KYGenWeb: Floyd County

3 Oct 1930, Floyd Co Times

BRANHAM CAPTURED IN W.VA., LAST WEEK Paul Branham was returned here from Logan, W.Va., Saturday night by Deputy Sheriff M.T. Stumbo, and will be given trial in the Floyd circuit court on a charge of fornication. He was arrested by Logan county authorities, who wired the sheriff's office here last week, stating that he had waived extradition. MEMBERSHIP SOUGHT Ben Weichman, golf pro at the Bellefonte Country Club, Ashland, was here over the week-end in conference with those interested in the Beaver Valley Golf and Country Club, and on Monday visited the scene of the proposed course. Mr. Weichman laid out a nine-hole course on the property which has been leased from the Beaver Creek Consolidated Coal Company on Right Beaver Creek, a short distance above Allen. After going over the location, Mr. Weichman said that this property assured golfers in this section a beautiful, spacious corse. This course is planned to serve golfers from Beaver Creek, Pikeville and Prestonsburg and intervening points. All persons interested in the movement are being urged to oin the club immediately while the charter membership fee of $25 is available to them. Later, the fee will be greater.

12 Dec 1930, Floyd Co Times

ENTERTAIN TO BRIDGE, HONORING MISS WHITE Mrs. F.H. Sowards, Mrs. F.L. Heinze and Mrs. W.C. Rimmer entertained with a surprise bridge party Wednesday evening at the home of Mrs. N.M. White in honor of Miss Ella Noel White's birthday. Eight tables were in play. Mrs. T.J. May was the fortunate winner of high score prize and Mrs. John W. Hensley, low score. Dainty refreshments were served to about forty guests. Miss White was the recipient of many lovely gifts.

9 Jan 1931, Floyd Co Times

ARSON SUSPECTED, WOMEN ARRESTED Coal Company Building at Gearheart Burned Thursday; Loss, $5,000 The residence owned by the Elk Horn Coal Corporation at Gearheart, Left Beaver Ceek, and leased by Doug Hayes was destroyed by fire Thursday afternoon, January 1, and three women were in the Floyd county jail here Monday morning to await the grand jury's investigation of alleged meandiarism. Mrs. Roxie Jones, widow of the late Frank Jones, who was shot and killed in the home a few months ago, her daughter, Thelma Jones, and Dollie Justce are the women who are held in jail here. The Jones family it was said Monday by Mr. Hays, had moved their household effects from the building, and Lovell Hays had but moved his furniture into the home, when the fire was discoverd in three different parts of the house. All contents of the structure were lost in the flames. The building was erected by the late W.F. Hite. Total loss is estimated by Mr. Hays at $5,000.

30 Jan 1931, Floyd Co Times

LEFT BEAVER CREEK WOMAN SLAYS HUSBAND; CLAIMS HE ATTEMPTED TO HANG HER Mrs Tiny Smith, 34 yrs old, shot and instantly killed her husband, John Smith, 35, late Sunday night at their home on Abner Fork, this county, when, she alleged, he attempted to hang her. According to Mrs Smiths story, as related here by persons acquainted with the killing, her husband was drunk and attempted to hang her by looping his belt around her neck. Throwing him upon the bed she seized a .30 caliber Luger pistol and shot him through the heart. The couple was alone in the home, it is said. Mrs Smith was arrested following the shooting, but had not been brought here Thursday. Mr and Mrs Smith had been married abt five years, it is said and are portrayed as never having had previous trouble. The wife is the daughter of Daniel R. Johnson. The victims ancestors are not known Photo of Tiny Smith and First Husband, James Johnson Photo of Tiny & Mother at Tiny's Funeral.

MRS COLLINS TYPHOID VICTIM ON JANUARY 9 Mrs B.F. Collins, 28 yr old, died Monday, January 19, at the Beaver Valley Hospital in Martin after a illness of two weeks with typhoid. Mrs Collins is survived by her husband, two small sons and her father, James G Castle of Paintsville . The body was prepared for burial by G.D. Ryan, Martin and was shipped to Paintsville for internment.

21 Feb 1931, Floyd Co Times

RAIDERS CAPTURE 9 MEN, CONFISCATE CARS A raiding party consisting of Federal Agent W.E. Trimble,three special agents, Sheriff B.L. Stumbo and Deputy Sheriff M.T. Stumbo captured nine men and confiscated three automobiles when they found whiskey or home brew in the possession of the men Saturday afternoon at various points in this county. Arrests mad were: Frank Blackburn, two miles above here, two gallons of liquor: Ricey Matney, near Emma 6 1/2 gallons of home brew and one pint of liquor: Oscar Boyd, Mud Creek, car confiscated, 4 1/2 gallons of liquor: John P. Prater, Henry Stapleton and ? Vanhoose, of Paintsville, taken on Mud Creek, car confiscated with six gallons of liquor: George Roberts, of Ohio, car confiscated on Mud Creek,10 gallons of liquor: R.C. Thompson, Lexington, ? Gallons of liquor, taken on Mud Creek: two gallons of liquor taken from a smokehouse at the home of Emmett Hall, Mud Creek, Hall not arrested. The prisoners were taken to Paintsville, where they executed $500 bond each before the United States Commissioner.

