THE ENTERPRISE IS HEAD BY OVER 3,009 MARTIN COUNTY FAMILIES TWICE EACH WEEK THE ENTERPRISE THE ENTERPRISE IS READ K OVER 3,000 MARTIN COCNTi FAMILIES TWICE EACH WEE* VOLUME LVI—NUMBER 77 Williams ton, Martin County, North Carolina, Thursday, September 24, 1953 ESTABLISHED 189? Hearing Peanut Case In Court Here Today Hardly Expecting Court To Complete Work Tomorrow —«— Battery Of Lawyers Group ed Around Four Defend ants In Peanut Case Delayed by the tedious and long, drawn-out trials of cases considered of no great import ance, the Martin County Superior Court is nearing the end of its first week with more cases left on its docket for trial than had been cleared away during the first three days. It is hardly ex pected that the court can com plete the trial of the criminal cases by the week-end recess to morrow. Pending trial in the courts since last March, the big-time peanut larceny 'cases against Julis Hu bert Williams, Oscar Burnett, Wil liam Henry Brown and C. B. (Candy Cake) Williams, were finally called late yesterday after noon. A jury was selected (before the court recessed for the day and the first* evidence is being offer ed this morning. A battery of seven lawyers are representing the four defendants, while At torney Clarence Griffin is assist ing Solicitor George Fountain with the prosecution. All four de tendants pleaded not guilty when they were arranged in court late yesterday. They are charged with stealing several hundred bags of peanuts from local warehouses , back in January of this year. Proceedings not previously re ported : Pleading guilty of assaulting his wife, Octoria, with a deadly wea pon, and pleading not guilty of assaulting his sister-in-law, Lou ise Purvis, with a deadly weapon . with intent to kill. Anthony Lani ■ er was found guilty as charged, the jury deliberating the case only a few minutes. It was brought out that a family quarrel was started at his mother-in-law's home on White Street in Wiiliamston last July 10 when he went home and called for a shirt to be ironed. Lamer left, went aver into Wil liams Township, got a shot gun and returned. The argument was reopened and he shot his sister in-law in the neck and struck his wif* over the head with the bar rel of the gun. Lanier, without a lawyer, said he did not mean to shoot his sister-in-lav.’, that he only meant to “scorch” her. The victim almost d ed. Wh> n his wife came into the house hol lering, “I struck her over the head,” Lanier said. Judge Bone had not passed sentence ^n the ^.■ase up until early today. The court worked just about all yesterday morning hearing forgery charges against Wyatt Staton. He was found guilty after the jury deliberated the case more than an hour. Judge Bone sentenced him to the roads for twelve months, suspended years. Staton was tentatively placed on probation and is to re pay $175 forged checks and costs. He is to avoid persons of ques tionable character and permit probation officer to visit him and violate no criminal law during (Continued on Page Three) Reported Locally Robbers failed in an attempt to break into Darden? Department Store here sometime during Tues day nisht or early Wednesday morning. j Breaking the glass in the back door, the robber reached inside but c-ould not unlock the lock and bars across the door made entry impossible. Failing in the attempt to open the door there, the robber with drew. An attempt was made to enter the rear of the Western Au to Store, but Roger Roberts saw the man and police, called^.o the scene, found him pone. The offices of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company were entered sometime during Tuesday night, but nothing of value was reported missing. Chief John Roe buck said. TRUCK ROUTE v A bid of $171,622 was sub mitted this week by the Hill Construction Company for the building and paving of a 2.79-mile truck route around Wllliamston. It could not be learned when the Washington firm planned to start work on the project, but no long delay is expected. J. S. Lilley, also of Wash ington, was low bidder on the project of moving’ several homes and a small commer cial building. His bid was $5, 850. Grand Jury Files Ahnual Report In Court This Week —«— Points Finger At Youths Visiting Pool Room In Williainston Literally swamped with the largest number of bills of indict ments in years, the Martin Coun ty Grand worked the greater part of two days before handling all its duties and filing its support in superior court late Tuesday after noon. In addition to their regularly assigned duties, the jury investi gated conditions at one school building and pointed its fingers at youths visiting a pool room in Williamston. The report follows in detail, as submitted to his honor, Judge Walter J. Bone, presiding, over the signature of Foreman Reuben S. Everett: All Bills of Indictment were passed upon by us. The Reports of Justice of the Peace were checked and found | filed with the Clerk of the Court j and all fines paid to County i Treasurer. I We inspected County Jail and found it in good condition. There I were eight colored, two white men in jail. No Woman. We inspected the County Home and found everything in good condition, -except bowl to stool, j There Ivere seven colored women and six men in the