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About Medford mail tribune. (Medford, Or.) 1909-1989 | View Entire Issue (Oct. 14, 1957)
Gene Paul Norris Classed as Most Feared Gunman in Southwest Editor'i note: Genr Paul Norris wit dvribfd tiy lawmen a? the most dangerous man In the Southwest he fore he died in a hail of bullets last April. This is the first of two dis parrhes outlining his career of robbery and murder. By JOHN G. WARNER United Presi Correspondent Fort Worth, Tex. TP Slight, boyish-looking Gene Paul Norris would kill anyone for a price. When his gun wasn't hired, he had no trouble finding uses for it. Norris pulled some of the most daring robberies the South west has seen since Prohibition days. He was, without doubt, the worst killer Texas has known since the turn of the century. His record is far worse than that of Clyde Barrow. Forty Slayings Rumored "It is widely rumored in the underworld that Norris killed 40 persons," Texas Ranger Capt. Jay Banks says. "That's a pretty well-founded rumor, too." Other estimates come lower, such as that of Fort Worth Chief Cato Hightower, who creoits Norris with nine murd ers. .II of those directly concern ed F rt Worth, however. Norris was tlie triggerman in the Dallas-Fort Worth gang, and sev eral of the gangland killings are attributed to his gun. Norris, black-haired and smil ing beneath the baleful eyes of $ rattlesnake, didn't come cheap. The underworld rumors his fee ft S5.000 for one killing. Helpers' Days Numbered Not all were contracted. Nor ris killed to protect himself, also. "If he used a man to help him on a job, that man's days were probably numbered," Banks says. Norris didn't like loose -itnesses hanging around. Gene Paul followed his older brother Pete into the bloody life. Pete was soon derailed and is now serving a grand total of 700 years in prison. It has been said the thing Gene Paul wanted most was to free Pete, once the FBI's public enemy No. 1. He tried once, springing his brother from a prison farm, and drew eight years in Huntsville Penitentiary for his trouble. After serving two years of that sentence and gaining pa role, Norris drifted to Fort Worth, were he teamed with Al catraz graduate Floyd Hill. In October, 1953, Hill and a machine gun-wielding pal held up a trio of Cuban gun-runners at the Western Hills Motel in Fort Worth .The take was $248, 000. Hill's partner was undoubted ly Norris, but he beat the rap. Although the gun-runners identified him as the man who was to have helped them ob tain munitions for a revolt in Cuba and instead robbed them the jury acquitted Norris when he produced witnesses saying he was in Duncan, Okla., at the time. Hill Arrested Hill wasn't so lucky. The FBI arrested him while he was dig ging up his share of the loot and he was convicted. Norris went back to prison, however, as a parole violator and was released in 1955. He drove a truck to a Wichita Falls warehouse, posed as a new salesman for an oilfield equip ment company, and drove off with thousands of dollars worth of equipment. But a Negro truck er saw him and was scheduled to star for the prosecution. One night before the trial the witness disappeared. Norris, in Fort Worth, caused enough trou ble in a tavern to be tossed in jail that night. He had a perfect alibi, therefore, when the truck er was found in a crude grave near Burkburnett last year, his head bashed in. It was possibly only the first time Norris had to get someone else to do a job. Norris was credited, among other things, with the deaths of gangsters Leroy (Tincy) Eggles ton, Frank Cates, Olen Ray Ty ler and Edward Eugene Townley and his wife, dope peddlers who have been missing for months. Oklahoma City bootlegger Or- ville Lindsay Chambless, impli cated in the Western Hills job, has been missing for some time also. Case of Frank Cates Norris was reported to have been hired as the trigger in a plot to erase four Oklahoma City bootleggers. The case of Frank Cates shows something of Norris' nature. Cates. a 61-year-old rum-runner, procurer, confidence man and hot gem dealer, became in terested in gambling. He set up shop on the outskirts of Fort Worth but decided he wasn't making enough. He hired Norris to eleminate six competing gam blers. Cates didn't stop there. He hired the late Jack Nesbitt to kill Norris after Norris elimin ated the gamblers. Gene Paul caught wind of this doublecross and on Aug. 2, 1956. a bomb ripped Cates' house, nearly kill ing him. Soon after Cates recovered, Norris called him and said he had some hot diamonds to dis pose of. On the night of Oct. 8. 