, to succeed Mrs. R. E. Larence, who resigned effective August 1.

Miss Carl obtained her master’s degree at Columbia University and has had four years’ experience as home demonstration agent in West Virginia. She is considered well qualified for the office here, and county officials consider it fortunate that a woman of her experience and ability has been secured.

Miss Carl will report for work here on September 1.

The county has been without a home demonstration since the first of August. Mrs. R. E. Lawrence gave notice of her resignation effective at that time, and the county commissioners discontinued the office at their July meeting. At their regular meeting in August, however, the commissioners were swamped by the club women of the county who demanded the reinstatement, and so another appropriation of $1,200 per year was made for the work.

From the front page of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Aug. 12, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1926-08-12/ed-1/seq-1/

W.H. Kinlaw Active Postmaster in Lumberton, Aug. 12, 1926

Mr. W. H. Kinlaw Is Made Acting Postmaster

Mr. Wade Hampton Kinlaw received notice this morning of his appointment as acting postmaster for the town of Lumberton. He will take over the duties of the office immediately and will serve until a postmaster is selected through civil service examination.

Postmaster McGill has held office since June 1922, when he was appointed for a four-year term, which expired in June of this year. Since the past June Mr. McGill has continued to hold the office until the appointment of his successor today. He desires that The Robesonian express to the patrons of the office his appreciation for their co-operating during his term of office.

Mr. Kinlaw was born and raised in Howellsville township, near Lumberton, received his degree in law at the University of North Carolina and was licensed to practice law in 1904. He has been a practicing attorney in Lumberton for the past 20 years. He is a prominent Republican and is well known to the public. Twice he made the race for his party for a member of the legislature, and once he was a candidate for clerk of the court of Robeson county.

From the front page of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Aug. 12, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1926-08-12/ed-1/seq-1/

Mrs. Inman Share Fairmont News in Robesonian, Aug. 12, 1926

Fairmont Letter . . . Interesting Program by Baptist Girls. . . Man Unconscious 3 Days and Nights from Lightning Strike . . . Unoccupied Dwelling Containing Tobacco Burned. . . Movements of the People

By Mrs. H.G. Inman

Fairmont, Aug.12—the Girls Auxiliary of the Baptist Church gave a very interesting program Sunday night at the school auditorium, the pulpit of the church not being large enough to accommodate the players. The object in giving this program was to impress the people of the great needs of our mountain schools, especially the denominational schools. Most of the schools turn away hundreds of applicants each year for lack of room. Mrs. O. L. Barnes is the leader of these girls and is to be complimented on the program given.

Mrs. A. B. Floyd and brother, Mr. Howard Lewis, have been in Mullins since last Thursday with their brother-in-law Mr. E. T. Maston, who was struck by lightning Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Maston was paralyzed in the right side and was unconscious until Saturday night, when he regained consciousness and was able to get up and walk around.

An unoccupied dwelling house about 2 miles from town, toward the Baltimore section, burned Friday night. Dock Hill of town and some other colored people were storing their tobacco inside. Dock Hill had that day paid $40 for his share being graded. It could no be learned whether the house was insured or not. The tobacco was a total loss.

Miss Mary Lee of Benson is spending a week with Misses Annie Lee, Christine and Kathleen McDaniel. It will be remembered that Miss Lee was seriously injured in an automobile-train wreck near Four Oaks in February, when Miss Minnie Bryant of Benson and Mr. Garey Mitchell of this city lost their lives.

Mrs. W. A. McPhaul and children, Miss Shirley and Masters Billy and Jack, of Charlotte, are spending the week in the city with relatives.

Master Max Rouse of Dillon spent last week with his grandmother, Mrs. Gussie Ashley.

Mrs. J. W. Reynolds and daughter, Miss Melrose, and Mrs. Lacy Harrell spent 10 days with Mrs. Reynolds’ parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Harrell. Before returning to their home in Portsmouth, Va., they will visit Mrs. Reynolds’ relatives in Pinehurst.

Miss Bertha Davis, trimmer for Miss Annie McMillan’s Millinery store, returned Monday night from a month’s visit to the Northern markets and a short visit to her parents in Frederick, Md.

Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Morton of Albemarle spent several days with his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Inman.

Miss Donnie Thompson of Maxton and Misses Sarah Stuart and Ethel Rowland of Dillon were house-guests last week of Mr. and Mrs. Wayland Floyd. Miss Thomas and Mrs. Floyd are sisters.

Misses Annie Lee, Christine and Kathleen McDaniel, and house-guest Miss Mary Lee, Mr. Luther Edens of Lumberton, Messrs. Mark McDaniel and Alpheus Thompson attended the weekly Monday night dance at White Lake.

Mr. Leon Andrews accompanied his mother, Mrs. Nathan Andrews, home from Wilmington, where she spent two weeks.

Mrs. H. G. Collins spent last week with relatives in Mullins. Mr. Collins spent the week-end there with them.

Miss Belle Riff and brothers Messrs. David Isaac and Perry, spent the past week-end at Wrightsville Beach. Mr. Isaac remained for the remainder of the week at the Oceanic.

Mr. R. H. Nye spent Tuesday in Fayetteville.

Mrs. S. G. Williamson of Lumberton R.F.D. spent Monday with her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Collins.

Miss Nell Hamilton of Laurinburg passed through town Sunda enroute to visit her parents in Marietta.

Mrs. C. A. Thompson and daughter, little Miss Mary Louise, left last Wednesday for Washington, D.C., where they will spend two weeks with Mrs. Thompson’s brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Inman.

Rev. and Mrs. R. F. Taylor of Vanceboro spent a few days last week with Mrs. Taylor’s sister, Mrs. P. B. Thompson and Mrs. Fannie Fisher, and Messrs. A. S., C. B., and G. W. Thompson.

Mrs. P. B. Gordon and children, Proctor Jr. and Miss Marguerite, of Mullins, spent the week-end with Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Collins.

Misses Ethel and Evelyn Dutton have returned to their home at Darlington, S.C., after spending a week with Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Nye.

From the front page of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Aug. 12, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1926-08-12/ed-1/seq-1/

Margie Russell to Marry W.C. Preston This Fall, Aug.12, 1926

Engagement Announced

Mr. and Mrs. James Poulson Russell announce the engagement of their daughter, Margie, to Mr. Walter Creigh Preston of Cincinnati, Ohio, the marriage to take place in the early fall.

The above announcement will be read with interest both here and elsewhere. Miss Russell is a talented young lady, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Russell of Lumberton. She attended Flora Macdonald College at Red Springs and has made a special study of art. She taught in the Lumberton schools, at Greenwood, Va., at Glendale College, Glendale, Ohio, at St. Paul, and last year was an art teacher at Fassifern School in Hendersonville. Miss Russell is now traveling in Europe. She is expected home about the middle of September.

Mr. Preston is a native of Lewisburg, West Virginia. He attended Greenbriar Military School and is a graduate of Washington and Lee University. Since receiving his degree from Johns Hopkins, he has been with the Proctor & Gamble Company as a research chemist.

From page 5 of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Aug. 12, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1926-08-12/ed-1/seq-5/

L.H. Caldwell Distributor of Delco Light, Aug. 12, 1926

L. H. Caldwell Takes Over Delco Light and Frigidaire. . . Lumberton Man Secures Agency for Robeson, Bladen, Scotland and Richmond Counties

Mr. L. H. Caldwell, well-known merchant of Lumberton, has taken over the contract formerly held by the Laurinburg Electric Service Co., as distributor of Delco Light and Frigidaire products in Robeson, Bladen, Scotland and Richmond counties.

A service department will be continued at Laurinburg and Mr. B. F. Smoot, who has been at the head of the Laurinburg Electric Service Co., will continue to cover the territory for Mr. Caldwell.

From the front page of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Aug. 12, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1926-08-12/ed-1/seq-1/

Miss Clyde Boone Celebrates 14th Birthday, Aug. 12, 1926

Parkton, Aug. 10—Miss Clyde Boone, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. J. J. Boone, celebrated her 14th birthday anniversary by entertaining some of her friends Friday night.

They were entertained with popular music by Miss Sara Currie at the piano. Games were then enjoyed for a time.

At 10 o’clock all were invited into the dining room, which had been decorated for the occasion, using a color scheme of pink and white. The cake with 14 candles formed the centerpiece. Bowls of pink verbena and petunias were at each end of the table. Delicious cream and cake were served.

Then they repaired to the porch and lawn, and were served watermelon. Sticks of pink candy, wrapped in white and tied with pink ribbon were given each guest as favors. Upon opening them each found their fortunes within. This caused much merriment as they were read.

The guests were Mary Sasser and Myrtle Parker of St. Pauls, Sarah Currie, Sarah Clyde Sikes, Virginia and Rachel McNatt, Gertrude Spell, Annie Belle Edwards, Lonnie Blount, Dan Currie, Don and Lewis Williamson and Neil Hughes.

From the front page of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Aug. 12, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1926-08-12/ed-1/seq-1/

Ellen McDuffie, 53, Has Died, Aug. 12, 1926

Funeral of Mrs. Ellen McDuffie

St. Paul, Aug. 12—Funeral services were held Sunday about 1 o’clock at the home near Galatia for Mrs. Ellen McDuffie, aged 53 years, who died the day previous. Interment was made in the family cemetery at Raeford, where her husband, Dan M. McDuffie, who preceded her to the grave two years ago, and other of her relatives, were buried.

The burial was very largely attended and man and beautiful were the floral tributes tendered by her numerous friends. Among those from here who were there were Mr. D. A. McDuffie, a brother-in-law of deceased, his sister, Miss Christian McDuffie, his son and daughters, Mr. Burke McDuffie and two Misses Lillie Belle and Sarah McDuffie, Mr. J.W. Guiton, also a brother-in-law of the deceased, and his daughter, Miss Christine Guiton.

From the front page of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Aug. 12, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1926-08-12/ed-1/seq-1/

Police Hold Harold Grady and H. J. Nealy in Accident That Killed Dossie Traylor, Aug. 10, 1926

Hold Grady and Nealy in Auto Wreck Case . . . Grady Out Under $5,000 Bond; Dossie P. Traylor Was Killed in Turn-Over. . . Miss Lena Williams Was Not Seriously Injured, Hospital Authorities Say

H. J. Nealy, 23 years old, of Bummertown, Tenn., is in jail and Harold Grady, local youth, is under $5,000 bond as a result of the death of Dossie P. Traylor, 18 years old, in an automobile accident near the old country club on the Kinston highway about 10: 30 Sunday night.

Grady suffered a broken arm and Miss Lena Williams was badly cut about one leg. Nealy was driving the car at the time it turned over and pinned young Traylor underneath. Grady was standing on the running board on the right hand sill. Nealy escaped without a scratch.

Nealy and Grady were held for the grand jury at the next session of Superior Court under instructions from the coroner’s jury, which considered the case under the direction of Coroner T. R. Robinson yesterday morning. Late yesterday Nealy, a well-mannered young man, was wiring friends in Tennessee in an effort to raise bond.

