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From: "Sherri Hall" <>
Subject: [KYF] NEWS: Trial of W.T. Dinnes, 1921, Harlan Co.
Date: Sat, 1 Nov 2003 07:32:47 -0500

Submitted by Mary Lou Hudson
<http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00005.html#0001143>;

Middlesboro Daily News, Middlesboro, KY Jan. 29, 1921

Speedy Acquittal Of Dr. Winnes Is Predicted After Hearing Of Favorable
Evidence Of Convicts

Negroes Corroborate Statement Made On Stand by Defendant That He Was Not
rinking (drinking) on Day of Murder of Teacher.

Harlan, Jan. 29 -- Speedy acquittal of the defendant is predicted this
afternoon as the result of testimony of convicts placed on the stand by the
defense in the case of Dr. Winnes, on trial here, charged with the murder of
Miss Lura Parsons, Pine Mountain Settlement School teacher.
The convicts followed several character witnesses who testified after
court convened, and they corroborated statements made by Dr. Winnes that he
was not drinking on the day he traveled between Dillon and the Settlement
school when Miss Parsons was murdered.
While not indicating his guilt, the evidence of the convicts today is
considered damaging to Reed, the negro convict being held in connection with
the murder. Applause greeted favorable evidence for the defendant several
times this morning, and Judge Davis notified the sheriff if this continued
the courtroom should be cleared of spectators.
It is barely possible the case will be given to the jury before the first
of the week because of the dragging out of the evidence by witnesses for the
defense.

Dr. Winnes Takes Stand
With the ease of a man not disturbed by a week's ordeal of listening to
evidence of the prosecution, Dr. Winnes took the stand yesterday morning and
denied complicity in the death of Miss Persons.
The Commonwealth had closed its case with the presentation of two
witnesses. The defense asked for peremptory instructions for acquittal,
which the court overruled. There was no argument on this motion.
Dr. Winnes told of his work as state veterinarian and his trip to Dillon,
near here from which point he rode over the mountain on a mule to the Pine
Mountain Settlement school to test cattle.
"I did not notice Miss Parson on the train on the way to Dillon," he
said.

Describes Meeting with Teacher.
"When I got off the train, I saw Miss Parsons on the platform and taking
her to be a teacher by her dress, I asked her how many cattle there were at
the school."
Dr. Winnes said that he left from an hour to an hour and a half after
Miss Parsons started to walk over Pine Mountain. He related his offer to
her to rent a mule and her refusal.
Winnes said he reached the school about three o'clock.
"I recall saying to one of the teachers, I don't remember which, that I
supposed the teacher who came over ahead of me must be pretty tired,"
Winnes testified. They told me: "We haven't seen anything of a teacher."

Testimony Conflicts
" 'Well,' I said, 'she told me she was coming over, but she may have
changed her mind and gone somewhere else."
The next morning at the breakfast table, Winnes said, he was asked if he
had seen the teacher.
"I answered 'no, I probably would not know her if I saw her.' "
Winnes could not say who had asked him the question.
In the previous testimony of the commonwealth, it was said by several
witnesses that Winnes had not mentioned Miss Parsons to any one nor asked if
she had arrived.
Dr. Wines (sic) denied that he had said that anybody who walked over the
mountain "ought to fall the cliff."

Denies Use of Drugs.
He said he was with Wilson Lewis when the search for the teacher was
made, and slept at the Lewis' house. He said he asked Lewis jokingly what he
had to drink. The doctor declared he had ceased drinking after he had
entered the veterinary service of the State. He said he had never used dope.
The defense pointed out that Dr. Winnes is right handed. The wound on
Miss Parson's head was on the right side.
At 4 o'clock Dr. Winnes testimony was completed. He did not change his
previous story.
General Michael Ryan, of Cincinnati, Abator Company, was placed on the
stand next. He is 75 years old, an old armyman, and very positive in his
testimony. A tilt with attorneys added interest to his appearance, and when
he was released the crowd applauded. Judge Davis then threatened to clear
the court.
Character witnesses were allowed to testify at the night session last
night. They are here at their own expense and an effort will be made to
release them as soon as possible.
Schools were dismissed at noon for the trial. The children all attempted
to go to court and Judge Davis ordered that all under 17 years old should be
excluded unless accompanied by their parents.

Memorial To Be Raised To Murdered Teacher
Frankfort. Jan. 27 - The County Superintendent's Association adopted a
suggestion by Senator Hiram Brock that the organization raise a fund to
erect a memorial to Miss Lura Parson, Pine Mountain Settlement school
teacher, murdered on the Harlan Trail. Plans will be submitted at the next
meeting.

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• [KYF] NEWS: Trial of W.T. Dinnes, 1921, Harlan Co. by "Sherri Hall" <>