Newspapers / The Franklin Times (Louisburg, … / Aug. 2, 1935, edition 1 / Page 1
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YOUR TOWN ?1 ? bit bettor ?n willing to BOOST YOUR TOWN The Franklin THE COUNTY - THE STATE - THE UNION L YOUR LOCAL PAPER can't exlat without your Paid for Patronage in Subscriptions and AdT?rti?ing BOOST YOUR HOME PAPBB ? VOLUMN IiXVL SUBSCRIPTION f 1.80 Per Ye LOUISBUBG, N. CAROLINA, FRIDAY, AUGUST a. 1035 I EIGHT PAGES) M'MBKIt at: CHARLES G. STOKES 67, DECAPITATED "SWEAT" WARD NEGRO LYNCH ED FOR CRIME Ward Also Assaulted Spurgeon Ayes- j cue With Bottle and Sister With Iron Poker Tuesday Morning ? Ar rested by C. O. Renn and Ashley Fuller and W. ?. Neal and Brought To Louisburg ? Wrecks Office of Dr. j Perry, Was Taken to Jail, Later Moved For Safety When Taken From Officers Moore, Dean and Hight About Ten Miles From Louis burg ? Coroner's Jury Returns Ver dict ? Governor Orders Investiga ? tion? Militia and Patrol Ordered To Scene Knocking a white man in the head with a Coca Cola bottle, trailing his sister over the head with an iron po ker, knocking a white man in the head with a rock and cutting his head off with an axe, arrested, wrecking a Doctor's office, taken to jail later to be removed for safety, taken from the officers, carried back to near the scene of the murder and hanged to a tree is the experi ence of "Sweat" Ward, negro of the Epsom communi ty between 9 A. M. and 12 M. on Tuesday morning. Tersely told this Is the record of one of the most brutal crimes that has occurred In Franklin County within the recollection of Its oldest citizens. Information receivied at the sfcene of the tragedy was not en tirefy-.clear whether Ward begun his actMty Tuesday morning by knocking sister, Otho Kear ney's wife, in '"the head with an Iron poker cutuhg a long urly gap in her scalp, or by striking Spurgeon Ayescue, a yooug white man over the head with jt-^C?ca Cola bottle. The officers w?ce called in when a warrant was is sued for the assault on Mr. Ayeg cue with the bottle. Upon arriv ing at the home of Otho Kearney, colored, Ward was found setting In a chair beside a tree in the yard and was arrested. It was -at this time the officers were in formed that Ward had killed Mr. Charles G. Stokes, a white farmer who was at work in his tobacco field nearby. An investigation revealed the brutal tragedy where Ward had gone to Mr. Stokes' to bacco field, attacked and knocked him unconscious with a rock, and apparently attempted to carry the body to the house where -he (Ward) had come from. Find ing this inconvenient he went back to the house secured an axe and returning to Stokes' body cut his head entirely off and took it with the axe back to the grove and had placed it near the chair! he was occupying when the offi cers made the arrest, and which was discovered partly wrapped by the officers. Stokes was killed about one hundred yards from the house where Ward was ar rested. It was at this time that it was learned that he had struck his sister with the poker. When first arrested Ward was calm and offered no serious re sistance but before he could be removed frt)m the house he gave much trouble painfully injuring a colored man, as well as two dep utized officers, before he could be subdued. Ward was brought to Louls burg by Constable C. O. Renn, of Hayes ville township, assisted by Ashley Fuller and W. E. Neal. Upon arriving at Louisburg about 10:30 whan they were Joined by Coroner R. A. Bobbin, acting Sheriff, and Chief of Police C E. Pace. The officers, took Ward to Dr. .11. O. Perry's office for medical' attention to wounds re ceived in his resistance, where he (Ward) attempted an escape, striking Miss Lucy Tlmberlake, the nurse, breaking out a window and generally strewing things about in the office until he could again be subdued. He was tak en from the. Doctor's office to the County jail. All during this time the feel ing of the large number who had gathered and learned of the hein ous crime was running high. The officers fearing an attack thought it wise to remove the prisoner to another jail and he was placed in a car with officers John