The Death of Ben Allen

The attached story & newspaper clipping tell of the death of Ben Onie Allen of Mills River, Henderson County, North Carolina. It is thought that Ben Allen is buried in the Poe Mill Cemetery in Greenville, South Carolina. The cemetery no longer exists. I have researched out each of the people involved in the following story except J. G. Lindley. Would be interested in finding more about him. Norman Davis

                            BEN ALLEN 1878-1910
 

Elijah Benoni  (Ben Oney) Allen was born May 13 1878 at Mills River, Henderson
County, North Carolina the son of Rev. William Martin & Mary Matilda Justus
Allen. . He died April 14, 1910 at Poe Mill in Greenville County, South
Carolina. He married December 4, 1897, McDowell County, North Carolina to
Artie Ella Mae Dalton born 1882, McDowell County, North Carolina.

  Artie Dalton's parents were William Bailey Dalton and Margaret M. Davis both
of the Crooked Creek area of McDowell Co. N.C.

 Ben and Artie Allen had four children:
1. Fairy Matilda Allen, born January 31, 1899, died October 31, 1947, She
married Allen Andrew Vess, she is buried at Davistown Cemetery in McDowell Co.
N.C.
2. Oscar Lee Oney Allen, born October 13, 1900, McDowell County, North
Carolina, died September 17, 1987, Laurens County, South Carolina. He married
Vergia Melissa Davis.
3. Clarence Allen, born about 1903
4. Clyde Allen born about 1906.
 
Artie Dalton Allen married Noah Merlin Vess of McDowell Co. N.C. after the
death of Ben Allen. Artie died in 1945 and is buried at Bethel-Cherry Springs
Cemetery in McDowell Co. N.C.

Ben Allen had a sister named Arminta Lena "Minte" Allen that married James
Logan Davis of McDowell Co. N.C. His Parents were John Wesley Davis and Rhoda
Dalton. Rhoda Dalton and William Bailey Dalton were brother and sister.

The following Newspaper clippings are about the death of Ben Allen and the man
who shot him.

 THE GREENVILLE DAILY NEWS - April 15, 1910} MYSTERY SHROULDS

THE KILLING OF BEN ALLEN. Did Mill man commit suicide or was he Murdered? MAN
ARRESTED AND NOW IN JAIL.
J.C. Lindley, who boarded at dead man's home, 204 Hammett Street, Poe Mill
arrested by Deputy Sheriff John Hunsinger and will be held on murder charge --
Though it was rumored that Allen's wife was intimate with Lindsey, he refused
to believe that she was untrue.

Mystery shrouds the death of Ben Allen, a white man of 201Hammett Street, Poe
Mill, who either committed suicide or was murdered yesterday morning at his
home at 1:00 o'clock.

 J.G. Lindley is now in jail, having been arrested by Deputy Sheriff Hunsinger late yesterday because a high feeling against him existed among the neighbors
near the home and it was thought that possibly he would have been handled
roughly by the people. He will be held in connection with the mysterious
affair. When taken to the jail he refused to talk of the matter.

 About one thirty o'clock yesterday morning the villagers of Poe Mill were
disturbed by the clear report of a revolver firing, and upon investigation it
was found that Allen was lying on a bed with a bullet wound in his right
temple. Death was evidently quick, for the missile ploughed its way through
the brain.

 Coroner Batson was summoned about daylight and he took charge of the case. A
jury was selected and inquest was held over the body at - o'clock, and after
about two hours of deliberation the jury returned a verdict "that the deceased
came to his death from a gunshot wound at hands unknown to the jury."  The
jury was divided in its opinion. Some thought it was just a plain case of
suicide, while others held out that he was killed by some body.  Perhaps the
most starling testimony taken was that of Allen's father, who said that he had
been with his son the evening before and that he was cheerful, and that he did
not believe his son committed suicide and that he met with foul play. He
objected to telling who he suspected of having killed his son, but upon the
coroner clearing the room of spectators, Mr. Allen said he suspected a certain
man, and when pressed for a direct answer, said he believed the man was
Lindley, and when asked why he suspictioned Lindley Mr. Allen said that it was
because there had been a good deal of talk about Lindley being intimate with
his son's wife while they lived in North Carolina and also since they had been
in Greenville. He added that his son wouldn't believe that his wife was untrue
to her sacred vows, and for this reason alone he said his son did not have any
reason why he should take his life. Lindley boarded at the house and at the
time of the shooting, claims he was sleeping in the other room on a pallet in
the floor. This room was also occupied by Allen's wife, who was there with her
four children who were sick with measles. It was said that Lindley agreed to
stay up at night and attend to the children while the husband slept.

 In testifying Lindley said he did not know anything of the shooting till Mrs. Lindley woke him up by saying that she had heard a shot and thought the sound
came from the next room. Lindley said he went to the door and saw a bullet
hole in Allen's head. This statement caused some comment, for the spectators
wanted to know how in the dark he could see a bullet hole in the dead man's
head when he was lying on a bed several yards from the door.

