Leo Frank TV

The Murder of Little Mary Phagan (2025 Edition) by Mary Phagan Kean

By Research Librarian Simon Pauling / September 23, 2025
Important Book Launch: The Murder of Little Mary Phagan (2025 Edition) by Mary Phagan Kean Help preserve this important history...
Read More

Wednesday, 30th December 1914: Long Legal Battle In Leo Frank Case, The Atlanta Constitution

By Historical Librarian / October 24, 2025
The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 30th December 1914,PAGE 3, COLUMN 4.Both Sides Prepare for Hard Fight Before the Supreme Court. MAY USE...
Read More

Tuesday, 29th December 1914: Leo M. Frank’s New Fight For Life, The Atlanta Constitution

By Historical Librarian / October 24, 2025
The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 29th December 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 1.May Last in Courts for Six Months Before a Final Decision Is...
Read More

Monday, 28th December 1914: Leo Frank Decision Is Expected Today, The Atlanta Constitution

By Historical Librarian / October 24, 2025
The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 28th December 1914,PAGE 5, COLUMN 1.Followers of the many phases of the Leo Frank Case are keenly...
Read More

Sunday, 27th December 1914: Bond Witness Charges Attempt To Frame-up, The Atlanta Constitution

By Historical Librarian / October 24, 2025
The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 27th December 1914,PAGE 2, COLUMN 4.Isom Says Effort Has Been Made to Get Him to "Double-Cross" Solicitor....
Read More

Friday, 25th December 1914: Lamar Postpones Action On Appeal, The Atlanta Constitution

By Historical Librarian / October 24, 2025
The Atlanta Constitution,Friday, 25th December 1914,PAGE 9, COLUMN 3.Advices yesterday from Washington say that Justice Lamar, of the United States...
Read More

Wednesday, 23rd December 1914: Marshall Will Make Supreme Court Plea, The Atlanta Constitution

By Historical Librarian / October 24, 2025
The Atlanta Constitution,Wednesday, 23rd December 1914,PAGE 9, COLUMN 3.Frank's Atlanta Lawyers Will Prepare for Plea to the Prison Board.WILL PLEAD...
Read More

Tuesday, 22nd December 1914: Alexander Scores Charge Of Dorsey, The Atlanta Constitution

By Historical Librarian / October 24, 2025
The Atlanta Constitution,Tuesday, 22nd December 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 2.Frank Attorney Leaves for Washington to Make Effort There to Secure Supreme...
Read More

Monday, 21st December 1914: Newman Decides Frank Case Today, The Atlanta Constitution

By Historical Librarian / October 24, 2025
The Atlanta Constitution,Monday, 21st December 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 4.Prisoner's Hope of Getting Hearing Before U. S. Supreme Court Depends Upon...
Read More

Sunday, 20th December 1914: Appeal Of Frank To Supreme Court Not Yet Allowed, The Atlanta Constitution

By Historical Librarian / October 24, 2025
The Atlanta Constitution,Sunday, 20th December 1914,PAGE 1, COLUMN 5.Delay Until Monday Results When Federal Law Passed in 1908, Governing Procedure...
Read More

Saturday, 19th December 1914: Newman To Hear Frank Case Today, The Atlanta Constitution

By Historical Librarian / October 24, 2025
The Atlanta Constitution,Saturday, 19th December 1914,PAGE 14, COLUMN 2.Case Will Still Be in Courts When Execution Date Arrives, Thus Causing...
Read More

Tuesday, 6th May 1913, Leo Max Frank’s Complete Story of Where He Was and What He Did on Day of Mary Phagan Murder, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, May 6th, 1913 (Page 11, Column 1) For Three Hours and a Half, Mr. Frank Was on the Stand, Answering Questions About His Movements Every Hour and Minute of the Day—He Was Calm and Unruffled When Excused From Stand and Returned to the Tower HE TELLS OF VISIT OF LEMMIE QUINN TO HIS OFFICE TEN MINUTES AFTER MARY PHAGAN RECEIVED WAGES Introduction of Quinn Gives the Factory Superintendent an Important Witness, in Confirmation of His Statements. Only Three Witnesses Examined by Coroner at Session Monday Afternoon For three hours and a half, Leo M. Frank, general
Read More

Monday, 5th May 1913, Coroner’s Inquest Resumed 2:30 p.m., Leo Frank Will Testify, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Monday, May 5th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 7) Factory Superintendent Was Expected to Be the Chief Witness, Though 200 Others Had Been Subpoenaed NEW GRAND JURY URGED TO PROMPT INVESTIGATION A Thousand Violations of Law Against Vice Do Not Equal Crime of Mary Phagan's Murder, Says Judge Ellis The jury empanelled a week ago by Coroner Paul Donehoo resumed its probe into the mystery of the murder of little Mary Phagan on Monday afternoon shortly after 2:30 o'clock. Although police headquarters was crowded by nearly 200 witnesses, mostly employees at the National Pencil factory, where Mary Phagan
Read More

Sunday, 4th May 1913 Girl in Red Dress May Furnish Clue to Phagan Mystery, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Sunday May 4th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 5) A 17-year-old miss, blonde and who weighs about 140 pounds, and who was in in Marietta last Wednesday afternoon wearing a dark red dress and a leghorn hat, may furnish the vital clue in the mystery of the murder of Mary Phagan. Who is she? Where does she live? Is it true that she was the last friend of Mary Phagan's to see the murdered girl alive on Saturday afternoon, April 26? She alone can answer. It is but a matter of hours until her identity is revealed. If
Read More

Tuesday, 17th June 1913 Guessers See a Mystery in Dorsey-Hooper Trips

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, June 17, 1913 Speculation About Departure of Phagan Case Figures Not Credited, However What is believed to be but a coincidence in the unheralded out-of-town trips of Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey, Attorney Frank A. Hooper, who is to assist the solicitor in the prosecution of Leo M. Frank, and Attorney Thomas B. Felder, has given rise to a rumor that these lawyers really have gone on a secret mission of importance and one connected with the Phagan case. Solicitor Dorsey left Atlanta Saturday afternoon, saying he was going to Atlantic City and New York for
Read More

Monday, 16th June 1913 Felder Leaves Atlanta on Trip to Cincinnati

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Monday, June 16, 1913 Thomas B. Felder, the attorney, left Atlanta for Cincinnati Sunday afternoon to be away from the city on a business trip for several days. The absence of Mr. Felder from the city is taken as indication that the grand jury will not take up an investigation of the famous dictograph episode this week, if it makes such a probe at all. Mr. Felder declared that his trip has nothing to do with the dictograph case. He stated that he expected to return within a week. The foreman of the grand jury, L. H.
Read More

Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Reward of $1,000 is Appropriated by City, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 (Page 7, Column 1) Money Will Be Paid for Information Leading to Arrest of Girl's Murderer At a special session called at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning, the city council of Atlanta voted for the appropriation of $1,000 as a reward for information leading to the arrest of the party or parties guilty of the brutal murder of little Mary Phagan. In the building of the National Pencil company's factory on Forsyth street, last Saturday afternoon or night. Immediately afterward the aldermanic board met and concurred in the appropriation. The only objection made to
Read More

Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Negro Watchman Wrote Note Found Beside Dead Girl, Experts Declare, After Seeing Franks Handwriting, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 3) The Journal's Three Handwriting Experts Still Firm in Their Conviction That Newt Lee Wrote Mysterious Notes When Shown Copies Written by Both Frank and Lee in Comparison With Original Note Found Having compared exact reproductions of the notes found near the body of Mary Phagan with specimens of the handwriting of Newt Lee, the night watchman, and of Leo M. Frank, the superintendent of the National Pencil company, three handwriting experts Tuesday morning stuck to their first opinion that the negro's handwriting and that of the notes found near
Read More

Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Negro Watchman Tells Story of Finding Girl’s Body and Questions Fail to Shake Him, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

A sketch of pretty Mary Phagan from her latest photograph by Brewerton. The Atlanta Journal Wednesday April 30th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 4) Newt Lee, Negro Who Notified Police of Mary Phagan Murder, Tells Coroner Girl's Body Was Lying Face Up With Head Toward West When He Found It — But Officers Declare They Found It Lying Face Down, Head Toward East, Knew She Was White, Said He, by Her Hair SAYS MR. FRANK DID UNUSUAL THINGS, BUT DOES NOT DIRECTLY IMPLICATE ANYONE Mr. Frank Met Him Outside Office Saturday Afternoon and Let Him Off for Two Hours, After Having
Read More

Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Mary Phagan at Home Last Friday, Says Mother, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 (Page 7, Column 1) Mrs. W. J. Coleman, mother of Mary Phagan, says that the girl was at home during Friday and Friday night, and could not possibly have been the one seen at the Terminal station Friday morning by H. P. Sibley, gateman, and T. R. Malone, special officer. Just as a young man with a ticket for Washington reached one of the gates to the tracks at the Terminal station, he was stopped Friday morning by a pretty girl, who pleaded with him not to leave her. The girl finally reached
Read More

Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Hearing for Gantt at 3 P.M. Wednesday, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 (Page 7, Column 1) Judge Gober Says His Client Will Be Taken Before Justice of the Peace Powers J. M. Gantt, held on a warrant charging the murder of Mary Phagan, will given a hearing before Justice F. M. Powers at 3 o'clock Wednesday afternoon. Gantt was Tuesday afternoon transferred from police barracks to the jail on an order issued by Judge Bell. Justice Powers, who issued the warrant for Gantt's arrest, had not been notified of the hearing at 8:30 o'clock Wednesday morning, but it was stated at the office of Judge
Read More

Wednesday, 30th April 1913 Business Men Protest Sensational “Extras”, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

Atlanta Journal Wednesday, April 30th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 3) Following an interview between Mayor Woodward and Chief of Police Beavers and Chief of Detectives Lanford, in which the mayor protested that extras on the Phagan murder case which were based on information alleged to have been given out by the officers and the detectives and which were liable to unduly inflame the public, a petition has been circulated among local business men asking the newspapers not to issue so many sensational extras. The petition states that extras such as have been issued are hurting business and will hurt it
Read More

Tuesday, 29th April 1913 Witnesses Positive Murdered Girl Was Same Who Created Scene at the Terminal Station on Friday, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

Atlanta Journal Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 2) Gatemen, T. R. Malone and H. P. Sibley, After Viewing Corpse, Declare Mary Phagan, Sobbing Loudly and Displaying Vehement Feelings, Prevented Strange Man From Boarding Train for Washington—Neither of Men Detained by Police Is Mysterious Stranger H. P. SIBLEY, gateman and T. R. Malone, special officer at the Atlanta Terminal station, have identified the dead body of little Mary Phagan as the same girl whom they saw dramatically prevent a man from leaving on train No. 38 for Washington, D. C., Friday morning at 11:01 o'clock. Both men declare a
Read More

Tuesday, 29th April 1913 Where Was Mary Phagan on Saturday Afternoon? The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 (Page 4, Column 2) Are there any friends or acquaintances of little Mary Phagan who saw her after she is supposed to have left the offices of the National Pencil company Saturday afternoon, where she went for the little pay that was due her? Is there any one who knows the girl, who can say she was seen in the city of Atlanta or elsewhere following her departure from home shortly before noon on that day? According to Superintendent Leo Frank, the child called for her envelope shortly after 12 o'clock on the
Read More

Tuesday, 29th April 1913 Three Handwriting Experts Say Negro Wrote the Two Notes Found by Body of Girl, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

At the top is a photograph of writing done by Newt Lee, the negro night watchman after his arrest. At the bottom is a photograph of two lines of a note found beside the body of Mary Phagan in the pencil factory cellar. Three handwriting experts—Frank M. Berry, assistant cashier of the Fourth National bank; Andrew M. Bergstrom, assistant cashier of the Third National bank and Pope O. Driver, chief bookkeeper and head of mail departments, of the American National bank, unhesitatingly declare that the same hand penned them both. Detectives are satisfied that Lee knows all about the killing
Read More

Tuesday, 29th April 1913 Stepfather Thinks Negro is Murderer, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 (Page 5, Column 1) Believes That Newt Lee Bound and Gagged, Then Murdered Mary Phagan W. J. Coleman, step-father of Mary Phagan, believes that she was murdered by Newt Lee, the negro night watchman, but that before the murder she lay bound and gagged in the factory of the National Pencil company, 37 South Forsyth street, from shortly after noon on Saturday until past midnight. As people passed back and forth along the street, as members of the girl's family waited anxiously for her return, he thinks that she lay helpless within the
Read More

Tuesday, 29th April 1913 State Offers $200 Reward; City Will Follow With $1,000 For Mary Phagans Murderer, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

J. M. Gantt, who was arrested at Marietta and brough to Atlanta Monday, charged with the death of Mary Phagan. The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 (Page 5, Column 2) Mayor Woodward Calls Special Meeting of Council So That Reward Can Be Formally Offered—Governor Brown Issued Proclamation Tuesday Morning Governor Joseph M. Brown Tuesday morning offered a reward of $200 for the apprehension and conviction of the murderer or murderers of Mary Phagan, and the city of Atlanta is expected to offer a $1,000 reward at a special meeting that has been called by Mayor James G. Woodward for
Read More

Tuesday, 29th April 1913 L. M. Frank, Factory Superintendent, Detained By Police, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

Leo M. Frank. Superintendent of the National Pencil company, snapped by a Journal photographer on the way to police headquarters. Mr. Frank is not under arrest, but will be a witness at the coroner's inquest. The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 3) Detectives Building Case on Theory that Frank and Negro Can Clear Mystery Chief Lanford Believes That Testimony of the Superintendent and Negro Night Watchman May Lead to the Arrest of the Person Guilty of the Atrocious Crime That Has Shocked the Whole City—No Further Arrests Expected Soon MRS. FRANK IN TEARS AT POLICE STATION
Read More

Tuesday, 29th April 1913 Gantt’s Release Asked in Habeas Corpus Writ, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 2) Petition Made to Judge George L. Bell and Will Be Heard at 4 o'Clock JAMES MILTON GANTT charged with the murder of Mary Phagan is seeking his release upon a writ of habeas corpus. Petition for such a writ was made Tuesday morning to Judge Bell of the superior court and he directed that a hearing be had at 4 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Judge Gober, attorney for Gantt, made the petition and will argue Tuesday afternoon for the immediate release of the former bookkeeper. Gantt sets forth in his
Read More

Tuesday, 29th April 1913 Bloody Thumb Print is Found on Door, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 (Page 4, Column 3) Murderer of Mary Phagan Probably Left Factory by the Rear Door A bloody thumb print, found Tuesday afternoon on the rear door to the basement of the National Pencil factory, leads the police to the theory that the murderer of Mary Phagan left the factory building by that door after he had deposited the girl's body in the basement. This theory is still further strengthened by the fact that when the murder was discovered Sunday morning it was found that a staple had been drawn from the fastening on
Read More

Friday, 2nd May 1913 Solicitor Dorsey is Making Independent Probe of Phagan Case, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Friday, May 2nd, 1913 (Page 1, Column 5) Outside of Solicitor's Activity There Have Been No Developments Since the Suspects Were Transferred to Tower GROUNDLESS RUMORS DENIED BY OFFICIALS Chief Lanford's Busy Running Down Tips—Coroner's Inquest Will Be Resumed on Monday Afternoon at 2 The Atlanta Journal has published every fact and development in connection with the mysterious murder of Mary Phagan. The Journal will continue to print news of further developments and additional evidence as the investigation proceeds. No fact has been suppressed nor will any news relating to the hunt for solution of the crime
Read More

Saturday, 3rd May 1913 Detectives Confer With Coroner and Solicitor Dorsey, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Saturday, May 3rd, 1913 (Page 1, Column 5) Following Meeting Lasting Two Hours, Officials Investigating Murder Mystery Visited Scene of Tragedy NO CHANGE IN PLANS FOR INQUEST MONDAY Progress Has Been Made In Developing Evidence, It Is Said, but its Nature Has Not Been Divulged The three central figures in the investigation of the Phagan murder case—the solicitor general, the coroner and the chief of detectives—held a conference Saturday morning, which lasted for more than two hours. The officials discussed the evidence in the case and the many theories which have been advanced, but refused to divulge
Read More

Thursday, 1st May 1913 Did Murderer Seek to Burn Slain Girls Body, and Did the Watchman Interrupt Him? The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Thursday, May 1st, 1913 (Page 7, Column 2) A new theory based upon an assumption of the innocence of the negro night watchman, Newt Lee, is that the murdered body of Mary Phagan was taken to the basement of the National Pencil factory primarily for the purpose of burning it, early Sunday morning, and that the slayer was hid in the basement when Newt Lee discovered the child's body face up with its head toward the back door. This theory will permit explanation of several details which tend now to keep the mystery thick. It assumes that
Read More

Thursday, 1st May 1913 Detectives Eliminate Evidence in Conflict with Theory that Phagan Girl Never Left Factory, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The big picture in the center shows the head of the detective department, Chief Newport A. Lanford. To his left is John R. Black, city detective, who was largely instrumental in convicting the Druid Hills murderers. On the extreme left at the top is Detective Pat Campbell, and below him is J. N. Starnes. To the right of the chief is Harry Scott, of the Pinkertons, who are working on the mystery. The top picture at the extreme right is City Detective S. L. (Bass) Rosser, and below is Detective W. F. Bullard. Atlanta Journal Thursday, May 1st, 1913 (Page
Read More

Monday, 16th June 1913 Hooper Wants a Rest For Public From Case

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Monday, June 16, 1913 Attorney Associated With Prosecution, Says State Is Ready for Frank Trial With Solicitor General Dorsey away on a short vacation, the state's case against Leo M. Frank, who is charged with the murder of Mary Phagan, is now in charge of Frank A. Hooper, the well known attorney, who is associated with the solicitor. "The state's case is complete," Mr. Hooper said Monday morning, "and we are waiting quietly for the trial on the 30th of the month to come." "If the defense will stop writing cards," continued Mr. Hooper, "and stop having
Read More

Sunday, 15th June 1913 Gentry, Found by Journal, Says Notes Will Show Enough to Justify What Was Sworn To

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Sunday, June 15, 1913 "Upon Reading My Notes Before the Court It Will Be Proven That There Is Enough of It There to Justify What Was Written and Sworn to be Me as Being Practically the Gist of What Was Said," Says Young Stenographer of Dictograph Records Transcribed by Him "I WAS ALLOWED TO READ PROOF OF WHAT WAS PUBLISHED ABOUT FELDER CONFERENCE," HE SAYS "As Far as What The Journal Published, Will Say, as Far as I Can Remember, What They Printed Were the Facts In a General Way, and the Changes Were Immaterial." Located by
Read More

Monday, 28th April 1913 Two Maundering Notes Add Mystery to Crime, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

1—Mary Phagan's own handwriting, as shown in her address she wrote for Sunday School teacher. 2—Written by Lee at suggestion of detectives for purpose of comparison. 3—One of notes found in cellar. 4—Also written by Lee at suggestion of detectives. The Atlanta Journal Monday, April 28th, 1913 (Page 2, Column 4) City detectives, detailed to run down the murderer or murderers of fourteen-year-old Mary Phagan, are endeavoring to clear up the mystery surrounding the authorship of two crudely written and badly composed notes which were found near the corpse of the murdered girl in the basement of the pencil factory.
Read More

Monday, 28th April 1913 Thousands Visit Morgue to View Girl’s Body, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Monday, April 28th, 1913 (Page 2, Column 3) Six thousand people, according to reliable estimates, visited P. J. Bloomfield's undertaking parlors Monday morning to see the body of Mary Phagan. It was the largest crowd, police say, that had ever viewed a murder victim's body in Atlanta. Scores of friends, hundreds of acquaintances and fellow-workers in the pencil factory and thousands of simply curious walked around the bier between 7 o'clock and noon. So far as known, no relatives appeared. The mother of the girl is ill at her home as a consequence of her daughter's death
Read More

Monday, 28th April 1913 Strand of Hair in Machine on Second Floor May Be Clew Left by Mary Phagan, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

1—Mary Phagan's own handwriting, as shown in her address she wrote for Sunday School teacher. 2—Written by Lee at suggestion of detectives for purpose of comparison. 3—One of notes found in cellar. 4—Also written by Lee at suggestion of detectives. The Atlanta Journal Monday, April 28th, 1913 (Page 2, Column 2) It's Discovery Leads to Theory That She May Have Been Attacked There and Then Dragged to Factory Basement The finding of half a dozen strands of hair in the cogs of a steel lathe in the metal room on the second floor of the National Pencil company's factory and
Read More

Monday, 28th April 1913 Man Held for Girl’s Murder Avows He Was With Another When Witness Saw Him Last, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Monday, April 28th, 1913 (Page 2, Column 4) Arthur Mullinax, Trolley Conductor, Denies That E. L. Sentell Saw Him Saturday Night With Mary Phagan Arthur Mullinax, identified by E. L. Sentell, of 22 Davis street, clerk for the Kamper Grocery company, as the man whom he saw with Mary Phagan, the murdered girl, at midnight Saturday, vehemently denies any part in the atrocious crime, and declares that he will be able to prove an alibi. Subjected to a quizzing in the office of Chief of Police Beavers, he told an apparently straightforward story of his actions on
Read More

