Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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DEATH OF LEO FF DE First Actual Story of All That Tr ville to Marietra?Narr Before Cobb Ci Atlanta, Ga., Aug. '22?The firsl actual story of all that transpired or the death of ride of Leo M. Frank from Milledgeville to Marietta between midnight and dawn last Tuesday morning became available to th? Asociated Press today. The recital did not come through second or third hands, but in a manner which seeminly placed its authenticity beyond all questions.The narrator, however will not be a witness before the Cobb county grand jury which on September 1, will be asked to undertake a thorough investigation of the lvnchino of the man alleged to have been the slayer of little Mary Phagan. It became known today that Gov. Na\ E. Harris during1 the past few days has received several anonymous threatening letters purporting to warn him not tp go "too far" in his investigation of the lynching. The gov. ernor is not inclined to take the letters at all seriously, but looks upon them as the outgrowth of the disturbed sentiment of the moment. The "inside story" of the events which preceded the finding of Frank's lifeless body swaying from the limb of the biggest oak tree in the vicinity of "Bill' Frey's gin cleared up many phases of the tragic incident which heretofore have been veiled in mystery. Did not Confess First. Frank did not confess. He twice was asked if he had anything to say, but on each occasion replied "No." Asked pointedly if he killed the Phagan girl, he is said to have made no reply whatever. Second. No attempt was made to force a confession. Frank's statement just prior to his death that he loved his wife and mother bettei than he did his life came unexpectedly and without questioning. Third. Frank was not maltreated in any wa" prior to the actual lynching. Stories that he may have met violent death before hanged to the Fray tree are without foundation. Fourth. Frank walked a listance ot 200 hard from the automobile to the death tree without a faltering step without a sigh or semblance of a protest. Fearing perhaps that his body might never reach his relatives, he nn1. I tL-4. .L- 11! aaiveu cuttt me weauing ring ne wore be delivered to a newspaper man with the solmn promise that it would be turned oyer to his wife. This wish was carried out. Fifth. Frank was told from the start that he was to be "executed' as the courts had directed that he be and every effort was made to see that the "legal hanging," as the mob termed the lynching, was carried out in an orderly manner. Members are said to resent any intimation that ?? Frank was "maltreated" while ir their custody. They assert he was given exactly the same consideration usually given to a condemned man on the day of his execution. The rough handling of the body after it was cut down was a matter concerning which members of the mob feel they were not responsible. Sixth. The members of the party felt they had a "sacred duty" to perform in "earring out the mandate of the courts of the State and of the United States." There was no mob spirit, no demonstration, and there is said to have been no idea of hanging Frank in the public square at Marietta or in the cemetery where Mary Phagan is buried. There was, nowever, a determination that the "execution" should take place in Cobb county. Inasmuch as all the members of the party are said to be residents of Cobb county the reason foi this is obvious. Seven automobiles w^re required to transport the mob from Marietta to Milledgeville. Only four returned, including the car in which Frank rode Al: of the machines are small cars of a popular make. These cars were specially selected because of the difficulty in identifying them. No car 01 conspicuous color or design was wanted. There were probably '28 men in the lynching party. The machines left Marietta singly during the afternoon of Monday last and it was shortly after 10 o'clock when the prison farm was reached. After Warden Smith and Superintendent Burke had been called from their homes and handcuffed, the party proceeded to the prisonhouse in which Frank was known to be quartered. Frank was just recovering from the wound inflicted 011 his throat by Wiliam Green, a fellow prisoner, and was to have been returned to the regular sleeping domitory op Tuesday night. On the night of bis death, however, he was still living in the hospital room adjourning the warden's office. When the lynching party had enfproil tViO r? ricAn or?