 One point that puzzled the jury mostly, and which no doubt caused it to reach
the verdict above instead of saying that the dead man came to his death by
gunshot wounds in his own hands, was the position in which the pistol was
lying. It was but a few inches from the man's head and the muzzle was pointed
toward the wound. According to the laws of nature a pistol when fired in
such close proximity to a person's head will not drop in a perfect position,
but will fall with the head, possibly going several feet from the body and the
barrel pointing in another direction. Another point which directed the jury
too was the fact that the dead man's eyes were closed as if in perfect sleep.
It is said that when a person commits suicide, especially inflicting a wound
in the head, that the eyes will not close entirely. Some even thought that he
was shot while sleeping and that the pistol was laid close to his head as a
bluff.

 The dead man's father said reports as to the woman's intimacy with Lindley
often reached his son but the son loved his wife and wouldn't listen to tales
of scandal and shame, believing that she was true to her vows. He said that he
saw no reason for his son to commit suicide, and believed that he was
murdered.
 
       April 1910, The Greenville Daily News
              Will ask for preliminary
 J.G. Lindley, held in connection with killing of Ben Allen, wants hearing.
 J.G. Lindley, the young white man held in connection with the mysterious
death of Ben Allen, who either committed suicide or was murdered several
nights ago will demand a preliminary hearing one day this week before one of
the local magistrates to know upon what grounds the state is holding him in
connection with this killing. He has employed Attorney Jas. H. Price to
defend him.

         The Greenville Daily News, April 29, 1910
             MURDER THE THEORY ADVANCED BY WIFE
 Mrs. Ben Allen makes sensational statement to Coroner Batson, says her
husband was killed.

 Wife of Poe Mill man, who was recently found dead in bed says she believes
Lindley shot her husband -- she now says she heard shot and hurrying footsteps
afterward in same room -- Claims Lindley and her husband had not been on best
of terms -- Also says suspected man had asked her to leave her home and live
with him. Sensational developments have come to light in the recent
mysterious death of Ben Allen, the white man who was found dead at his home on
Hammett street, Poe Mill over a week ago with a bullet in his right temple.
The man's wife has revealed some startling facts that may tend to make it go
hard with J.G. Lindley, the boarder in the house, who has been held in jail
under suspicion.

 Yesterday morning Coroner Batson and Deputy Sheriff Hunsinger visited the
Allen woman at her home and obtained what is said to be a confession from her.
Last night Sheriff Poole also called on the woman and she talked to him. The
officers say that Mrs. Allen said that prior to the death of her husband that
Lindley and her husband had been at outs with each other and that Lindley had
often told her he intended to kill her husband. Though  Mrs. Lindley did not
say so, she left the officers to think that it was understood between her and
Lindley that they would live together after Allen was out of the way, skipping
out to North Carolina or some other state.

 It will be remembered that Ben Allen was found dead at his home with a bullet
wound in his head. A pistol shot was heard about two o'clock one morning and
upon investigation it was found that Allen was dead.

 Coroner Batson held an inquest the next morning and for a while it looked as
though it was a case of suicide, but a News reporter insisted that it was not
suicide but murder, and after some talk with Coroner Batson and the jury a
verdict was rendered that the deceased came to his death from a gunshot wound
in the hands of an unknown person. Had the jury returned a verdict that Allen
came to his death from a gunshot wound in his own hands, the case would have
ended, but after working out a few theories the jury returned the verdict
which left the case open for the law.

 Perhaps the most interesting testimony given was that of the father of Allen.
With tears in his eyes the gray-haired veteran said that he suspected foul
play and when pressed by the coroner to give the name of the person he
suspected, he mentioned Lindley, he said that the report was current in North
Carolina, when his son lived there that Mrs. Allen and Lindley were intimate
and that the same tales were spread around since they moved to Greenville.
Lindley Boarded at the Allen home and while the children were sick with
measles he agreed to stay up at night and give them medication. He slept in
Mrs. Allen's room on a pallet on the floor, while Mr. Allen slept in another
room.

 When Mr. Allen was found dead his body was in the attitude of perfect sleep,
the eyes being shut peacefully, and there was not even a sign on his face that
he had died hard. A pistol was found a few inches from his head, the muzzle
pointing toward the wound. The position of the revolver was what attracted the
newspaper man's attention and he called the coroner's notice to it. Nine times
out of ten when a man commits suicide and puts the mussel of a gun to his head
the gun after being discharged will not fall perfectly straight, but through
kicking will hurl over and the muzzle point in another direction.

 In the course of her story to the officers it is said that Mrs. Allen said
that about one o'clock Lindley was talking to her and said that she had better
go to sleep as she needed some rest. She said that a lantern was burning in a
little room adjoining and that Lindley got up and put this lantern out. She
says she heard the report of a revolver and the noise of a man's feet stepping
quickly across the room.  She said she got up and went over to the hearth
where Lindley generally slept and that he had his head wrapped up in a quilt
and pretended to be sound asleep.

