Article: "Three Charged With Murder Talk Freely" -- September 5, 1921

"THREE CHARGED WITH MURDER TALK FREELY"

The Daily Free Press, September 5, 1921

"Mrs. William Whitley, 37; Thomas Hayes, white farmer, and Wright Rouse, negro farmhand, will make a clean breast of the murder of the woman's husband in the Walstonburg section when they go to trial at Snow Hill, Greene county officials believe, and leave their fates in the hands of the jury. Reports today stated that the prisoners had talked freely of the crime to additional interviewers, their separate accounts corroborating one another. The trial will not be held before December.

The trio, apparently overwhelmed by the detection of the guilt they are alleged to have confessed, have talked with a number of officials, newspapermen and others.

Will Whitley fell asleep while curing tobacco at a barn on his farm on the night of August 3. Rouse, a one-armed neighborhood character, crept up and shot him dead. The reported confessions say Rouse was in the employ of Mrs. Whitley and Hayes, who desired to get Whitley out of the way. The price of the murder was $500. Rouse was never paid, he declares."

Article: "Mrs. Whitley and Two Others Held on Murder Charge" -- September 5, 1921

"A DEPLORABLE AFFAIR"

The News and Observer, September 5, 1921

"The mystery surrounding the death of W. H. Whitley, prominent Walstonburg farmer, who was killed at a tobacco barn on his farm on the night of August 6, was cleared up this afternoon when Greene County authorities held Mrs. Sarah Whitley, wife of the deceased, Thomas Hayes, a neighbor, and Wright Rouse, one-armed negro, on charges of murder following their confession that they conspired to kill Mr. Whitley. All three were lodged in the Greene county jail without bail.

Offered Negro $500.

According to their statement Mrs. Whitley and Hayes, with whom the woman is said to have been infatuated, induced the negro to commit the crime in consideration of $500, which has never been paid by them. All are being held without bail. A statement implicating herself and Hayes and Rouse was made by Mrs. Whitley to the authorities after a twelve-hour session of the coroner's jury which has been investigating the case during the past several weeks. no threats of violence against the prisoners have been reported so far. Mrs. Whitley, who is 37 years old, apparently does not realize the seriousness of the charge against her, it was said.

Resumes Investigation.

On Friday afternoon the coroner's jury investigating the murder of the late W. H. Whitley, of the Walstonburg section, in Greene county, resumed its session at Snow Hill, which was adjourned from August 7 at the home of the deceased. After a hearing lasting from 2 o'clock in the afternoon until 2 o'clock Saturday morning, the coroner's jury held without bail Mrs. Sarah Whitley, wife of the deceased, but again took an adjournment. The jail at Snow Hill being full of prisoners Mrs. Whitley was held under guard until she can be carried to a neighboring jail, where accommodations better than those of the Greene county jail can be secured.

Mrs. Whitley's Confession.

In both investigations before the coroner's jury Mrs. Whitley had shown a strong bearing. However, after her friends and the crowd had left, she wavered and under sharp questioning by deputies E. H. Suggs, E. E. Potter and C. E. Jones, later assisted by Sheriff J. E. Herring, she broke down and confessed, telling that her husband was killed by Wright Rouse, a one-armed negro freak doctor and fortune teller, in consideration of $500, which has not been paid, however. She also said that Wright Rouse was induced to commit the crime by herself and a neighbor, Tom Hayes, with whom she is said to have been infatuated and with whom se was indicted, but acquitted on a statutory charge in the Greene county court about a year ago. Hayes was said to have taken the negro to the place where Mr. Whitley was killed on the night of Aug. 6.

Hayes Interested.

All during the investigation at Snow Hill, Hayes was a most interested spectator and was often in the company of Mrs. Whitley and remained in the town an hour or more after the adjournment of the inquest.

The crime, the killing of W. H. Whitley, a wealthy and highly respected citizen, while asleep at his tobacco barn at or near the hour of 11 o'clock on the night of August 8, has considerably aroused the people of Greene county, especially the residents of the Walstonburg section. 

