Looking Back

(Editor’s Note: This column looking back at St. Francis County’s history is featured each Friday on this Lifestyles page along with the week’s History Photo. The items included in this column were printed in previous editions of the TimesHerald.)

March 1925

Duel In Colt-Circuit Judge E.D. Robertson Tuesday morning granted the petition of the defendant, J. Lucius Stoddard, for a change of venue and case was transferred to the Lee County Circuit Court for trial in Marianna on April 21st. Stoddard is charged with first degree murder following the slaying of Arthur T. Hamilton in a pistol duel in Colt, eleven miles north of Forrest City on October 11,1924. The change venue was granted upon request of defendant through his sworn statement and the sworn statement of supporting witnesses that he would not receive a fair and impartial trial in St. Francis County. Thirty-four witnesses for the State and forty nine witnesses for the defendant were on hand Tuesday and instructed by the Court to appear in Marianna on the date stated above April 21. The petition for change of venue was not strongly contested by the State and the opinion has been expressed by many that the State probably profited by the change. The opinion is based largely not upon the facts surrounding the case but upon the fact that there has not been a conviction of a white man for first degree murder in St. Francis County during the past twelve years and the conviction at that time was a case transferred from Cross County to St. Francis. Former Sheriff J.G. Sanders former, Postmaster T.O. Fitzpatrick and E.B. Eason, furniture dealer, were the supporting witnesses in the petition for a change of venue. The State offered no testimony in rebuttal. Mr. Sanders stated that he believed it would be impossible to prepare a fair and impartial trial on account of the bitterness of the last political campaign. Mr. Sanders was the defeated candidate of the Ku Klux Klan. He stated that Stoddard was a deputy under him. Hamiliton was an anti-Klansman, but the State will not attempt, it is said to show that politics had any part in forming the motive for the crime. The slaying however did occur during the trial of the contest election in this county last year in which J.C. Sanders was the unsuccessful contestant against J.M. Campbell, anti Klansman and supported by Hamilton for sheriff. The State will undertake to establish by a number of eye witnesses that Stoddard fired the first shot, in which he missed his aim, while Hamilton had his back turned and that Hamilton did not succeed in drawing his gun until Stoddard had fired the second shot. From the large list of witnesses summoned by the defense, many of whom were not eye witnesses to the tragedy, it is believed that the defense will provide the sensations of the trial. The courtroom was packed when Court opened and interest was tense until Court announced the decision for a change of venue. Stoddard has been at liberty under bond following his arrest shortly after the tragedy and has made no public statement as to his defense. His attorney, Judge Lanier, briefly states that it will be self defense. Hamilton, the slain man, was a well known planter and cattleman of St. Francis county. Stoddard was a small farmer, living near Pine Tree. A few years previous he had been a tenant on the Hamilton farm. The State it is said expects to prove the following: That bad blood existed between the two and had existed for some months prior to the killing. That Hamilton had appealed to the officers for protection stating that he feared for his life. That shortly before he was shot by Stoddard that he drove in a horse and buggy from Forrest City to Colt and hitched near the store of L.G. Fitzpatrick and called to Mitchell Holt, who was standing nearby. Holt and Hamilton walked to the south side of the street and stood talking for some fifteen minutes on the bridge across the south ditch. Lucious Stoddard came out of the Fitzpatrick store while Hamilton and Holt were talking and walked up and down the sidewalk in front of the store for several minutes. Holt and Hamilton started to cross the street in a northeasterly direction and about the time they reached the bridge on the north side of the street it is claimed by the state, Stoddard jumped from the side walk in front of Fitzpatrick store toward the buggy of Hamilton and upon reaching it and using it as a shield rested his arm on one of the wheels and fired at Hamilton. The shot went wild and as Hamilton was attempting to draw his pistol from his scabbard Stoddard fired a second shot, which struck Hamilton in the breast, going through his body and from which wound he died within less than ten minutes. Hamilton returned the fire but the wound he had received crippled his aim. Stoddard emptied his pistol but his aim was not good with the other shots and then turned and ran. Hamilton following him. Hamilton missed one opportunity to fire due to two children crossing the street just beyond Stoddard and within range of his aim. Stoddard only received flesh wound in his neck, Hamilton firing five shots, the last one inflicting the wound just referred to. Hamilton then fell, exhausted and died within minutes without making a statement. Hamilton had lived in St. Francis County since 1892. Four years ago he ran second in a field of six for sheriff and collector.

Dye Passes-Mrs.Eliza C. Dye passed away at home in this city Sunday at 6:32p.m. of pneumonia. Funeral services were held from the Baptist Church at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. Blount F. Davidson. with interment at City Cemetery. Pall bearer as follows: Walter Prewett, W.W. Camphell, James Fondrin, Tom Campbell, Reuben Henson, J.M. Prewett, Honorary S.C. Campbell, Chas. R. Izard, J. D. Baugh, M. C. Hambleton, H.A. Knight, J. G. Sanders, J.T. Sanders, E. A. Rolfe, S. A. Rolfe, J.O. Rush. A. C. Bridewell, A. G. Sweet. Mrs. Dye was the daughter of Mark W. and Permelia Shackleford Izard, and was born in Forrest City on June 22, 1840. Her father was the first territorial governor of Nebraska and moved to Forrest City. She was the last of her generation to pass away. When just a child she united with the old Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. When the Baptist Church in Forrest City was organized she was one of the charter members, and one of the four who first organized the Sunday School. All of the other charter members of the Church preceded her in death. She was the first president of the Women's Missionary Society, and member of the Church during her active life rendered more loyal with sacrificial service. On May 23, 1869, she was united in marriage to Dr. Reuben G. Dye, to which union was born three children, Mabel, Reuben G. and Mrs. Lucille Benson, only one of whom, Mrs. Benson, survive. She is survived, in addition to her daughter, by three grandchildren, Robert Walker Benson, Reuben Dye Benson, and Miss Edith Benson, a number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and a great host of friends to mourn her departure.

