Daily Archives: 05/21/2019
No justice for Earle
Guilty go free as mob acquitted in state’s last lynching
By Dr. Thomas Cloer, Jr.
Special to The Courier
For the last two weeks we have been reviewing some highlights of “They Stole Him Out of Jail: Willie Earle, South Carolina’s Last Lynching Victim.” This most comprehensive book ever written on the subject is by Pickens County native, William B. “Will” Gravely (Will,) and is available from the University of South Carolina Press at uscpress.com or axland@sc.edu. Gravely, a historian and professor emeritus at the University of Denver, has written a book that should be a required textbook for any college course on
Southern history. There would be no better book for understanding Southern culture and how we have struggled with humanitarian progress in law enforcement, religious understandings regarding integration and civil rights for
all the different peoples of the South.
The State Versus the Mob
Last week we ended at the start of the trial for the mob that brutally beat, stabbed and shot 24-year-old Willie Earle at close range with a shotgun in February 1947. The mob took him from the old Pickens jail and murdered him just over the county line in Greenville County. At no point in the trial of the 31 defendants, with their 26 written confessions, did the Pickens jailer, Ed Gilstrap, suggest he had the responsibility of protecting his prisoner.
The defense team for the lynchers undermined the state’s case against the mob by bringing focus away from Earle to their fellow cab driver, World War I veteran and friend, Thomas Brown. He had been knifed by one or more assailants, and Earle had been accused in the death. Of course, Brown’s death was irrelevant by law to Earle’s death, but not to the clever defense lawyers.
Another wedge into the state’s case was driven by defense lawyer Thomas Wofford when he scowled that “for some unknown reason” the FBI had led the investigation. Wofford insisted
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Boughman presented FSL scholarship
By Bru Nimmons
Staff Reporter
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
LIBERTY — The Friends of the Sarlin Library presented their annual scholarship award to Liberty High School senior Houston Boughman at last week’s Liberty City Council meeting.
“When I think of this young man, I think of a lot of things,” Sarlin committee chair Lisa Carpenter said. “I think of baseball, I think of
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70th class reunion
The Pickens High School Class of 1949 held its 70th class reunion on Saturday, May 18, with 10 members of the Blue Flame class in attendance. The reunion was full of reminiscing and fellowship, along with some great food for the class and those who attended with them. Pictured, seated, are Shirley Hamilton, Sarah Rice, Thaylia Oberstar, Rosa Lee Stone, Kenneth Wilson and Jesnut Mullinax. Standing are John Duckworth, Guy Waldrop, Thomas Duckworth and Bobby Hayes.
Courier Community Calendar 5-22-19
• Reece reunion planned for May 26
The family of John S. and Ada Cantrell Reece will host their annual family reunion on Sunday, May 26, at Mountain Grove Baptist Church.
The group plans to eat at 1 p.m. Cups, plates, napkins and silverware will be provided. Everyone is asked bring a well-filled basket.
Mountain Grove Baptist Church is located at 644 E. Preston McDaniel Highway in Pickens.
• Artisans’ work sought at museum
The Pickens County Museum of Art and History’s gift shop is opened for business. The shop, located inside the museum, offers many
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Recipes for an easy, tasty brunch
By Olivia Fowler
For the Courier
ofowler@thepccourier.com
You may be planning a special occasion brunch or just a lazy, sleep-in-late weekend brunch for the family.
These labor-saving recipes are a little different and a lot delicious.
One of my favorites is the banana walnut bread. We like it warm, sliced and spread with cream cheese.
I hope you’ll try all or some of these.
Courier Legal Notices 5-22-19
SUMMONS
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF PICKENS
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
C/A NO.: 2017CP3901406
(Non-Jury)
QUIET TITLE ACTION
Nathan van Hoff, Plaintiff v. John Doe & Mary Roe, fictitious names used to designate all unknown persons who claim any right, title, interest or lien upon the real estate described herein, anyone who may be in the military, infants, incompetents, or anyone under legal disability, et al.,
TO: THE DEFENDANT(S) NAMED HEREIN:
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to Answer the Complaint of the Plaintiff in the foregoing cause of action, a copy of which is served herewith upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer to said Complaint upon the subscriber at the offices of
Courier Notice to Creditors 5-22-19
The publisher shall only be liable for an amount less than or equal to the charge for the space of the item in error in the case of errors in or omissions from any advertisement, and only for the first incorrect insertion.
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NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES
All persons having claims against the following estates MUST file their claims on Form #371ES with the Probate Court of PICKENS COUNTY, the address of which is 222 MCDANIEL AVE., B-16 PICKENS, SC 29671, within eight (8) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors or within one (1) year from date of death, whichever is earlier (SCPC 62-3-801, et seq.), or such persons shall be forever barred as to their claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements on the prescribed
Courier Trespass Notices 5-22-19
In the state of South Carolina, trespass after notice is a misdemeanor criminal offense prohibited by section 16-11-620 for the South Carolina Code.
Those who enter upon the lands of others without the permission of the owner or manager shall be deemed guilty of misdemeanor trespassing. All persons are hereby notified and warned not to hunt, fish, cut timber or trespass in any manner whatsoever upon the
Courier Classifieds 5-22-19
Announcements
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DENTAL INSURANCE. Call Physicians Mutual Insurance Company for details. NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for 350 procedures. 855-397-7030 or http://www.dental50plus.com/60 Ad#6118. SW
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Tuesday, May 28, 2019 is the last day to redeem winning tickets in the following South Carolina Education Lottery Instant
