Crime Court, Rapides Parish Louisiana Submitted by Betty White ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** ******* The Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, December 22, 1883 ******* Justice Court Saturday Peter Paul, charged with robbery, was given a preliminary trial before Justice Whittington. He was put under a $100 bond, which he gave, and was given his liberty. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, January 19, 1884. ****** State vs. Josh Talbert; charged with cutting rope of the steamer John M. Sandidge. Continued. State vs. Dick Dunenberg, charged with assault and battery. Continued. State vs. H. Smith; convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to kill. Sentenced to pay a fine of $20 and costs and to be confined in the parish jail for the period of seven months. Harriet Bell, a colored woman, was jailed Friday, charged with being an accessory tohorse stealing. The horses stolen last Monday night from Mr. Geo. Kelso, are the ones she is accused of having a hand in. Scott Mosely, (col.) charged with robbing the mails, and who was indicted a few days ago at Opelousas, was jailed here last Thursday night; and will be tried at the next term of the U.S. Court at this place. Mr. Daniel Warner, convicted for carrying concealed weapons, was sentenced last Saturday to be confined in the parish jail for the period of 25 days, and to pay a fine of $15 - in case the fine is not paid, to be confined 15 days longer. Harriet Bell, (col.) accused of being accessory to horse stealing, was put under a $100 bond, and given her liberty Tuesday. Adam Bell, (col.) accused of horse stealing, also furnished a $150 bond, and was given his freedom by Sheriff Paul yesterday. Thos. Reagan and Louis Lawrence, of Pineville, who were sentenced to jail at the last term of court, for a fewdays, for selling liquor without a license, were given their liberty Monday. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, February 16, 1884. ****** The following parties have been jailed during the past two days: Willie Johnson, a colored boy accused of assault and battery; and Wm. Richardson, accused of assault and battery and also larceny. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, February 23, 1884. ****** Mayor's Court, Pineville -- Ed. Pembroke, (col.) was brought before His Honor, Mayor Stucky, on last Saturday on two charges. He was fined $5.50 and costs for yelling on the streets. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, March 8, 1884 ****** Charged with Murder. - Yesterday morning a man by the name of Isaiah Lucas made an affidavit before Justice McGimsey charging Andrew Rush with killing his brother, Jeremiah Lucas. The difficulty which was the cause of Lucas' death took place on the 4th of last December, about twelve miles below Pineville on the North side of Red River. Isaiah Lucas was fighting with Andrew Rush, when his brother Jeremiah Lucas interfered to stop the fight and Rush turned on him and cut him badly in the abdomen. Jeremiah has been lying in a very critical condition since being cut, and constantly under a physicians care, but his wound was to be a fatal one, and he died last Thursday, after undergoing great suffering. The Justice yesterday placed a warrant in Sheriff Paul's possession for the arrest of Andrew Rush. ****** Bonded Out - Jno. Fisher (col) accused of shooting with intent to kill, gave bond Monday for appearance in the sum of $50, and was released from jail. ****** Mose Harden (col) accused of larceny, furnished an appearance bond of $50, and was released from jail. ****** Mayor's Court - Monday His Honor, Mayor McGimsey was on the sick list, and Justice Whittington was called upon to act as corporation judge. A man named Thompson, residing on McLaurin's place, Bayou Rapides, was brought before the Justice charged with committing a nuisance on the street. He was fined $2.50 and costs, or 12 hours in the lock-up. Not having the money, he had to take the latter dose. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, March 22, 1884 ****** Stamped with Victory - Last Saturday was a good day for one of our friends. We refer Mr. Paul French. He appeared in his first case before Justice Whittington, as counsel for plaintiff in a suit for the ownership of a horse. Two colored men, Geo. Carr, and Walter Hynson each claimed that they owned a certain horse. Mr. Paul French was counsel for Geo. Carr and Mr. John C. Ryan looked after the interest of Walter Hynson. Over thirty witnesses were summoned. Twenty-six of them were sworn and examined. After a sensible and sound argument by Mr. Paul French and also one from counsel for defendant, the Justice rendered a decision in favor of plaintiff for whom Mr. French was counsel. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, April 12, 1884 ****** Will Swing - The Governor has refused to take action in regard to the petition for the commutation of the sentence of Wm. Brooks (col.), and the law will take its course and Brooks will be hung on Friday, May 2nd. Brooks is the first man we ever heard of who wanted to be hung. Perhaps he will change his mind when the fatal day draws neat. Yesterday Wm Brooks (col) sentenced to be hung attempted to kill Geo. F. Smith, Deputy Sheriff with a broken bottle. The negro had attempted to cut his chain with the bottle, and succeeded in sawing it partly into when discovered. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, May 3, 1884 ****** Justice McGimseys Court - Friday Walter Johnston, alias Gunboat was brought before Justice McGimsey yesterday charged with procuring goods under false pretenses from Mr. J. N. Ball. In default of bond, he was sent to jail. The following is an Interview between Brooks [William Brooks, see above] and a Town Talk Reporter published on last Tuesday. Promptly yesterday evening a Town Talk reporter was at the jail with a view of going up to see Wm. Brooks the negor sentenced to be hung on next Friday, and with the permission of Sheriff Paul and kindness of Deputy Geo. F. Smith he was allowed to interview the prisoner: The reporter was met civally by Brooks, he having since a few days ago underwent a great change. Upon stating his business and handing Brooks a few refreshments to make him friendly, the reporter went to work. Brooks said: "My name is Wm. Brooks. I well be 25 years of age on the 4th of July next. I was born a slave in Columbus, Ga. My old masters name was Mr. Andrew Harp, who now lives at Milledgeville, Fla. "I have a mother living. My father died 14 years ago, and my mohter named Julia, has since married a man named Martin and they live at Opalacca, Fla. I have six borthers and six sisters living. One of my sisters lives at Columbus, Ga." Upon being further questioned by the reporter, he said: "I lived at Opelacca, Ala., for six years railroading part of the time and loafing the balance, I came to Rapides parish with Mr. Henry Bolding and family. Have been living here 7 years, and railroading all the time. I can neither read nor write." When asked by the reporter how long he had been living with the woman he killed and how the killing happened, he said; "I had been living with Mary Brooks, the woman I killed about three Months. We were not married. It was not my intentiion to kill her. I was cleaning my pistol at my cabin in Moreland quarters and she told me she was going to Romeo Herbert's house at another part of the plantation. I told her if she was going to take her clothes. She replied that she didn't want her clothes and wouldn't come back because I would beat her. As she said this I pulled my pistol and shot at her not thinking that I would hit her. She was running away from me. I did not go to her after I shot at her and did not know that she was dead until Mr. Jos. Neal arrested me that same night." "I was not drunk when I killed Mary. Never drink whiskey; nothing stronger than beer. I had not been to any of the stores since the Thursday before the killing which occurred on Saturday." Mary Brooks was 18 years of age at time of her death. Her mother was dead, but she had a father and sister living at Moreland. Her father is named Jim Brooks; her sister is named Mattie Wallace. Brooks is a black Negro, about 5 feet 8 inches in height, and weighted 196 lbs when first put in jail, but says he thinks he has fallen off some. He said he had been receiving every attntion from Sheriff Paul, and that Mr. Paul was very kind to him in every way. The killing took place on the 22nd of July, 1883. The Catholic priests have been visiting Brooks to offer him spiritual condolence, and under their Christian teachings he seems to have become resigned to his fate. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, May 17, 1884 ****** Crayton Snowden and His wife Josephine, and Mary E. Wright, the negroes who so badly beat Corine Hovel (col.) last Wednesday night, were taken from jail yesterday and brought before His Honor for trial. Dr. French, who is attending Corine, stated that her condition is very critical, and that she may die from the effects of the bruises received from the parties above named. They were remended to jail to await developments in Corine's case. Jailed - Saturday evening Henry Odum (col.) charged with stealing $10 worth of corn about three months ago from Thos. E. Jones. (col.) who resides in Alexandria, was nabbed by constable Smith and taken to jail. He will be given a preliminary examination next week before Justice McGimsey. Justice McGimsey's Court - Jno. Kelso, a colored boy was before Justice McGimsey Saturday charged by John Crown (col.) with tresspassing on his premises. Kelso was discharged with a reprimand from the Justice, upon Crown withdrawing the charge, and Kelso promising to "go and sin no more." Peace Bond. - Some days ago a man named Wm. Harris assaulted Mr. Hooter and some of his neighbors who resided some distance back of Pineville, and Harris was arrested and taken before Justice Whittington and was made to give a $50 peace bond. Day-before yesterday Harris was released on his bond, but again assaulted his parties residing in same neighborhood, and was arrested by Constable Smith and taken before Justice Whittington again who placed his bond to keep the peace at $150. Harris could not furnish a bond on Wednesday so he was taken to jail. He however furnished bond yesterday morning and was given his liberty. Cutting Affair. - Saturday evening somewhere in the suburbs of Alexandria Lee Cockerille had a difficulty with a colored boy named John Parker, son of the John Parker employed at Rogers & Williams warehouse. We did not learn how the difficulty originated, but from Dr. Price who was called in to dress the wounds of the wounded boy, we learned that the cuts are not dangerous. Parker was cut on the forehead, had a puncture, rather than a cut on the left arm above the elbow, and another one below the right shoulder blade. The cutting was done with a pocket knife, so we learned. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, May 24, 1884 ****** Mayor's Court - Monday Dr. Cockerille and Robert Runkles (col.) came before the Mayor. On last Saturday Dr. cockerille had some words with the negro and struck at him with his cane. The evidence was that there was no disturbance of the peace there being no noise made by either party. His Honor however thought the case desired punishment and fined the Doctor $2.00 and the negro man $1.00. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, June 7, 1884 ****** Pardoned - J.W. Johnson, who was sentenced to the penitentiary last winter for 18 months, has been pardoned by the Governor, and arrived in Alexandria Tuesday. Jailed - Wm. Harris and Michael Hooter are both in jail both charged by the other with waylaying and shooting with intent to kill. They both live a few miles from Pineville, and had a difficulty last Saturday. Harris shot at Hooter first with a shot-gun but without effect. Hooter returned the compliment with same kind of weapon and lodged a buckshot in Harris' right thigh. Harris sometime heretofore was placed under peace bonds, by Hooter and his relatives, but he wanted a fuss and he got it. The preliminary examination will take place this Saturday before Judge Balckman. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, June 14, 1884 ****** State vs. Mitchell Hooter and State vs. Wm. Harris. They were both charged with lying in wait and shooting with intent to kill and murder. Mr. J.C. Ryan appeared as counsel for Harris. The Judge after hearing the testimony, placed Harris under a $750 peace and appearance bond, and he stands charged with shooting with intent to kill. Harris could not furnish bail and is now in jail. Messrs. E.G. Hunter and W.W. Whittington wre counsel for Hooter. The Judge placed him under a $250 appearance bond to answer to the charge of shooting with intent to kill and murder. He furnished bond. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, 28 June 1884 Shot and Killed - On last Tuesday evening about dark, at Henry James' store, on Bayou Rapides, about 13 miles from Alexandria a colored man named Ned Hall was shot and killed by Mr. J. W. Dunham a native of Brenham, Washington Co., Texas. The facts of the killing are as follows, as far as we could ascertain: Mr. Dunham and three other gentlemen were sitting down conversing when Hall passed and was very insulting towards the party. When Hall passed the gentleman again they asked why he spoke so insultingly to them and he replied by pulling out a large pocket knife and made for Dunham, cutting a place in his shirt 4 inches long. Dunham pulled his pistol and shot Hall four times and death was almost instantaneous. Mr. Dunham after the shooting went to the Coroner and an inquest was held, and the Jury rendered a verdict of "Justifiable homicide." Mr. Dunham came down on the T.&R.R.R. last Wednesday night and gave himself up, and is now in jail. He has been living on Mrs. M.R. James' plantation, 20 miles from Alexandria for thelast 18 monsths, and is about 22 years of age. He is said to be a very quiet and peaceable man. Ned Hall the colored man killed was living on Mr. F.H. Neal's plantation, and was about 35 years of age. He has a wife and children. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk; 19 July 1884 ****** Ken ray (col.) sentenced last fall to six months imprisonment in parish prison, was turned out last week. He was convicted for stealing a watch. Aleck Tillman (col.) who killed Lincoln Taylor (col.) on the steamer Herbert some weeks ago, furnished a $500 appearance bond Tuesday, and is again at liberty. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk; 26 July 1884 ****** We see by tne N.O. Picayune that Henry J. Elsie, (col.) who was born and raised in Alexandria, was taken to the penitentiary on last Friday to serve out a sentence of two years fro forgery. The crime was committed in New Orleans. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk; 2 August 1884 ****** Charged with Rape - Wednesday a colored girl named Nancy Ray made an afidavit before Justice Whitting charging Joe Babb, a white man, with rape. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk; 23 August 1884 ****** Preliminary Examination - The prelimanary examination of the State vs. Joe Babb was in progress Monday afternoon. He is charged with rape by a colored girl named Nancy Ray, who resides near Babbs Bridge. The testimony was not completed up to the time of this writing, but every person who heard what testimony had been heard at this time (5 P.M.) were convinced of Babb's innocence of crime. The case was not finished last evening. Examinations - Jos. Babb charged with rape was put under a $300 appearance bond. As Judge Blackman was sick, the testimony was taken by District Clerk Watts, and then forwarded to the Judge. R.P. Hunter was counsel for Babb. The preliminary examination of Dan Carter (col.) charged with robbery was not entered into Tuesday because the State's witnesses were not on hand. By agreement of the District Attorney and E.G. Hunter, counsel for accused , his bond was fixed at $50. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk; 6 Sept 1884 ******* Jailed - A Negro named Henry Hatcher was jailed Saturday. He was charged with larceny about six years ago, but beforetrial jumped his bond. The man from whom Hatcher done the stealing was down in Avoyelles parish a few days since and recognized hatcher who was living there and had the Sheriff of Avoyelles parish lock him up. Last Wednesday Deputy Sheriff Smith went after Hatcher and he is now in the parish prison. Mayor's Court - After a long spell of idleness His Honor was called upon yesterday to decide two cases: E.J. Sullivan for disturbing the peace on last Sunday, came before the Mayor, waived examination and was fined $5.00. Emanuel White (col.) porter at the T.&PR.R. depot this place, on last Saturday created a disturbance at the depot by slapping the face of Mr. Lehman, a nephew of the merchant of this place by that name. The Mayor said $2.50 and costs or 24 hours. He paid $2.50. The corporation can now get that keg of nails. Preliminary Examination of P. C. Peters - Shortly after 9 o'clock Thursday morning Judge Blackman commenced to hear the witnesses in the case of the State vs. P.C. Peters, charged with maliciously slandering E.J. Mathews. The first witness was Mr. Charles Mathews, who testified that himself and Peters had gone fishing together the morning after the night Peters accused Eli Mathews of stealing his pocket book, and that they stopped on the road to get some worms, and Peters missed his pocket book. That he sent a negro boy back to look for it, and Peters told the Boy to look on that side of the road on which he had ridden coming in the buggy. And the boy had also been told to get Mr. Eli Mathews to search in the room in which they had slept the previous night. Robert Ballard, (col.) was the next witness sworn. Said he was the boy who had been sent to llk for pocket book. Said he did not find it on the road. That he had met Mr. Eli Mathews on the road going fishing, and that Mr. Eli gave him the key of the room that Peters had slept in the night before. That he had looked in the room but did not find the money, but found Peters' pipe in the room. Angelina Washington, (col.) was the next witness called. Said that she saw Mr. Peters the next Friday after he went fishing. Said that Peters owed her for doing some washing for him, and that she asked him for it. HE told her that he had lost his pocket book, or some one had taken it, he did not know which, and he had no money to pay her. Mr. Berner was next sworn. He said that he was clerking for Mr. Clark, at Lecompte. That Peters came to him and said that Mr. Eli Mathews had stolen some money from him. twenty-five dollars, two $10 notes and $5 in silver, and wanted him (Berner) to look out for the money which he described. Said that Peters told him that he (Peters) had instructed others to also look out for the money. E. C. Briarly was next sworn - Said that about three days after Peters and Mathews went fishing, he met Peters and asked him what kind of time he had fishing. That Peters replied that he had had a bad time, having lost $25. Peters did not say directly that Eli Mathews took the money from him. E.D. Arden was next called to stand. - Testified that about eight or ten days ago he was at postoffice, at Loyds Bridge and met Peters there, who told him that he (Peters) had been at Mathews and had slept with Eli Mathews, and lost $25. Said that Peters told him that while he was sleeping at Mathews' he heard a chair move, which awakened him, and felt over the bed for Mr. Mathews' but that he was not in bed, but as Mr. Eli Mathews wa a sufferer from chronic diarrhea, had thought nothing about him being up. Said that he had told Peters that he ought not to talk that way. Peters said positively tht Eli Mathews' took the money. Cross-Examined - I am Justice of the Peace. Peters said nothing officially to me about the theft. The report made by Peters about Mathews stealing his money had been circulated all over the community. Jerry Duplissa was next witness called. - Testified that Peters had told him that Eli Mathews had stolen $25 from him lacking 20 cents. Said that Mathews and him (Peters) had slept together, that he heard a chair move during the night, but thought nothing aobut it because Mr. Mathews was afflicted with chronic diarrhea. Peters told him that it was very dark in the room, and that the door of the room was not fastened. Peters told him that Joel Mathews was stingy and close, but that he (Peters) would make money out of it before he got through with him. Joel Mathews testified that Peters had been using a horse of his that was balky, to break the animal of the habit, and that he had taken the horse to Washington, and hearing that Peters was dead, he sent after horse. Peters had returned with horse in person. As there was no bed suitable for Peters to sleep in, his brother Eli, in his kindness of heart let Peters sleep with him. Said that Peters was not a guest of his, but had been doctored horses for him. The Judge informed Peters, the prisoner at the bar, that he had the right to make a statement, if he wished which could be used against him before petit and grand jury, but not for him. The prisoner did not make any statement. The Court next read the last act of Legislature in reference to slander, which fixes the punishment at not less than 6 months in parish jail nor more than 3 years in the penitentiary. The prosecution was represented by Mr. E.G. Hunter, as counsel. The prisoner, P.C. Peters, did not employ an attorney. Judge Blackman fixed Peters' bond at $500, and in default of same he was remanded to jail. This case, from the evidence, looks like it was blackmail or the man Peters, very foolish, one or the other. A great many witnesses for the prosecution were not examined. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, 13 Sep 1884 ****** Mayor's Court - Tuesday Mr. Jos. Holt, for disturbing the peace on last Sunday night, appeared before the Mayor, who fined him $5, which he paid. Jailed and Bonded. - On last Saturday Mary Martin colored was jailed charged with assault and battery. She gave bond and was discharged same day, Mary Eliza Alexandria was jailed on last Saturday charged with same offense. She furnished an appearance bond Monday. Mayor's Court. - Hester Gilbert charged another woman with disturbing the peace. The Mayor heard testimony and fined the following Negroes: Walter Parker, Hester Gilbert and Robert King (a boy) each $2.00 and costs or 4 days work apiece on the streets. They went to work. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk 20 Sep 1884 ****** Jailed - On the 13th inst. Jerry Bush, (col.) was put in the parish prison, charged with larceny. It was a sheep. Mr. Eli Mathews Saturday entered suit against Peters, the man now in jail charged with malicious slander against Mr. M, for the sum of $10,000 damages. Shot above the Eye. - Wm Howand, a Negor who came from Georgia to Alexandria about two years ago, and worked at the T.&P.R.R. transfer warehouse this past summer, on last Tuesday afternoon, near West Mellville, on the Atchafalya river was shot above the right eye by another Negor who was working with him. The bullet was a 38 calibre, and went in above the eye,, struck the scull, and glanced to the right coming out about 1 1/2 inches from where it entered. Howard came up on the T.&P.R.R. on Wednesday night to Alexandria, and is getting along very well. He had a miraculous escape from death. He said that he only had a few words with the Negro who shot him. Served His Tme. - Hiram SLmith (col.) who was sentenced on the 18th of January, 1884, to 7 months in the parish prison and $20 fine for assault with a dangerous seapon with intent to kill, was turned out Thursday. He had to serve 30 days additional, as per sentence, not being able to pay a $20 fine. Mayor's Court - His Honor was called upon Thursday to try a juvenile trio for fighting. Tom Perry (col.) who works at the Irving House disturbed the peace by fighting Jake Estrada, the Democrat's "devil" [delivered the news paper] Perry commenced the 'racker' and was fined $1 and costs which he paid. Justice Whittington's Court - On last Tuesday Justice Whittington tried the case of A. A. Goodwin vs. The Texas & Pacific Railroad Company. This suit was brought by Foodsin to compel the Railroad Company to desist from tearing down the warehouse used by the Company to transfer freight from the steamboats to the cars during the overflow, Goodwin claiming that the Company agreed to give him the lumber in said building for the use of his wharf. The injunction prayed for by Goodwin was sustained by the Justice. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, 4 Oct 1884 ****** Jailed - Geo. Sewell (col) of Pineville, was jailed on the 26th ult. charged with the larceny of a cow. Jailed - Robert Smigh (col.) accused of stealing a gold watch from Lawrence Taylor another colored man, at the Tramway, was jailed last Wednesday night. He was arrested in Avoyelles parish, the Sheriff was of this parish was notified and Deputy Sheriff Smith went after the prisoner, bringing him up on the T. & P. train Wednesday night. The prisoner is a railroad laborer. Mayor's Court - For disturbing the peace on last Friday night, Jos. Sterkx, Louis Gossens and Jacob Levin were tried before the Mayor on Saturday. Sterkx and Gossens waived examination and were fined $5 each and costs. Levin stood his trial, and was discharged, it being proved by the witnesses examined that he had acted as peace-maker Wm. Irving was examined also by the Mayor, on the charge of disturbing the peace on same night, in same company, but it was clearly proven that he had acted as peace-maker to keep down a row. Jailed - On last Thursday night Deputy Sheriff Smith arrived from St. Landry parish having in charge two Negroes wanted in this parish. One of them, Asron Harris, escaped from our parish jail over a year ago, with other prisoners; all had been recaptured except Harris. He is charged with larceny. The arrest was made near Washington; the prisoner was known in St. Landry as John Williams. The other prisoner is named Sydney Brook. He is charged with shooting with intent to kill and murder, and has been eluding arrest for more than a year. He was arrested by Constable J.J. Newland of St. Landry, who informed the Sheriff here of his arrest. ****** Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, 11 Oct 1884 ****** Preliminary Examination. - Justice Whitington Friday 3rd examined the colored man named Henry Odum charged with stealing chickens from Henry Hamilton (col.) The Justice fixed his bond at $20, in default of which Odura was again locked up. Killing at Westport. - We heard Friday that Dr. Barron, of Westport, this parish, on last Tuesday killed a man named Moreland, a machinist, residing near Westport. As far as we could learn the facts of the killing were as follows: The two men, Barron and Mooreland, went to Sweat's store, in Calcasieu parish, together, and purchased whiskey, and got drunk, and when they started home and got back as far as Moreland's house, Moreland asked Dr. Barron to come in and stop awhile. When they neared the house the men had some words, and Moreland drew a knife across Barron's throat, but did not cut him. Barron then got on his horse and rode home, and was soon followed by Moreland, and when he got to Barron's house he (Barron) told Moreland not to come in. Moreland then told Barron to come out to the gate, and Barron picked up a chair and walked to the gate. The men had some words, and Barron knocked Moreland down with a chair, and afterwards pulled a picket off the fence and struck him on the head, and he died in a short time. The above report of the killing is about the way it was told to a Dep. Sheriff here, by a gentlemen residing at Hineston, and we can not speak for its accuracy. ******* Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, 25 Oct 1884 ****** Mayor's Court - On last Wednesday E.J. Sullivan for disturbing the peace on last Tuesday appeared before the Mayor waived examination and paid a fine of $15 and cost. Jailed - Firday night Isaac Bradley and Louis Hughes, (col.) accused of stealing and killing a yearling belonging to Mr. Thos. Clements, of bayou Robert, were incarcerated in the parish prison. John Neely, who was killed at Mrs. Cole's, near Sugartown, on last Thursday, was the man who killed Geo. Lard, at Sugartown, about two years ago. Neely was shot through a window. HE was drunk and a desperado and was pulling a young lady from her seat, against her will, to dance with him, when he was killed, so we have been informed. ****** Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 1 Nov 1884 ****** R.M. Satcher was incarcerated in the parish prison Saturday by a U.S. Deputy Marshal, but furnished bond and was given his liberty. He is charged with sending obscene matter through the mails. The U.S. Grand Jury found a true bill against him. We noticed L.P. Whittington, E.J. Barrett and thos. Clements, Jr., on the Jury, in the case of Dubois, who is being tried for the murder of McGee, his brother-in-law who resided near Cotile. Jailed. - The followin persons, accused of larceny, were jailed Thursday: Felton Norwood and Dora Norwood. Adam Madison and Anderson jackson alias Lee, charged with tresspassing, were jailed on Tuesday. Prisoners Now in Jail, and the crimes they are charged with: Gilbert Dubois, murder. Phoenix Phillips, manslaughter. Ben Moore, murder. Walter Johnson, obtaining gooeds under false pretenses. Wm. Hams, waylaying. James Dunham, murder, bond refused. Anthony Robinson, larceny. Henry Hatcher, larceny. Jerry Bush, larceny. Levi Rogers, mule stealing. Aaron Harris, larceny of cow. Sidney Brooks, shooting with intent to kill and murder. Robt. Smith, larceny. J.H. Barron, killing Wm. Moreland. Mose Murphy, larceny of a hog. Isaac Bradley, larceny of a yearling. Lewis Hughes, larceny of a yearling. Vance Johnson, larceny. Alexandria Town Talk Weekly; 1 Nov 1884. No Bill - The Grand Jury who have been in session for the past ten days brought in their final report Thurs day morning. They found fifty-eight true bills in all, but none against McCormick & Huie, proprietors of the Town talk, or Dr. A. Cockerille. The Twon Talk proprietors and Dr. A. Cockerille were accused of libel and slander, and an affidavit was made against them by Judge W F. Blackman. The affidavit was made by Judge Balckman because of a communication appearing in the Town Talk written by Dr. A. Cockerille accusing Judge Blackman of being very drunk on the streets, and very unbecoming for a Judge of the District Court. Before we published the letter Dr. Cockerille told the proprietors of the Town Talk, before witnesses, that the article was written not for malicious intent, but for the cause of prohibition - an election having been held a few weeks before that, prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors in the parish, which was carried by a tremendous majority. ******* Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 15 Nov 1884 ******** Affidavits wee made yesterday before Justice Whittington charging Thos. Clements, Jr. and his brother, Jno. P. Clements, with carrying concealed weapons. They furnished bond. Affidavits were made yesterday by Mr. Jno. Clements before Justice Whittington, charging Mr. G.A. Staples and Dr. A. Cockerille with assault with intent to kill. They each furnished a $300 appearance bond. Jailed. Last Friday night Pintard Corsy, (col.) was incarcerated in the parish prison. He is accused of assaulting and stabbing with intent to kill and murder a man named Charles Evens, near Cotile, on Nov. 6th. The affidavit charges that the assault was made by Corsey on Evans because the latters testimony in Court had been the means of having Ed. Lofton (col.) arrested for assault and jailed. Jailed - F.M. Perkins, accused of assault with intent to kill was jailed yesterday. ******* Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 22 Nov 1884 ******* Bonded - The following named prisoners furnished bond Monday and went their way rejoicing: E. Lofton, Pintard Corsey, Chas. Evans, Anderson Jackson alias Lee. Jailed - Saturday an affidavit was made by R.P. Hunter charging Chas. Howell, (col.) with being a fugitive from the State Insane Asylum and dangerous to his family and the public. Judge Blackman issued an order and Howell was locked up, and will be sent to the Asylum as soon as possible. Abram Madison who has been confined in jail on two charges, one for carrying concealed weapons and the other for carrying fire arms on plantation without owner's consent - on the first charge gave a $25 bond, and on the second a $25 bond, and was given his liberty. ******* Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 13 Dec 1884 ******* The jury on the inquest held over Virginia Gray, (col.) who died on Mr Wm. Harris plantation on the 3rd inst., brought in a verdict to the effect that the deceased came to her death from the result of a stab in the arm, perpetrated on or about the 8th of last August, by Mary Martin (col.). the latter cannot be found. Police