Monday, 28th April 1913 “God’s Vengeance Will Strike Brute Who Killed Her,” Says Grandfather of Mary Phagan, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Monday, April 28th, 1913 (Page 2, Column 2) Calling upon God Almighty to visit speedy vengeance upon the murderer or murderers of his fourteen-year-old granddaughter, Mary Phagan, whose mutilated body was discovered Sunday morning in the basement of the National Pencil company's factory on Forsyth street, W. J. Phagan, an elderly citizen of Marietta, declares that he will never rest until the fiend or fiends are brought to justice. The old man almost collapsed when he learned of the awful crime, and he sobbed piteously as he prayed for divine aid in clearing up the mystery surrounding
Read More

Monday, 28th April 1913 Coroner’s Jury Visits Scene of Murder and Adjourns Without Rendering Verdict, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

The Atlanta Journal Monday April 28th, 1913 (Page 2, Column 2) Will Meet Again Wednesday Morning When Witnesses Will Be Examined—Five Hundred People Present When Inquest Was Begun For an hour Monday morning, a jury empaneled by Coroner Paul Donehoo groped through dark basement passageways and first-floor rooms in the factory of the National Pencil company hunting for evidence that would aid them in reaching a verdict as to who murdered pretty Mary Phagan. At the end of their hunt, the body adjourned. They will meet again on Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock to continue their investigation. Many witnesses who
Read More

Monday, 28th April 1913 Police Think Negro Watchman Can Clear Murder Mystery; Four Are Now Under Arrest, The Atlanta Journal

Has Audio

Mary Phagan Atlanta Journal Monday, April 28th, 1913 (Page 1, Column 2) Developments in Case Have Come Thick and Fast Monday but No Evidence Has Yet Been Developed Which Fixes the Atrocious Crime — Mullinax Seems to Have Proved Alibi SUPERINTENDENT FRANK AIDS POLICE IN TRYING TO SOLVE THE MYSTERY He Was Closely Questioned for Several Hours Monday but Left Headquarters in Company With His Attorneys and Friends—Crime Was Committed in Metal Room on Second Floor—Sleeping Compartment Found in Factory Basement Detectives expect to wring the secret of Mary Phagan's murder from Newt Lee, negro night watchman at the National
Read More

The Leo Frank Case, Inside Story of Atlanta Georgia’s Greatest Murder Mystery 1913 – Part 8

Chapter 8 of The Leo Frank Case focuses on the testimony of the witnesses at the Coroner Paul Donehoo's inquest on May 5 and 8th, 1913. Included are the findings of the tribunal jury. Leo Frank explains, in detail, his activities on the day of the murder, but there are already inconsistencies. How does he hear her footsteps receding when she was wearing soft-soled shoes? He doesn't know her, but he knows the hue of the dress she was wearing. He identified her by her employee number but he doesn't know her employee number. Keep watching these installments of a
Read More

Monday, 9th March, 1914, Leo Frank Answers List of Questions Bearing on Points Made Against Him, The Atlanta Constitution

Has Audio

  The Atlanta Constitution Monday, March 9, 1914 Stated That He Was Willing to Reply to Any Questions That Might Be in the Mind of the Public, and Asked to Answer Any Such That Might Be Propounded to Him. TELLS HOW JIM CONLEY COULD HAVE SLAIN GIRL AND ESCAPED DETECTION Asserts That Very Fact That He Admitted He Had Seen Mary Phagan on the Day of the Murder, Thus Placing Himself Under Suspicion, Was Proof in Itself That He Was Innocent of Crime. Probably the most interesting statement yet issued by Leo M. Frank in connection with the murder for
Read More

The Leo Frank Case, Inside Story to Atlanta Georgia’s Greatest Murder Mystery, Full Series.

Has Audio

Please watch the full series, herewithin. Introduction to The Leo Frank Case, Inside Story to Atlanta Georgia's Greatest Murder Mystery: The Frank Case was the first book ever written about the murder of Mary Phagan, a young worker at the National Pencil Company in Atlanta in 1913. The fascinating case includes murder, bribery, legal wrangling, prejudice, and the planting of evidence. Whenever possible I have included photographs to bring the story to life. The complete audio book is available at: archive.org/details/LeoFrankCaseAtlantaGeorgiaGreatestMurderMystery1913_201503 Download An Introduction to The Leo Frank Case, Inside Story to Atlanta Georgia's Greatest Murder Mystery (Size: 1.6GB) Chapter
Read More

Confessions of a Criminal Lawyer By Allen Lumpkin Henson,1959.

Has Audio

  Page: 58 ...should be implemented. We were called upon to assist in the organization of half a dozen boards and bureaus. Law firms in Atlanta and New York filed suits contesting the constitutionality of almost every new statute, and it was our responsibility to defend the suits. It was “double drill and no canteen.” The sensational Leo M. Frank murder case had been tried in Atlanta about a year before the convention met. Frank had been convicted and sentenced to die in the electric chair.* An appeal had been pending in the Supreme Court of Georgia for months. Although
Read More

You Are There: Newt Lee Tells of the Talk He Had in the Police Station, Atlanta Journal, May 9th, 1913

  Newt Lee Tells of the Talk He Had in the Police Station Atlanta Journal Friday, May 9th, 1913 Newt Lee, the negro night watchman, was recalled and asked to tell about any conversation he had with Mr. Frank at the jail or the police station. Lee said he has not talked to Mr. Frank at the jail, but that he had talked with him at the police station. Mr. Frank came into the room, where he was, Lee said, and asked, "How are you feeling, Newt?" "Not so good, Mr. Frank?" Lee said was his answer. Lee said that
Read More

Phagan Family Newsletter Number Ten

Has Audio

  Barnes & Lebow Can’t Tell the Truth • Twitter Revolt Against ADL • “PARADE” Fools Broadway, Again • Stew Peters’ ADL Exposé Roy Barnes and Steven Lebow: Why do you continue to tell the “Big Lies” ? In another one of his now tiresome interviews former governor Roy Barnes continues to repeat lie after lie after lie about the murder of my great aunt Mary Phagan by her employer, Leo Frank, sexual pervert . Author Steve Oney also stated Leo Frank was a “sexual predator” . According to Barnes in his June 23, 2023 interview with the Marietta Daily
Read More

Phagan Family Newsletter Number Nine

Has Audio

Broadway play PARADE IS NOT THE “TRUE STORY” OF LEO FRANK Its sole purpose is to falsely place blame for the murder of Little Mary Phagan on an African-American man named James Conley. New York City Center (NYCC) has announced that it will present one of the most blatantly deceitful productions ever to appear on an American stage. Parade purports to be a “true account” of the 1913 rape and strangulation murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan in an Atlanta factory. Leo Frank, the factory manager, was arrested and convicted of the crime. I am Mary Phagan-Kean, and I represent the
Read More

Phagan Family Newsletter Number Seven

Has Audio

DENIED! Georgia state board of pardons and paroles denies Phagan Family December 4th, 2020, request to declassify the non-public documents from it's files on Leo Frank!!! Georgia’s 106 Year Old Secrets! The Phagan family filed requests for all of the documents, recordings, and other data related to the case of the convicted murderer Leo M. Frank. We received over 1500 documents in December 2020, which included Alonzo Mann’s videotaped testimony when certain people and organizations were seeking a posthumous pardon for Leo Frank in the 1980s. But some documents were DENIED to the family and considered “state secrets”? In a
Read More

Phagan Family Newsletter Number Eight

Has Audio

Georgia Legislators Propose Cold Case Lynching Law But REAL Aim is to Exonerate A Single Person: Leo Frank There is no more important word in today’s world than JUSTICE. I am Mary Phagan-Kean and I am the great-niece and namesake of “Little Mary Phagan,” the thirteen-year-old girl who was raped and murdered by B’nai B’rith leader Leo Max Frank on April 26, 1913. Leo Frank—who admitted he was the last person to see Mary alive—was the factory manager at the National Pencil Company, where the Sam Nunn federal building stands today, and where Mary worked and was killed. On August
Read More

Phagan Family Newsletter Number Six

Has Audio

Will New District Attorney Bow to Pressure to Exonerate Leo Frank for Murder of Little Mary Phagan? Attorney Fani Willis beat Fulton County DA Paul Howard Jr. in a landslide victory —72% to 28% But will she bow to the same pressure that was put on her former boss to exonerate a man who raped and murdered our family member? The Conviction Integrity Unit established under Fulton County DA Paul Howard was not transparent: the Phagan family was not contacted and he refused to acknowledge the Phagan family. Obviously, it was set up for one single goal—to “legally” clear Leo
Read More

Phagan Family Newsletter Number Five

Has Audio

Steve Oney says “NO NEW EVIDENCE” to exonerate Leo Frank for the murder of Little Mary Phagan On February 17, 2020, Steve Oney spoke in Savannah on the Leo Frank case. Mr. Oney is considered by many Frank supporters to be an expert, having written a book on the subject. The Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard is being pressured by a group of non-experts to exonerate B’nai B’rith leader Leo M. Frank, who was convicted 107 years ago of the rape and murder of my great aunt Little Mary Phagan at his pencil factory when she was just 13.
Read More

Phagan Family Newsletter Number Four

Has Audio

Former governor Roy Barnes Claims Leo Frank Did Not Kill Mary Phagan. He Insists that the Century-Old conviction was “wrong”. What Roy Barnes doesn’t want you to know: 107 years ago, Leo Frank, the general superintendent of an Atlanta pencil factory, targeted my great aunt, 13-year-old Mary Phagan—just like he had targeted 20 other young girls who worked there at the National Pencil Company. He attempted to rape her and she resisted. He beat her and then strangled her. Now former governor Roy Barnes and the Anti-Defamation League want to exonerate Leo Frank and claim that an African-American man was
Read More

Phagan Family Newsletter Number Two

Has Audio

The Family of Little Mary Phagan & The Truth About the Leo Frank Case In 2019, under intense pressure from the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard established the “Conviction Integrity Unit,” which is intended to reverse the 1913 conviction of the murderer and rapist Leo Frank. All evidence proves that Frank murdered our beloved family member, 13-year-old Little Mary Phagan, but many outright lies have been told about the case that MUST BE CORRECTED! GO TO LITTLEMARYPHAGAN.COM for more TRUTH about the murder of Little Mary Phagan. Leo Frank, Sexual Predator—the Harvey Weinstein/Jeffrey Epstein
Read More

Phagan Family Newsletter Number Three

Has Audio

The Phagan Family Asks D.A. Paul Howard Why The Secrecy? In 2019, under intense pressure from the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard established the “Conviction Integrity Unit,” which is intended to reverse the 1913 conviction of the murderer and rapist Leo Frank. All evidence proves that Frank murdered our beloved family member, 13-year-old Mary Phagan, but many outright lies have been told about the case that MUST BE CORRECTED! Go to LITTLEMARYPHAGAN.COM for more TRUTH about the murder of Little Mary Phagan. Since the Conviction Integrity Unit has been established to review the Leo
Read More

Sunday, 17th August 1913 Supreme Test Comes As State Trains Guns On Frank’s Character

Has Audio

The Atlanta Georgian, Sunday, 17th August 1913. Defendant Will Take the Stand Early in Week to Give His Account of His Movements on Day Mary Phagan Was Killed. ATTORNEYS SEEKING TO PROVE A COMPLETE LIE Believed That Case Will Stand or Fall On Efforts of Prosecution to Prove Its Charge of Immorality Against the Accused. BY AN OLD POLICE REPORTER The third week of the Frank trial came to an end at noon Saturday. The defense has not yet concluded it's case, but confidently expects to finish within the next day or two. It's last card and one of it's
Read More

Wednesday, 20th August 1913 State Suffers a Severe Blow When Testimony Is Ruled Out

Has Audio

Atlanta ConstitutionWednesday, August 20th, 1913 Miss Nellie Wood, a former employee of the National Pencil factory, whom the state claims left there because on the second day she was there when Leo Frank got her into his office and made indecent proposals to her, was put on the stand following the McKnight negro. After bitter wrangles with the jury out of the courtroom, Judge Roan ruled that the woman could not tell that Frank had made these proposals to her, but that all she could tell about was what she had heard others say in regard to his character before
Read More

Tuesday, 19th August 1913 Climax of Trial Reached When Frank Faced Jury

Has Audio

  Atlanta Constitution August 19th, 1913 The climax of the Frank trial came at the afternoon session Monday, when Leo M. Frank took the stand to tell of his actions on the day of the murder. The accused man's statement was clear, concise and straightforward. He talked in smooth, even tones, punctuating his statement with emphatic gestures of the arms and fingers. He had more the appearance of an at attorney making a fury speech instead of an accused man making a plea for life and liberty. It was a dramatic story, marked by the straightforward delivery of the prisoner.
Read More

Tuesday, 19th August 1913 Books and Papers Put in Evidence by the Defense

Has Audio

  Atlanta Constitution August 19th, 1913 Just before the close of the morning session the defense began putting in evidence various books and papers shown from time to time during the trial. The first first thing put up was the pasteboard model of the National Pencil factory. No objection was made lo this by the state, and Attorney Reuben Arnold explained that the model needs slight repairs, as during a "discrepancy" between two gentlemen in the anteroom one of them had been knocked through the elevator shaft. After offering the pasteboard model Mr. Arnold put in evidence without objection from
Read More

Sunday, 17th August 1913 That Pinkertons Double-Crossed Police, Dorsey Tries to Prove

Has Audio

  Atlanta Constitution August 17th, 1913 With the introduction of W.D. MacWorth, the Pinkerton detective who discovered the blood spots on the first floor near the trap door and the bloody club and pay envelope nearby, came the verification of a rumor that the prosecution would try to show an attempt on the part of the Pinkertons in the employee of the National Pencil factory to double-cross the police. This came when Dorsey sought to prove that the Pinkertons had tried to conceal from the police the fact of the discovery of the club, piece of buggy whip and the
Read More

Sunday, 17th August 1913 Prisoner’s Mother Questioned As to Wealth of Frank Family

Has Audio

    Atlanta Constitution August 17th, 1913 Mrs. Rae Frank, mother of Leo Frank, resumed the stand at the opening of the morning session Saturday. Under cross-examination by Solicitor Dorsey, she was forced to tell much of her business interests In Brooklyn, her home, and that of many of her relatives. She was questioned first on direct examination by Mr. Rosser. "Has your son, Leo Frank, any rich relatives In Brooklyn?" "No." "When you opened this letter which he wrote to his uncle, where there any other papers in the envelope?" "Yes." "Did you recognize the handwriting of your son?"
Read More

Saturday, 16th August 1913 Dorsey Asks Bauer Where He Spent the Dinner Recess

Has Audio

  Atlanta Constitution August 16th, 1913 R. V. Bauer, the ex-student who was on the stand undergoing cross-examination at the adjournment of the morning session took the stand at the opening of the afternoon session. "Who have you talked with since dinner?" he was asked by the solicitor. "Mr. Montag, Sig Gottheimer, Mr. Rosser and Mr. Arnold." "Where?" "In Mr. Arnold's office." "How long did you talk with him?" "Two or three minutes." "What did they ask you?" "Nothing but the facts I've already told you." "On the third Saturday in January, who did you see at the pencil factory?"
Read More

Quora: Why does Wikipedia say that Leo Frank was likely innocent? By Mark Sims

Has Audio

  Why does Wikipedia say that Leo Frank was likely innocent? For this answer, I’ll provide two levels of opposing zoom-in and zoom-out magnification, so that you dear reader can have the deepest penetrating and broadest god’s-eye understanding of how this disinformation encyclopedia known as Wikipedia functions in our dystopian reality. What you will come to understand in the forgoing conclusion is, “In an age of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act”—George Orwell. Video: Zionist Editing Course of Wikipedia at Hasbara Technical University. The Skybound View From a Hubble telescopic view of this gargantuan online compendium of
Read More

Quora: Did Leo Frank really kill Mary Phagan?

Has Audio

By Mark Sims, Los Angeles, CA. Senior Quora Researcher (2011–present) · Last updated on Quora Caption: Counsel for State and Defense in hot argument before Judge Roan. Did National Pencil Company superintendent Leo Frank really kill Mary Phagan in 1913? Yes, Leo Frank killed Mary Phagan and we know this to be the case to a mathematical certainty, when we combine forensic evidence, testimony from an accessory-after-the-fact, and Leo Frank’s reversal of his alibi where he places himself at the scene of the crime, when the rape-murder took place. I will explain this in more detail in the forthcoming answer
Read More

You Are There: L. M. Frank, Factory Superintendent, Detained By Police, Atlanta Journal, April 29th, 1913

  L. M. Frank, Factory Superintendent, Detained By Police Leo M. Frank. Superintendent of the National Pencil company, snapped by a Journal photographer on the way to police headquarters. Mr. Frank is not under arrest, but will be a witness at the coroner's inquest. Atlanta Journal Tuesday, April 29th, 1913 Detectives Building Case on Theory that Frank and Negro Can Clear Mystery Chief Lanford Believes That Testimony of the Superintendent and Negro Night Watchman May Lead to the Arrest of the Person Guilty of the Atrocious Crime That Has Shocked the Whole City—No Further Arrests Expected Soon MRS. FRANK IN
Read More

You Are There: Frank and Lee Held in Tower; Others Released, Atlanta Constitution, May 2nd, 1913

  Frank and Lee Held in Tower; Others Released This snapshot was taken just as the factory superintendent got out of auto in which he was transferred Thursday afternoon from the police station to the county jail. Atlanta Constitution Friday, May 2nd, 1913 Grand Jury May Take Up Phagan Investigation Following Conference Between Dorsey, Beavers and Lanford. MULLINAX AND GANTT ARE GIVEN FREEDOM Coroner's Jury Will Resume Hearing on Monday, Following the Subpoenaing of 200 Witnesses. Thomas B. Felder, member of the firm of Felder, Anderson, Dillon & Whitman, has been engaged to assist the solicitor general in the prosecution
Read More

You Are There: Conley’s Main Story Still Remains Unshaken, Atlanta Constitution, August 6th, 1913

Conley's Main Story Still Remains Unshaken Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 6th, 1913 GRILLED 12 HOURS BY LUTHER ROSSER JIM CONLEY INSISTS FRANK GUILTY MAN Declaring That "I Don't Remember," or, "No, Sir; I Didn't Say That," or Simply Affirming Blandly That He Had Lied on a Previous Occasion, Negro Sweeper Sticks to Story Told on the Witness Stand on Monday Morning Despite Most Rigid Cross-Examination of Trial. AFFIDAVIT BY MINCEY OF CONLEY CONFESSION IS DENIED BY WITNESS Apparently Despairing of Breaking the Negro, Attorneys for Defense Appeal to Judge Roan to Strike All Evidence Relating to Alleged Previous Conduct of Frank Before
Read More

You Are There: Mrs. Frank Breaks Down in Court, Atlanta Georgian, August 5th, 1913

Mrs. Frank Breaks Down in Court Atlanta GeorgianAugust 5th, 1913 Judge, Favoring Defense, Reserves Decision as to Striking Out Testimony CONLEY CONTINUES TO WITHSTAND FIERCE ATTACKS OF ROSSER Reuben Arnold created a sensation at the opening of Tuesday afternoon's session of the Frank trial by making a motion that all of the revolting testimony concerning Leo Frank's alleged conduct before the day of Mary Phagan's murder be stricken out of the records. He also demanded that all of Jim Conley's testimony in reference to watching at the door at Frank's direction be expunged except the time he claims he watched
Read More

You Are There: Frank Very Nervous, Testifies L. O. Grice, Atlanta Constitution, August 5th, 1913

Frank Very Nervous, Testifies L. O. Grice Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 5th, 1913 Witness Had Gone to the Pencil Factory After Reading The Constitution Extra L. O. Grice was the first witness put on the stand when court convened Monday morning. He was kept there but a few minutes. He stated that he is employed by W. H. Smith, auditor of the Atlanta and West Point railroad, and that he lives at 270 Houston street. "Where were you on Sunday, April 27, about 8 o'clock?" Mr. Dorsey started out. "I was in front of The Constitution building and I saw one of
Read More

You Are There: Many Discrepancies Between Conley’s Testimony and His Testimony Given to Detectives, Atlanta Journal, August 4th, 1913

Many Discrepancies Between Conley's Testimony and His Testimony Given to Detectives Atlanta JournalAugust 4th, 1913 Negro Swore Previously That He Never Saw Mary Phagan Enter Factory—Many Other Changes in Story—Fourth Time He's Changed Narrative James Conley's story as he told it on the witness stand Monday morning differs in many important details from the story he told to the detectives in his famous affidavit of confession. In that affidavit he said that by appointment he met Frank at the corner of Forsyth and Nelson streets the day of the murder, and that he first went to the factory on that
Read More

You Are There: Conley’s Story In Detail; Women Barred By Judge, Atlanta Georgian, August 4th, 1913

Conley's Story In Detail; Women Barred By Judge Atlanta GeorgianAugust 4th, 1913 There was a murmur of excitement following the calling of Jim Conley; there was a wait of several minutes, officers having just left the police station with the negro a minute or two before he was called. Judge Roan impatiently ordered the Sheriff to bring in the witness. A number of spectators who were crowded up too close to the jury box were moved back by the court deputies. "The Sheriff hasn't got Jim Conley," said Attorney Rosser, after a statement from Deputy Sheriff Plennie Miner. "Mr. Starnes
Read More