195S, Cates went to a meeting with Norris at a lonely spot near Watauga in Tarrant county. Cates' body was found in his car the next day, torn by a shot gun blast. Next The last big job. Quotes From the News By UNITED PRESS Little Rock Negro leader L. C. Bates, saying that he under stands Negro children are gradually being accepted at Central High School: "It just comes down to what we have always felt. The kids are the future citizens. They can get together and the more they get to know each other, the better citizens they can become." Ottawa Queen Elizabeth, in admitting that royal life has its dull moments: "There are lonq periods when life seems a small dull round, a petty business with no point and then suddenly we are caught up in some great event which gives us a glimpse of the solid and durable foundations of our existence." Washington Rep. Kenneth R. Keating (R-N.Y.), in calling for broad new programs to train scientists: "Recent revelations of Soviet scientific advances should awaken all Americans to a renewed realization that this country has no corner on the brains of the world." Chicago James T. Mangan. self-styled owner of all space, in offering to turn his "property" over to the United Stales: "I want to save the nation's face in the satellite race." Tokyo Adio Dohi, Japanese student who was among at least 54 persons injured when famed Mount Mihara on Oshima Island near Tokyo erupted as scores of sightseers were viewing the crater: "Suddenly I felt a rain of fire falling on me and I tried to run away. I ran desperatelly but it was difficult to see my way because of the thick' smoke." Cleveland Dr. Gaines M. Cook, executive secretary of the International Convention of Disciples of Christ, in calling for Christian missions in underprivileged areas of the world: "It is as futile to isolate ourselves as Christians as it is for us to live in isolation as nations. The tragedy of Hungary has been heard in every African village." Hermosa Beach, Calif. Mrs. Rosaline O'Keefe, the house wife who offered her airplane-riding rabbit to the government to get the jump on a Russian dog reported ready to ride the next Soviet satellite: " 'Crusader' rode a plane from Texas to Hollywood without batting an ear. He would ""prove that American animals are su perior to Russian animals as space-riders." HILTS Recent Guests Are Listed By MRS. M. F. CAVIN Hilts Recent guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Spannaus were Mr. and Mrs. Harold McFerrin and son of Red ding, Calif. and Mrs. Charles Bubics of Pleas anton. They were en route home after vacationing in Canada. Quick Draw Results In Criminal Capture Sacramento 'U Two escap ees from Chino prison wefe cap tured Saturday because one shot the other in the lung while prac ticing a quick draw. The Sacramento county sher iff's office identified the men, whom they said fled Chino 10 days ago, as 23-year-old Paul Da vid Wiggin and Willis Raymond, 32. Officers said the two were captured at Truckee, Calif., by highway patrolmen and Nevada county sheriffs officers after a Nevada doctor called in to treat the wound tipped the lawmen. Mrs. Dorothv Watson and daughters, Patty and Debra, for merly ot ban trancisco, arrived Saturday to make their home with Mr. and Mrs. Francis Gwinn. Mrs. Watson is Mrs. Gwinn's sister. Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Thompson and daughter, Marilyn, returned Friday from Long Beach and other California cities where they visited friends and rela tives. Miss Marlene Smith, who has been residing in Long Beach, returned north with them and plans to make her home in Med-ford. Mrs. Fred Bloomingcamp of Hornbrook and Mrs. L. J. Rohr er of Eagle Point called at the M. F. Cavin home Sunday' Attending a layette shower for Mrs. John Rogers in Ashland re cently were Mrs. Albert Perry and Mrs. Ward Rogers. A daughter was born Oct. 5 in the Siskiyou County and Gen eral hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Shinar Marin. She weighed 6 pounds, 10V4 ounces and has been named Janney Marie. Mr. and Mrs. Pete Favero completed moving this week to Yreka where they will make their home. Favero retired from the Fruit Grower's Supply com pany several weeks ago. Mrs. T. D. Killinesworth of Hornbrook