West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1905-06-29
MAJOR FIELDS AGAIN
Is In Jail on Old Charge to Await
Grand Jury'S Action.
Martha Watts, His Wife Sister, Al
SO Locked Up in Default Bond.
Couple Caught as They
We're Ready to Beard
NJ, & K. Train.
From the MorsantOwn Dominion

"Major" Minor Fields, and his
wiie-sister, Martha Watts, are in
the county Jail again charged with
unlawful cohabitation. These
names have very familiar sound
to the ears or Morgantown people.
"Major" Fields served term of
several months in Jail here not SO
long ago for living with this same
woman. After his release, he went
to kingwood where he has been the
central figure in number of adven-
tu-es which have appeared in print
The arrest of the couple was
made on the information of Ann
Webley, the mother of both. A
short time ago "Major" Fields came
here from Kingwood, and took up
his residence with Martha Watts,
at Ann Webley's home. Yesterday
they packed up their goods and
chattels and prepared to depart for
Kingwood. In the packing up they
got a number of articles that belong
to Ann Webley, she alleges, and il
was for the purpose Of recovering
these that she went to Justice Bar
ker yesterday afternoon.
Justice Barker had been hearing
for week or two that "Major"
Fields and Martha Watts were liv.
ing together as man and wife, and
had failed TO issue warrant for
their arrest only because Of a lack
of information on the subject.
When Ann Webley appeared with
her story, the justice asked her if
the defendants were living together.
She replied afirmatively, and he
suggested that they be arrested on
these grounds.
Policemen were sent to the Nj. a.
X. train which was almost ready to
pull out, while the justice prepared
the warrants. "Major" Fields and
Martha Watts were arrested and
taken before the justice. They
waved 4 hearing and were sent to
jail to awairthe action Of the grand
jury, in default Of bond of $500.
Officers were sent with them to the
home Of Ann Webley, the prosecu-
ting witness, she was given posses
sion of the articles she claimed.
This morning a suit was brought to
recover the rest
In view Of the fact that "Major"
Fields was convicted before on the
same charge, the prospect for him
is anything bnt good. The woman
was not sentenced, but Will probab-
ly have to suffer this time. Ann
Webley testified before that she is
the mother of both and her evidence
was convincing.
a later copy OF the Dominion
contains further particulars as fol-
lows:
"Major" Fields and his wife,
Martha Watts, are still in the county
jail and will remain there until a
good and sufficient bond is given,
or until they are released by the
process Of the law. Marshall Nc.
Coy who was sent for to give bond
for them is here. lie is willing to
act as bondsman for the woman,
but will not lend his assistance in
giving the "Major" his liberty.
The sum required in each case is
$500.
Squire Barker stated that he
will not admit either OF the two TO
bail until Prosecuting Attorney {.
w. Cramer returns to the city and
has time to take what steps he deems
wise in the case. The justice and
the prosecutor may want to punish
both The charges Of incest and an.
lawful cohabitation against them,
and in that case a larger bond will
probably be required.
Martha Watts has a son, offender
years, and the boy has been in jail
with her. This morning, the Hu.
name society took up his case, and
will probably provide some means
Of caring for the boy az an carly
date