T. B. Ward. In 4he County Home there were two white men, six white women and four colored men. We had a complaint concerning the Granin.ur School in Roberson ; ville, and upon investigation we recommend the following: I Robersonvillc Grammar School Extensive repairs—Boys Bath Room: Blind for rear door. Complete repairs to windows. New Rear door. Four new toilet seats. Recommend individual stalls. Completely paint royn. Door stop on lunch room door and heavy glass. Repair front door to boys room. . fjMfMMg""* ^ _ (Continued on p*ge eight) | Drug Club Holds ! A Meeting Here The North Carolina Drug Club |h»Ui its night and. business meeting at the local "Wo man's Club building Wednesday night at 7:30 p. in. The speaker, the Rev. D. E. Earnhart of Washington, was in troduced to members and guests by Mr. E. D. Welch, also of Wash ington, who is president of the organization. Rev. Earnhart rmaotc "a vary whioh was well received and en joyed by all. The welcoming ad dress was by C. E. Clajk of Wil liamston with Mrs. John C. Hood of Kinston responding. Invoca tion was by Mr. W. B. Gurley of Windsor. Various firms from over North Carolina furnished valuable gifts and prizes and assisted in making the occasion a big success. Spec ial guests of the club were Dr. and Mrs. Victor E. Brown and Dr. and Mrs. Gabel Himmelwright of Williamston and Secretary of the N. C. Pharmaceutical Association, i Mr. W. J Smith, and Mrs. Smith I of Chapel Hill. 1 Sixty-Three Cases On Civil Calendar In Superior Court —*— Divoroes* Will Be Tried In The Court First 'Filing Next Monday -- Sixty-three cases—-few of them of any great importance—have been placed on the civil calen dar for trial in the Martin Coun ty Superior Court next week. All of this v. eek has been set aside for the trial of criminal cases. With Judge Walter J. Bone of Nashville on the bench the court will call a dozen divorce cases the first thing next Monday morning and th'en take up the various suits. Cases, other than the divorce actions, include: In the case of Randolph Chand ler against Peoples Building and Loan Association, the plaintiff is taking the action to clear up a title to certain property in Rober sonville. Pointing out that the instru ment was marked paid by mis take, the Guaranty Bank and Trust Company is suing Claude Hadley to recover $173.72 on a note. In the case of Fenner Respass, administrator, against Mary P. Keys and others, the plaintilt is petitioning the court to appoint a commissioner to sell certain property in Williamston to satis fy claims against the estate of Carrie Respass. Henry Hoell is suing Dave Dickerson and Chas. J. Hanson to recover $200 damages alleged to have resulted in an automobile accident. The case has been pend ing trial since April, 1948. * The bewiskered case of U S. Hoffman Machinery Corporation against Leander Bowen is again on the docket, the plaintiff suing to recover on an account. The case has been pending in the courts since March, 1949, and has been on the calendar repeatedly since that time. Maintaining that the defendant had been recorded as joint pur chaser of certain property in Wil liamston by mistake, the J. B. Cherry estate is suing the J. F. Thigpen estate to clear up the title to the property. In three cases, Davenport ana Hamilton are suing to recover on account, $394,66 from David L. Calloway, $234.82 from Jay Perry, and $534.24 frdm H. C. Jones. A boundary line dispute is in volved in the case of F. C. SHall ings against Wells-Oates Lumber Company, the defendant asking $1,500 timber damage. R. S. Critcher is suing Plum Williams to recover $100 alleged due on a note. J. H Blount and others are asking $1,000 timber damage in the boundary line case brought against the North Carolina Pulp Company. As a result of a freak accident last January 23, Roy Bowers, Jr., is suing Chas. W. Martin, Jr., for $5000. The plaintiff maintains the defendant was negligent in jack ing up a truck that he (plaintiff) was injured when he crawled un der the vehicle to remove a tire and the jack toppled over, spill ing the vehicle ortTmT"-""*"*"* Standard Fertilizer is suing J. R. Whealton to recover $221.78 due on account. In another case, Standard is suing J. S. Wilson to recover $2,453.37 on account. Fred Grimes is asking the court in his case against Raymond Wil liams to be declared the owner of certain property to wit, eight In the case of Williamston Parts and Meta! Company against Sam Lyons, the plaintiff is asking $3,363.26 alleged due on six cars of scrap iron. A right-of-way is involved in the case of N. C. Everett against Alton White. .a* * d dispute, Mayo Harrell is" asking $452 damages in his case against (Continued from Page Six) Registration For Cub Scouts Friday Registration for Cub Pack 29 for 1953-54 will take place at the Grammar School auditorium Fri day afternoon after school. Last year’s Cubs who have not yet re gistered are asked to bring their 50c fee. Any boy who is now eight years old may register for the I Cub Pack; he should be accom panied by one parent and should bring 50c registration fee. Expecting Thousands For Special Celebration Here Headed by a special reception i committee, including officials of the c rooty and several towns, thousands of people from over the county are