Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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f ^ • r- I r ♦ Thos. W. Bennett LAURENS FIRM LEADS IN FIELD OF FINE SERVICE. ^ PHONE 696. PLAYS IMPORTANT PART jk ^ CLERK OF county: ^ FIFTEENTH INSTALLMENT Synopsis:—Barbnrs Keitli, wife'-of a prominent Philadelphia husineas man, is murdered as she waits alope in a aide room 'to testify in the diveree case of Rowland vs. Rowland. She was to have testified for the husband, a friend, who was defendant in the ac< tiom Detective Tommy Banldn is as signed ^ the case from police, bead- qnartei^. His preliminary investiga tion disclosed that both Mr. and Mrs. Rowland had gathered evidence against the other of infidelity. Th# will of, Mrs. Rowland’s first husband directed her lawyer brother, Mr. Wil lard, to handle the estate until she re married when the new husband was to come' ihtO'^controL"Detective Rankin finds motives and the evidence of guilt for the murder of Mrs. Keith, leading to the'doors of virtually all the prin ciples, involved. These principals are, the two Rowlands, Mr. Willard,'^ Mr. Keith, husband of the murdered wom an, Hugh Campbell, paramour of Mrs. Rowland, and his underworld confed erates. (Now Go On With the Story). Browne Belts officers wear about their unifomw.” The lieutenant inspected it carefully. “But there’s nothing on jt to indi^te that it’s part of service equipment,” he object^ “I always euppo^ tte stuff was marked eith^ stamped with the name of the corps, or the initials of the army or navy punched on. He was gone for more than a half hour, fraught for Rankin with intense The Workman Dry Cleaners and suspense and anxiety. He had no other . nonular with all who workable clue to Dennis’ trail; 1 popmar , witn an wno much deposed on his uncovering facts tried them and that they put about him in„one of the two'military forth their best efforts is shown in “Well, Rankin, -here-it all is,” said the lieutenant. “You can have aid in going through it, if you need H. What are you particularly interested in?” “Every bit of it,” Rankin returned. ^‘I’ll want to make a thorough search. Buf first, have you found a picture of Dennis among his belongrings ? ” _ Becker _jjhook his head. “There wasn’t any, or our hunt for him might have beep more successful.” “I suppose a description of Dennis will have to do then,” Rankin observ ed. “Of course, you obtained.full de tails of his looks fibm Miss Trent.” ' “Yes, it’s right here — as exact a picture of him as she could give us.” Disappointingly, however, the rec ord was not overly practical for iden tification; it might have applied po ithousands of similar youngish, aHracr tive men. “What-about his fingerprints?”^the detective queried. “He must have left plenty in his quarters on the articles he handled.” ^ Lieutenant Becker produced an ink- smudged. paper, “These are the ones we found on his furniture.” “I’d like a copy of thes^ Rankin requested. The detective reached for a suit case. “I’ll start groing through Dennis’ things,” he said. “If you’ll get some one to open these other bags, lieuten ant, and help me sort their contents, it won’t take long.” Instead of summoning assistance, Becker lent Rankin a hand himself. There were three bags altogether, the' one on which Rankin began his exami nation being of brown leat^r, oblong and held together by straps. The sec- ^ond was a roomy black satchel, some what old and f:^ayed, while the third was a patent-leather overnight case. None bore traveling tags, and only ^ iMt n manufacturer's imprint: tlxnigh on the suitcase, the name of the retail er, a well-known department store in OUcago, was Mr. Lewis watched the detective, with admiration and woikler his thor oughness. Careful to miss no item, tht detective examined the band of a crushed felt hat and a gray cap, both size 7Vk, seeking a clue as to where they were bought. He -also searched for hairs from Dennis’ head -that might ding to them. Similarly, he scrutinised his safety razor shaving kit, which was unmarked. The fugi tive had three inexpensive but sporty sui^ The miscellaneous contents of the pockets included a small revolver, loose change, a handkerchief, a ring of skdeton keys, and a flask. “Say, Becker, look' at tbis