Corsicana Semi-Weekly Light from Corsicana, Texas • Page 9

THE CORSICANA SEMI-WEEKLY LIGHT, COR SICANA, TEXAS, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1929. NINEL MARSHALL RATLIFF HANGED BY EASTLAND MOB TUESDAY PWT LATEST CRIME OF SHOOTING OFFICER IN ESCAPE ATTEMPT ENDS CAREER EASTLAND, Nov. Sheriff Tom Jones, wounded by Marsha! Ratliff, bank robber, who was lynched here last night, died in a hospital at 11 this morning. Conscious until the end, Jojies bade farewell to his fellow Eastland county officers here shortly before he died. Shortly after death.

District Judge George Davenport called the county grand Jury into special session to investigate the lynching. It will convene at 10 a. tomorrow. After hope for recovery of the officer had been given up, county officers who had served with him grouped about his bed and grasped hand. To Tack Kilborn, jailer, who was in the prison when Ratliff tried to escape, Jones said: I stayed with you to the last, but I have to go The 8-year-old son, Billy, also was at the bedside as the end approached.

His father admonished him to be a "good The widow and mother todiy received a letter from Mrs. Rilla Carter, mother of Ratliff, from Houston, expressing her sympathies over the shooting. EASTLAND, Nov. tW at the delay and enraged over the condemned latest crime, Eastland citizens last night took Marshall Ratliff, Cisco Santa Claus bank bandit, from his Odd Fellows Team Won Over Hi School Reserves Wednesday The I. O.

O. F. football team, showing plenty of drive on offense and a powerful defense, defeated the Corsicana High School 18-0 in a practice scrimmage affair staged on the I. O. O.

F. gridiron Wednesday afternoon. The Lynxes scored their touchdowns on sustained drives staged throughout the contest, and held the Reserves well in check on the defense. NO STATE ACTION SAN ANGELO, Nov. Investigation of the lynching of Marshall Ratliff at Eastland last night will be left to local authorities with the State rendering any assistance it may be called on to give, Governor Dan Moody said on his arrival here from Waco today.

is in violation of the the Governor said, it is unfortunate when the people take the law in their own jail cell and hanged him with a 'stout grass rope, to a telephpne cable, 200 yards, from the jail. Two years ago Ratliff, dressed as a Santa Claus, participated in a bank holdup in which two officers and one of his companions were killed. Monday, after feigning paralysis and winning the sympathy of his keepers, he attempted a jail break, shooting and ously wounding Deputy Tom Jopes, veteran peace officer. Last night 200 men overpowered his jailer, entered cell, dragged hint to a well-lighted business street and lynched him. His only covering was a bandage around his head, protection for wounds suffered SARflBN ENDORSED BV PRESIDENT BIG FIRN "At the age of 79 still active In business, and I attribute my splendid energy and vitality to Sargon.

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I was continually bothered with constipation and billiousness. I tried many medicines but kept losing weight and getting weaker every day. I thought I would have to give up my business, which would have cost me thousands of dollars. "Six bottles of Sargon made me like a different man. If I have an ailment left I know it.

My appetite is keen, all trace of stomach trouble is I sleep like a top. gajned seven pounds and feel as well and strong as I did 25 years ago. I go to my office every morning ready for a real work. a pleasure to endorse this remarkable S. Beekman, President Beekman Steel Fence San Francisco.

an Fra McPherson Drug Agents. Monday in his attempted break for liberty. Sanity Hearing Pending. Ratliff was held in the Eastland jail pending a sanity hearing, asked for by' his aged mother, who asserted her son had lost his mind while awaiting his execution in the death cell at Huntsville state prison. seemed both physically and mentally incapable when brought here, a feigned stroks of paralysis having been added to his alleged mental disabilities.

Food had been brought to his cell, and a jailer guided it to hiB mouth Discovery by the townspeople of Eastland, who still remembered the of Chief of Police G. E. Bedford and Officer George Car- michsfel, in the battle with the bandits at the nearby town of Cisco twp years before, that Ratliff was pretending and biding his time for a break brought their anger to a climax. Waited Long Enough. All yesterday afternoon they gathersd in little groups about the town and muttered about the injustice of shooting, which physicians said would probably prove fatal.

waited long they said. Last night a few people in front of the iail early in the evening had swelled to nearly a thousand at 6-30 Officers stood by helpless, unable to remove the prisoner, unwilling to harm the citizens of Eastland. At about 9 some 200 men led the way. They slipped intj a side door of the jail and asked for the man. Jailer Gilborn refused to giv? him up.

