The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-02-16
CAREER OF NELSON
Convicted of Attempted For
gerry and BIackmail.
Programme For The Centennial Celebration al
Salem Female Academy Beginning
the 23rd Of May.
(Staff CorrcsponlenenD

(Staff Correspondence
Winston. n. c., Feb. 10 counted
today thirteen wagon loads of hay and
wheat straw here. i farmer told me that
the hay would weigh from 1920 to 1000
pounds to the load, ami the straw from
$50 to 500 The hay sells from 50 20 60
cents per nundrea and the straw from
$3.50 to $3.50 per load Some of this for
age is hauled from ffteel to twenty
miles.
! Winston has an excellent police force
and the laws are regularly enforced
/ Very few arrests arc made here.
Much surprise as well as Indignation
is expressed at the light sentence i'm
posed on James Nelson. alias w. II.
! Morrison, who was sentenced to twelve
months on the roads, as published in
Fridays News and Observer.
The story of this mans career is spicy
reading. On his first appearance in this
section he was met AMI employed by a
Mr. Ceivers, promner1 farmer living
few miles from Winston For some
time here. Nelson led an apparently
blameless life uniting with the church,
working in the Sunday school and wind
, ing up the first period of his stay by
marrying lady of high character.
Two years from che time he appeared
here, however, he suddenly disappeared,
clipping with young woman of the CON-
/ munity and leaving his wife with little
child. Shortly afterward he was arrest
ed in Surry county under the name of
Morrison. He was convicted there of
attempted forgery and sent 30 the peni-
tertiary for six years.
After serving two, through the in
fluence of lady petition for his par
don signed by many prominent people
saw the light. and Nelson babe the pcni-
tertiary adieu, reappearIIG soon after
wards here. / am sure That deception
and forgery was used to secure the pc
tition and pardon.
While in prison last fall he wrote to
V. Nj. SEWERS, son Of the man for whom
he formerly worked, and also to a mer
chant near here. After his return letters
were received by SEWERS and Mr.. West
moreland here threatening to blow up
their stores unless certain sums Of
money were left at places DESIGNATED by
the anonymous writer. SEWERS one Of
the men upon whom ;his blackmail was
attempted, recognized the handwriting.
and as result Nelson soon found him
self once more in durance vile.
Together with four or five others ne
broke jail shortly afterward and escaped
to Virginia. He was arrested in Roa-
noke some time later 2nd brought back
to Winston for trial. Here, as stated,
he submitted TO the crime of misde
meanor and was given a year on the
public roads.
L made a trip down in Salem this even
ing on the street car as far as the Acad-
envy and noticed a great many improve
ments. and new buildings that have
been erected within The last four years.
went to see DR. Clewell to get pro-
gram of the approaching Centennial, which
is as follows, but subject to changes, Of
which our readers will be promptly adj
vised
Tuesday, May 22.-In the evening
there will be read several brief papers
of early history Of Waohovia, the found
ing of school, the town as it was in 1902.
Oration-"North Carolina in 1901"
Friday. May 23.--Brlef papers
Education. Literature Arts, Sciences,
Manufacturing and Agricultural Inter
ests in 1902.
Address-"The United STATES in 1872"
Saturday, May 24.-Papers on con-
ditions in 1850, the country NJ large.
North Carolina Winston and it's found
ing at that time. Salem and the Acad-
emy.
"Antebcllum Days in :hc
South"
Sunday. May 25.-Baccalaurcatc Ser
mon Union service.
Monday, May 26-Scnior Glass Exer-
cises, Grand Concert
Tuesday, May 27.-Recoption Art
Exhibit. Wachovia Historical Society
will open its rooms to the public. "A
War Evening
Wednesday, May -. 19O2.-Aiumrae
Day Business Meeting, Glass Reunions
Thursday. May DIFFERENTIATION of
diplomas to the Graduating Glass, ad-
dresses by number Of distinguished
men, the Grafton for this particular oc-
casion, and the laying of The corner stone
of the Alumnae Centennial Memorial
Chapter.
Fl. Is. HARDY.