belt! What do you make of that?” said Ran kin suddenly. \ Abruptly, after his excited exclama tion, he broke off and extended the article in his hands. As he was re packing it into the sukcase, he hap pened to study k more dosely. It was _ a finely jrrained, strong bdt of sinn ing brown leathw. Smooth an^ wide, “You’ll generally find the name of the depot that issued it,” Rankin: agreed. “But it’s usiMtUy plac^ on a small loose leather strip, inside; that connects the biickle with the loop for the end of the belt, to keep it from flapping. And thatV^eaeily removed. If Dennis didn’t want the fact known that he had been in the service, he could slip off that atrip. I enlisted 4uring the war, and from my training camp days I recall that much about my uniform.” The lawyer also examined it. “It’s very Hke^ this is a service belt,” he then agreed, “only you mustn’t jump to conclusions. It is possible this didn’t come from a post, but from an army and navy store; I understand they can be purchased there quite easily.” I For an instant this idea took Ran kin aback; then his confidence in his theoiy reasserted itself. * “That’s a chance I’ll have to take,” he replied. “But one thing is certain,” he added with enthusiasm and excite ment. “If Dennis was ever in either military branch, we’ll be making genu ine progress. “They maintain a com- pleto record of their men, and > we should get valuable information about him.” * « « * • Despite the optimism he expressed about the clue, from Fred Dennis’ suit case, Tommy^Rankin fully realized the slenderness of the thread on*which he depended. - Nevertheless, having progressed -as far as possible in his investigations at Fort Wayne, he loolqed hopefully to ward his next step. Indeed, he had no other avenue of approach. In uncov ering Dennis as a likely suspect, as the murderer of Barbara Keith, he had been favored. The detectiveLcaugbt the Manhattan Limited, New York bound; that neces sitated a change at Harrisburg, for the moet dire^ route to Washington. In the nation’s capital he knew where lodged th^jecords of all enlisted men, as far‘back as the American Revolu tion, .£Ii^r and alert, nevertheless retir^, and for the second night in succession, slept aboard a train. So far as” he could predict, the pursuit of Fred Dennis had just begun; through six years and in many places, because of the precarious life he led, he mtt^ trail the wanderii^rs of the culprit. There was no pudging 'how long the chase would take him or how far afield. - In the morning the detective disem barked at the Union Station in Wash ington. divisions. ^ | , He sighed in secret relief When the orderly returned with nHWe papers than he had taken wkh him. • ‘"niere were several Fred Dennises in' the files, sir,” the jnan reported briskly, “but none of them answers the dsscription of the chap you’re af ter. One the other hand. I’ve also had the prints traced from thier general pattern; Mr. GorgM, in the Bureau, says they fit some one named Steve Harmon. So I’ve'brought his record along.” Mr. Roche waved his hand. “Good, Carson. P\it them down on the desk, and thank you.” * He waited until the orderly left the office before inspecting the record with Rankin. . “Steve Harmon,” he read aloud, “age twenty-two, height six feet one I inch, eyes blue, weight a hundred sev enty, thin, broad-shouldered, hair dark ... that appears tp fit your discrip tion. I suppose there’s no danger some one else has similar prints.” the sasfaction in each case. This place U splendidly equipped for all classes of dry cleaning and no work is too diffic^t to handle in the most satis factory manner. A specialty is madq of,the cleaning of ladies’ garments. While they have a list of men foiLwhom they do this same, class of work that includes al most every man in town who cares anything at all about his personal ap pearance. The pressing of a garment is always correctly done and prompt ly callpd for and delivered. The dry Cleaning system used here not only clean.H your clothes, but thor oughly renovates them in the most sanitary manner. It also turns them out in the most approved style, with out that disagreeable odor that ac companies the work of so many clean ing establishments. The Workman Dry Cleaners and Laundry have the latest of macliiqery in their' plant, which niakes it pos.