expected here this afternoon when S/Sgt. Martel Uardv is given a royal welcome home after his stay of nearly three years in a prisoner of war camp in North Korea. Old Glory is waving already up and down the main streets, and the weather is just right for the event. Planned by a group headed by Henry A. Johnson, the event holds many surprises for the young man and his mother, Mrs. Nellie Hardy of RFD 3, Williamston. A new Plymouth four-door car is already for delivery to the young man. The purchase of the car was fin-1 aneed by voluntary contributions during a one-day canvass of the and immediate community. Late canvass of the town and im mediate community. Late reports state that Robersunville citizens are moving in to remember the young man with gifts and other favors. The special event will be open ed by a parade, led by the Wil liamston High School Green Wave band. The parade will form on Church Street and move to the corner of Washington and Main where brief ceremonies are to be held. Attorney Clarence W. Grif fin is scetduled to deliver the main but brief address. It was un officially learned that superior court would recess for the oc casion. Tobacco Sales Pass Eight Million Mark ATTORNEY 1I J Passing; his State Bar Ex aminations a short time ago and admitted to the practice of law here this week, Hugh Millard Martin, Jamseville young man, has opened his law offices in the Manning building here. A graduate of Wake Forest, he is the son of Mrs. K. O. Martin of James ville and the late Mr. Martin. Unload Big (inn For National Guard Here A largo 90-mm anti-aircraft gun, weighing about 19 000 pounds, was unloaded here this week for flattery C, of 150th AAA Bn The gun was placed at the guard’s temporary quarters at the municipal water plant on South Sycamore Street. GREEN WAVE BAND TAKES PART IN AHOSKIE PARADE Following the most successful “Tag Day” sale it ever '’(induct ed here, the Gre»n Wave Band of Williamston High School moved over to Ahoskie yesterday where it took part in a big parade and TJflT today will be down town in Williamston again. Highest Sale On Record Reported Here Yesterday -00 on a Norfolk bank. During the meantime, the wit neses said she tried to cry out, but the defendant threatened her and ordered her to keep quiet. The check was given to the cab driver and he wjnt to the bank to have it cashed.. When the bank called to see if the check was good, the witness said the defend ant advised her to say it was all right, that he was holding to her wrist at the time. Foljowing he noon day recess, the questioning was continued, the witness saying she wrote the check because he demanded her to, that he said he needed money. The taxi driver was away about (Continued on Page Five) Peggy Waters Is ~ Windsor Princess -(*, Miss Peggy Waters will repre sent Windsor High School and community in Williamston’s tith annual Harvest Festival, October 28, it was announced t,his week. Princess Windsor is 17 years old the daughter of Mr. ‘end Mi Philip Waters. Sue is active in high school, taking part in the glee club, the dramatics club, monogram club, in addition to be ing a cheerleader, a representa tive on the student council, treas urer of F. 11. A working in the library, acting as secretary of the senior class and serving on the annual staff. Princess Windsor also ts active in the community, singing in the ■church choir and serving on vari ous church organizations. She was Halloween Queen last year at festivities n Coleiam. She plans to study nursing, probably at Norfolk General Hospital. Killer Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison Holding its first session of the new school year, the Wil liamston Parents - Teachers Association will hear Sher wood L. Roberson, member of the County Board of Edu cation, speak on the impor tance of the approaching elec tion on the State bond issue. Included in the program is to be the usual get-together for the parents and teachers. The program is to open at 7:45 p. m. Monday, Septem ber 38, in the high school auditorium with President Asa Crawford presiding. Missing it by just a few memberships last year, the association this year hopes to sign up more than 500 par ents, teachers and friends this year and has adopted an am bitious and worthwhile pro gram for the term. Farmer Victim Of Flim-Flim Game Admitting he was bargaining to get something foi1 nothing, War ren Leggett, 55-year-old Pamlico colored tobacco farmer, was fleeced out of $388 in cash by pro fessional flim-flammers here shortly before noon Tuesday. Playing the old pocketbook game, the flim-flammers, a colored woman, baited the farmer perfectly. After cashing his to bacco check, Leggett returned to the tobacco market and was sitt ing on a pile of tobacco when the colored woman of low stature and with a dark brown complexion and a flat face, came up and started talking to him. Minutes later, the confederate, a tall, heavy set colored man of dark complexion and about 35 or 40 years of age, ^relit into action. The woman told Leggett that the man had picked up a, pocketbook. that he put it into his pocket in stead of trying to find the owner. Thi‘ eonferedate moved in, and explained that he knew they saw him pick up the pocketbook and that he would divide with