Subject: [KYF] NEWS: Body of Newborn found, 1921, Bell Co.
Sent: Monday, October 13, 2003 6:56 PM

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

Middlesboro Daily News, Middlesboro, Ky Jan. 22, 1921

Finding Body Of A New-Born Babe Near Pineville Causes Sensation; Three
Arrested

Lizzie Coleman  (sic) With Two Others Being Held In Bell County Jail On
Serious Charge - Body Found In Outhouse At Mother's Home

   Enticing his wife away from her home and later finding the body of a
new-born baby in an outhouse on the property of a Mrs. Bennett at Coleman,
near Pineville, has created a sensation in both Bell and Whitley counties
that undoubtedly will bring about one of the most interesting trials of a
criminal nature ever held in this section.
   Several weeks ago Mrs. Lizzie Ball, 25, said to be of comely appearance,
was enticed from the home of her husband, J.H. Ball, 50, living in Whitley
county, by a young man named Barker Smiddy who took her to the home of Mrs.
Bennett, her mother, residing in the mining camp of the Coleman Coal
Company, about six miles from Pineville.
   A shot time after Mrs. Ball arrived at her mother's home the body of the
new-born babe was found on the property of Mrs. Bennett. When discovered the
body was lifeless and apparently the baby had been dead several hours.
According to reports received in Pineville, there was no evidence of foul
pay on the body.
   It is understood that Smiddy, who is only 20 years old, had been paying
attentions to Mrs. Ball for some time and that he finally persuaded her to
leave her husband, which happened a short time before the baby was born.
   The husband of the woman did not know where his wife had gone until the
report reached him about the finding of the body and that his wife had been
arrested charged with infanticide.  When he learned the particulars of the
case he had warrants sworn out at Pineville for Mrs. Bennett and Smiddy, and
the trio are now lodged in the Bell county jail, held without bail.
   The two women and man will be given a preliminary hearing before County
Judge Vanbevers Monday, and undoubtedly will be held to await the action of
the grand jury which convenes in February.

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