The first real light of the recent developments was furnished by J. B. Croom, Jr., since his arrest and confinement in the county jail on a forgery charge brought from De Soto county, Florida.

Following the confession of Mrs. Whitley, Hayes, and Rouse were placed in custody and both later made confessions, it is said."

Article: "Three Confess to Murder of Man at Tobacco Packhouse" -- September 3, 1921

"THREE CONFESS TO MURDER OF MAN AT TOBACCO PACKHOUSE"

The Daily Free Press, September 3, 1921

"The Sheriff's office at Snow Hill Saturday announced that three prisoners in the Greene County jail there had confessed to conspiring to murder Will Whitley, a Walstonburg farmer, Whitley was shot and killed while asleep at a tobacco barn early in August. 

Those held are Mrs. Whitley, widow of the man slain; Thomas Hayes, a farmer neighbor, and Wright Rouse, a negro. Rouse's alleged confession was to the effect that the woman and Hayes offered him $500 to commit the crime. He was not paid, he stated.

The Sheriff's office said Mrs. Whitley would be removed from Snow Hill to a prison elsewhere because of lack of accommodations for women prisoners. There had been no threats of violence, it was stated. Mrs. Whitley, who is 37 years of age, apparently does not realize the seriousness of the charge against her, it was said. The Sheriff's office stated that the confessions indicated an illicit love affair between the woman and Hayes led to the murder.

Rouse is a one-armed negro, something of a character in the Walstonburg section. The murder of Whitley was a particularly brutal crime. Mrs. Whitley's indifference has impressed officers, who believe she is incapable of appreciating the gravity of the crime."

Article: "Prominent Farmer and Merchant of Greene County Shot" -- August 5, 1921

"PROMINENT FARMER AND MERCHANT OF GREEN COUNTY SHOT"

The Daily Times, August 5, 1921

"Last night about midnight, while at his barn curing tobacco, Mr. Willie Whitley, a farmer and merchant who resides about a quarter of a mile from Walstonburg, a small town on the Norfolk and Southern railroad, some 18 miles east of Wilson was shot to death.

There is no clue to the perpetrator of the crime and the community is greatly aroused over the tragic and dastardly deed, especially in the view of the fact that Mr. Whitley was quiet and unassuming, and was not known to have enemy in the world. 

Bloodhounds were brought from Washington early this morning and are on the trail at noon as we go to press with the first edition of the Times. The coroners jury is also holding an inquest at this house. It was thought this morning that the funeral would be held this afternoon, but it is now thought unlikely since other evidence may be procured bearing on the situation.

Mr. Whitley was shot through the check while he was lying presumably asleep on a tobacco truck. He leaves a wife and six children. He was the son of Mr. John Henry Whitley, and the brother of Mr. John Whitley who runs a store in Walstonburg in which the dead man is interested. He is also related to parties in Wilson being the nephew of Mrs. J. H. Garris of this city. Tracks were found around the barn, and the dogs are now on this..."

Article: "Killed While Asleep At His Tobacco Barn" -- August 5, 1921

"KILLED WHILE ASLEEP AT HIS TOBACCO BARN"

The Raleigh News and Observer, August 5, 1921

"William Whitley, prominent merchant and farmer of Walstonburg, 18 miles from Wilson, was shot and killed while asleep at his tobacco barn late last night. No clue to the identity of his slayer has been found. A sheriff's posse with bloodhounds are scouring the country in an effort to apprehend his assailant. Whitley leaves a wife and six children.

The coroner's jury took a recess at noon to await further developments. It is said that domestic trouble was the cause of the tragedy and a man in the neighborhood is suspected.

This is the second assassination to take place in this section in the past few days. Rev. Ennis Pearson was shot from ambush in Taylor's township in this county last week."

Article: "Wilson County Man Is Assassinated" -- August 4, 1921

"WILSON COUNTY MAN IS ASSASSINATED"

Goldsboro Daily Argus, August 4, 1921

"Wilson, N.C., Aug. 4--William Whitley, a prominent farmer and merchant of Walstonburg, this county, was shot and killed last night while asleep at his tobacco barn, where he was curing tobacco. 