Election-Six hundred and ten voters turned out Friday to elect a mayor, police judge and alderman in Forrest City. Considering the unfavorable weather (it was snowing part of the day) the vote was a large one. We are glad that people take interest in the selection of their officials. The results of the election satisfied this office. Candidates voted for by the writer were elected.

Gets Life- Savannah Turner, sixteen year old, was convicted by jury in Circuit Court Wednesday of murder in the first degree and the penalty fixed at life imprisonment. The victim Alice Berry, was a sister of the defendant. Savannah lived with Alice on the Trapp & Hoshell farm and in the latter part of October. Alice, it was brought out in the trial, assaulted Savannah with an axe alleging that Savannah was on too intimate terms with the husband of Alice. On Nov. 18 Alice was found dead in her home, with her throat cut from ear to ear. Suspicion pointed to Savannah and following her arrest she confessed the crime, stating that she committed the act while her sister was sleeping. The evidence against her was circumstantial, except the confession, which was repeated by the officers to whom she made it.

Health Pageant-A most beautiful health pageant will be staged by the pupils of the Fifth Grade, Central School on Saturday. March 28. at the Imperial theatre, under the able direction of Mrs. H. W. Martin assisted by Miss Eva Currie. This pageant was arranged by Mr. Martin and presented at the Tri-State Fair, Memphis for the Parent Teachers Association and other large gatherings. It's lesson along health lines are interesting entertaining, impressive and of real value to teachers and parents, as well as children. During the play the children appear as fairies, witches, doctors, nurses, acrobats, soldiers, sailors and other characters each with beautiful story and lesson in the great playing.

Laughinghouse Passes-Mrs. Willie Aleia Laughinghouse died at the Baptist Hospital in Memphis at midnight Wednesday night, of meningitis, contracted following an operation a few days ago for mastoids. The body will arrive in Forrest City on the California Special this afternoon and funeral service will be held sometime Friday, though definite arrangements had not been completed as we go to press. Mrs. Laughinghouse was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phil Raiford. On December 23,1887 she was united in marriage to Mr. Newman Laughinghouse, who preceded her in death about 12 years ago. To their union were born three children, two of whom, Mrs. Fred Seaton of this City and Lieutenant Newman Laughinghouse, survive. Lieutenant Laughinghouse is stationed in Manila, Philippine Islands, the aviation division of the U. S. Army. Deceased is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Ike Mallory, and a half-brother, Matthew Raiford, of Memphis. A particularly sad feature of the case is the fact that her sister, Mrs. Mallory, is also in the Baptist Hospital for a similar operation, and will be unable to attend the funeral. Friends, however, will read with interest that Mrs. Mallory is improving and will probably be restored to full health. Mrs. Laughinghouse was a devoted member of the Methodist Church, and was loved and admired by a large host of friends in the City and County who mourn with the bereaved family in their loss.

Locals-Reports the family from Pine Bluff state that the confirmation of Mr. V. V. Mann has improved during the past few days.***Judge S.H. Mann returned to Forrest City Sunday from a visit of about ten days with his mother. Friends of this estimable lady will read with pleasure the encouraging news of her improvement.***W.T. Sanders returned home the last of the week from Hot Springs where he was on a visit being called home on account of the illness of his mother, Mrs. Lucy Sanders.***Mr. Harry Watson and daughter, Martha, were visitors in Memphis Saturday, going over to hear Grand Opera.***Mrs. J. O. McDougal, Mrs. Percy H. Barker. Jr. and Mrs. M. R. Norflect Jr. were Saturday visitors in Memphis, going over to hear Grand Opera.***Mrs. O.B. Rollwage, Mrs. John Grobmyer, Miss Bernice Chandler and Miss Dorothy French were visitors in Memphis Saturday to hear Grand Opera.***Mrs. W. D. Fisher was a visitor in Marianna Wednesday with her daughter, Mrs. E. C. McMickle, and Mr. McMickle.***Mr. W. A. Morrow returned home Monday from Pine Bluff, where she had been for the past week with her mother, Mrs. V. V. Mann, who is quite ill.***Mr. and Mrs. E. K. Fogg and Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Hammond were Sunday visitors in Parkin, with Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Turley.***MEN'S SUITS: John C. Langeworth & Sons high grade men's and boys clothing guaranteed to give perfect fit. Guaranteed to give the upmost in wear and satisfaction, $93.75 per suit. E. J. Tipton, agent.***Dr. and Mrs. Luther Stout and son, of Brinkley, were visitors Sunday with Dr. Stout's parents, Mr. and Mrs J. F. Stout.***Born, Sunday, to Mr. and Mrs. O. D. Lambert, a boy.***Scott Kirkpatrick, Jr., of Marianna was the weekend guest of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. O.R. Rollwage.***Mrs. H. Barnett, of Helena, is visiting Mr. and Mrs. L. Barnett.***Be sure and come in and get you a cup of Folgers Coffee Friday, at Buford Grocery Co.