Then they overpowered Gilborn, took his keys, and got Ratliff. Stripped of Clothing. The bandit had been stripped of his riot lies when he was brought down stairs. He was dragged in the direction of the public square but the would not wait to go those lew blocks. About 200 yards from the jail a strong telephone cable was pointed out, a rope was flung across it.

A noose in one end was put around neck, a dozen strong men on the other end of the rope bent their weight, and Ratliff wai jerked from the ground. The rope, grabbed somewhere on the spur of the moment, broke and Ratliff breathed again for a moment. Messengers were sent for another, and stronger rope, and again the mob set to its tark. Then some one remembered that men about to die are usually given a chancc to say a last word. For another moment he was lowered to the ground, but displeased at his mumbling, the crowd yelled "string him Many women and girls were in the crowd that witnessed his death.

Justice of the Peace Jim Stsele ordered the body cut down and taken to an undertakers. An inquest was ordered for today. Judge to Have Probe. Late last night. District Judge George L.

Davenport indicated a grand jury would be called to investigate the mob action, and County Attorney Joe H. Jopes, nephew of the seriously wounded deputy, said his office wGuld prosecute in the event indictments were returned. Jones, at the hospital, was told of death. "That's he said. glad of Physicians late last night held out some hope for the wounded recovery, although his condition was still said to be grave.

death leaves but one of the four Cisco bank bandits at liberty. Robert Hill was sentenced to 99 years imprisonment and later escaped from the state prison farm. Henry Helms was electrocuted last summer, and L. E. Davis was fatally wounded in the bank robbery battle.

Four bandits entered the Cisco bank, wounded the cashier, grabbed up all money within easy reach and made a getaway from the bank although they were captured a short time later. One of the robbers, thought to have been Ratliff, was dressed in the seasonal Santa Claus costume. Girls Used as Shield. Two girls, attracted by the bearer of Christmas gifts and greetings, were used by the "Santa Claus as a shield from guns of Eastland officers and citizens of the town. As the four fled, bullets from pursuing officers shot the tires from their car and wounded fatally one of the group, L.

E. Davis. At the of the town, the group deposited the girls in safety and continued their flight on foot only to be captured and the loot of approximately $1,200 recovered. Helms, second member of the quartet to die, was electrocuted at the state penitentiary the past summer after exhausting every legal method to save his life, including a sanity hearing. Robert Hill, fourth member of the gang, was sentenced to 99 years imprisonment for his part in the robbery, but escaped last summer and has not been recaptured.

Ratcliff died with a prayer for mercy and forgiveness on his lips. Dragged and carried out of the jail he fell to the ground when the first rope broke and wa 3 stunned. He lay there murmuring: "God have mercy and forgive While the mob awaited the new rrpe, someone tied a sack about CONTEST WILL BE PLAYED ON TIGER FIELD GRIDIRON SECOND TEAM WILL ATTEMPT TO TURN TRICK AGAINST INDIANS BY PAUL MOORE. Corsicana Tigers will play their third game in 8 days Friday afternoon when they oppose their old and ancient rivals, the Waxahachie In- LONGHORNS HAVE EDGE IN ALL-TIME RECORDS VS. A.

M. COLLEGE STATION, Nov. the Longhorns still hold a considerable all-time edge on them, the Texas Aggies since 1909 have been gradually cutting down the wide margin of victories established in the early years of this colorful football feud, a review of the thirty-five games in which the Longhorns and Texas Aggie teams have met since the opening of hostilities in 1894 shows. The Longhorns are shown with twenty-two games to their credit while the gies have won ten. The other three games were marked by tied scores.

The thirty-sixth conflict Thanks- dians, on Tiger field. The game is scheduled to begin giving day on the gridiron of the at 2:45 The Second team will likely take Ing a bit of football history as is shrewd T. C. U. signal call- the field against the Indians and the to be found in that long and col- er; and Cy Leland, the field against the Indians and the orful record, 'streaking halfback.