You Are There: Leo Frank’s Trial Is Attracting Universal Interest in Georgia, Atlanta Constitution, August 4th, 1913

Leo Frank's Trial Is Attracting Universal Interest in Georgia Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 4th, 1913 By Britt Craig. There has never been a trial in Georgia's records rivaling the Frank case in general interest throughout the state even the Grace case being a poor second. The Myers trial—the famous Will Myers murder case which is yet to receive its final chapter—created considerable interest both locally and throughout the state but was a mere shadow beside the present case. The Appelbaum case was a short one, was put through the courts more as a matter of routine than anything else. Mrs. Appelbaum is
Read More

You Are There: State’s Case Against Frank As It Stands After Week’s Testimony Is Shown Here, Atlanta Journal, August 3rd, 1913

Photo-diagram of court room in old city hall building, where Leo M. Frank, superintendent of the National Pencil factory, is on trial for his life charged with the murder of Mary Phagan. Although the available seats are taken soon after court convenes, the crowd waits without all day for some weary spectator to give up a seat. On the second floor the many witnesses await their turn for a grueling examination by attorneys on either side. State's Case Against Frank As It Stands After Week's Testimony Is Shown Here Atlanta JournalAugust 3rd, 1913 Most Important Points State Sought to Prove
Read More

You Are There: Conley to Bring Frank Case Crisis, Atlanta Georgian, August 3rd, 1913

Conley to Bring Frank Case Crisis Atlanta GeorgianAugust 3rd, 1913 Negro's Testimony Now Supremely Important Both Sides Stake Their All on His Evidence STATE FORGES CHAIN TO TAX ALL THE INGENUITY OF DEFENSES LEGAL ARRAY First Week of Battle Has Fixed the Time Almost Exactly According to Theory of the Solicitor—Doctors' Testimony His Important Bearing. BY AN OLD POLICE REPORTER. There are two tenable theories of the manner in which little Mary Phagan met her tragic death in the National Pencil Factory on Saturday, April 26. Either she was murdered by Leo Frank, as charged in the indictment, or she
Read More

You Are There: Detective Waggoner Describes Extreme Nervousness of Frank, Atlanta Constitution, August 3rd, 1913

Detective Waggoner Describes Extreme Nervousness of Frank Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 3rd, 1913 City Detective D. L. Waggoner was called to the stand following Miss Ferguson Attorney Rosser immediately raised the objection that he had been in the court room and the solicitor declared that he did not know whether or not the detective had Waggoner stated that he was present for about 20 minutes Wednesday. "He was not sworn and put under the rule," explained Solicitor Dorsey, "because I did not know that I would need him." The defense made no further objection and the examination began. "How long have you
Read More

You Are There: Dr. Harris Collapses on Stand as He Gives Sensational Evidence, Atlanta Journal, August 2nd, 1913

Dr. Harris Collapses on Stand as He Gives Sensational Evidence Atlanta JournalAugust 2nd, 1913 Physician Testifies at Frank Trial That Mary Phagan Met Death Half Hour After Lunch—Describes Wounds Secretary of State Board of Health Compelled to Leave the Witness Stand on Account of Illness In the midst of sensational testimony, Dr. H. F. Harris, secretary of the state board of health, collapsed Friday afternoon on the witness stand and was excused until Saturday. Dr. Harris and just testified that his examination of the contents of the stomach of little Mary Phagan showed that the dinner which she had eaten
Read More

You Are There: Will 5 Ounces of Cabbage Help Convict Leo M. Frank?, Atlanta Georgian, August 2nd, 1913

Will 5 Ounces of Cabbage Help Convict Leo M. Frank? Atlanta GeorgianAugust 2nd, 1913 Are five and half ounces of cabbage to be the principal factor in sending a man to the gibbet? If the prosecution is warranted in its belief in the vital and incriminating importance of the testimony of Dr. H. F. Harris, director of the State Board of Health, this is exactly the outcome to be expected in the trial of Leo M. Frank, charged with the murder of little Mary Phagan. It remains, however, for the State to show explicitly just how the sensational statements made
Read More

You Are There: Startling Statements Made During Testimony of Dr. Harris, Atlanta Constitution, August 2nd, 1913

Startling Statements Made During Testimony of Dr. Harris Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 2nd, 1913 Making the startling declaration that Mary Phagan had been killed within thirty or forty-five minutes after she had eaten dinner, Dr. Roy F. Harris, state chemist, took the stand during the afternoon session yesterday. It was Dr. Harris who made the autopsy upon the body when it was disinterred in Marietta on May 5. He brought with him into court specimens of predigested cabbage which had been removed from the slain girl's stomach. He also testified to the effect that the girl had suffered violence before death and
Read More

You Are There: Watchman Swears Elevator Was Open; Changes Evidence, Atlanta Journal, August 1st, 1913

Watchman Swears Elevator Was Open; Changes Evidence Atlanta JournalAugust 1st, 1913 E. F. Holloway Angers Dorsey When He Testifies Contrary to Affidavit—Had Told Dorsey Elevator Switch Was Locked Court adjourned at 4:58 o'clock until 9 o'clock Friday morning after a day of surprises in the trial of Leo M. Frank, charged with the murder of Mary Phagan, in the National Pencil factory building. That the switch board which controls the motor used to operate the elevator in the National Pencil factory, where Mary Phagan was murdered was left unlocked Saturday morning when he left the building at 11:45 o'clock, and
Read More

You Are There: Conley Takes Stand Saturday, Atlanta Georgian, August 1st, 1913

Conley Takes Stand Saturday Atlanta GeorgianAugust 1st, 1913 Lawyers Wrangle Over Frank's Nervousness DORSEY WINS POINT AS ROSSER BATTLES TO DEFEND ACCUSED Jim Conley, accuser of Leo Frank, will take the stand Saturday morning, according to all indications Friday, to repeat the remarkable story he told concerning his part in the disposition of the body of Mary Phagan and undergo the merciless grilling of the defense. Solicitor General Dorsey said that he expected to have his case completed by Saturday night and police, believing he will call the negro to-morrow, had him shaved and cleaned up and in readiness for
Read More

You Are There: William Gheesling, Embalmer, Tells of Wounds on Girl’s Body, Atlanta Constitution, August 1st, 1913

William Gheesling, Embalmer, Tells of Wounds on Girl's Body Atlanta ConstitutionAugust 1st, 1913 William Gheesling, the undertaker who embalmed Mary Phagan's body, was next called in. "What is your business?" queried Solicitor Dorsey. "I am an embalmer." "How long have you been in that advice?" "Fifteen years, or more." "Did you see the body of Mary Phagan?" "Yes, I first saw it at 15 minutes to 4 on the morning of April 27." "Where was it?" "In the basement of the National Pencil factory." "Describe it." How Body Was Lying. "It was lying on the face, arms crossed, and with
Read More

You Are There: Rosser Riddles One of the State’s Chief Witnesses, Atlanta Journal, July 31st, 1913

Rosser Riddles One of the State's Chief Witnesses Atlanta JournalJuly 31st, 1913 Detective John Black "Goes to Pieces" Under Rapid-Fire Cross-Questioning of Frank's Attorney at Afternoon Session Action characterized the Wednesday afternoon session of the Frank trial, and it was the first time the tedious proceedings had taken on life enough to attract more than passing interest. This action came in the fierce and merciless cross-examination of Detective John Black by Attorney Rosser, leading counsel for the defense. Black has taken a prominent part in the investigation of the Phagan murder, and it was expected that he would prove one
Read More

You Are There: Scott Trapped Us, Dorsey Charges; Pinkerton Man Is Also Attacked by the Defense, Atlanta Georgian, July 31st, 1913

Scott Trapped Us, Dorsey Charges; Pinkerton Man Is Also Attacked by the Defense Atlanta GeorgianJuly 31st, 1913 FRANK NOT IN OFFICE JUST AFTER 12 ON DAY OF SLAYING, SAYS GIRL The deliberate charge that he had been "trapped" by Pinkerton Detective Harry Scott was made by Solicitor Dorsey at the trial of Leo M. Frank Thursday. Scott played a curious part in the trial, being attacked by both sides. He was given the same fiery baptism that annihilated City Detective Black the day before, but he passed through the ordeal in much better shape than his brother detective. Scott left
Read More

You Are There: Rogers on Stand Describes Visit of Frank to Undertakers, Atlanta Constitution, July 31st, 1913

Rogers on Stand Describes Visit of Frank to Undertakers Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 31st, 1913 When court convened and before the jury had been brought in Attorney Luther Rosser entered an objection to the drawing of the pencil factory which Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey had rehung upon the wall after removing the descriptive lines. Objection had previously been made to the lines and the solicitor had caused these to be erased. Attorney Rosser and his colleague Reuben Arnold declared that the dotted lines which shows the state's theory of how the girl's body was carried from the second floor to the basement
Read More

You Are There: Defense to Claim Strands of Hair Found Were Not Mary Phagan’s, Atlanta Journal, July 30th, 1913

Defense to Claim Strands of Hair Found Were Not Mary Phagan's Atlanta JournalJuly 30th, 1913 GRACE HIX TESTIFIES THAT GIRLS FREQUENTLY COMBED THEIR HAIR OVER MACHINES Miss Hix Also Testifies That Magnolia Kennedy, Who Worked Near Mary Phagan, Had Hair of the Same Color and Shade—Important Admissions Lay Foundation for Defense's Claim That Murder Was Not Committed in Metal Room STATE ENDEAVORS TO SHOW THAT FRANK VERY NERVOUS AND DID NOT LOOK ON FACE OF MURDERED GIRL Attorney Rosser Directs His Questions to Combat Claim of Nervousness—Witness Declares She Never Saw Any Red Paint in the Metal Room—State Claims New
Read More

You Are There: Gantt Has Startling Evidence; Dorsey Promises New Testimony Against Frank, Atlanta Georgian, July 30th, 1913

Gantt Has Startling Evidence; Dorsey Promises New Testimony Against Frank Atlanta GeorgianJuly 30th, 1913 STATE ADDS NEW LINK TO EVIDENCE CHAIN BY BOOTS ROGERS' STORY Sensational testimony by J. M. Gantt, discharged pencil factory employee, was promised Wednesday by Solicitor Dorsey and Frank A. Hooper, who is assisting him. They admitted that Gantt had testimony that had never before been published and would be one of the State's most material and direct witnesses. The defense has heard that Gantt will testify he saw Frank and Conley together on the day of the crime. Gantt was expected to follow Grace Hicks
Read More

You Are There: Officer Tells About Discovery Of Body of Girl in Basement, Atlanta Constitution, July 30th, 1913

Officer Tells About Discovery Of Body of Girl in Basement Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 30th, 1913 Sergeant L. S. Dobbs, one of the policemen who answered Lee's call to the factory, was put on the stand, after Lee was dismissed. He told of the call at about 3:20 a. m. on April 27, and of how he and Officers Anderson and Brown, with "Boots" Rogers, an ex-county policeman, and Britt Craig, of The Constitution, went to the factory and found the body. The officer declared, among other things, that Lee was not frightened or trembling when they got there, that they had
Read More

You Are There: Lawyers Hammer Lee for Two Hours at Monday Afternoon Session, Atlanta Journal, July 29th, 1913

Lawyers Hammer Lee for Two Hours at Monday Afternoon Session Atlanta JournalJuly 29th, 1913 Negro Nightwatchman Who Found Mary Phagan's Body in National Pencil Factory on Stand—Girl's Mother and Newsboy Examined Newt Lee, the negro nightwatchman who found Mary Phagan's body in the pencil factory basement, was hammered by the defense for over two hours, on the witness stand Monday afternoon. Mrs. J. W. Coleman, mother of the murdered child, and George W. Epps, a playmate who came to town with her on the fatal day, testified in that order. Mrs. Coleman being the first witness called to the stand
Read More

You Are There: Spectators at Frank Trial Make an Absorbing Study, Atlanta Journal, July 29th, 1913

Spectators at Frank Trial Make an Absorbing Study Atlanta JournalJuly 29th, 1913 They Come From Every Station in Life—From the Ragged Newsboy to the Business Man With the Diamond Scarf Pin and the Georgia Lawmaker The personnel of the spectators at the average murder trial is one of the most interesting phases of it, and the trial of Leo Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan is no exception to the general rule. One glance about the court room as the case proceeded Monday afternoon showed an ever-changing kaleidoscope of ever changing faces, holding a single characteristic common to all,
Read More

You Are There: Findings in Probe are Guarded, Atlanta Georgian, July 2nd, 1913

Findings in Probe are Guarded The Atlanta GeorgianWednesday, July 2, 1913 No Indication Given of Results of Investigation of Reports of Disorderly Houses. The result of the Grand Jury's sensational vice probe of a few weeks ago will be made known Wednesday when the presentments are returned to Superior Judge W. D. Ellis, who two months ago charged that an extensive investigation be made. Save when an indictment was returned against Police Commissioner W. P. Fain, which charged him with keeping a disorderly house and beating one of the women inmates, no inkling of the general trend of the probe
Read More

You Are There: Numerous Witnesses Called in Frank Case, Atlanta Constitution, July 29th, 1913

Numerous Witnesses Called in Frank Case Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 29th, 1913 List Indicates That Prisoner Is Prepared to Put Character in Evidence. Numbers of witnesses were summoned to court by both sides and when the names were called so that all could be sworn it developed that scores of Leo Frank's friends had been called upon. From the fact that there is not a possibility of one in this number knowing anything of the crime, it appears that the defense has made preparation, at least, to put Frank's character in evidence and has secured these of his friends to testify for
Read More

You Are There: Court Scenes at Frank Trial; How It Looks Inside and Out, Atlanta Journal, July 28th, 1913

Court Scenes at Frank Trial; How It Looks Inside and Out Atlanta JournalJuly 28th, 1913 Three Distinct Crowds Are There, Some Laughing, Some Whispering Speculations on Case There were three crowds at the Frank trial Monday morning; and each had an aspect and characteristic as different as east from west—the crowd in the court room, the crowd around the door and in the street, and the throng of witnesses swarming through the upstairs rooms. As one approached the red brick court house down Hunter street, he could see the corner near Pryor black with people. A car would turn the
Read More

You Are There: Mary Phagan’s Mother Testifies, Atlanta Georgian, July 28th, 1913

Mary Phagan's Mother Testifies Atlanta GeorgianJuly 28th, 1913 Newt Lee Repeats His Story in Court Room Negro Watchman Swears Frank Acted Oddly Day of Crime Here are the important developments in the trial of Leo M. Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan. Jury chosen at 1:30 p. m. Mrs. Coleman, girl's mother, takes stand after recess, at 3:15, and tells of Mary leaving for the factory 11:45 a. m. on April 26. George W. Epps, boy companion of Mary Phagan, repeats his story that he had an engagement to meet her on the afternoon of the fatal day. Newt
Read More

You Are There: Leo Frank’s Trial on Murder Charge Booked for Today, Atlanta Constitution, July 28th, 1913

Leo Frank's Trial on Murder Charge Booked for Today Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 28th, 1913 Judge L. S. Roan Announces That He Will Call Case at Nine O'Clock This Morning. LAWYERS BELIEVE JURY WILL BE NAMED IN DAY Legal Representatives Take Good Rest on Sunday in Preparation for Struggle That Begins Today. After weeks of preparation by some of the most skilled legal minds in the state and after every point in the affair that has been made public has been discussed and threshed out by thousands of citizens, the case of the state v. Leo M. Frank, charged with the murder
Read More

You Are There: Leo M. Frank Will Go to Trial Monday, It Is Now Believed, Atlanta Journal, July 27th, 1913

Leo M. Frank Will Go to Trial Monday, It Is Now Believed Atlanta JournalJuly 27th, 1913 Indications Were Saturday Night That the Trial Would Begin Before Judge Roan at Hour Scheduled BOTH SIDES READY AND BITTER FIGHT IS CERTAIN Many Well Known Citizens In Venire From Whom the Twelve Jurors Will Be Chosen for Trial If both sides answer ready when the clerk "sounds" the case of the "State of Georgia versus Leo M. Frank" in the criminal division of the superior court at 9 o'clock Monday morning, what is expected to be the most brilliant as well as one
Read More

You Are There: Phagan Case of Peculiar And Enthralling Interest, Atlanta Georgian, July 27th, 1913

Phagan Case of Peculiar And Enthralling Interest Atlanta Georgian (Hearst's Sunday American)July 27th, 1913 As Leo Frank faces to-day the ordeal decreed by law that for man's life, man's life shall pay, interest in his case that has held Atlanta, Georgia and the South enthralled for three months has diminished not a whit since the Sunday morning the body of the little factory girl was found. Wise judges of news, men who are paid thousands of dollars each year for their knowledge of the fickleness of the public, men who can time to the second the period when interest dies
Read More

You Are There: All in Readiness for Frank’s Trial Monday Morning, Atlanta Constitution, July 27th, 1913

All in Readiness for Frank's Trial Monday Morning Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 27th, 1913 Greatest Legal Battle in the History of Dixie Is the Prediction of Atlanta Attorneys ATTORNEYS FOR STATE HOLD FINAL CONFERENCE Representatives of Leo Frank Still Non-Committal About Report That Postponement May Be Asked Practically every detail for the trial of Leo M. Frank has now been completed and with the state declaring its readiness and determination to go to trial and the defense maintaining its same silence in regard to the much mooted matter of postponement every thing awaits the calling of the case at 9 o'clock Monday
Read More

You Are There: Leo Frank Expects Acquittal and Asks an Immediate Trial, Atlanta Journal, July 26th, 1913

Leo Frank Expects Acquittal and Asks an Immediate Trial Atlanta JournalJuly 26th, 1913 Pencil Factory Superintendent Declares the Sooner He Faces a Jury the Sooner He'll Gain His Freedom ACCUSED OF PHAGAN CRIME, HE WELCOMES TRIAL DAY Wife is Regular Visitor to the Tower—Frank's Time In Prison Is Spent in Reading and Playing Chess Leo M. Frank is ready and anxious to go on trial for his life before Judge Roan in the superior court next Monday morning, according to statements he has made to friends who visited him in his cell in the tower. "The sooner I face the
Read More

You Are There: Chapter 5 in Phagan Case, Atlanta Georgian, July 26th, 1913

Chapter 5 in Phagan Case Atlanta GeorgianJuly 26th, 1913 The Negro Conley's Confession That He Was Frank's Accomplice and Events Leading Up to Trial. Chapter VI. "He (Leo Frank) told me that he had picked up a girl back there and had let her fall, and that her head had hit against something—he didn't what it was—and for me to move her, and I hollered and told him the girl was dead." With this startling accusation Jim Conley introduced his third confession. Under the rack of a merciless third degree, continued through the long afternoon of May 29, he weakened
Read More

You Are There: Frank’s Lawyers Ready for Trial, Atlanta Constitution, July 26th, 1913

Frank's Lawyers Ready for Trial Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 26th, 1913 They Have Started Summoning Witnesses and Are Quoted as Having Agreed to Go to Trial. That Attorneys Reuben R. Arnold and Luther Z. Rosser, representing Leo M. Frank, charged with the Mary Phagan murder, have decided to go to trial Monday when the case is called was information made public Friday from an apparently reliable source. Coupled with this, and apparently making the trial doubly sure, is the news that the defense has started summoning its witnesses and making final preparations for the actual trial. Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey reiterated Friday
Read More

You Are There: Frank Will Likely Face Trial Monday for Phagan Crime, Atlanta Journal, July 25th, 1913

Frank Will Likely Face Trial Monday for Phagan Crime Atlanta JournalJuly 25th, 1913 Defense Subpoenaes 150 Witnesses, and If Any of the Chief Witnesses Are Ill, Continuance Can Be Asked JUDGE ROAN, WHO WAS ILL, IS REPORTED IMPROVED Indications Now Are That Defense Will Make No Effort to Have Trial Put Off—144 Veniremen Summoned The stage is set for the trial of Leo M. Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan on April 26. Veniremen and witnesses for the defense are being summoned. The witnesses for the state are already under subpoena. Judge L. S. Roan, who was ill Thursday,
Read More

You Are There: Witnesses for Frank Called, Atlanta Georgian, July 25th, 1913

Witnesses for Frank Called Atlanta GeorgianJuly 25th, 1913 Despite Judge's Statement All Is In Readiness, Move for Postponement Is Expected. Despite the fact that Superior Judge L. S. Roan stated everything was in readiness for the trial of Leo M. Frank next Monday, that State's Attorney Hugh M. Dorsey has announced he will fight a delay, and that the defense actually commenced summoning witnesses, the impression still prevailed Friday that a motion for continuance would be made by the defense when the case is opened. Attorneys Luther Rosser and Reuben R. Arnold, declined flatly to say whether they would permit
Read More

You Are There: Try to Corroborate Story Told by Conley, Atlanta Constitution, July 25th, 1913

Try to Corroborate Story Told by Conley Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 25th, 1913 Negro Is Taken in Chief's Auto to Sections He Claims to Have Visited on Murder Night. Jim Conley, the negro sweeper and most important figure in the Phagan case, was taken from police headquarters in the automobile of Chief Beavers yesterday afternoon and carried over the ground on which he accounts for his whereabouts during the afternoon of the murder. He was in charge of Chief Beavers and Detectives Pat Campbell and John Starnes, headquarters men who have been attached to the solicitor's office throughout the investigation. He was
Read More

