The months of February and March of 1938 saw numerous sentences passed in Bossier District Court and The Bossier Banner reported them to its readers.
From its February 17, 1938 issue: “A number of criminal cases were heard in Bossier District Court during Monday morning of this week. Included in the lot was the case of C. L. Holmes, from South Arkansas, charged with involuntary homicide, the outgrowth of an automobile accident, in which the late Mrs. Susie Snow King lost her life. The accident occurred near Plain Dealing August 28th.”
“Through his attorney, Holmes pleaded guilty and petitioned for a suspended sentence. Several character witnesses were placed on the stand in his behalf. Judge [J. Frank] McInnis did not grant the suspended sentence plea, but sentenced him to serve 18 months in the Parish Jail, to serve, as he said, as a warning to careless and reckless drivers on the highways.”
“Albert Thomas, Jr., and Major Cook, youths, pleaded guilty to petty larceny and were sentenced to serve 30 days in jail.”
“Leroy Scott drew a fine of $10 and costs, or ten days in jail, when he pleaded guilty to charges of being drunk and disorderly and disturbing the peace.”
“Roy Alexander entered a plea of guilty to a charge of driving while drunk and was fined $75 and costs, or 60 days in jail.”
“Jack Davis pleaded guilty to the larceny of a truck and was sentenced to serve a year in the State Penitentiary.”
“Ed Heath, charged with operating a confidence game, entered a plea of prescription through his attorney and the case was dismissed.”
“Jessie Loyd pleaded guilty to the larceny of crossties and was sentenced to serve 60 days in jail.”
“Leroy Evans, a farm hand, pleaded guilty to the larceny of a quantity of shelled corn and was given 60 days in jail.”
“Steadman Wills pleaded guilty to a drunk driving charge and drew a sentence of 60 days in jail.”
“U. E. Griffin who some days ago pleaded guilty to the larceny of pecans, through his attorney petitioned for a suspended sentence. Judge McInnnis did not pass sentence however, stating that he was taking the case under advisement.”
One month later the March 17, 1938 issue of The Bossier Banner reported several more cases of drunk driving, in addition to a variety of other cases.
“Jack Lott, charged with non-support of a minor child, was sentenced to pay a fine of $100 and costs or to serve 60 days in jail. In the event the fine is paid, it is to go to the support of the minor child, Judge McInnis ruled.”
“Lloyd Willis pleaded guilty to a violation of the tobacco sales act and was sentenced to pay a fine of $25 and costs, with the fine being suspended on payment of costs.”
“W. M. Farquhar pleaded guilty to passing a school bus while it was stopped, and was fined $25 and costs or 30 days in jail, with execution of sentence being suspended on payment of costs.”
As today, the Bossier District Court of the 1930s addressed a big variety of cases, many of them having to do with drunken driving. Still, it is interesting to note that people who stole corn or pecans, or those who passed a stopped school bus were also dealt with.
Ann Middleton is Director of the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center. She can be reached at (318) 746-7717 or by e-mail at
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