There is no clue to the guilty party, and today the sheriff and posses with blood hounds are scouring the whole neighborhood in an effort to trace the murderer.

Mr. Whitley leaves a wife and six children."

Article: "Farmer Killed While Asleep In His Barn" -- August 4, 1921

"FARMER KILLED WHILE ASLEEP IN HIS BARN"

The High Point Enterprise, August 4, 1921

"WILSON, N.C., Aug. 4.--William Whitley, age 40, a prominent merchant and farmer of Walstonburg Greene County, 18 miles from Wilson was shot and killed while asleep in his tobacco barn late last night. No clue has been found to the identity of the assassins. A sheriff's Posse with bloodhounds is surrounding the country in search of the slayers. Whitley leaves a wife and six children."

Article: "A Deplorable Affair" -- December 16, 1891

"A DEPLORABLE AFFAIR"

The Goldsboro Headlight, December 16, 1891

"Full details of a deplorable affair which occurred in Greene county, three miles north of Snow

Hill, last Wednesday, in which it is stated that Rev. J. T. Abernathy, the Methodist pastor of the

Snow Hill circuit, overstepped the bounds of propriety by kissing Mrs. Will E. Grimsley while

paying her a pastoral call, is furnished to us by our Snow Hill correspondent, but owing to the

prominence of the parties involved in that unfortunate affair, we refrain from giving full publicity

until the proper investigation is made, which is to be held by five Elders of the Methodist Church

at Snow Hill tomorrow. As we learn, Mr. Abernathy has handed in his resignation, and the jealous

husband, Mr. Grimsley who came out from his hiding place and shot the preacher full in the face,

entirely disfiguring its left side, was duly arrested and bound over to court in the sum of  $500.

Later: Just as we go to press, we learn that the shooting between Mr. Grimsley and Mr.

Abernathy was renewed at their meeting on the streets of Snow Hill Monday evening at 4 o'clock.

Mr. Grimsley, without warning, fired a pistol hall into the left cheek of the preacher, it coming out

from the back of his neck. Mr. Abernathy, in return shot Mr. Grimsley in his left leg, inflicting a

painful wound. Since the last shooting, public sympathy is with the preacher."

Article: "Mr. Rufus E. Best Killed"--July 18, 1895

"MR. RUFUS E. BEST KILLED."

The North Carolinian, July 18, 1895

"Mr. Jesse A. Jones received a letter Monday from Snow Hill conveying the sad news that Mr. Rufus E. Bets fell from his road cart near his home (Shine) Sunday afternoon. He was killed instantly, the fall breaking his neck. Mr. Best was an influential citizen and his death is greatly deplored. He was about fifty years old."

 

Article: "Snow Hill Hanging" -- September 8, 1897

"SNOW HILL HANGING"

The Eastern Reflector, Greenville, NC   September 8, 1897

Doc Black Pays the Penalty of His Crime Amid Scenes of Disorder

"Dock Black, the negro who outraged Miss Janie Stepp, a maiden lady in Greene

county, a few months ago, was hanged in Snow Hill on Wednesday about 1

o'clock. The execution was witnessed by a great crowd, and the evils of having

a hanging in public were very evident. The number of people in Snow Hill was

variously estimated to be from 7,000 to 10,000, and most of them were there

not so much for the purpose of seeing the majesty of the law upheld and the

penalty of a crime paid, as through the morbid curiosity to see a hanging.

Pistols, knives and clubs were largely in evidence, and hundreds of people

present instead of being supporters of the law were themselves violators. All

day long wild disorders prevailed, and it was only through extreme vigilance

that a riot was averted. Before the execution a colored preacher with several

relatives of the condemned man went into the jail to hold services and when

the sounds of their praying, singing and shouting reached the negroes outside

they went almost wild with excitement. When Black was taken to the place of

execution a crowd of negroes tried to rush on the gallows, and were only held

back by the guards thrusting pistols and guns in their faces. Black waved his

hand from the scaffold to the crowd and told them to behave themselves, that

he had committed the crime and had to be punished for it. Even after the

execution the excitement continued so that several negroes had to be driven

across the bridge out of town.

