From:BARBARA CLAYTON
Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 2:19 PM
To: morgan@usroots.com
Subject: Fw: Willie Thomas Is Charged With Bigamy 28 Aug 1922

"Willie Thomas is Charged With Bigamy"

Taylorville, Il Monday, August 28, 1922

Willie Thomas living on East Main Cross Street in Williamsville, was arrested yesterday morning by Deputy Ben Simpson on a charge of bigamy, filed against him by Lewis McConnell. Thomas spent yesterday and last night in jail, but was released this morning after he had given a bond of $500 in Justice Hewitt's court for his appearance before the grand jury.

Thomas married Abbie Pruitt, with whom he is now living, at Taylorville, Il on Dec 12, 1918. He is alleged by the complaintant, Lewis McConnell, that Thomas has a living wife in Kentucky from whom he has never been divorced, and that the marriage to Abbie Pruett is illegal.

Inquiries were made by Sheriff Dunbar in several counties of Kentucky to establish the fact that Thomas has a wife there. The letter below is an answer to one of these queries and it was this letter which caused the arrest of Thomas.

From Frankfort, Ky

Dear Sir,

I beg to advise you that Willie Thomas has a living wife in Kentucky, from whom he has never gotten a divorce. I would like to further acquaint you with the reputation of this man. He, from the crown of his head, to the soles of his feet, is a willful, vicious, malicious violator of the law and any punishment that could be meted out to this man would not be sufficient. Above all things on earth, please keep this man and do not allow him to again return to this state.

Yours truly

R.F. Neely Sheriff

Thomas is a brother to Wm. T. Thomas who was wounded in a shotgun duel with Lewis McConnell at the Thomas home about six weeks ago and for which McConnell is now out on bond of $1000, charged with assault with intent to kill.