Court, Pineville - Mayor Stucky had a good deal of Business to attend to Monday. The following cases were disposed of: Ransom Johnson (col.) was charged with fighting and also with disturbing the peace. He got $12 or 10 days on the streets [working on the streets], and is pulverizing the latter. Orborn Bonie, (col.), was before His Honor on three charges, fighting, disturbing the peace and using profane language. He was fined $13, or 13 days on the street [work gang]. He will ornament the Boulevards of Pineville for more than a fortnight. Robert Baden, for fighting was fined $3.50 which he paid. It seems to be cheaper to run than to fight in Pineville. Justice Whittington's Court On the 4th inst. Dan Clark and John Booze, (col.), who reside on Watts' plantation, frightened a horse belonging to a colored school teacher named Tarver, causing the animal to run against a wire fence, which caused its death. The men were brought before Justice Whittington, who put them uneer a $25 appearance bond. On 4th inst. Viney Newton (col.) was brought before Justice Whittington charged with fighting a colored woman named Jane Smith. Both parties reside a few miles below Alexandria, on the river. The Newton woman was placed under a $25 appearance and a $25 peace bond. ******* Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 20 Dec 1884 ********* Served out his Sentence - Sutton Robinson, who has been confined in jail for the past forty days, serving out a sentence for that time, for carrying concealed weapons, was given his liberty on last Tuesday. Died in Jail - A colored man named Aaron Harris, who has been confined in jail for some weeks, died Wednesday, about 12 o'clock, in the jail building. He had been sick for a week, and had the services of Dr. John Casson. He was charged with stealing a cow at bayou Boeuf, but his case never came to trial - the deceased left the parish before an indictment was found against him, and was only arrested a few months since. He leaves a wife and children who reside near Washington, La. He was buried yesterday at the expense of the parish. ****** Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 10 Jan 1885 ********* Jailed - Dennis Cleary was jailed Monday on an affidavit made against him by Henry Gossens charging his with obtaining money under false pretenses. Mayors Court - Monday Mayor Stucky had the following parties before him: S.J. Darden charged with leading a horse on the pavement, was fined $2.50 and costs or 24 hours, and took the latter. H.M. Huie, charged with beating Jim Taylor (col.) waived examination and was fined $5.00 and costs which he paid. ******* Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 17 Jan 1885 ******* Jailed - Shelby Mayo, charged with burglary was jailed Monday. Mayor's Court, Pineville, - On last Saturday Ed. Pembroke was brought before Mayor Stucky on a charge of fighting and disturbing the peace. He was fined $4 and costs. On Monday Ephriam King was brought before Mayor Stucky, who struck him for $5 for using profane language on the streets. Jailed - During tha past four days the following prisoners have been jailed: Dyer Mason, accused of larceny. Isiah Bradley, convicted of larceny. Louis Hughes convicted of larceny. Basha Pembroke, convicted of tresspassing. Abram Madison sentenced to ten days and costs of court. A Grave Charge - On last Saturday morning Sheriff Paul, on an afidavit made out by District Attorney Wickliffe and issued by Judge Balckman, arrested a well-known young man named Thos. Clements, Jr., on a charge of forging Rapides parish script, consisting of witnesses and jours fees, which are made out by the District Clerk. We learned from Prosecuting Attorney Wickliffe that the proof is very conclusive against Clements, and that there are four separate charges against him. The least penalty for the crime of forgery in this State is two years. Some weeks since the District Clerk brought a notice to this office for publication, stating that he had heard that there was parish script being forged, and cautioning the public against same, but his informant was mistaken, so he thought, and the notice was ordered not to be published. Just how much parish script has been forged is not known, but it is thought to be less than 410.0. The names of Geo. O. Watts, District Clerk, and C.L. Ransdell, Deputy District Clerk, have both been forged on different script. The seal of the court is not on the forged documents. Some of the forgeries were purchased by Sheriff D.C. Paul from the accused, and are now or were in his possession. The accused is a son of Judge John Clements, who was Parish Judge of this parish for a number of years and is an old and highly respected citizen on Alexandria. The arrest and incarceration of young Clements has been a fearful blow to his father, mother and family, and they have the deep sympathy of the Town Talk in their distress. ****** Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 24 Jan 1885 ****** Basha Pembroke (col.), having served out his sentence in parish prison, was given his liberty Wednesday. ****** Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 7 Feb 1885 ****** Beware of Thieves - For the benefit of the general public I make the following statement, in order to warn other people from falling into the hands of thieves. Some months since I hired a young woman to sew in my dress-making establishment at Alexandria named Stacy Pope. She appeared to be a very honest and religious young lady and although I continued missing money and gods in my store, I was loth to suspect Stacy Pope, and knew it was not anyi of the balance of my assistants, as they had been with me for years. On the evening before Stacy Pope was discharged by me I noticed that her pocket looked like it was crowded with articles, which looked suspicious. I said nothing, but the next morning after Stacy Pope had left her room in my house, I entered same and examined the suspicious pocket, and found a great many things which had been stolen out of my store. I then went to Stacy Pope made her give me the key to her satchel, greatly against her will, and found goods amounting to over $40 in it. I then searched Stacy Pope and found two pockets in her underskirt full of costly goods. After finding these stolen goods, I went to Stacy Pope's sister, Mrs. Milligan, and informed her of her sister's doings, and told her that on account of my feeling for her (Mrs. Milligan) I would not prosecute her sister. The next day Sstacy Pope left by train for Baton Rouge, so she said. Her sister, Mrs. Milligan, said that she did not know where she had gone. After Stacy Pope had been gone about three days, in examining my stock I found many articles missing, and concluded to go to the residence of Mrs. Milligan, and the late residence of her sister with the intention of searching the same. (I forgot to add that before this Mrs. Milligan came to my store with a piece of ribbon which she said was all the things in her house that her sister had stolen from me). I went to Mrs. Milligan's residence and told her the object of my visit. She objected, and pleaded that there wasn't anything in her house belonging to me. I then told a colored girl I had with me to go after Sheriff Paul. This had the desired effect, and I started to examining the house. I found some of my stolen property in different parts of the house. Upon coming to two trunks marked "Stacy Pope, Baton Rouge," whcih were evidently about to be shipped, Mrs. Milligan objected most seriously and said that she did no have the keys. I tole the colored girl to go after a Lock-smith. This was quite enough an Mrs. Milligan produced the keys and opened the trunks and I foud them crowded with my stolen property, one item was 46 pairs of fine stockings, laces, silks, fine handkerchiefs, and the more costly articles kept in a large millinary and fancy store. Upon consultation with my friends I have concluded not to prosecute Mrs. Milligan or her sister, Stacy Pope, but take this method of informing the public of their rascality and duplicity. Although I recovered $250 worth of stolen property, how much cash money I lost I am unable to say, but as Stacy Pope had access to the money drawer and my pocket book I am confident that $200 would not cover my loss. Respectfully, Celina Geiger. Messrs. Ollie Cole and Kelso, of Boyce, were each placed under $500 peace bonds by Judge Blackman on last Tuesday, which they promptly furnished. An affidavit was made some days ago against Arthur Watson and Geo Neal, at Boyce, by a brakeman on T. & P. R.R., charging them with assault and battery. Horse Stealing - A young man named John Bruce wasa incarceraed in our parish jail Monday. He is accused of stealing a horse on Hemp Hill, this parish, and tried to escape to Texas, but was captured on Sabine river by Jno. Hunt, Tom Grissom and others, and is said to have been riding the stolen animal when captured. Bonded - Thos. Clements, Jr. charged with forgery, furnished a $1000 bond on last Saturday and was given his liberty. His parents went his bond. On last Tuesday, a warrant was issued for his re-arrest, as his parents think he intended leaving the State. He was again arrested on last Wednesday, near Lamourie, and is now in jail. War at Boyce - We learned on Monday that Mr. Henry Boyce has made an afficavit before Judge Blackman praying that Mr. Arthur Watson be made to keep the peace. From parties who reside at Boyce we learned that Watson and other parties on night of 30th ult., went into a lunch house owned by Boyce while drunk and damaged a good deal of property. Mr. Boyce remonstrated with Watson and the latter used very abusive language to the former. A warrant was issued for Watson's arrest. ****** Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 14 Feb 1885 ****** Jailed - On last Suday Clarence Slaughter was jailed, accused of horse stealing. Thos. Clements, Jr., who was obnded out of jail a few days since by his parents, and who endeavored to leave the parish, was re-arrested by Deputy Sheriff Smith last Wednesday evening near Lamourie, and is confined in the parish jail. Jailed - Last Tuesday a Negro named Jackson Johnson, accused of hog stealing, was incarcerated in the parish prison. The last Grand Jury found a true bill against him. Deputy Sheriff Smith arrested him near Cotile. Mayor's Court - Wednesday His Honor Mayor Crawley was called upon to try a case of malicious mischief of desturbance of the peace that took place last Sunday. The Misses Mary Ratcliffe, Helen Weil and Genette Meyer while out walking last Sunday afternoon, met four colored girls who locked arms and threw the young ladies off the pavement, and otherwise maltreated them and used insulting language. Constable Calvit worked up the case and arrested Mary Thomson, Katie Hopkins, Alice Howard and Lizette Burley, who were found guilty, and in default of a $2.50 fine each were sentenced to the lock-up for 24 hours. ******* Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 21 Feb 1885 ********* Jailed - On last Tuesday a Negor named Calvin Hemford was jailed, on the charge of