The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1910-07-29

conscience over the triple murder, as
he says that when the fight began he
was overwhelmed with the idea that
they intended to kill him, and be
fought ano fought desperately for his
life and Won the battle.
"He also tells me that he intended
to kill the old man because he had
gun shooting at him. This case so
long and hotly fought in the courts
was ably handled Ivy Major (afterward
Judge) William Gay, of Augusta, Ca,
and I can truly say that no lawyer
was ever produced in South Carolina
who exhibited more distinguished
ability than cid Major Gary in this
eventful case-now of past history
but still interesting.
Tried Seven Times.
Clones was tried seven times-tve
mistrials resulting in Edgefeld. There
were two convictions, one in Edge
field, and they appealed and then
changed the place of trial to Lexlng-
ton, where Jones was finally convicted
and sentenced.
Zones has had comparatively an
easy time while in prison. He, by his
ingenuity and tact, managed also by
his great love for animals of all kinds,
was put in charge Of the stock and
also Of the hounds.
"Jones is a good cook and altogeth-
er made a good prisoner at the penl-
tentiary. He always considered 1t MS
duty to serve out the sentence set by
the law on him and has many times
prevented prisoners from escaping.
He says he is going home to see his
brother, sister and children, then he
is going to California, where ne al
ways has had a longing desire to go:
VIII Marry Again.
'He is firmly convinced that it will
be best for him to marry again and
I believe that he is right. He has a
son and daughter living in Georgia,
his wife and three other children hav-
ing died during his prison life.
"The average life of long term pris-
oners is ten years, but Bob deviated
from this rule and instead of leaving
prison a feeble and worn out man by
confinement, he is strong and vlgor-
Gus.
bob took a fine pointer pup with
him and when asked if they would
allow him to carry the dog on the
train he said seriously he wouldn't go
if the dog didn't go. They let the d9g
go, too.
A Great Hunter.
"Jones is a great hunter, and an ex-
pert fisherman. He talks most intel
ligently of all form of fish life. 8
am free to say that if he haG been and
educated and trained for a profession
of some kind firmly believe ne would
have distinguished himself.
children love Bob Jones and his
love for them is pathetically affecting
to witness.
'From his general appearance he
seems to be good for thirty more
years in this world. His father lived
to be 81 years of age
A Strange Career.
Such is the story of Bob Jones's re-
markable career, told by one who
knew him closely. It is doubtful If
many men could have stood the con-
slant nagging that Bob Jones had to
listen at for the five years between
the time of the joint purchase of the
lands in Edgefeld to that day in the
spring of 1885, when he killed his
three kinsmen. Not that Bob Jones
was guiltiess, but there was provaca-
tion. Even the learned Judge told
Jones at the trial that if he hadn't kill
ed the "old man" he would be willing
to let him go, although Jones never
was tried for the. killing of the other
two Presslys.
Didn't Much Care.
Now that Bob Jones has gone from
the penitentiary, a little story on him
will do no harm. For some time Gov
ernor Ansel had the matter of COM
muting the sentence of the noted pris-
oner under consideration. Jones had
figured that he would get out on May
1S, 1910, because he had deducted the
four months "grace time" for his
four years in the Edgefleld jail. But
Superintendent Griffith held that
Jones could not go unless pardoned
by the governor. So Jones had to
wait