The Murder of Tobe Irvine and the Subsequent Trial and Sentencing of John Mayfield and Alex Jones and Mayfield's Execution by Hanging
The Law, Crime and Punishment
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=41&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=A+series+of+newspaper+articles+and+other+documents+chronicling+the+November%2C+1878+murder+of+of+black+Florence+resident+Tobe+Irvine+in+Key%27s+billiard+saloon+by+fellow-black+residents+John+Mayfield+and+Alex+Jones%2C+the+subsequent+trial+and+sentencing+of+both+men%2C+and+Mayfield%27s+March%2C+1880+execution+by+hanging.">A series of newspaper articles and other documents chronicling the November, 1878 murder of of black Florence resident Tobe Irvine in Key's billiard saloon by fellow-black residents John Mayfield and Alex Jones, the subsequent trial and sentencing of both men, and Mayfield's March, 1880 execution by hanging.</a>
1-3. Florence Gazette
4. Lauderdale County Circuit Court Minute Docket Aug., 1875-Dec., 1878, p. 441.
5-10. Florence Gazette.
11. Tuscumbia, AL North Alabamian
12-13. Florence Gazette.
14. Moulton (AL) Advertiser
15-16.. Florence Gazette
17. Tuscumbia, AL North Alabamian
18. Moulton (AL) Advertiser
19. Florence Gazette
Newspapers.com
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1.+1878-11-13%0D%0A2.+1878-11-20.%0D%0A3.+1878-11-27%0D%0A4.++1878-12-20%0D%0A5.+1879-03-12%0D%0A6-7.+1879-05-28.%0D%0A8.+1879-06-04%0D%0A9.-10.+1879-09-17%0D%0A11.+1879-09-19%0D%0A12.+1879-10-22%0D%0A13.+1879-10-29%0D%0A14.+1879-11-06%0D%0A15.++1879-11-12%0D%0A16.+1880-01-10%0D%0A17.+1880-03-05%0D%0A18.+1880-03-11%0D%0A19.+1880-03-13">1. 1878-11-13
2. 1878-11-20.
3. 1878-11-27
4. 1878-12-20
5. 1879-03-12
6-7. 1879-05-28.
8. 1879-06-04
9.-10. 1879-09-17
11. 1879-09-19
12. 1879-10-22
13. 1879-10-29
14. 1879-11-06
15. 1879-11-12
16. 1880-01-10
17. 1880-03-05
18. 1880-03-11
19. 1880-03-13</a>
Lee Freeman
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The Murder of James Herschel Phillips by Nathan "Cush" Bowlin/Bolin in May of 1948.
The Law Crime and Punishment
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=41&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=A+Collection+of+newspaper+articles+and+other+documents+regarding+the+May+3%2C+1948+murder+of+Rogersville+taxicab+driver+James+Herschel+Phillips+by+African-American+farmer+Nathan+%22Cush%22+Bowlin%2FBolin.%0D%0A%0D%0ABowlin%2C+a+married+farmer+of+Rogersville+with+at+least+one+child%2C+refused+to+pay+his+cab+fare+and+when+Phillips+threatened+to+turn+him+over+to+the+police%2C+Bowlin+pulled+out+a+.38+caliber+pistol+and+shot+Phillips%2C+who+died+at+Limestone+County+Hospital+in+Athens+Monday+night%2C+May+3rd.%0D%0A%0D%0ABowlin+fled+and+had+not+been+apprehended+by+June+of+1948%2C+at+which+time+citizens+of+Rogersville+collected+%24200+for+a+reward+and+the+State+of+Alabama+also+collected+%24200+for+a+reward.%0D%0A%0D%0ABowlin+was+finally+apprehended+to+stand+trial%2C+at+which+he+was+sentenced+to+life+in+prison+on+Monday%2C+March+28.+1949%3B+he+appealed+his+conviction%2C+which+was+upheld+by+the+Alabama+Supreme+Court+in+March+of+1950.+He+was+sentenced+to+Kilby+Prison+where+he+served+approx.+11+years+of+his+life+sentence.%0D%0A%0D%0AIn+April+of+1961+Bowlin+and+several+other+Alabama+prisoners+were+granted+parole.+Bowlin+moved+back+to+Lauderdale+County.+In+a+weird+twist+of+fate+he+died+in+a+house+fire+at+the+Bend+of+the+River%2C+off+Gunwaleford+Road+in+southwest+Lauderdale+County.%0D%0A%0D%0ANathan+Bowlin+is+buried+at+the+Southside+Church+of+Christ+Cemetery+at+Rogersville%2C+in+East+Alabama.">A Collection of newspaper articles and other documents regarding the May 3, 1948 murder of Rogersville taxicab driver James Herschel Phillips by African-American farmer Nathan "Cush" Bowlin/Bolin.