Two of the FROGS AND BEARS HAVE MET THIRTY TIMES SINCE 1904 SNOW DEMONSTRATES EFFICIENCY AGAIN; HALF OF SEATS GONE AT T. C. U. BV GAYLE TALBOT. JR.

(Associated Prose Sports Writer.) Many criticis are counting on game at Waco to tell them something about their all-conference selections. Three very prominent candidates for backfield berths will match their mettle. They are Jake Wilson, Baylor quarterback: Howard Roaming the Realm Of County Sports By DELUOBE OLSEN While the three other undefeated teams in District 14 football chase are lighting among them selves Friday for the right to occupy the other finalist1 position, the State Home Lads, their position assured by a victory over the Mexia Black Cats last Friday afternoon, will be perfecting their de- lensc and offfense in preparation for the contest on the following Wednesday afternoon for the district title. LOCAL TRIANGLES DEFEATED BRYAN HI WEDNESDAY EVENING Continuing plav after the expiration of the regular period of time in order that the Triangles might run their total points in the contest to 100. the Y.

M. C. A. quint JRryn hi eh school weakest in the conference, and thus the teams should enter the semi-finals in great shape. In the feature games of the week end for District 14 elevens, the two that will receive the major consideration by football fans will be played at Groesbeck between the Goats and the Hubbard Jaguars, and at Mexia where the Black Cats entertain the strong Itasca regulars will be given a rest unless 1 Fourteen of the three are pretty certain to be chos- cleven- it is necessary for them to be put' twenty-two victories came in the en on a majority of mythical eiev- into the is first seventeen games, after which 1 ens.

Then there will be a scrap Waxahachie is making plans to the Aggies entered upon their long-1 between Noble Adkins, crack T. C. give the Tigers real tussle and a1 cat string of consecutive wins over U. center, and Les Paradeaux, Bear special trin is scheduled to bring the Longhorns, with one victory In pivot man. Both are outstanding Basketball in the county is coming into its own after a vacation of several months.

Schools in the county have organized quints and sextettes will be soon scrapping among themselves for the county titles, both boys and girls. The season is to be formally opened by the M. C. A. Invitation Tournament for Class schools to be held Dec.

13 and 14, 300 fans here for the combat. 1909 and two in 1910, when the Waxahachie scouted the Tigers in teams met twice. Prior to that the their game here Tuesday afternoon Aggifes had won only once from with Temple and had scouted the hereditary rivals, that victory locals on several occasions prior to jl1. second game played in that time. Corsicana has not scout- The only other occasions that ed Waxahachie and may be slipped: jnarred a perfect record for the op on as A.

A. Scott, Indian leader, Longhorns in the first seventeen is a crafty and smart football man, and has staged many surprises in years past although the Indians have not had much luck in their competition with the Tigers during the past few years. Many Corsicana fans will remember the game played two years ago in Waxahachie when the Tigers went there all confident and cocksure, and only a last in the list of conference centers. Still another focal point will be the duel between Captain Mike Brumbelow, hefty Frog guard, and Bochey Koch, whom Baylorites firmly believe is the greatest guard in the country. Baylor's diminutive backfield is certain to see a shower of passes again this week.

If any team in the conference can match Southern passing attack, it is the Frogs. Howard Grubbs can shoot them fast and accurately, and he has some able receivers in in the first named scrap, the Groesbeck Goats are expected to keep their record clean by downing the Hubbard eleven, which at this writing is also undefeated. The other game between Mexia and Itasca is a rather hard one to dope, if Mfxia wages the same kind of battle that they did against the State Home Lads, the outcome will not be in doubt. On the other hand, the Mexia team goes into A meeting of the Navarro Coun- ty basketball coaches has been called for Saturday afternoon at the office of the county superintendent by Charles McMichen, Frost mentor and director of athletics In the Navarro County versity of Texas League. games were two scoreless ties, one in the first game In 1902 and one in the first game in 1907.