27 Feb 1931, Floyd Co Times

Mrs. Polly Johnson Dies In Cattlesburg Mrs. Polly Johnson, 66 years old, who was widely related through Floyd, Johnson and Magoffin counties died Friday of last week in Cattlesburg. The Times learned Tuesday. Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon from the Christian Church, Cattlesburg, with the pastor, Reverend Bass in charge. Burial was made in Cattlesburg cemetery. Mrs. Johnson moved to Cattlesburg from Paintsville 14 years ago. She had been a lifelong member of the Christian Church and was loved by all who knew her. She was the mother of six children, all of whom survive: Ben, Tampa, Fla; George, Cattlesburg; Sonny, White's Creek, W.Va; Mrs. Bennie Perdue, Charleston, W.Va.; Mrs. Denver Musser, Covington, Ky.; and Mrs. Herbert Skaggs, Cattlesburg. Among those from this section who attended the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. R.C. Minix, Paintsville; Mr. and Mrs. T.J. May, Prestonsburg; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Patrick, Clarence Arnett, and Miss Thelma Arnett, Salyersville.

22 May 931, Floyd Co Times

Betsy Layne Woman Is Victim Of Typhoid
Mrs. Beatrice Byrd Johnson, 17 years old, wife of Harry T, Johnson of Betsy Layne died in Pikeville Sunday May 10, a victim of typhoid, she had been in a month. Mrs. Johnson was the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Archibald Byrd, of Concord Tennessee. She came to this county only a few weeks before being stricken with her final illness. She was a devout member of the Baptist Church. Surviving her are her mother, her husband, three brothers and one sister. The body was taken to Concord, Tenn. for burial in the family cemetery.

26 June 1931, Floyd Co Times

REBEKAH LODGE AT MARTIN INSTITUTED Dawn of Peace Rebekah Lodge No. 12 was instituted at Martin Friday night June 13, with 15 enrolled as members. The following were installed as officers of the lodge: Mrs. W.L. Stumbo, noble grand: Mrs. Ella G. West, vice-grand: Miss Daily Stamper, secretary: Mrs. M.H. Belcher, treasurer: Mrs. Eddie Stamper, chaplain: Ethel Tilton, past noble grand: D.D. Collins, Deputy. Following the installation of the officers, the degree team of Miriam lodge, Prestonsburg, exemplitied the ritualistic work of the orer. A social hour was enjoyed later, members of the order and guests being regaled by delicious refreshments, arranged for by Dr. Stumbo and consisting of sandwiches, lemonade, cantaloupes, watermelon and soft drinks.

TO REPAIR BRIDGE Contract was let a few days ago to Garfield Music for repair of the bridge connecting the Garfield Addition and the main portion of Prestonsburg, it was said this week. Thus motorists will be enabled to reach or depart from Prestonsburg without being forced to follow the dust-coated back portions of town which, in wet weather, would be almost untraversable.

NUPTIALS OF MISS WEDDINGTON AND MR. SMITH SOLEMNIZED The marriage of Miss Mildred Weddington and Mr. Caddo P. Smith, popular members of Prestonsburg's younger set, was beautifully solemnized on Sunday morning at 8:30 o'clock at the home of the officiatingminister,the Rev. J.M. Helm, pastor of the M.E. Church, South, here. Attendants were Miss Ruth Weddington, sister of the ride, and James Morell, Jr., intimate friend of Mr.Smith. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.B. Weddington, prominent residents of this place, and is a ver attractive girl. She was graduated with the class of '31 from Prestonsburg high school, where she was quite popular. Mr. Smith is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Todd Smith, of ?, W.Va., former residents of Prestnsburg and is well and favorably known in this section. He is a former student of Prestonsburg high school, and at present holds a responsible position here with the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are a deserving young couple, and have the best wishes of a host of friends. They will reside here it is announced.

TO OCCUPY LOCAL PULPIT Dr. K.L. Rudolph will preach from the pulpit of the M.E. Church, South, at both morning and evening services. Sunday, it is announced. Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Francis and two sons, Robert Day and Fred, attended the 101 Ranch show, and also remained for the Shriner's meeting on Friday, which is held annually in Ashland.

28 Aug 1931, Floyd Co Times

ADAMS MAY DIE, RESULT OF BLOW Hallas Isaacs His Assailant, Arrested But Released Under 1,000 Bond

Dewey Adams is in the Methodist hospital, Pkeville, in a serious condition as the result of a skull fracture sustained Sunday on Jack's Creek when struck on the head with a Winchester rifle, said to have been wielded by Hallas Isaacs, Jack's Creek youth. A report Wednesday said that Adams was not expected to recover. Isaacs was brought to Prestonsburg Wednesday by John H. Hall. After waiving examining trial, he was admitted to bond of 1,000, and will face indictment by the grand jury at the September termof court. According to Isaacs,he struck Adams only after Adams and two others had attacked him. Another version of the affair says, however, that he wielded the gun without provocation.