Bowlin, a married farmer of Rogersville with at least one child, refused to pay his cab fare and when Phillips threatened to turn him over to the police, Bowlin pulled out a .38 caliber pistol and shot Phillips, who died at Limestone County Hospital in Athens Monday night, May 3rd.
Bowlin fled and had not been apprehended by June of 1948, at which time citizens of Rogersville collected $200 for a reward and the State of Alabama also collected $200 for a reward.
Bowlin was finally apprehended to stand trial, at which he was sentenced to life in prison on Monday, March 28. 1949; he appealed his conviction, which was upheld by the Alabama Supreme Court in March of 1950. He was sentenced to Kilby Prison where he served approx. 11 years of his life sentence.
In April of 1961 Bowlin and several other Alabama prisoners were granted parole. Bowlin moved back to Lauderdale County. In a weird twist of fate he died in a house fire at the Bend of the River, off Gunwaleford Road in southwest Lauderdale County.
Nathan Bowlin is buried at the Southside Church of Christ Cemetery at Rogersville, in East Alabama.</a>
1. Birmingham News
2. Florence Times
3. Florence Herald
4. Florence Herald
5. Florence Herald
6. Florence Times
7. Florence Herald
8. Florence Times
9. Florence Herald
10. Florence Herald
11. Alabama Convict Records, 1886-1952
12. Birmingham News
13. Montgomery Advertiser
14. Tri-Cities Daily
15. Florence Herald
16. Alabama Deaths, 1908-1974
17. Lauderdale County, AL Circuit Court
1-10. Newspapers.com
11. Ancestry.com
12-13. Newspapers.com
14. Tri-Cities Daily
15. Newspapers.com
16. FamilySearch.org
17. Lauderdale County, Al Circuit Court
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1.+1948-05-04%0D%0A2.+1948-05-04%0D%0A3.+1948-05-07%0D%0A4.+1948-06-04%0D%0A5.+1949-03-17%0D%0A6.+1949-03-29%0D%0A7.+1949-03-31%0D%0A8.+1949-04-04%0D%0A9.+1949-04-07%0D%0A10.+1949-04-28%0D%0A11.++1949-04-23%0D%0A12.+1950-03-04+%0D%0A13.+1961-04-29%0D%0A14.+1963-11-28%0D%0A15.+1963-12-05%0D%0A16.+1963-12-06%0D%0A16.+1963-12-06%0D%0A17.+1948-12-23">1. 1948-05-04
2. 1948-05-04
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6. 1949-03-29
7. 1949-03-31
8. 1949-04-04
9. 1949-04-07
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11. 1949-04-23
12. 1950-03-04
13. 1961-04-29
14. 1963-11-28
15. 1963-12-05
16. 1963-12-06
16. 1963-12-06
17. 1948-12-23</a>
Lee Freeman
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The Mob in Kentucky
The Law, Crime and Punishment
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=41&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=A+Thursday%2C++February+19%2C+1920+Florence+Herald+editorial+decrying+mob+law+and+lynching+in+the+wake+of+the+recent+attempt+of+a+white+mob+in+Kentucky+to+storm+the+courtroom+where+a+Black+citizen+was+on+trial+for+his+life%2C+which+resulted++in+soldiers+in+the+courtroom+fatally+shooting+several+persons+in+the+crowd.+%0D%0A%0D%0AThe+Herald+predicts+that+%22sooner+or+later+a+mob+in+this+state+is+going+to+run+on+a+sheriff%2C+or+an+officer%2C+bent+upon+maintaining+the+supremacy+of+the+law.+.+.+.+When+that+happens+and+the+mob+as+mobs+always+will+until+taught+better%2C+attempts+to+take+from+him+the+man+he+is+sworn+to+protect++it+will+receive+a+dose+of+lead.+The+lessons+of+the+citizens+of+our+commonwealth+will+be+needful.%22">A Thursday, February 19, 1920 Florence Herald editorial decrying mob law and lynching in the wake of the recent attempt of a white mob in Kentucky to storm the courtroom where a Black citizen was on trial for his life, which resulted in soldiers in the courtroom fatally shooting several persons in the crowd.