The first of these came after a string of seven Longhorn victories and the second followed four straight wins for Texas. Since 1909, however, the records land, Roberson, McCullough, Hinshow that the Longhorns have not ton and others. Coach Jennings the going so easy. In eigh- has tried all season to perfect a de- period rally staved off defeat Rafterjteen games, beginning in 1909, the fense the aerial game, realizing it Waxahachie had led for a half game have won nine and lost was his weak spot, but to no avail, and put up one of the most stub- the other being the only tie While Wilson, MeElreath and born defenses encountered in some the past twenty years. This year time.

I the Longhorns have an opportun- Weather Theatens. ity to even up the score for recent Corsicana officials were looking' years while the Aggies with a vic- at the clouds gloomily Thursday tory could again obtain the two game margin of recent history held It will be decided at the meeting whether or not the tournament nystem will be used this year, and if it is when it will be held. This will be the most imnortant meet- his bat tie thought that Ing of the year for boys' coaches, they are out of the race and might le down from their frenzied play against the Lads. Tn this case, the Itasca eleven is due to hand the Cats their second conference defeat. and all are urged to be present and enter in on discussions of the subjects which will have an important bearing on the play.

team under a 100-31 count in 4 practice affair played on the Y. M. C. A. court Wednesday night.

At the end of the game, the Triangles had rolled up an overwhelming score and it was agreed; to play a few minutes longer to allow the victors to reach 'ie cen- tury mark. In the meanwhile, the Brvan five ran their total points to 21. The Bryan five started out like a holding a five point lead over the Triangles in the first few minutes of play, but soon after that before the brilliant play of the premier independent team in Navarro county. The Triangles play practice games with the Providence high school and Emhouse Independents Thursday evening on the Y. M.

A. court. SIX CONTESTSl DISTRICT 14 WILL 11 BE PLAYED FRIDAY MEXIA. Nov. Football teams of District 14 will engage in six contests Friday as the end of the season nears.

Some teams will play their last games. Interest centers in the Hubbard at Groesbeck game and the Itasca at Mexia game, since three of these teams are undefeated The schedule for Friday follows: Itasca at Mexia; Hubbard at Groesbeck; Marlin at Teague, Wortham at Coolidge; Kosse at Calvert and Franklin at Thornton. If Mexia defeats Itasca and Goes- beck beats Hubbard it is expected that Goesbeck will be matched with State Home of Corsicana for the district championship. Mexia was eliminated by State Home last week. morning and were wishing for good weather conditions for the game with the Indians.

Waxahachie had not won a district 4 game this season and from all appearances, arc intent on giving the Tigers a run for their money. Waxahachie always fights Corsicana harder than any other club on the Indian schedule, perhaps remembering the years that Waxahachie triumphed over Corsicana. To keep the record straight, Corsicana was jinxed by Waxahachie and never was victorious until the coaching reins were taken over here by John Pierce several seasons ago. The Waxahachie high school pep squads, ranked among the leading organizations of its kind in Texas, will accompany the team and rooters to Corsicana and will perform on the field between the halves, to be followed by the Corsicana pep squad. It is likely that a high school band will also make the trip to Corsicana.

Waxahachie cheer leaders are Henry Stone, Oscar Eddlemon, on their arch gridiron enemies un til the defeat last season. Under Coach Clyde Litrtefield the Longhorns have an even break with the Aggies, a win and a loss in two games, the championship A and M. team having taken the measure of the Littlefield crew, 28-7 in 1927, while last year the championship Texas team downed the Aggies, 19-0, at Austin. This year the Longhorns will meet the Aggies under Matty Bell for the first time though the new Aggie mentor might well have a grudge again3t the Steers, for during his entire regime at T. C.

U. the Horned Frogs labored under a Longhorn It is interesting to note that only three games between the two teams have resulted in tie3. each of which was scoreless. The Longhorns hold the record for the largest score in any of the games, 48-0 in 1898, but until their 19-0 victory in Austin last year, the Steers in recent years had not been able to score more than a two-touchdown victory. The Aggies in 1925, won 28-0, and in 1927, 28-7, to hang up their most de- cigive scores.