11 Sept 1931, Floyd Co Times

FLOYD REPUBLICANS PROPOSE MOTORCADE A large number of Floyd county Republicans met in the county court room at the courthouse in Prestonsburg on Tuesday, September 8, for the purpose of perfecting an organization for the coming Fall campaign. The following were appointed as a committee to arrange the details for a motorcade from Floyd and other Big Sandy counties to Hazard on Saturday, September 19, when Republicans will open their campaign for governor and other state offices: T.H. Dingus, chairman; W.B. Boyd, secretary; J.B. Clarke and T.J. Fitzpatrick. It was predicted that at least 100 cars from Floyd would join the procession to Hazard.

18 Sept 1931, Floyd Co Times

FLOYD BOYS STATE FAIR RATING HIGH A telegram received Wednesday by The Times rom County Agent S.L. Isbell, who, with his poultry judgng team, is at the state fair in Louisville states that the Floyd team, competing with 15 other teams, placed sixth in the state and that Astor Akers won second place and Joe Jarrell 13th in the individual scoring in which 45 competed. This fine record is maintaining the high standard of abilty shown by Mr. Isbell's demonstration team at Junior Week in Lexington and by his 4-H club members at the district club camp at Carter Caves.

RED CROSS ITEMS The Red Cross stands for all the people. In its disaster relief work, it aids sufferers on a bais of actual needs, so that it is the sufferer who lacks personal resources fo recovery who is helped back to normal life. The aid given last winter to the drouth victims illustrates the method and spirit of the Red Cross. Its only aim is the good of humanity. We are hoping that the county roll call will expand the scope of human usefulness by an enlarged membership.

RED CROSS ITEMS All persons interested in the Red Cross work are most cordially invited to attend the regional conference in Paintsville next Monday, Sept. 21, their school life and neves loses. ? by Friday if it will be possible for you to attend. Sessions will be held in the Mayo Memorial Church.

The roll call drive is set for October 1 to 15. The distrct chairmen have been appointed throughout the county and a good piece of work is expected. So when approached be ready to respond liberally.

A.J. Davidson is quite ill at the home of his nephew, J. M. Davidson here. He returned last week from a visit with relatives in West Liberty.

29 Jan 1932, Floyd Co Times

NEWSOM GIVEN TWO-YEAR TERM CONVICTED WEDNESDAY IN THE SLAYING OF JAMES NELSON BOGGS Johnny Newsom, s/o Freddy Newsom, was given a penitentiary term of 21 yrs by a jury in the Floyd Circuit Court Wednesday Morning for the slaying of James Nelson Boggs at Bevinsville in December. Mack Newsom,Johnny Newsoms' cousin, who was indicted in the killings, has not been given a trial yet The commonwealth offered a testimony showing that the Newsoms were creating a disturbance in the neighborhood when Boggs inquired after the trouble,. This testimony also shows that Newsom fired the first shot, Boggs replying with one shot from a shotgun. The defense evidence sought to prove that the shot that killed Boggs was fired in self defense. Mr Boggs was a native of Caines Creek, Lawrence Co Ky. and was the brother of W.S. Boggs, court clerk of Lawrence County. He was married to Ella Hall, daugh of Lee Hall, and was living just across the railroad tracks from Hall on left Beaver,2 near Buckingham..Mr Boggs moved to Floyd Co five years ago. He worked for the railroad. He leaves behind two children and a pregnant wife. On the night of the shooting, Mr Boggs heard loud talking and went out the front door of his home, taking the gun with him. He found the disturbance at the Hall's home. He called to Mrs Hall, inquiring about the disturbance, She answered that Mack and the Newsoms were "taking the place". Boggs said if they did not stop, he would call the law, according to a report filed here. The Newsoms. who were said to have been drunk, made a threatening reply and fired two shots at Boggs, the report continues. He (Boggs) had a shotgun with one shell in it and returned the fire hitting Mack in the leg. The Newsoms fired two more shots, one passing through Boggs Chest and he fell dead. Link Music, placed on trial Wednesday, charged with shooting and wounding with intent to kill, was given a 2 yr sentence Wednesday afternoon. He is alleged to have shot Crawford Sturgill on Stephens Branch last December at the Music home.Sturgill recovered from his wound