The Herald predicts that "sooner or later a mob in this state is going to run on a sheriff, or an officer, bent upon maintaining the supremacy of the law. . . . When that happens and the mob as mobs always will until taught better, attempts to take from him the man he is sworn to protect it will receive a dose of lead. The lessons of the citizens of our commonwealth will be needful."</a>
Florence (AL) Herald
Florence (AL) Herald
Newspapers.com
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1920-02-19">1920-02-19</a>
Lee Freeman
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The Killing of Sheffield, Alabama Resident Autrey Broaden on January 5, 1927.
Crime, The Law, and Punishment
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=41&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=A+Series+of+documents+chronicling+the+shooting+of+Autry+Broaden+by+Officer+MJ+Mitchell+on+January+5%2C+1927.%0D%0A%0D%0AAccording+to+noted+Yale+Professor+of+Music+and+Sheffield%2C+Alabama+native+Willie+Ruff+on+pages+22-23+of+his+autobiography+A+Call+to+Assembly%2C+no+doubt+working+from+memory%3A%0D%0A%0D%0A%22Once+she+had+settled+in+Sheffield%2C+Mr.+Autry+%5Bsic%5D+Broaden%2C+her+second+husband%2C+the+man+Mama+always+called+the+best+of+them%2C+came+into+her+life.+He%2C+she+said%2C+was+a+good+provider+and+a+balm+for+the+scars+of+her+earlier+married+hell.+But+a+year+after+their+marriage+and+shortly+after+the+birth+of+their+baby+girl%2C+Mary+Louise%2C+Mr.+Broaden+was+shot+to+death+by+Sheffield%27s+police.+It+was%2C+the+police+said%2C+a+case+of+mistaken+identity.+Back+then%2C+in+1926%2C+the+police+and+the+municipalities+of+our+South+were+routinely+not+required+to+make+restitution+or+assume+liabilities+for+Negroes+killed+under+those+conditions.+So%2C+with+one+more+infant+to+raise%2C+Mama+pressed+on%2C+alone+and+in+worse+straits+than+before.%22%0D%0A%0D%0ATwo+Alabama+newspapers+chronicled+Autrey+Broaden%27s+%28ca.+1894-1927%29+shooting+however+the+papers++both+alleged+that+Broaden+had+been+shot+after+he+fired+on+undercover+officer+MJ+Mitchell++before+striking+him+with+his+fist+in+an+attempt+to+evade+being+arrested+for+%22violating+the+prohibition+law.%22+Supposedly+Mitchell+fired+twice%2C+killing+Broaden.++Officers+waiting+nearby+heard+the+noise+and+responded+to+the+scene%2C+notifying+Colbert+County+Sheriff+Cobb%2C+%22the+occurrence+being+thrown+open+to+any+investigation+necessary.%22++Apparently+no+charges+were+filed+against+Mitchell.%0D%0A%0D%0AThis+incident+hasn%27t+been+located+in+any+papers+from+the+Tri-Cities+as+of+yet.%0D%0A%0D%0AOn+10+July%2C+1926+at+the+Colbert+County+Courthouse+in+Tuscumbia%2C+Manie+Mallory+married+Autrey+Broaden%2C+with+Probate+Judge+N+P+Tompkins+performing+the+ceremony.+At+the+time+of+his+marriage+Autrey+worked+as+a+%22cement+finisher.%22%0D%0A%0D%0AAutrey+Broaden+%28ca.+1894-1927%29+was+a+son+of+Ben+Broaden+%28ca.1853-aft.+1920%29+and+Fannie+Somerhill+%28ca.+1852-aft.+1900%29%2C+farmers+of+the+Pride%27s+neighborhood+of+Colbert+County%2C+Alabama.">A Series of documents chronicling the shooting of Autry Broaden by Officer MJ Mitchell on January 5, 1927.
According to noted Yale Professor of Music and Sheffield, Alabama native Willie Ruff on pages 22-23 of his autobiography A Call to Assembly, no doubt working from memory:
"Once she had settled in Sheffield, Mr. Autry [sic] Broaden, her second husband, the man Mama always called the best of them, came into her life. He, she said, was a good provider and a balm for the scars of her earlier married hell. But a year after their marriage and shortly after the birth of their baby girl, Mary Louise, Mr. Broaden was shot to death by Sheffield's police. It was, the police said, a case of mistaken identity. Back then, in 1926, the police and the municipalities of our South were routinely not required to make restitution or assume liabilities for Negroes killed under those conditions. So, with one more infant to raise, Mama pressed on, alone and in worse straits than before."
