14 Dec 1922
Page 1
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Newspaper
Oxford Eagle
Location
Oxford, Mississippi, United States of America
Date
Dec 14, 1922
Page
1
A federal court jury in Oxford Mississippi finds for Governor Lee M Russell in the $100000 seduction suit brought by Miss Frances Cleveland Birkhead. The verdict was reached after a short deliberation with both principals absent from the courtroom.
Judge E R Holmes presided as the jury reported from the jury room and the court adjourned within minutes. After four hours of argument the case, one of Mississippi's most widely discussed in a decade, moved to history with a verdict favoring both sides' pleas for exoneration or redress.
Governor Russell voiced deep thanks to the jury for a verdict he called righteous and vindicating his name and state. He lauded Judge FE BR Holmes for fair rulings, praised press coverage, and thanked loyal supporters. Miss Birkhead’s attorney declined further comment and hinted at an appeal. She planned to return to New Orleans.
Miss Birkhead sought 100000 dollars in damages claiming seduction and impairment of health due to an alleged operation by Br. Russell. A jury of 46 to 75 year old married men deliberated after a seven day trial spanning state and federal courts with 34 witnesses.
Carl Blackwell of Water Valley pleaded to a federal charge of sending obscene letters through the mails and was sentenced by Judge Edwin P. Holmes to four years in the Atlanta penitentiary. The case grew from earlier state indictments over burning a school at Tula and threats signed K K K. Postoffice Inspector Culberson linked the writer to the typed letters. George Mitchell of Tupelo defended Blackwell in the submission.
The Woman's Book Club met at Mrs. Kenyon's Tuesday afternoon with many guests. Christmas decorations and favors added festive touches. Prize winners were Mesdames Brown Faser and Batman. The Bridge Club will meet at Mrs. Benton Holmes’ home, hosted by Mrs. R. L. Kirkwood.
Mr. Wrey Chandler was attacked by a vicious dog while walking home on South Street Tuesday night. He jumped away as the dog sprang, fell against the bank by the sidewalk, and the dog then snapped at his head.
Memphis report details two killings in Cleveland Mississippi with Lon Liles sought for the murder of Lee Davis and a separate fatal shooting of Davis on the main street. Police chase, bloodhounds ordered from Memphis, and a witness description of the suspect circulate as posses hunt for the assailant.
A dog bit a man in the face above and below the left eye. The bite is not serious but leaves a noticeable wound. The dog escaped after the incident. Mr. Chandler is treating the pasture area as a precaution though rabies are not believed to be involved.
The thank you lists gratitude to all who contributed to the annual free will offering for Natchez orphans. Misses M. V. Laughlin A. Winterhalter Sol.
Mrs William Bume, guest of her son Dr Alfred Hume, has returned to Nashville Tennessee. Mrs J C Cully and Miss Somme ville are spending a few days in Memphis. Miss Lottie Morgan returns home after weeks in Potts Camp. Judge Holmes and Mr Montgomery visited last week at the McMahon House. Mr and Mrs Oscar Doodley of Tunica visit brother Marvin Doodley.
The Lawhorn building is nearing completion with roof finished and flooring and finishing work in progress. Plasterers will start soon with walls to receive white coats, occupancy expected by January 15. Walter Davis rents a Lawhorn building for the Oxford Buick Company and will manage it with Buick parts and cars.
The Eagle revises an 1837 will by Daniel McKie naming Frances McKie executor and six sons plus two daughters. It adds an Oxford fire account from 1864 noting General A J Smith's troops burned most of the town, sparing only one business, with diary lines from August 22 and committee names.
In this Christmas number the Eagle showcases merchant ads inviting readers to shop locally. The paper positions advertisers as guides for Christmas purchases and urges readers to read all ads and patronize the stores.
Jackson December 8. W A Montgomery penitentiary trustee says curb harsh discipline and curses on prisoners. He cites financial growth since 1908 and urges humane leadership, Christian oversight, and accountability for staff who mistreat inmates.
The remains of Mrs. Anderson who died recently at Beauvoir were interred at St. Peters Cemetery Wednesday. She spent much of her life in Oxford and was in charge of what is now the Colonial Hotel. Her family was among the city’s prominent ones.
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