FIFTEEN BEGIN PEN SENTENCES

Convicts taken Monday to Frankfort ; Storehousebreaking, Chief Offense Fifteen men, convicted in the Floyd Co Circuit Court were taken Monday by Sheriff B.L.Sturgill, County Judge W.L, Stumbo, Doug Hayes, Jailor A. Dingus and Cecil Sturgill to the State Reformatory at Frankfort to begin service of their sentence.Of the 15, the greater number confessed. Names of the prisioners, offense, and terms follow : Bill Music, robbery, three years, ; Wm McCoy, Bill Daniels, Charley Sanders and Frank Boyd, storehousebreaking, one year each ; Grover Collins, stealing coal from a common carrier, one year ; Lewis Adkins, John Lee Adkins, Garner Adkins and Albert Hamilton, one year each in two separate trials for storehousebreaking ; Harry and Frank Butts, storehousebreaking, one year each ; Ernest Slusher, horsestealing, two years, Andrew Stephens, manslaughter, two years and one day ; Anthony Sword, storehousebreaking, one year

26 Feb 1932, Floyd Co Times STEPHENS CHILD DIES AT RISNER ON MONDAY Peggy, five-year-old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Stephens, Sr., of Risner, died Monday, a victim of intestinal troubles, according to the attending physician. The tot had sustained a blow on the head several days ago when a ball bat slipped from the hands of a child at play, but the injury was of little consequence, it was held. Surviving are the bereaved parents and several brothers and sisters. Burial was made Tuesday in the family cemetery at Risner, funeral rites being conducted by Rev. James Owens.

25 Mar 1932, Floyd Co Times

Three Are Taken To Pen Last Week Three Floyd County Men, sentenced to penitentiary terms at the last session of the Floyd Circuit Court, were taken to Frankfort last week by Sheriff B.L Sturgill and Col. Doug Hayes to begin "doing time". Names of the three convicts, offenses for which convicted, and there terms follow: Johnny Newsome, slaying of James Nelson Boggs, 21 years; Lewis Tussey, storehousebreaking, 2 years; Alvin Conley, storehousebreaking, two sentences of 2 years each.

6 May 1932, Floyd Co Times

TWO SLAYERS EVADING ARREST IN FLOYD HILLS

One Stabs brother, Other, using hoe, kills man age 74, Daniel Johnson Claims Self-Defense, in Fatally Shooting Daughter, Mrs Smith, Slain Woman Under Sentence for Slaying Husband Two of three Floyd County Slayers were still uncaptured Thursday after contributing to one of the most sanguinary weeks experienced by the county in some time. After escaping into the hills immediately following the slayings, they continued to evade arrest as The Times went to press. In the meantime a charge of willful murder had been filed by the grand jury here against George Brown, who beat Henry Adams, aged Floyd farmer, to death last Saturday. In addition to the three killings, two other attempts ae alleged to have been made at murder. Stories of the slayings appear below. Two days before she was to have been taken to the state reformatory at Frankfort to begin serving a five year sentence for the slaying of her husband, John Smith, . Mrs Tina Johnson Smith, 30 yrs old, was shot and killed by her father, Daniel R. Johnson, aged Floyd Co man, at the Johnson home on Abner Fork of Left Beaver Thursday morning of last week. Her aged father shot Mrs. Smith three times, It is claimed, while he lay in bed unable to move as a result of injuries sustained at her hands a few days earlier, and as she advanced upon him throwing stones threating him with an ax, . He had suffered three broken ribs at his daughter's hands and was unable to be moved here immediately after the shooting it is claimed. It was held probable this week that the grand jury would not make an indictment in the case. Mrs. Smith killed her husband in January, 1931, and pleaded self-defense in circuit court here, claiming that he was trying to hang her, using his belt as a noose when she shot him. She was given a five-year prison term but had taken the case to the court of appeals which affirmed the verdict recently.

3 Jun 1932, Floyd Co Times

SEVEN TAKEN FROM FLOYD WEDNESDAY TO BEGIN PEN TERMS Sheriff B.L. Sturgill left Tuesday for Frankfort, taking with him seven men convicted in the Floyd circuit court and sentenced to penitentiary terms. Three of the seven convicted of slayings. Names of prisoners, offense of each and their terms follow: Bill Halbert,murder, 21 years; George Whitt, murder, 21 years; Pete Jarrell, manslaughter, two years; Johnnie Moore and Steve Mullins falsewearing, one year each; Lindsay Moten, grand larceny, two years; Milton Wright, storehousebreaking, one year. Greenbury Hall, who is under a 19-year penitentiary sentence for murder, was to be taken today (Thursday) to Frankfort to begin 'doing time.' "Soda" Miller, West Prestonsburg youth, convicted of burglary, was sentenced to two years in the penitentiary, but plans to appeal from the verdict.