Two Alabama newspapers chronicled Autrey Broaden's (ca. 1894-1927) shooting however the papers both alleged that Broaden had been shot after he fired on undercover officer MJ Mitchell before striking him with his fist in an attempt to evade being arrested for "violating the prohibition law." Supposedly Mitchell fired twice, killing Broaden. Officers waiting nearby heard the noise and responded to the scene, notifying Colbert County Sheriff Cobb, "the occurrence being thrown open to any investigation necessary." Apparently no charges were filed against Mitchell.
This incident hasn't been located in any papers from the Tri-Cities as of yet.
On 10 July, 1926 at the Colbert County Courthouse in Tuscumbia, Manie Mallory married Autrey Broaden, with Probate Judge N P Tompkins performing the ceremony. At the time of his marriage Autrey worked as a "cement finisher."
Autrey Broaden (ca. 1894-1927) was a son of Ben Broaden (ca.1853-aft. 1920) and Fannie Somerhill (ca. 1852-aft. 1900), farmers of the Pride's neighborhood of Colbert County, Alabama.</a>
1-2. Willie Ruff
1. A Call to Assembly
2. A Call to Assembly
3. A Call to Assembly
4. Albany-Decatur (AL) Daily
5. Birmingham (AL) Age-Herald
6. Colbert County, Alabama 1900 Census, p. 58 A.
7. Colbert County, Alabama 1900 Census, p.184 B.
8. Colbert County, Alabama 1900 Census, p.184 B.
9. Colbert County, Alabama Marriage Records
10. Colbert County, Alabama Marriage Records
1. Viking Penguin
2. Viking Penguin
3. Viking Penguin
4. Newspapers.com
5. Newspapers.com
6. Ancestry Library Edition.
7. Ancestry Library Edition.
8. Ancestry Library Edition.
9. Ancestry Library Edition.
10. Ancestry Library Edition.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1.+1991">1. 1991</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=2.+1991">2. 1991</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=3.+1991">3. 1991</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=4.+1927-07-07">4. 1927-07-07</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=5.+1927-07-07">5. 1927-07-07</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=6.++1900-04-27">6. 1900-04-27</a>
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5. Lee Freeman
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The Killing of Robert "Bob" Vaughn by Cad Brown at Oakland and Brown's Subsequent Trial and Sentencing
The Law, Crime and Punishment
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=41&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=A+series+of+Florence+newspaper+articles+reporting+the+December+1889+killing+by+white+resident+of+Oakland+Robert+%22Bob%22+Vaughn+by+African-American+Cad+Brown+at+a+Negro+supper+and+dance+held+at+a+house+in+Oakland+and+Brown%27s+subsequent+Florence+trial+and+conviction+on+the+charge+of+2nd+degree+murder+and+sentencing+to+20+years+in+prison.+%0D%0A%0D%0ARobert+Vaughn++and+his+brother+Jim+became+involved+in+an+altercation+with+African-American+Griffin+Jones+%28wanted+for+unspecified+crimes+in+Mississippi%29%2C+who+hit+Jim+Vaughn+over+the+head+with+a+stick+and+then+fled.+Robert+Vaughn+ran+after+him%2C+taking+several+shots+at+the+fleeing+Jones+before+Cad+Brown%2C+a+bystander+and+Jones%27+cousin%2C+grabbed+an+axe+and+began+chasing+Vaughn.+Brown+struck+Vaughn+with+the+axe+as+he+was+turning%2C+with+the+axe+glancing+off+the+man%27s+cheek+and+cutting+a+gash+into+his+chest%2C+killing+him.+Brown+and+Jones+were+both+arrested.%0D%0A%0D%0AFriends+of+the+slain+Vaughn+attempted+to+take+Brown+from+the+jail+and+hang+him+but+were+prevented+by+Sheriff+George+W.+Porter+who+postponed+Brown%27s+trial%2C+had+Brown+transferred+to+Huntsville+for+safekeeping%2C+and+contacted+Governor+Seay%2C+who+authorized+the+Wheeler+Rifles+and+Sheffield+Light+Guards+to+assist+Sheriff+Porter+and+his+deputies.%0D%0A%0D%0AAt+his+March%2C+1890+trial+Brown+was+defended+by+John+B.+Weakley%2C+who+argued+that+he+had+killed+Vaughn+in+self-defense.+Consequently+Brown+was+sentenced+to+20+years+in+prison.">A series of Florence newspaper articles reporting the December 1889 killing by white resident of Oakland Robert "Bob" Vaughn by African-American Cad Brown at a Negro supper and dance held at a house in Oakland and Brown's subsequent Florence trial and conviction on the charge of 2nd degree murder and sentencing to 20 years in prison.