Evidence introduced before the coroner’s inquest was to the effect that the accident in which Young Traylor was killed and Grady and Miss Williams injured was the culmination of a wild auto ride. Four witnesses testified that the car, a Ford rroadster, was giving chase to a Hudson sedan and making a rate of estimated at between 35 and 45 miles an hour. It was said that Grady was drinking and that he was loudly cursing at the party driving the Hudson.

Evidence as to who was driving the Hudson car was not given in the coroner’s inquest.

The accident, according to the story told by Nealy, happened when he slowed up, because he was blinded by an approaching car, and the right rear wheel dropped off the pavement.

Traylor lived about an hour after he was carried to the hospital. Death must have resulted from internal injuries, for there was only a small bruise visible on the body—a small circular black spot near the right shoulder blade.

Hospital authorities say that Miss Williams will be out in a short time.

The following made up the jury which investigated the case:

E. E. Griffin, E. C. Denmark, Herman Brewer, C. H. Martin, Sam Eason, and B. A. Grant.

The verdict was as follows:

“That Paul Traylor came to his death from an accident from a Ford roadster recklessly and dangerously driven by H. J. Neely, aided and abetted by Harold Grady.

“We think Grady as guilty as Neely and recommend that both H. J. Neely and Harold Grady be held under sufficient bond for the Grand Jury of the next Superior Court, and that Sheriff Grant be instructed to hold these parties (line obscured) the solicitor of the district may require.

Editor's Note: Victim's last name is spelled Traylor and his mother's last name is spelled Taylor because after her husband died the widow married a man named Taylor. In other words, it looks like a mistake but it isn't.

From the front page of the Goldsboro News, Tuesday morning, Aug. 10, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn93064755/1926-08-10/ed-1/seq-1/

Funeral for Auto Victim Dossie Traylor, 18, Aug. 10, 1926

Auto Victim Funeral 4 p.m.. . . From Home on East Pine Street. . . In Charge of Rev. J. W. Sadler

Funeral services for Dossie P. Traylor, 18, who was killed in an automobile accident near the old country club Sunday night, will be held from the home of the mother of the dead youth, Mrs. Sudie Taylor, at 212 East Pine Street, this afternoon at 4 o’clock.

The dead youth was a son of the late D. R. Traylor. His mother married a Mr. Taylor. The second husband died some time ago, and her son was the head of the household.

In addition to the mother, Traylor is survived by a half sister, Mildred Taylor.

Rev. J. W. Sadler of the Baptist church will be in charge of the services this afternoon. Interment will be in Willow Dale cemetery.

From the front page of the Goldsboro News, Tuesday morning, Aug. 10, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn93064755/1926-08-10/ed-1/seq-1/

Community Raising Funds for Dossie Traylor's Bereaved Family, Aug. 10, 1926

Start Fund for Mother of Dead Boy

Frank Barnes, Eddie Chamblee and William Harris, young Goldsboro men, yesterday afternoon started a subscription fund for Mrs. Sudie Taylor of 212 East Pine street, mother of Dossie P. Traylor, who was killed in the automobile accident Sunday night. The young men reported that the citizens of Goldsboro were generous in their response and that a respectable sum as collected. Part of the money was expended in purchasing a funeral design for the dead boy.

The young men will continue their efforts today, and those who wish to donate but cannot see the collectors may telephone The News.

Editor's Note: Victim's last name is spelled Traylor and his mother's last name is spelled Taylor because after her husband died the widow married a man named Taylor. In other words, it looks like a mistake but it isn't.

From the front page of the Goldsboro News, Tuesday morning, Aug. 10, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn93064755/1926-08-10/ed-1/seq-1/

When Pinching Pennies Results in Death of Young Man, Aug. 10, 1926

The Blood of Dossie P. Traylor or A Prophecy Verified

This afternoon all that is mortal of Dossie P. Traylor will be lowered into a grave in Willow Dale cemetery. A weeping, broken-hearted mother, and a young sister will return to their little home on Pine street—hopeless and forlorn. Not only because a son and brother has gone prematurely to the grave, but because there is no one left in the house as bread winner.

But here is the point. If there had been a proper enforcement of the rules governing the speed of automobiles, young Traylor would be alive tonight, the little home on Pine street would not be listening to the knock of the poverty of coming years.

On whose hands does the blood of this young man fall?

In the inquest conducted over the body of Traylor three men testified tht they saw the Ford roadster and the Hudson car it was following driving on main streets of Goldsboro at a reckless rate of speed. H. J. Nealy, one of the men under arrest, admits that he was driving about 30 or 35 miles an hour.

Mind you that the death car was seen traveling recklessly across Center street and on John street a short time before the accident. But no officers stopped it. Here is the testimony.

Mark Lane said:

“About 10 minutes later I heard a noise like a car running at great speed: looked down Center street toward City Hall and saw two cars that looked like the two that had just passed me at the corner, going at great speed with the Hudson in the lead.

Walter Jones said:

Was standing at Fire Station No. 1. I saw a Hudson sedan and a Ford roadster coming down John street going south. Harold Grady was on the running board of the Ford and was cursing and telling the driver to catch the Hudson—he wanted to beat the driver of the Hudson. I think the two cars were running 35 or 40 miles per hour.

W.M. Gardner said:

I was sitting at corner of John and Ash streets about 10:15 last night. A Hudson car passed with a Ford roadster following, with Harold Grady on the running board of the Ford, and both going at 35 or 40 miles an hour.

After again asking the question on whose hands does Traylor’s blood fall, we quote an editorial in The News of June 12 concerning violation of speed laws in the city:

If the city of Goldsboro hasn’t some sort of speed limit, some sort of driving regulation, then it would be well to have such enacted at once, and then to have these enforced. Lfor just as sure as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, there will be a continuance of accidents and perhaps fatalities if reckless and careless automobile drivers are allowed to continue to dash through and across the streets, as they are doing at the present time.

On June 13, The News had another editorial which gives the heart of the whole matter:

The safety of the city is being sacrificed to a false notion of economy. We are losing $10 to save $1. We are running the risk of stultifying our official consciences in a vain effort to convict a tax-paying public that we can run the government more cheaply that our predecessors. One thing we can congratulate ourselves about: We have been exceedingly lucky that gunmen and bandits have found easy picking elsewhere. Sometimes we may not have luck with us.

When will the city wake up to the need of more policemen?

Citizens of Goldsboro, we leave the case to you.

From the editorial page of the Goldsboro News, Tuesday morning, Aug. 10, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn93064755/1926-08-10/ed-1/seq-4/

Charlotte Police Refuse to Release Names of Prominent Citizens Arrested, Aug. 10, 1926

43 Arrests at Charlotte

Charlotte, Aug. 9—City and county police were active here yesterday, and 43 arrests were made during the day. A number of prominent citizens were included in those caught but their names were withheld at the police station.

From the front page of the Goldsboro News, Tuesday morning, Aug. 10, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn93064755/1926-08-10/ed-1/seq-1/

New Deputy Sheriff "Chink" Rhodes Captures Men Who Robbed Three Stores, Aug. 10, 1926

Confesses to 3 Burglaries. . . Deputy Rhodes and Officer Lancaster Clear Up Cases

Three out of the seven instances in which homes or firms were entered last week were solved with the confession Sunday morning of Alfred Harris, colored. Harris implicated Coleman Smith, colored, in his confession. Both Harris and Smith were bound over to Superior Court under charges of store breaking and larceny in city court yesterday morning.

Deputy Sheriff “Chink” Rhodes learned that Harris had changed a $10 bill at a store in Webbtown. Deputy Rhodes knew that Harris was not caster. He went to the Harris’ home early Sunday morning.

Upon questioning Harris, according to officers, confessed to entering the Smithfi Hardware Company on August 3, to entering Handley-Stallings on August 4, and to entering Farley’s Department Store on August 5.

Several flashlights, a quantity of cartridges and a 32 rifle were recovered by the officers and identified by the hardware people.

The question of who the negro was who entered the home of Mrs. H. H. Hobbs last Friday afternoon, of who entered the home of Griff Porter and stole some small change, a pistol and a dinner ring Saturday, and the question of who entered the Parrot and Creech Shoe Store remain unsolved. Officers are working on these cases.

From the front page of the Goldsboro News, Tuesday morning, Aug. 10, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn93064755/1926-08-10/ed-1/seq-1/

"Mint Says" Editorial Page Column, Goldsboro News, Aug. 10, 1926

Mint Says

I notice in the columns of our afternoon contemporary that Mr. “Chink” Rhodes was responsible for the capture of the two colored men who area accused of breaking into the Smith Hardware, Handley-Stallings and Farley stores.

I certainly congratulate the city manager and Chief Tew on the efficiency of this new member of the police force. I think they used rare good judgment when they selected him as an addition to the “regulars.”

-=-

Dollars to doughnuts that there will be a season of rigid speed enforcement for exactly 11 ½ days.

Well that will be pretty good anyway. Its might hard, in hot weather, for fat men to stay in high gear over an extended period of time. After they have been going for about 10 days, everything works in a circle. Even law enforcement or non-enforcement.

I have never been able to understand why a man, when he gets incased in a certain kind of job, always gets fat. I am not talking about myself, understand. I was fat when I came here.

And besides, I am supposed to think.

But talking about speed, I have been told that a certain car, bearing four people, was seen last Sunday night, flying wildly about the city, just before it took to the highway leading toward Kinston, and ran amuck with a big ditch, and then there was a fatality. I wonder just what that human life was worth.

I feel sure, if it had been a member of my family, that I would consider it worth as much as the salary of about two of the men who are now employed on the Goldsboro police force; and I wouldn’t hesitate to include the heads of the departments either.

Editor’s Note: The phrase “dollars to doughnuts” was begun in the 1800s when doughnuts were cheap and a dollar was valuable. Betting “dollars to doughnuts” meant you were betting something valuable against something trivial. Thanks, Copilot.

From the editorial page of the Goldsboro News, Tuesday morning, Aug. 10, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn93064755/1926-08-10/ed-1/seq-4/

From Rev. Daniel's Sermon "The Cure of the Present Moral Laxity", Aug. 8, 1926

From Rev. Mr. Daniel’s sermon at St. Paul’s Methodist Church Sunday, which was entitled “The Cure of the present moral laxity.” And is based on scripture about the Prophet in the sixth chapter of Micah.

“The downfall of Rome was not due to a lack of bravery of the soldiers, of brilliancy of their scholars. The Grecians sank from their high place to one of the lowest in honesty and integrity. The Empires of Charlemagne and Louis XIV and VI fell in almost one generation from the highest position to the lowest generation. We need not think that our nation is safe from moral deficiency. Today its moral condition is the worst ever known in history. God has sone us that it is not his fault. Plenty of folks like to put the fault on the coming of the automobile or something else. But deeper than this lies the trouble. One big thing is our people are not living up to the knowledge they have. Everything must have a great foundation. . . morality not wealth, but upon honesty. La man isn’t fit to govern or rule if he isn’t honest.