/l v..v pi?ouii uuu cue mciiiuer^ wore disarming the outer guards, one of the "trusties" at the farm who was also on guard duty quickly blew out an oil lamp burning just outside Frank's door. He also extinguished the dim light burning in the hospital room. A member of the invading party was quick to see this. He hailed the "trusty." "Come here with a match," he commanded. "I have nothing of one," replied the convict guard. "Well, you had better get one danmned quick. The guard saw the gleam of a revolver and lost no time in complying. So far as known this was the only semblance of an oath used i*i Frank's presence. This was in keeping with the determination of the members of the mob to give to their acts a consistent atmospheric officially. Four men entered Frank's room. The noise at the outer door alreadv had awakened the prisoner, but he I' !ANK SCRIBED IN DETAIL anspired on Ride From Milledgea tor Will Oot Be Witness junty Grand Jury. ; was still lying: in bed when his room i was entered by the self-appointed ; executioners, who wore hats well pulled down to meet the automobile goggles which served the purpose of j masks. [ "We want you to come with us," [ Frank was told. There was neither surprise or ter[ ror in the look he turned upon them , Frank rose and made as if to dress , himself. He was still feeble from the . loss of blood suffered in the Green i attack and swayed perhaps a little > dizzily. . "Don't bother with the clothes; ; just come as you are," he was com: rr.anded. ; Unresistingly and without appeal of ; any sort for protection, Frank pert milted himself to be handcuffed. Clad . o.ny in a sleeping: garment he walked . into the prison corridor, a member of . ii'. mob on either side of him and t tv.x bringing: up the reu- The night . was one of the warmest of the sumlm i. ; When the party had reached the ' prison porch the leaders thought the t progess being made was entirely too i slow. It was then Frank was picked i up and carried down the concrete : steps of the prison house. It is streni uously denied that Frank was dragged "or bumped" down the steps and it is also denied that one of the mem. bers of the party helped carry him by the hair. In substantiation of this [ It is pointed out that when Frank's | KA/1 W MfOO 1 i .,uuj .???o tui uuwn me oniy marK on . it was a slight abrasion of the right arm just above the elbow. This, it > is said, was caused either by striking . the arm against the narrow door of > the autombile as he was lifted into the machine at Milledgeville or it may . have been due to swaying against the trunk of the oak tree as Frank was i being lifted up to his death. The gastly scarred wound in ; Frank's throat was not opened until . the weight of h?s body had been thrown against the expertly tied hang man's knot placed beneath the right ? point of the chin. , There a^narently was no doubt in . Frank's mind as to the meaning of ' his abduction as he was lifted into . one of the machines waiting outside . the prison farm. He had been fully i aware of the threats that had been > made against him and of the holding i in readiness of the militia of several weeks ago when there was every rea> son to believe the so called "execu' tion" first was planned. . Two men climbed into the back i seat of the car in which Frank had > been placed, one sitting 011 either side ; Another was seated beside the chauf. feur. There were seven cars in Mil; ledgeville at this time. Only four 1 got back to Marietta, the other three i being left behind at Little river as a 1 rear guard. These were the cars 1 which successfullv haffl*?H tVir??o wV?^ ! first started in pursuit of the lynching ; party. For seven long, momentous hours, Frank sat in the automobile which was carrying him to a death place of which he had no knowledge. It required this length of time to make the journey from Milledgeville to Marietta. The roads were often , rough and bumpy but the party maintained a speed of about 20 miles an hour. There was but one delay, a puncture which was successfully mended. Frank's hatless, white clad figure, I erect in the tonneau of the leading car was a striking contrast to the somber<-hued men beside him. Although the roads were black and lonely the glaring electric headlights ! of the cars following kept the first i , car brilliantly illuminated. The highi ways were deserted, however, and the farm houses which were passed w?re iihtu snaaows darkened as they were for the slumber hours. There were no passersby to witness the strange and tragic procession that sped steadly along in a race i with the coming of the dawn. During all this long iourney only two syllables left Frank's lips. What his thoughts were can never be known. The men who hud determined that he should die left hi'm alone with his meditations. Soon after he had been placed in the automobile, Frank was told he was being taken to his place of execution. "The courts of Georgia have sentenced you to be hanged and they never reversed that sentence. It has devolved upon us to carry out their decree." Frank did not flinch. The wonderful stoicism which had marked his long confinement in prison and with which he had met all the reverses which followed his many legal attempts for liberty did not desert him in the last hours of his life. It was well after the determination of liis captors had been disclosed to I him before Frank was asked the question. ''Is there anything you would like to say before wour execution?" At first there was no reply. Then slowly and perhaps painfully the recently wounded man shook his head. "No." The monosyllabic negative was scarcely audible above the throb of the racing engines. For a