Robert Vaughn and his brother Jim became involved in an altercation with African-American Griffin Jones (wanted for unspecified crimes in Mississippi), who hit Jim Vaughn over the head with a stick and then fled. Robert Vaughn ran after him, taking several shots at the fleeing Jones before Cad Brown, a bystander and Jones' cousin, grabbed an axe and began chasing Vaughn. Brown struck Vaughn with the axe as he was turning, with the axe glancing off the man's cheek and cutting a gash into his chest, killing him. Brown and Jones were both arrested.
Friends of the slain Vaughn attempted to take Brown from the jail and hang him but were prevented by Sheriff George W. Porter who postponed Brown's trial, had Brown transferred to Huntsville for safekeeping, and contacted Governor Seay, who authorized the Wheeler Rifles and Sheffield Light Guards to assist Sheriff Porter and his deputies.
At his March, 1890 trial Brown was defended by John B. Weakley, who argued that he had killed Vaughn in self-defense. Consequently Brown was sentenced to 20 years in prison.</a>
1-8. Florence Herald
9. Florence Banner
Newspapers.com
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2. 1889-12-11
3-4. 1889-12-11
5. 1890-03-12
6. 1890-03-15
7. 1890-03-19
8. 1890-03-19.
9. 1890-03-20</a>
Lee Freeman
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The Killing of Nine Year-Old Frank Houston by Twelve Year-Old Annie Powers
The Law, Crime and Punishment
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=41&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=A+Series+of+Florence+Herald+and+Florence+Times+articles+detailing+the+killing+on+%22Saturday+morning+last%22+of+nine+year-old+African-American+Frank+Houston%2C+son+of+John+Houston%2C+by+twelve+year-old+Annie+Powers%2C+a+white+girl%2C+at+Stewart%27s+Spring%2C+as+a+result+of+Powers+throwing+a+rock+at+Houston.%0D%0A%0D%0AAccording+to+the+Times+Mr.+Houston+stated+that+his+son+was+%22a+youth+of+weak+mind%2C%22+and+was+struck+by+young+Miss+Powers+%22without+provocation.%22+however+eyewitnesses+stated+that+the+two+children+had+been+engaged+in+a+rock+battle.%0D%0A%0D%0AAn+autopsy+at+ZP+Morrison+%26+Son%27s+undertakers+was+performed+by+Dr.+WJ+Calloway.+which+revealed+a+bloody+wound+on+the+brain+on+the+back+of+the+head.%0D%0A%0D%0AThe+Herald+stated+that+%22the+girl%27s+mother+is+not+as+she+should+be%2C+and+some+steps+should+be+taken+to+get+the+child+away+from+her+and+her+evil+influence++at+the+first+possible+moment.%22%0D%0A%0D%0AThe+week+of+March+15%2C+a+Lauderdale+County+grand+jury+returned+an+indictment+of+murder+in+the+2nd+degree+against+Powers%2C+who+was+being+held+in+%22the+custody+of+the+officers%22+rather+than+in+jail%2C%22+however+the+court+opted+to+abate+the+charges+and+Powers+was+released.%0D%0A%0D%0AFrank+Houston+was+one+of+approximately+8+children+of+John+Houston+%28ca.+1863%3Daft.+1930%29+and+his+first+wife+Melissa+%28ca.+1867-aft.+1900%29%2C+who+in+1900+lived+at+Gravelly+Springs+and+by+1907+lived+on+Waterloo+Road+at+Stewart+Springs%2C+now+Wildwood+Park+in+West+Florence.%0D%0A%0D%0ANo+other+records+have+been+located+on+Annie+Powers.+">A Series of Florence Herald and Florence Times articles detailing the killing on "Saturday morning last" of nine year-old African-American Frank Houston, son of John Houston, by twelve year-old Annie Powers, a white girl, at Stewart's Spring, as a result of Powers throwing a rock at Houston.
