Press: Mathis Trial

Oxford Eagle, August 21, 1902

Whit Owens On Trial
Was Granted a Change of Venue

The Holly Springs and Case Set for Next Tuesday, but Will Face a Jury Here Tomorrow for the Murder of Hamp Williams, Occurred.

The special term of the Circuit Court, called to try Whit Owens for the complicity in the murder of John A. and Hugh Montgomery, with Judge P.H. Lowery, presiding. The morning was consumed in securing the Grand and Petit jurors, and in the afternoon Stephens and Stephens, of New Albany, representing Owens, made a motion for a continuance, which was promptly over ruled, then they made a motion for a change of venue, which was argued and supported by two affidavits, and Judge Lowry granted the change and the case will be tried in Holly Springs Tuesday.

Owens was hopeful, as he saw visions of happiness as he thought, at his first victory, but these soon vanished, as the Grand Jury filed into court and announced that they had found an indictment against him for the murder of one Hamp Williams, colored, and the wounding of Walter Jones at a picnic east of town last October.

Owens’ countenance changed. He was both surprised and dismayed at this turn of affairs, and the words of hope from his wife and daughters who sat beside him, failed to change his demeanor.

At 9 o’clock Tuesday morning Owens was arraigned on the last indictment, and he pleaded not guilty. The court appointed Hon J.E. Holmes, of this city and Hon H.D. Stephens, of New Albany, to defend him. A motion was made for a continuance, which was over ruled, then another for a change of venue, which was arraigned by both State and defense until 3:30 o’clock, when Judge Lowery refused to grant the request, and ordered the attorney’s to proceed with the case. A special venire of 20 men was drawn, returnable tomorrow morning, when the case will go to trial. The prosecution is represented by District Attorney Roane, who is assisted by Hons. C.L. Siviey and M. A. Montgomery.

The Grand Jury is still in session, and have returned two other indictments.

THE GRAND JURY.

J.A. Conner, Foreman

W.W. Kimmons, W.H. Fulmer,

J.C. Hedwine, J.R. McLarty,

J.D. Hendron, L.J. Roback,

J,M. McLarty, J.J. Woodward,

W.P. Durham, W.W. Renard,

J.J. Bonds, W.F. Hill,

Robt Humphreys, B.H. Ferrell,

Walter Brummitt, J.W. Adams,

W.H. Friergon.