Statistics from the school census show a decrease in honesty. In the city of Chicago 64 per cent of the school children are dishonest by their own acknowledgment. If you would build a good citizen, first have him honest; if a great preacher, president, home-maker, have him honest. “I’d rather be right than President,” said one of the greatest men who ever filled that chair.

Another great cause of these conditions is the entry of women into public offices. Now I know that some of you ladies will be angry with me, but let me tell you, women, men have brought shame upon us, and you will not be helped by trying to do the things that men do.

Every success in life must be obsessed by a great passion, a great love for another, which throws aside every fiber of selfishness, or a great sorrow. Sorrow is so close akin to love that there can be no sorrow unless there is love.

Then the prophet brings before you the arrogant rules. Watch him as he grinds his subjects; does anybody admire him? But look at the merciful man with pitying eye and brave heart, who would give up his life if necessary, to lift up broken humanity, and heal wounded hearts. Do all you can, not to lift up self, and smile in your own comfort but weep with those who weep, and rejoice with that do rejoice, and forgive—forgive!

God has never like arrogance. No nation has ever gotten by with it, and we needn’t think that we are going to get by with it. Humanity has ever been the test. “O God, what am I? Just a little speck upon the sands of time.”

So the care for moral laxity is use the knowledge God has given you, be honest, be merciful, be humble, and walk in the admonition and fear of the Lord.

From the editorial page of the Goldsboro News, Tuesday morning, Aug. 10, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn93064755/1926-08-10/ed-1/seq-4/

A.W. Gurley Official Delegate to N.C. Firemen's Association Aug. 15, 1926

Named Gurley as Delegate. . . Will Represent Local Firemen at Annual State Convention

A.W. Gurley has been name as official delegate to represent the Goldsboro fire department in the annual meeting of the North Carolina Firemen’s Association at Morehead City beginning Aug. 15.

An alternate will be named for the local company, and Fire Chief Leslie Yelverton will probably attend some of the business sessions of the Association.

Fully 2,000 firemen are expected, since the state law require that every fire company in the state must be represented.

The address of welcome will be delivered by Mayor Luther Hamilton of Morehead City, and there will be an address by Charles S. Wallace, also of Morehead City, former member of the legislature. An interesting program of instruction and entertainment has been prepared. Stacey W. Wade, state commissioner of insurance, will be one of the speakers.

From the front page of the Goldsboro News, Tuesday morning, Aug. 10, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn93064755/1926-08-10/ed-1/seq-1/

Raymond Glenn Makes Bond After Shooting John Nance, Aug. 10, 1926

Glenn Makes Bond

Raymond Glenn, who has been at the county jail since last Friday awaiting the outcome of the condition of John Nance, whom he shot on the Main street last Friday morning about 8:30, gave bond last Wednesday and left immediately for his former home in Hendersonville.

Upon recommendation of Solicitor Grover C. Davis the bond was named a at $3,000, which was made at local citizens.

Reports from the Bryson City Hospital are to the effect that Mr. Nance is improving from the wounds he received in the lung.

From the front page of the Ruralite, Sylva, N.C., Tuesday, Aug. 10, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn91068754/1926-08-10/ed-1/seq-1/

Drs. Candler, Tidmarsh Building Modern 60-Bed Hospital in Sylva, Aug. 10, 1926

Sylva to Have Modern Hospital

The announcement was made last week by Dr. C. Z. Candler of this place and Dr. Tidmarsh of Bryson City were going to erect a hospital in the near future, on Courtland Heights.

Dr. Candler says that the building will be of brick and of fireproof construction. It is said that there will be about 30 rooms, and that the building will be modern in every respect.

Work will be started within a short time and rushed to completion, it is said.

The site selected is an ideal location for such an institution, as it is on Courtland Heights overlooking the town, and is within each reach, and yet it is far enough from the business section of the town so as to not be bothered with the noise of heavy traffic.

The building will be built in such a way that as the demand arises it may be added to without heavy expense of remodeling the main building. It is also said that these gentlemen will erect nurses’ cottages and a first class laundry.

From the front page of the Ruralite, Sylva, N.C., Tuesday, Aug. 10, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn91068754/1926-08-10/ed-1/seq-1/

Hute Snyder Sells Addie Store, Aug. 10, 1926

Sells Store at Addie

Mr. Hute Snyder of Addie has sold his stock of general merchandise to Mr. George Snyder at Beta, and Mr. Snyder has moved the stock to his Beta Store.

Mr. Snyder has been in business at Addie for the past 18 or 20 years and has made a great success in the goods business.

From the front page of the Ruralite, Sylva, N.C., Tuesday, Aug. 10, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn91068754/1926-08-10/ed-1/seq-1/

State Department Worker to Test All Cattle in County for TB, Aug. 10, 1926

Cattle of the County Are Being Tested

Mr. I. R. Cooper of the State Department of Agriculture has arrived and started the work of giving the cattle of this county the tubercular test as fast as the work can be done. Every cow, calf, heifer, steer and bull will be tested and every one found to be affected will be killed, and the owner will be paid for it by the federal government.

It is believed by many that this is one of the foremost steps in the dairying business yet taken.

The County Commissioners passed an order some time ago that this work be done as soon as the State could get a man to do the job. It is estimated that it will take about 12 months to complete the job.

From the front page of the Ruralite, Sylva, N.C., Tuesday, Aug. 10, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn91068754/1926-08-10/ed-1/seq-1/

George Snyder Building Concrete Block Store, Aug. 10, 1926

Erecting New Store Building

Mr. Geo. Snyder of Beta is building a concrete block store building which he will move his stock of goods to as soon as it is completed.

Mr. Snyder will also operate a filling station in connection with his store, and a little later he says that he expects to build a repair shop and wash pits next to his store.

Editor's Note: According to A.I., wash pits allowed a gas station to wash away the mud from underneath the car.

From page 3 of the Ruralite, Sylva, N.C., Tuesday, Aug. 10, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn91068754/1926-08-10/ed-1/seq-3/

Beta Young Folks Enjoy Camping Party, Aug. 10, 1926

Camping Party

On last Saturday afternoon several young people of Beta enjoyed a camping party to Black Rock Creek Camp. The party was composed of Misses Leona Mills, Mayme Monteith, Bessie and Mayme Hoxiett; Messrs. Bill Taylor, Hobston Monteith and Julius Mills.

From page 3 of the Ruralite, Sylva, N.C., Tuesday, Aug. 10, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn91068754/1926-08-10/ed-1/seq-3/

Personal and Otherwise Briefs from Sylva, N.C., Aug. 10, 1926

Personal and Otherwise

Mr. Frank Welch of Waynesville was a business visitor here Wednesday.

Messrs. W.L. Gidney and Weldon Gidney of Asheville were visitors here Tuesday.

Mrs. J. R. Cochran has returned from a visit to Norton.

Mr. and Mrs. A. U. McClure of Canton spent Sunday with their daughter, Mrs. H. E. Monteith.

Mr. B. C. Grindstaff of Asheville was a business visitor Wednesday.

Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Keener motored to Asheville Sunday to meet Mrs. J. B. Keener and small son, Billy, of Winston-Salem, who will visit them for several weeks at their home on Main Street.

Mr. and Mrs. John Teague of Asheville have been visiting Miss Ruth Allison at her home in Webster.

Miss Lucile Cook, who has been visiting Mrs. W. A. McNeill for a fortnight, was joined by her father and mother for the week-end. They returned to their home in Lexington, Ky., Sunday.

Mrs. H. O. Converse of Chattanooga and Mrs. T. E. Kaveney and small son of New York City are now guests of Mr. and Mrs. McNeill.

Mrs. Lallie Carter of Americus, Ga., will arrive the first of the week and will be the guest of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. McNeill.

J. H. Wilson, C. C. Buchanan, J. F. Freeze and D. G. Bryson were business visitors in Asheville Tuesday.

Miss Sara Lissister, who has been visiting Miss Dorothy Moore, has returned to her home in Leesburg, Fla.

Rev. G. N. Cowan of Apex is the guest of his brother, Mr. M. D. Cowan and Mrs. Cowan at their home on Jackson Street.

Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Latta and family of Hillsboro were dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Cowan on last Monday.

Miss Katherine Cooke of Elizabeth City arrived Thursday and will be the guest of Miss Mary Allison.

Mr. and Mrs. Hal McKee of Charlotte are visiting at the home of Mr. McKee’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. McKee. Mrs. McKee has been a guest at High Hampson for several weeks.

Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Wison and son, Dick Wilson, motored to Blairsville, Ga., Sunday to meet Mrs. W. O. Buchanan and Miss Bess Curtis, who have been visiting Mr. and Mrs. Thad Fullbright at Winder, Fla.

Mrs. E. E. Bain and Miss Lucy Wells of Asheville are week end visitors of Mrs. Frank Weller at her home in Chimney Rock.

Miss Maude Leatherwood of Dillsboro spent a few days in Asheville the first of the week with friends.

Mr. Earl Ezell of Whittier was in the city Thursday.

Mr. John Flintem of Charleston is visiting friends and relatives in Cullowhee and Sylva.

The Woman’s Missionary Society of the M. E. Church will meet with Mrs. M. Buchanan Sr. this afternoon at 3:30.

Mrs. I. H. Powell left Thursday for Chicago where she will visit her brother and other relatives.

Mrs. Sara Sue Sherrill left for Atlanta Saturday where she will take a course in milliner with J. Regenstein Co.

Mr. Dan Smith of Orlando, Fla., is spending some time here with friends.

Mr. A. F. Clouse and Mr. tom Gribble, while looking over a boundary, came upon two large copperhead snakes. Mr. Gribble killed both snakes at one lick.

Miss Frances Coward spent a few days in Asheville the first of the week.

Mr. Sands, who is connected with Florida Citrus Growers Association of Florence Villa, Fla., is stopping at Jackson Hotel for a few days.

Mrs. A. W. Oaks of Florence Villa, Fla., and Mrs. C. H. Henson of Winter Haven, who are visiting here, motored to Asheville for a few days.

Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Johnson’s sister, Mrs. Sam Allison, has returned to their home in Eagle Lake, Fla.

Friends of Mrs. D. E. Murray will be glad to know that she is progressing very nicely from an operation which she underwent at the Mission Hospital.

Carla R. Sulsinger of Ft. Eustis, Va., stopped at the New Jackson Hotel the first of the week. Mr. Sulsinger writes short stories for motion pictures, having written “The Life” an “Other Women.”

Born to Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Fisher of Linden, Va., a son, Richard Marshall.

Mrs. O. S. Dillard and children of Marshall are visiting friends here.

Mr. Grim Grindstaff of Asheville spent a few days here.