According to the Times Mr. Houston stated that his son was "a youth of weak mind," and was struck by young Miss Powers "without provocation." however eyewitnesses stated that the two children had been engaged in a rock battle.
An autopsy at ZP Morrison & Son's undertakers was performed by Dr. WJ Calloway. which revealed a bloody wound on the brain on the back of the head.
The Herald stated that "the girl's mother is not as she should be, and some steps should be taken to get the child away from her and her evil influence at the first possible moment."
The week of March 15, a Lauderdale County grand jury returned an indictment of murder in the 2nd degree against Powers, who was being held in "the custody of the officers" rather than in jail," however the court opted to abate the charges and Powers was released.
Frank Houston was one of approximately 8 children of John Houston (ca. 1863=aft. 1930) and his first wife Melissa (ca. 1867-aft. 1900), who in 1900 lived at Gravelly Springs and by 1907 lived on Waterloo Road at Stewart Springs, now Wildwood Park in West Florence.
No other records have been located on Annie Powers. </a>
1. Florence Times
2-3. Florence Herald
4. Lauderdale County, Alabama Circuit Court Minutes F, March, 1907-June, 1911, p. 21.
1. Bell & Howell
2-3. Newspapers.com
4. Lauderdale County, Alabama
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The June 18, 1966 Shootings of Rev. Robert Gregory and Dewey Armstrong at Morning Side MB Church
The Law, Crime and Punishment
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=41&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=A+Series+of+newspaper+articles+chronicling+the+Saturday%2C+June+18%2C+1966+shooting+of+Rev.+Robert+Gregory%2C+pastor+of+Morning+Side+Missionary+Baptist+Church%2C+526+Blair+Street%2C+East+Florence%2C+and+parishioner+Dewey+Armstead.%0D%0A%0D%0AThe+shootings+occurred+shortly+after+6+pm+at+a+church+supper+fundraiser+after+Armstead+confronted+Gregory+over+allegations+the+Reverend+had+been+%22talking+about+him.%22+According+to+witnesses%2C+after+a+brief+conversation+at+the+church+altar+rail%2C+the+two+men+shook+hands+and+Armstead+then+pulled+out+a+.38+caliber+pistol+and+shot+Gregory%2C+who+then+grabbed+Armstead+and+wrestled+him+to+the+floor+where+he+was+again+shot+by+Armstead.+Meanwhile+church+secretary+Mrs.+Cora+Lee+Skipper+got+hold+of+a+.22+caliber+pistol+and+shot+Armstead+in+the+head+%28according+to+the+autopsy+four+times%29.+Both+Gregory+and+Armstead+died+at+ECM+from+their+wounds.+Ms.+Skipper+was+charged+with+first+degree+murder.%0D%0A%0D%0ANo+further+reports+have+been+located+but+apparently+either+the+charges+were+dropped+or+Ms.+Skipper+was+acquitted%2C+as+she+does+not+seem+to+have+served+any+jail+or+prison+time.+She+apparently+married+in+1968.">A Series of newspaper articles chronicling the Saturday, June 18, 1966 shooting of Rev. Robert Gregory, pastor of Morning Side Missionary Baptist Church, 526 Blair Street, East Florence, and parishioner Dewey Armstead.
The shootings occurred shortly after 6 pm at a church supper fundraiser after Armstead confronted Gregory over allegations the Reverend had been "talking about him." According to witnesses, after a brief conversation at the church altar rail, the two men shook hands and Armstead then pulled out a .38 caliber pistol and shot Gregory, who then grabbed Armstead and wrestled him to the floor where he was again shot by Armstead. Meanwhile church secretary Mrs. Cora Lee Skipper got hold of a .22 caliber pistol and shot Armstead in the head (according to the autopsy four times). Both Gregory and Armstead died at ECM from their wounds. Ms. Skipper was charged with first degree murder.
No further reports have been located but apparently either the charges were dropped or Ms. Skipper was acquitted, as she does not seem to have served any jail or prison time. She apparently married in 1968.</a>
1-5. Sheffield, AL Tri-Cities Daily
6. Anniston (AL) Star
7. Florence (AL) Herald
8. Dothan (AL) Eagle
9. Montgomery (AL) Advertiser
10. Sheffield, AL Tri-Cities Daily
11. Certificate of Death, State of Alabama
12. Sheffield, AL Tri-Cities Daily
13. Certificate of Death, State of Alabama
1-5: Bell & Howell Micro Photo Division
6. Newspapers.com
7. State of Alabama Department of Archives and History.
8-9. Newspapers.com
10.-12. Bell & Howell Micro Photo Division.