- sible for them to luindle the most deli cate fabrics and turn them out’look ing like new. Dying is an art and sci ence and requires the very highest type of scientific service as well as good color sight, and, here you will find that the service in this line is of Ithe very best. LAURENS CO’TTON MILLS LAURENS’ PROMINENT TEXTILE FIRM SyPPLYING FINISHED COT TON PRODUCTS TO ALL PARTS^OF THE COUNTRY. Since becoming clerk of the Laurens county court, Mr. Bennett has been instrumental in many improvements in this office and his many friends toad admirers are conscious of his useful* ness as clerk of this office. Mr. Ben nett has, without doubt* one of thn ’inest records of any man to servw the people in this capacity. His well organised undei|^andin0 and methods of handling intricate if* fairs of the county’s business hav sured his old friends of his^iapability; and has won new supp<mers coo- s^uftly. It is not acc^jtei^l that our county is in the smbOTh running order thi^ it is. Itris only through the cooper ation^ of Mr. Bennett and, his ool* leagues that we do not find ourselves in deplorable situations due to poor management. The people of Laurens county should feel proud and appreciative towards his splendid service and the efficien cies shown in the .clerk’s, office. —p- Meeting with instant and^ almost universal approval, the,products’ of thi.s manufacturing concern are going to all parts of the country ami with the dawm of new prosperity in the “Not a chance in ten million of their th^ future will see oiir indus- being duplicated,” Rankin asserted^ He bent over the inkmarks .intently. “Yes, these agree exactly vrith those the authorities have,” >6 pointed out, “those lines and that broken curve. And note the ovals along the Upper ridge.” - “Well, here is his complete history.” The secretary opened a pamphlet and turned its pages. “He enlisted-in April, nineteen-twenty-five, at San Antonio, Texas, and was sent for preliminary training to the San Diego marine bar racks. Has no family ties or respon sibilities. Was a.ssigned to the U. S. S. Wyoming in June. Hmm, he was a pretty poor specimen of a~marine Wnd needed plenty of di.sciplining. Insuboh- dination, A. W. 0. L. and petty thiev ing of clothes; he was leniently let off with a month in the brig. And he end ed by deserting in' October.” (Continued Next Week) Itries one of the busiest l>eo hives of industry as prosperity gives impetus to the desire for efficiency. Thoie is not another industry in this entire sec tion which is of greater commercial value than this local company. Its di recting heads and associates have opened up channels of trade to all parts of the country. Their cotton products have gained a wide reputation for geneml excel lence and are considered standard pro ducts among the retail trade. By dong business in a progressive and straightforward manner, this company has won the patronage and confidence of the textile area and are Offhand, he could not be certain ex actly which bureau boueed the infor mation be sought. Rankin decided first to cover the posaibility of Dennis hav ing been a marine, and instructed a taxi to drive him to the Navy building. 'Within, his official card speedily gained him the intelligence, at the in formation desk, that the records of enlisted men were jn the charge of the adjutant-inspector’s office. Once he proved his bona-fides, Ran- NOTICE OF SALE OF PROPERTY FOR TOWN OF CLINTON TAXES AND PAVING ASSESSMENTS. By virtue of certain tax executions to me directed and lodged in my of fice by D. C. Heustess, Clerk of the S.R. Dorroh and industrial life af^this section. By reason of their modern methods of manufacturing and their superior ser vice the local community is more pros perous and progressive and we are pleased to have them with us. It is hardly necessary to say any thing here about the products of this company for they are so well known here. They have taken their place as the best and will be found'a standard product among the trade the" country over. The Laurens Cotton Mills thru their excellent line of co'tton products has spread the name of ito home town far and wide into iJistant centers of the land. Their products l)eing made by experienced workmen have given it a class by itself. The men in charge, Mr. M.