T. B. Cowan, A. S. Moss and J. J. Wild were in town one day last week from Webster.

From page 5 of the Ruralite, Sylva, N.C., Tuesday, Aug. 10, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn91068754/1926-08-10/ed-1/seq-5/

George Bryson Died at Work Cutting Down a Tree, July 20, 1926

The Death of Geo. Bryson

George Bryson, son of T. C. and L. P. Bryson, was falling timber on the C. W. Denning and Co.’s works on the 20th day of July, 1926, and as a tree fell it threw a limb back, which struck George on the head, knocked him down and buried his head in the ground. He was picked up and carried to Sylva as soon as possible but he died about the time that he reached the doctor’s office. He was a member of the Ocre Hill Baptist Church. George was not a perfect boy, but he was a Christian. But he, like all of us, made his mistakes, there being so much wickedness in the world and many wicked associates to influence young men that they can’t hardly live a devoted Christian life. He was loved by all who knew him, as he was a friendly, pleasant and sweet spirited boy, and we believe that when he departed this life that he met the loved ones that are in heaven. Mr. Bryson was laid down to rest in the Crawford cemetery to await his call in the morning of the resurrection.

--Rev. J. T. Carson

From page 6 of the Ruralite, Sylva, N.C., Tuesday, Aug. 10, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn91068754/1926-08-10/ed-1/seq-6/

Two Killed When Roadster Crashed into Car Parked By Side of Road, Aug. 9, 1926

Two Young Men Killed in Auto Accident Today

High Point, Aug. 9 (AP)—Two young men were killed and two others seriously injured this morning shortly after 12 o’clock on the highway leading from Asheboro to Franklinville, when the roadster in which they were riding crashed into an automobile parked by the side of the road, according to information received her this morning.

The dead are Joseph York, 17, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Maness, both of Ramseur. The injured are Guy York, 19, and Everett Manness, brothers of the dead boys.

The two boys died at an Asheboro hospital early this morning where they were taken immediately after the accident by a party in a passing automobile.

Editor’s Note: The dead are—and then it only names one person.

From the front page of the Concord Daily Tribune, Monday, August 9, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1926-08-09/ed-1/seq-1/

B. L. Jay, Real Estate Man, Dies in Car Accident, Aug. 9, 1926

Real Estate Man Killed by Auto. . . B.L. Jay, Formerly with Thomas L. Dixon’s Wildacres Development Co., Head of Shelby Office

B.L. Jay, prominent real estate man and well known in Shelby, met sudden death Wednesday afternoon in an automobile accident that occurred while he was traveling rom Augusta to Monticello, Ga. Mr. Jay was on his way to see his wife when the accident occurred, details of which have not as yet been received in Shelby.

Mr. Jay was for some time local sales agent for Wildacres Developments, belonging to Thomas Dixon, and in this capacity was a familiar figure to Shelby people. He had previously been connected with the Laurel Park Estates as manager of the Asheville office, and at the time of his death was with Thomas E. Thrower Inc., selling Folly Beach, at Charleston.

Mr. Jay was a member of a prominent New York family, being a nephew of Ambassador Jay, who represented the United States at the British court during the Cleveland administration. He had been a resident of the western North Carolina district for some time before his death. He married a southern girl, Miss Bessie Pope, of a prominent Georgia family, living in Monticello. They had no children.

The funeral took place at Monticello Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m.

From the front page of The Cleveland Star, Shelby, N.C., Monday, Aug. 9, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn97064509/1926-08-09/ed-1/seq-1/

Opening Dates for Schools Will Range from Aug. 10 to Late October, Aug. 9, 1926

Schools Are Beginning to Open. . . 30 School Trucks. . . 13,660 Pupils in County Last Year. . . Dr. Highsmith Proposes Shake-Up in Courses of Study

School terms for 1926-27 will begin opening over the county Tuesday when the courses offered at Piedmont, Fallston, Lattimore and Mooresboro schools will get under way. Others will have their openings at later days, Waco the 16th of this month, Grover the 23rd, and others up until the latter part of October. While the exact date for the beginning of the Shelby City Schools has not as yet been decided, it will be some time about the middle of September.

The county schools, under the policy inaugurated during the past two or three years, will be more closely bound together than before by the consolidation of six schools at Belwood, to go into effect this term, and the combining of the Roberts and Elizabeth schools recently decided upon. Thirty trucks will take care of the pupils living at a distance from the schools which they attend.

The total enrollment this year is expected to exceed that of last year, which figured for the county exclusive of Shelby and Kings Mountain, 7,219 whites and 2,752 colored. This number is increased by the enrollment of 2,070 white and 425 colored pupils in Shelby and 971 whites with 230 colored at Kings Mountain. School facilities in the section have been increased to take care of the expected growing in enrollment. . . . .

From the front page of The Cleveland Star, Shelby, N.C., Monday, Aug. 9, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn97064509/1926-08-09/ed-1/seq-1/

Bate Philbeck, 63, To Be Buried Aug. 10, 1926

Bate Philbeck Paralysis Victim. . . Substantial Farmer and Well Known Teacher Died This Morning. . . Funeral Tuesday

Mr. J. Bate Philbeck, prominent citizen of the county, died Monday morning about 12:25 at his home about four miles west of Shelby, as a result of a stroke of paralysis in his left side, which came on him suddenly Saturday morning at 10 o’clock. Mr. Philbeck’s health had been gradually failing for about two years, but his death came as a surprise to his family and host of friends. He never regained consciousness from the time of his affliction to the death hour.

Mr. Philbeck has 63 years old at the time of his death, having been born in the midst of the Civil War in the year 1863. He married Miss Susan Doggett and is survived by his wife and three children, Mrs. Bynum E. Weathers, Joe and Chrles Philbeck, aged 13 and 10 years respectively. He leaves a valuable 200-acre farm surrounding his home, as well as other property over the county, being a very progressive farmer and substantial citizens.

Mr. Philbeck was a graduate of the University of North Carolina, where he was a member of the oldest and best fraternities. Although his course was one of the hardest in the curriculum, he was an honor student, and upon his graduation around 1885 he took a position as teacher in a Texas school. Later he returned to North Carolina, where he taught many years in Gibsonville, Earl, Fallston, and in other schools over the state and county. Members of the school board during his career as instructor rated him as one of the best teachers in the county. His last position was at Earl a few years ago, immediately following Prof. Lawton Blanton, and afterwards he retired to pursue farming.

Mr. Philbeck’s family, both on his own and his wife’s side, is related to the most prominent in the county, and he leaves a host of friends and relatives to mourn his death. A brother, Irvin Philbeck, died early in the spring.

Funeral services will take place Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 at Beaver Dam Church. Rev. D. G. Washburn, assisted by Rev. Zeno Wall, will officiate.

From the front page of The Cleveland Star, Shelby, N.C., Monday, Aug. 9, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn97064509/1926-08-09/ed-1/seq-1/

Mrs. Ed L. Kerr Dies in Plainview, Tex., Aug. 9, 1926

Mrs. Ed L. Kerr Dies in Plainview, Tex.

Mr. Henry Kerr and Miss Lill Kerr of Shelby have received information that their brother’s wife, Mrs. Ed L. Kerr died recently in Plainview, Texas. Husband of the deceased has quit ea few relatives and friends back in North Carolina who sympathize with him in his bereavement. Mr. Ed Kerr left his state in 1886 and has been a contractor in Texas. He was in North Carolina on a visit in 1910, the third trip he had made back home since he went West. Mrs. Kerr is survived by her husband and six or seven children.

From the front page of The Cleveland Star, Shelby, N.C., Monday, Aug. 9, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn97064509/1926-08-09/ed-1/seq-1/

Albert Vance Weaver Brought Home for Burial, Aug. 9, 1926

Cleveland Boy Dies of Accident. . . Vance Weaver, Formely of Lawndale, Killed by Street Car in Indiana. . . Funeral Today

Albert Vance Weaver, former Cleveland County boy, was killed by a street car in Evansville, Ind., one day last week. Young Weaver, according to the meager reports reaching Shelby, was driving a truck in the Indiana city, where he had been located for about a year, when he was struck by the street car. It was not known whether or not death was instantaneous.

Mr. Weaver was the son of Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Weaver, both deceased but formerly of the Lawndale section, and is prominently connected over the county. He is survived by one brother, Paul, and two sisters, Pearl and Mattie, all of whom are married. He also has an uncle living in Shelby, Mr. F.B. Weaver who is connected with the Shelby Corn Mill. The victim of the accident, boy of about 25 years, was himself unmarried, and had spent some time in the Navy, before going to Indiana.

His body will arrive in Shelby about 8 o’clock this afternoon, and interment will take place some time Tuesday at New Bethel Church.

From the front page of The Cleveland Star, Shelby, N.C., Monday, Aug. 9, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn97064509/1926-08-09/ed-1/seq-1/

Dr. Richard H. Lewis Has Died in Raleigh, Aug. 9, 1926

Dr. Richard Lewis Dead in Raleigh

Raleigh, Aug. 7—Dr. Richard Henry Lewis, for many years secretary of the State Board of Health, and for the past several years a member of the Board of Health, died here at the age of 75. He had been ill over an extended period of time.

From the front page of the Concord Daily Tribune, Monday, August 9, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1926-08-09/ed-1/seq-1/

Duckery Bound Over on Assault on Archie McEachern, Aug. 9, 1926

Son Duckery Is Bound Over on Assault Charge. . . Knocked Neal Archie McEachern in Head with Brick, Rendering Him Unconscious for 15 Days—Other Cases Before Recorder

Son Duckery, colored, was bound over to Superior Court under a $500 bond this morning after probable cause had been found against him by Recorder P.S. Kornegay on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon and inflicing serious injury upon Neal Archie McEachern, colored, on July 15.

According to evidence brought out at the hearing, McEachern was sitting on the street playing a new saxophone and did not know Duckery was anywhere about when Duckery hit him in the head first with his fist and then with a brick. McEachern was knocked unconscious without knowing who hit him, it was alleged. He was carried to the Thompson Memorial Hospital, where he remained unconscious for 21 days, suffering with a cracked skull.

The defense tried to bring out that McEachern had been intimate with Duckery’s wife, but this was denied by the State.

Other Cases

--William Carlyle and Harry Melvin were each taxed with the costs on a charge of speeding.

--Walter Lewis, colored, convicted of stealing a 10-cent cake, was required to pay for the cake and was taxed with the costs in the case, $10.70.

From the front page of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., August 9, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1926-08-09/ed-1/seq-1/

Sheriff and Prohibition Agent Settle Disagreement with Guns, Aug. 8, 1926

Sheriff and Prohibition Agent Are Killed in Duel

Clintwood, Va., Aug. 8 (AP)—A sheriff and a State prohibition agent were dead today, having settled with guns a grudge which had its origin five years ago in a disagreement over a land deal. The dual was staged last night on the steps of the Dickenson County courthouse.

C. Pridemore Fleming, Dickenson County sheriff, died soon after the battle with a bullet in the region of the heart. The dry agent, James S. Mullins, succumbed today from the effects of three bullet wounds.

A group of villagers, gathered on the courthouse for the customary evening talk, were ordered away by the sheriff. All but Mullins obeyed, and the sheriff was said by witnesses to have opened fire on the State officer. Mullins, a one-armed man, retreated up the steps, he sought protection behind a stone column, but in the exchange of shots with Fleming, he was struck in the stomach, arm and face.