13. Familysearch.org
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Lee Freeman
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The Indictment and Conviction of Florence Bootblack Jordan Black for the 1919 Murder of his Wife
The Law, Crime and Punishment
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=41&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=A+series+of+newspaper+articles+and+other+documents+pertaining+to+the+Wednesday%2C+November+12%2C+1919+murder+of+his+wife%2C+George+Anna.%0D%0A%0D%0ABlack+was+a+disabled+bootblack+with+either+one+leg+or+no+legs+%28the+papers+differ+as+to+which%29+whose+stand+was+at+104+1%2F2+North+Court+Street+in+Florence%2C+in+front+of+Joseph+Milner+%26+Son%2C+Druggists.%0D%0A%0D%0AAccording+to+neighbors%2C+Black+and+his+wife%2C+George+Anna+Fleming++had+an+%22unharmonious%22+marriage+and+in+this+instance+were+quarreling+over+money+she+had+saved+to+pay+for+an+automobile%2C+with+Black+allegedly+trying+to+force+his+wife+to+give+him+the+money.++Black+claimed+that+at+about+10+am+his+wife+returned+from+the+neighbors%27%2C+where+she+was+heard+to+say+she+was+going+home+to+get+her+money+%22if+he+killed+her%2C%22+and+upon+returning+home+threatened+to+shoot+him.+According+to+Black+he+thus+shot+his+wife+in+self-defense.+Black%27s+acquaintance+Talley+or+Tolley+Crutcher%2C+who+was+inside+the+house+at+the+time+of+the+shooting+confirmed+Black%27s+story+but+was+himself+also+arrested.+The+shot+fired+by+Black+struck+his+wife+in+the+head%2C+killing+her+instantly.%0D%0A%0D%0AOn+January+5%2C+1920+a+Lauderdale+County+grand+jury+indicted+Black+for+first+degree+murder+and+on+January+20%2C+1920+he+was+sentenced+to+life+in+prison.+However+on+January+10%2C+1928+Black+made+application+to+the+state+Board+of+Pardons+and+was+subsequently+paroled+on+January+30%2C+1928.%0D%0A%0D%0AJordan+Black+%281881-aft.+1928%29+and+George+Anna+Fleming+%28ca.+1893-1919%29+were+married+in+Florence+on+August+29%2C+1911.+%0D%0A%0D%0AJordan+had+at+least+one+brother%2C+Lacy+G.+Black%2C+about+four+years+younger+than+him.+In+1910+the+29+year-old+Jordan+was+living+with+his+brother+and+his+family+on+Irvine+Avenue+with+their+grandmother+Cynthia+Black%2C+who+lived+to+be+over+a+hundred+%28her+obituary+claims+she+was+1908+at+her+death+in+1913+however+her+1910+census+enumeration+gave+her+birth+date+as+1811%2C+which+would%27ve+made+her+102%29.%0D%0A%0D%0AIn+December+of+1916+Black+and+three+other+men+were+arrested+and+in+March+of+1917+were+indicted+on+the+charge+of+selling+spiritous+liquor+without+a+license.++Whether+they+were+found+guilty+and+what+their+sentence+was+isn%27t+known+at+this+time.">A series of newspaper articles and other documents pertaining to the Wednesday, November 12, 1919 murder of his wife, George Anna.
Black was a disabled bootblack with either one leg or no legs (the papers differ as to which) whose stand was at 104 1/2 North Court Street in Florence, in front of Joseph Milner & Son, Druggists.
According to neighbors, Black and his wife, George Anna Fleming had an "unharmonious" marriage and in this instance were quarreling over money she had saved to pay for an automobile, with Black allegedly trying to force his wife to give him the money. Black claimed that at about 10 am his wife returned from the neighbors', where she was heard to say she was going home to get her money "if he killed her," and upon returning home threatened to shoot him. According to Black he thus shot his wife in self-defense. Black's acquaintance Talley or Tolley Crutcher, who was inside the house at the time of the shooting confirmed Black's story but was himself also arrested. The shot fired by Black struck his wife in the head, killing her instantly.