 According to the officers she gave as her reason for not testifying this way
at the inquest that she was afraid and did not care to tell.

 While the woman told nothing of any real understanding between her and
Lindley about leaving Greenville together, the officers picked from her
conversation that Lindley was madly infatuated with her and that he had made
overtures to her to dispose of all her goods and get ready to leave with him.
The officers say that Mrs. Allen said that Lindley and her husband had been
good friends up until a few weeks before his death and for a while almost
daily disputes and angry words passed between the two.  The woman says she had
no part in the killing of her husband and did not conspire with Lindley for
his death. She denied being intimate with Lindley but did not deny she did not
intend leaving with him after the death of her husband. Lindley has claimed
his innocence all along and even yesterday _______.
 
The Greenville Daily News, April 30, 1910
      ALLEN'S ALLEGED SLAYER GETS PRELIMINARY TODAY
 J.G. Lindley, held on murder charge will be examined at noon.
               MRS. ALLEN GIVES INTERVIEW
 But conversation was suddenly stopped by her father-in-law who ordered
reporter out of the house, however she talked enough to fully corroborate
statements given to county officers the day before -- something of the woman
and her children.

 J.G. Lindley, the young white man held on the charge of murdering Ben Allen
at his home on Hammett Street, Poe Mill, one night about ten days ago, will be
given a preliminary hearing today at noon before Magistrate Stridley, his
attorneys Messier Jas. W. Price and George M. Pritchard having demanded that
he be given a preliminary hearing.

 When seen at the jail yesterday Lindley seemed not to be unnerved by the
confession of Mrs. Allen, in which she claims her husband met with foul play,
and he stoutly protested his innocence. However, he refused to give out an
interview, saying that he cared not to talk until his trial.

 A News reporter called on Mrs. Allen at the home of her Father-in-law at Poe
Mill yesterday and obtained a partial confession from her, but before the
conversation was complete the old man interfered by ordering the newspaper man
from his home, saying that he did not propose to have the matter aired in the
newspapers and charging the reporter with being in league with his brother who
is one of the attorney's representing the defendant.

 When the reporter first called Mr. Allen invited him in the house and seemed
to be quite civil. Mrs Allen the wife of the dead man, was in the kitchen and
it was while in this room that the father of the dead man suddenly changed his
mind about allowing his daughter-in-law to talk about the matter and ordered
the reporter out of his home with practically threats of violence. When
assured of the fact that the reporter wanted a clear-cut story from Mrs. Allen
regardless of whether it was favorable to his brother's client or not. Mr.
Allen wouldn't listen and was even more insulting. Mrs. Allen dictated a
partial confession to the reporter, but he was forced to put the writing in
the stove, but he did not forget what was told him nevertheless.

 Mrs Allen seemed anxious to tell the story of the shooting and no doubt would
have given a more complete confession than the ones given to the county
officials, had she not been interrupted by her father-in-law.

 Mrs. Allen said that about one o'clock on the night of the killing she had
about dozed off to sleep when she heard a pistol shot in the adjoining room
where her husband was sleeping and also heard her little girl scream. She said
that Lindley slept on a pallet in her room , not another bed and not close to
her bed. She said upon the report of the pistol she awoke and saw Lindley fall
down on his pallet. She said she got up and went over to where he was and
pushed him on the shoulder a couple of times before he would raise up. She
said she asked him what the firing of the pistol meant and he told her he
didn't know.  About this time Mr. Allen came in the room and the interview was
broken into.  However, The News exclusive story yesterday was right to the
point according to Deputy Sheriff Hunsinger, Coroner Batson and Sheriff Poole,
all of whom talked to the woman, and claim she told them enough to make it
warm for Lindley.

 In calling on Mrs. Allen yesterday The News reporter could not help but feel
a touch of sympathy for the four little children of the dead man. Around the
table they were seated in the kitchen eating their dinner not realizing the
great _ _ _ _ that would follow them to think to _ _ _ _ that of their mother
being talked of as being a woman untrue to her marriage vows. Mrs. Allen is
not an ugly woman, neither is she a pretty woman. Her complexion is clear, her
hair dark, her eyes brown and even frank, and by looking into them one would
not suspect that she could be treacherous to the man she was supposed to love
and honor. She was courteous too and she seemed to regret that her father-in-
law saw it to order her not to talk for publication. A large crowd no doubt
will be present today at the preliminary hearing in Magistrate Stradley's
court. There is hardly any doubt but that the case will be sent to the higher
court for trial at the coming term of the court, though the _ _ _ _ _ of
having the preliminary ordered according to the defendant's attorneys is
simply to _ _ _ _ _the exact nature of the charge of murder against Lindley
and weather or not the alleged proof of the shooting is sufficient to hold
him.

 Note: the following is only the part of the article that pertains to Ben
Allen.