them if they would say nothing. The con federate opened the popketbook and said it contained about $1,800. Leggett's appetite was whetted and he repaired with the couple to a secluded spot back of a used car lot ahd the fleecing was com pleted there. The male flint Ham mer called upon Leggett to put up money to show gi id faith, and the man arid woman took French leave. More than an hour later, Leg gett's faith began to waver and he went to the police A town wide search was made, but it was made in vain Police are certain that the flim flammers moved in from outside, that they were miles away before Leggett told his story. Church Visitation Program Planned The Disciples of Christ in North Carolina are in the midst of a Fall Visitation Program. Three teams are working for three weeks visit ing as many churches as time will permit, from September 20 to Or "aTFa'r'fur f i iUiMi^ .,r~ihr 'n'iww* will be made up of representa tives from the National Office, State Society, Women’s Work, At lantic Christian College and Re ligious Education. Monday, September 28, is the day for the Team’s visit with the First Christian Church of Wil liumston. All the meetings will be lie! I -in ' MriTTWK',''. Church The schedule fm the ac tivities of that day is given tn the church calendar. Dr. Travis A. White, President of Atlantic Christian College of Wilson, heads the visiting team. Accompanying him will be Mr. C. A. Weesmen of Indianapolis, lnd. Dr. C. A. Jarman of Wilson and Mrs. John L. Goff of W’il liamston. The program is one of enrich ment and guidance for the local church in putting on its course of action in Evangelism, Missions, Christian Education, Stewardship, Membership Development and Higher Education. Lanier Entered A Plea Oi Murder In Second Degree —*—*— Widow Of Frank Cherry Break* Under Strain In Courtroom Tuesday John Lanier, 31-year-old color ed man, was sentenced to prison late Tuesday afternoon in Mar tin County Superior Court to serve not less than twenty-five and not more than thirty years for the murder of Frank Cherry in Oak City on the night of Au gust 18, the defendant knowing not that only a technicality kept him from going on trial for murd er in the first degree. It seems that Lanier had confessed the kill ing but the confession was not put into writing. It was learned however that three witnesses, in cluding a State Rureau of Investi gation agent, were ready to testi fy that they had heard the con fession After the plea had been accept ed, Sheriff M. W. Holloman, quot ing mainly from Lanier’s confess ion, told about the Killing and the arrest later that 'evening in a local hospital, Lanier, after fleeing and hiding his , gun, returned to thu scene of the attack, picked up the victim’s sister and brought her to the hospital, witnesses declar ing that Lanier said nothing about the attack other than to ask if the man had been killed. In making the confession, Lani er told the sheriff that he did not mean to kill Cherry, that he just wanted to shoot him ‘'low". Lani er also said in his confession that he had warned Cherry to stay away from his common law wife, lilell Roberson. Lanier, according to the sheriff, declared he did not purposely pick up and load his gun with a buckshot shell, that he picked up a shell left in his home by a previ ous tenant. It was brought out that Lanier had shot at Cherry last March, (Continued on Page Eight) Proper Slacking Of Peanuts Pays Ninth Carolina peanut growers lost more than a half milling dol lars last year through damaged kernels, according to information released this week by R. 3. Rich, lr charge of fruit and vegetable marketing for the N. C. Depart ment of Agriculture. Rich attributed most of the damage to improper stacking practices at harvest time, 4‘Most growers know the prop er way to stack peanuts,” Rich said, "but ideal weather condi tions during the 1949, 1950 and 1951 seasons when the percentage of damaged kernels was very low caused many of them to become careless in stacking last year's tnso tv,,, was well cured before the rainy season be gan in mid-November and lasted until March. During this five month period, approximately half of the crop was picked and a high percentage of damaged kernels were found. Most of the damage occurred in the lower part of the stacks where the peanuts were stacked on the ground eliminating on eii cuTaTionATf'ali” SucFTa “con dition delayed drying of the nuts and resulted in moldy, rancid, and decayed kernels.” Peanuts, properly stacked and cured, will stand a considerable amount of rain before any kernel damage is noticeable, the special ist said. He recommended that cross pieces be nailed to the poles . i ifi n-.C'.i Cf At”” ! u-’gTuuii tf." The poles should be large enough and placed deep enough in the ground so that winds will not break or blow them over. In stack ing, the nuts should be placed next to the poles with the vines to the outside. He also recom mended keeping the stacks fairly small m circumference in order to permit quicker drying. The main thing to remember. Rich says, is to stack the peanuts so they will cure well and dry out quickly after rains. Proper air circulation is essential in cur ing and drying and this cannot be obtained if the nuts are stacked on the ground.