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Letter to the editor: I know what happend in shooting 80 years ago

By Tina Thompson

Marion

Published: October 1, 2009

Oct. 2, 2009 is the 80th year to date of the unjustified murders of Samuel Vickers, 54; Tilden Carver, 54; Luther Bryson, 22; J.W. Roberts, 17; James Jonas, 61; and Randolph Hall, 23. I think someone should have given a special memorial honoring the six who died, but I guess I'm the only one who thinks that!
In memory of these men, I want to let everyone know the "truths" or history I have discovered and have in my collection.
According to death certificates, these men were murdered, as of on three of these deaths are listed as homicides.
Each of these men lived in Marion mill village, but each was indeed born in other counties. The exact dates and causes of death is contained on the certificates. Other vital information is recorded on these papers. There were many personal interviews taken from eye witnesses, three of which I have in my possession. Those are from Perry Hicks, Dewey Helms and Sam Finley, all taken by Sam Howie.
These interviews put to light what really occurred on Oct. 2, 1929. It's a fact that's been hidden. The sheriff wasn't called to Marion mill, he was already there that night. In the boiler room with his men waiting to attack the strikers at day break, they were discovered by a night shift worker. That's why the night shift walked out.
I have in my possession, documented information of 95 percent of what really occurred. But many don't want this historical information to be publicized.
So I just want to say that I know what I uncovered. And I think that the memory of those who died should properly be remembered.
The memorial in 2004 that I set up for the men, the monument we placed at Marion Manufacturing, and Mike Lawing's book did not contain all the facts.
I just want to see the entirety of the truth to be made public!
I have all this information along with the history of Marion Manufacturing Company, with photos from so long ago. I hope to sometime get my documentation of the strike murders published.
But until then, I just want to say to the families of those six men, I have all the information and if anyone wants to see it they can contact me by writing to 71 Alabama Ave., Marion, NC 28752.
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