After the cessation of the shooting, witnesses said, Fleming turned and walked away. At this juncture Mullins was reported to have fired the shot which killed Fleming, who fell unconscious and died 30 minutes later in a hospital.

The controversy between the men was said to have been re-kindled lately when they had some words over the recent Virginia primary.

Fleming was 50 and well-known throughout Southwest Virginia. He was serving his second year as sheriff and in addition conducted the Fleming Hotel. He leaves a widow and three children.

Mullins was 45 and had been connected with the State prohibition forces for five years. His widow and eight children survive.

From page 2 of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., August 9, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1926-08-09/ed-1/seq-2/

W.C. Bracey, Will Hunt Held for Transporting Liquor and Assault, Aug. 9, 1926

Rowland Men Arrested for Transporting and Assault. . . W.C. Bracey and Will Hunt Placed Under Bonds for Alleged Assault and Throwing Columbus Officer from Car

W. C. Bracey, said to be a brick manufacturer, of Rowland, and Will Hunt, Indian, wee held under $1,000 bail Wednesday following a preliminary hearing before Justice Spivey at Freeman. They were arrested and charged with transporting liquor and assault with a deadly weapon on the person of Deputy Sheriff L. N. Hankinson, states a Bolton dispatch to the Raleigh News and Observer.

The men were arrested at Rowland and returned to Bolton for a hearing, but at their request trial was transferred to another justice court at Freeman.

The Hudson automobile which they were driving at the time of their first arrest was seized and later released under bond.

Deputy Hankinson charged that he arrested the two men on the highway near Lake Waccamaw Sunday afternoon, and leaving his motorcycle parked, started toward BBolton with his prisoners, Bracey being seated beside the driver and Hunt in the rear seat, the officer using the captured machine.

Near Lake Waccamaw, he alleged, Hunt suddenly seized him about the neck from behind, while Bracey stuck a pistol into his ribs.

The officer contends that they threw him from the moving machine and escaped.

Hankinson was painfully though not seriously bruised by landing on the pavement.

From page 2 of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., August 9, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1926-08-09/ed-1/seq-2/

Ladies Call Police on Young Men Preparing for Ball, Aug. 9, 1926

Young Men, Preparing for Ball, Frighten Ladies

Town officers were called out Thursday night on account of a disturbance alleged to have been made by several young men preparing to attend a masquerade ball at Lake Waccamaw. It was reported that the men were using loud language, some of which was interspersed with profanity, and that a pistol was fired by one of them.

Going to the scene, the officers found a pistol in a Chrysler automobile, and, leaving one of the men with the car, they went behind the house—a so-called potato house in the yard of Governor A. W. McLean. When the officers left the car, a man dashed off down the street at a rapid rate in the car.

Ladies living in the neighborhood were frighted by the disturbance made by the young men, but none of them agreed to appear in court as witnesses against the men, and so no case was made out against them.

From the front page of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., August 9, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1926-08-09/ed-1/seq-1/

1 Polio, 5 Typhoid, 3 Measles Cases Reported Last Week, Aug. 9, 1926

Cases Reported by Dr. Hardin

Dr. E.R. Hardin reports the following cases of last week to the Robesonian:

--1 case of infantile paralysis at Maxton, R. 1, at the home of William Roberson, colored;

--5 cases of typhoid fever.

--3 cases of measles.

From the front page of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., August 9, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1926-08-09/ed-1/seq-1/

Lumberton and Fairmont Tobacco Markets Open Aug. 10, 1926

Ready for Opening of Tobacco Market

Everything here and at Fairmont is all set for the opening of the tobacco markets at the two places tomorrow morning, the day for the opening of all markets in the South Carolina belt.

A lighter sale is expected on the Lumberton market than that predicted by tobacco men the middle of last week. Tobacco in the fields ripened so fast the past few days until farmers were kept busy gathering it and had little time to prepare any of the weed for market. Local warehousemen now expect from 150,000 to 200,000 pounds on the opening day.

Sales on the Lumberton market begin in the morning at 9:30.

Editor’s Note: If you hear of a relative who grew weed in the 1920s, that meant he grew tobacco, not marijuana.

From the front page of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., August 9, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1926-08-09/ed-1/seq-1/

Local News Briefs in the Robesonian, Aug. 9, 1926

Items of Local News

--The condition of Mrs. Amantia Pittman, who has been sick for several days, is improved today.

--Alfred P. Page of Lumberton was among the notaries public commissioned by Governor McLean last week.

--Marshall French submitted Friday to a charge of speeding and was taxed with the costs, $10.70.

--The Woo Club will meet with Mrs. Dickson McLean Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock.

--Sign over door of a garage at Lake View, S.C.: “If Rockefeller and Henry Ford cant, How in the H--- can you expect it of me? Please don’t embarrass me by asking for credit. Strictly cash.”

--The Bright Jewels of the Chestnut Street Methodist Church, under the leadership of Miss Lula Norment, held a Bible study each afternoon last week. On Friday, the members were given a delightful lawn party.

--Mr. Everett Davis of Route 2 brought to The Robesonian office this morning twin apples grown on his farm out there. The apples were grown together and almost resembled one apple. Mr. Davis also brought an open boll of cotton plucked from a 26-acre field.

--Miss Bertha Barker recently underwent a serious operation at the Baker Sanatorium and is convalescing at the home of her father, Mr. W. P. Barker, North Elm. Mrs. S. E. Valentine of Rocky Mount, Another daughter of Mr. Barker, was a recent visitor in his home.

--Work is now in progress on putting in two 30-foot spans in the fill between the river, west of town. They are replacing a sunken part of the fill built there three years ago. Traffic over route 20 is being detoured by the Freeman Novelty Works during the course of the construction.

--Mrs. T.L. Johnson returned last week from Hickory, where she visited relatives, Asheville and other places in the western part of the State. She visited Mars Hill, where her son, Master Thomas, is attending summer school. Senator and Mrs. Johnson probably will go to the western part of the State the latter part of this week.

--Considerable improvement in the looks of the S. A. L. passenger station and freight depot has been made by the addition of coats of paint both to the inside and outside of the buildings. It is expected that a row of posts, replacing one that has been torn down, will be erected soon from the passenger station to the flower garden below the station.

--In addition to installing new fronts in his five stores, mention of which was made in The Robesonian some time ago, Mr. L. H. Caldwell is putting in new floors in all the departments and is painting the building inside and out, greatly improving its appearance. New fixtures for a millinery and ready-to-wear department are being installed upstairs in the dry goods department.

--Mr. O.C. Duncan, local manager of the Efird Department store, left Saturday for a week’s trip to New York City, the trip being one Mr. Duncan won when the Lumberton store exceeded the sales of the Albemarle store during the Efird chain sale in June. As stated in the Robesonian some time ago, Mr. Duncan also won cash prizes amounting to $100 for his sales record during the month.

From the front page of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., August 9, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1926-08-09/ed-1/seq-1/

Mrs. W. F. Cannon, 1864-1941, Buried by Husband's Side in Concord, April 17

Cannon Rites Held at Poplar Tent in Concord

Concord, April 11—From Popular Tent Presbyterian Church, which she served for many years as communicant, Sunday School teacher, and auxiliary leader, funeral services were held Friday afternoon at 3 o’clock for Mrs. W. F. Cannon, who died suddenly Wednesday night while visiting her daughter, Mrs. Halbert Webb at Kings Mountain.

Rev. M. R. Gibson, former pastor at Poplar Tent, conducted the last rites, assisted by Rev. P. D. Patrick of Kings Mountain, and Rev. W. P. Roberson of Concord. Burial followed in the family plot of the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers were C. R. Andrews, E. L. Morrison Jr., W. F. Morrison Jr., J. W. Morris and James B. Cannon.

The honorary escort was composed of elders and deacons of Poplar Tent Church.

Flowers were cared for by members of the Mattie Cannon Circle, which was named for Mrs. Cannon, and other friends of the family.

Mrs. Cannon, who was born January 10, 1864, was a daughter of John Harrison and Isabella Morrison, and a descendant of the pioneers, John and James Morrison. She was educated at local schools and at Salem Academy and was a life-long member of Poplar Tent Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher and president of the Woman’s Auxiliary.

She was married to William Franklin Cannon December 25,1881, and they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1931. Since Mr. Cannon’s death she has made her home with her children.

Surviving are six children, Mrs. George B. Means, Jay L. Cannon and Epsey M. Cannon of Concord, Mrs. Halbert Webb of Kings Mountain, Mrs. Maurice Wilson of Bartow, Fla., and John Cannon of Easley, S.C., and three brothers, W. F. Morrison, J. P. Morrison and E. L. Morrison.

From the front page of the Kings Mountain Herald, Thursday, April 17, 1941

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn98058845/1941-04-17/ed-1/seq-1/

Jury Still Deliberating Murder Case Against A.B. Medlin, Aug. 7, 1926

Jury in Medlin Case Locked Up for the Night

Monroe, Aug. 6—The jury considering the case of A. B. Medlin, deputy sheriff of Cabarrus Conty, who is charged with the murder of Mark Simpson last March on Medlin’s farm, in the upper edge of the county, was ordered locked up for the night at 11 o’clock upon their report to the court that they had been unable to reach a verdict. The case was given to the jury at 10 o’clock in the morning.

Medlin has contended that he shot Simpson in self-defense. The prosecution has attempted to show that Medlin was of an excitable disposition and that he had been in previous difficulties. Medlin was placed on the stand in his own defense and related a straight-forward story.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Aug. 7, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1926-08-07/ed-1/seq-1/

Mrs. Teeter Dies When Train Hits Car, Aug. 7, 1926

One Woman Killed and Four Others Seriously Hurt. . . Mrs. H. G. Teeter of Morganton Killed Almost Instantly—Her Daughter Was Driving Car. . . Auto Was Hit by Southern Train. . . Accident Occurred Near Statesville—The Car Stopped on the Track—Injured Taken to Salisbury

Statesville, Aug. 7 (AP)--One woman was killed almost instantly and four other women occupants of an automobile where seriously injured near her today when struck by westbound Southern Railway freight train.

Mrs. H. G. Teeter of Morganton was fatally injured. Her daughter, Miss Pearl Teeter, who was driving the car, Miss Dorothy Hinnant and Miss Louise Bannang, both of Raleigh, and Miss Mary Neal Ward of Gibsonville, were the injured.

The accident occurred shortly before 11 a.m. two miles west of here. The automobile in which the women were riding stopped on the crossing tracks and the engineer seemed unable to stop.

The party was en route to Salisbury.

The hurt are in a local hospital, but the extent of their injuries has not been learned.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Aug. 7, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1926-08-07/ed-1/seq-1/

Rev. Richardson Dies When Struck By Truck Following Revival, Aug. 7, 1926

Rev. N. R. Richardson Is Killed by Truck . . . Had Just Left Church at Piney Wood Where He Had Been Helping Conduct Revival

Rev. N. R. Richardson of Mt. Pleasant, retired minister of the Western North Carolina Methodist Conference and one of the best known men in the conference, was killed Friday afternoon when struck by a truck driven by a negro. The accident occurred near the Piney Wood Church in eastern Rowan County.