You Are There: Frank’s Trial May be Postponed Until Early in the Fall, Atlanta Journal, July 24th, 1913

Frank's Trial May be Postponed Until Early in the Fall Atlanta JournalJuly 24th, 1913 Judge L. S. Roan, Who Will Preside at the Trial, Returns to Atlanta Thursday Afternoon and Is Ill SOLICITOR SAYS STATE WITNESSES ARE READY Reuben Arnold, One of Frank's Attorneys, Returns After Conference in Covington With Judge Roan Judge L. S. Roan, who will preside at the trial of Leo M. Frank when he is arraigned for the murder of Mary Phagan, returned from Covington Thursday afternoon quite ill and went immediately to his home. He will be unable to go to the court house during
Read More

You Are There: Third Chapter in Phagan Mystery, Atlanta Georgian, July 24th, 1913

Third Chapter in Phagan Mystery Atlanta GeorgianJuly 24th, 1913 Arrests of Suspects in the Factory Slaying. Sensation as Leo Frank, Manager Was Taken Into Custody. CHAPTER III. Everything that occurred, trivial or important, during those first few days after the body of little Mary Phagan was discovered in the pencil factory basement took on a dramatic aspect. The people were keyed to so high a pitch by the revolting crime that for for a time it seemed to require only a spark to fire them to violent deeds. Let a strange person so much as appear at the police station
Read More

You Are There: Phagan Mystery Club Examined by Experts, Atlanta Constitution, July 24th, 1913

Phagan Mystery Club Examined by Experts Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 24th, 1913 Report Says That It Has Been Sent to Northern City to Be Put Under Microscope. That the bloody club found in the National Pencil factory after the murder of Mary Phagan is in some northern city undergoing microscopic examination after having been inspected by local experts, is a rumor that prevailed at police headquarters yesterday. Upon being examined by an Atlanta expert, who, it is said, declared that it would be impossible to determine whether or not the blood spots were from animal or human, the weapon was sent north
Read More

You Are There: Fight Expected Over Effort to Defer Frank Case, Atlanta Journal, July 23rd, 1913

Fight Expected Over Effort to Defer Frank Case Atlanta JournalJuly 23, 1913 No Witnesses for Defense Have Been Called for Monday, and Indications Are They Will Not Be CRAWFORD CASE CHECKED TO DATE OF FRANK TRIAL Attorney R. R. Arnold May Go to Covington to Request Judge L. S. Roan to Postpone Case While the position of the defense of Leo M. Frank has not been announced, Attorney Luther Z. Rosser and Reuben R. Arnold have indicated clearly that they desire to postpone the trial of case from next Monday, when it is set. Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey, on
Read More

You Are There: Second Chapter in Phagan Mystery, Atlanta Georgian, July 23rd, 1913

Second Chapter in Phagan Mystery Atlanta GeorgianJuly 23rd, 1913 The Discovery of the Body of the Slain Factory Girl and Start of Hunt for Slayer. CHAPTER II. His heart pounding in superstitious fright, Newt Lee, the night watchman, forced himself to approach the strange object on the pile of debris in the pencil factory basement. A step nearer and he could make out what appeared to be a human foot. He recoiled and was on the point of precipitate flight. But he must look closer, he thought. Perhaps, after all, it was only the ghastly prank of some of the
Read More

You Are There: Bloody Club Lends New Clue to Mystery, Atlanta Constitution, July 23rd, 1913

Bloody Club Lends New Clue to Mystery Atlanta ConstitutionJuly 23rd, 1913 Defense of Leo Frank Attaches Importance to Find Made by Pinkerton Detectives. The discovery of a bloody bludgeon on the third floor of the National Pencil factory has added greater mystery to the Phagan case. It became known yesterday that Leo Frank's defense is in possession of the weapon and that it will be used as one of their strongest points in the coming trial. The club is a short, thick stick with small spots of blood at the end. It was found by Pinkerton detectives on May 10
Read More

You Are There: Was Mary Phagan Killed With Bludgeon?, Atlanta Journal, July 22nd, 1913

Was Mary Phagan Killed With Bludgeon? Atlanta JournalJuly 22nd, 1913 BLOODY STICK NOW IN POSSESSION OF FRANK'S ATTORNEYS Was Found on May 10 by Two Pinkerton Detectives on the First Floor of the Pencil Factory DEFENSE TO CLAIM NEGRO WIELDED THE INSTRUMENT It Was Sent to Chemist Outside of State for Examination—Subpenas Issued for State's Witness In the possession of the defense of Leo M. Frank is a bloody bludgeon with which it will be claimed at the trial, in all probability, that James Conley, the negro sweeper, struck Mary Phagan over the head while she battled on the first
Read More

You Are There: Story of Phagan Case by Chapters, Atlanta Georgian, July 22nd, 1913

Story of Phagan Case by Chapters Atlanta GeorgianJuly 22nd, 1913 Slaying of Factory Girl, South's Most Baffling Crime Mystery, Reviewed in Detail. CHAPTER I. Will the veil of mystery be lifted when the curtain rises next Monday on another scene in Atlanta's darkest tragedy? A vast audience, shocked by the horror of Mary Phagan's fate on a Saturday of last April and held through the succeeding weeks in the thrall of the baffling crime drama, in keen suspense awaits this question's answer. Will Fulton County's Solicitor General be able to point his finger at Leo M. Frank and exclaim, "That
Read More

You Are There: Will Not Indict Jim Conley Now, Jury’s Decision, Atlanta Journal, July 21st, 1913

Will Not Indict Jim Conley Now, Jury's Decision The Atlanta JournalMonday, July 21, 1913 Solicitor Dorsey Makes Brief Announcement to This Effect After Grand Jury Session Lasting Over an Hour NO ANONYMOUS LETTERS WANTED BY THE JURORS Solicitor Dorsey Will Now Concentrate Efforts Against Having Frank Jury Drawing From Grand Jury List Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey has for a second time blocked an attempt by members of the grand jury to indict James Conley, the negro sweeper, who confessed complicity in the Mary Phagan murder. The grand jurymen who had called a meeting over the protest of the solicitor
Read More

You Are There: Protest of Solicitor Dorsey Wins, Atlanta Georgian, July 21st, 1913

Protest of Solicitor Dorsey Wins The Atlanta GeorgianMonday, July 21, 1913 Presents Evidence Showing Indictment of Negro Would Hinder Frank Prosecution. Here are the important developments of Monday in the Phagan case: The decision of the Grand Jury of Fulton County not to bring at this time an indictment against James Conley.The information that there is a strong probability of another postponement of the trial of Leo M. Frank. The Grand Jury's refusal to reopen its investigation of the Phagan murder mystery was a decided victory for the Solicitor after that body had overridden his request that no session be
Read More

You Are There: Dorsey Is Seeking to Be Grand Jury And Solicitor Too, Say Frank’s Counsel, Atlanta Journal, July 20th, 1913

Dorsey Is Seeking to Be Grand Jury And Solicitor Too, Say Frank's Counsel The Atlanta JournalSunday, July 20, 1913 SOLICITOR SCORED FOR HIS ATTITUDE IN CONLEY'S CASE Rosser and Arnold Charge Dorsey Seeks to Convict Frank, Guilty or Innocent, Out of Professional Pride "SHUTTING EYES TO TRUTH, DORSEY PROTECTS NEGRO" Attorneys Intimate That Dorsey Fears to Let Truth Be Known - Attitude Throughout Case Is Criticised The attitude of Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey throughout the Phagan investigation, and especially in his attempt to block a grand jury indictment of Jim Conley, is scored in an interview made public by
Read More

You Are There: Counsel of Frank Says Dorsey Has Sought to Hide Facts, Atlanta Georgian, July 20th, 1913

Counsel of Frank Says Dorsey Has Sought to Hide Facts The Atlanta GeorgianSunday, July 20, 1913 Attorneys Rosser and Arnold, in a Statement to the Press, Make Bitter Attack on Solicitor for His Conduct of Phagan Case. Call Attention to Secrecy Maintained by Prosecution, and Declare Action of State's Attorney Has Inflamed Public Opinion. Luther Z. Rosser and Reuben R. Arnold, attorneys for Leo M. Frank, who will be tried July 29 on the charge of killing Mary Phagan, joined Saturday in a bitter attack upon the policy of Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey, whose procedure in the case, they said,
Read More

You Are There: Mrs. Nina Formby Will Not Return for Trial, Atlanta Constitution, July 20th, 1913

Mrs. Nina Formby Will Not Return for Trial The Atlanta ConstitutionSunday, July 20, 1913 Woman Swore That Leo M. Frank Tried to Engage Room on Night of Murder Mrs. Nina Formby, who signed an affidavit in the Frank case in which she swore the superintendent has endeavored to engage a room at her house, 400 Piedmont avenue, during the Phagan murder night to which he might bring a girl has fled to Chattanooga and will not appear at the coming trial on July 28. This announcement was made to a Constitution reporter last night by the woman's legal representative, John
Read More

You Are There: Jury Is Determined to Consider a Bill Against Jim Conley, Atlanta Journal, July 19th, 1913

Jury Is Determined to Consider a Bill Against Jim Conley The Atlanta JournalSaturday, July 19, 1913 Protest of Solicitor Fails to Stop Session to Consider Phagan Evidence on Monday DORSEY STILL BELIEVES JURY WON'T INDICT Solicitor Says Frank Defense Wants Jury to Try Him Drawn From the Grand Jury List Grand Jurors Who Will Consider Conley's CaseThis is the Fulton county grand jury which has been called to meet Monday over the protest of the solicitor to take up the case of Jim Conley, the negro sweeper at the National Pencil factory:W.D. Beatie, foreman.T.C. Whitner.John S. Spalding.W.C. Carroll, East Point.H.B.
Read More

You Are There: Dorsey Resists Move to Indict Jim Conley, Atlanta Georgian, July 19th, 1913

Dorsey Resists Move to Indict Jim Conley The Atlanta GeorgianSaturday, July 19, 1913 GRAND JURY SPLIT BY LATEST MOVE Public Opinion Forces Consideration of Move to Indict Conley for Phagan Slaying. Solicitor Dorsey is fighting vigorously the movement in the Grand Jury to indict Jim Conley Monday for the murder of Mary Phagan, despite the bombardment of letters from many citizens and by the sentiment of some of its own members. It is for the consideration of these letters and petitions, asking the reopening of the Phagan matter, that the meeting has been called. That it will result in the
Read More

You Are There: Scott Believes Conley Innocent, Asserts Lanford, Atlanta Constitution, July 19th, 1913

Scott Believes Conley Innocent, Asserts Lanford The Atlanta ConstitutionSaturday, July 19, 1913 Chief's Statement Follows the Publication of Report That Pinkertons Are Now of the Opinion Sweeper Is Guilty. "OPEN TO CONVICTION," SCOTT TELLS REPORTER "Our Testimony in Case Will Be Fair and Impartial," He Says—Grand Jury Called to Consider Indicting Conley. DEVELOPMENTS OF DAY IN MARY PHAGAN CASEMeeting of grand jury called to take steps leading to indictment of James Conley on the charge of murder, over protest of Solicitor General Hugh Dorsey, who declares that indictment of Conley will be useless procedure.Reported on Friday that the Pinkertons have
Read More

You Are There: Grand Jury Is Called Monday to Indict Jim Conley, Atlanta Journal, July 18th, 1913

Grand Jury Is Called Monday to Indict Jim Conley The Atlanta JournalFriday, July 18, 1913 *Editor's Note: Small sections of text are missing due to scanning near a crease. GRAND JURY CALLED TO TAKE UP MATTER OVER DORSEY'S HEAD Foreman W.D. Beattie Calls Body to Meet Monday and Take Up Evidence Against Negro in Phagan Girl's Case derer SOLICITOR REFUSED TO ISSUE THE CALL Notwithstanding the Solicitor's Protest, Foreman Calls a Meeting Anyhow—Dorsey Issues a Statement Over the vigorous protest of Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey, the foreman of the grand jury has called a meeting for Monday for the
Read More

You Are There: Detectives Working to Discredit Mincey, Atlanta Georgian, July 18th, 1913

Detectives Working to Discredit Mincey The Atlanta GeorgianFriday, July 18, 1913 POLICE HALT GRILLING OF CONLEY Detective Bent on Questioning Negro Is Barred From Cell by Chief Lanford. With Pinkerton detectives taking the trail in search of W.H. Mincey, whose startling accusations against Jim Conley stirred the police department and won the negro another "sweating" from Solicitor Dorsey, the Mincey affidavit Friday became the storm center about which the prosecution and defense in the Frank case waged their battle. Despite the degree of indifference with which the detectives and prosecuting officials affected to look upon the remarkable statements of Mincey,
Read More

You Are There: Many Rumors Afloat Regarding Grand Jury, Atlanta Constitution, July 18th, 1913

Many Rumors Afloat Regarding Grand Jury The Atlanta ConstitutionFriday, July 18, 1913 Among These Is One That Effort Will Be Made to Indict Conley. That the grand jury would meet possibly today or tomorrow and take steps toward indicting James Conley, the negro sweeper of the National Pencil factory, was a persistent rumor in circulation Thursday. From Foreman W.D. Beattie came the statement that he had not called for a meeting of the grand jury and that as far as he knew there would be no such action taken. Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey also declared that he had issued no
Read More

You Are There: Effort Being Made to Indict Negro Conley, Atlanta Journal, July 17th, 1913

Effort Being Made to Indict Negro Conley The Atlanta JournalThursday, July 17, 1913 Foreman Beattie of Grand Jury, However, Says He Knows of No Such Move W.D. Beattie, foreman of the grand jury, declares that "so far as he knows" there is no intention on the part of the grand jury to consider an indictment of Jim Conley, the negro sweeper, who figures so prominently in the Phagan murder mystery. The Journal has learned, however, on excellent authority, that a determined effort is being made to have the Conley case passed upon by the present grand jury. Whether the effort
Read More

You Are There: Dorsey Blocked Indictment of Conley, Atlanta Georgian, July 17th, 1913

Dorsey Blocked Indictment of Conley The Atlanta GeorgianThursday, July 17, 1913 *Editor's Note: This article ran in other editions of the Georgian with slight variations in the headline. GRAND JURY AGREED NOT TO ACT Solicitor Bitterly Opposes Plan of New Body to Reconsider Slaying Case. That the most strenuous opposition of Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey was all that prevented the last Grand Jury from reopening its investigation of the Phagan mystery with a view of indicting the negro Jim Conley became known Thursday. It was admitted by persons acquainted with the events in the Grand Jury room that the
Read More

You Are There: Second Phagan Indictment Probable, Atlanta Journal, July 16th, 1913

Second Phagan Indictment Probable The Atlanta JournalWednesday, July 16, 1913 *Editor's Note: A small section of text is missing from the article due to scanning blur near a page fold. CONLEY NEGRO MAY BE INDICTED OVER DORSEY'S PROTEST New Grand Jury Will Take Up Case and Make an Effort to Get a True Bill Against Negro as Principal NEGRO HAS ALREADY ADMITTED COMPLICITY Solicitor Dorsey Is Expected to Vigorously Oppose Jury's Move—Negro Sweated Again by Detectives It was learned Wednesday by The Journal, on reliable authority, that there is a strong probability of the Fulton county grand jury which was
Read More

You Are There: Dorsey Adds Startling Evidence, Atlanta Georgian, July 16th, 1913

Dorsey Adds Startling Evidence The Atlanta GeorgianWednesday, July 16, 1913 *Editor's Note: This article also ran in the Final (Box Score) Edition under the headline "State Finds New Frank Evidence." Solicitor Declares Prosecution's Plans Are Unchanged—Doesn't Expect Conley Indictment. That affidavits as sensational and direct against Leo M. Frank, accused of murdering Mary Phagan, as the Mincey statement was against the negro, Jim Conley, are in the hands of the State and will be substantiated by witnesses at the trial, July 28, was admitted by Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey Wednesday morning. The Solicitor and Frank A. Hooper, associated with
Read More

You Are There: No New Indictment Says Jury Foreman, Atlanta Constitution, July 16th, 1913

No New Indictment Says Jury Foreman The Atlanta ConstitutionWednesday, July 16, 1913 State Has No Intention of Changing Plan of Action in Phagan Case. The declaration of W.D. Beattie, foreman of the grand jury, that the grand jury had no intention of taking steps to indict James Conley, and a statement from Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey that as far as he was concerned the state would continue its present plan of action in regard to the Mary Phagan murder, apparently put a block to the rumor that the grand jury would go over the solicitor's head and indict the
Read More

You Are There: Mincey Affidavit Not New to the Solicitor, Atlanta Journal, July 15th, 1913

Mincey Affidavit Not New to the Solicitor The Atlanta JournalTuesday, July 15, 1913 State Officials Refuse to Consider Seriously Statement of Insurance Agent Despite the claim that many witnesses to corroborate the assertions of W.H. Mincey, the insurance agent and school teacher who claims that Conley confessed to him can be produced by the defense of Leo M. Frank, state officials refuse to consider seriously Mincey's testimony as an important element in the case. Details of the Mincey affidavit are corroborated by E.F. Holloway, an employe of the National Pencil factory, who states that he remembers Mincey's visit to the
Read More

You Are There: Holloway Corroborates Mincey’s Affidavit, Atlanta Georgian, July 15th, 1913

Holloway Corroborates Mincey's Affidavit The Atlanta GeorgianTuesday, July 15, 1913 RECALLS HE WAS TOLD STORY OF CONLEY Watchman Remembers of Visit of Witness to Factory on Day of Crime. Further corroboration of several of the important details in the remarkable affidavit of W.H. Mincey, insurance agent and teacher, who swore he heard Jim Conley confess killing a girl, came Tuesday in a statement by E.F. Holloway, day watchman at the National Pencil Factory. Holloway substantiated in every particular the story of Mincey's visit to the factory the Tuesday following the crime and recalled the general trend of the conversation, which
Read More

You Are There: Mincey’s Own Story, Atlanta Georgian, July 14th, 1913

Mincey's Own Story The Atlanta GeorgianMonday, July 14, 1913 *Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the Night Edition under the headline "Mincey Tells of Confession." Tells How Conley Confessed Killing Girl ‘I AM SEEKING ONLY TO DO MY DUTY FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE' The Georgian Secures Remarkable Statement From Chief Witness for Defense in the Trial of Frank. Declares Belief in Conley's Guilt. On Thursday, July 10, The Georgian published the exclusive story of an affidavit in the possession of the lawyers for Leo M. Frank, accused of the murder of Mary Phagan, made by W.H. Mincey, an insurance
Read More

You Are There: Seek Negro Who Says He Was Eye-Witness to Phagan Murder, Atlanta Georgian, July 13th, 1913

Seek Negro Who Says He Was Eye-Witness to Phagan Murder The Atlanta GeorgianSunday, July 13, 1913 Fugitive, Reported to Have Been Traced to Birmingham, Declares That He Witnessed the Attack on the Girl Slain in the Pencil Plant. LAYS CRIME TO BLACK WITH WHOM HE HAD GAMBLED Loser at Dice, He Declares, Planned to Rob Victim as She Came From Getting Pay—Tried to Prevent the Crime and, Failing, Fled. Report that a negro who has declared that he witnessed the attack by another negro upon Mary Phagan, which resulted in her death in the National Pencil Factory on the afternoon
Read More

You Are There: Former Story True, Says Negro Sweeper, Atlanta Constitution, July 13th, 1913

Former Story True, Says Negro Sweeper The Atlanta ConstitutionSunday, July 13, 1913 Jim Conley Declares Positively That He Has Made No New Admissions. Jim Conley, the negro sweeper, who was reached for a moment by newspaper reporters last night, reiterated his former story and declared positively that he had made no new statement of admission. The police have taken special pains to keep Jim secluded from reporters. Early Saturday night they managed to find him in a cell in "Drunkard's Row." He answered a few questions put to him, and seemed very willing to talk. An early arrival of the
Read More

You Are There: Conley Again Quizzed by Prosecutor Dorsey, Atlanta Journal, July 12th, 1913

Conley Again Quizzed by Prosecutor Dorsey The Atlanta JournalSaturday, July 12, 1913 Solicitor and Hooper Grill Negro at Police Headquarters for Three Hours For two hours and a half Solicitor Dorsey did practically all of the ques- Phagan case, Frank A. Hooper, quizzed Conley at police headquarters Friday afternoon. Two detectives stood guard on the outside of the door of the police commissioner's room in which the questioning was done, but no one except the officials and the negro were inside the room. Conley was grinning when he emerged from the room. The questioning ended shortly before 7 o'clock, and
Read More

You Are There: Conley Kept on Grill 4 Hours, Atlanta Georgian, July 12th, 1913

Conley Kept on Grill 4 Hours The Atlanta GeorgianSaturday, July 12, 1913 After Gruelling Third Degree, Officials Refuse to Deny or Affirm Negro Confessed. Habeas corpus proceedings to release Newt Lee collapsed in the court of Judge Ellis Saturday morning. By agreement, Bernard L. Chappell, representing Lee, withdrew his application for a habeas corpus; Solicitor Dorsey promised to present a bill against Lee as a suspect in the Phagan murder case, with the expectation that a "no bill" would be returned. This appeared satisfactory to the attorneys for Lee, as well as to the State. Luther Z. Rosser, Reuben R.
Read More