sDent Wednesday at the home of her daughter Mrs. Ray Middleton and grand-daugh ter, Cathleen Marie. Week end guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Art Blanchard were their son, Raymond, of Sac ramento; their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Phil Hemstead and son, of Redding, and Art Jr., also of Redding. While here they went deer hunting. Mrs. Ransom Smith under went major surgery at Sacred Heart hospital in Medford Thurs day, Oct. 3. Also a patient in Sacred Heart hospital is Ted Rose, who underwent major sur gery Monday Oct. 7. Both are getting along well. Mr. and Mrs. L. A. McCullough and Mrs. R. C. De Voe and sons of Medford and Frank Ward of Hornbrook were dinner guests Sunday at the Donivan Ward home, honoring the birthday of Mrs. McCullough. A Girl Scout leeadership train ing course is being held at the home of Mrs. M. E. Barron. In struction is by Miss Ruth Kil bourn of the Rogue Valley Coun cil in Medford, assisted by Mrs. William Wiley, neighborhood chairman. The first lesson was held Tuesday, Oct. 7, and one will be held each Tuesday for the next four weeks. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stretz, who have been living near Los Angeles, have returned north and will make their home at the Bur-Bel Resort on the Klamath river. Mrs. Don Tisserand returned to her home in Anderson Sunday. Mrs. Bessie Burton of San Diego is a guest at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Shinar Marin and family. Mrs. Burton is Mrs. Mar in's grandmother. Steve Osiecki and son, Tom my, ot .Pasadena were recent guests at the Don Powers home. Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Stick ney and girls of San Mateo vis ited last week end at the Victor Van de Weghe home. Stickney returned home Sunday. Mrs. Stickney and girls drove home, leaving Thursday morning, going as far as Redding where she vis ited a short time with Mr. and Mrs. Lester Spearin and family, before continuing the trip home. Other week end guests at the Van de Weghe home were Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stickney of Medford. Grange Notes Phoenix Grange Phoenix Grange met Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 8 p.m. Following the officers seating drill, the meet ing was turned over to Lecturer Ethel Carr. Youth Chairman Mrs. Willis House, in charge of the program, introduced Circuit Judge Ed ward Kelly, who gave an inform ative talk on juvenile delinquen cy, and the new Jackson county detention home which is to be dedicated soon and the way in which it would operate. Judge Kelly devotes one day each week to juvenile cases only. He stressed the point of so many temptations these days to cause children to go astray. The rapid means of transportation which enables them to get far away from parental control in a short time, and many other reasons contributing to the problem. Judge Kelly is a member of Central Point Grange, and re mained as a visitor for the re mainder of the meeting. Mr. and Mrs. Loyd Whiteside were elected to become members of the Grange. Myrtle Hixon, reporting on agriculture, told of some in stances where the prolonged rainy period was causing loss of crops. Some alfalfa seed had sprouted before harvesting, and the. late cutting of alfalfa hay ap peared to be a total loss. Vaughn Quackenbush of the music committee said he had pre pared a short talk on music, but preferred to talk about pears, red Bartletts in particular, a hybrid pear in which he is inter ested. Dee Hendrickson, reporting on horticulture, gave figures on the amount of pears sold during the past week in 10 major markets and quoted prices. Chet Parker said he met with the Poenix Community club committee, and plans are being made to cover the floors in the Community club building with tile. Secretary Lesbia Lattie read a resolution from Baker district Pomona, concerning taxation nad depreciation of property, Melvin Lattie, Andy Stevenson and Vaughn Quackenbush were appointed a committee of three to study the resolution and re port back to the Grange at the next meeting. The Grange will then act on the resolution. The chaplain reported Mrs Marian Riegel had fallen and sprained her arm badly. Mrs. Loyal Bates, Mrs. Chet Parker and Melvin Lattie are ill. The secretary read a commu nication from Grange Council Secretary Ralph James announc ing there would be council meet ing at Eagle Point Saturday, Oct. 