  The Greenville Daily News, May 2, 1910
          CRIMINAL COURT WILL CONVENE TODAY
Grand Jury indicted( J.G. Lindley for the murder of Ben Allen.
 Perhaps the two most interesting jail cases that no doubt will come up are
the Liddell and Allen Murders. Mystery surrounds both the killings and the
outcome of these two trials will be watched with interest. Liddell was
brutally murdered and for his murder three men have been arrested. They each
claim their innocence and have retained prominent lawyers to defend them. Mr.
Ed Pepper, brother of Jim Pepper has retained McCoullough and Blythe to defend
his brother and will fight for his freedom until the last. Fuller's friends
have retained Mr. Jas. H. Price and M. George M. Pritchard to defend him, and
Mr. T.K. Earle will represent Joe Barker.

 The mere fact that a mystery surrounds the death of Ben Allen makes the case of J.G. Lindley all the more interesting. Lindley's brother and father have
come to his rescue. They live in Newport, Tenn. and the brother has already
arrived in the city to be with his brother during trial. Sensational
developments have recently come to light in the Allen case, and they may have
some bearing on the outcome of the trial. However Lindley Stoutly denies his
guilt and is anxious for a trial. He is represented by Price and Prichard.
 
             The Greenville Daily News, May, 1910
            LINDLEY'S CASE SENT UP TO HIGHER COURT
 White man held for murder of Ben Allen at Poe Mill given preliminary
yesterday at noon before magistrate Stradley -- Big crowd was present to hear
interesting case.

 Nothing more than what was printed in the news exclusive stories of Thursday
and Friday morning about the confession of Mrs. Ben Allen as to the killing of
her husband came out yesterday at noon at the preliminary hearing of J.G.
Lindley, the white man held on the charge of murdering Allen. After hearing
the case Magistrate Stradley ordered that Lindley be sent to the criminal
court for trial.  It will be remembered that on Thursday morning The News
carried a story to the effect that Mrs. Allen had given a confession to the
county officials in which she says she believes her husband was murdered by
Lindley. At the trial yesterday nothing more than what has been printed in
these columns before came up.

 A great crowd was in the court room to hear the preliminary. In fact the
halls in the building were packed, everybody curious to get a glimpse at the
woman in the case. She sat there with head bowed and fingers nervously
twisting between the others. Near her sit her father-in-law, who though she
has been the recipient of a lot of talk of scandal, seemed to want to shield
her character from anything that might develop in the trial.

 The defendant is represented by Mr. Jas. H. Price and Mr. George M. Pritchard
and they closely questioned the witnesses in the case.

 Thursday Morning--- The Greenville Daily News, May 12, 1910,
LINDLEY'S FATE RESTS WITH THE JURY TODAY. CHARGED WITH THE MURDER OF BEN ALLEN
ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO. MUST BE ACQUITTED OR HANGED.

 Most unique case in criminal annals of Greenville County in the fact that the
jury must return a verdict of either Guilty without mercy or not Guilty - Case
was started at noon yesterday and testimony was in by five o'clock.

 Today a jury of twelve good men will decide the fate of J.G. Lindley, who is
being tried for the murder of Ben Allen at Poe Mill over two weeks ago.

 The case was begun at twelve o'clock yesterday after the jury in the case of
the State against Ernest Gowens had returned a verdict of guilty of murder in
the first degree with recommendation to mercy. Gowens shot and killed Warren
Mason at Paris Station about two weeks ago and must serve a life sentence in
the penitentiary.

 The Lindley case is perhaps the most unique and interesting of any case ever
tried in the criminal court of Greenville, and perhaps the fastest case ever
heard in the general session. The case was started at noon and by five o'clock
practically all the evidence was in.

 It will be remembered that Ben Allen was found dead in his bed at his home
about one o'clock at night and Lindley was arrested charged with his murder
though the coroner's jury at first wanted to return a verdict of suicide by
Allen, but in order to leave the case open for investigation a verdict was
rendered that the deceased came to his death from a gunshot wounds in the
hands of an unknown party.

 The uniqueness of the case lies in the fact that the jury can only render two
verdicts, either guilty of murder without recommendation to mercy or not
guilty. The state charges that Lindley murdered Allen while he slept, while
the defendant claims his innocence.

 The main grounds upon which Lindley is being tried is upon a recent statement
by Mrs. Allen that she heard the pistol shot and saw Lindley drop to his cot
in her room a few seconds later. It is an admitted fact that as three of the
children in the Allen family were sick with measles. Lindley had agreed to
sleep in Mrs. Allen's room to look after the children at night, while Allen
slept in an adjoining room.  Mrs. Allen has told two stories about the death
of her husband. At the coroner's inquest she testified that she did not even
hear the pistol shot and knew nothing of the shooting. Later she gave out a
statement to the coroner, Sheriff Poole and Deputy Sheriff Hunsinger and part
of one to a News reporter -- Whose interview was ended abruptly by being
ordered out of the house by the father of the dead man -- in which she claims
she heard the pistol shot and that she saw Lindley fall to his cot. It is upon
this evidence that the state expects to win its case.