You Are There: Agent Claims Conley Confessed to Murder, Atlanta Journal, July 11th, 1913

Agent Claims Conley Confessed to Murder The Atlanta JournalFriday, July 11, 1913 Detectives Deny That Mincey Told Them of Alleged Confession of Negro In the possession of the attorneys for the defense of Leo M. Frank is an affidavit of William H. Mincey, formerly an insurance agent working in Atlanta, who declares that the negro, James Conley, while drunk on the afternoon of April 26, admitted and even boasted to him that he had killed a girl that day. The admission is alleged by Mincey's affidavit to have been made when he met Conley, whom he knew, in the negro
Read More

You Are There: Slaying Charge for Conley Is Expected, Atlanta Georgian, July 11th, 1913

Slaying Charge for Conley Is Expected The Atlanta GeorgianFriday, July 11, 1913 Speedy Indictment of Negro Is Likely Following Publication of Mincey Affidavit. The speedy indictment of Jim Conley on the charge of murdering Mary Phagan was the strong possibility discussed in court circles Friday following the sensational turn given the strangling mystery by The Georgian's publication Thursday of the accusation of William H. Mincey, an insurance solicitor, that he had heard the negro boast on the afternoon of the crime of killing a girl. For nearly two months a self-confessed accessory after the fact of the murder of the
Read More

You Are There: Conley Not Right Man, Says Mincey, Atlanta Constitution, July 11th, 1913

Conley Not Right Man, Says Mincey The Atlanta ConstitutionFriday, July 11, 1913 Insurance Man Who Made Affidavit Says Conversation Was With Some Other Negro—Saw Conley at Station. It was disclosed Thursday afternoon that William H. Mincey, the insurance agent who has made an affidavit to the effect that Jim Conley on the date of the Phagan murder drunkenly admitted that he had slain a girl had appeared at police headquarters during Conley's grilling and had positively failed to identify the negro. This was told a Constitution reporter by Detective Harry Scott of the Pinkertons and Detective Chief Newport Lanford. The
Read More

You Are There: No Finger Prints Found by Expert on Phagan Envelope, Atlanta Journal, July 10th, 1913

No Finger Prints Found by Expert on Phagan Envelope The Atlanta JournalThursday, July 10, 1913 Examination of Portion of Slain Girl's Pay Envelope Fails to Throw Any Light on the Murder Mystery FLETCHER, AT FEDERAL PEN MAKES EXAMINATION Fight for Release of Newt Lee on Habeas Corpus Resumed and Hearing Will Be Given Saturday Morning That the murderer of Mary Phagan can never be identified by finger prints on the pay envelope found in the factory, and the "re-setting" of Newt Lee's habeas corpus for 10 o'clock. Saturday morning, were two important developments of the sensational murder mystery Thursday. According
Read More

You Are There: Says Conley Confessed Slaying, Atlanta Georgian, July 10th, 1913

Says Conley Confessed Slaying The Atlanta GeorgianThursday, July 10, 1913 *Editor's Note: Articles with the titles "Tells of Conley Confession" and "Says Conley Confessed" also appeared in other editions of the Georgian. NEGRO MADE BOAST OF KILLING A GIRL, AGENT DECLARES Attorneys for Frank Will Put Main Reliance of Defense on the Startling Affidavit Made by W. H. Mincey and Now in Their Possession. That Jim Conley, negro sweeper at the National Pencil Factory, made a virtual confession to him that he attacked and killed Mary Phagan is the startling allegation made in an affidavit by William H. Mincey, until
Read More

You Are There: Mary Phagan’s Pay Envelope is Found, Atlanta Constitution, July 10th, 1913

Mary Phagan's Pay Envelope is Found The Atlanta ConstitutionThursday, July 10, 1913 Discovery Made by Detectives Weeks Ago, But Is Just Announced The discovery of the pay envelope given Mary Phagan on the day of her murder is believed by detectives to furnish the missing link in the chain of circumstancial evidence they declare they have forged. The envelope was found by Detectives Harry Scott and John Black. It is now in possession of the solicitor general. It was discovered on the first floor of the plant building behind a radiator that is situated in immediate vicinity to the spot
Read More

You Are There: Mary Phagan Pay Envelope Found, Atlanta Journal, July 9th, 1913

Mary Phagan Pay Envelope Found The Atlanta JournalWednesday, July 9, 1913 MYSTERY'S LOST LINK IS FOUND NEAR WHERE CONLEY SAYS HE SAT Finding of Portion of Salary Envelope Bearing Victim's Name Expected to Strengthen Defense's Contention CONTENTS OF ENVELOPE HAVE NEVER BEEN FOUND Find Was Made by Pinkertons Just Three Weeks After the Murder, but Was Kept a Secret Until Wednesday. The pay envelope, which was the quest of Mary Phagan's visit to the National Pencil factory on April 26, when she met her death, has been found. At least enough of the envelope to definitely identify it is in
Read More

You Are There: New Evidence in Phagan Case Found, Atlanta Georgian, July 9th, 1913

New Evidence in Phagan Case Found The Atlanta GeorgianWednesday, July 9, 1913 iGrl Called to Tell of Negro She Saw in Pencil Factory—Lee Stays in Jail. A sensation in the Phagan murder mystery developed Wednesday afternoon when Solicitor Dorsey summoned Miss Mattie Smith under a special subpena to question her in regard to a negro she saw in the National Pencil Factory the morning of the Saturday that Mary Phagan was murdered. Miss Smith told a Georgian reporter that she saw a negro there that morning and believed it was between 9 and 10 o'clock. She thought she might be
Read More

You Are There: Newt Lee’s Attorneys Seeking His Freedom, Atlanta Journal, July 8th, 1913

Newt Lee's Attorneys Seeking His Freedom The Atlanta JournalTuesday, July 8, 1913 Habeas Corpus Proceedings May Bring Frank and Conley Face to Face Petition for a writ of habeas corpus in behalf of Newt Lee, the negro night watchman at the National Pencil factory who has been held in jail since the Mary Phagan murder as a suspect, has been drawn up at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon by the negro's attorneys, Graham and Chappell, and the firm then was seeking the signature of the nearest available judge of the Fulton superior court to a writ fixing the time and place
Read More

You Are There: Attitude of Defense Secret, Atlanta Georgian, July 8th, 1913

Attitude of Defense Secret The Atlanta GeorgianTuesday, July 8, 1913 Attorneys for Accused Man Can Keep Him From Facing Accuser if They Wish. That Leo M. Frank, superintendent of the National Pencil Factory, and James Conley, Frank's accuser in the Mary Phagan murder mystery, would be brought face to face Tuesday was the strong possibility presented by the contemplated application for a writ of habeas corpus in behalf of Newt Lee, negro night watchman at the factory. The plan of bringing Conley and Frank together may meet an insurmountable obstacle when it comes to getting the permission of Frank's attorneys.
Read More

You Are There: Lee’s Attorney is Ready for Writ Fight, Atlanta Georgian, July 7th, 1913

Lee's Attorney is Ready for Writ Fight The Atlanta GeorgianMonday, July 7, 1913 Habeas Corpus Move to Free Negro in Phagan Case Due to Start Monday. Habeas corpus proceedings in behalf of Newt Lee, negro night watchman at the National Pencil Factory, were promised Monday by the negro's attorney, Bernard L. Chappell. Settlement of this phase of the Phagan murder mystery will determine definitely the status of the negro. It is known that the State regards Lee as a material witness in building up its case against Frank. The attitude of Mr. Chappell is that his client knows no more
Read More

You Are There: New Move in Phagan Case by Solicitor, Atlanta Georgian, July 6th, 1913

New Move in Phagan Case by Solicitor The Atlanta GeorgianSunday, July 6, 1913 Dorsey Will Endeavor to Force Defense to Disclose Their Documentary Evidence. ACT IS COUNTERSTROKE Frank's Attorneys Said to Have Affidavits Exonerating Frank and Indicating Conley's Guilt. A sensational turn in the Phagan murder mystery, according to one of the attorneys for the defense, will develop next week when Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey issues a subpena duces tecum on Attorneys Luther Z. Rosser and Reuben Arnold, citing them to produce all the affidavits they have secured that bear on the crime. The movement is in the nature
Read More

You Are There: Fight for Newt Lee’s Freedom is Delayed, Atlanta Journal, July 5th, 1913

Fight for Newt Lee's Freedom is Delayed The Atlanta JournalSaturday, July 5, 1913 Bernard Chappell, His Lawyer, Expects to Bring Habeas Corpus on Monday Bernard L. Chappell, attorney for Newt Lee, the , who found the body of Mary Phagan, declared Saturday that he had been unable to complete all of his work in connection with his proposed filing of a habeas corpus writ in an effort to liberate his client. Mr. Chappelle said that he had expected to file the writ Saturday, but was delayed, and is now certain he can file it by Monday morning. Mr. Chappell asserted
Read More

You Are There: Liberty for Newt Lee Sought, Atlanta Georgian, July 5th, 1913

Liberty for Newt Lee Sought The Atlanta GeorgianSaturday, July 5, 1913 Writ to Free Watchman From the Tower Will Be Filed—State to Oppose Liberation. The prosecution will fight an entirely new angle in the Phagan case Saturday morning when Barnard L. Chappell, attorney for Newt Lee, the negro night watchman, files a writ of habeas corpus for the release of the negro from the Tower, where he is being held without any charge against him. Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey will ask the courts to hold the negro as a material witness for the State, or may charge him with
Read More

You Are There: Lee’s Lawyer Expects Delay in Frank Case, Atlanta Journal, July 4th, 1913

Lee's Lawyer Expects Delay in Frank Case The Atlanta JournalFriday, July 4, 1913 State Certain to Fight Chappell's Effort to Secure Release of Watchman Bernard L. Chappell, attorney for Newt Lee, the negro night watchman, who found the body of Mary Phagan in the National Pencil factory basement, declares that Saturday he will bring habeas corpus proceedings to secure the release of his client. According to the attorney, the negro is being held on the recommendation of the coroner's jury, which concluded its inquest before James Conley figured in the case. The grand jury has failed to act on Lee's
Read More

You Are There: New Testimony Lays Crime to Conley, Atlanta Georgian, July 4th, 1913

New Testimony Lays Crime to Conley The Atlanta GeorgianFriday, July 4, 1913 Frank Defense Locates Witness Who Points to the Negro Sweeper as Slayer. A new witness, said to have the most damaging evidence yet produced against Jim Conley, the negro sweeper in the National Pencil factory, entered the Phagan case Thursday and made an affidavit, the contents fo which are carefully guarded by attorneys for Leo M. Frank, charged with causing the death of the factory girl. The identity of the witness is as much a secret as the exact nature of his testimony. It was learned, though, that
Read More

You Are There: Effort Will Be Made to Free Newt Lee, Atlanta Constitution, July 4th, 1913

Effort Will Be Made to Free Newt Lee The Atlanta ConstitutionFriday, July 4, 1913 Attorney Chappell Declares Belief That Lee Has No Knowledge of Guilty Parties. An early effort is likely to be made to free Newt Lee, the negro night watchman who discovered the body of Mary Phagan, and who has since been held for suspected complicity in the crime. This is intimated in a statement issued by the negro's counsel, Bernard L. Chappell, who says he has arrived at the conclusion that his client knows absolutely nothing about the murder, except his grewsome discovery. Lee was not indicted,
Read More

You Are There: Writ Sought In Move to Free Negro Lee, Atlanta Georgian, July 3rd, 1913

Writ Sought In Move to Free Negro Lee The Atlanta GeorgianThursday, July 3, 1913 Attorney for Watchman Declares Client Knows Nothing of the Actual Crime. Bernard L. Chappell, attorney for Newt Lee, negro night watchman at the pencile factory, held in the Phagan case, stated Thursday morning that he would swear out a writ of habeas corpus for the release of the negro. Attorney Chappell stated that he had come to the conclusion that there was nothing the negro knew about the crime except finding the body, and that the State had no right to keep him without some charge
Read More

You Are There: Facts Do Not Indicate Indictment of Conley, Atlanta Journal, July 1, 1913

Facts Do Not Indicate Indictment of Conley The Atlanta JournalTuesday, July 1, 1913 Rumor About Negro in Phagan Case Not Confirmed—Grand Jury Is Through The publication to the effect that the negro sweeper, Jim Conley, probably would be indicted by the Fulton county grand jury for the murder of Mary Phagan, is apparently without any justification. The grand jury, according to its foreman, Lewis H. Beck, will make its presentments to the court Wednesday morning and in all probability will be discharged then. It is not likely, therefore, that the jury will consider any further bills. Mr. Beck declined to
Read More

You Are There: May Indict Conley as Slayer, Atlanta Georgian, July 1, 1913

May Indict Conley as Slayer The Atlanta GeorgianTuesday, July 1, 1913 Grand Jury Reported as Seriously Considering Connection of Negro With the Crime. A well founded rumor Tuesday was to the effect that the Grand Jury had Jim Conley's connection with the Mary Phagan murder mystery under serious consideration with a view of finding an indictment against the negro on the charge of causing the death of the little factory girl. Announcement was made after the close of Tuesday's session that the present Grand Jury would hold its last session Wednesday, and it was reported that if action were not
Read More

You Are There: Conley Tale Is Hope of Defense, Atlanta Georgian, June 30th, 1913

Conley Tale Is Hope of Defense The Atlanta GeorgianMonday, June 30, 1913 DEFENSE PLANS TO TEAR DOWN CONLEY TALE* * This headline appeared on Page 3 of the Georgian. Expect to Prove Frank Innocent By Discrediting Negro's Story Of Phagan Crime. Warned that the State is basing practically all of its expectations of sending Leo M. Frank to the gallows on the dramatic story told by Jim Conley, the defense this week is completing the collection of a strong line of evidence with which it is planned utterly to discredit the negro's statements and his testimony in court. Conley again
Read More

You Are There: Many Experts to Take Stand in Frank Trial, Atlanta Georgian, June 29th, 1913

Many Experts to Take Stand in Frank Trial The Atlanta GeorgianSunday, June 29, 1913 Great Array of Finger-Print and Blood-Stain Students Will Give Their Views. The trial of Leo M. Frank will bring forth the most prominent array of criminal and medical experts ever grouped in a Southern court room. This became known Saturday when Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey began making preparations to have the skilled investigators who have worked in the Phagan case return to Atlanta for the trial, July 28. The defense has not been idle and is prepared to have an expert on almost every conceivable angle
Read More

You Are There:Atlanta Georgian, June 29th, 1913

  Brilliant Legal Battle Is Sure as Hooper And Arnold Clash in Trial of Leo Frank The Atlanta Georgian Sunday, June 29, 1913 * * Alternate headline from another page is shown in brackets above. By An Old Police Reporter. As deplorable as the Phagan case is in all its melancholy details, it already is evident enough that there will come of it eventually much that the community may be thankful for. In the first place, Atlanta and Georgia, and incidentally the entire South will have learned a good lesson in law and order, justice and fair play, and to
Read More

You Are There: Hooper and Goldstein Join Little and Powell, Atlanta Journal, June 28th, 1913

Hooper and Goldstein Join Little & Powell The Atlanta JournalSaturday, June 28, 1913 Former Solicitor of Southwestern Circuit and Popular Atlantlan Join Firm Frank A. Hooper, who is to assist the solicitor general in the prosecution in the Phagan case, and M.F. Goldstein, a well known young attorney, will join the law firm of Little & Powell on July 1. The senior members of the firm are John D. Little and Judge Arthur Powell. After July 1 the firm will be styled Little, Powell, Hooper & Goldstein. Mr. Hooper served in the southwestern circuit for twelve years as solicitor general,
Read More

You Are There: State Secures New Phagan Evidence, Atlanta Georgian, June 28th, 1913

State Secures New Phagan Evidence The Atlanta GeorgianSaturday, June 28, 1913 * Conley's Admission Strengthens Rumor That He Saw Child Just Before Slaying. Frank A. Hooper, associated with Solicitor Dorsey in the prosecution of Leo M. Frank on the charge of strangling Mary Phagan, admitted Saturday that Jim Conley, negro sweeper at the National Pencil Factory, had made important additions to the story of his part in the murder mystery and had told of circumstances on the day of the crime which he had revealed in none of his previous statements. A persistent report that Conley had made the startling
Read More

You Are There: Lanford and Felder Indicted for Libel, Atlanta Constitution, June 28th, 1913

Lanford and Felder Indicted for Libel The Atlanta ConstitutionSaturday, June 28, 1913 Indictments Grew Out of the Dictagraph Episode and the Letters Which Followed. Formal investigation into the invectives hurled between Colonel Thomas B. Felder and Detective Chief Newport Lanford resulted yesterday in indictments of criminal libel being returned by the grand jury against each of them for their cards and interviews in the daily papers in which they attacked each other's character, after the dictagraph row. Colonel Felder is held under two indictments on a bond of $500, while Chief Lanford has one indictment against him, and is free
Read More

You Are There: Hooper Sees Conley for the First Time, Atlanta Journal, June 27th, 1913

Hooper Sees Conley for the First Time The Atlanta JournalFriday, June 27, 1913 Attorney Who Will Aid Solicitor Hears Negro Sweeper Recite His Story Frank A. Hooper, the attorney who will assist Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey in the prosecution of the case against Leo M. Frank, indicted for the murder of little Mary Phagan, interviewed James Conley, the negro sweeper, for the first time on Friday morning. The attorney talked with the negro in the office of the police board for nearly an hour. Detective Starnes, who has been working under the direction of the solicitor, was the only officer
Read More

You Are There: New Frank Evidence Held by Dorsey, Atlanta Georgian, June 27th, 1913

New Frank Evidence Held by Dorsey The Atlanta GeorgianFriday, June 27, 1913 Solicitor Closely Guards Data of Which City Detectives Have No Knowledge. New activity was injected into the Phagan case Friday when James Conley, negro sweeper at the National Pencil Factory, was removed secretly from his cell in police station and closely questioned by Frank Hooper, who will aid Solicitor Dorsey in the prosecution of Leo Frank. The move was surrounded with the utmost secrecy. The negro was taken from his cell by Detective Starnes, and behind locked doors questioned anew in the room used by the Police Commissioners.
Read More

You Are There: To Hold Frank Trial in the Old City Hall, Atlanta Journal, June 26th, 1913

To Hold Frank Trial in the Old City Hall The Atlanta JournalThursday, June 26, 1913 Case Will Be Heard in Courtroom Now Used by Judge Pendleton The trial of Leo M. Frank on July 28 will be held on the first floor in the old city hall building, at the corner of South Pryor and East Hunter streets. Solicitor Dorsey, Judge L. S. Roan and court attaches formally decided upon this room as the proper place to conduct the trial. The court room designated is at present occupied by Judge John T. Pendleton, of the motion division of superior court.
Read More

You Are There: Stover Girl Will Star in Frank Trial, Atlanta Georgian, June 26th, 1913

Stover Girl Will Star in Frank Trial The Atlanta GeorgianThursday, June 26, 1913 State, However, Must Prove She Entered Factory Before Mary Phagan. With the selection of the court room made Thursday, all is virtually in readiness for the trial of Leo M. Frank, accused of strangling Mary Phagan. The venire of jurymen has been selected and July 28 is fixed as the date, and both sides have announced they are ready to go into court. A definite decision was reached by Judge L. S. Roan to hold the trial on the first floor of the old City Hall building.
Read More

You Are There: Both Sides Are Ready for Trial of Frank, Atlanta Journal, June 25th, 1913

Both Sides Are Ready for Trial of Frank The Atlanta JournalWednesday, June 25, 1913 Few Developments Expected Between Now and July 28, Conley Is Grilled The statements made by Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey and by Reuben R. Arnold and Luther Z. Rosser, the counsel for the defense before the postponement of the trial of Leo M. Frank from June 30, the date set by the solicitor, to July 28, indicate very strongly that neither side expects further developments of importance in the investigation. Mr. Dorsey told the court that his case was complete and that he was ready for
Read More

You Are There: Conley, Put on Grill, Sticks Story, Atlanta Georgian, June 25th, 1913

Conley, Put on Grill, Sticks Story The Atlanta GeorgianWednesday, June 25, 1913 Police Resume Questioning of the Negro Sweeper Who Accuses Leo Frank. Puzzled by several of the statements of Jim Conley in regard to his part in the happenings the day that Mary Phagan was killed, the police have resumed the questioning from which the negro had been free since he was taken to the police station by the detectives. One point that has not been cleared up is why Conley saw every one else that went into or left the factory and yet failed to see Mary Phagan.
Read More

You Are There: Trial of Leo Frank Postponed by Judge, Atlanta Constitution, June 25th, 1913

Trial of Leo Frank Postponed by Judge The Atlanta ConstitutionWednesday, June 25, 1913 Date of Trial Changed From June 30 Until July 28 at Plea of Attorneys for Defense. The first appearance in open court of the indictment against Leo M. Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan came yesterday afternoon when Judge L. S. Roan, presiding over the criminal division of superior court, summoned attorneys for both sides, and after a hearing changed the date of trial from June 30, as set by Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey, to July 28. This and the legal move by the defense in
Read More

You Are There: July 28 Is Date Agreed Upon for Trial of Frank, Atlanta Journal, June 24th, 1913

