Black Sheep Sunday - Part 8 (1947) of From small town Georgia boy to notorious Texas (and beyond!) con man

 This post is the 8th in a series of posts about the life of my cousin and con man Elridge Solomon Price, Sr.  You can find the other installments here:  Part 1,  Part 2, Part 3, Part 4,  Part 5, Part 6 and Part 7.

The newspapers were quiet about ole Elridge the first half of 1947.  The first peep we read about him is in July.  There's no easy way to tell you this so I'm going to just rip that bandaid off. On July 24, 1947 in the Corpus Christi, Texas newspaper is a tiny blurb: Marriage license issued to "Elridge S. Price and Edith Wynn Price."  Yes, they remarried for the third time.  

On September 20, Elridge and Edith were robbed again.  This time, they had guests from Florida who were also robbed by the masked gunmen.  

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Tuesday, September 30, 1947, Pages 1 & 2

There are two interesting facts mentioned in this article that were unknown to us readers:

    - Price's previous arrests over the last 15-20 years were "misunderstandings." 

    - The charges he faced in Wichita last year had not just gone away. Elridge fought very hard not to be extradited to Wichita, and it appeared that he had won the fight since Texas ruled not to extradite him and removed his $10,000 bond. However, we find out here - 9 months later - that the case was actually transferred to Fort Worth; he is on a $5,000 bond for those charges; and everyone was just waiting for a trial date to be set.

Another interesting thing - in a sea of interesting things about Elridge and how he moved through life - is that this robbery took place on September 20, but I could not locate a single mention of it until September 29. As a matter of fact, even on the 29th, I could not find an explanation of the details of the robbery until the above article on September 30.  

So I'm going to step back a day and share some of the articles from the 29th.

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Monday, September 29, 1947, Page 1

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Monday, September 29, 1947, Page 1

It's interesting and almost laughable how as soon as Elridge found out a woman was arrested for participating in the robbery, he immediately stated that one of the masked robbers could have been a woman because "The rings were taken off my hands with a feminine touch." 

Also note that the story keeps changing ever so slightly.  First it was three men, then it was two men, then three again.  In this article he states that the jewelry loss was confined to just him and Edith, but other articles have already established that jewelry was stolen from Mrs. Haller.  Just two paragraphs before Elridge said this, it says "Pliers were used to cut one ring off Mrs. Haller's finger."  So is the newspaper making all these errors or is Elridge Price changing the story to fit his narrative of the moment?  

Newspapers.com, The Odessa American, Odessa, Texas,
Monday, September 29 1947, Page 10

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Tuesday, September 30, 1947, Page 1

So much for that "feminine touch" Elridge spoke of.  The prosecutors were convinced by the two suspects that the woman had nothing to do with the robbery, even though she was found to be clutching two of the stolen rings in her hand.  

[Photo Caption]

"CHARGED IN ROBBERY—Buryl E. Walker, 39-year-old ex-convict of Pampa was charged Monday in Ballinger with robbery with firearms in the jewelry robbery of Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Price Sept. 20. Also charged is Henry J. West, 33, a Mineral Wells jeweler, who adamantly avoided photographers."

"Ex-Convict And Jeweler Charged In $17,000 Theft At Ballinger

Most Of Gems Recovered; Woman Held In Brown

BY BILL NOBLE AND DORSEY READ
(Standard-Times Staff)

BALLINGER, Sept. 29. — Charges of robbery with firearms were filed with Justice of the Peace J. N. Key in Ballinger Monday afternoon against two men in the $17,000 sub-machinegun robbery of Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Price and their two guests near Ballinger Sept. 20.

Facing charges are Buryl E. Walker, 39, an ex-convict of Pampa, and Henry J. West, 33, of Mineral Wells. They are being held in jail pending the setting of bond.

CONFESSIONS SIGNED

Meanwhile, Ranger Captain Gully Cowsert, who, with Ranger Clarence Nordyke, figured in the capture of the two men and recovered most of the loot, said both had signed statements admitting taking part in the robbery.

The statements were made late in the afternoon before Dist. Atty. O'Neal Dendy, who will prosecute the case, and were witnessed by Highway Patrolman F. E. Boyd and Ranger Nordyke.

