... that time Uncle "Steve", (Sheriff) Roland Stevens, Sr., played homicide detective...

UNUSUAL MURDER CASE IS DETAILED

Details of one of the most unusual murder cases in Mississippi were revealed Saturday by J.D. Pittman, of the Crawford Secret Service in Jackson.  A 32-year-old Jackson Negro and his 16-year-old sister-in-law are dead and the dead man's brother is in jail on a charge of murder as a result.  

In Copiah County jail is Robert Summers, 40, and the two dead are Nathan Summers and Louise Jackson.  The weird story began last Monday in Jackson, when Nathan took his 16-year-old sister-in-law out.  Nathan died of a heart attack while with the girl.  

On Tuesday, Robert took the girl to his father's home at Crystal Springs.  Robert said he and Louise wrestled over the gun, and as a result she was shot through the chest and killed.  Robert tried out the gun first, firing it once in the backyard.  The Negro's family contended that her death was suicide, but Sheriff Roland Stevens believed otherwise, since the body was found on a bed and there was no bullet hole in the sheet.  Not until Robert was placed in jail Thursday did they change their story.  

He was arrested when he came to Jackson Police headquarters to try to get his dead brother's car which had been impounded since Monday.  Robert made his confession Friday night in the presence of Sheriff Stevens, Pittman, P.R. Burney, Crystal Springs constable, Deputy Sheriff W.L. Beasley and Jailer Tom Bufkin.  He said his family wanted to "get rid" of Louise, and that they had an argument.

Clarion-Ledger, Jackson, 10 October 1954

 

 

MARTIN FAMILY IN THE NEWS - gleanings from Mississippi newspapers about some of the descendants of James Martin (1812-1868) and wife, Susan Martin (1822-1861), who lived just east/northeast of Hazlehurst, near Damascus Baptist Church.

 

1875 editorial endorsement, in a Copiah County newspaper

    In favor of James S. Martin, “ … notwithstanding he is a little lame, will be fast enough to beat his radical opponent.”

    [He was elected Tax Assessor of Copiah County, but died January 29, 1878 shortly after taking office.  James S. Martin was a son of James & Susan Martin, and an older brother of Daniel Jasper Martin.  He left behind a widow, Sarah V. (Bishop) Martin.]

 

Undated newspaper clipping from a Copiah County newspaper

    D.J. Martin of this place has a pig eight months old that is said to be the finest thing in the shape of a hog seen around here in a log time.  Those who have recently seen it say it will weigh 260 pounds after being dressed.  Mr. Martin raised this pig on slop and scraps from the table.

 

The Clarksdale Press Register, 1926, October 26

BEN MARTIN DIES TODAY

Formerly Resided in Clarksdale; Funeral Will be Held Tomorrow in Hazlehurst.

    Ben Martin, 40 years old, formerly a resident of Clarksdale for several years, died this morning at 6 o’clock at Dr. Marten’s Hospital in Vicksburg. The remains will be taken to his old home at Hazlehurst tomorrow and the funeral will be held there.

    Mr. Martin was the brother of Miss Carolyn Martin, D.J. and Si Martin of this city.  They left today for Hazlehurst to attend the funeral.

    Mr. Martin had been ill for the past four months with cancer of the stomach and cirrhosis of the liver.  He has been confined to his bed for several months.

    Mr. Martin is survived by his wife and four children.

    Mr. Martin was formerly city electrician here.

 

The Clarksdale Press Register, 1929, September 11

    The cool atmosphere of last night and this morning seems to have put more life into many of our citizens.  This morning they were full of pep, as a general rule, and even Silas Martin was as gracious as a peacock and as agile as a football player.  Why not?  Silas is yet a young man, a good pharmacist and a doggone good fellow in most every way we can think of.  Ad Robards says that Silas is as wise as an owl and as still-tongued as an oyster, although he knows a sight more than he is willing to tell.

 

Clarion-Ledger, Jackson, Mississippi, 1930, March 28

SILAS C. MARTIN DEAD

Former Hazlehurst man Dies in a Clarksdale Hospital

    Clarksdale, Mar. 27 – Silas Carl Martin, 54, died at a hospital at Clarksdale yesterday after an illness of several weeks.  Mr. Martin moved to Clarksdale 17 years ago with his family from Hazlehurst and was identified with the business and public life of the city for several years.  He is survived by his widow, mother and seven sisters.  Funeral services were held this morning by Rev. C.V. Crabb, Presbyterian pastor of Clarksdale, and interment was at Oakridge cemetery at Clarksdale.