-L. Smith, treasurer, and J. McD. Moore, superintendent, are,, good citizens of the community and ready to jjrompt public imp.rovemCnts. conspicuous figures in the commercial DOINft A GOOD JOB AS LAURENS COUNTY AUDITOR. Rhett Martin HAS ABLY ASSISTED IN COUNTY ADVANCEMENTS, During Mr. Maftin’s tenure in of fice, a:id particularly during the pe riod of these; trying times he has as- ■sisted in forward economy and effi ciency and a .spirit of utmo.st harmony has prevailed in looking after the ^f- The Little Hat Shop LAURENS’ POPULAR AND MISSES’ STYLE CENTER SHOWING THE LATEST FELTS AND VELOURS. Town of Clinton^ S. C., I have levied fairs of Laurens county. on and will sell in front of the City Hall, in the Town •of Clinton, County df Laurenfi, State of South Carolina, on the first Monday in October, 1935, l^he same being the 7th day of October, within the legal hours of sale, the fol lowing described property, to wit:— (l).\All that lot or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the Town of Clinton, County of Laurens, State of South Carolina, and fronting forty- one (41T fe€t on.the east aide of Mus- grove -street, and extending back therefrom 150 feet, and being bounded as follows: On the north by lot now or formerly of G. W. Clardy, 150 f^ thereon; on the east by lot now or formerly of T. L. W. Bailey,^40 feet thereon; on the south by lot now or formerly of T. L. W.. Bailey, 150 feet thereon; and on the weet by Musgrove street, 41 feet thereon. Said lot being shown and described as lot No. 2; in block 49, sheet 6, on a map of the Mr. Martin has sponsored many movements for better and more effi cient county government. Among the various ,movements he has whole heartedly given his support to all problems that were for the l>etterinent kin nnticipntnd M Town of Clinton prepared by J. Roy mg access to the records he required. , Mr. Roche, a blond, dapper young man in a wing collar, was, however. the usual holes were punched ai one impressed with his own importance. Behind his cold politeness the detec tive sensed suspicion and antagonism. Rankin did not mention the murder, giving Mn' Roche to understand that he hunted Dennis as the ri^leader of a robber organization. It was not un til the latter realized the magnitude of his quarry’s activities and, more impoitant, tiuit he had been out of Hie service more than six years, that he thawed into affability. ' He nodded more graciously. “Yes, I think we should find the information you want in our files,” he said. “What end; at the other, a heavy brass buckli^as the fellow’s name*, Mr, Rankin?”/ •till glittered brightly, after years of storage and neglect. Rankin’s eyes shone, as thovyrh at an unexpect^ inspiration, causing Becker to take it with a bewildered Yrown. He turned R over. “Well, what about k, Rankin?” he returned. “It’s iu» ex ceptionally fine piece <xf leather. I’ll admit; but R’s just a beR 48 far as I can see.” “I wonder,” the other’s,voice rW .with .enthusiasm. “That’s just R; it’s too good and strong for an ordinary civilian belt. It looks to me very much like a nwwt belt-4 fair leather belt h the slang for R in the service.” “Service?” Bedter repeated, obvi ously startled by the suggestion. “You mean this is an army belt?” .x “Either that or a marine beR, lieu tenant.” Rankin directed his explana tion more to Mr. Lewis than to the officer. “No doiAt you’ve noticed ser vice men in the winter—particularly soldiers and mtrioea—wearing heavy khaki overcoats; they p«R theae mseet belts around them on the outside. -They^ra somethinc Hka the Sam Fred Dennis,” Rankin returned. “That doesn’t mean, of oourM, that be enlistx^ under R; he has probably changM it a dozen times since. Bbt I’ve also brought his fi^rprihU to compare wRh those on file. You take the men’s fingerprints, I beleive?” ‘H)h, yes, that is included- in the de scription.” Mr. Roche extended his hand "‘^ive them ^me and IT ar range to have the iboord exsunined now.” **And what about p^totographst^’ spoke a bit anxiously. “HaYe you pictures of your men as well?” IThe secretary stfook his head. “We don’t take them as a regular part of the enlistmettt process. But* wheneyw