stealing a hog from Jno. Mathews, a Negro residing on Bayou Boeuf. Out of Jail - On last Saturday T.J. Yaawn sentenced to jail for carrying concealed weapons, was given his liberty. Clarence Slaughter charged with horse stealing, furnished a bond and was discharged from jail last Saturday. Maack Jones, who had served out his sentence for carrying consealed weapons, was discharged from jail Monday. Mayor's Court, Pineville. - Saturday His Honor, Mayor Stucky disposed of the following cases: Mary Williams (col.) was trotted up before His Honor on a charge of disturbing the peace. When the Judge said $5 and costs Mary, or 5 days in the lock-up, she believed she would swallow the latter dose, and is now looking through the cracks of the little house on Red Hill. Joseph Gidney (col.) was waltzed up before His Honor for disturbing the peace and using profane language. He was fined $2.50 and costs, or 48 hours in the "ice box." He is now learning to cuss backwards in the latter abode. ******* Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 28 Feb 1885 ****** Jailed - On Friday last week Horace Gilbert and Alice Hobbs, accused of stealing cane from Flowers' plantation, on bayou Robert, were incarcerated in the parish prison. Mayor's Court, Pineville. On Feb. 18th the following cases were disposed of: James Green charged with disturbing the peace was fined $2.50 or 48 hours in lock up. He settled. Hannah Buoy charged with disturbing the peace, paid a fine of $2.50 and costs. On the 20th inst. "Dump" Reeves who was charged with disturbing the peace, paid a fine of $2.50 and costs. On the 23rd inst., Robert Gaffney, for disturbing the peace, was fined $2.50 and costs, and for fighting was fined $5.00, which he paid. A. Hoffman, charged with shooting fire arms in corporation, was fined $5.00, or five days on the streets. Ed. Pembroke, charged with disturbing the peace was fined $2.50 and costs or 48 hours in the lock-up. which he paid. ****** Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 14 Mar 1885 ****** Mayor's Court, Pineville - On 6th inst. Ellen Walker, (col.) was brought before Mayor Stuckey on a charge of disturbing the peace. She was fined $2.50 and costs, which she paid. ******** Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 28 Mar 1885 ********* Bonded - Geo. Jackson, (scol.) charged with larceny, furnished a bond last week and was discharged from the parish prison. Bonded - James Pehn was incarcerated in jail on the 24th inst., charged with the larceny of some logs. He furnished bond same day and was given his liberty. ******** Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 18 Apr 1885 ******** Jailed. - J.V. Swann, who has been keeping a store at Lecompte, was jailed on last Saturday. There was six separate true bills found against him by the Grand Jury for selling liquor without a license. Mayor's Court, Pineville. - Last week Mayor Stuckey fined a gentleman named Dr. Posten the sum $2.50 for riding his horse on the pavement. It is a hard matter to tell the pavement from the street, in some places in Pineville. Mayor's Court, Pineville. - On last Saturday Jos. Gidney, (col.) was brought before Mayor Stuckey on three separate charges. For fighting he was fined $5 and costs; for disturbing the peace, $2.50 and costs; and for tresspassing, $1.00. He is now engaged shoveling dirt on the avenues of our sister city. Jailed. - Albert Kennedy, charged with carrying concealed weapons, was jailed on the 7th inst., and furnished bond on the 8th. Adam Bell, charged with horse stealing, was jailed on the 7th inst. and furnished bond on the 8th inst. Tom Jones charged with shooting with intent to kill was jailed on the 9th inst. Abe Madison, charged with carrying concealed weapons, was jailed on the 9th inst. Shooting Scrape. - Our Mooreland correspondent under the date of the 9th inst., sends us the following: "Yesterday Tom Jones (col) shot a man named Taylor Webster. He shot twice; the shot first struck and glanced from a post and nearly killed Jones' wife. The second struck Taylor in the chin and lodged in his neck, just missing his jugular vein. Jones says it was an accident, and everybody thinks so too - of course they do. Constable Rougeau took him to the parish jail to-day. Jones is said to be wanted in Natchitoches for some more accidents of the same kind." ***************** Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 18 April, 1885 ************* Mayors Court, Pineville. - Last week Mayor stuckey, and 'Dump' Reeves before him on two charges: For fighting old Mr. Sackman he was fined $10 and costs; and for resisting an officer $5 and costs. He paid the fines. The Robeline Reporter says that C. J. Smith, who killed J. E. Curtice, a trapper, at Robeline on last Wednesday 15th inst., has had a preliminary eamination, and was placed under a one thousand bond. Smith is well knkown in Alexandria, and is a relative of Mrs. Stanley, of this place. ****************** Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 2 May 1885 ************* Thomas Clements, Jr., accused of forgery, is out on a $1250 bond. ****************************************************************************** ****************************************************************************** ****** Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 14 June 1890 ****** This series of articles contributed by Jeffrey Hunt [jhunt@gotnet.net] concerns the murder of his great-great-great-grandfather. The end of this series is marked with a double row of *'s. The following is a transcription made by Lamon Geddie on January 13, 1999, of a copy of an article taken from the Alexandria Weekly Town Talk dated May 3, 1890. The copy was made from film of the original paper housed in the Alexandria Public Library, Alexandria, Louisiana. A CHARIVARI ENDS IN A HOMICIDE On Sunday last, just before midnight, Mr. F. T. Marler, constable of Hineston ward, arrived in Alexandria and took to the parish prison, two white men, Thos. Gentry, aged 25 years, and Claude Stewart, aged 24 years, charged with murder. The facts in the case are as follows: On or about April 10th Claude Stewart married the widow Warren [Elizabeth L. Gentry Warren], and the couple lived on Hemp Hill creek, 25 miles west of Alexandria, and about one-half mile from Hunt's saw mill. On Saturday night, April 26, at about 10 o'clock, a party consisting of about fifteen men and boys went to the house of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart for the purpose of giving them a charivari, and the accused say that some of the party fired buckshot into the house. Besides Mr. Stewart and wife, Thos. Gentry, the brother of Mrs. Stewart, was in the house at the time the charivaring party arrived. Stewart and Gentry, it is said, opened a window and shot into the crowd around the house. A young white boy, aged 14 years, named Jim Berry Johnson, son of James Johnson, received a buckshot in the forehead and one through the heart, besides two more buckshot and a lot of fine shot in other parts of the body and died instantly. Two white men, F. M. Mitcham, aged 30 years, and Jim Ritchie, aged 35 years, were also slightly wounded by the shots from the house. Justice Jas. L. Whitehurst, of Hineston ward, held an inquest on Sunday, the 27th, assisted by Dr. Collins, who resides in the neighborhood. The weapon that is said to have done the damage was an old rifle remodeled into a muzzle-loading shot gun. Several of the parties who took part in the charivari say that no shots were fired by them; that the shooting done by them were with blank artridges. ****************************************************************** The following is a transcription made by Lamon Geddie on January 13, 1999, of Coroners Record No 25766, a record of the inquest into the death of J. J. Hunt, transcribed by a deputy clerk of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, from the handwritten record dated May 22, 1890. Original documents are on file in the Rapides Parish Courthouse in Alexandria, Louisiana. No. 25766 J. J. Hunt. An inquest taken for the State of Louisiana at White & Hattens Sawmill in the Parish of Rapides the 22 day of May A. D. 1890, before me, T. G. Morgan, Justice Piece acting as Coroner of said Parish of Rapides, State of La., upon view of Body of J. J. Hunt, there lying dead, the jurors whose names are here unto subscribed having been duly sworn to inquire on behalf of State when how and by what means the said J. J. Hunt came to his death upon their oath do say that one James Johnson & John Bolner late of said Parish and State aforesaid on 22 day of May A. D. 1890 between six and seven o'clock A. M. with force and arms at White & Hatten mill in the Parish aforesaid in and upon the body of the aforesaid J. J. Hunt then and there being in the peace of the said State feloniously violently, maliciously and willfully of malice aforethought made and assault & that the aforesaid Jas. Johnson then & there with a certain double barrel shot gun in both hands did shoot and kill J. J. Hunt also Jns. Bolden with a certain Winchester rifle there & there did shoot J. J. Hunt while lying on the ground, to wit 15 buckshot. The said Jas. Johnson shot striking the body of J. J. Hunt on left side just below & behind left shoulder going diagonally through & lodging against skin on chest. The said Jno Bolden one shot from Winchester ball entering just in front of right ear coming out near center & top of head, the said mortal wounds the said J. J. Hunt then & there instantly died & so the said Jas. Johnson & Jno. Bolden then & there feloniously killed & murdered the said J. J. Hunt against the peace & dignity of the State & the said jurors further say upon their oaths aforesaid that Jas. Johnson & Jno. Bolden did wilfully & maliciously shoot at with intent to kill Claud E. Stewart & did commit the felony & murder aforesaid in manner aforesaid against the peace & dignity of the State. In testimony whereof the said coroner & jurors of this inquest have hereunto subscribed their names the day & year aforesaid. **************************************************************** The following is a transcription made by Lamon Geddie on January 12, 999, of a handwritten inquest record regarding the death of C. E. Stewart and dated May 23, 1890. The original documents can be found in the Rapides Parish Courthouse in Alexandria, Louisiana. 