Mr. Richardson had been assisting Rev. F. J. Stowe in a series of meetings at his church this week, and Friday afternoon, after preaching, he was going home with one of the members. A lady driving the car stopped for some reason just after leaving the church and Mr. Richardson got out of the car to look about, as was his custom. It is said he saw a truck approaching and started across the road to get out of its path, then apparently changed his mind he retraced his steps in time to be struck by the truck, which was driven by a negro.

An ambulance was summoned from Salisbury but Mr. Richardson died on the way to a hospital in that city. He had suffered a cut in one limb but was apparently fatally injured internally. It is understood no blame attached to the driver of the truck.

The body was taken to Mt. Pleasant this morning and the funeral will be conducted from the Methodist Church at that place Sunday afternoon, the interment taking place at Albemarle.

Surviving are the widow and four children, the children being Miss Merrie, a teacher in the Salisbury schools; Prof. F. R., superintendent of the Spencer schools; Mrs. H. B. Stack of Spartanburg, and R. McTyiir(?) Richardson of Rocky Mount.

Mr. Richardson was 7i2 years old and was a superannuated minister of the Western North Carolina Conference. He had been a minister for 35 years, serving a number of charges in the state.

Before entering the ministry, he was a lawyer and had practiced at Raleigh. His last regular pastorate was First Street Church of Albemarle. Since retiring he has lived at Mt. Pleasant, where he owned a home.

News of Mr. Richardson’s death reached Concord about 7 o’clock Friday night in a message sent to relatives. The news spread quickly and came as a shock to the many friends here of the deceased.

Mr. Richardson preached in Central Methodist Church here two weeks ago in the absence of the pastor, Rev. R. M. Courtney. He had been heard here on numerous occasions and always with interest and benefit.

From page 2 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Aug. 7, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1926-08-07/ed-1/seq-2/

Farmer Loses Leg While Mowing Crop with Team of Horses, Aug. 7, 1926

W. F. Cannon Hurt in Accident

W. F. Cannon, prominent farmer of N. 2 township, was painfully injured Thursday while operating a mower on his farm. He suffered one ugly wound on his leg and minor bruises.

Mr. Cannon stepped from the mower to fix a line on his team. Just as he reached the horses, they started to walk off, throwing him in the path of the machine. It is believed his leg was cut off by part of the machinery.

While the injuries have proved very painful, it is believed Mr. Cannon is not seriously hurt.

From page 2 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Aug. 7, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1926-08-07/ed-1/seq-2/

Carpenters Want a Workers Compensation Law for State, Aug. 7, 1926

Carpenters Want a Compensation Law. . . To Make Determined Fight Before the Next Session of the Legislature

Salisbury, August 7 (AP)—The North Carolina State Council of Carpenters, in convention here at the morning session today, decided to make a determined fight at the next session of the State Legislature to have a workman’s compensation law passed, and to this end put through a strong resolution in which the State Federation of Labor is asked to have a special legislative representative on the ground continuously during the session of the General Assembly, and also call on all organized workers to aid in the efforts to secure the relief demanded. Conditions cover the state as they apply to the building trades, and wood working establishments, were discussed in a general way. There is to be an open meeting tonight at which time J. L. Bradford of Nashville, Tenn., international representative, will make an address.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Aug. 7, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1926-08-07/ed-1/seq-1/

Committee to Study 8-Month School Year for North Carolina, Aug. 7, 1926

Eight Months School Term. . . Question More and More Likely to be One of Unusual Interest

Raleigh, Aug. 7—That the question of an eight-months school term is getting more and more likely to be one of unusual interest and one that is likely to be productive of considerable fireworks at the next session of the legislature is evident in the recent appointment of Dr. Fred Morrison as assistant executive secretary of the state educational commission. The commission, consisting of 12 members, of which J. C. Carr of Wilmington is chairman and J. Y. Joyner, executive secretary, was appointed by Governor A. W. McLean, in accordance with an act by the last legislature to make a study of the educational system in the state, and any possible ways and means for improving it. The report of the commission is to be made to the governor who may then transmit whatever recommendations he sees fit to the legislature with his personal recommendations for needed legislation, remedial or otherwise.

The discovery that Dr. Morrison had been made assistant executive secretary has just been made, although he was tendered this office on July 22nd when the commission held its first meeting, and has been busy since then in collecting data dn doing the necessary research work necessary in assembling the material with which the commission will busy itself. A large part of the research work will naturally fall upon Dr. Morrison, although from the material he assemblies the commission will make its recommendations to the governor. And although no indication has been given by any members of the commission, judging from the general makeup of the commission, it is thought extremely likely that the eight-months school term will be among its recommendations, for the members of the commission for the most part are considered progressive. The chairman of the commission, J. C. Carr, is from New Hanover county, where at present the county schools all have a nine-months term. Though no statement could be obtained form Mr. Joyner, it is believe that in view of his former services of State superintendent of public instruction, that he will favor the eight-months term.

The employment of Dr. Morrison as assistant executive secretary is believed important, in view of the fact that he is admitted to be one of the leaders in modern educational thought in the state. A graduate of the State university, he was for several years on the faculty of North Carolina College for Women in Greensboro. Just last year he received his degree of doctor of philosophy at Columbia University, with a thesis based on the subject of the operation of the equalization fund in the financing of the State school system in North Carolina. Thus Dr. Morrison is well equipped to enter upon his duties as the research secretary of the commission.

Thus is appears not all unlikely that the recommendations of the commission will be progressive in nature, looking toward the building up of a stronger and more efficient system of State education, than otherwise, which naturally would include the question of an eight-months school term. The eight-months school term, however, cannot be legislated by the general assembly, but must be submitted to a popular vote of the people in the form of an amendment to the constitution, before it could become law. Hence it can only become a reality when a majority of the people of the state desire it and so vote at the polls. It is also pointed out that the eight-months term could not even be authorized before 1929.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Aug. 7, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1926-08-07/ed-1/seq-1/

N.C. Trying to Keep "Get Rich Quick" Building and Loan Associations Out of State, Aug. 7, 1926

Can’t Do Business in North Carolina. . . Unsound Building and Loan Association Can’t Come Here

Raliegh, Aug. 7—Raleigh, Aug. 7—North Carolinians are not likely to lose any money in “blue sky” building and loan association schemes, despite the fact that “get rich quick” crooks have adopted this method to extract cash from their unsuspecting victims, according to Stacey W. Wade, state commissioner of insurance. Lately a number of bogus building and loan associations have been attempting to do business in a number of southern states. But because of the strict provisions of the North Carolina laws governing the activities of building and loan associations in the state, it is impossible for any foreign association to do business without first securing a North Carolina charter. And before these charters are issued, the application must be approved by the insurance commission, after a thorough investigation.

In the last few weeks two applications for charters by “unwholesome” building and loan associations from other sections were refused by the State Insurance commission because there seemed to be “something not quite satisfactory” about their petitions, said Commissioner Wade.

“We are determined to protect the people of the state against any building and loan association that does not conform in every way to the laws of the state. We intend to keep the building and loan associations in the state the soundest and safest form of investment by keeping out any that are undesirable or questionable,” Mr. Wade declared.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Aug. 7, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1926-08-07/ed-1/seq-1/

Mrs. Jenkins Granted Divorce on Grounds of Separation, Aug. 7, 1926

L. L. Jenkins Is Divorced from Wife. . . Divorce Was Granted on the Ground of Separation

Asheville, Aug. 7 (AP)—L. L. Jenkins, millionaire property owner and former resident of Asheville, has been divorced by his wife, Mrs. Kate L. Jenkins in Buncombe County Superior Court it was learned today.

The divorce was granted to Mrs. Jenkins on July 12 on the grounds of separation for five years. Mrs. Jenkins has been living in Washington, D.C., for several years.

Said to have been the first man to make $1 million in Asheville, Mr. Jenkins had been for long time associated with the city’s business life. He also is well known in western North Carolina political circles. He is a director and large stockholder in the American National Bank.

He was formerly president of the Asheville baseball club. He was Republican candidate for the position of Lieutenant Governor in 1916 and in 1920 he was the nominee for representative in Congress.

Mr. Jenkins was born in Gastonia and was a postmaster there. He is said to have made his first money in cotton before coming to Asheville.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Aug. 7, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1926-08-07/ed-1/seq-1/

Laura Harris Circle Meets at Central Methodist Church, Aug. 7, 1926

Circle Meets Monday Evening

The Laura Harris Circle of Central Methodist Church will meet Monday evening at 8 o’clock in the ladies’ parlor. The hostesses are: Mesdames M. F. Ritchie, T. M. Rowlett and Miss Eva Taylor.

From page 2 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Aug. 7, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1926-08-07/ed-1/seq-2/

George Wakefield Committed Suicide After He Murdered Bertha Ansell, Aug. 6, 1926

Murderer Died by Own Hand . . . Wakefield’s Body Found in Skiff Where He Shot Himself Weeks Ago

The law’s hunt for George S. Waterfield ended this week when the body of the man who cruelly murdered 17-year-old Bertha Ansell three weeks ago was found in a Cove off Furby’s Island, eight miles from Currituck Courthouse.

The body was badly decomposed, and the top of Waterfield’s head was blown off. His gun and an empty shell lay in the boat. A coroner’s jury decided that Waterfield died by his own hand. He evidently had killed himself the night he escaped after killing Miss Ansell and wounding her companion, William Tatem. For Waterfield soon realized the rashness of his act, the futility of escape, and believing all that was near and dear to him was lost, decided to end it all. The body was discovered Tuesday morning by Joe Litchifield, a fisherman.

Before making his escape from Knotts Island, he left his watch, to be given his 2-year-old son when he reached manhood, and 90 cents, all he had in the world, with his aged mother.

The shooting of Miss Ansell is said to have followed a quarrel between Waterfield and his wife, in which he accused of his wife of accepting attentions from Charles Ansell, father of the girl. The quarrel ran to a fury, with curses and blows being passed, and just at the end of this argument, Miss Ansell and her suitor William Tatem came by. Tatem started an argument with Waterfield, alleging that he had been talking about Miss Ansell, and the outcome was, Waterfield, who was then believed to have just started out gunning for Ansell, raised his gun, and shot the girl dead, and wounded Tatem.

The fears of Charles Ansell, that Waterfield would return and kill him are at an end. But he has lost a daughter and Mrs. Waterfield a husband. Whether the two will try to share their losses together is now a matter of speculation among the neighbors.