recruits have to undergo a prelimi nary training, they are usually pbot^ graphed in tramingw^^camp, and their pictuiee put in ti^r record book. There is a space f<Mr it.” The detective produced the data he brought from Fort Wayne; and quidc- ly aoribbling a few notes, Mr. Roche rang a bell on his desk. To the order ly arho answered R he passed both the papers and the message. Crawford, engineer, and now on file in the office of the CRy Clerk of the Town of Clinton, S. C., to which map reference is hereby made for a more aocurate description. Being levied upon to satisfy the unpaid city taxes, street paving assessments and costs. The same being levied on as the property now of Edmund Sexton and J. T. Sex ton. ^ (2). All that piece, parcel or 1^ of land wRh the improvements t'hereon, situate, lying and being in the Town of Clinton, County of Laurens, State of South (^rolina, fronting for a dis-, tance of 105 feet on the north side of E. Csux^na Avenue, and beiiqr bound ed as follows:'On the north by prop- erty“'af W. Fr Jacobs, 106 feet thera- on; on the east by lot now or former ly of estate of J. B. Dillard, 374 feet thereon; on the south by E. C4.rolina Avenue, 105 feet thereon; and on the west by lot of John W. Finney, 374 feet thereon. Said lot being shown and described as lot No. 9, Block 42, sheet 5 on a map of the Town of Clin ton prepared by Boy Oswford, en gineer, and now bn file in the office of the Clerk of»the Towjr of Clinton, S. €., to which map referent is here by made for a more particufcsFvdeecrip- tion. Being levied upon to sat^fy the unpaid GRy tsuces and costs.and Iigv- ing assessments. The same beifkg levied on as the property now of Mrs. George M. (Mary G.) Davis. The above described property will be sold subject to the lien of any out standing and unpaid state and county taxes Ifc^teon. Purchaser to pay for 8tanH>e and papers. Dated at (Jlhiton,, ,8. C., this 12th (kiy of September, 1936. GEORGE R. HOLLAND, Chief of Pohee of the 'Town of dm- ton, S. C. - mony which has prevailed on the board and the cooperation of all mem bers ha.s produced very gratfiying re sults. Mr. Martin has given his time and best efforts in assisting in work ing out a really constructive,'econom ical ar^d-'.-bminess-like program of handling the county’s affairs. If any county is to keep out of the financial difficulties a program of .strictest economy must be maintained. Mr. Martin has taken much interest in his duties a» supervisor and has ever tried to assist his colleagues in main taining the office on a strictly busi ness basis. His extraordinary inter ests in aH’county activity warrant his place 4s supervior of Lauren.s counYy. Also Shirley' temple Hats For Ch’ll dren, Including the “Curly Top.” This county is famed for its offi cials that have served it well-, regard less of personal loss or gain. Mr. .Dorroh, Who holds the important of fice of county auditor, is one of tho most representative .officials who is Iiresent among* u^ to receive a little of the praise 'that is due hfm. Out of the large circle of his acquaintances over the county, there are but few who know how bjg his actual acebm- plLshments and achievements are. Every .step of his career'to promi nence as a gifted and talented public official has come’by hi.s own hard ef forts and not as a result of any luck. After attaining an, off ice Mr. Dorroih. set about to make the most of that office. Not in the sense of i>ersonal gain or aggrandizement but he made the most of it for the interests of the jieople. Tha^ he has succeeded in his goal is well exemplified in the success I. A DIES’ ^hst has attended his effort.s and the high esteem and confidence of the.peo- j)Ie he ha.s acquired. The position he hoUjs in the eyes of the taxpayers did not coine by> ac cident. It is the direct: result of his having <l<me so well by those people. The Little Hat Shop, occupie.s a dis tinctive place in the distribution ofj .smart wear and conducts a fashion centy for ladies and misses from all over this part of the state. ’The management. Miss Bess Crews and Mrs. Thos. Dowrtey, visit the most of the county and its citizens. The h*s- advanced designers of the day; those C. L. Owens t HAS VIABLE. RECORD AS SHERIFF OF LAURENS COUNTY. .