Wyatt and Mary Margaret Buie. A large number of Corsicana fans are expected to meet the Waxa-1 hachie fans whne they arrive here Friday afternoon. Coaches Pierce and Jeffries gave the regulars who played in the Tem-1 pie fracas a rest Wednesday after, noon and they did not don uniforms with the exception of John Ncw- land, quarterback in the Temple dangling corpse by its feet so they could see the face. It Hang la County Judge C. L.

Garrett appeared and asKed someone to take the body down. IV hang a member of the mob replied. Finally, Justice of the Peace Jim Steele ordered the body removed and taken to an undertaking com- jany morgue where it was to be embalmed and held for relatives. Justice Steele said he would spend today in an inquest, possibly returning a verdict tonight. As the mob approached the rear door of the jail, Jailer E.

P. Kil-1 game Tuesday, who will also direct born, his son, Ronald, and his wife the club against Wexahachie Friand daughter guarded the entrance. day. Only a light workout was Kilborn told the lynchers to let scheduled for the Tigers Thursday the law take its course. That re- afternoon, but from the indications montrance was met with cries of I of the weather Thursday morning, have waited long it was likely that practically no give him a chance to kill 1 work would be done, another good and want 1 Local railroad officials stated i Thursday morning that all plans for Takes Jail Keyes.

I the special train out of Waxahachie Then a voice called him ojf had not been completed and that it er and a group rushed the was not certain that the train jailer, took him to the jail lawn I would be secured. If the train is and got his keys. Ronald Kilborn, brought here, it will be run over who went to his aid was the Southern Pacific Lines, overpowered. Officials for the game will be Jailer Kilborn broke away from Johnny Garitty, (Texas A. and M.

his captors for moment, pushed College); Jim Stewart, (Southwest- through the crowd, got back into Methodist. University); and the building and forced the invad- Howard Allen, (Oak Cliff). ers outside. No sooner had he done I that than a larger number swarm- ed in, rushed to the second flood, 1 returning with Ratcliff who made no outcry although he had fought when the mob leaders entered his cell. First Lynching Since 1894 Old residents here said lynching was the first in this county since 1894, when two men were hanged on Coyote Peak, near Ris- TEXARKANA, Nov.

The ing Star. One was a notorious i rexarkana Tigers staged a great horse thief while the second, it lat-! Wednesday when the er developed, was an innocent i were defeated, 13-0, youth. although Tyler outplayed the local Public sentiment, which yester- during a majority of the con- day criticized Ratliff because of his attack on the jailer, today was Both touchdowns were made in Kathcart can go places with a ball under their arm, they lack the height to make sure-fire pass blockers. Last week the Mustangs simply passed over their heads, and it is a safe prediction the Frogs will try the same scheme Saturday. Met Many Times Baylor and Texas Christian have played remarkably close since they began football relations back in 1904, when both schools were located at Waco.

Thirty games have been played, each winning 13 and four terminating in ties. There was a scarcity of opposition in the early days of their rivalry. They played each other three times both in and Last year the Bears nosed out, 7 to 6, in a torrid fray at Fort Worth. Texas Paul Snow, again demonstrated his efficiency against Texas last week. It will be remembered ho was in one play of the Aggie encounter, just long enough to intercept a cadet pass at a crucial stage.

He did better against ttie Longhorns, getting into two plays. Both teams when the Frogs kicked off he went down the field and tackled the receiver. Then he w'as jerked for Phil Handler, regular guard. Some of these days Coach Schmidt is going to let Snow play a full quarter, and there is no telling what he might do to the opposition. Business offices at T.

C. U. and If Groesbeck defeats Hubbard, and we think they will, and Mexia Itasca, the title will be played on Tiger Field Wednesday, it was announced recently by R. R. Butler, Lad coach.

The race would still be 1ti a bad fix if the Itasca eleven should defeat Mexia, as there would bn three teams yet undefeated, and this would necessitate another game before the finals. It would make a great upset of the dope if 1 ihe above came to pass Friday afternoon. Each succeeding week Incidents occur which makes our contention stronger that the eight strong teams in the district be placed together, and thus create a new Take for example the Itasca with one conference victory claiming a right in the play off. Another type is the case of the Groesbeck eleven, which has won five conference scrans, but teams defeated have been the M. U.

already are swamped with anplications for the decisive strug- gle Nov. 30. Something like half of the seats at Clarke field already have been applied for. the offi- cials report. Three thousand tem- porary seats at the ends of the field will bring the plant's capacity to approximately 20,000.