From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, Aug. 6, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn83025812/1926-08-06/ed-1/seq-1/

City Manager Says He Will Sue Those Who Slander Him, Aug.6, 1926

Ferebee Says He Will Bring Suits Against the Culpeppers and Jones. . . City Manager Asserts That He Has Been Grossly Slandered and Thinks Suits Instituted by Him Will Bring Out the Real Facts About Grafting on City Contracts and Purchases

The charges of graft in which prominent Elizabeth City business men and members of the city administration are named will be aired in the courts. City Manager Miles W. Ferebee says that he will himself take the imitative by instituting suits for slander against W. L. Jones, president, and L. B. Culpepper, secretary and treasurer of the W. L. Jones Construction Company, and possibly George Culpepper, dealer in automobiles, road machinery and almost everything else that street paving and road contractors use.

At a meeting of the Board of Aldermen Monday night, the City Manager called for an investigation of every purchase made by his office during his administration. A citizens committee composed of C. E. Thompson, L. R. Foreman and J. B. Flora was appointed upon motion of alderman Jerry Hughes. But the City Manager has no idea that this committee without judicial powers can proceed far enough to suit him.

“I shall not be satisfied,” says Mr. Ferebee, “until the malicious business of hampering the city administration and grafting upon its contracts is broken up and I believe I owe it to myself and to the city to enter suits against every man against whom I have concrete evidence.

“In their despicable business of loading up contracts with commissions for themselves certain men, notably L. B. Culpepper and W. L. Jones, have represented to various concerns doing business with the town that controlled me and certain members of the Board of Aldermen and that in order to do business with the town I had to be paid. To protect themselves these men have represented that I must not be approached personally, but could be handled only through them, and the bidders for city business were cautioned not to discuss with me the amount that they said I was to get.

“Their methods are obvious. Pretending to get money with which to bribe me, they have sought only to get money to put in their own pockets. They have put me and put the city in a false light with numerous contractors and supply houses doing business with the city and have damned my reputation by representing me as a common grafter.

“They have created the impression everywhere that no one can do business in Elizabeth City without paying graft, and the city has been constantly hampered by contractors and others padding their prices to pay secret profits to local individuals who render the city no service at all and whose only claim to a rake-off is there false representation that they have to split their profits with me.

“I have suffered under the ignominy of these false representations for months and I shall go to the courts for redress.”

Thus speaks the City Manager in an exclusive interview given this newspaper this week. Mr. Ferebee insists that he had documentary evidence upon which to proceed and says he believes that numerous contractors who have done business with the city will substantiate his charges when put on their oaths.

This then is the latest development in Elizabeth City’s latest municipal scandal.

Powers of Citizens Committee Are Limited

The public should not expect any great revelations to come from the investigation by the Aldermen’s committee. Contractors and others who have paid money to members of the Board of Aldermen or to parties claiming to influence the Board of Aldermen are not going to incriminate themselves by talking to a committee, if they can help it. The committee hasn’t the powers of a grand jury.

Contractors and others who have been approached with demands for side profits by local individuals are not willing to talk openly because their talking would incur the hostility of every grafter in Elizabeth City and every grafter in every other town in North Carolina.

From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, Aug. 6, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn83025812/1926-08-06/ed-1/seq-1/

to read the rest of this story, go to:

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn83025812/1926-08-06/ed-1/seq-2/

When Mayor Asks Police Chief for Liquor--Both Agree It Was Just a Joke, Aug. 6, 1926

When Ye Mayor Asked the Chief for the Liquor. . . Chief of Police Holmes Corroborates Mayor McCabe’s Version in the Main

Reports that have kept Main Street gossip busy for the past week, to the effect that Mayor Aubrey McCabe had demanded of Chief of Police Holmes five gallons of contraband liquor under threat of dismissing the chief if he didn’t give him the liquor, are not heartily confirmed by the Chief of Police himself.

“I believe I did ask the Chief if he could’ let me have five gallons out of a lot of 55 gallons confiscated by the police some tie ago,” says Mayor McCabe, “but I was only joking and I didn’t expect to get any of the liquor, and I certainly did not threaten the Chief. That yarn must have been invented by some of my enemies.”

Chief of Police Holmes says: “The Mayor did say something to me about getting five gallons of liquor. It was on the morning after we had captured 55 gallons in the Twifford and Bateman case. I was on my way to Melick’s to get some sealing wax to seal the jugs with and passed the Mayor on Main Street in front of McCabe & Grice. I told him that I had 55 gallons of liquor in my office and I was going to put it under seal. He asked me if I couldn’t hold out five gallons for him? I told him there wasn’t a chance. If he made any threats I never heard them.”

Chief of Police Holmes says it is nothing unusual for the best citizens of the town to see him with contraband liquor, give him a sly nudge and a knowing wink and ask him if they can’t get some of it. He says he always takes these requests good naturedly. “I never pass by the side door of the First & Citizens National Bank with a jug of seized liquor that someone in the bank doesn’t yell at me or whisper to me, asking if I won’t turn it over to them,” says the Chief. “it is just a way of joking that folks have.”

The talk about Mayor McCabe seems to have originated with Trial Judge P. G.

Sawyer. It has also been given currency by Dr. A. L. Pendleton, chairman of the Public Utilities Commission. Neither Judge Sawyer nor Dr. Pendleton are friendly toward young McCabe.

The story involving Mayor McCabe has brought a lot of criticism upon the young man’s head, it being the opinion of good citizens generally that the executive head of the city should find some other way of joking with the police department.

From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, Aug. 6, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn83025812/1926-08-06/ed-1/seq-1/

Dr. John Saliba Swindled Out of $260 by Card Sharps, Aug. 6, 1926

Dr. John Saliba Easy Mark for 3 Card Sharps. . . Parted from $260 in Cash and Doped into Signing Draft for $410

Dr. John Saliba of Elizabeth City has traveled over more than half the civilized world, and is familiar with the language and customs of many countries and thinks he is thoroly cosmopolitan and world wise; but he was no match for a trio of card sharps on an Old Dominion Steamship liner from Norfolk to New York.

Three friendly young fellows took $260 in cash off Dr. Saliba on one of those steamers one night last week and then got his signature on a draft for $410 on his account at the First & Citizens National Bank in Elizabeth City. Luckily Dr. Saliba came to his senses in time to wire the bank to stop payment on the draft.

It was a hot night on the steamer and Dr. Saliba, traveling alone, looked hot an dlonesome sitting on the deck all by himself. He was wishing there were a lot of good fellows along to make the trip lively and interesting. The “good fellows” were right there and they had him spotted.

They picked a conversation with him, got him into an innocent game of bridge, then had a few drinks, changed to poker and the doctor doesn’t know what happened after that. Next morning his discovered that he was short $260, all the money he ha on his person the night before and he had a hazy recollection of having signed something. What he signed was a draft for $410, which the sharpers deposited for collection the very next day. But he stopped payment on the draft and is out only $360 in cash.

He says the next time he goes to New York he’ll steer clear of Old Dominion steamers and take a guardian with him.

From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, Aug. 6, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn83025812/1926-08-06/ed-1/seq-1/

When Officials Lean on Police to Find and Return Their Illegal Liquor, Aug. 6, 1926

No Graft at Edenton but Official Fun. . . Certain Prominent Citizens Sustain a Heavy Loss When Their Liquor Is Stolen

“We don’t have any graft or attempts at bribery among our city officials; the city wouldn’t stand for that, and none of our officers would stoop that low,” declared a prominent Edenton citizen this week, “but we did have something happen here a few days ago that was about as sensational as your turn-up over in Elizabeth City.”

“It seems,” he continued, “that some of our big officials were preparing to stage a little party, and hired a boat Captain to make the trip to East Lake, and bring back about 55 gallons of liquor, a jug for each man. Some of our policemen and Aldermen figured in on this deal, and so we have just learned why nothing has been done toward putting down the liquor traffic hereabouts.

“Well, the boat captain had a key to his employer’s fish house, and getting back late that night, unbeknown to the owner of the building, he ties up at the wharf and unloads his liquor in the building. But it happened that some sports abut town were having some fun down on the waterfront, and seeing something unusual that late at night going on, made a little investigation for themselves.

“the long and the short of it was that while the Captain was gone up town to collec this check for the 55 gallons at $15 per jug, these fellows down on the waterfront got into the building and got the stuff out of the way. When the Aldermen and policemen went down after their liquor, it was gone, and the alderman who had given his check for the goods ordered the bank to stop payment on his check.

“While the Captain was having a helluva time trying to collect the check on which payment had been stopped, the Aldermen were laying down the law to the policeman. “You’ve got to go after this bird, and you’ve got to catch him,” said the Alderman, “or we’ll get your job.” The policeman was in a fix and lost two days of good time trying to get onto the bird who stole the liquor.

“The Captain of the boat found that he couldn’t collect his check, and he started more trouble. It wasn’t long before he had spilled the beans all over town, and inside of 24 hours, all the drug stores were full of folks talking about the episode. And it wasn’t long either before the man who gave the check went down and settled up with the Captain, and got back the little scrap of paper that the boatman had been showing around town. But the Alderman is $165 out of pocket, and some fellow has enough wet goods to last him all summer. No, our Aldermen won’t take graft, but they are sporty fellows who like to enjoy themselves, even if they have a little hard luck while they are at it.”

From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, Aug. 6, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn83025812/1926-08-06/ed-1/seq-1/

Too Many Church-Goers Unfaithful to Spouses, Aug. 6, 1926

The Bank Clerk and The Soda Jerker. . . Small Town Stuff

“Edenton must be a wild old town according to all reports,” observed the Soda Jerker to the Bank Clerk the other morning.

“What’s the latest from Edenton?” queried the Bank Clerk.

“Why they tell me that a certain prominent professional man in that town has been running around with another man’s wife and getting away with it in fine shape until he got her in a briar patch the other night and the poor girl got hooked in the briars. He had to strike about a dozen matches to get her extricated and the light of the matches gave both of them dead away and everybody in Edenton is talking about it.”

“Well, Edenton hasn’t got a think on Elizabeth City,” said the Bank Clerk sourly. “How about that couple who ran out of gas on the Weeksville road not so long ago? Here was a prominent married woman who sets herself up as a great church worker, choir singer and all the rest of it. She takes another woman’s husband out for an evening and gets caught out at midnight with a stalled engine.

“She hails a passing car and asks them to send her help. Instead of that fool man with her keeping out of sight, he didn’t do a thing but hop on the car coming to town so that he could get home before his wife got the police looking for him. His fool break gave the whole thing away and now the town is talking about that.

“There is too much of that sort of thing going on in every little town. Now, I want you to understand me; I don’t set myself up as a Holy Moses; I’m no Puritan and I’d be one of the last persons in the world to condemn a heart-hungry man or woman, married or single, for falling in love wisely. But when people who set themselves up as shining marks of righteousness in the community conduct themselves like a lot of prostitutes and are so bold and shameless in their conduct as to attract public attention to their doings and set a rotten example for all the younger folk in the town, then I haven’t a damn bit of patience wit them.”

“Me too!” said the Soda Jerker. “But I think I’m going to church next Sunday. I haven’t been to church in a long time, but I shall drop in Sunday morning and see how well the lady sings after she has seen her picture in the paper.”