P. Moore, Sheriff-elect, P. E. Dean and J. Ed Hight who headed east on highway 56, evidently starting ?tor Nashville or to circle around aiitijand at the State prison at Raletkh, Whfen. they arrived at Maplevitte^flve miles out, so the officers staVfed. they found the highway blockett^ With the idea of evading any trb?ible the offi cers took the dirt roiti. to the right going out by Jackson's pond. Upon arriving at\^eb Wheeler's about three miles fro^H. Mapleville they again found the road blocked with several auto mobiles in evidence ? the crowd evidently contemplated the move ment of the officers. At this point the officers again took a side road to evade the crowd but were outrun and overtaken about two miles below Wheeler's at the old Vnughan place where the su perior numbers overpowered the officers, took the negro placed him in a car and sent him off while other cars detained the pf* fleers long enough to give a good lead. It la, not definitely known but supposed the car with the negro and its escorts returned to the original community, a distance of about fifteen miles, by way of Edward Best school, Moulton and Kearney's. Upon arriving at a point opposite to the road that leads to Wei don's pond the negro was hanged to a tree about fifty yards from the road and about two miles from the scene of the murder. The negro, though raised In that community and was regard ed by some as a good negro, bore the general reputation of being an exceedingly mean, troublesome and disrespectful character. He 1? said to be of average intelli gence and aboat the only reason for his inhuman and brutal wild rampage Tuesday was that he was possibly full of cocaine or some other similar drng. Hp was of a light ginger cake color and around I S to 30 years of age. He had been spending much time id the North. Bis body was (ContlBMd on page eight) BETTER HOUSING NEWS REEL WILL BE SHOWN LOCALLY At The Louisburg Theatre: Thursday and Friday^ August 1st and 2nd Tbe first of a series of motion pictures depicting the various phases of home and commercial modernization, as well as home construction, will, soon be shown here at the Louisburg Theatre. These pictures" carry the general title "Better Housing News Flashes" and are released under tb? "auspices of the Federal Hous ing Administration, Washington. These "Better Housing News Flashes" are not only educational but are also interesting and in structive. Women especially will find them most helpful in gaining ideas and suggestions as to the improvement of their own homes, whether it be the doing over of their living rooms with modern lighting and color schemes, ad ding an additional bedroom for the over-night guest, installing a playroom in the basement for the children or beautifying the ex terior of the home, as well as suggestions for gardening and landscaping. Tbe business men o{ "Main Street" will also be interested in seeing on the screen what they may possibly do with their pro perties in order to attract more trade, stimulating buying and in creasing the rental value of their properties. Mr. Davis, in announcing the showing of these "Better Housing News Reels" states, "I am happy to have the opportunity of co operating with the Oovernment in its drive to aid national recovery. I know that the citizens of Lou isburg and Franklin County are not only desirous of improving their own properties, but also realize that building activity will take men off^ of relief rolls and put them on pay rolls. I believe that through this Better Housing Program, we can make Louisburg the most prosperous city in the State. Recorder's Court Franklin Recorders Court held its regular session on Tuesday morning and disposed of [cases as follows: Clemons Davis was found guilty of larceny and given 60 days on roads. Uppn payment of $25.00 I fine and costs execution of road | sentence stayed. Jeff Webb was found guilty of [operating automobile intoxicated land given 3 months on roads and not to operate car for 3 months. Upon payment of $50 fine and costs road sentence stayed. Kunice Lancaster was found guilty of operating automobile in toxicated, and given 3 months