July 28 Is Date Agreed Upon for Trial of Frank The Atlanta JournalTuesday, June 24, 1913 Judge Names Date After Statement From Reuben R. Arnold, In Which He Said Trial Would Last Two Weeks DEFENSE TAKES STEPS TO GET STATE'S EVIDENCE Subpenas Duces Tecum Issued, Demanding Production of Affidavits and Popers in Possession of Solicitor Leo M. Frank, accused of the slaying of Mary Phagan, will not be tried before superior court Judge L. S. Roan next Monday. The judge in a conference with attorneys at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon formally set the trial for Monday, July 28, and no
Read More

You Are There: Both Sides Called in Conference by Judge; Trial Set for July 28, Atlanta Georgian, June 24th, 1913

Both Sides Called in Conference by Judge; Trial Set for July 28 The Atlanta GeorgianTuesday, June 24, 1913 Dorsey, Beavers and Lanford Summoned to Appear June 30 With All Affidavits They Have Secured Relative to the Phagan Slaying Case. Just before the conference with both sides in the Frank case started Judge Roan intimated strongly that he would set the case for July 14 or July 28 and hold it in some more commodious court room than the one in which he sits on the fourth floor of the Thrower building. Judge Roan's personal inclination leans to a date in
Read More

You Are There: Frank’s Trial Set For Next Monday, Atlanta Constitution, June 24th, 1913

Frank's Trial Set For Next Monday The Atlanta ConstitutionTuesday, June 24, 1913 Indications Are Case Will Begin on That Day—Jury Panel Not Yet Drawn by Judge Roan. The trial of Leo M Frank, superintendent of the National Pencil Factory, now under indictment for the murder of Mary Phagan on April 26 in the factory, has been definitely set for next Monday. This was the announcement of Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey last night after he had been working upon the court calendar for the coming week. Solicitor Dorsey announced Sunday upon his arrival from New York city where he had
Read More

You Are There: Solicitor Will Fix Frank Trial for June 30, He Says, Atlanta Journal, June 23rd, 1913

Solicitor Will Fix Frank Trial for June 30, He Says The Atlanta JournalMonday, June 23, 1913 Unless "Showing" Is Made in Open Court Why the Case Should Be Deferred, Trial Will Proceed MONTEEN STOVER AGAIN FIGURES IN THE CASE Detectives Question Her With View to Attacking Theory That Girl Was Slain on the First Floor Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey, it was definitely learned Monday, will set the case of the State against Leo M. Frank, charged with the murder of Mary Phagan, for June 30, and the solicitor will insist that a legal "showing" be made by the defense
Read More

You Are There: Venire of 72 for Frank Jury Is Drawn, Atlanta Georgian, June 23rd, 1913

Venire of 72 for Frank Jury Is Drawn The Atlanta GeorgianMonday, June 23, 1913 Negro Conley Sticks to Affidavit Story When Again Cross-Examined by Dorsey. The first official action of the court in preparing for the trial of Leo M. Frank for the murder of Mary Phagan was taken Monday afternoon when Judge L. S. Roan impaneled 72 men, from whom a jury to hear the case will be sought. June 30 was agreed to by Judge Roan for the opening of the case. If a postponement is desired it will now have to be asked for in open court.
Read More

You Are There: Leo M. Frank’s Trial June 30, Says Dorsey, Atlanta Constitution, June 23rd, 1913

Leo M. Frank's Trial June 30, Says Dorsey The Atlanta ConstitutionMonday, June 23, 1913 Solicitor General Hears Report That John Moore Will Assist in the Defense. "Unless something now turns up of which I have no knowledge at present, I will set Leo Frank's trial for June 30," said Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey yesterday on his return from a week's stay in New York city. While the solicitor's announcement has set at rest the rumors that the state would wait and set the trial for July 14 or 28, it does not necessarily mean that the trial will actually
Read More

You Are There: Rosser and Brandon Join With Slaton and Phillips, Atlanta Journal, June 22nd, 1913

Rosser & Brandon Join With Slaton & Phillips The Atlanta JournalSunday, June 22, 1913 Two Big Atlanta Law Firms Go Into Partnership Beginning July 1 The law firm of Rosser & Brandon and Slaton & Phillips have formed a partnership beginning July 1, and will be known by the firm name of Rosser, Brandon, Slaton & Phillips, with offices on the seventh floor of the Grant building, the Slaton & Phillips suite being enlarged to accommodate the new firm. There will be in the new firm the following: Luther Z. Rosser, Morris Brandon, John M. Slaton, Ben Z. Phillips, J.
Read More

You Are There: Arnold to Aid Frank, Atlanta Georgian, June 22nd, 1913

Arnold to Aid Frank Reuben Arnold, noted Atlanta lawyer, who in a statement to The Sunday American says he will help defend Leo M. Frank, accused of slaying Mary Phagan. The Atlanta GeorgianSunday, June 22, 1913 Declares Prisoner is Innocent Has Studied Case Deeply, He Says Noted Lawyer, in Statement to Sunday American, Tells Why He Has Decided to Take Up the Defense of the Accused Man. Negro Conley, in New Interview, Asserts He Is Eager to Face Leo M. Frank in Court and Repeat Story of Alleged Part in Crime. Positive confirmation of the report that he would be
Read More

You Are There: Frank Not Guilty of Phagan Murder Declares Arnold, Atlanta Constitution, June 22nd, 1913

Frank Not Guilty of Phagan Murder Declares Arnold The Atlanta ConstitutionSunday, June 22, 1913 Prominent Atlanta Lawyer Engaged to Aid in Defense of Pencil Factory Superintendent. NO WHITE MAN KILLED GIRL, ASSERTS LAWYER Formby and Conley Statements Should Not Be Given Credence So Far as They Tend to Incriminate Frank, He Says. Reuben R. Arnold, perhaps the best-known attorney in Georgia, has been engaged to aid the defense of Leo M. Frank, the suspected pencil factory superintendent, in the Mary Phagan mystery. This announcement was made from his office yesterday afternoon. In a statement that was furnished each of the
Read More

You Are There: Date of Frank Trial Still In Much Doubt, Atlanta Journal, June 21st, 1913

Date of Frank Trial Still In Much Doubt The Atlanta JournalSaturday, June 21, 1913 Belief Grows That Case Will Not Come Up Before July 14 or 28 Interest in the Phagan case still centers on the time of the trial of Leo M. Frank. Indications still are that the case will not be tried the week of June 30. Solicitor Dorsey has never finally committed himself on the matter but Colonel Frank A. Hooper, who is associated him, still expects the case to be set for that date. Mr. Hooper expects the trial to last a week. The jail will
Read More

You Are There: Justice Aim in Phagan Case, Says Hooper, Atlanta Georgian, June 21st, 1913

Justice Aim in Phagan Case, Says Hooper The Atlanta GeorgianSaturday, June 21, 1913 I have not been employed in the case to prosecute Leo M. Frank, but to help find and convict the murderer of Mary Phagan. If the trial proves we are wrong, we will begin work on another angle. We have but one object and idea. It is that justice and the law be vindicated. We are, however, convinced we have a strong case against the accused.FRANK A. HOOPER,Attorney. Mrs. Mina Formby and her sensational affidavit will not be used by the State in the trial of Leo
Read More

You Are There: Postponement Likely In Leo Frank’s Trial, Atlanta Constitution, June 21st, 1913

Postponement Likely In Leo Frank's Trial The Atlanta ConstitutionSaturday, June 21, 1913 Doubt is expressed around the Fulton superior court that Leo M. Frank, superintendent of the National Pencil factory, now under indictment for the murder of Mary Phagan, an employee, on the afternoon or night of April 26, will go to trial during June. This date was the one upon which the solicitor had suggested that the trial might be held, but it is believed that if the state should prove to be ready at that time, that the defense would move to postpone the trial, pending further investigation
Read More

You Are There: Frank Case May Not Be Tried June 30, Atlanta Journal, June 20th, 1913

Frank Case May Not Be Tried June 30 The Atlanta JournalFriday, June 20, 1913 Dorsey Expects to Be Ready, He Says, but Postponement Seems Probable That Leo M. Frank will go on trial for the murder of Mary Phagan on June 30th is not a certainty, although it is generally conceded that Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey will set the case on the court's calendar for that date when he returns to the city from New York. Solicitor Dorsey will return to Atlanta on Sunday. In reply to a telegram from The Journal relative to the time of the trial he
Read More

You Are There: Frank Trial Will Not Be Long One, Atlanta Georgian, June 20th, 1913

Frank Trial Will Not Be Long One The Atlanta GeorgianFriday, June 20, 1913 Few Witnesses of the Scores Examined Will Be Called When Case Is Heard. That the trial of Leo M. Frank will take a much shorter time that is generally thought was indicated in a statement by Judge L. S. Roan. The judge said the greatest difficulty and almost as great a length of time would be consumed in drawing a jury as in the hearing of the case. He said the actual taking of evidence might not consume more than a day. Judge Roan intimated that he
Read More

You Are There: Formby Woman May Not Be A Witness, Atlanta Constitution, June 20th, 1913

Formby Woman May Not Be A Witness The Atlanta ConstitutionFriday, June 20, 1913 State Declares Its Case Against Frank Is Now Complete Dorsey Still Absent Because of the inconsistency of her statement with the state's outline of prosecution, Chief Lanford intimates that Mima Formby , the roominghouse keeper of 400 Piedmont avenue, will not be called to the stand in Leo Frank's trial. He does not state this positively, however, but it is the general opinion that such will be the prosecution's action. Mrs. Formby has stated to a Constitution reporter that she is ready to testify against the factory
Read More

You Are There: Hooper Returns and Takes Up Phagan Case, Atlanta Journal, June 19th, 1913

Hooper Returns and Takes Up Phagan Case The Atlanta JournalThursday, June 19, 1913 Declares Trip to Cincinnati Had Nothing to oD With Murder Mystery Frank A. Hooper, the experienced prosecutor, who has been engaged to assist Solicitor Hugh M. Dorsey in the trial of the case against Leo M. Frank, returned Thursday from a three days' trip to Cincinnati, and set at rest the rumors that he went to the Ohio city on a matter connected with the investigation of the Phagan murder mystery. Mr. Hooper declared that his private business called him to Cincinnati, and that his trip was
Read More

You Are There: Blow Aimed at Formby Story, Atlanta Georgian, June 19th, 1913

Blow Aimed at Formby Story The Atlanta GeorgianThursday, June 19, 1913 DEFENSE HAS WITNESSES TO REFUTE WOMANLearns Identity of Other Persons in Home on Night of the Phagan Slaying. That the defense in the trial of Leo M. Frank will be able, if it wishes, to produce three or four witnesses who will testify that the affidavit of Mrs. Mima Formby is untrue was discovered Thursday when the identity of the other persons in the house of Mrs. Formby, 400 Piedmont Avenue, the night of April 26, when Mary Phagan was murdered, was learned. It was from Mrs. Formby that
Read More

You Are There: Reuben Arnold May Aid Frank’s Defense In Big Murder Trial, Atlanta Constitution, June 19th, 1913

Reuben Arnold May Aid Frank's Defense In Big Murder Trial The Atlanta ConstitutionThursday, June 19, 1913 When questioned last night as to the truth of the rumor that he will be associated with the defense of Leo M. Frank, indicted for the Mary Phagan murder, Reuben R. Arnold, one of Georgia's most prominent attorneys, refused to either affirm or deny the rumor. "I am not associated with the defense yet," Mr. Arnold said. "I cannot make any statement at the present time in regard to this matter." When questioned closely as to whether he would be engaged by the defense
Read More

You Are There: Will Reuben R. Arnold Aid Frank’s Defense?, Atlanta Journal, June 18th, 1913

Will Reuben R. Arnold Aid Frank's Defense? The Atlanta JournalWednesday, June 18, 1913 Mr. Arnold and Luther Z. Rosser Both Decline to Discuss Report Circulated The rumor that Reuben R. Arnold, famous Georgia lawyer, will be associated with the defense of Leo M. Frank, indicted for the Mary Phagan murder, is persistent. Luther Z. Rosser, who has been retained in the case since Frank was first arrested, refused to deny or affirm the rumor. It is intimated, however, that negotiations are not complete as yet. Mr. Arnold himself, when questioned about the rumor, refused to discuss it in any way,
Read More

You Are There: Rush Plans for Trial of Leo Frank, Atlanta Georgian, June 18th, 1913

Rush Plans for Trial of Leo Frank The Atlanta GeorgianWednesday, June 18, 1913 Extensive Preparations Made to Accommodate Great Crowd Expected at Hearing. When twelve books of evidence of more than 100 pages each were turned over to the Solicitor's office Wednesday morning by his stenographers, Assistant Solicitor General E. A. Stephens announced the State could now go to trial on 48 hours' notice. No evidence would be introduced, he said, except by witnesses who had already been questioned by the Solicitor. To bring out the salient points in the evidence of each witness, the Solicitor plans to question them
Read More

You Are There: Two New Witnesses Sought by Officers, Atlanta Constitution, June 18th, 1913

Two New Witnesses Sought by Officers The Atlanta ConstitutionWednesday, June 18, 1913 Former Girl Employee and a Machanic May Testify Against Frank. Two new witnesses may be used by the state in the prosecution of Leo Frank when his trial is held on June 30. Chief Lanford is investigating the reported statement of a young girl living near Roswell and of a mechanic who resides near East Point. The former, a lass of 17, is said to have been employed in the pencil factory two years ago. For the past year or more she has been living with her parents
Read More

You Are There: Guessers See a Mystery in Dorsey-Hooper Trips, Atlanta Journal, June 17th, 1913

Guessers See a Mystery in Dorsey-Hooper Trips The Atlanta JournalTuesday, June 17, 1913 Speculation About Departure of Phagan Case Figures Not Credited, However What is believed to be but a coincidence in the unheralded out-of-town trips of Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey, Attorney Frank A. Hooper, who is to assist the solicitor in the prosecution of Leo M. Frank, and Attorney Thomas B. Felder, has given rise to a rumor that these lawyers really have gone on a secret mission of importance and one connected with the Phagan case. Solicitor Dorsey left Atlanta Saturday afternoon, saying he was going to
Read More

You Are There: Sensations in Phagan Case at Hand, Atlanta Georgian, June 17th, 1913

Sensations in Phagan Case at Hand The Atlanta GeorgianTuesday, June 17, 1913 Out-of-Town Trips Believed To Be of Great Importance—Defense Has Strong Evidence. Frank A. Hooper, associate counsel with Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey in the prosecution of the Phagan murder mystery, left Atlanta Monday for a trip to Indianapolis. Attorney Hooper was the third man closely connected with the Phagan case to leave town within a space of three days. Colonel Thomas B. Felder, who took an active part in the hunt for the slayer of Mary Phagan until the dictograph controversy arose, left Sunday, saying that he was
Read More

You Are There: Constitution Picture Will Figure in Trial, Atlanta Constitution, June 17th, 1913

Constitution Picture Will Figure in Trial The Atlanta ConstitutionMonday, June 16, 1913 Solicitor Wants Photograph of Spot Where Mary Phagan's Body Was Found A flashlight picture, made by The Constitution's staff photographer is to be used as evidence by the prosecution in the trial of Leo M. Frank. This was made evident Sunday afternoon when Detective John Starnes applied to a Constitution reporter for the photograph of the spot in the pencil factory basement, where Mary Phagan's body was discovered. Starnes would not state why he wanted the picture, saying only that it would be used by the prosecution. He
Read More

You Are There: Hooper Wants a Rest For Public From Case, Atlanta Journal, June 16th, 1913

Hooper Wants a Rest For Public From Case The Atlanta JournalMonday, June 16, 1913 Attorney Associated With Prosecution, Says State Is Ready for Frank Trial With Solicitor General Dorsey away on a short vacation, the state's case against Leo M. Frank, who is charged with the murder of Mary Phagan, is now in charge of Frank A. Hooper, the well known attorney, who is associated with the solicitor. "The state's case is complete," Mr. Hooper said Monday morning, "and we are waiting quietly for the trial on the 30th of the month to come." "If the defense will stop writing
Read More

You Are There: Dorsey Aide Says Frank Is Fast In Net, Atlanta Georgian, June 16th, 1913

Dorsey Aide Says Frank Is Fast In Net The Atlanta GeorgianMonday, June 16, 1913 Attorney Hooper Declares State Is Prepared for Any Move the Defense May Make. Frank A. Hooper, the well-known criminal lawyer who has been engaged to assist Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey in the trial of Leo M. Frank for the alleged murder of Mary Phagan, said Monday that the case was complete and was ready for presentation in court at any time. Mr. Hooper asserted that the attorneys interested in the prosecution had investigated every angle of the mystery so thoroughly and fortified themselves against any
Read More

You Are There: Constitution Picture Will Figure in Trial, Atlanta Constitution, June 16th, 1913

Constitution Picture Will Figure in Trial The Atlanta ConstitutionMonday, June 16, 1913 Solicitor Wants Photograph of Spot Where Mary Phagan's Body Was Found A flashlight picture, made by The Constitution's staff photographer is to be used as evidence by the prosecution in the trial of Leo M. Frank. This was made evident Sunday afternoon when Detective John Starnes applied to a Constitution reporter for the photograph of the spot in the pencil factory basement, where Mary Phagan's body was discovered. Starnes would not state why he wanted the picture, saying only that it would be used by the prosecution. He
Read More

You Are There: Gentry, Found by Journal, Says Notes Will Show Enough to Justify What Was Sworn To, Atlanta Journal, June 15th, 1913

Gentry, Found by Journal, Says Notes Will Show Enough to Justify What Was Sworn To The Atlanta JournalSunday, June 15, 1913 "Upon Reading My Notes Before the Court It Will Be Proven That There Is Enough of It There to Justify What Was Written and Sworn to be Me as Being Practically the Gist of What Was Said," Says Young Stenographer of Dictograph Records Transcribed by Him "I WAS ALLOWED TO READ PROOF OF WHAT WAS PUBLISHED ABOUT FELDER CONFERENCE," HE SAYS "As Far as What The Journal Published, Will Say, as Far as I Can Remember, What They Printed
Read More

You Are There: Frank Hooper Aids Phagan Prosecution, Atlanta Constitution, June 15th, 1913

Frank Hooper Aids Phagan Prosecution The Atlanta ConstitutionSunday, June 15, 1913 Solicitor General Hugh Dorsey Announces His Associate in Big Case. Just before leaving yesterday afternoon for New York, Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey announced that Attorney Frank A. Hooper would be associated with him in the prosecution growing out of the murder of Mary Phagan. Saying that Mr. Hooper was his personal choice, Dorsey also stated that Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Coleman, parents of the victim, had been consulted and had directed him to employ such counsel as he desired and that his choice of Mr. Hooper satisfied
Read More

You Are There: Solicitor H. M. Dorsey Leaves for New York, Atlanta Journal, June 14th, 1913

Solicitor H. M. Dorsey Leaves for New York The Atlanta JournalSaturday, June 14, 1913 Declares Visit Has Nothing to Do With Phagan Case, Which Is Complete Hugh M. Dorsey, solcilictor general of the Atlanta circuit, left Atlanta for New York and Atlantic City on Saturday afternoon at 2:45 o'clock. Mr. Dorsey states that he will be away from the city for a week, and is going simply to get a needed rest, and vacation from the duties of his office. He denies that his visit to New York has anything to do with the case against Leo M. Frank, who
Read More

You Are There: State Takes Advantage of Points Known, Atlanta Georgian, June 14th, 1913

State Takes Advantage of Points Known The Atlanta GeorgianSaturday, June 14, 1913 With certain of the strong defenses of Leo M. Frank exposed by the preliminary battle over the custody of the negro Conley, the prosecution in the Phagan murder mystery went to work on the case to-day with its first definite idea of the sort of a stronghold it must assault. It was assured that the accused man's lawyers would not rest with fighting suspicion away from Frank, but would seek to fasten the guilt so firmly upon Conley that Frank not only would be acquitted, but that he
Read More

You Are There: Conley Released, Then Rearrested, Atlanta Constitution, June 14th, 1913

Conley Released, Then Rearrested The Atlanta ConstitutionSaturday, June 14, 1913 After a short hearing in his chambers yesterday Judge L. S. Roan, of the superior court, revoked his former order holding James Conley, the negro sweeper, as a material witness in the Phagan case, and ordered his release from the custody of the state. The negro was immediately rearrested and held by city detectives on a charge of suspicion. By this the detective department and Solicitor Hugh Dorsey won their first point, as had the negro been ordered held by the state, he would have been transferred to the Tower
Read More

You Are There: Solicitor H. M. Dorsey Wins in First Clash; L. Z. Rosser Declares Procedure a Farce, Atlanta Journal, June 13th, 1913

Solicitor H. M. Dorsey Wins in First Clash; L. Z. Rosser Declares Procedure a Farce Atlanta JournalFriday, June 13th, 1913 Conley is Prisoner of City Detectives, Not of State, Now Conley Says His Attorney Believes Idea of Transfer Originated With Friends of Frank, to Harm Him JUSTICE WARRANT MAY ROB DORSEY OF VICTORY As Negro Is Held Simply on Suspicion, Any Citizen Might Secure Transfer to Tower on J. P. Warrant James Conley, the negro sweeper, passed from the custody of the superior court Friday morning, and Solicitor General Dorsey won the first legal point in the prosecution of Leo
Read More