52014 The State of Louisiana Hineston Ward Parish of Rapides Examination of witnesses produced sworn and examined on the 23 day of May 1890 at the residence of C E Stewart, the deceased, before me, J ames L Whitehurst, justice of the peace, in and for said ward then and there acting as coroner for the time being where(?) an inquest held over the body of C E Stewart. Ben Stracener being first duly sworn believes(?) and says when he found C E Stewart he was lying on his back dead. About 5 o clock, somewhere about 25 yds from the mill house. Mrs. Stewart ask me to straighten him out and I told her I could not until I got someone else. Mrs. Stewart says she does not know who killed him. Mrs. Stewart told me that she heard the report of the gun. I heard the two guns firing in quick succession in the direction of the mill. (Signature)B Stracener Joseph Rudisell being duly sworn testifies and says "I first came here after a load of lumber. I don't know exactly what time it was in the evening, but it was in the evening. I first drove across to the lumber yard and I ask for W 0 Rudisell and B Stracener and I could not see them and I went over to C E Stewart to see if he could fix up the load of lumber and he told me he could not and for me to go to B. Stracener about one-half mile. C E Stewart got his hat and went with me to the lumber yard and I tied my oxen and left C E Stewart and J R Bolon a talking. Bolon says how is your little boy? Stewart says he is a little better. Stewart says how is Johnson's little boy? Bolon says he is getting all right. Bolon says looks like you are going to move, and Stewart says know we have been killing bed bugs. Bolon says John Hunt drove off his cattle? Stewart says yes. Bolon says when will he be back or do you know. Stewart says Charley will be back Saturday night. This is the conversation I heard between C E Stewart and J R Bolon. When I first seen Bolon he was coming down the big bill on the east side of the mill. He was armed with a Winchester and a pistol and when me and Mr. Stracener return back to the mill, we found C E Stewart a lying about ten or fifteen steps from where I left him Joseph Rudisell Jr 3 witness H. L. McDaniel being duly sworn testify and says I come to the mill with W G Rudisell and B Stracener and W W Branch and Mrs Stewart got me to go after Doctor Collins for to have to make arrangements to have the body of C E Stewart moved. I don't know who did the killing but I know that he was killed. H L McDaniel 4 witness W. W. Branch being duly sworn testifies and says Mr. Branch was notified by his mother that C E Stewart was killed and his assistance was needed. I come to where C E Stewart was killed and know that he was killed. Assisted in moving the deceased body to his Dweling house. W. W. Branch I hereby certify that the foregoing is the testimony of all the witnesses taken on an the foregoing inquest and the said was at the time and place first above mentioned and reduced to writing by me. James L Whitehurst justice of the peace and coroner for the time being The State of Louisiana, Parish of Rapides. At an inquest taken this 23 day of May 1890 for the State of Louisiana at Hempbill or Stewarts Mill in the parish aforesaid before me, James T. Whitehurst, justice of the peace in and for the Hineston ward in said parish, acting as coroner of said parish for the time being when view of the body of C. E .Stewart then and there lying dead upon the oaths of C M Whitehurst, George Cook Jr, J E Collins, J T Roughare and T W Deason, good and lawful men of said parish who being duly sworn and charged to inquire on the part of the said state when where how and after what manner the said C E Stewart came to his death do say upon their oath aforesaid that the slain C E Stewart came to his death from the office of Gunshot on the evening of the 23 day of May 1890 by bullets fired from a gun or guns which caused wounds. One shot under the left eye which passed through his head, also one on the left side of his neck just above his collar bone which passed through his right shoulder blade, which wounds was given by unknown party or parties with the premeditated design of affecting the death of the said C E Stewart. In witness whereof we the said jurors as well as the justice acting as coroner aforesaid have to this inquisition set our hands on the day and year and the place aforesaid. Attest: J T Roughare T W Deason GAcook J E Collins C M Whitehurst James L Whitehurst, justice of the peace and acting as coroner for the time being ****************************************************************** The following is a transcription by Lamon Geddie on January 13, 1999, of an article in The Colfax Chronicle dated May 24, 1980 and entitled A Bloody Sequel to the Rapides Charivari. (Copy attached). Copy made from film housed in the Colfax Public Library, Colfax, Louisiana. A Bloody Sequel to the Rapides Charivari On Thursday morning, May 22d, about 10 o'clock the citizens of Colfax were startled to see two men walk up the river bank in at the foot of Main street, one of whom carried a double barreled shot gun, while the other was literally dripping and saturated with blood from fifteen wounds in his breast, arms and legs. They reported that about 7 o'clock while they were at work at White and Hatton's mill in Rapides parish about five miles from Colfax, Jas. Johnson and John Bolden suddenly made their appearance and opened fire on them without warning, killing J. J. Hunt outright, and putting no less than nine buckshot in the body of Geo. C. Stewart, who notwithstanding he was felled to the ground, arose and made his escape by flight in spite of two or three loads of buckshot sent after him by the assailing party. Thos. J. Gentry who is the half brother of the man killed, and a brother-in-law to the wounded man, made his escape without a scratch, although he says he had no warning until the guns fired, and is convinced they fully intended to kill him. In company with the wounded man, Gentry made his way on foot to Colfax, where Stewart is now under the treatment of Drs. Goode and Jones who are as yet unable to pronounce upon the nature of his wounds, although the patient seems to be in a fair way to survive his many hurts. This affair is a sequel to the killing of young J. B. Johnson, and the wounding of two others, which occurred at Hemp Hill some seventeen miles west of Alexandria on the night of April 26th, when a charivari party was fired on from the house of Thos. J. Gentry. On the preliminary trial the Gentry party were admitted to bail in the sum of $300 each. As some threats of violence were made against them, Gentry and his relatives left Hemp Hill and came to White and Hatton' s mill near Lena Station, where they have been working for two or three weeks past, until the murderous assault made on them on Thursday morning. The body of Mr. J. J. Hunt was brought to Colfax on Friday and buried here. Mr. Hunt will be recollected by many of our citizens as a pleasant young man of correct deportment who clerked in the neighborhood of Fairmount several years ago. He was in not way connected with the killing of Johnson's boy at the charivari, but seems to have been shot down in cold blood simply because he was a relative and extended aid and counsel to the persons concerned in the first trouble. Gentry says he has another brother living near Hemp Hill that he fears Johnson and Bolden may have killed before they came after himself and other brothers. The mill hands who witnessed the bloody work of the two men, said they gloated and boasted over their dead and swore they would kill the whole family if they remained on top of the ground. Each had a shot gun and a Winchester rifle, also side arms. They left the mill without molestation. The attacked party were unarmed. A further article from the Colfax Chronicle - date unknown The man, Geo. C. Stewart, who was shot at White & Hatton's mill in Rapides parish on the 22d, is getting well rapidly. After killing J. J. Hunt and wounding Stewart at the mill, Johnson and Bolden made their way to the home of Claude Stewart, George's father, and killed him that same day. Johnson and Bolden are still at large, although Sheriff Stafford and several Rapides deputies are after them. **************************************************************** The following is a transcription made by Lamon Geddie on January 13, 1999, of a copy of an article published in the Louisiana Democrat Talk dated May 28, 1890. The copy was made from film of the original paper housed in the Alexandria Public Library, Alexandria, Louisiana. A FAMILY FEUD JEFF HUNT KILLED NEAR LENA AND C. C. STEWART AT HEMPHILL. CLAUDE STEWART WOUNDED. Since our last issue, two killings have occurred in this Parish, viz: - Jeff Hunt, near Lena, and C. C. Stewart, at Hemphill. News of the Hunt killing was received here on the 22d by steamer Garland, a note unsigned being sent to Sheriff Stafford, as follows: "At White & Haften's mill Jeff Hunt was killed and one Stewart badly wounded. Jim Johnson, John Estes, and John Bolden are supposed to have done the killing" White & Haften' s mill is almost three miles from Lena, on the Texas & Pacific Railroad, in this parish. The killing occurred about six o'clock in the morning. The Jim Johnson mentioned is the father of the young Johnson who was killed in the charivari party at Hemphill, in this parish, on April 26, full particulars of which were published in this paper. Stewart who is reported wounded, is the party who was recently brought here and jailed and subsequently bailed, charged with the killing of young Johnson at Hemphill. Sheriff Stafford went to arrest these parties, and returned the day afterwards. He has deputies on the lookout for the men. He brought the news of the second killing, viz: at Hemphill, a few hours after the Lena tragedy, when old man C. C. Stewart was killed by John Bolden. From the facts learned both killings were premeditated. Johnson and Bolden had shot guns and rifles. Old man Johnson when he went to White & Hatten's mill carried his little boy's hat, and said that it had a bullet hole through it and a portion of his brains were on the inside. He is also reported as saying that he would make it warm for all who had a hand in the killing of his boy. When last heard from Claude Stewart who was wounded at the mill, was still alive at Colfax. Quite an excitement is raging in the neighborhood where the killings occurred. The remains of Hunt were taken to Colfax and buried. The attacked party in both instances cited above were unarmed. *********** The following is a transcription made by Lamon Geddie on January 13, 1999, of a copy of an article published in the Alexandria Weekly Town Talk dated Saturday, May 31, 1890. The copy was made from film of the original paper housed in the Alexandria Public Library, Alexandria, Louisiana. BLOOD FOR BLOOD In our issue of May 3rd, we published an account of the killing of Jim Berry Johnson, the 14 year old son of James Johnson. This killing took place on Hemp Hill creek, this parish, on the night of April 25th. The deceased was one of a party who went to charivari Claude Stewart, who married a widow on or about the 10th of April. The charivariing party were fired into from Stewart's house, which resulted in killing young Johnson, and wounding F. M. Mitcham and Jim Ritchie. Claude Stewart and Thos. Gentry were arrested and charged with the killing of Johnson, and were brought in to town and placed in jail on Sunday, the 27th of April. On Monday, May 5th, the accused were given a preliminary examination before Judge Blackman and were allowed appearance bonds in the sum of $300 each. Messrs. J. 1. Hunt and C. 0. Gentry were accused of being accessories in the killing and were also placed under appearance bonds of $300 