on roads and not to operate car in 1 3 months. Upon payrient of $50 fine and costs execution of road | sentence stayed. Billle Hopkins, perjury, can Itinued. ^>l;orenza ffrodie, unlawful pos ,sisiolKof whiskey, continued. t RETURN^ fROM TENNESSEE | ? ^ ? who has been visiting relatives anlKfriends In Nashville and, Lewisbur*. Ten., has returned home after tt^Jour weeks visit. Ruby, her daugln^r will remain several weeks longed to visit Muscles Schoals, The Milk Way, and big Tennessee (Stock Farms, also some of the noted caves of that 9tate. As we get It. though our knowl edge of the monetary situation is no great stakes: A 60-cent dollar is the kind that's expected to make business go like sixty. Program At The Louisburg Theatre The following la the program at the Louisburg Theatre begin ning Saturday, August 3rd: Saturday ? John Wayne in "Desert Trail." Also 3rd Chap ter "Miracle Rider." Sunday ? Buddy Rogers and bis Orchestra In "Old Man Rhythmn. Monday ? W. C. Fields In "The Man on The Flying Trapeze." Tuesday ? Boris Karloff in "The Blackroom Wednesday ? Quy Klbbee and Aline MacMahon In "Mary Jane's Pa." Thursday ? Grace Moore In "Lore Me Forever." Friday ? William Powell and New U. S. Dreadnaught of the Air SEATTLE . . . The largest air bomber e??" built In the United States, powered by four 700 n.p. motor* with a speed of >00 miles per hour, has been tuned up We for maiden test trials which include a flight over the summit of Mt. Rainier for altitude ability. OFFICIAL INVESTIGATION JUDGE W. C. HARRIS PRESIDING Attorney General A. A. F. Seawell Assisting Solicitor W. Y. Bickett and Prosecuting Attorney Chas. P. Green ? Investigation Gets Good Start Before Noon Adjournment Judge W. C. Hat-rift, of the 7th Judicial District, assisted by Attorney General A. \A. F. Heawell, Solic itor W. Y. Hirkett and Prosecuting Attorney Chas. P. Green, acting upon authority and request from Governor J. C. B. Khringliaus, opened a Court of of ficial investigation of the lynching of Govan or "Sweat" Ward, ne gro, which took place about ten miles northeast of Louisburg on Tuesday, after he (Ward) had decapitated Charles G. Stokes and knocked two others in the head. ? Judge Harris, sitting as a committing.. Magistrate opened court at about lO o'clock, with quite a large crowd of spectators and wit nesses present, and immediately work was taken up. C% O. Renn, Constable of Hayesville townships who with assist ance made the arrest at the beginning, was the first witness. He reviewed the circumstance and happenings as he found them, go ing to the home of Otho Kearney's, arresting Ward, learning of and investigating the murder of Chas. G. Stokes, and the assault on Otho's wife, the resistance of Ward when he was being taken to Louisburg, attentions given In Louisburg, the wrecking of Dr. Perry's office, and the delivery of Ward to the County Jail. At this point Renn returned to the scene of the tragedy and from there to his home to return again in the evening. Upon returning he learned the negro had been taken from the officers and lynched. He went to the place where the negro was banged. He saw many people at both places but could name only a few. Mr. Renn was corroborated by Ashley Fuller and W. K. Neal, who assisted him in the arrett, except that Mr. Neat returned from liouisburg to his filling station and saw no more until in the after noon when he went to the scene of the lynching. L. O. Frazler who ifuned the warrant for the >rmt of the ne- j Kro for ansa lilt on Spurgeon Ayewue told of going to Otho Kear ney's for the purpose of asaistlng Renn If need be since he had not returned with the negro in a reasonable time and of finding the gruesome scene described by the officers. He could not luwfte those at the scene unless he name the entire community as he thoaght ^11 were there. yjmrgeon Ayescne told of the assault and of phoning to the Sheriff" ahout the murder and going the semi*. From there he went to HeiM^rson to have .Ms wounds dressed and was there when he heard of thelgnchinjff Dr. Perrf told of the trouble with the prisoner In his office and was of the opinion he was foil of