On January 5, 1920 a Lauderdale County grand jury indicted Black for first degree murder and on January 20, 1920 he was sentenced to life in prison. However on January 10, 1928 Black made application to the state Board of Pardons and was subsequently paroled on January 30, 1928.
Jordan Black (1881-aft. 1928) and George Anna Fleming (ca. 1893-1919) were married in Florence on August 29, 1911.
Jordan had at least one brother, Lacy G. Black, about four years younger than him. In 1910 the 29 year-old Jordan was living with his brother and his family on Irvine Avenue with their grandmother Cynthia Black, who lived to be over a hundred (her obituary claims she was 1908 at her death in 1913 however her 1910 census enumeration gave her birth date as 1811, which would've made her 102).
In December of 1916 Black and three other men were arrested and in March of 1917 were indicted on the charge of selling spiritous liquor without a license. Whether they were found guilty and what their sentence was isn't known at this time.</a>
1. Florence (AL) Herald
2. Florence (AL) Times
3. Florence (AL) Times
4. Florence (AL) Herald
5. Centerville (AL) Press
6. Lauderdale County, Alabama Circuit Court
7. Tuscaloosa (AL) News and Times-Gazette
8. Franklin County (AL)
9. Florence (AL) Herald
10. Lauderdale County, Alabama Circuit Court
11. Florence Times
12. Ancestry.com Library Edition.
13. R. L., Polk's 1913-1914 Tri-Cities Directory
14. Florence (AL) Herald
15. Lauderdale County, Alabama Circuit Court
Newspapers.com
Bell & Howell Micro Photo Division
Lauderdale County, Alabama Circuit Court
Ancestry.com Library Edition
R. L. Polk & Co.
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=9.+1927-12-09">9. 1927-12-09</a>
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=12.+1910-04-21">12. 1910-04-21</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=13.+1913-1914.">13. 1913-1914.</a>
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=15.+1917-03-12">15. 1917-03-12</a>
Lee Freeman
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The Fatal Shooting of Henry Austin by Willis Williams
The Law, Crime and Punishment
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=41&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Two+reports+of+the+November%2C+1880+fatal+shooting+of+black+resident+Henry+Austin+by+fellow+black+resident+Willis+Williams+on+the+Dr.+Neal+Rowell+place%2C+near+the+Bend+of+the+River+in+Lauderdale+County.">Two reports of the November, 1880 fatal shooting of black resident Henry Austin by fellow black resident Willis Williams on the Dr. Neal Rowell place, near the Bend of the River in Lauderdale County.</a>
Florence (AL) Gazette
Montgomery (AL) Weekly Advertiser
Newspapers.com
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1880-12-07</a>
Lee Freeman
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The Capture, Arrest, Trial and Sentencing of Matt Jenkins for Grand Larceny in 1890
The Law, Crime and Punishment
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=41&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Three+Florence+Herald+articles+from+February+and+March%2C+1890+reporting+on+the+escape%2C+capture+and+extradition+back+to+Florence+from+Memphis+of+African-American+Matt+Jenkins%2C+charged+with+grand+larceny.+%0D%0A%0D%0AJenkins+refused+to+return+to+Florence+from+Memphis+with+Lauderdale+County+Sheriff+George+W.+Porter+without+requisition+papers%2C+which+Jenkins+assured+Porter+would+be+too+expensive+and+not+worth+the+effort+based+upon+what+he+stole+%28some+clothes+and+a+watch%29.+The+Sheriff+promptly+received+the+necessary+papers+from+Tennessee+Gov.+Robert+Taylor+%281887-1891%29%2C+Jenkins+was+extradited+back+to+Florence%2C+tried%2C+convicted%2C+and+sentenced+to+one+year%27s+hard+labor+in+the+coal+mines+in+March+of+1890.">Three Florence Herald articles from February and March, 1890 reporting on the escape, capture and extradition back to Florence from Memphis of African-American Matt Jenkins, charged with grand larceny.
Jenkins refused to return to Florence from Memphis with Lauderdale County Sheriff George W. Porter without requisition papers, which Jenkins assured Porter would be too expensive and not worth the effort based upon what he stole (some clothes and a watch). The Sheriff promptly received the necessary papers from Tennessee Gov. Robert Taylor (1887-1891), Jenkins was extradited back to Florence, tried, convicted, and sentenced to one year's hard labor in the coal mines in March of 1890.</a>
Florence Herald
Florence Herald
Newspapers.com
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2. 1890-03-01
3. 1890-03-19</a>
Lee Freeman
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