 Attorneys Jas. H. Price and George M. Pritchard representing the defendant
feel that the jury will give a verdict of not guilty because of two
conflicting tales told by Mrs. Lindley.

They bought it out in the trial yesterday that one of the two stories must
have been a falsehood and that under such circumstances the jury could hardly
afford to convict a man of murder in the first degree, for which he would
hang. Mrs. Allen explained yesterday on the witness stand that the reason she
did not give this statement at the inquest was that she was frightened.  It
took some time yesterday to draw the jury for the defense Objected to ten
jurors and the state excused five. For a while It was thought that it would be
necessary to draw an extra venire of jurors to get a jury, but the jury in the
case of Ernest Gowans came out about this time and four jurors were selected
from this . He will complete his argument this morning and Solicitor Bonham
will close for the state.
 Jury, The following is the jury in the Lindley case: Robert Turner, J.C.
Mitchell, A.S. Agnew, John Griffith, Clarence Watson, W.E. Mackey, J.S. Hill,
L.C. Coker, L.R. Henderson Forman, T.B. Barton and W.R. Golightly.

 There were not many witnesses in the case. The state put up Dr. Wright, who
examined the body of Ben Allen; W.M. Allen, The father of the dead man; Miss
Mettie Beaver, Sister-in-law of Ben Allen; Mrs. C.E. Allen and Coroner Batson.

 Mrs. Allen on the stand repeated the confession she made to the coroner, the
sheriff and the deputy sheriff. She said that Lindley had boarded at her home
for almost a year, he first coming to their home in North Carolina. They moved
here and first went to the Woodside Mill, but afterwards moved to Poe Mill and
had been there but about two weeks when Allen's death occurred.  The woman was
cross examined severely by Attorney Price.

 Only two witnesses were put up by the defense. Lindley himself testified,
claiming his innocence stoutly, Lindley's brother Ed Lindley, who came here
from his home in Tennessee to be with his brother during his trial, testified
that he knew Allen and not long ago heard him say that he was of a "good mind
to end it all." Mrs Allen admitted on the stand that her husband had been
under treatment of a physician before he came to Greenville and was still
sick. The object of the defense was to show that there were reasons for Allen
to commit suicide.

 As stated above this is perhaps one of the most unique cases on record in
Greenville County. It is unique in the fact that it is the shortest big murder
case on trial, that is in the length of time occupied in its hearing, and too
in the fact that the jury must return either a verdict of not guilty or
guilty. If he is found guilty he must hang, for in such a case there can be no
recommendation of mercy by the court for the state alleges that the man was
shot in cold blood while sleeping. This prevents the jury if it finds a
verdict of guilty from recommending mercy or returning a verdict of
manslaughter. Then the other verdict is not guilty.

 Mr. George M. Pritchard made the opening argument for the defense. Mr. Price
then followed, but not only part the way through his argument as the court
adjourned at 6:30 o'clock. The case is of unusual interest and the mere fact
that the jury can return but a verdict of either not guilty or guilty, makes
the trial doubly interesting. Mr. Pritchard made a fine plea for the
defense, and Mr. Price's speech as _ _ as he spoke was well directed. The
Solicitor, who has a fine delivery of speech and a man of good address to a
jury, will make the only argument for the state this morning and he will
endeavor to impress it upon the jury that Lindley is guilty.

 Judge Watts will enarge the jury immediately upon the close of arguments by
Mr. Price and Mr. Bonham and Lindley's fate will rest in the hands of the
jury. A little human interest story came out in the trial yesterday and those
who know it were greatly touched. Ed Lindley a young brother of the man on
trial, sat in the court room and from the beginning of the trial until court
adjourned at 6:30 o'clock, tear after tear flowed down his youthful cheeks and
as his attorneys would make a good move he would exclaim in a meek voice
"thank God." He is nothing but a youth, about eighteen years and when asked
why his father could not come from his home in Tennessee to be at his
brother's trial, he said with tears in his eyes that his father was very sick
and could not come.

 No doubt a big crowd will be in the court room today to hear the arguments of
Mr. Price and Mr. Bonham and will wait with breathless silence the
announcement of the jury's verdict which will be either condemn Lindley to
death on the gallows or will make him a free man.

  Friday Morning - The Greenville Daily News - May 13, 1910
           J.G. LINDLEY CONVICTED OF MURDER OF ALLEN
      Must pay penalty if other developments do not arise
                 NEW TRIAL ASKED BY ATTORNEYS
Evidence was circumstantial but convinced jury -- Jury had to either convict
or acquit -- Case attracted much interest and many made inquiries as to
finding of the Jury -- Matter may be carried to the supreme court of the state
if a new trial is not granted.