long time following this the only Round was that of the plunging automobiles. Frank was again permitted the seclusion of hiR thoughts. Then he was asked if he killed the Phagan girl, and the captors say he made no reply. This question was not repeated until near the journey's end and again it is said there was no reply. The final interrogation was: "Is there nothing you wish to say?" "No." These four questions were the sole conversation ir. the death car as it I i i Glad ~to Recomm Frt Mrs. Norforth says She Suffered with Gall-stones for Several Years Without Relief. In a letter to the Pinus laboratories, Mrs. Rosa Norforth, Monticello, ill., says: "I cannot praise Fruitola and Traxo too highly as I consider it saved my life. I suffered with gallstones for several years and could not get any relief until your preparation was recommended to me. It has been six months since I took the last bottle and I feel that I am entirely well. Have anyone doubting the merit of your preparation write me as I will only too glad to recommend Fuitola and Traxo to anyone suffering from trail-stones." Fruitola and Traxo are the names used to identify two preparations that are taken in combination. Fruitola acts on the intestinal organs as a powerful lubricant, softening congested masses and disintegrating the hardened particles that cause so much suffering, and expelling the accumula- 1 tion with almost instant relief. Traxo is a splendid tonic, acting on the liver and stomach with most beneficial results and is recommended in connection with Fruitola to build up and restore the system that has become run down and weakened through A WONDERF A customer of ours on the ma reports that for Nine Years he h* the hundreds and hundreds of cai time, he paid back the money on No wonder We can afford to < of Coffee. Your Money Back If You W standing that You are to Use Onl coffee. LUZIANNE IS BLEP< Save the Coupons out of T with beautiful gifts. The Reily-Ta^ NEW OB IRON W1TI You he changes ironing day drudger^*fc^n worry and health. Ordinary f?wnn|H" four times over each year. Used in ove | "Worth its weight in gold." Made ol | plated. Guaranteed to work perfectly i Demonstrations cheerfully made in yo | last for years. THE MONITOR SAE CLAUDE E. SPARKS, Agent for Uni sped along the miles which were steadily bringing Frank nearer to \ Cobb county and to his death. As daylight approached the speed of the cars i drew up just below the gin house on ; the William Frey place and stopped < at the edge of an oak thicket. The door of the leading car was opened and Frank was told to sten out. He arose with the knowledge that death was near at hand, but did not xaiter. i he big tree which so soon was to be his scaffold loomed large above the other oaks in the thicket but Frank either did not see or attach any importance tor it at first. He walked with firm steps between two of his captors, his eyes upon the ground. It was while the silent procession was progressing thus that suddenly Frank spoke: "I love my wife and mother more than I do my life." The words were uttered more to upon his hearers, but evidently Frank had not been pondering that last question as to whether or not he had aught to say and this was his answer. A few moments later the noose had been placed about the tender neck and throat, a handkerchief had been tied loosely about his eyes, there was a pull, a tautening of hempen rope and Frank's life fast was ebbing away. It was half an hour after the mob had completed its work that the dangling body was found still warm. MRS. W. M. GIBBES DIES Yesterday morning for the second time within the last few weeks death entered the home of Capt. William Moultrie Gibbs at 11507 Bull street, this time removing his wife, Mary Hulstead Gibbs. Mrs. Gibbs had been ill for more than three months. She was in her 7(5 year and is survived by her husband, to whom she had been married f?1 ?? only son, William Moultrie Gibbs, Jr., assistant cashier of the* Palmetto National bank. Mrs. Almira E. Itodiror, the only sister of Mrs. Gibbes, died in an adjourning room July 15, > having attained the ripe age. of 87 \ years. Funeral services will be held at Trinity church at 5 o'clock this afternoon, to be conducted by the Rev. Kirman G. Finlay. Interment will follow immediately thereafter in Elmwood cemetery. Mrs. Gibbs was born in Union October 22, 18.19. Her father was Capt. Gad Clark of New Haven, Conn., who came South during the War between the sections was made capWoodward Davis, of Dunwoody, Va. tain of a company from Union county. Her mother was formerly Miss Mary ' end litola and Traxo i J ,i MRS. ROSA NORrORTIL the suffering incident to the derangement of the digestive organs. In the files of the Pi'nus laboratories at Monticello, 111., are many letters gratefully acknowledging the satisfactory results following the use of Fruitola and Traxo. Arrangements have been made for the distribtion of these excellent remedies by leading drug stores everywhere. In Union Fruitola and Traxo can be obtained at Mill) <-us Drug Co. UL RECORD iin line of the Southern Railway, is sold