You Are There: Judge Roan to Decide Conley’s Jail Fate, Atlanta Georgian, June 13th, 1913

Judge Roan to Decide Conley's Jail Fate Atlanta GeorgianFriday, June 13th, 1913 Chief of Detectives Lanford Receives No Order to Take the Negro Sweeper to Court. A more explicit accusation of murder against Jim Conley, negro sweeper at the National Pencil Factory, than has yet been made since his name has been connected with the Phagan mystery, was expected Friday morning when Luther Z. Rosser, attorney for Leo Frank, was to appear before Judge L. S. Roan to combat Solicitor Dorsey's move to keep Conley at the police station and away from the tower. The probability that Conley, accuser, and
Read More

You Are There: Negro Conley May Face Frank Today, Atlanta Constitution, June 13th, 1913

Negro Conley May Face Frank Today The Atlanta ConstitutionJune 13, 1913 Hearing Before Judge Roan Today Will Decide Whether Negro Will Be Sent to Tower. Whether James Conley, the negro sweeper, who swears that Leo Frank got his aid in disposing of Mary Phagan's body and made him write the notes found near her, will be held as a material witness in the county jail or turned free and re-arrested by detectives as a suspect and then kept at police station, is due to be decided at 10 o'clock on the hearing of the rule nisi before Judge L. S.
Read More

You Are There: Court’s Order May Result in Meeting of Negro and Frank, Atlanta Journal, June 12th, 1913

Court's Order May Result in Meeting of Negro and Frank Atlanta JournalThursday, June 12th, 1913 Jim Conley, Negro Sweeper, Accusing Witness in Phagan Case, Sure to Appear Before Judge Roan Friday A. M. STATE MAY DEMAND THAT FRANK APPEAR THERE TOO Through Judge's Order, Defense Gets Chance to Quiz Negro—State Then May Force Long-Sought Meeting The probability that Leo M. Frank, accused of the murder of Mary Phagan, and Jim Conley, negro witness against him, may face each other Friday, developed Thursday morning from the acute situation which arose Wednesday when Judge L. S. Roan issued a rule niel calling
Read More

You Are There: Face Conley and Frank, Lanford Urges, Atlanta Georgian, June 12th, 1913

Face Conley and Frank, Lanford Urges The Atlanta GeorgianThursday, June 12, 1913 Detective Chief Ready to Have Accuser Confront Prisoner Before Grand Jury. New sensations are expected in the Phagan mystery Friday morning when the petition of Solicitor Dorsey for the revocation of the order holding James Conley as a material witness is heard before Judge L. S. Roan. Luther Z. Rosser, attorney for Leo Frank, will be afforded his first opportunity formally to present his reasons for the holding of James Conley, not only as a material witness in the baffling murder mystery, but as an actual suspect. While
Read More

You Are There: Grand Jury Will Probe Affidavits About Dictagraph, Atlanta Constitution, June 12th, 1913

Grand Jury Will Probe Affidavits About Dictagraph The Atlanta ConstitutionJune 12, 1913 Investigation of Charges and Counter Charges Will Begin at Early Date and Will Be Exhaustive One. LANFORD SAYS GENTRY WILL DENY AFFIDAVIT Affidavit Is Made Declaring Dictagraph Instrument Was Secured by Chief Lanford For Use in Phagan Case. Following close on the heels of the publication of the George M. Gentry affidavit, in which the young stenographer states that his typewritten report of the dictagraph conversation was padded, and says that he left town after he had discovered that he had fallen in with a "crowd of crooks,"
Read More

You Are There: Grand Jury Will Probe Affidavits About Dictagraph, Atlanta Journal, June 11th, 1913

Grand Jury Will Probe Affidavits About Dictagraph The Atlanta ConstitutionJune 12, 1913 Investigation of Charges and Counter Charges Will Begin at Early Date and Will Be Exhaustive One. LANFORD SAYS GENTRY WILL DENY AFFIDAVIT Affidavit Is Made Declaring Dictagraph Instrument Was Secured by Chief Lanford For Use in Phagan Case. Following close on the heels of the publication of the George M. Gentry affidavit, in which the young stenographer states that his typewritten report of the dictagraph conversation was padded, and says that he left town after he had discovered that he had fallen in with a "crowd of crooks,"
Read More

You Are There: Police Hold Conley By Court’s Order, Atlanta Georgian, June 11th, 1913

Police Hold Conley By Court's Order Atlanta GeorgianWednesday, June 11th, 1913 Judge Roan Gives Suspect Chance to Show Why He Should Not Be Released. The Phagan case took a queer turn Wednesday afternoon when Judge Roan, apparently stirred by Luther Z. Rosser's araignment of the way Jim Conley has been "petted" by the police, issued notice to suspects in the mystery that they will be given opportunity Friday to show cause why the negro should not be released from custody as a suspect. However, the move is strictly legal in character, Conley, through his attorney, W. M. Smith, having signed
Read More

You Are There: Dictograph Records Crooked, Says Gentry, Atlanta Constitution, June 11th, 1913

Dictograph Records Crooked, Says Gentry The Atlanta ConstitutionJune 11, 1913 NOTEBOOK WILL PROVE REPORTS WERE ‘PADDED,' HE SAYS IN AFFIDAVIT Young Stenographer, Who Made the Report of the Conversation in Room No. 31 Williams House, Voluntarily Makes Statement Before a Notary Public in the City of Washington D. C., Where He Is Employed. ASSERTS THAT HE LEFT ATLANTA WHEN INFORMED OVER TELEPHONE HE MIGHT BE PUT UNDER ARREST Swears That A. S. Colyar Has Made Effort to Purchase His Original Notes, Which Are Now in Possession of His Brotheró"Grand Jury Should Make an Investigation" Declares Mayor James G. Woodward. The
Read More

You Are There: Luther Z. Rosser, Attorney for Frank, Trains His Guns on City Detective Chief, Atlanta Journal, June 10th, 1913

Luther Z. Rosser, Attorney for Frank, Trains His Guns on City Detective Chief The Atlanta JournalTuesday, June 10, 1913 SAYS CHIEF LANFORD IS NOT SEEKING FOR TRUTH OF MURDER He Charges That the Detective Chief Has Banked His Sense and Reputation on Proving Frank Guilty "WHY HASN'T CONLEY BEEN BEFORE JURY?" Attorney Declares Evidence All Points to Negro—Says Felder-Lanford Controversy Unfair to His Client Luther Z. Rosser, chief counsel for Leo M. Frank, the pencil factory superintendent, who is under indictment for the murder of Mary Phagan, Tuesday afternoon broke his persistent silence regarding the case and gave out a
Read More

You Are There: Eyewitness to Phagan Slaying Sought, Atlanta Georgian, June 10th, 1913

Eyewitness to Phagan Slaying Sought Atlanta GeorgianTuesday, June 10th, 1913 Story That Companion of Conley Saw Him Strike Down Girl Opens New Clews. Jim Conley, whose sensational story has made him an accessory after the fact in the murder of Mary Phagan, is sticking closely to the details he unfolded in his remarkable affidavit, according to his attorney, William M. Smith. Mr. Smith said Tuesday morning that Conley has varied in no essential particular from the original tale of his part in the disposal of the body of the strangled girl, under the direction of Leo Frank. To Mr. Smith
Read More

You Are There: Leo Frank Reported Ready for His Trial, Atlanta Constitution, June 10th, 1913

Leo Frank Reported Ready for His Trial Atlanta ConstitutionTuesday, June 10, 1913 Many Witnesses Are Being Examined Every Day by Attorneys for the Defense That counsel for Leo Frank is ready for trial was freely reported over the city Monday. Attorney Luther Z. Rosser, his lawyer, when asked regarding this report, gave the reply that has been characteristic of his attitude during the Phagan case. "I have nothing to say." He would in nowise commit himself. It is understood, however, that Mr. Rosser has informed friends that the defense is ready and that there will be no delay in putting
Read More

You Are There: Defense to Make Next Move in Phagan Case, Atlanta Journal, June 9th, 1913

Defense to Make Next Move in Phagan Case Atlanta JournalMonday, June 9th, 1913 Apparently Prosecuting Officials Consider Their Investigation Complete Chief of Detectives Lanford has announced that Jim Conley, the negro sweeper, who is the state's principal witness in the case against Leo M. Frank, indicted for the murder of Mary Phagan, will not be cross-examined again unless he voluntarily sends for the officers to make a statement. It is known that no developments have changed the theory of the prosecuting authorities, and it is apparent from the remark of Chief Lanford and other statements that the officials consider the
Read More

You Are There: Foreman Tells Why He Holds Conley Guilty, Atlanta Georgian, June 9th, 1913

Foreman Tells Why He Holds Conley Guilty Atlanta GeorgianMonday, June 9th, 1913 R. P. Barrett, in Letter to Georgian, Gives Reasons for Suspecting Negro of Crime. R. P. Barrett, foreman of the metal department at the National Pencil Factory, in a letter to The Georgian Monday, gives his reasons for believing that Jim Conley, negro sweeper at the plant, attacked and strangled Mary Phagan. It was Barrett who found the strands of hair on the lathing machine in his department. This is supposed to be where the girl was thrown against the machine in her struggles. Later Barrett testified positively
Read More

You Are There: Solicitor Makes No Reply to Mrs. Frank, Atlanta Journal, June 8th, 1913

Solicitor Makes No Reply to Mrs. Frank Atlanta JournalSunday, June 8, 1913 Hugh M. Dorsey Has No Comment to Make on Mrs. Frank's Letter Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey has declined to make any answer to the published statement of Mrs. Leo M. Frank, charging him with allowing the use of "torture" to force people to make false statements against her husband, who is charged by a grand jury indictment with the murder of Mary Phagan. In her statement, Mrs. Frank flayed the solicitor general, charging that it is evident from his card that he believes that he is perfectly
Read More

You Are There: Fair Play Alone Can Find Truth in Phagan Puzzle, Declares Old Reporter, Atlanta Georgian, June 8th, 1913

Fair Play Alone Can Find Truth in Phagan Puzzle, Declares Old Reporter Atlanta GeorgianSunday, June 8th, 1913 Average Atlantan Believes Frank is Guilty, but That Little Real Evidence Has Yet Pointed to Him as Slayer. Stirring Defense by Wife and Attack on Solicitor Dorsey Are Two Striking Features of Week's Progress in Case. by AN OLD POLICE REPORTER. I have thought a good deal during the past week about a fine young newspaper man I used to know some fifteen years ago, and particularly of the last thing he said to me before he died. He was a Georgian, too.
Read More

You Are There: Lanford Answers Felder’s Charge, Atlanta Constitution, June 8th, 1913

Lanford Answers Felder's Charge Atlanta ConstitutionSunday, June 8, 1913 Declares That He Has Never Seen Gentry But Once in His Life. "Tom Felder is a contemptible liar," blazed Chief Lanford last night when informed of the contents of Colonel Felder's letter directed to him through The Constitution. "I never saw this Gentry but once in my life, and that was before this dictagraph exposure ever happened. I have never seen him since. "Gentry telephoned police headquarters Saturday, a week ago, however, and asked for Febuary, my secretary. Febuary happened not to be in at the time. I answered the telephone.
Read More

You Are There: “Torture Chamber” Methods Charged in Getting Evidence, Atlanta Journal, June 7th, 1913

"Torture Chamber" Methods Charged in Getting Evidence Atlanta JournalSaturday, June 7th, 1913 In Card to The Journal, Wife of Factory Superintendent Declares Solicitor Dorsey Has Approved Third Degree "WE ARE SUFFERING NOW, BUT WHO WILL BE NEXT?" Her Statement in Full—Conley Will Not Be Indicted as Accessory, but if Frank is Acquitted, He Will Be Tried Mrs. Leo M. Frank, wife of the indicted pencil factory superintendent, Saturday afternoon sent The Journal a second statement in which she renews her charge that Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey and the city detectives are obtaining evidence in the Phagan murder case by
Read More

You Are There: Defense Digs Deep to Show Conley is Phagan Girl Slayer, Atlanta Georgian, June 7th, 1913

Defense Digs Deep to Show Conley is Phagan Girl Slayer Atlanta GeorgianSaturday, June 7th, 1913 Getting New Evidence to Show Negro Was Located in Factory—Theory Explains Mystery of Staple Pulled From Back Door of Basement. The defense of Leo Frank against the charge of murdering Mary Phagan will be more than a mere attempt to clear Frank's skirts of the crime. It will seek directly to fix upon James Conley, negro, full and complete responsibility for the crime. Despite the secretiveness and the silence of Frank's attorneys, it has been ascertained with a reasonable degree of authority that the foregoing
Read More

You Are There: Current in Effect on Day of Tragedy, Atlanta Constitution, June 7th, 1913

Current in Effect on Day of Tragedy Atlanta ConstitutionSaturday, June 7th, 1913 Report That Elevator in Pencil Factory Was Not Running Proves Groundless. Following a widely-prevalent rumor that Leo Frank's defense will strive to prove that the current was shut off from the pencil factory plant on the day Mary Phagan was slain, and that, for this reason, James Conley could not have lowered the girl's body to the basement on the electrically-driven elevator as he claims in his confession, it was established conclusively last night that the Georgia Railway and Power company's electric service was in effect on the
Read More

You Are There: Conley Sticks to His Story; Declares Detective Chief, Atlanta Journal, June 6th, 1913

Conley Sticks to His Story; Declares Detective Chief Atlanta JournalFriday, June 6th 1913 Report of a Confession, Different From One Given to the Detectives, Is Ridiculed by Chief Lanford DORSEY MAKES REPLY TO MRS. L. M. FRANK No More News of Phagan Case to Be Given to Newspapers Except Through Head of Detectives Chief of Detectives Newport A. Lanford gave out a statement Friday morning in which he characterized as absurd the rumor that James Conley, the negro pencil factory sweeper, had ever made any confessions other than those contained in the affidavits given the detectives. The chief stated that
Read More

You Are There: Report Negro Found Who Saw Phagan Attack, Atlanta Georgian, June 6th, 1913

Report Negro Found Who Saw Phagan Attack Atlanta GeorgianFriday, June 6th, 1913 St. Louis, June 6.—That a negro, who is alleged to have said he witnessed the murder of Mary Phagan in Atlanta, is under arrest in Cairo, Ill., and is about to be returned to Atlanta by a Pinkerton detective, was the information brought into St. Louis today by a passenger who declared he overheard a conversation betwene the detective and an attorney in the case who were on the train en route to Cairo. According to the passenger, the negro has admitted that he was in Atlanta with
Read More

You Are There: Dorsey Replies to the Charges of Mrs. L. Frank, Atlanta Constitution, June 6th, 1913

Dorsey Replies to the Charges of Mrs. L. Frank Atlanta ConstitutionFriday, June 6th, 1913 Says the Wife of an Accused Man Would Be the Last to Learn of Her Husband's Guilt. MRS. FRANK BITTER IN HER CRITICISM Detective Department Not at All Disturbed Over Denial of the McKnight Woman That She Signed Affidavit. The wife of a man accused of crime would probably be the last person to learn all of the facts establishing her husband's guilt, and certainly would be the last person to admit his culpability, even though it be proved by overwhelming evidence. Perhaps the most unpleasant
Read More

You Are There: “My Husband is Innocent,” Declares Mrs. Leo M. Frank In First Public Statement, Atlanta Journal, June 5th, 1913

"My Husband is Innocent," Declares Mrs. Leo M. Frank In First Public Statement Atlanta JournalThursday, June 5th, 1913 Wife of Accused Penil Factory Superintendent Arraigns Solicitor General Dorsey for What She Terms the Torturing of Witnesses Into Making Desired Affidavits—Says Treatment of Her Negro Cook by Solicitor and Detectives Taxed Patience DECLARES MR. FRANK'S DEMEANOR HAS ALWAYS BEEN THAT OF AN INNOCENT MAN Says Many Slanders Have Been Circulated Concerning the Alleged Unhappy Married Life of Herself and Her Husband—"He Could Not Have Been the Good Husband He Has Been to Me if He Were a Criminal," Asserts Mrs. Frank
Read More

You Are There: Cook Repudiates Entire Affidavit Police Possess, Atlanta Georgian, June 5th, 1913

Cook Repudiates Entire Affidavit Police Possess Atlanta GeorgianThursday, June 5th, 1913 Utter repudiation of the affidavits which she was alleged to have sworn to incriminating conversations in the home of Leo M. Frank, indicted for the slaying of Mary Phagan, was made Thursday by Minola McKnight, negro cook for the accused factory superintendent and his wife's parents. The woman denies absolutely every statement attributed to her by the police, and denies that she even signed the paper made public by the police. The Georgian presented the McKnight affidavit to its readers with the distinct admonition that it must not be
Read More

You Are There: Frank Wanted Gun to Take His Life, Says Negro Cook, Atlanta Constitution, June 5th, 1913

Frank Wanted Gun to Take His Life, Says Negro Cook Atlanta ConstitutionThursday, June 5th, 1913 Sensational Affidavit Made for the Police by Minola McKnight, Servant in Leo Frank's Home. Fully as startling as the recent confession of James Conley, an affidavit purporting to have been sworn to by Minola McKnight, the servant girl of the Frank household, was given out to the newspapers yesterday afternoon by Chief Lanford. The detectives assert it is the "final straw" in the mass of evidence they boast of having accumulated. Attesting to a statement that Frank was nervous and excited on the tragedy night,
Read More

You Are There: Sensational Affidavit Made by Minola M’Knight, Negro Cook at Home of L. M. Frank, Atlanta Journal, June 4th, 1913

Sensational Affidavit Made by Minola M'Knight, Negro Cook at Home of L. M. Frank Atlanta JournalWednesday, June 4th, 1913 In This Affidavit Minola Tells of Conversation That Occurred Between Mrs. Frank and Mrs. Selig, In Which Mrs. Frank Is Alleged to Have Said Frank Was Drinking on Night of Tragedy, and That He Wanted a Pistol to Kill Himself MRS. FRANK SAID, SO NEGRO COOK SWEARS, THAT FRANK MADE HER SLEEP ON THE FLOOR THAT NIGHT Negro Says Further That Frank Came Home at 1:30 o'Clock on Fatal Saturday, but Remained Only About Ten Minutes, and That He Left Without
Read More

You Are There: Frank’s Cook Was Counted Upon as Defense Witness, Atlanta Georgian, June 4th, 1913

Frank's Cook Was Counted Upon as Defense Witness Atlanta GeorgianWednesday, June 4th, 1913 While police activities have been turned to this line of investigation, the negro sweeper, Jim Conley, has been given a rest. Chief of Detectives Lanford stated that the negro would be quizzed no more. Cook Counted on by Defense. "If he has not told the whole truth," said the Chief, "he will send for me within the next few days, I believe." The cook is one of the five witnesses upon whom the defense has relied to prove that Frank returned home for luncheon at 1:20 o'clock
Read More

You Are There: Servant of Frank is Liberated After Long Examination, Atlanta Constitution, June 4th, 1913

Servant of Frank is Liberated After Long Examination Atlanta ConstitutionWednesday, June 4th, 1913 Despite Gruelling Third Degree, Woman Maintains Denial of Having Told Conflicting Stories. FACED BY HUSBAND, SHE CONTRADICTS HIM Her Release Came After Her Attorney Had Threatened to Take Out Habeas Corpus Proceedings. Minola McKnight, the servant girl held in the Mary Phagan case, was given her freedom early last night, and left police headquarters for her home on Pulliam street. She was not liberated, however, until the detectives had obtained her signature to an affidavit telling what she knew of Frank's actions the day of the murder.
Read More

You Are There: Attorney Retained for Negro Servant at Frank’s Home, Atlanta Journal, June 3rd, 1913

Attorney Retained for Negro Servant at Frank's Home Atlanta JournalTuesday, June 3rd, 1913 George Gordon Represents Minola McKnight as Attorney and May Seek Habeas Corpus During Afternoon NEGRESS DECLARES HER HUSBAND HAS LIED She Swears Leo M. Frank Was at Home at Time He Testified Before the Coroner's Inquest It became known Tuesday morning that Attorney George Gordon had been retained to represent Minola McKnight, the negro cook employed by Mr. and Mrs. Emil Selig, parents-in-law of Leo M. Frank, held for the murder of Mary Phagan. Who employed the lawyer could not be learned, but the fact remains that
Read More

You Are There: Bitter Fight Certain in Trial of Frank, Atlanta Georgian, June 3rd, 1913

Bitter Fight Certain in Trial of Frank Atlanta GeorgianTuesday, June 3rd, 1913 Defense Prepares to Show Glaring Discrepancies in Affidavit of James Conley. "Developments of a startling nature may be expected from day to day in the Phagan case," said Chief of Detectives Lanford Tuesday morning. "They may be expected right up to the date that the trial of Leo Frank begins. "That we feel we practically have a conclusive case against the factory superintendent does not mean that we are resting in our labors to the slightest extent. We are a little more at rest in our minds, that
Read More

