The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1914-05-20
FURTHER TESTIMONY
FROM GRAY COURT
Solicitor Cooper Makes Preliminary
Investigation into killing Of John NJ.
Cannon Preparatory to Contest

Cannon Preparatory to Contest
IIabeas Corpus Proceedings.
Gray Court, May 15.-Solictor r..
a.. Cooper was here today to make
a preliminary investigation into the
death of John Nj. Cannon who met
tragic death here Tuesday at the
hands Of Joseph G. Sullivan.
The following witnesses were ex-
amined and alildavits secured:
Archie Willis, John Simmons, S. L.
Pcden, the Rev. T. w. Munnerlyn, r.
A. Cokcr, II. j. Armstrong, ]. w. Wells
Albert Gray and l.. II. Willis. Attor-
ney Fl. S. Blackwell, Of Laurcns. as
sisted Mr.. Cooper in examining the
er who was wounded, 1t is alleged, by
a stray shot from Sullivan's pistol
was the first witness to be examined
Mr.. Willis has sufficiently recovered to
be up, but is unable to leave his home
| here his testimony was taken in the
| presence Of Solicitor Cooper, Sheriff
Owings and others Being sworn. Mr..
| Willis testimony was in substance as
follows: | was standing lust outside
Of depot. Saw party whom | after
wards learned to be Mr.. Wood walk
up to Mr. Cannon and complain that
his (Wood's) son had not been
treated right and with any dccency.
Mr.. Cannon replied that he had
stuck to the facts in the case and
that he had no apologies to make.
Mr.. Wood appeared to get angry but
stated that he wanted no apology, but
turned away.
Just then JOS. G. Sullivan, who had
been standing near with his brother,
Iiumbcrt Sullivan, walked over to
Cannon, saying no, he has not treat
cd my brother right, either Can
non said he had stuck to the facts
ana stated nothing but the truth.
Sullivan called Cannon c.
D. liar and Cannon struck Sulli-
van across the head with light
cane. Sullivan jcrkcd out a gun from
under his coat and fired five times in
quick succession the first shot Strik-
ing witness in the leg. Saw Cannon
turn and retreat into the waiting
room Witness was attended by
physician and carried home, not be-
ing present when Cannon expired.
John Simmons and S. l.. Pcdcn
were the first witnesses examined
when the crowd had assembled up
town. the investigation being conduct
led in the depot, the same place where
tic trial was held Tuesday before
Magistrate lIcllams.
Mr.. Simmons, being sworn said:
was standing on a box outside OF
waiting room, looking through the
window. Heard Mr.. Cannon's speech,
Joseph G. Sullivan appeared TO be
considerably a8tatcd and talked
constantly with his brother Hum
bert Sullivan, both glancing at Can
non while talking. Saw Joseph
Sullivan leave the room, pushing
hack his brother, who appeared to
want to follow. A little while later
heard the shots and saw the smoke
but could not see either party from
where he was standing.
S. l.. Pcden, next witness examin-
ed, said: Was with Mr. Simmons
outside the window. Saw Sullivan
talking with his brother, both con
tinually glancing in the direction OF
Cannon. Could see print OF pistol
under Sullivan's coat when he left
the room Heard the shots but could
rot see the parties, witness stated
Rev. II. w. Munnerlyn told OF
rushing Mr. Cannon's assistance
Said the deceased said: "Oh! they
have killed me, but I had rather die
doing my duty than any other way
Told Of Cannon's request to see his
boy. Witness asked if there was any
message he desired to leave to his
wife, but Mr. Cannon never replied
death coming little later. T.. II
Willis corroborated Mr. Munncrlyn's
testimony.
Solicitor Cooper stated that he did
not know when an effort would be
made to secure bail for Sullivan, but
that he would oppose such move to
the last
The Investigation was largely at