According to Dendy, the Runnels County grand jury will meet in Ballinger Monday, Oct. 6, and will consider the charges.

West, a jeweler in Mineral Wells and Jacksboro, was arrested in Mineral Wells Wednesday, but was released Saturday. He was apprehended again Sunday at Brownwood where a woman companion of Walker is now being held in jail.

MOST OF LOOT FOUND

The Rangers have recovered all the loot except one peal with a diamond setting, valued at $2,000, and the cash, estimated to be about $250.

Walker and the woman were apprehended Sunday by city police at a Fort Worth tourist court as they were attempting to drive away. Officers making the arrest saw a car answering the description of the vehicle used in the robbery and called other officers to help.

As police closed in, the woman, who was standing by the car, got into the auto and the man ran from the office of the court, jumped in the car, and was driving out when surrounded.

GUN IN RIBS

He got out of the car only after an officer's gun was cocked and thrust into his side. On the seat of the car officers found an unloaded .38 calibre revolver.

At the jail, the woman companion immediately asked the matron if she could go to the rest room where the matron saw that she kept her hands tightly closed. The matron demanded that she open her fists, found chewing gum in one hand, two diamond rings in the other.

The woman said she found them on the carnival grounds at Mineral Wells, and Walker said he had never seen the diamonds before, did not know to whom they belonged, and did not know the woman had them.

The two were taken to Ballinger Sunday by Cowsert and Nordyke to face the robbery charge. Mr. and Mrs. Price and their guests, Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Haller of Hollywood, Fla.

MEN IN BALLINGER

The two men are being held in Ballinger and the woman is in Brownwood.

Rangers recovering the stolen jewelry found a sub-machine gun and an automatic pistol at Jacksboro. Cowsert said the shotgun that was taken from Price was found at Crews, a community about 10 miles north of Ballinger, after the officers made a thorough search along the roadway.

With the shotgun was a crude drawing of the Price home and torn bits of an automobile club membership card with Price's signature on it.

Ranger Nordyke also disclosed that a pair of pliers used to cut a ring off Mrs. Price's finger was found in brush near Mineral Wells.

(See ROBBERY, Page 2)"

Transcription by Google Gemini included due to being unable to enlarge the text to the point it would be readable.

Newspapers.com, Standard-Times, San Angelo, Texas,
Tuesday, September 30, 1947, Pages 1 & 2

Articles about this robbery were in newspapers all over the country.  Most of them said the exact same thing over and over.  It spread as far east as Atlanta, in Elridge's old home state:

Newspapers.com, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia,
Tuesday, September 30, 1947, Page 6

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Wednesday, October 01, 1947, Page 10

It seems that the Fort Worth newspaper is bringing up Elridge's pending trial on violation of the Securities and Exchange Act, along with his status as a former Leavenworth inmate in almost every article about the robbery.  

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Friday, October 03, 1947, Page 2

At this point in 1947, things start to get real complicated for Elridge.  He already has a federal case hanging over his head, the robbery to deal with, and then he was indicted by a Runnels County grand jury alleging violation of the Texas securities act.

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Wednesday, October 08, 1947, Page 1

A little over a week later, there is news about his Securities and Exchange Commission charge originally filed in Wichita.

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Friday, October 17, 1947, Page 8

Then Elridge catches three more new charges.

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Thursday, October 23, 1947, Page 2

Oh wait!  Just kidding...

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Monday, November 17, 1947, Page 2

Now hold on, we have to switch back to the robbery case.

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Monday, November 24, 1947, Page 4

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Tuesday, November 25, 1947, Page 2

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Tuesday, November 25, 1947, Page 14

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Tuesday, November 25, 1947, Page 16

I realize both of these articles say much of the same thing, but the second one provides some extra details and advised that Buryl Walker's trial was set over until December 15. This next article also adds some details, while also repeating a lot of the last one.

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Tuesday, November 25, 1947, Page 24

Now is when it gets good...