10 Jun 1932, Floyd Co Times

PROSECUTION OF AGED MAN, WHO SLEW DAUGHTER, AIDED BY TWO SONS OF THE DEFENDENT The unusual spectacle of a father, charged with the murder of his daughter, fighting for his freedom,while his sons arrayed themselves with the prosecution in an effort to send him to the penitentiary, presented itself in the Floyd Circuit Court last Friday. Daniel R. Johnson, 63 yr old Abner Fork Citizen, testified that he shot and killed his daughter, Mrs Tina Smith, to save his own life. His two sons, Eli and Charles, testified against him, alleging that he shot his daughter three time as she entered his room without offering any threat to his safety . Receiving the case at 3 o'clock Friday afternoon, the jury deliberated till 11 o'clock Saturday morning and returned a verdict sentencing the aged man to five years in the pen. The defendant testified that Mrs Smith had thrown a rock into the room and that she was advancing upon him, brandishing a hatchet, when he fired . His step-daughter, Mrs Owens, appearing in his behalf, stated that both Mrs Smith and her brother, Eli Johnson, were drunk when they came to their fathers home and that she attempted to dissuade them from going inside. While she was gone after an officer, the killing took place . Stating that his sister was shot for no valid reason, Eli Johnson admitted that he threw a stone at his step -mother and ran. The shooting followed soon thereafter. Mrs. Smith was killed within two days of the date she was to have been taken to the penitentiary for the killing of her husband, John Smith.

COLONEL HARKINS J. D. Harkins Jr., son of Attorney and Mrs. J.D. Harkins, of this place, last week was commissioned a Colonel on the staff of Governor Laffoon. The appointment was made by Acting Governor A.B. Chandler.

15 Jul 1932, Floyd Co Times

FUNERAL OF VETERAN MINISTER TO BE HELD Funeral services for the late Rev. W.R. (UncleBill) Davis, who was born Octobr 24, 1831, on Jenny's Creek, then Floyd county, and who died March 25, 1932 at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. Harlan Nickell, of Helechawa, Ky., at the age of 100 years, five months and one day, will be preached Sunday, July 24, at 10 a.m. by Rev. John Prater, Salyersville, Ky., and Rev. Dr. G.M. Centers, Campton, Ky., at the family cemetery, two miles southwest of Adele (Insko), Morgan county, on Red River. If the weather is agreeable, the services will be held t the church at Adele where the deceased preached regularly and a member of the United Baptist Church for a period of 60 years preceding his death. All friends and relatives of the deceased are cordially invited to attend the services.

29 Jul 1932, Floyd Co Times

ARRESTED AFTER SHOOTING FATHER Reffitt Blames Moonshine for Act. So Still Is Cut Saturday Bob Reffitt, 24 years old, was jailed here Saturday after having shot and seriously wounded his father, Tom Reffitt, 63, at the Reffitt home on Middle Ceek Saturday afternoon, and a few hours later a moonshine still, claimed by young Reffitt to have been the cause of the trouble, was taken by Deputy Sheriff M.T. Stumbo. Young Reffitt and others were at his father's home and are alleged to have een intoxicated when the elder Reffitt arrived from Prestonsburg Saturday afternoon. The father reprimanded his son and ordered the others to leave. As the young man's companions started off, Reffitt started with them and his father ordered him back, it is claimed. When the younger man is alleged to have moved as if to strike his father,the latter ran inside the house. At a neighbor's home Bob Reffitt procured a 16-gauge shotgun, and returning fired upon his father while Mr.Reffitt was outside stablng the mule whih he had ridden here. The shot tre away the flesh from the aged man's arm and wounded him severely in the shoulder. He was taken to the Paintsville hospital and for a time it was believed that severe loss of blood, coupled with his advanced age, would prove fatal. Wednesday, he was reported as recovering, however.

29 Jul 1932

GARRETT MINER KILLED BY SLATE Emmett Sanders Dies Instantly, Neck Broken in Slatefall Tuesday. Emmett Sanders, 35 years old, miner, was instantly killed at 7 o'clock Tuesday morning by a slateall inside the mines of the Elk Hrn Coal Corporation at Garrett. His neck was broken by a heavy piece of slate dropping from the roof of the mine onto him. The victim was a native of Tracy City, Tenn., where his body was shipped Tuesday afternoon by G.D. Ryan, Martin undertaker for burial. Mr. Snders had been employed at Garrett for some time, and had also worked in the mines on Marrowbone, Pike county. Surviving him are his widow and four children.

29 Jul 1932

GARRETT MINER FATALLY HURT Chas. Wesley Slone, 57 years old, was fatally injured Wednesday, November 19, in a mine of the Elk Horn Coal Corporation, Garrett, when a motor passed over his body. He died in the Wayland hospital, two hours after being hurt. He sustained injuries about the head and body. The body was prepared for burial by G.D. Ryan, Martin undertaker, and was shipped to Marrowbone for interment. Mr. Slone is survived by his widow, three sons and three daughters.

16 Sept 1932, Floyd Co Times

GLO AND THEALKA TO PLAY HERE, SUNDAY One of the best baseball games of the season is expected as an outcome of the Glo-Thealka game, which is scheduled for 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the Gasco Park here. Both teams have met twice earlier this season, but rain prevented them playing to a decision in either contest.