It is estimated twice that number would see the game if they could be accommodated. The Southwest conference rapidly is outgrowing its dia. TEXARKANA DOWNED IN CONTEST PLATED WEDNESDAY TEXARKANA, Nov. iM, SYSTEM for the 3-lbs. COFFEE We Grind It 89c Big Bargains for Saturday Shortening, or Morris Supreme, 16 lb.

Pork and Beans, doz. No. 2 can, Tomatoes, large can, Maxwell House Coffee, 3 lb. can $1.36 Brass Galvanized Wash Tub, No. 25 Bars P.

G. Soap with a beautiful enamel dish pan, assorted colors, all Chili, Gold Medal, 2 large cans White Swan Milk, 12 baby Spuds, buy all you want, Sugar Cured Bacon, small meat, 23c Cane Sugar, 16 Market Day Raisins, 4 lb. package 35c Tomato Catsup, 14 oz. Sweet Pickles, quart Grape Juice, I Fancy Crackers, 1 lb. box Aladdin Lamp Have Them in Stock Collins Cash Gro.

Phone No. 1618. 310 N. Commerce St. 10 lbs.

CALUMET BAKING POWDER. $1.32 just as critical of the lynchers. Many demanded investigation and prosecution. District Judge George L. Davenport was expected to call the fourth quarter.

The second touchdown came in the last, minute of play when DeFee, Texarkana end, intercepted a lateral a special grand jury session while IPMS raced 65 yards for a Joseph Jones, county attorney and brother of Tom Jones, said he would prosecute vigorously should indictments be returned. Requiem for Condemned HUNTSVILLE, Nov. Ratliff, taken from the Eastland county jail and lynched last night, furnished a requiem for many of the condemned men Reform who went to the electric chair a PuH; i while Ratliff was in the death ed un a aernnrt wnue naimr was in tne 1 askcd ni 0 was Called Up were his only jLe said: Forgive me, musical equipment, but he nla.ved i rfPe drew taunt, the piece for each condemned man and he was strangled, his neck un- as the death march wended its broken. way toward the little green door. The body swung for 15 minutes, He was taken from the Automobile headlights were turned tentiary to Eastland recently for on it and the curious turned the a sanity hearing.

Closing Out Sale of $6.00 SHOES A Real Opportunity to Supply Footwear Needs. $2.95 83.3S $3.93 THE SLIPPER SHOP Balcony Fannie touchdown Tyler made 19 first downs a3 compared to eight for Texarkana. Tyler threatened on two occasions when the visitors got within the 10-yard zone, but lacked the punch to put over a score against the stubborn Texarkana defense when her goal was threatened. SICK AND CONVALESCENT Mrs. H.

P. Shrader is reported improving at the Navarro Clinic after a serious illness of several days. She had been ill for several days at her home before being removed to the hospital on Monday. H. D.

Prickett of Kerens was able to leave the Corsicana Hospital and Clinic Thursday after receiving medical treatment several days. A. D. McKinney was able to be carried home from the Corsicana Hospital and Clinic Thursday. ECONOMY TWW8 6 BOXES MATCHES for only 17c 4 Boxes Spaghetti or Macaroni 25c and SOAP 5 BARS FOR 19c PALMOLIVE SOAP, 3 for 19c 5-STRAND BROOM Regular 75c for 49c 16-OUNCE MOP For 32c SOME SPECIALS Steel Adjustable Post Hole Augers All Steel Post Hole Diggers Wood Hdle.

Post Hole Diggers $1.75 Double Bit Kelley Axes Single Bit Kelley I i 1 91 MAKE YOUR FRUIT CAKES Buy the ingredients here. PLENTY OF PARKING SPACE VISIT OUR STORE We Give Green Stamps. 411 N. Beaton Phone 434 TURKEYS! TURKEYS! We will buy turkeys straight thru until Thanksgiving. Hens 9 lbs.

up; young toms 14 lbs. up. Hold light weight until heavy enough. PECANS We will be buying pecans right along. A.

B. Walker Son.