 Unless Judge Watts will grant the motion of his attornys for a new trial,
J.G. Lindley charged with the murder of Ben Allen at Poe Mill about two weeks
ago, must hang, thereby paying for the penalty of the crime the State alleges
he has committed.

 A great crowd packed into the court room yesterday morning to hear the
arguments in the case. The testimony taken on Wednesday was purely
circumstantial, but it seems to be connecting and strong and though his
attorneys Messes Jas. H. Price and George M. Pritchard made pleas for his
freedom, the jury returned a verdict of guilty of murder in the first degree
without mercy. His attorneys gave notice of a motion of a new trial and Judge
Watts did not set the day for the execution. The motion will be heard
tomorrow. If a new trial is granted it means that Lindley will have a better
chance for his life, but if not he must pay the penalty as prescribed by law,
death by strangulation on the gallows.

 All during the trial Lindley sat there unmoved while his youthful brother
shed tears. Even when the verdict of the jury was read to him, Lindley did not
seem to pale one bit but his faithful little brother took the court's decision
to heart and left the court room in tears, while the officers conducted his
brother to prison to await the final disposition of his case.

 The arguments for the defense and for the state were brilliant in the
extreme. Mr. Pritchard made a splendid plea for Lindly which was followed by
an impressive address by Mr. Price. Then Solicitor Bonham spoke for the State.

 Judge Watts charged the jury as in the law in the case and said he was going
to leave the evidence entirely in their hands.

 As was announced in the News yesterday the case was such that the jury could
bring in but a verdict of either guilty or not guilty. In other words if
Lindley did kill Allen while the unfortunate man lay sleeping what could the
offense be but cold blooded murder. Then if the jury felt that Allen had
committed suicide or that he was shot by other parties then Lindley's
acquittal was necessary, so the jury could only bring in either one of the two
verdicts.

 It was upon circumstantial evidence that Lindley was convicted mainly and it
might be said exclusively on the testimony of Mrs. Allen, who said that she
heard a shot fired and in a few seconds saw Lindley drop to his cot. It was
partly upon this testimony that Lindley was convicted.

 The Allen case has attracted perhaps more attention then even the Liddell
case, and the case is perhaps the shortest one on record for the time occupied
in trying it. Owing to the shortness of time the defendant was unable to get
any witnesses and only he and his brother testified in his behalf. Four or
five witnesses testified for the state.

 The real truth in the matter may never be known or if Lindley pays the death
penalty, that is if he is guilty, he might give out some information that
would forever set at rest whether or not Allen committed suicide or was shot.
Who knows but that Lindley is either a most diabolical criminal or else an
innocent who must give his life to law for the alleged murder of Allen.

Back up in Tennessee Lindley has one true friend, though the fingers of
illness are gripping his very vitals, who is perhaps heartbroken over the news
that Lindley must hang. This friend is Lindley's father.

 As the attorneys in the case made their arguments they would frequently pick
up the pistol with which it is thought Allen either committed suicide or was
murdered and would speak of its deadly mission. Perhaps when the reporter for
the News looked in the end of the barrel of that pistol while it lay on the
court stenographer's desk, a great story could be unfuried if that
piece of cold steel could only speak. It could tell a story that would either
send Lindley's soul into torment as murder of the meanest type or would
release him as an innocent man.

 If Lindley is guilty and the death sentence is placed upon him he no doubt
will issue a statement before the sheriff leads him to the rear yard of the
county jail where the old gallows, which has ended the lives of many men,
telling the absolute truth in the matter.

          May 1910, The Greenville Daily News
            LINDLEY'S CASE TO JUDGE TODAY
 Judge Watts will hear motion for new trial in Mysterious murder case - Great
crowds no doubt will be in court room to hear motion.

 This morning attorneys Jas. H. Price and George M. Pritchard will make a
motion before Judge Watts for a new trial in the case of J.G. Lindley, who was
convicted on Thursday of the murder of Ben Allen at Poe Mill two or three
weeks ago.

 It will be remembered that Allen was found dead in his bed about one o'clock
at night. The theories were advanced at the coroner's inquest, one being that
he committed suicide, blooding over ill health and at hearing stories as to
his wife's unfaithfulness to her marriage vows, and the other was that he was
murdered by Lindley, who was a boarder in the house.

 Lindley was given a trial Thursday and was found guilty on a chain of
circumstantial evidence. The jury did not recommend mercy, for if Allen was
murdered as the State charges, the case would be so brutal that the jury could
not feel disposed to give mercy, and unless a new trial is granted by the
judge, Lindley must hang.

 Great interest has been manifested in this case and it is indeed a mysterious
one. There are those who believe Lindley guilty, while as many stick to the
belief that Allen committed suicide.

 The motion will be argued the first thing today and no doubt the court room
will be packed to hear the trial.