16 Sept 1932 INJURIES FATAL TO PIKE MINER An injury received while at work on the tipple of the mine of the Utiities Elkhorn Coal Company at Boldman three months ago cost the life of J.L. Adkins, 47 years old of Owsley, who died at th

23 Feb 1934 FLOYD COUNTY TIMES

Friday, February 23, 1934 AGED FLOYD MAN GRANTED FREEDOM

Daniel R. Johnson, 65 year old, Left Beaver man, who was convicted in June, 1932 of the slaying of his daughter, Mrs. Tina Smith, at the Johnson home on Abner Fork a few months earlier, was granted executive clemency Saturday by Governor Laffoon, who commuted his sentence from five to one and one-half years, thus rendering him eligible for immediate release. Seven of the jurors who convicted Johnson, former Circuit Judge C.B. Wheeler, who presided at the trial, and Commonwealth's Attorney C.P. Stephens, who prosecuted Johnson, recommended commutation of the sentence, stating that the prisoner is an old man and his further confinement would serve no good purpose. Johnson shot and killed his daughter on the night before she was to have been taken to the penitentiary to begin serving a sentence given her in court here for the slaying of her husband.

Our Yesterdays

March 2, 1939, Floyd County Times

Extension of WPA Packhorse Library projects in this county is being sought by Mrs. Grace Moore Burchett, county library project supervisor.Mrs. Burchett is now seeking books and materials for a library here, and branch libraries will be operated at Martin, Lackey and Wheelwright so that benefits of the work will be made available to all parts of the county...

Razing of the Fitzpatrick frame building, a court street landmark, was bgun Wednesday by workmen to make way for a modern two-story structure of brick, to be occupied by the A.W. Cox Dept. Store. The estimated cost of the building is $10,000...

Discussion of the 1939 soil conservation program and the work of community planning, begun last week by County Agent S.L. Isbell, were continued through this week and are to run into next week in a score or more Floyd County communities...

Born: to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Neeley, Feb. 19, a son, Frank Jr.

There died: Lindsey Hayes, 48, at his home at Mousie. He was a son of Lacey and Elizabeth Martin Hayes; Mrs. Sallie Duncan, at her home near Bosco. She was a daughter of the late John B. and Polly Martin.

Jan 1, 1948, FLOYD CO TIMES, Martin, Ky

A tragedy resulted Saturday when an attempt was madeto string radio aerial to a home in the Ice Plant Section, of Martin has left 4 persons dead. Robert Flannery, 38, his six yr old son, John Hager Flannery, his brother in law, Hugh Norris, 30, and Norris' wife, Edith Frazier Norris, 28.All were electrocuted .

Taken From A Special Edition Of The Floyd County Times During The Gulf War, Articles Pertain To Wwii And The Korean War

RELEASE OF JAPS' PRISONERS BRINGS JOY, HOPE TO COUNTY Floyd County had its intimate share in the nationwide wave of thankfulness arising with the news that American prisoners had been liberated on Luzon. One Floyd soldier was released in the heroic commando raid by American Rangers and Filipino guerillas last week which freed 513 American prisoners, survivors of the Bataan's "March of Death" after the fall of Corregidor, and a nurse, a sister of a Floyd county man, was liberated a few days later, from San Tomas internment camp in Manila as McArthur's forces dashed into the capital of the Phillipines. The soldier now among friends and freed Jap cruelty is Pvt. Lawrence Robinson, son of Robert Robinson, of Wayland, and a member of the famed 31st Infantry whose survivors were taken from Corregidor on its fall as prisoners. The nurse is Lieut. Ruby Bradley, 37, Spencer, W.Va., sister of Smith Bradley, Prestonsburg, who was one of the 11 nurses taken prisoner on Bataan. Anxiously awaiting the day when word will come that their sons are released are Mr. & Mrs. W.J. Reynolds, Martin, parents of J.B. (Bud) Reynolds, a medical corpsman on Corregidor at its fall, and Mr. & Mrs. J.E. Walters, of Emma, parents of Seaman Wyman Walters, also taken prisoner on the Phillippines after his ship had been bombed. Letters received by these parents, however, indicate that their sons have been removed to the Japanese mainland. Another Wayland soldier, Fred Williams, was taken prisoner by the Japanese but died in April, 1942, his father J.W. Williams, was notified. Father of Pvt. Robinson, a miner at Wayland, could not be reached for an interview, but The Times was assisted by Noble Hobbs there in gaining an insight into his reaction to the news that his son was safe and at last in a American hands. Mr. Robinson was notified by the American Red Cross in a wire from Lexington that his son had been liberated. He was characteristically reticent. "I didn't work the next day," he quietly remarked. Lieut. Bradley, the nurse freed from internment in Manila, has visited her brother, an employee of the Columbian Fuel Corporation here, several times. An Army nurse since she was graduated from Walter Reed hospital, Washington, D.C., 19 years ago, she was sent to the Philippines in 1938 and was superintendent of nurses at Camp Hay hospital in Manila at the time she deliberately remained behind to care for the wounded as the Japs closed in on the city.