Newspapers.com, San Angelo Evening Standard, San Angelo, Texas,
Wednesday, November 26, 1947, Pages 1 & 13

Newspapers.com, Standard-Times, San Angelo, Texas,
Wednesday, November 26, 1947, Pages 1 & 11

Newspapers.com, The Longview Daily News, Longview, Texas,
Wednesday, November 26, 1947, Pages 1

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Wednesday, November 26, 1947, Pages 1 & 2

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Wednesday, November 26, 1947, Page 1

My favorite article and quote of this entire Elridge Price series, stated so well by Prosecuting Attorney O'Neal Dendy:  "I wouldn't believe him on oath at his own funeral."

So of course Elridge was outraged.  He tried to strike back at Dendy but failed.

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Tuesday, December 02, 1947, Page 14

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, For Worth, Texas,
Tuesday, December 02, 1947, Page 6

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Wednesday, December 03, 1947, Page 2

Another charge pops up...

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Wednesday, December 03, 1947, Pages 1 & 6

Newspapers.com, Standard-Times, San Angelo, Texas,
Wednesday, December 03, 1947, Pages 1 & 15

Newspapers.com, Standard-Times, San Angelo, Texas,
Thursday, December 04, 1947, Page 1

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Friday, December 05, 1947, Page 8

Newspapers.com, The San Angelo Weekly Standard, San Angelo, Texas,
Friday, December 05, 1947, Page 5

Newspapers.com, Standard-Times, San Angelo, Texas,
Saturday, December 06, 1947, Page 1

And now back to the original programming... the robbery at the Price Home in September.

Newspapers.com, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas,
Tuesday, December 30, 1947, Page 8

All in all, 1947 was not a good year for Elridge Price.  Next time, I'll try to get us to the 1950's, but his life is so eventful - no promises here!  

Sympathy Saturday

 Sympathy Saturday will be where I share the obituaries and my condolences for members of my family tree who passed recently.  When you get to be a certain age, you begin to read the obituaries every day.  As the days go by, you read about more and more of your friends and family members who have died.  You compare their age to your own and get a jolt. "That could have been me." 

    For genealogists, checking obituaries and visiting cemeteries is as normal as breathing. I learn so much from an obituary, i.e., maiden names, parents' names; children's' and grandchildren's' names, funeral and burial locations, sometimes even a cause of death.  I want to learn these things not for any purpose but to put it on the family tree for future generations to see and learn about the family that went before them. I admit, most of these relatives I have never met, but I think it is important to share that they were here on this Earth, and they were important.

    So I am signed up with at least three funerals homes from Swainsboro, Vidalia, and Wrightsville to get daily notices of obituaries sent to my email.  Every day, I peruse them and with the help of the family tree, figure out who is related to me and add any new information to the tree. Some weeks there are several, and some weeks there are none. This week there are two who actually passed away a few weeks ago as I got behind on email for while. We are almost caught up now!

    Please join me in offering condolences to their families and holding them in the light.

Robert Bass Tapley
December 10, 1953 - August 18, 2026

Mr. Robert Bass Tapley, age 72, of Toccoa, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at Northside Hospital Atlanta. Born December 10, 1953 in Stockbridge, GA, he was the son of Frances Christine Norton and Marion Hodges Tapley.

Mr. Tapley was a Master Craftsman and Fabricator, and was a self-employed floor installer. He was a lover of old car and truck restoration, and was of the Baptist faith. Family members include his wife, Theresa Mae Moye Tapley of Toccoa; sons, Kenneth James Tapley (Cristel), Kevin Lee Tapley (Lauri), and Klayton Robert Tapley (Dawn); daughters, Farrah Lynn Land (Donnie), and Katrina Rene Dunn; mother-in-law, Shirley Mae Moye; a sister, Kathy Hancock (Earlon); brothers, James Tapley (Vickie) and William “Billy” Tapley (Felicia); seventeen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at the mortuary from 1pm until the service hour on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Funeral services will be held at three o’clock Saturday, August 22, 2026 from the Chapel of Whitlock Mortuary with Mr. Timothy Meisel officiating. Burial will follow at Roselane Cemetery. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Augustus Tapley, Wyatt Thompson, Dylan Tapley, Easton Tapley, Evan Tapley and Nathan Dunn. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and sign the online guestbook at www.whitlockmortuary.net. Whitlock Mortuary, Funerals and Cremations is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Robert Bass Tapley.