The drop fell about 1 o'clock and Black was dead in a few minutes."

Public execution of Dock Black in Snow Hill, September 1, 1897.
He was executed after confessing to the rape of Miss Janie Stepp.

Article: "A Melon Feast at Hookerton" -- August 31, 1909

 "A MELON FEAST AT HOOKERTON"

Raleigh Newspaper, August 31, 1909

"August 20--The young people of Hookerton enjoyed a melon feast Friday night, which was served on the porch of the school building. The crowd gathered about half past nine o'clock, after services at the Christian Church, and in the beautiful moonlight all joined in one of the most enjoyable feasts of the season. There were lots of melons carved and laid upon the edge of the porch and the merry crowd gathered around and without ceremony engaged in the feast.

Those present were Misses Rosabelle Taylor, Grifton; Julia Taylor, Hookerton; Henrietta Moye, Farmville; Agnes Spain, Greenville; Lanie Hardy, Maury; Maybelle Grimsley, Hookerton; Fannie Moye, Farmville; Alice Taylor, Hookerton; Naomi Vause, Hookerton; Nannie May Vause, Hookerton; Fannie Brown Edwards, Hookerton; Mary Youngblood, Florence S.C.; Lillie Giles, Hookerton; Iola Giles, Hookerton; Sophia Palmer, Hookerton. 

The young men present were: Messrs. M. S. Giles, Stem; Joe Moye, Farmville; and the following from Hookerton: Messrs. Harry Taylor, Joe Giles, Robert Edwards, Milton Grimsley, S. M. Hardy, Luther Kilpatrick, H. C. Hollowell, Hardy Vause, Richard Taylor, Kirby Hart, Guy Taylor, and Norville Palmer.

The chaperones were Mr. and Mrs. R. J .Matlock.

The union meeting at the Christian Church is in progress here also and a number of people are here from other churches as delegated to this meeting .A revival will follow the union meeting."

Article: "Snow Hill Citizen Sends Bullet Through His Head at Wilson" -- July 31, 1914

"SNOW HILL CITIZEN SENDS BULLET THROUGH HIS HEAD AT WILSON"

 The Eastern Reflector, July 31, 1914

"WILSON, July 26—Within 15 minutes after his arrival here of six o' clock tonight Joe Bunn, a white man of Snow Hill, was a suicide in a questionable resort and no cause can be assigned for the deed. Alighting from the train from Snow Hill, Bunn went immediately to the house of Cora Judy, a white woman of bad reputation. He was received into the house and immediately took up his position on the lid of a small trunk. He appeared ill at ease, nervous and excited. In a few moments he requested a room on the second floor, then he asked for a glass of water, and while she was down stairs for the water she heard a pistol shot. Another inmate of the house rushed into the room and found Bunn entirely nude, stretched out on the bed, with his hand tightly clutched a revolver lying across his chest, and a gaping bullet hole in his forehead. Search of his clothes failed to reveal any cause of the rash act. A dozen cigarettes were found in the pockets, four revolver cartridges, seventy cents in cash, and a blank check of Dixon, Hicks & Company, merchants of Snow Hill. The body was at once prepared for burial. His remains were shipped to Snow Hill this afternoon."

Article: "The Reunion in Snow Hill" -- May 21, 1891

 "THE REUNION IN SNOW HILL"
Wilson Advance, May 21, 1891

Patriotic and Thrilling Speeches by Brave and Gallant Gentlemen. 

"Pursuant to custom there was a reunion of the surviving members of Co. A. 3rd Regt. N. C. T. in the Court House in this place today. Capt. H. H. Best, President of the Association called meeting to order. W. P. Ormand, Secretary, was at his post. Orderly Seargt R. A. Edwards called the roll, to which most of the survivors responded. Rev. J. T. Abernathy offered prayer, beautiful and touching, referring to the time when they fought for country, and that as they were valiant soldiers of the Cross. Letters were received and read from Col. W. L. DeRossett, Gen'l. Robert Ransom and Gen'l. Gaston Lewis expressing regret that they could not respond "in propria persona" to the kindly invitation to be present. 