WIREMAN WINS HERO-AWARD IN RESCUE OF WOUNDED MAN

A Floyd countian's heroism in rescuing his wounded section chief from a flaming battlefield in Korea has won for him the Army's Bronze Star. The decoration was conferred on Sgt. Roy Wireman Jr., son of Mrs. Hazel Wireman, of Wayland, for heroism in action against the enemy Nov. 30, 1950, near Sinchang-ni. He is a member of the First Calvary Division's 7th Calvary Regiment. At the time he earned the medal, Sgt. Wireman- then a private first class- was helping man a roadblock on a main supply route. A force of enemy troops, disguised as civilians, infiltrated through the battalion defense perimeter and were not disovered until they attacked Sgt. Wireman's roadblock. The citation accompanying the Wayland sergant's award tells that he opend fire immediately with his machine gun. When he was ordered to withdraw, according to the citation, "he fearlessly covered the displacement of the machine guns to more tenable positions." "When the last gun was emplaced," states the citation, "he finally fell back to rejoin his section. Upon finding his section leader wounded and unable to move from his position, Sgt. Wireman called for supporting fire. "Ignoring the intense hail of enemy fire," the citation continues, "he rushed couageously to his wounded comrade and carried him to safety. His selfless behavior and outstanding devotion to duty possibly saved the life of the section leader and greatly inspired the members of his unit."

KOREA VICTIM 'BACK HOME' Ousley To Be Buried Near Here Tomorrow; 2 Reported Wounded Body of the first soldier returned from Korea to this county will be buried Friday afternoon in an Auxier road cemetery, near here, with full military honors. The war victim is 17-year-old Billy Franklin Ousley, who was killed in Korea Sept. 12, 1950. and whose body arrived here shortly after noon today from Loan, W. Va., where his father, J.B. Ousley, resides. From here the flag-draped coffin was taken to the home of the soldier's grandfather, Dave Cornett, on the Auxier road, by the Hopkins & Cook Funeral Home. The funeral rites will be conducted at 1 p.m., Friday by the Revs. Doug Burkett and Green Boyd. The funeral and burial will be under auspces of Floyd Post, merican Legio. The War Department this week released names of two Floyd coutians who have been wounded. They are: Donald Hicks, son of Norman Hicks, Goodloe, and Pfc. James E. Johnson, son of Mrs. Jane Johnson, Melvin.

FLOYD COUNTY WIDOW AGAIN BEREAVED BY WAR To Mrs. Frances Bowling, of West Prestonsburg, last Thursday came for the seond time a War Department telegram notifying her that she had lost a son in the service of his country. The widowed Mrs. Bowling learned last week that her 23-year-old son, Cpl. Thomas Edward Bowling, had died in action in Korea, February 16. In World War II it was her eldest son, 19-year-old Walter Karr Bowling, who was the first Floyd countian officially reported as having lost his life. A fireman on the battleship Arizona, he was lost with his ship in the sneak attack of the Japs on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. The American Legion Post here later was named in his hnor. The brothers were sons of Walter Karr Bowling, Sr., who during World War I made 18 trans-Atlantic trips as a seaman convoying troopships to French ports. Thomas Edward was graduated from Prestonsburg high school with the class of 1947. He enlisted in the army last August. At the time of his death he was an automatic rifleman with the 25th division. Surviving besides his mother, are one brother, Robert Clifford, and three sisters, Mrs. Manis Gray, Billie & Stella Marie, all of West Prestonsburg. Reported woundd after having earlier suffered a wound returned to action was Cpl. Billy Arms, son of Mrs. Martha Arms, of East Point. Also wounded was Eckener Pandzic, of Wheelwright. Mr. & Mrs. J.W. Hayes of Hueysville, were notified recently that their son, Randolph Hayes, who was listed in December as missing in action in Korea, is now known to be a prisoner of war.

GRAYDEN "HOB" ALLEN, SLATE VICTIM

Well-Known Man, Instantly Killed In Drift Mine

Grayden (Hob) Allen, 36 years old machine helper, was instantly killed in the mines of the Sampson Elkhorn Coal Company at Drift Wednesday, 11-4-1942, afternoon when crushed beneath a fall of slate. His neck was broken by the fall which came as he preceded a coal cutting machine moving in to work. The tragedy occurred at 1:30 p.m.The victim was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Dick Allen and was well-known in this county where he had many relatives and friends. Surviving him are his widow, Mrs. Margaret Adams Allen; five children, two brothers and one sister, Glad Allen, of Dana, and Mrs. Jesse Clark and Fred Allen, both of Drift. The body was prepared for burial by the Arnold Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements had not been completed, Thursday noon.

1-Mar-1949, Floyd County Times

"Are you in favor of the sale of alcoholic beverages in Prestonsburg, Floyd County, Kentucky?" That question will be answered yes or no on Saturday, March 26 at a local option election. The petition asking a local option election here was signed by approximately 325 legal voters of Prestonsburg...