   Sunday Morning, The Greenville Daily News, May 15, 1910
        LINDLEY IS GIVEN NEW TRIAL BY JUDGE WATTS
 Attorneys Made Able Arguments Yesterday in Convicted Man's Behalf
                 ON GROUNDS OF NEW EVIDENCE
 Judge rules that the attorneys have right to bring witnesses here from North
Carolina, Former home of Ben Allen the dead man, to testify as to the
character of Mrs. Allen, upon whose testimony Lindley was convicted -
Attorneys have put up hard fight for man's life - Most peculiar case ever
tryed in criminal court here.

 Another lease on life has been given J.G. Lindley, who was on last Thursday
convicted in the general sessions court of the alleged murder of Ben Allen.
Yesterday his attorneys, Messrs. Jas. H. Price and George M. Pritchard, argued
their motion for a new trial before Judge Watts and the judge ordered that the
defendant be given a new trial.

 It was hardly thought by the people of the city that a new trial would be
given Lindley, but his attorneys put up an able argument for him and won their
fight on the grounds of after discovered evidence. However the case was really
sent back for trial on the fact that the case was called so hurriedly the
attorneys for the defendant could not summon witnesses from North Carolina to
testify as to the character of the woman.

 Lindley's attorneys tried to have the case postponed before the trial, but
the solicitor insisted on it being tried. Lindley was convicted of murder in
the first degree, which meant if he didn't get a new trial he would meet death
on the gallows.

 Immediately upon the announcement of the verdict of the court on Thursday,
Messrs. Price and Pritchard worked hard and on Friday succeeded in getting the
affidavits of several members of the coroner's jury in the Allen case who said
that they had heard Allen say that he intended to end his life. They also
secured the affidavit of Mr. Brookshire, a man living near the Allen home, who
went into the room with Allen's father, directly after the shooting. Mr.
Brookshire says in his affidavit that Allen's arms were not folded across his
breast as was testified in Lindley's trial by Allen's father, who said his
son's arms were folded and that the pistol was laying on his breast.

 But the judge's ruling was that the attorneys had a right to bring witnesses
here from North Carolina, where Allen and his wife lived prior to coming to
Greenville, to testify as to Mrs. Allens character.

 Mrs. Allen told on the witness stand at the trial on Wednesday that she heard
the shot and saw Lindley come back in her room where he was sleeping and lay
back down on his cot. It is said that as three of the Allen children were sick
Lindley slept in the room where Mrs. Allen and the children were as to give
them medicine during the night and Allen would look after the children during
the early hours of the morning and let Lindley get some sleep.

 At the coroner's inquest Mrs. Allen swore she did not hear the pistol shot
and did not know anything of the shooting.  It was upon the two conflicting
stories that the attorneys in the case tried to impress it upon the jury that
the testimony of the woman was incompetent. However the jury convicted Lindley
because the chain of circumstantial evidence seemed pretty well connected.

 Lindley's attorneys now feel that with an extension of time they can bring
several witnesses here from North Carolina to testify as to the womans
character and especially as to her reputation for truth and veracity.

 There has perhaps never been a case tried in the criminal courts here that
has attracted more attention. Public sentiment seemed divided on the matter.
Some believed that Lindley really killed Allen while others believed that
Allen committed suicide.

 Technically the jury could only return a verdict of either guilty or not
guilty, though if the jury saw fit it could have recommended mercy or even
made it manslaughter. But if Lindley is guilty of killing Allen it can be
nothing but cold blooded murder and therefore the jury can hardly return a
verdict of not guilty. On the other hand if the circumstantial evidence is not
sufficient to convict there would be nothing left but to return a verdict of
not guilty.

Tuesday Morning, The Greenville Daily News, June 14, 1910
                     PRISONERS PLANNED A DARING JAIL ESCAPE
 But Sheriff Poole and his Deputies nipped scheme into the head before it
could be carried out - Seven steel saws were found in cell of J.G. Lindley.

 Through the honesty of a prisoner in the county jail, Sheriff Poole and his
deputies were able yesterday to nip in the bud a plan that has been carefully
laid by a prisoner for a delivery from the county jail. In their discovery of
seven steel saws in the cell occupied by J.G. Lindley, the white man charged
with the murder of Ben Allen at Poe Mill not long ago.

 No doubt a jail delivery was planned and the officers believe it was
originated by Lindley, assisted by Fred Curlee, a white man also in jail,
charged with having some connection with the big robbery of the Kendricks-
Walker store in Taylors several months ago, but it would have taken months of
hard labor for any man to cut his way to freedom from the county jail and then
his escape can only be effected through his own cell door and through the
corridor door, as it is utterly impossible for a human being to get through
the tiny windows at the county jail.

 To effect an escape from the county jail by the use of steel saws, it would
be necessary to cut the bars of the inside cells into and then cut the bars of
the outer door. This would take a long time and he no doubt would be easily
caught in the act.