In response to loud calls Capt. Swift Galloway who bears on his manly person the lasting evidence of his valor on the field of battle, arose and made a most capital speech, in which he reviewed the history of this noble company, depicting and describing in graphic and eloquent words the many scenes of carnage and of blood in which they held up the banner of the Southern Cross, and warmly applauded and commended the boys of Greene for keeping in fresh remembrance the days when along the fire-fringed front they battled for Southern rights and homes and firesides. Dr. E. H. Hornaday, Surgeon, was called for and he charmed and delighted the audience with a well timed, eloquent and patriotic speech. Mr. J. P. Heath, who proudly calls himself "one of the boys who never surrendered" came to the front and his effort was loudly applauded. Stonewall Jackson was his model, and in his eulogy of him he said that when he died he would be content to go where Jackson was that would be heaven for him. Old Primus, the faithful old colored man who followed the company through the war, said that he was proud to be here and to join them in remembering soldier days. 

Some fine music by the Greene County Brass Band interspersed the speeches. After the speeches dinner was announced, to which many others were invited. Greene County always famous for her splendid barbecue, tried on this occasion to excel her own reputation. 

Upon re-assembling an election of officers for the ensuing year was held, and the result was as follows: President, Capt. H. H. Best; First Vice-President, Jos. A. Darden; Second President, Capt. Swift Galloway; Secretary, W. P. Ormand ; Treasurer, W. Haywood Dail ; Chaplain, Rev. J. T. Abernathy. 

On motion Dr. E. H. Hornady, Rev. J. T. Abernathy and Capt. Swift Galloway were appointed a committee to prepare a memorial of our late comrade Capt. W. A. Darden who submitted the following: Whereas, Since our last reunion the hand of Death has removed from our Roster our beloved comrade Capt. William A. Darden, therefore be it resolved, that his old comrades in arms who knew his lofty character, his heroism and courage, his irreproachable character and fidelity to principle, desire to record their love for him and their veneration for his many virtues of head and heart. Resolved, that the whole career of William A. Darden was a noble lesson, and a splendid example, teaching and illustrating the value and beauty of a pure and honorable and righteous life. Resolved, that we tender our sincere condolence to the bereaved family of our deceased comrade. Resolved, that these proceedings be spread upon the minutes of our association; that a copy of the same be forwarded to the family of  Capt. Darden, that a copy be furnished to the Wilmington Messenger, the Argus and the Wilson Advance and Mirror for publication. Swift Galloway, E. H. Hornaday,  J. T. Abernathy } Com., The report was unanimously adopted.

 Motion by J. P. Heath that the ladies be invited to attend our reunions in the future-adopted. Motion adopted that the members of the Greene County Brass Band also John Sugg, Esq., be made honorary members of this association. Motion adopted that the Treasurer, upon application, be empowered and instructed to apply any funds in his hands to the relief of any needy brothers. 

The following named gentlemen were elected the committee of arrangements for the next reunion: R. A. Edwards, Joseph Turnage, Jas. W. Taylor, W. H. Dail and B. F. Albritton. The following named gentlemen Eli Darden, of the 43d N. C. T ; O. Frizzelle, 5th N. C. C ; J. B. Murphrey 27th N. C. T ; J. H. Newell 66th N. C. T ; I. C. Edwards 40th N. C. T; Hardy Sugg 66th N. C. T., made application for membership and were received. Motion adopted that the son of any member of this association who is eighteen years old shall be admitted as a member upon application. 

The association in a body headed by the band then proceeded to the grave of Capt. J. H. Albritton and there 'neath the sighing pines communed with the spirit of the brave and gallant brother whose life battle fought, sleeps his everlasting sleep. "In the sweet bye and bye" was here most beautifully, touchingly, and appropriately rendered. Repairing to the Court House the benediction was pronounced by the Chaplain, and during the playing of "God be with you till we meet again" the crowd dispersed to meet again April 23rd, 1892. 

