Reed, Elmer 1979-11-28
Elmer Reed, retired law enforcement officer and former Crosby County Sheriff, discusses his early life and family background, recalls memorable cases during his tenure as sheriff, and reminisces about Crosbyton during the 1920s and 1930s.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Elmer Reed
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: November 28, 1979
Location: Crosbyton, Texas
Interviewer: Richard Mason
Length: 2 hours 50 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Born (November 23, 1902),
Bridgeport, Texas,
Education,
Draughon’s Business College—Abilene, Texas,
Basketball scholarship,
H. M. Reed, father,
From Georgia,
Baptist minister,
Olie Reed, mother,
Father,
Coca-Cola Bottling Co.,
Ranching,
To Crosbyton (1917),
Reasons,
First impressions,
Trains,
Caprock,
Crops,
C. B. Livestock Co.,
Land development,
Crosbyton,
Hank Smith, first white settler,
George Smith, first white child born in county,
Dugouts,
Coal mining,
Brick plant,
World War I,
Schools,
Brick building,
Classes,
Athletic program,
Road trips,
J. D. Miracle,
Recruiter, Draughon’s Business College,
Class salutatorian,
Telephones,
Automobiles.
Tape 1, Side 2: Automobiles (continued),
Model T,
Tire problems,
Gasoline,
Pasture land,
Water supply,
Well drilling,
Depth,
Early jobs,
Clerk for attorney,
Lumber company,
Deputy sheriff,
Abilene, Texas,
"School town",
(Hardin-) Simmons University,
Abilene Christian College,
McMurry College,
Deputy sheriff,
Jobs,
Responsibilities,
Guns,
Campaign for sheriff,
John McDermick, predecessor,
Reactions,
Formal announcement.
Tape 2, Side 1: Campaign for sheriff (continued),
Dances,
Opposition,
Five minute speeches,
Election results (1926),
Julia May Carter, wife,
Courtship,
Most memorable cases as sheriff,
Bob Morgan murder,
Robert Benton, murderer,
Capture of suspect,
Racial problems,
Conviction,
Death penalty.
Tape 2, Side 2: Bob Morgan murder (continued),
Liquor law violations,
Prohibition,
Stills,
Plan,
Undercover agent,
Disguises,
Stills,
Methods of operation,
Sales,
Role of automobile.
Tape 3, Side 1: Bank robbery,
Oklahoma,
Kansas City massacre (1930),
Ed Davis,
Tracking,
Elections,
Judges,
Ballots,
Fraud,
1920s,
Cotton production,
Population boom,
1930s,
Great Depression,
Drought,
Land auctions,
Work Projects Administration,
Sandstorms,
Entertainment,
United States Marshal (1935-1937),
Probation and parole officer,
Duties.
Tape 3, Side 2: Probation and Parole officer (continued),
Duties (continued),
Billie Sol Estes case,
Co-defendants,
Judges,
James C. Wilson,
Atwell,
T. Whitfield Davidson,
Sara Hughes,
Law enforcement officers,
Past versus present,
George Mahon,
Chief Probation and Parole officer (1950-1963),
Life threatened.
Range Dates: 1902-1963
Bulk Dates: 1917-1963
Access Information
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Transcript:
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