 Upon information furnished the sheriff by a prisoner in the jail, the cell in
which Lindley stays was searched. Seven Blue fine steel saws, which are about
twelve inches long were found in a crack in the wall and after some search the
handle to the saw was found hanging down from this crack in the floor next to
the wall held up by a string. It was so arranged that when ever needed it
could be drawn back into the cell and one of saws fastened onto it.

 Of course a delivery could be made from the county jail in the manner that
"Tennessee Dutch and George Barton made their escape, by the use of nitro
glycerin on the floor, but nitro glycerin in the hands of inexperienced men is
dangerous.

 Sheriff Poole is investigating the matter thoroughly.

The Greenville Daily News, September 15, 1910
 Trial of J.G. Lindley, murder commenced yesterday afternoon.
                LINDLEY CASE CALLED
 The following jury were chosen for the case of the State vs J.G. Lindley, who
is charged with the murder of Ben Allen: Ed Walker, A.G. Howell, S.J. Hunt,
J.G. Smith, Oscar Barton, J.A. McKinley, W.L. Morgan, Ed Noe, John Freeman,
C.D. West, R.H. Lupo and J.F. Loftis. The examination of the witnesses for the
state was carried on by Solicitor Bonham and Price & Pritchard were the
attorneys for the defense.

 Only three of the witnesses, all for the State were examined before
adjournment of the court. Dr. Wright, Coroner Batson and Mrs. Ben Allen. It
seemed very difficult for the attorneys to get Mrs. Allen to make any definite
statements and a great deal of time was consumed to getting her to answer
questions put by attorneys for either side.

Friday Morning - The Greenville Daily News - September 16, 1910
                LIFE SENTENCE FOR J.G. LINDLEY
 Alleged Slayer of Ben Allen convicted of murder in Yesterday's court. Jury
made Quick Decision.

 After a trial lasting a day and a half, Lindley was yesterday afternoon
convicted of murder with recommendation to mercy of the court, and Judge Gary
imposed sentence of Life-time imprisonment at hard labor - Infanticide Case
will probley come up for trial.

Found guilty of murder with recommendation to mercy after a trial of a day and
a half. J.G. Lindley was late yesterday afternoon sentenced to life
imprisonment at hard labor by Judge Gary. The jury remained out on the verdict
only a half hour. Messrs. Price and Pritchard conducted the defense.

 Lindley is charged with the murder of Ben Allen  near the city, during last
April. He was convicted of murder at the last term of the court, but was
granted a new trial on the grounds that he had not had sufficient time to get
together his witnesses. The trial has excited considerable interest
throughout. A large number of witnesses were brought up by both the defense
and the prosecution , among them was the wife of Ben Allen.

 After the jury was selected Wednesday afternoon, three State witnesses were
heard before court adjourned for the day. Dr. Wright, Coroner Eugene Batson
and Mrs. Ben Allen. Yesterday morning the examination of the States the
examination of the States witnesses continued the following were put on the
stand, Dr. J.B. Earle, W.M. Allen and W.P. Brookshire. The defendant's
witnesses were Dr. G.P. Walker, W.W. Greer, Albert Belt, J. Burgin, L.C.
Blackwelder, J.W. Reed, Sam Thomason, O.G. Lindley, J.S. Price, Geo. Illnes,
P.C. Harman and W.C. Allison. One more witness was sworn by the State, L.P.
Crawford.

 About three quarters of an hour before the time for adjournment the jury was
sent out, and the supposition was that it would take some time for a verdict
to be reached, the judge adjourned court. The jury arrived at their decision
in half an hour and the sheriff summoned the judge and attorneys, all of whom
came but Solicitor Bonham. The verdict of the jury was guilty with
recommendation to mercy, was then read, together with the indictment. The
defendant had nothing to say why he should or should not be sentenced and his
attorneys stated that while they would not make a motion for a new trial, if
they found any technicality they would make an appeal to the supreme court.
Before imposing the sentence Judge Gary made a few remarks appropriate in the
case and to the purpose that Lindley was fortunate that the attorneys had put
up an excellent fight but were unable to get around the facts in the case,
that the verdict of two juries had found him guilty though the last verdict
was the lightest, that he had committed one of the baset of acts, to have
murdered Allen after having been invited as the deceased's close friend to
live with him and help take care of the children while Allen was at work or at
home resting, exhausted by his hard labor; and that whiskey and women had been
the cause of all the cases brought up in the present term of court. Judge Gary
expressed the hope that this case would be taken as an example by those who
needed it. The sentence was that, you be confined to the State penitentiary at
hard labor for the entire period of your life.

 From the evidence it seemed that J.G. Lindley had been invited by Ben Allen
to come and live with him and his family and to make their house his home.
Lindley had done this and had become infatuated with Mrs. Allen to the extent
of making the statement that if Mrs. Allen outlived Ben, he intended to make
her his wife. They were living at the Poe Mill and one of the children was
sick last April when the act was committed. Mrs. Allen heard a pistol shot
about twelve o'clock and she and Lindley found Allen in the bed with a bullet
in his brain.