The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1910-12-29
I've Eadisss Win Appear al
January Court
lPPElL FOR PR0TECT|0N
Alleged Chief Arrives at Camp Near
Wsdesbero and Begins Trouble
which Finally Lands Entire
hand Into the Arms Of
~ the Law.

wadesboro. Dec. 29.--Thc Gypsy
camp near Lilesville has been the
center OF interest for several days
and stili attracts considerable atten-
ton. although the encampment OF one
band here In wadesboro has divided
the attraction. The trouble whicn
has been reported during the past few
days Is the entire topic OF conyersa-
ton and the story OF these peculiar
people Is OF much interest
Several weeks ago the first arrivals
camped just beyond Lilesyille and
others have come from time 10 time
until the camp had possibly 200 In
the several families or bands. These
people were going about the country
trading horses and telling fortunes
and the sheriff forced them TO pay
county tax. Several days ago the mes
sage came 10 them that the Chief
vas ON the way and that Gu his ar
rival he would collect the annual
-chief's. tax from each OF them. II
seems that each member Of the clan
or band Is expected to pay TO the
chief" an annual tax OF $40. One Of
the bands in camp Is headed by
Stephen and his two sons. Gregory
John and Paul John. This band does
not accept the appointment Of Chief
Mitchell and when the message OF his
coming reached them they consulted
with attorneys In wadesboro and told
thsm that they did not intend % rec
oxnise Mitchell although they under
stood that he came az the sppoinfee
of the United States government.
Stephen John said that he intended TO
take his followers and leave. A
Monday night when the seaboard
Air Line train came. CHIEF Mitchell
arrived and he went Immediately TO
the camp and called a conference and
showed them his credentials. The pa
per was gotten up well and with It's
profuslon OF red seals and red tape
appeared 10 be sufficient TO all ex-
cept the followers Of Stephen John
and they refused 90 acknowledge the
chiefs" authority and so said and
they said Il wifh considerable force.
The Mitchell followers were equal
ly forcefnl IN their determination to
recognize their newly appointed
chief" The papers which Mitchell
brouEh, were signed by number Of
his followers IN other sections and
sworn 10 before a notary public with
his seal in Washington. ID. G Nit
chell claimed 90 be the appoiniee Of
the United States government, and
the gypsIes all believe Il. even those
who do not accept him The fact that
his credentials had seal from Wash
inEton was 10 the followers sufficient
proof.
Throughout the night the two fac
tlons quarrclled and there was some
fighting. few bruised heads, but no
serious breach OF the peace until
early Tuesday morning when Mitchell
with some Of bis chosen followers des.
cended on the tents OF the John band
and topk possession. Stephen John
and Gregory John were taken 70
trees and securely tied and whipped.
IN the clothes OF Stephen John they
found a bag OF gold coins and this
was confIscated. Mitchell denies that
the money was stolen for the reason
that be claims 10 be chief" and as
-chiefr has all authority over the per-
son and the effects Of HIS people.
Paul John managed 10 get away and
hid himself IN tho tent Ills presence
there was unknown 10 any Of the at
taoking party and he was not tied up
or whipped. Some Of the women OF
the John party attempted to release
the two men and the Mitchell crowd
czugh them and gave them q sescre
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