-r \ No department in the county calls for greater ability than that of the sheriff’s department. Sheriff Owens’ very able a^niinistration has elicited the highest praise from both citizei^ and other officials. As the office of sheriff of the thickly populated coun ty of Laurens.4s-most (important. Sher iff Owens stands on his enviable rec ord and qualifications for the position he holds which undoubtedly is one of the most important one in the county to its'many citizens. The complex du ties in his department are absolutely necessary and a competent person of trust must be jn charge. The influence’ and activity of the sheriff of this county has many contacts with outly ing counties and requi^.* much abilRy, and Sheriff Owesw is well known and admired and is very capsble in mak-* ing these contacts more pleasurable. The office of sheriff is always the center point of countless complaints of various natures, iwcessitating' a cotn- pstent force of deputies «inder-an ex perienced and yet friendly chief. Therefore the sheriff’s ability to or ganize his ideas into the best working group to handle the many situations arising in the course of duty is un doubtedly among the first qualifica tions for the office. Sheriff Owens’ able management of this office and hfs force under him places him high in the estimation of closer critics of pub lic servants. creators of fashion who know what what will be popular, ami are excellent judges of style, materials, and secure for the people of this section importa tions and American-made products from the latest of models. } The stock has been purchased by a careful buyer~with the view of be ing .sold at reasonable figures as well as giving the ladies and misses of the local territory the latest Tn vogue. They have by regular visits to the cen ters of fashion kept thoroughly mod ern in their ideas and this knowle<lge has been u.sed in the selection of their present stock*. The fact that the Little .Hat Shop is a locally owned and operated store I for the ladies and mis-ses-of Laurens and its ^surr^ndTng towns for ad- vaned .style.s makes it responsible for isO many smartly attired ladies of this section and adds much to. the charm of the dress'’'of the period, and makes them, merR the large patronage they enjoy and the 'liommercial success which they have achieved. Chaperone’Your Cigarettes Don’t LhtThem Go Out Alone A large percentage ofsfires are caused by cigareHes. Play safe. 1. Be sure your-cigarettes afe extiiiguished when you leave them. 2. Carry adequate fiCdMn- surance in ca^ of poid^' Bible loss. See us today for adequate fire protection. H. D. Henry & Company INSURANCE CLINTON, ; - S. C. J. Leroy Bums HAS ABLY ASSISTED IN COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM. “ \ 8UBSCRIBB TO TEE CHRONICLB No list^f^unty officials would be complete' Without mention of Mr.. Bums, who is cotinty suprintendent of schools and one of the most brilliant lights of our educati<Mial. sysrtem. He has devoted years to public ser vice in the training of the younger generation and his success is best at tested by the standard of excellence attained by the schools with which he has been identified in such impor tant capacities, during his long and faithful career. When he was placed in his present position, one of the most responsible assignments made, R reflected in large measure the high esteem and regard in which he .is held by those who seek the able men in his profession. A record already es tablished, Mr. Bums remains the stu dent ever in the search of adv«iced jdehs and ideals, intended for the treatment of the public school system and the young men and women in his keeping. Early recognition of his worth in the form of higher hoiKH's would delight Mr. Bums’ legion of friends, including school teachers and faculty members alike. STATE THEATRE GRE^ENWOOD, S. C. Program W«ek Be^nping Thursday, September 19 THURSDAY—FRIDAY Glorious GRACE MOORE in “LOVE YfE FOREVER ff SATURDAY ONLY NORMAN FOSTER in “SUPER SPEED” SATURDAY, 10:30 P. M. KENT TAYLOR IDA LUPINO in “SMART GIRL” ^ MON.—TUBS.—WBD. H. Rider Haggard’s Famous and sWonderfol Nov^ “SHE” With*H^i^^GAHAGAN RANDOLI^ SCOTT and HELEN MACK A. THUR.—FRI.- • BING CROSBY “TWO FOR TONITL ^ With JOAN BENNETT 1 ■ /