each. All the accused furnished bond. In mentioning the fact that these men had been released on bond, Town Talk said there would be more trouble, and our prediction proved true. The parties named above accused of killing and being accessories to the killing of young Johnson, fearing trouble, left their home and went to work at White & Hatton' s saw mill, some 3 miles from Lena Station and bout 20 miles from their home. Jim Johnson, the father of the boy killed, swore vengeance against them all, and in company with John Bolon, went to the mill for the purpose of killing them. The best account we have yet seen of the affair, appeared in the Colfax Chronicle of the 24th inst., as follows: On Thursday morning, May 22nd about 10 o'clock the citizens of Colfax were startled to see two men walk up the river bank at the foot of Main Street, one of whom carried a double barreled shot gun, while the other was literally dripping and saturated with blood from fifteen wounds in his breast, arms and legs. They reported that about 7 o'clock while they were at work at White and Hatton's mill in Rapides parish about five miles from Colfax, Jas. Johnson and John Bolon suddenly made their appearance and opened fire on them without warning, killing J. J. Hunt outright and putting no less than nine buckshot in the body of Geo. C. Stewart who, notwithstanding he was felled to the ground, arose and made his escape by flight in spite of two or three loads of buckshot sent after him by the assailing party. Thos. J. Gentiy, who is the half brother of the man killed, and a brother-in-law to the wounded man, made his escape without a scratch, although he says he had no warning until the guns fired, and is convinced they fully intended to kill him. In company with he wounded man, Gentry made his way on foot to Colfax, where Stewart is now under the treatment of Drs. Good and Jones, who are as yet unable to pronounce upon the nature of his wounds, although the patient seems to be in a fair way to survive his many hurts. This affair is a sequel to the killing of young J. B. Johnson, and the wounding or two others, which occurred at Hemp Hill some seventeen miles west of Alexandria on the night of April 26th, when a charivari party was fired on from the house of Thos. J. Gentry. On the preliminary trial the Gentry party were admitted to bail in the sum of $300 each. As some threats of violence were made against them, Gentry and his relatives left Hemp Hill and came to White and Hatton' s mill near Lena Station, where they have been working for two or three weeks past, until the murderous assault made on them on Thursday morning. The body of Mr. J. J. Hunt was brought to Colfax on Friday and buried here. Mr. Hunt will be recollected by many of our citizens as a pleasant young man of correct deportment who clerked in the neighborhood of Fairmount several years ago. He was in not way connected with the killing of Johnson's bot at the charivari, but seents to have been shot down in cold blood simply because he was a relative and extended aid and counsel to the persons concerned in the first trouble. Gentry says he has another brother living near Hemp Hill that he fears Johnson and Bolden may have killed before they came after himself and other brothers. The mill hands who witnessed the bloody work of the two men, said they gloated and boasted over their dead and swore they would kill the whole family if they remained on top of the ground. Each had a shot gun and a Winchester rifle, also side arms. They left the mill without molestation. The attacked party were unarmed. Sheriff Stafford received word of the killing on Thursday, the 22nd, by the steamer Garland, and left on the west bound T. & P. Train on the same evening going to the Hemp Hill neighborhood where Johnson and Bolan reside. What was the Sheriff's surprise to learn that not satisfied with the killing done at White & Hatton' s mill, John Bolan had gone back to the neighborhood of Hemp Hill, on Thursday, the 22nd, and about 3 o'clock p.m. had called out C. C. Stewart, at his saw mill, and shot him to death with a Winchester rifle. C. C. Stewart was the father of Claude Stewart, wounded by John Bolan and Jim Johnson at White & Hatton's mill that same morning. The Sheriff tried to find out something about Bolan and Johnson, and which direction they had gone, but every man, woman and child asked were as dumb as an oyster, some from fear, others because of friendship. Johnson's wife told the Sheriff that as soon as her husband had killed Gentry he would surrender to the authorities. It is said that Jim Johnson wears next to his heart the bloody hat his son wore at the time he was killed at the charivarz. In our last issue we stated that John Estes was accused of taking part in the killing of Hunt. The report received on the Garland so stated, but it was an error. John Estes had nothing to do with it. Sheriff Stafford has sent out throughout the county posters offering a reward of $200 or $100 each for the arrest of either Johnson or Bolan. The posters read as follows: I will pay a reward of $100 for the arrest of John W Bolan, about 30 years of age, 6 feet in height, iveight and 190 lbs.; light hair and small, light mustache; light blue eyes ; full round face; florid complexion. One upper front tooth missing. Wanted for the murder of C. C. Stewart. I will also pay $100 for the arrest of James Johnson - 37 years of age, looks older, about 5 feet, 10 inches in height; weighs about 100 lbs, light mustache and chin beard, sprinkled with gray; light eyes; complexion sallow. Wanted for the murder off J. Hunt. D. T. Stafford Sheriff of Rapides Parish, La John Bolan has only been living in this parish a few years. He has the reputation of being a bad man and his latest murder of a defenseless old man, like Mr. Stewart, goes to prove the fact beyond dispute. Such men should be hung up to the first tree. His case is entirely different from that of Johnson, because Johnson's son was killed almost for nothing, and every parent must know how he feels, but Bolan seems to be killing people just to keep his hand in. T. L. and C. C. Gentry came to Alexandria on last Thursday evening and are now at the jail here. They will remain there for safety, as their lives have been threatened by James Johnson. As Johnson how has no chance of killing the Gentry boys, it would be wise for him to come in and surrender to the authorities. ********** Another article in the same paper NOT THE MAN Sheriff D. T. Stafford received a telegram from Bunkie on Wednesday saying that Jim Johnson, wanted for the murder of J. J. Hunt, had been arrested and locked up there. The Sheriff left for Bunkie Wednesday morning, but instead of Johnson being arrested it was a piano tuner, who answered Johnson's description pretty well. ********** Transfers of property recorded by the Clerk of the District Court listed in the same paper J. J. Hunt, to 0. R. Deason. Forty acres of land - price $50. J. J. Hunt, to C. E. Stewart. Forty acres of land - price $40. ***************************************************************************** The following is a transcription made by Lamon Geddie on January 13, 1999, of a copy of an article published in the Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, dated June 8, 1890. The copy was made from film of the original paper housed in the Alexandria Public Library in Alexandria, Louisiana. Bolan and Johnson Arrested Last Monday morning our citizens were greatly surprised when they learned that James Johnson and John Bolan had been arrested. They were brought here on Saturday night the 22nd last, at 10 o'clock, and lodged in jail, but very few people knew it until next morning. The arrest of Bolan was made on Friday evening, June 20th, by Mr. B. H. Lyons, the merchant at Hineston, who was deputized for that purpose by Sheriff D. T. Stafford. As near as we can learn the arrest was made as follows: Bolan was sick and went to Hineston to get some medicine. Mr. Lyons heard that Bolan was in Dr. Webster Smith's office, so he took his shot gun, slipped in the office from the rear, and before Bolan saw him Mr. Lyons had his shot gun leveled at his face. Lyons told Bolan to take the pistol from his belt and lay it aside and to throw his hands up and do it quick. Bolan did as he was told in a rapid manner. Bolan had his Winchester rifle, but did not have time to reach it. On Saturday morning Mr. Lyons accompanied by Messrs. G. Lucas and F. T. Marler, went to the house of James Johnson several miles from Hineston, and arrested him. Johnson could have been arrested before he was, but the Sheriff did not want him until Bolan had been arrested, as it was feared that Bolan would leave the country if Johnson was arrested first. Bolan has cut on his rifle, "May 23, "90" the day that he supposed he killed old man Stewart. He also put three notches on the rifle, which he says means blood for every notch. We learn that Bolan says that it cannot be proved that he killed old man Stewart. If the Town Talk is not badly mistaken, it will be proven that not only did he kill old man Stewart, but helped to kill Jeff Hunt and wound Claude Stewart. Mr. Lyons, for the arrests made, will receive $710 - $200 from Sheriff Stafford, $260 given by private citizens and $250 offered by the State for the arrest and conviction of Bolan. ****************************************************************** The following is a transcription made by Lamon Geddie on January 15, 1999, of a copy of an article published in the Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, dated November 1, 1890. The copy was made from film of the original paper housed in the Alexandria Public Library in Alexandria, Louisiana. Genealogical significance is in connection with murder of James Jefferson Hunt who is a direct ancestor. The Jail Since our last report the following changes have taken place at the jail. INCARCERATED: Oct 23 - Chas Honn, Jno. Riles, Alfred Crook, James Caldwell, Chris. Claude, Granville Winchester. On the 26th - James Malone, Andy Malone. On the 28th - Phil. Houston, Fred Jenkins, Wyatt Cooper, Edward Williams, A. Ducote. On the 29th - Taylor Mann, Claude Stewart, Tom Genty. On the 30th - E. E. Odom. Turned out on 29 - Edward Williams, James Caldwell, Phil. Houston. On the 27th -James Malone, Andy Malone. On the 30th - Chris. Claude. District Court Wednesday, Oct. 29th. State vs. 1. R. Boland, murder. Case set for Thursday, Nov. 6th. State vs. James Johnson and 1. R. Boland, Murder. Case set for Friday, Nov. 7th. State vs. Thos. Gentry and Claude Stewart, manslaughter. Mr. E. 0. Hunter was appointed by the Court to defend accused. Case set for Wednesday, Nov. 5. The following is a transcription made by Lamon Geddie on January 15, 1999, of a copy of an article published in the Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, dated November 8, 1890. The copy was made from film of the original paper housed in the Alexandria Public Library in Alexandria, Louisiana. District Court Thursday, Nov. 6th. State vs. James Johnson and J. R. Boland, murder. Motion for severance