News
Page last updated April 17, 2007
"MORE OF THE FRUITS"
MARTINSVILLE GAZETTE NEWSPAPER; 21 May 1857
Submitted by Kathy Bargerhuff
Adam S. Wise, keeper of the accomodating old line institution lately kept on the north-east corner of the public square, has been arrested as an accessory to the murder of James M. Sloan, and committed to our county jail. In addition to that of murder, the Grand Jury found several other bills against this individual-- for stealing, &c. Verily, "the way of the transgressor is hard." Had Adam stuck to his trade, he might at the present time have been an honest and respectable citizen, instead of an incarcerated criminal.
OFFICERS RAID "BLIND TIGER"; BEER UNDER WATERMELONS
Indianapolis Star; 16 September 1912
Submitted by Kathy Bargerhuff
Local Federal Officers raided two alleged "blind tigers" in Martinsville, Morgan County, at noon yesterday, arrested Thomas J. Booker and Jesse Beecham and confiscated two barrels of bottled beer found in the cellar of a restaurant operated by Booker. Although revenue officers are said to have bought beer of Beecham recently, no liquor was found in his establishment.
Chief Deputy United States Marshal Merrill E. Wilson. Deputy Marshal Lon Boyd and Deputy Revenue Collectors, Charles Whithoft and O.F. Boyce made the arrests. They invaded Booker's cellar and found the beer hidden in an icechest and covered with watermelons.
Booker fell before a ruse conceived by Chief Deputy Wilson, the Officer entered the restaurant, singled out the owner and called him into the back room. He inquired cautiously if he "could get a drink in Martinsville on Sunday". Booker said he had some beer in the cellar and took Wilson and his aids to the icebox.
Two "thirsty ones" entered the cellar while the officers were there. Seeing the crowd and suspecting that something was wrong, they started to leave. In reply to Wilson's question as to what they wanted, they said, "Only some watermelon." The officers say that this was the recognized call, When a friend or someone known to Booker asked for watermelon, he got a beer.
The two men were bought here and given a preliminary hearing before Federal Commisioner Howard Young and their bonds were placed at $250 each. Edward Cain, who said he was a farmer living near Martinsville, signed the bonds.
Found Liquor Preparations
Martinsville Democrat; July 9, 1926; page 1
Submitted by Debbie Jennings
Sheriff Pointer, Deputy Lucas and Chief of Police Newman located a large quantity of stuff that apparently was intended for use in the manufacture of "white mule" Wednesday night on the Steiger farm in Green township. The owners had apparently hidden the stuff and made their escape. The mash was destroyed and the stoves brought into the jail.
Phillips Arrested On Liquor Charge
Martinsville Democrat; July 9, 1926; page 1
Submitted by Debbie Jennings
William Phillips was arrested by Sheriff Pointer Wednesday on the charge of selling intoxicating liquors and he was placed in jail to await a hearing.
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