12, at 8 p.m. Ladies are to bring cookies or sandwiches for re freshments. Master Dee Hendrickson again announced the dedication cere mony at Upper Applegate Sun day, Oct. 13, at 2 p.m. Also the Jackson County Pomona meet ing at Phoenix Grange Saturday, Oct. 26, at 10 a.m., an all day meeting. Mrs. Hattie Hendrickson re porting for HEC in the absence of Chairman Coral Schroeder, announced the all day meeting and clean-up day of the HEC at the Grange hall with a potluck dinner at noon Wednesday, Oct 16. She urged that all make an effort to be present. The serving committee for Oct. 22 Grange meeting will be Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Lattie, Mr. and Mrs. Andy Stevens and W. B. Tucker. Grange adjourned at an early hour and enjoyed cookies and coffee in the dining room. Gertrude Levine, Publicity Chairman Monday, October 14. 1957 MEDFORD (OREGON) MAIL TRIBUNE! Gold Hill Grange Gold Hill Grange will hold their annual Booster night Mon day, Oct. 14. There will be vari ous displays featured. Anyone wishing to display articles of in terest such as flowers, fancy work, antiques, or anything else that they may have, is invited to bring same. There will be a program and refreshments will be served. .In charge of these arrange ments will , be Master Hal Bish op, Chairman of HEC Lucy Ed- ington, Lecturer Icia Walker, Tableaux Chairman Willie Mc Lean and their committees. Mrs. John Bruce, Publicity The Hilts Community club met Thursday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Al Simmen. Canasta was played with Mrs. Frank Graves winning high prize, Mrs. Ernest Spannaus, second high and Mrs. Ozz.3 Bernhiesel low. Refresh men's were served. Mr. and Mrs. William Kleaver Jr. and son of Corvallis visited Mrs. Elizabeth McGuire Friday. Rodney Eastman, who is em ployed at the sawmill, cut his foot with an axe while trying-to dislodge a chunk of bark Thurs day afternoon. He was given first aid by Mrs. Eliabeth McGuire, then taken to the Ashland hos- REDS BATTER QUEMOY Taipei, Formosa (W Com munist Chinese artillery on Amoy shelled the Nationalist Chinese offshore island bastion of Quemoy Friday for the fifth time in 10 days, the Nationalist De fense Ministry said Saturday. The ministry said the Red guns fired 16 rounds in a one-hour-long sporadic attack, but failed to inflict any casualties or seri ous damage. pital where it was necessary to take three stitches to close the wound. Mr. and Mrs. Walt Laustalot and sons visited relatives in Cot tonwood and Anderson last week end. Robert Black, who is attend ing Oregon State college at Cor vallis, visited his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Black, and did some deer hunting last weekend. Overnight guests Tuesday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Al Simmen and family were Mr. PERSONALIZED Christmas Cards ORDER NOW 35 ALBUMS TO CHOOSE FROM ON THE BALCONY BOOKS GIFTS RECORDS D (ELBODCCIE 4 BIG PARKING LOTS IN BACK OF OUR STORE! MANY FINE ECONOMICAL COLD-WEATHER DISHES CAN BE PREPARED WITH PORTER'S MACARONI PRODUCTS AND TILLAMOOK CHEESE Porter's Frillets Egg Noodles Lb. Pkg. I As Good As It Looks! TILLAMOOK aged for flavor LARGE VARIETY TO CHOOSE FROM Fancy Cut Lasagne Midget Sea Shells Jumbo Sea Shells Petite Saladettes Circus Rings Italian Style long Spaghetti Italian Style Long Macaroni Alphabets Patina Soup Macaroni Chinese Egg Noodles Minute Magic Macaroni Elbow Macaroni Elbow Spaghetti Coil Spaghetti Coil Vermicelli Rigatoni Egg Noodles Kurle Q Noodles Bow Tie Noodles Extra Fine Egg Noodles Large Elbow Macaroni A Perfect Combination with Porter's Macaroni If You're Not Shopping at the Groceteria You're Paying Too Much Prices in this ad good through Wednesday, October 16 Karo Syrup Red, Green or Blue Label Quart A4 Save up Decanter lo 10c Heinz Ketchup 14-oz. bottle for 2 ,.,39 t Save lie Nalley's Chili Con Carne 15-oz. tin 13 Save 10c N.B.C. Crackers 2-pound caddy 19' Save 8c Niblefs Brand Corn 12-oz. tin 235' 6 for 1.00 z Green Giant Peas 303 can 21' 2 for 35' X MEAT PIES l.i .'.I y- CHICKEN TURKIT CHET'S FROZEN PIES o Chicken Turkey e Beef SAVE 18e miisTi SlETOTOMiBAl lEK" rib n m . . in-iii niiiiin.iMBiT mm r m PUSS 'N BOOTS CAT FOOD 8 OZ. CAN 3l2f NO. 1 CAN 209' ALL" Detergent 24-oz. Carton 45" ?2.79 ?5.29 10-ib. Box .... 23-lb. Package STRAINED BABY FOOD 10 cans GERBER'S JUNIOR FOODS cans HI MEAT DINNER cans 31 3 Big Bags in 1 Sturdy Box 49 SAVE 10c r
