R.F. "Bob" Machen Inquest, Winn Parish, LA Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483 ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** (From Inquest Book A, page 23, Winn Parish Clerk of Court's Office, Winn Parish Courthouse, Winnfield, LA.) AN INQUISITION TAKEN AT WINNFIELD, LOUISIANA, on the 22nd day of November in the year 1919, before the Deuty Coroner of the Parish of Winn, upon view of the body of R. F. Machen there lying dead. The Jurors whose names appear hereunto subscribed, having been sworn to inquire on behalf of the State when and by what means said R. F. Machen came to his death, upon their oath say that the said R. F. Machen came to his death on November the 21st, 1919, from Gun shot (pistol) wounds inflicted by a pistol in the hands of J. E. Carter, it being in our opinion a case of self-defense, and therefore Justifiable Homicide. In testimony whereof the Coroner and Jurors of this inquest have hereunto subscribed their names the day and year above written. J. J. Peters, M. D. , Dy. Coroner C. B. Cole J. R. Watts W. U. Drewett E. N. Jackson C. H. Elliott J. B. Francis, sworn says: When I closed the Barber Shop last night about 8 o'clock I started home, and when I got to the Shaw-Carter Store, J. E. Carter was standing at the door and the door was closed and locked. I asked Jim what he was doing, he opened the door and asked me if I shook the door. I told him no, he asked me if I wanted to come in? I said no. He said this door has been shook 3 or 4 times. About this time Bob Machen walked up, drew a pistol and said you God Damned son of a bitch, shot once or twice. When Bob fired Jim Carter jumped behind the door and ran behind the counter. Bob Machen rushed into the store and went several feet from the door in the Store. Jim Carter shot from behind the counter, he fired several shots and Bob fell. Carter walked to the end of the counter and fired once or twice more either after Bob was down or while he was falling. I said to Jim don't do that and Carter said what the Hell you know about that? Bob Machen lived a few minutes and died. As Bob entered the store he had his pistol in his hand holding it in a shooting position. Signed: J. B. Francis Filed November 22, 1919, and recorded this the 8th day of March, 1920. Eugene Beck Dy. Clerk & Ex-Officio Recorder (Submitted by Greggory Ellis Davies, Winnfield, Winn Parish, LA.)