Luzianne Coffee. Out of ns he has sent out in that long just three of these cans. Gruarantee this Celebrated Brand ant It, with the distinct under[y Half as Much as the ordinary rDEl) JUST RIGHT lUzianne cans, and redeem them rlor Company I LEANS | ' [OUT FIRE at the iron?not. the stove. Iron in a hen. on the back porch or in the shade >. No changing of irons or handles, ag the stove witli fuel. No tiresome o and fro. Down in the body of your little holes in the feed pipe are out 150 darts of flame. These keep the -you keep cool. The improved [onitor Sad Iron Uses Gasoline .sure. Saves money, time, strength, (SV^'only lc for fuel. Pays for itself r o 0,000 homes. -One woman writes: finest material, handsomely nickel f operated acccording to instructions, ur own home. Used with care will > IRON COMPANY on County, Union, S. C.. Route 2 April 2(5, 18(54, the deceased was married in Trinity church to Cant. William Moultrie Gibbs, a son of that distinguished physician, editor iind scientist, Dr. Robert Wilson tiihbs. From 1KS0 to 1015 the couple lived in Union, where they were irreatly loved for their charitable and public spi'tit conduct. The death of Mrs. ?ibbs will bring I sadness to many hearts. Her life was j a beautiful illustration of love, sym- ! . l <- ' ,iii tiiy ami cnaruy. r>ne attracted werybody to her by her sweet womanliness. Radiating optimism and ' gentle strength, as she did, all came under the spell of her rare personulilv. Truly she numbered her friends by the hundreds, children and young oeople especially seeking her conrnpany. For the last week Mrs. Ilattie R. i'lark, a sister-in-law, of Tupelo, Miss., .vhs at her bedside, Mrs. ("lark is the widow of T. M. Clark, brother of Mrs. Cibbs, who dlc'd about 1 "> years ago.? Mondays State. jj Womans College | | i Greenville, S. C. ^ ^ Iita students for lives of fullest efficiency ,ind responsibility. Equipment, faculty, courses of study, and cultural influences are entirely in harmony with presentday requirements. Administration, Instruction and dor- H inltory buildings equipped h'.oiut Hie jl I inost modern lines, for convenient, || comfortable life and enicicut work. Eatroace rcqairraienti upon 14-anit b*?i?. I High standard courses leading to It. A.. I It. I,, and M. A. degrees. Literature. I l.anguages, Hclcnees. Practical train- I ing I n Domestic Science. B-jaiaoaa Cww, leading to diploma. Thorough courses leading to diplo- H inas In Caaoervatory of Moak, depa lincnts of Art, Eipraaaiaa. Pkyair a I Cakarc. K adrrfar I l<a, Normal Trainiaf Coarao. This Institution alms to a Cord the I Iktst educations I ad van (ages obut limbic J at a llll 111 in tun cost. For Catalogue addraaa jl DAVE? M. RAMSAY. D. 0_ Pre*. Greenville. S. C. i I ITS ALL J <jneg fuui WOHWGONE! 3-hcvd. fi/uSbrudA. , I ||k||^ I * piiTjT IN THE Bank MOST FRIENDSHIPS cease when Ihey cos! a man money, have you ever needed money and asked it ol your Friends? What did you gel? Have money of YOUR OWN safely deposited in our bank j and be independent. Make OUR Bank YOUR Bank We Pay Liberal Interest Citizens National Bank R. P. MORGAN, President C. C. SANDERS, Cashief The Ford appeals to the prospective buyer of a motor car on the basis of its proven practical i value, both for pleasure and business, to say || nothing of "Ford After Buying Service" to Ford owenrs. | A car of general utility, it meets the demands of everybody in service?is low in price and cheap j; ] in operation and upkeep?less than two cents a ' mile. j Buyers will share in profits if we sell a^v.tail U new Ford ears between August 101 1 ^J^^tugust 1915. |j! Runabout $440; Touring Car $490; Town Car $690; II, i Coupelet $750; Sedan $975, f. o. b. Detroit with all jn equipment. 111, On display and sale at |l| UNION GAR AG E GADBEKRY ST. f 11 * Jll ~i " # Experience Convinced Me men demonstrated the tance Telephone to us. He was at Huntsville. Ala., and upon his own responsibility put in Long Distance calls for fifteen merchants within a radius of several hundred miles. "In lew than one hour he had sold 2100 barrels of flour at a total cost to us of less than six dollars. "Since then we have applied the Long Distance Bell Telephone to every feature of our business with I most profitable results. The service is fine, the rates are reasonable and there is more satisfaction in one Long Distance Telephone talk than in half a doz.cn letters" SOUTHERN BELL TELEPHONE # Jl % AND TELEGRAPH COMPANY And many a man squanders so E3 | I B2_ |Ufl "TI All much coin on his ideals that he can't B^ IWI II Ivl afford to marry.^ ^ Will cure your Rheumatism Neuralgia, Headaches, Cramps, Colic, Sprains, Bruises, Cut9 and XI Vfa Burns,Old Sores, Stings of Insects Thia ia a prescription prepared especially KtC.* Antiseptic Anodyne, used infor malaria or chills &. fever, ternally and externally. Price 25c. Five or six doaea will break any caae, and - if taken then na a tonic the Fever will not a compound fracture of the nock return. It acta on the liver better than js said to be the only sure cure for Calomel and doea not (pipe or aicken. 2Sc ^he grumbling habit.