From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, Aug. 6, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn83025812/1926-08-06/ed-1/seq-1/

Unusual Revival at Mann Harbor, Aug. 6, 1926

Fanatics Fast, Preach, Pray at Manns Harbor. . . Community Upset by Remarkable Evangelist Who Refused to Eat or Accept Collections

The most remarkable religious revival of the season so far as has been reported to this newspaper comes from Manns Harbor, Dare County, where the Rev. J. G. Cox of Oriental, Pamlico County, has just closed a three weeks’ meeting, in which he asked neither for money, nor food, and with his companion-preacher Lewis, fasted without food or drink for several days.

Cox drifted into Manns Harbor several days ago, and announced himself a child of God, and by some unexplained trick got permission to hold forth in the public school building. Here he spread his blankets, sleeping by night, and preaching twice daily, threatening the wrath of God on the community, and telling his congregations that there was too much running around with neighbors’ wives.

Along in the midst of his revival, this Cox was joined by another self-appointed man of God who called himself by the name of Lewis, and declared himself a man of wonderful power, who needed o food or drink. For seven days, Lewis went without food, refusing to go to the homes of the people of the community. Neither preacher asked nor received any contributions, nor did they take up any collections during their revival, insisting that the Lord would provide.

It wasn’t long before they had aroused tremendous interest in this hospitable fishing village of 275 folk, and before long the school building was crowded, including among the crowds many of the most prominent people of the community. One night the preacher appeared on is pulpit and served notice that the front row of men had better move, if they were afraid of lightning, because God was ready to send a thunderbolt thru the room, and dire calamities would befall the village of Manns Harbor because the men of the Community, he said, had been running around with their neighbors’ wives.

“Get away from this front row,” said the preacher, “and let all who in God take their places.” Three women converts marched to the front.

“You people backsliders are a bunch of thieves, robbers and whoremongers,” declared the preacher, “and I dare either man among you to come forward and lay your hands on your wives who are up here. You are not fit to touch them.” One man walked to the front and led his wife from the building. Another citizen carried the lights from the building, and left the fanatic preaching in the dark.

Needless to say, the Methodist church, which the fanatic predicted was to be destroyed by a thunderbolt, is still standing, the preachers are gone after their week of fasting, but some of the womenfolk of the community haven’t got over their religion yet. On Sunday night, one woman awoke at 11 o’clock, declaring that the Holy Spirit was in her, and despite the efforts of her husband and neighbors, aroused the whole neighborhood and couldn’t be quieted until after half an hour or more of frenzied shouting. “If he had stayed there a week longer, I believe he would have had the whole place in an uproar,” declares one prominent Manns Harbor citizen. “It’s a good thing he got away when he did, or somebody’s home would have been busted up.”

From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, Aug. 6, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn83025812/1926-08-06/ed-1/seq-1/

Miss Wood Married W.H. Moore, Aug. 6, 1926

The Bride of a Norfolk Man

MRS. WILLIAM HUGH MOORE

Before her marriage recently she was Miss Nell Robbins Wood and is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.Q.A. Wood of this city. She is one of Elizabeth City’s most attractive and popular daughters. Henceforth she will make her home in Norfolk.

From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, Aug. 6, 1926

To see a photo of Nell Robbins Wood, now Mrs. Moore, go to:

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn83025812/1926-08-06/ed-1/seq-1/

Moonshiner Arrested for Killing Evangelist, Choir Singer at Beginning of Service, Aug. 4, 1926

Evangelist and Singer Are Killed in Pulpit. . . Lay Murder to Moonshiner Whose Ire Preacher Had Aroused by Whiskey Fight. . . Assassin Fired Through Window Just as Services Started in School

Morganton, Ky., Aug. 3 (AP)—An evangelist and a choir singer are dead, slain as they sang the opening hymn at revival services by an unidentified assassin who fired through the window of a country schoolhouse where the meeting was in progress.

The Rev. W. A. Moss, 32, toppled from his pulpit, dead, and Mrs. Jerome Robinson, 30, died two hours after the shooting last night at the Eary School, 12 miles from here.

J. D. Young, 70, suffered a slight scalp wound, and others in the meeting narrowly escaped. Mrs. Robinson’s four children saw their mother fall.

One man was under arrest early tonight and Sheriff Luther Turk of Butler County was at the head of a posse searching for another.

Clifford Wilson, 30, a fugitive since his escape from jail here a year ago, was arrested at his home on the statement of a 14-year-old girl that he had fired the shots. The girl fainted when the firing began and was unable to give additional details. Wilson, who was wanted on a bootlegging charge, denied the shooting.

The slaying created such excitement among the audience that none was able to say how many shots were fired.

County officials said the trouble to moonshiners whose ire the evangelist had aroused by his campaign against illicit whiskey and his activity in aiding enforcement officers.

It was learned today that the meeting was disturbed Sunday night by rowdyism on the outside. Two men disbursed the trouble makers, some of whom were said to have threatened to “come back and clean out the whole crowd.”

Mr. Moss came to this section about a week ago. Leitchfield, Kentucky, said that Mr. Moss came there from Pennsylvania in the spring of 1924 and preached for several months. His whereabouts since then are not known at this point.

From the front page of the Goldsboro News, Wednesday morning, Aug. 4, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn93064755/1926-08-04/ed-1/seq-1/

Posse Finds Body of Man Who Killed Bertha Asell, 17, William Tatem, 25, Aug. 3,1926

Find Body of Currituck Man. . . Near Spot Where He Killed Girl and Escort

Norfolk, Aug. 3 (AP)—The body of George Waterfield, guide at a ducking club on Knott’s Island in Currituck Sound, North Carolina, was found today in a half-submerged boat in a cove off Furny’s Island, eight miles from the spot where he shot 17-year-old Bertha Asell to death and fired two loads of buckshot into William M. Tatem, aged 25, on July 13.

The coroner’s jury pronounced death to have been caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Indications were that Waterfield killed himself a few hours after firing upon Tatem and the Ansell girl. The girl and her escort were shot down when she accused Waterfield of having circulated false reports about her.

The discovery of the body today ended a widespread man hunt that had been waged by the authorities of Currituck County since the tragedy which stirred Eastern North Carolina. A reward had been offered for his capture.

From page 5 of the Goldsboro News, Wednesday morning, Aug. 4, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn93064755/1926-08-04/ed-1/seq-5/

George Bass Fractures 5-Year-Old Son's Skull with Bottle; Meant to Hit Wife, Aug. 4, 1926

5-Year-Old Child Hit by Father. . . George Bass Slightly Fractures Son’s Skull

James Bass, 5-year-old son of George Bass who operates a store on North Williams St. in the Cotton Mill section, was struck on the head by a bottle in the hands of his father and badly hurt yesterday afternoon. Bass, said to have been drunk, was lodged in jail by Sheriff Grant who answered a hurry call for aid.

The bottle laid the (words obscured) and the left eye of the child for about an inch, and caused a slight fracture, according to Dr. D. J. Rose, who attended the injury. Dr. Rose carried the child to a local hospital where an operation was performed.

According to the story told by Mrs. Bass, her husband—a one-legged man who formerly operated a store in Goldsboro—was violently drunk and in a frenzy. The blow which struck the child had been aimed at Mrs. Bass, she said.

The affair created considerable commotion in the section. Two neighbors of Bass’s had to exert main strength to quiet him pending the arrest by the sheriff.

From the front page of the Goldsboro News, Wednesday morning, Aug. 4, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn93064755/1926-08-04/ed-1/seq-1/

Ben Rollins Talks the Fire Out of Burns, Aug. 4, 1926

Say Ben Rollins Can “Talk the Fire Out of Any Burn”

Nancy, France, had its Emile Coue, but Wayne County has its Ben Rollins.

In Wayne County today 50 people or more will not only tell you that he can “talk the fire out of a burn” but they will give names and information concerning people on whom he has practiced the art.

“I guess I have cured hundreds of folks,” Mr. Rollins, aged 77, told The News reporter who called upon him at his home near Ham Springs yesterday afternoon.

“It ain’t been more’n four weeks since a (line obscured) Wilson to git me to talk fire out of a burn he hal. He had fell not some hot stuff—was workin’ with the Velvet Ice Cream Company in Wilson—and it looked like he was done for. Then one of the boys who used to know me told him to come here. Well, I cured him and he is all right now.

Mr. Rollins is not the only one who testifies to the efficiency of his treatments.

“Did you ever hear of a Ben Rollins who is said to be able to talk the fire out of a burn?” I asked J. Floyd Barden, stopping first to ask the way to the Rollins’ home.

“Sure, I have heard about him. Now I don’t believe in haints and I am not superstitious, but I will tell you this. One of my children got a hand badly burned—the skin peeled off when some hot Mentholatum got on it—and was in sure enough agony when Ben came and talked to it. Pretty soon the baby was asleep and the hand got all right.”

Mr. Barden also said that his brother, Howard Barden of New Bern, once had a badly burned leg and that Mr. Rollins talked the fire out of the burn.

“And you can see the scar o his leg still yet,” said Mr. Barden.

Mr. Rollins explained that he was able to take the fire out through faith. “If I didn’t believe that I could (next line obscured) to try.” He insists, however—and here is where his formula differs from Coue’s formula—that it is not necessary for the patient to believe in what he is doing.

As The News understands the formula Mr. Rollins bends very close to the affected part and goes through a series of mystical movements and incantations. “But you couldn’t understand the words I use even if the burn was on your face,” he told the reporter.

“Where did you learn to do this mystery,” I asked the old man, grizzle-haired and bent with the weight of age.

“I was learned to do it,” he replied. “When I was about 16 years old. I was at a fish camp on the river when the straw where people was sleepin’ caught fire and badly burned me before I could git out. Then my brother threw me into the river or I would have been burned up completely.

“Well, my right arm was terrible. It looked like I was going to lose it,” and here Mr. Rollins pulled up his sleeve and displayed an old shriveled scar very near the shoulder and on the under side.

“Then I met a feller, Matthew Casey, who asked me to let him look at the place. He said he could take the fire out, but I didn’t pay much ‘tention to him. He did somethin’ and said somethin’ and sure enuf in a few days the fire was gone and the arm was all right.

“Then I says to myself as how there was virtue in that thing and I wanted to learn it. So I looked him up one Sunday and just before preachin’ time, and he was in a hurry to git away to services. I had told him before that I wanted to learn it, and this time he says to me ‘Well, just step over and see Aunt Phebe Capps. She will learn you.”

Mr. Rollins says that he at once sought out the woman—he described her as being about 90 years old at the time—and declares that for a piece of silver she taught him how to do the mystery.

“And I could teach you to do it if you wanted to learn, but you would have to give me a piece of silver. If you paid in greenback, it wouldn’t be no good, and I wouldn’t learn you how to for all the greenbacks in the world. It must be silver.”

It was some 60 years ago that Aunt Pheobe [Phoebe?] Capps, according to his story, gave Mr. Rollins the secret, and he says that he has been “talking the fire out of burns” ever since.

From the front page of the Goldsboro News, Wednesday morning, Aug. 4, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn93064755/1926-08-04/ed-1/seq-1/