cocaine. Sheriff J. E. Hamlet of Vuot County told of hearing of the trouble and going down to render what assistance he could. Saw the dweased and learned of the arrest and returned to Henderson. In answer to a request from the dovernor^fco returned to Franklin to assist the officers and found the negro had been lynched. He told of the crowd and appeased an expressed suggestion to burn the negro. At this point Judge Harris ordered m recess for dinner. The investigation will continna through the evening or longer bat the TIMES' report will have to close with this in order to get to press. Wealth isn't everything, _ says Maurice ~ Holderby. Tou wouldn't enjoy owning the whole earth tf you were the only person oft it. What the average woman waata is a strong, indexible nail who can be wrapped around her (tig er. The girl out our way with the terrible looking riding habit ha* got worse ones than that. Some of the best stories Father take* home he hears at the round table conference. Sabeoribe to TK* Franklin Timet J1.50 Per "fear I* AOvatce FARMERS CLUB MEETS At Franklinton Friday Night ? Many Speeches Made ? Officers To Be Nominated and Elected Next Meeting ? Many Present ? The second monthly meeting of farmers was held in Franklinton on Friday night at the New C. C Camp and a bountiful barbecue supper when representatives from all sections of the County was present and enjoyed a pleasant evening. The Lbuisburg Kiwanis Club and the Franklinton Business Men's Club were guests and were represented by G. M. Beam, for Kiwanis and Col. C. L. McGhee for the Business Men, both of whom made splendid and timely remarks. W. H. M. Jenkins had charge of the music and America was sung at the opening. E. J. Mor gan explained the objects of the meeting and acted as master of ceremonies. T. W. Boone, chairman, repre senting the Board of County Com missioners made a splendid talk and Bob Moore spoke on the sub ject of roads. The objects, plans an$ advantages of the N. C. rural rehabilitation wa? discussed by .Fe"fetUs Mitchiner. F. Clifton Winston, the new vocational teacher at Franklinton who fills the place made vacant by the resignation of G. L. Win chester, was introduced and made a nice and timely response. M. T. Lamm read the program and by laws .for the Farmers Club which were adopted. Supt. W. R. Mills, Franklin County's new Superintendent of Schools, gave a nice little talk on co-operation. Supt. G. B. Harris, of the Franklinton Schools, made splendid remarks, and Fred Jones explained the Rural Electrifica tion. The nominating Committee com posed of Howard Griffin, C. T. Hudson, and Fleming Fuller was appointed and requested to re port nominating at the next meet ing. W. H. M. Jenkifis introduced Mr. L. A. Caster, the speaker for the evening. Mr. Caster is from High Point and is Assistant For ester in the Soil Efosion work. He^ explained the value of Soil Conservation and said this pro gram was "to help the farmer help himself." The work was explained as a Cooperative proposition. The meeting was a most en joyable and entertaining one. GET YOUR SURVEY The TIMES is requested to state that all unsurveyed com munities in Franklin County de siring an electrification survey are urged to immediately get in touch with your County Agent. Mr. Mor gan or Asst. County Agent, Mr. Fred Jones and secure the neces sary preliminary survey blanks. These blanks must be filed with the N. C. Rural Electrification Authority before final survey for that community can be made. A survey must be made in each com munity to determine the feasibi lity of electrification before it can participate In any State or Federal program. /J Since the close of the first sur vey last fall, several communities have made requests to Prof. D. S. Weaver, director, for a survev. In regards to these requests Mr. C. W. Bnrton, survey director for the N. C. R. E. A., stated this week that they must fjll in the preliminary blanks Just the same as all other communitiies. There are several hundred com munities throughout the state de siring surveys and the appropria tion for this work is very limited. Delay will more than likely mean a sure possibility of some com munities being left out. See to it that It isn't yours. "Love Me Forever" Starring Grace Moore at The Louisburg Theatre Thursday, August 8th ^ Music takes flight on the wings of song to inspire.