Sandra Price Mason
October 20, 1970 - August 18, 2026

Mrs. Sandra Price Mason, 55, of Statesboro passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at her residence. She was born on October 20, 1970, in Swainsboro to the late Barnie F. Price and Jacquelyn Riner Price. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Danelle Kurth; and nephew, Casey Price.

Sandra Price Mason was a graduate of Swainsboro High School class of 1988 and went on to East Georgia College before transferring to Georgia Southern University, where she was involved in Pi Sigma and earned her bachelor’s degree and then her Master of Adult Education. Her teaching career began in Wadley, then she moved on to Statesboro. After the births of her sons, she took a step away from teaching to partner with her husband selling Rainbow Vacuum Cleaners. She returned to education afterwards, joining the faculty of Swainsboro High School. Sandra enjoyed traveling with her family and friends, especially going to the beach. She loved her family, friends, and dogs so much, and was devoted to her students and their education.

Survivors include her husband, Charles E. “Chuck” Mason of Statesboro; sons, Charles Clifton “Chet” Mason, Trevor Price Mason, both of Statesboro; brother, Mitch F. Price (Tracey) of Screven; brother-in-law, Shannon Mason of Swainsboro; nephew, Eric Price; several other family members and many friends.

Funeral Services will be in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, with Reverend Mark Hardin officiating.

Interment will be in Blundale Baptist Church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. prior to services.

Pallbearers are Eric Price, Bobby Mason, Cliff Mason, Michael Bender, Cameron Watkins, Tim Mason, Charlie Hadden, and Phillip Sapp.

Honorary pallbearers are CTI students, Jon Thompson, Jimmy Thompson, Jimmy May, and Donnie Garrett.

In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be made to the Sandra Price Mason Scholarship Fund C/O Jimmy May, Durden Banking Company, P. O. Box 1560, Swainsboro, GA 30401.

The family will meet at the home of Mr. Shannon Mason, 933 Old McLeod's Bridge Road, Adrian, Georgia 31002.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Sandra Price Mason, 55, of Statesboro.

Friday Funny

 

Please let the temperature go down soon so I can get back to visiting cemeteries!

Thursday's Time Capsule

Terrie Jo Parrish was born September 10, 1956. Let's see what was going on in the world on that date.

September 10, 1956 was a Monday.  

The U.S. President was Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Vice President was Richard M. Nixon.

The top News Headlines that day were:

- Louisville, Kentucky public schools integrated.

- WYSE (now WETM) TV Channel 18 in Elmira-Corning, New York had its first broadcast.

- Great Britain performed a nuclear test at Maralinga, Australia.

1956 Prices

Bread:  18 cents/loaf

Milk:  97 cents/gallon

Eggs:  81 cents/dozen

Car:  $2,100

Gas  30 cents/gallon

House: $17,800

Stamp:  3 cents each

Average Income  $5,341/year

Minimum Wage:  $1.00/hour

Top Songs for 1956

Don't Be Cruel/Hound Dog by Elvis Presley

Memories Are Made of This by Dean Martin

Singing the Blues by Guy Mitchell

Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley                                    

My Prayer by Platters

Rock and Roll Waltz by Kay Starr

Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley

Academy Award Winners

Best Picture: Around the World in 80 Days produced by Michael Todd

Best Actor:  Yul Brenner in The King and I

Best Actress:  Ingrid Bergman in Anastasia

On TV in 1956

The Ed Sullivan Show                The Burns and Allen Show            Dragnet

Alfred Hitchcock Presents        The Honeymooners                        I Love Lucy

Gunsmoke

Top Books in 1956

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham

The Sweet Science by A. J. Liebling

Hot New Toys in 1956

Uncle Milton's Ant Farm                  Yahtzee  

Corgi Die Cast Vehicles                    Ant Farm

                                            

People born on September 10

1907 - Fay Wray, Alberta, Canada, actress - King Kong's main squeeze

1945 - Jose Feliciano, Lares, Puerto Rico, singer/songwriter (Light My Fire)

Jose Feliciano "Light My Fire" Live