From: KyArchives [archives@genrecords.org]
Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 7:54 PM
To: Ky-Footsteps
Subject:
George.Colson.Given.Seven.Years'.Imprisonment.For.Killing.Ira.Ball.Last.
Year.1923.Bell.NEWS


George Colson Given Seven Years' Imprisonment For Killing Ira Ball Last Year May 15, 1923
Bell County KyArchives News

Middlesboro Daily News, Middlesboro, Bell County, Kentucky May 15, 1923

DYING STATEMENT OF SLAIN MAN INTRODUCED AS EVIDENCE 
CASE ONE OF MOST SENSATIONAL IN YEARS - CAUSED SHOOTING IN PINEVILLE  
MANY LOCAL WITNESSES AT TRIAL IN RICHMOND 

Seven years' imprisonment in the state reformatory was the punishment fixed 
for George Colson, found guilty today by Madison Circuit Court of killing Ira 
Ball. This case has been one of the most sensational in the state because of 
the trouble created at the time of the killing and later at the start of the 
trial in Pinveille when a fight ensued in which one man was killed and three 
shot.  It was because of the bitter feeling existing between the Ball and 
Colson families that the case was venued to Madison County for trial.

By Associated Press
Richmond, May 15 - The dying statement of Ira Ball, shot to death on the 
streets of Middlesboro in February a year ago, was admitted into evidence at 
the trial of George Colson, charged with killing Ball.  This declared Colson 
fired the first shot.  Ball's widow asserted Colson drew two pistols and fired 
first.  Colson testified that Ball fired first at him while Colson was walking 
away and after the couple had a few words of acrimonious conversation.

The case was venued here from Bell County because of conditions growing out of 
what is said to have been feud between Ball and Colson.  

Ira Ball was shot by George Colson on East Cumberland Avenue near Fifteenth 
Street February 2, 1922, and died ten days later.  Colson was indicted by the 
grand jury on a charge of murder and his trial was set for May 17, last year.

A change in venue was granted so that the case was scheduled for trial at 
Richmond.  On account of the absence of witnesses it has been deferred several 
times.

The trial began yesterday morning and lasted far into the night.  Evidence was 
conflicting.  The defendant attempted to prove that he had shot Ball in self 
defence.  The Commonwealth tried to show that the killing was without 
provocation.

The case was tried before Judge Rhodes Shackleford.  The defendant was 
represented by Attorney James D. Black, ex-governor of the state, and Judge 
James N. Gilbert of Pineville.  The Commonwealth was represented by Joseph 
Cheuant and Mr. Baxter, assisted by John Howard of Middlesboro.

The jury deliberated long on the verdict, news of which was not received here 
until late in the afternoon.  A number of Middlesboro witnesses were present 
at the trial, the appearance of these having been assured by a $500 bond.
Among the witnesses were: Dr. C. K. Brosheer, Andy Moyers, Jeff Moyers, 
Wallace Gastineau, Floyd Ball, Mrs. Ira Ball and Alva Ball.









Submitted by: Pat Akers Lacy
eplacy@worldnet.att.net



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