* gfeat lore in Columbia's "Love Me ForevjTf**' starring Grace Moore, at Louis burg Theatre Thuraday, August 8 th. 1 v The magic in the voice of a lovely top-hit daughter of luxury starts the flame of romance burn ing in the heart of a man who can never have her. He face* disaster with a smile ? for he oherishes an ideal ? an Ideal that will never die. Thrilling drama, coupled with the glorious singing of ?race Moore, makes of "Lore Me For ever" the record-breaking enter tainment it la. Featured with Grade Moore are Leo Carrlllo, Michael Bartiett and Robert Allen. Victor Schertlzincer directed. _ J. P. MOORE ELECTED SHERIFF MISS WEAVER ELECTED HOME AGENT Commissioners Adopt Bud get for 1935-6 ? Give Building to School ? Adopts Resolution I n Memory Late Sheriff F. N. Spivey. John P. Moore, Constable for Louisburg township, was elected to fill the unexpired term of the late F. N. Spivey Sheriff of Franklin County on the third bal lot at a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners on Mon day. Others applying were J. W. Harris, D. W. Spivey, H. C. Kearney, S. W. Tharrington, F. W. Justice and P. E. Dean. Upon motioin Miss ilouise Weaver was elected H<yne. *De monstration Agent, subject to the resignation of Miss Anne Benson Priest. The formal resignation of Miss Priest to take effect August 15, was later handed to the Board. It was ordered that the hospi tal bill for Willie Perry at State Sanatorium be. paid for two months. A motion as follows prevailed: "That building located on corner of cross and Persimmon Tree Street in Youngsville and known as the Tall Cheatham Bros, prize house be with the premission of the town of Conjmissioners of Youngsville be given to the Youngsville school for gymnosium same to be located on the Youngs ville School grounds." A settlement was made with M. S. Davis for plans for remodeling Court house on basis of $300 com plete with an additional $100 if <plan goes through. Applications for Sheriff were received and on third ballot J. P. Moore was elected to fill unex pired term of F. N. Spivey, de I ceased. Three hundred dollars was ad ded to the health budget to be used for increased salary of nurse. The resignation of J. P. Moore as Constable for Louisburg town ship was received and accepted. The Franklin County School budget was passed as tentatively approved. Upon motion resolutions as published elsewhere, were adopt ed relative to the untimely death of F. N. Spivey Sheriff. The following budget appropri ations were made for the -year 1935*36: General Fund Commissioners $ 3,000.00 Listing taxes 2,400.00 Sheriff's Office ..... 2,500.00 Tax Collector 4,025.00 Accountant's Office 3,580.00 Court House and Grounds 900.00 Register of Deeds 3,480.00 General Elections 1,000.00 County Jail 1.760.00 County Home 6,000.00 rWelfare Dept. 1,450.00 Poor Relief 4,500.00 Superior Court 3,950.00 Clerk Superior Court 3,775.00 Recorders Court ? 3,400.00 Juvenile Court 100.00 Coroner __ 200.00 Home Agent 1 825.00 Farm Agent 1,580.00 Emergency V , 1,000.00 Auditing 1*000.00 Total . $ 50,420.00 Healtli^Dept. 3.800.00 Interest and Exch. I 28,079.94 Bonds and Exch. 22,023.75 > 50,103.69 Roads Dunns ri_. t jr,844.60 Harris 5,714.25 Youugsvllle ... 2,046.10 Fr&nklinton 3,248.10 Hayesville 4,468.15 Sandy Creek 2,947.35 Gold Mine 3,729.80 Cedar Rock 1,543.85 Cypress Creek 3,007.69 Louisburg 4,869.35 iipwht Expense $ 2,911.13 apital Outlay . 9,133.76 ebt Service 25,232.43 $ 37,277.32 Franklintoa School T_> 1,351.35 Grand Budget Total $176, 369. SI Baseball Today Franklintoa and White level Will play bait Friday, August and, (Today), at ImMwi in the Louisburg College Part:. The game Is advertised to be gin at 4:00 o'clock This game promises to be very tight and j InUweiUag. ? 1
The Franklin Times (Louisburg, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Aug. 2, 1935, edition 1
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