H.H.. Best, Pres. 

W. P. Ormand, Sect'y. "

Article: "Nathan Eason Killed by Lightning"--August 20, 1910

"NATHAN EASON KILLED BY LIGHTNING"

Daily Reflector, August 20, 1910

"Mr. Nathan Eason, a farmer of Greene county, was killed by lightning Friday afternoon. Mr. Matt Hardee, a brother-in-law of Mr. Eason, had been visiting him, and they were on their way to Farmville where Mr. Hardee was to take the train for Greenville. On the road they were caught in a storm and stopped in a house for shelter. Mr. Eason was standing just inside the door holding on to the buggy reins, when a bolt of lightning struck and killed the mule. The lightning also run up the reins and killed Mr. Eason, and Mr. Hardee was slightly shocked. About two years ago Mr. Eason married Miss Florence Hardee, of Greenville."

Article: "Plowed Up Bones"--June 20, 1907

"PLOWED UP BONES"

Snow Hill Laconic, June 20, 1907

"Last week a farmer near Sharpsburg, on Antietam Creek in Maryland, while plowing in his field, plowed up human bones. Upon further investigation the entire skeleton of a man was unearthed and with it a sword bearing the inscription "Arch W. Speight, Co. A, 3d N. C. C. S. A." This find was on the battle-field known as Sharpsburg, or Antietam, where Lee and McClellan fought one of the great battles of the Civil War, September 17th, 1862. Lieutenant Arch W. Speight, a son of Abner Speight, of Speights Bridge township, this county, was killed in this battle and buried upon the battlefield, receiving a soldier;s burial, being rolled in a blanket with his sword and thrown in a hole. He was a member of Company A, Third North Carolina regiment, which holds its reunion here every 10th of April. We understand that some of his relatives are talking of having his remains removed to some cemetery. His request when he left for the war, if slain on the battlefield, was that his remains be allowed to remain where first interred."

 

Article: "Melancholy Case"--September 25, 1847

"MELANCHOLY CASE"

Raleigh Register, September 25, 1847

"We are pained to record a case of poisoning which occurred at a wedding in Greene County week before last. On Thursday, the 19th ult., we learn that a wedding took place at the residence of the late JOHN W. TAYLOR, formerly Sheriff of that County. On that day several gentlemen met at the house without any knowledge of the wedding, to transact some business in relation to the estate of the deceased. 

Having finished their business, several of them upon the polite invitation of the family, consented to remain at the wedding. Among them Messrs. JAMES G. EDWARDS, HENRY HOLMES, and we believe a MR. BRIGGS. The company was small, and at an early hour after supper they returned home. Boiled custard was one of the delicacies partaken of by most of the company, as well as the negroes of the family. 

The next morning we understand MR. EDWARDS, MR. HOLMES, MR. BRIGGS, the bride and other whites, besides sixteen of the family negroes in fact every one who ate of the custard, were taken violently ill, with excessive perking and purging, and an insatiable thirst. Medical aid was immediately called in, and every effort was used by the physicians which happily proved successful, except in two instances. MR. HOLMES lingered for several days enduring great suffering, and in the early part of the following week sunk in the arms of death. A negro of the family also died. Several others we are told have narrowly escaped with their lives. 

The death of MR. HOLMES is deeply lamented by the citizens of that county and indeed all of his acquaintance. He was a noble specimen of human nature - modest, sober, industrious, honest, full of the milk of human kindness, and withal a Christian. His last moments were full of comfort, and he died in the hope of a blessed immortality.

Occurrences of this kind are exceedingly rare in this section. We learn no investigation has been had, which is certainly blamable. No one pretends to account for it, or to charge any one with the foul deed; though it has been said that one of the physicians thought they had been poisoned by arsenic. We incline to the opinion that a thorough investigation would throw some light on the subject, and correct that suspicion. It may be that some poisonous substance was without the knowledge of the cook, in the vessel in which it was prepared, or that some ingredient was improperly but innocently put in the article while in the process of making. We trust the true state of the case will be soon developed."