The Kentucy West Virginia Power Company Inc. filed Tuesday an application with the Public Service Commission for approval to increase the company's industrial rates. The increase is scheduled to become effective March 21 and will amount to $306,000 per year...

The Inland Steel Company, Wheelwright, filed with Floyd Circuit Court an appeal from the 1,625,459 assessment levied against its property for county and state tax purposes, as eing "unlawfl, wrongful and prejudicial" to its rights..

Veterans organizations of the county held their meeting in recent weeks at Martin to develop plans for he purchase and erection of a permanent war memorial on the courthouse grounds here...

Clear Creek School for the third year has produced the county's spelling champ. Magalene Howell, 10-year-old student copped the title this year.

There died: Pfc. Lee Prater, at Leyte Island. He as the son of the late Will H. Prater and Mrs. Sarah Prater Lowe of Hueysville; Joel Bayes, 73, of Middle Creek, son of the late Osa and Loucresa Bayes; Edgar Lee Wright, former Floyd teacher, 53, Veterans Hospital, Huntington; Frank D. Ward, 73, at his home in West Prestonsburg; Corbett Caudill, 49, at his home at Melvin, son of Wilburn and Elizabeth Johnson Caudill.

6-8-1950, Floyd County Times, Funeral Services Held For Mrs. Violet Goble Victim of Tuberculosis

Funeral services were held Saturday in the church at Dinwood for Violet Little Goble, 23, Dinwood, who died Thursday, 6-1-1950, at home after an illness of more than a year of tuberculosis. She was the wife of Raymond Goble.Native of the upper Left Beaver section and she was the daughter of the late Willie and Mary Isaac Little.She is survived by her husband, her mother, one son, Curtis, two sisters, Mrs. Maggie Tackett, of Omar, W.Va., Mrs. Alberta Wright, of Hite, and one brother, Curtis Little of Alpheretta. The services were held with the Reverend George Wright, Melve Allen and Curt Frazier officiating. Burial was made in the Dingus cemetery at Dinwood with the Arnold & Hall Funeral Home directing.

26-Feb-1959

Three men were jailed here early this morning after being trapped inside the Thomas Hereford Company store by Mr. Hereford and son, David A. A fourth man, the driver of a stolen car which had been taken to the rear of the store for the apparent purpose of hauling away the loot, escaped. When police arrived, Hereford had captured all three, opened the front door and had them on the sidewalk, waiting for the police cruiser...

Barbara Lafferty of Cliff was named Floyd County corn-growing champion by te 4-H Club council for the third year in a row. A yield of 150.6 bushels per acre won the coveted designation for the Cliff girl. Miss Lafferty, who has been carrying on a corn project for four years, has won the corn derby three years in succession...

The Prestonsburg City Council upheld the action of the Taxicab Commission in denying three cab driver's city licenses...

Born: to Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Robinson, Jr., a daughter, Mellissa Lynn, on Feb. 14...

There died: Mra. Larena Harmon Badgett, 72, of Little Paint, at a Paintsville hospital. She was the daughter of James and Elmina Wison Harmon; Dennis Cordial, 64, of Wayland, at home. He was the son of the late William and Vina Jane Cordial; Floyd Skaggs, 68, Martin grocer, at home. He as he son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Elliott Skaggs.

Blast Claims Lives of Four Friday in David Mine No. 1

Four men died last Friday morning, July 28, 1967, deep within a mine at David in what has been described as the worst mine explosion in the long history of Floyd county coal mining.The dead: Shannon Turner, 46, and his nephew, Ancil Turner, 36, both of Garrett; William Bill Titlow, 56, West Van Lear, night sit foreman at the mine, and George Cavins, 56, of Sitka, Johnson county.

All apparently died in one blinding moment as a spark of undetermined origin ignited methane gas in a section of No. 1 mine of Princess Coals, Inc. which had not been in operation since January 27. Time of the explosion was fixed at 3:45 a.m. Two company employees, Jean Webb and Ray Spears reached the bodies around 6 a.m. and all were removed from the mine by 8 a.m., it was said. The explosion, investigators said, could have been of electrical orign or the result of smoking. A safety lamp said to have been worn by the foreman, Titlow, has not been found, and this is regarded an important item in the search for the cause of the blast. The four men went inside the inactive mine section to recover a coal drill and were winching a Browning hoist along the mine tracks. They were in Section 8 right off the south main, and were at or near a point, 4 1/2 miles inside the mine, where the slope begins to reach a lower seam of coal. Apparently, the gas had escaped from a lower level to where the bodies were found in the upper workings. Willard Stanley, of the Kentucky Bureau of Mines and Minerals, said the body of Titlow was nearest the outside, that Ancil Turner was 100 feet farther inside, Cavins 30 feet ahead and that Shannon Turner was 70 feet farther. There was evidence indicating that some of the doomed men had travelled about six feet toward the outside before being overcome.