You Are There: Frank’s Defense is Outlined, Atlanta Journal, June 2nd, 1913

Frank's Defense is Outlined Atlanta JournalMonday, June 2nd, 1913 Mary Phagan Met Death on First Floor, Is Claim Defense Will Endeavor to Show That Conley Struck Her in Head and Threw Her Down Elevator Shaft ELEVATOR WAS NOT MOVED APRIL 26, IT IS CONTENDED Blood Spots on Second Floor Explained by Fact That Employes Frequently Cut Fingers—Theory in Detail From apparently reliable authority it was learned Monday that the theory to be advanced in defense of Leo M. Frank, the pencil factory superintendent, who has been indicted for the murder of Mary Phagan, will be that James Conley, the negro
Read More

You Are There: Conley’s Statement Analyzed From Two Different Angles, Atlanta Journal, June 1st, 1913

At the top is a photograph of the note written by James Conley, the negro sweeper, at the factory Friday afternoon after he had pantomimed his part in the murder of Mary Phagan. He wrote from memory and without prompting. At the bottom is a portion of one of the notes found by the dead girl's body and which Conley admits he wrote. Conley's Statement Analyzed From Two Different Angles Atlanta JournalSunday, June 1st, 1913 The Weak Points in the Negro's Story Are Shown in One Analysis and the Points That Would Seem to Add to Its Reasonableness Are Weighed
Read More

You Are There: Conley is Removed from Fulton Tower at His Own Request, Atlanta Constitution, June 1st, 1913

Conley is Removed from Fulton Tower at His Own Request Atlanta ConstitutionSunday, June 1st, 1913 Friends of Leo Frank Have Tried to Intimidate Him, Negro Sweeper Tells Detective Chief as Reason for His Transfer to the Police Station. LANFORD RAPS SHERIFF DECLARING HE IS NOT ASSISTING THE POLICE "He Appears to Be Placing Obstacles in Our Way," Asserts Chief, in Speaking of Attempts to Interview the Suspected Superintendent. Mangum Denies Intimidation Attempts. Chief of Detectives Newport Lanford is authority for the statement that James Conley, the negro floor sweeper of the National Pencil factory, who, in his latest affidavit, has
Read More

You Are There: Mary Phagan’s Murder Was Work of a Negro Declares Leo M. Frank, Atlanta Constitution, May 31st, 1913

Mary Phagan's Murder Was Work of a Negro Declares Leo M. Frank Atlanta ConstitutionSaturday, May 31st, 1913 "No Man With Common Sense Would Even Suspect That I Did It," Prisoner in Fulton Tower Tells Attache. "It's a Negro's Crime Through and Through." Asserts His Innocence to Turnkeys and to Fellow Prisoners. "IT'S UP TO MR. FRANK TO TELL THE TRUTH," ASSERTS JAMES CONLEY "I Believe He'd Let ‘Em Hang Me to Get Out of It Himself if He Had the Chance," Says Negro Sweeper—Chief Lanford Is Pleased With Work of Department and Ready for the Case to Come to Trial
Read More

You Are There: Negro Conley Now Says He Helped to Carry Away Body, Atlanta Georgian, May 30th, 1913

Negro Conley Now Says He Helped to Carry Away Body Atlanta GeorgianFriday, May 30th, 1913 Chief of Detectives Lanford admitted Friday morning that Jim Conley, under the rack of the third degree, had made the astounding confession that he had assisted Leo M. Frank in disposing of the body of the murdered Mary Phagan. His new statement is believed to contain even more startling admissions than have not yet been made public. If the negro sweeper is to be believed after his long series of deceits and lies, this forms the most damaging evidence that has been brought against Frank
Read More

You Are There: Evidence Against Frank Conclusive, Say Police, Atlanta Georgian, May 26th, 1913

Evidence Against Frank Conclusive, Say Police Atlanta GeorgianMonday, May 26th, 1913 Chief of Detectives Newport Lanford Monday announced that the mystery of the Mary Phagan tragedy is solved, as nearly as is possible without the absolute, direct testimony of eyewitnesses, and expressed himself as perfectly satisfied with the evidence now in hand. Accompanying this statement comes the authoritative announcement that the great strangling crime will be placed on Leo M. Frank, now under indictment on the charge of murder, and that Newt Lee, the suspected negro night watchman of the National Pencil Factory, will not be indicted. Lee will be
Read More

You Are There: Frank is Guilty, Says Pinkerton, Atlanta Constitution, May 26th, 1913

Frank is Guilty, Says Pinkerton Atlanta ConstitutionMonday, May 26th, 1913 Sufficient Evidence Found to Convict Him, Declares Man Hired by the National Pencil Company. Announcing that he had secured evidence sufficient to convict his employer Harry Scott, assistant superintendent of the Pinkertons, who has been retained by the National Pencil company since the second day of the Phagan tragedy, said to a reporter for The Constitution Sunday night that it was his intention to help prosecute the suspected superintendent. Scott has been in command of the Pinkerton forces working on the investigation. His employment came about in answer to a
Read More

You Are There: Detectives Eliminate Evidence in Conflict with Theory that Phagan Girl Never Left Factory, Atlanta Journal, May 1st, 1913

The big picture in the center shows the head of the detective department, Chief Newport A. Lanford. To his left is John R. Black, city detective, who was largely instrumental in convicting the Druid Hills murderers. On the extreme left at the top is Detective Pat Campbell, and below him is J. N. Starnes. To the right of the chief is Harry Scott, of the Pinkertons, who are working on the mystery. The top picture at the extreme right is City Detective S. L. (Bass) Rosser, and below is Detective W. F. Bullard. Detectives Eliminate Evidence in Conflict with Theory
Read More

You Are There: State Enters Phagan Case; Frank and Lee are Taken to Tower, Atlanta Georgian, May 1st, 1913

State Enters Phagan Case; Frank and Lee are Taken to Tower Atlanta GeorgianThursday, May 1st, 1913 Watchman and Frank Go on Witness Stand This Afternoon—Dorsey, Dissatisfied, May Call Special Session of Grand Jury To-morrow. Coroner Donohuoo late to-day issued a commitment against Leo M. Frank, superintendent at the National Pencil Company, and Newt Lee, night watchman, charging them with being suspected in connection with the death of Mary Phagan and remanding them to the custody of the sheriff. They were later taken to the Tower. Arthur Mullinaux , held since Sunday, was released. Frank's commitment read as follows: To Jailor:
Read More

You Are There: Frank Tried to Flirt With Murdered Girl Says Her Boy Chum, Atlanta Constitution, May 1st, 1913

Frank Tried to Flirt With Murdered Girl Says Her Boy Chum At the left top is Detective Black, of the city, and at the right Detective Scott, of the Pinkertons. Below is a scene of the inquest. At the bottom is a sketch by Henderson of the negro, Newt Lee, whose straightforward story at the inquest has tended to lift suspicion from him. Atlanta ConstitutionThursday, May 1st 1913 Mary Phagan Was Growing Afraid of Advances Made to Her by Superintendent of the Factory, George W. Epps, 15 Years Old, Tells the Coroner's Jury. BOY HAD ENGAGEMENT TO MEET HER SATURDAY BUT
Read More

You Are There: Judge Roan Reverses Decision on Conley Testimony, Atlanta Journal, August 6th, 1913

Judge Roan Reverses Decision on Conley Testimony Atlanta JournalAugust 6th, 1913 Conley's Whole Testimony Will Be Allowed to Stay in Record of Frank Case State Ready With Corroborating Witnesses, if Evidence Is Held to Be Admissible—Jim Conley Adds New and Sensational Feature to His Testimony, Declaring He Saw Frank Place Mary Phagan's Pocketbook in the Factory Safe SOLICITOR DORSEY APPLAUDED IN COURT WHEN SUSTAINED BY RECORDS AFTER DISPUTE WITH ROSSER Those Responsible for Applause Were Immediately Ejected From the Court Room—Dr. H. F. Harris Expected to Resume Stand During Afternoon—State Will Furnish Presentation of Its Case by Thursday but Hardly
Read More

You Are There: Lawyers on Both Sides Satisfied With Conley, Atlanta Journal, August 5th, 1913

Lawyers on Both Sides Satisfied With Conley Atlanta JournalAugust 5th, 1913 "They Haven't Shaken Him a Particle," Says Dorsey—"He Has Told About 240 Lies Already," Declares Attorney Reuben Arnold Both the state's attorneys and the counsel for Leo M. Frank Tuesday at noon expressed satisfaction with the progress of the cross-examination of James Conley, the negro sweeper. The negro had been on the stand then for more than nine hours, during eight hours of which he had undergone a strenuous grilling at the hands of Attorney L. Z. Rosser. "They have not shaken him a particle," declared Solicitor Dorsey, "and
Read More

You Are There: Conley, Taken to Factory, Shows Where Girl Was Found. How They Put Body in Basement, Atlanta Journal, May 30th, 1913

  Conley, Taken to Factory, Shows Where Girl Was Found. How They Put Body in Basement Atlanta Journal Friday, May 30th, 1913 Gruesome Part Played By Him Illustrated In Presence of Detectives, Factory Officials and Newspaper Men, the Negro Goes Over Every Point of His Statement From the Time Frank is Alleged to Have Directed Him to the Metal Room Until Girl's Body Was Left in the Basement "MR. FRANK AND HIS FRIENDS HAVE FORSAKEN ME AND I DECIDED TO TELL THE WHOLE TRUTH," HE DECLARES He Says His Statement Is Voluntary, That He Has Not Been Browbeaten Nor Mistreated
Read More

You Are There: But One Thing is Proved in Mary Phagan Mystery, Atlanta Constitution, May 30th, 1913

But One Thing is Proved in Mary Phagan Mystery Atlanta ConstitutionFriday, May 30th, 1913 Amid the warp of falsehood and the woof of conjecture, one thing stands out like a scarlet thread in the Mary Phagan murder mystery—for mystery it still is and still will be until a jury of twelve men fixes the guilt on some man or men. That one thing—startling in its vivid contrast to the murky maze of contradictions—is the fact that James Conley, the negro sweeper employed at the National Pencil factory, wrote the notes which were found beside the mutilated and lifeless body of
Read More

You Are There: A. S. Colyar Released From Bond on Thursday, Atlanta Journal, May 29th, 1913

A. S. Colyar Released From Bond on Thursday Atlanta JournalThursday, May 29th, 1913 Tennessee Authorities Failed to Forward Requisition Papers on Date Agreed A. S. Colyar, the Tennessean, who figured conspicuously in the recent dictograph sensation involving bribery charges and countercharges of graft between Colonel Thomas B. Felder, Mayor Woodward and others, on the one hand and Chief of Police Beavers and Chief of Detectives aLnford , on the other was released from his bond Thursday at 2 p. m. by Chief Beavers. Colyar's name jumped into the news when the dictograph matter became public and the following day there
Read More

You Are There: Negro Conley’s Affidavit Lays Bare Slaying, Atlanta Georgian, May 29th, 1913

Negro Conley's Affidavit Lays Bare Slaying Atlanta GeorgianThursday, May 29th, 1913 Swears Frank Told Him Girl Had Hit Her Head Against Something. The Georgian in it second Extra published exclusively the first REAL confession of James Conley, the negro sweeper at the National Pencil Factory, regarding the part he played in the Mary Phagan mystery. The Georgian has dealt in no haphazard guesses as to the negro Conley's testimony to the police and in giving prominence to his statements desires to say that it must not be taken as final until it is examined at the trial of Frank. Atlanta,
Read More

You Are There: “Lanford is the Controlling Genius of Conspiracy to Protect the Murderer of Little Mary Phagan”, Atlanta Journal, May 25th, 1913

"Lanford is the Controlling Genius of Conspiracy to Protect the Murderer of Little Mary Phagan" Atlanta JournalSunday, May 25th, 1913 So Declares Colonel Thomas B. Felder in Scathing Arraignment of Chief of Detectives and Those Assisting Him. Says Lanford and the Pinkerton Detectives Are Doing All They Can to Hamper the Phagan Investigation — Refers to Lanford as the "Lieutenant Becker" of the Department CHARGES A. S. COLYAR WITH BEING A SELF-CONFESSED FORGER AND BLACKMAILER Colonel Felder Says He Met Colyar Two and a Half Years Ago. During His Controversy With Governor Blease, and That Colyar Palmed Off Forged Affidavits
Read More

You Are There: I’ll Indict Gang, Says Beavers, Atlanta Georgian, May 25th, 1913

I'll Indict Gang, Says Beavers Atlanta GeorgianSunday, May 25th, 1913 Declares He Will Die Fighting ‘Foes of Reform' Felder Denies Bribe Charges and Scores Police Chief Sees Conspiracy to Overthrow His Rule and Calls Felder Leader in the Plot Chief of Police James L. Beavers Saturday night gave to The Sunday American a sensational statement in reply to Colonel T. B. Felder's accusations against him and the police department, and declared that he would go before the Grand Jury, and seek to indict Felder and all others implicated in the "conspiracy" against him. He made it very plain that if
Read More

You Are There: Frank the Guilty Man, Declares Chief Lanford, Atlanta Constitution, May 25th, 1913

Frank the Guilty Man, Declares Chief Lanford Atlanta ConstitutionSunday, May 25th, 1913 "Frank will be convicted. He is the guilty man, and we will show it beyond a doubt. Evidence that we hold but will not reveal will startle those who believe his innocence into conviction of his guilt. It will not be disclosed until the trial. "I have been confident throughout the investigation of his guilt. I am satisfied now. Colonel Felder's charges that we have shielded Frank can find no substantiation. The evidence we have unearthed is proof to the contrary. "The detectives of police headquarters have solved
Read More

You Are There: Negro Sweeper Tells Officer Frank Asked Him to Write Some Notes Day Before Tragedy, Atlanta Journal, May 24th, 1913

Negro Sweeper Tells Officer Frank Asked Him to Write Some Notes Day Before Tragedy Atlanta JournalSaturday, May 24th, 1913 He Thinks These Notes Are the Same as Those Found by the Body of the Murdered Girl, but Had Not Seen the Original Notes When He Made His Sensational Statement to the Detectives Saturday Morning NEGRO STUCK TO HIS STORY THROUGH GRUELLING EXAMINATION IN SOLICITOR'S OFFICE SATURDAY Conley Voluntarily Sent for Detectives to Make His Statement, It Is Declared — He Told the Detectives That He Wanted to Confess the Whole Truth, That Frank Called Him Into His Office and Told
Read More

You Are There: Dictograph Record Alleged Bribe Offer, Atlanta Georgian, May 24th, 1913

Dictograph Record Alleged Bribe Offer Atlanta GeorgianSaturday , May 24th, 1913 Here follows, in part, the alleged dictograph record of the conversation that took place in a room in the Williams House Wednesday afternoon between Colonel Thomas B. Felder, G. C. Febuary and A. S. Colyar. Febuary: Let me understand you. You want this Coleman afdavit and all other Phagan afdavits that I can get hold of. Felder: Yes. Colyar told me that he was to have the evidence that would get those two chiefs out of commission, the Phagan papers and the Coleman afdavit. Now what have you got? Febuary:
Read More

You Are There: Frank Not Home Hours on Saturday Declares Lanford, Atlanta Constitution, May 24th, 1913

Frank Not Home Hours on Saturday Declares Lanford Atlanta ConstitutionSaturday, May 24th, 1913 On Night of Murder Prisoner Was Not at Residence, as He Says He Was, States Head of Detective Dept WITNESSES WILL SWEAR TO THIS, HE ASSERTS Leo Frank Swore at Coroner's Inquest That He Reached Home at 7:30 O'Clock and Did Not Leave House "I can prove that Frank was not at home during the hours of Saturday night, the night of the murder that he claimed he was. I will have witnesses to swear to this." Such was the startling statement by Chief of Detectives Newport
Read More

You Are There: Best Detective in America Now is on Case, Says Dorsey, Atlanta Georgian, May 9th, 1913

Best Detective in America Now is on Case, Says Dorsey Miss Nellie Pettis, at top, who testified against Frank at the inquest. At the bottom, Mrs. Lillie Pettis, her sister-in-law, former employee at the pencil factory. Atlanta GeorgianFriday, May 9th, 1913 Solicitor Dorsey Says He Has Secured Powerful Aid in Search for Slayer of Girl—Woman Says She Heard Screams in Pencil Factory. Shelby Smith, chairman of the Fulton commission, declared Friday afternoon that the board would back Solicitor Dorsey in any and all expense he might incur in the state's exhaustive investigation into the Phagan murder mystery. Smith said; "We
Read More

You Are There: Phagan Inquest in Session; Six Witnesses are Examined Before Adjournment to 2:30, Atlanta Journal, May 8th, 1913

Phagan Inquest in Session; Six Witnesses are Examined Before Adjournment to 2:30 Lemmie Quinn, foreman, who testified that he visited the factory and talked to Mr. Frank just after Mary Phagan is supposed to have left with her pay envelope. He was given a searching examination by the coroner Thursday, but stuck to his statement. Atlanta JournalThursday, May 8th, 1913 Lemmie Quinn, the Factory Foreman, Was Put Through a Grilling Examination, but He Steadily Maintained That He Visited the Factory Shortly After the Time Mary Phagan is Supposed to Have Left With Her Pay Envelope FRANK'S TREATMENT OF GIRLS IN
Read More

You Are There: “Boots” Rogers Tells How Body Was Found, Atlanta Georgian, May 8th, 1913

"Boots" Rogers, former county policeman who drove the police to the Pencil Factory when the first news of the Phagan slaying reached headquarters. "Boots" Rogers Tells How Body Was Found Atlanta GeorgianThursday, May 8th, 1913 W. W. Rogers was the first witness. He lives at 104 McDonough Road, and operates an automobile for himself. He said he took a party of officers to the National Pencil plant at five minutes past 3 o'clock Sunday morning, April 27. He corroborated statements of officers regarding the finding of Mary Phagan's body and the notes beside it, and of the body being face
Read More

You Are There: Frank Will Take Stand at Inquest, Atlanta Constitution, May 8th, 1913

Frank Will Take Stand at Inquest Atlanta ConstitutionThursday, May 8th, 1913 Mrs. Mattie White Tells Detectives That on Afternoon of Killing She Saw Negro in Factory. Leo M. Frank will probably be the first witness to take the stand in the Mary Phagan murder inquest to be resumed this morning at 9:30 o'clock in police headquarters. He will be examined thoroughly along lines which neither the chief of detectives, coroner nor solicitor general will disclose. He was resting comfortably at midnight, and, according to reports from the Tower in which he is imprisoned, he is in fit condition to undergo
Read More

You Are There: Two New Witnesses in Phagan Mystery to Testify Thursday, Atlanta Journal, May 7th, 1913

Two New Witnesses in Phagan Mystery to Testify Thursday Atlanta JournalWednesday, May 7th, 1913 Detectives Said to Attach Much Importance to Testimony That Two Girls Will Give When Inquest Resumes INQUEST WILL BE ENDED THURSDAY, SAYS DONEHOO Paul P. Bowen Has Been Released by Houston Officials—Chief Detective and 14 Policemen Are Discharged Two new witnesses, whom the detectives have recently located, are expected to give testimony of importance at the final session of the Phagan inquest Thursday. One of the witnesses is Miss Grace Hix, of 100 McDonough road, daughter of James E. Hix. Miss Hix worked at the same
Read More

You Are There: Solicitor Dorsey Orders Body Exhumed in the Hope of Getting New Evidence, Atlanta Georgian, May 7th, 1913

Solicitor Dorsey Orders Body Exhumed in the Hope of Getting New Evidence Atlanta GeorgianWednesday, May 7th, 1913 Inquest, To Be Resumed Thursday, Will Bring Out Important Facts Not Yet Made Public—Medical Experts To Be Called by Coroner. New mystery was added to the Mary Phagan case on Wednesday, when the authorities for some reason not yet disclosed, did not follow out the order given by Solicitor Dorsey for the exhumation of the remains. It was said by Solicitor Dorsey that he had given this order in the hope that new clews might be discovered. A difference of opinion as to
Read More

You Are There: Detective Chief Fired for Arresting Bowen as a Phagan Suspect, Atlanta Constitution, May 7th, 1913

Detective Chief Fired for Arresting Bowen as a Phagan Suspect Atlanta ConstitutionWednesday, May 7th, 1913 Former Atlantan, Who Was Taken Into Custody in Houston, Texas, Early on Monday Night, Released After an Investigation by Chief of Police Department, Who Says He Is Convinced of His Innocence. BOWEN WAS IN CHINERO ON DAY OF THE MURDER HE TELLS DETECTIVES His Father, Cal Bowen, of Newnan, Georgia, Received a Message Last Night From His Son, Declaring That He Had Been Fired — Bowen Is Well Connected in Georgia and His Friends Are Indignant Over His Arrest. Paul P. Bowen, former Atlantan, who
Read More

You Are There: How Frank Spent Day of Tragedy, Atlanta Georgian, May 6th, 1913

How Frank Spent Day of Tragedy Atlanta GeorgianTuesday, May 6th, 1913 Factory Superintendent Explains Every Hour of the Saturday Phagan Girl Was Slain. Here is told how Frank passed the whole day of the Saturday when Mary Phagan was killed. The following is taken from Frank's testimony: 7 o'clock a. m.—Arose, and dressed at home. 8—Left home for factory. 8:20—Arrived at factory. 8:50 or 9—M. D. Darley and others entered there. 10—Went over to office of Sig Montag, factory manager, on Nelson Street. 11—Went back to the factory office. 12—Stenographer and office boy left him alone in office. 12:10 p.
Read More

Top