filed by defendant, Johnson. State vs. Thos. Gentry and Claude Stewart, manslaughter. Tried by jury and found not guilty. Accused released from custody. The following is a transcription made by Lamon Geddie on January 15, 1999, of a copy of an article published in the Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, dated November 15, 1890. The copy was made from film of the original paper housed in the Alexandria Public Library in Alexandria, Louisiana. District Court Wednesday, Nov. 12th. District Court met this day in pursuant to adjournment, His Honor, Judge Blackman, presiding. State vs. Johnson & Boland, murder. Supplemental motion for severance filed by defendant, Johnson. State vs. James Johnson and J. R. Boland, murder. Motion for severance by defendant, Johnson, taken up, argued and summifted. Motion sustained and severance ordered, both accused being present in open court. Case having been assigned for to-day was called for trial as to defendant, Johnson. The jury was drawn, and the evidence was finished, but night have arrived before the case was concluded, the court adjourned till Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and the jury were lock up for the night. Thursday, Nov. 13, The District Court met pursuant to adjournment,His Honor,Judge Blackman, presiding. State vs. James Johnson, murder. This case was resumed, and after hearing the argument of counsel and charge of the Judge, the jury retired. State vs. J. R. Boland, murder. This case was taken up and a great deal of trouble was had in finding a jury. Night arrived and only six jurymen had been sworn in, when court adjourned, and the six jurors were locked up for the night. The jury in the case of the State vs. James Johnson, reported that they could not agree. They were ordered back to the jury room to remain in the custody of the Sheriff for the night. Friday, Nov. 14th, District Court met this day pursuant to adjournment, His Honor, Judge Blackman presiding. State vs. James Johnson, murder. They jury came into court and rendered a verdict of guilty without capital punishment. State vs. J. R. Bolan, murder. The jury in this case having been secured, the accused got up and plead guilty, and asked that the jury bring in a verdict of guilty without capital punishment. He stated that numerous rumors had reached him that the parties he had killed were going to kill him, and that he thought the only way to save his own life was to kill them. After the accused had made his statement the jury brought in a verdict of guilty without capital punishment. Johnson and Bolan will be sentenced to the State penitentiary for life. ****************************************************************** The following is a transcription made by Lamon Geddie on January 15, 1999, of a copy of an article published in the Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, dated November 22, 1890. The copy was made from film of the original paper housed in the Alexandria Public Library in Alexandria, Louisiana. Genealogical significance is in connection with murder of James Jefferson Hunt who is a direct ancestor. Bolan Attempts to Escape John R. Bolan who was convicted of murder one day last week attempted to escape from the parish prison last Monday morning before daylight. Sheriff Stafford was sleeping in the jail cottage and was awakened by the sound of someone sawing. He got up as easily as possible and slipped around where the noise came from, and the sawing ceased. After daylight the Sheriff asked the prisoners who had done the sawing, and Bolan acknowledged that he was the man and barrelled over four others attempting to flee. Afterward two more saws were found in his bed and another tool in the wall. Bolan had succeeded in cutting nearly through one of the iron bars in the window on the river side of the jail in what is known as the iron cell on the second floor. He would not tell who had given him the tools. The Sheriff will keep him in irons until he takes him to Baton Rouge. ****************************************************************** The following is a transcription made by Lamon Geddie on January 15, 1999, of a copy of an article published in the Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, dated November 22, 1890. The copy was made from film of the original paper housed in the Alexandria Public Library in Alexandria, Louisiana. Genealogical significance is in connection with murder of James Jefferson Hunt who is a direct ancestor. District Court Tuesday, Nov. 18th. The District Court met this day in pursuant to adjournment, His Honor, Judge Blackman~ presiding. State vs. John R. Boland, murder. Sentenced for life to the penitentiary. State vs. John R. Boland and Jas Johnson, murder. Both sentenced to the penitentiary for life. ********** From another article in the same paper... James Johnson, a white man, was sentenced to the penitentiary for life, for the murder of Jeff Hunt, white, near Lena, on the 22nd of May, 1890. Johnson leaves a wife and family residing in this parish. ****************************************************************** The following is a transcription made by Lamon Geddie on January 15, 1999, of a copy of an article published in the Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, dated November 22, 1890. The copy was made from film of the original paper housed in the Alexandria Public Library in Alexandria, Louisiana. Court Notes Taken to the Penitentiary... Sheriff D. T. Stafford, with Deputies D. H. Willis, James H. Randell and I. E. Thomas to assist him, left on last Wednesday over the Texas & Pacific road to carry the following prisoners, twelve in number to the State penitentiary: John R. Boland, a white man, was sentenced for life on two convictions for murder. He killed C. C. Stewart, a white man, on Hemp Hill, this parish, on the 22nd of last May. He also helped to kill Jeff Hunt, a white man, on same day, near Lena, this parish. Boland was born in Wilson county, Texas, in 1865 and has resided in Avoyelles, Natchitoches, and Vernon parishes, in this State. He leaves a wife, who resides in this parish. James Johnson, a white man, was sentenced to the penitentiary for life, for the murder of Jeff Hunt, white, near Lena, on the 22nd of May, 1890. Johnson leaves a wife and family residing in this parish. Sheriff Stafford and his deputies returned to Alexandria on Thursday evening. They had no trouble in getting the prisoners to Baton Rouge. The Sheriff informed Town Talk that all of the prisoners that he took down were sent out this week to work on levees and other jobs outside of the penitentiary walls. We don't think the convict levees will hold Boland many months. ****************************************************************** The following is a transcription made by Lamon Geddie on January 15, 1999, of a copy of an article published in the Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, dated November 22, 1890. The copy was made from film of the original paper housed in the Alexandria Public Library in Alexandria, Louisiana. Editorial Before the Law The District Court, which has been in session at Alexandria for the past five weeks, will adjourn early next week. It has been a long session and one of the most expensive held in this parish for years. The verdicts rendered by petit juries at this term have been a great improvement over the past, and many accused who were guilty were decided to be guilty by the juries who decided their cases. We believe it has been a quarter of a century since a white man was found guilty of murder by a jury in Rapides parish, and when Boland and Johnson were found guilty it was a surprise to Town Talk as well as many of our law-abiding citizens. We hope that the laws will hereafter be carefully enforced: that petit jurors will bring in verdicts according to the oath that they take. All citizens should be interested in having the laws strictly enforced, not only for their own personal safety, but for the reason that in any country where life and property are not safe, prosperity can not remain; instead lands will become valueless and unsalable; capital will seek other fields of investment; labor will look elsewhere for employment. A very larger majority of the citizens of Rapides parish are law-abiding; and it seems to be the general opinion that "fixing juries," which is said to have been often done in the past, must cease. When the muterings of men who love to uphold the law are heard in the land it means much, and it is believed that this feeling will continue until every man, high or low, rich or poor, a native or stranger, who commits crime in Rapides parish will be punished according to the laws of Louisiana. ****************************************************************** The following is a transcription made by Lamon Geddie on January 15, 1999, of a copy of an article published in the Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, dated June 20, 1891. The copy was made from film of the original paper housed in the Alexandria Public Library in Alexandria, Louisiana. James Johnson Dead Marion Perkins, convicted of resisting an officer at the October 1890 term of the District Court, has written to a friend in this parish that James Johnson, who was convicted of murder on November 11, 1890, died a few days ago. James Johnson and J. R. Bolon were convicted of murdering Mr. Hunt and Mr. Stewart in this parish, and were both sentenced to the penitentiary for life. We learn that Marion Perkins, who resided in Calca___ ward, this parish, is at work in the tailoring department of the penitentiary, and can make four pair of pants per day. Bolan is at work outside of the penitentiary walls. Lousiana State Prison Record For James Johnson: CONVICT #9492; RACE W; NAME JAMES JOHNSON; LOCATION K; CRIME-MURDER SENTENCE LIFE; EXPIRATION LIFE; PARISH--RAPIDES; DATE SENTENCED--NOVEMBER 18, 1890; JIJDGE--W.F. BLACKMON; DIED JUN 2,1891 OF DYSENTERY. Louisiana State Prison Record For John R Boland: CONVICT #9487; RACE W; NAME JNO. R BOLAND; LOCATION R; CRIME MLTRDER--2 COUNTS; SENTENCE LIFE; EXPIRATION LIFE; PARISH RAPIDES; DATE SENTENCED NOVEMBER 18, 1890; JUDGE W. F. BLACKMAN; TERMINATION OF SENTENCE NOVEMBER 19, 1905~ REMARKS--TRIED TO ESCAPE SEPTEMBER 1891; ESCAPED MAY 6, 1893. As written in his book GUNS IN THE NIGHT A Johnson Family Tragedy by Dr. Tommy G. Johnson JOHN BOLAN escaped from prison in 1893 and come to the Hineston Store believed to be owned at the time by FELDER THOMAS MARLER and wife MARTHA MERRIDITH -- she had told the law where JOHNSON and BOLAN could be found. Bolan asked Marler if he remembered him and he responded, "Yes!" This was Bolan's reply, "I want a fresh horse, a new saddle, and $50 cash; if I don't get these, you know what is going to happen." He was immediately given everything and left riding across the Calcasiey River toward Texas. He was never apprehended by the law and was never seen again. ******************************************************************************* *******************************************************************************