“One CCC enrollee is dead and two are hospital patients, the result of altercations in camp and in the city Saturday night and Sunday. Four others, critically hurt in a truck mishap Friday at Camp Shawnee No. 2 are hospital patients.”
“A dice game at Camp Roosevelt, Turkey Creek, Saturday night, ended in death for Earnest Gaskin, 39, colored World War veteran of Steubenville.”
“Struck over the head with a shovel at 10 PM Saturday, Gaskin died in Mercy hospital at 4 AM Monday. An injury to the brain caused death according to Dr. Ross M Gault, coroner.”
New Orleans Enrollee Held
“County officers arrested Edward S Gray, 33, colored of New Orleans for investigation. They said he struck Gaskin with the shovel following an argument over money in the game. Chief Deputy Sheriff HT Caldwell today said he will probably file a charge of manslaughter against Gray.”
“Dr. Gault, county officers and camp officials began investigations of the death today. An autopsy was scheduled by Dr. Gault. Walter Pope, camp cook, also was arrested as a material witness. Other witnesses were David Mimus, Jeff Walker and Sam Himes.”
“Deputies Caldwell and Harry Thornton said witnesses told them Gaskin drew a knife and threatened Gray before the latter used the shovel.”
Local Man Shot
“The body was taken to Windel-Howland funeral home. Gaskin leaves an aunt, Mrs. Slorene Ray of Steubenville. Gaskin entered the camp in July, 1934.”
“Will Stevenson, of 1115 14th street, colored, CCC enrollee of Camp Roosevelt, is suffering from gunshot wounds in the right shoulder and left hip at Portsmouth General hospital as a result of a shooting at the 14th street and Norfolk & Western Railway tracks about 8:10 PM Sunday.”
“Frank Carter, 32, of 1132 13th street, appeared at the police station about 10:45 PM Sunday and surrendered saying he fired the bullets that struck Stevenson.”
“Carter was arrested by Night Captain Lee Startzman, who charged him with shooting with intent to kill.”
Man Hurt in Beer Parlor
“Stevenson told police he was standing at 14th street and the railroad when he saw a man walking toward him. He said the man drew a gun and fired six shots, two of the bullets striking him.”
“Police are investigating to learn if the men had trouble before the shooting.”
“Albert DePalma, 19, CCC enrollee of Shawnee camp No. 1, is suffering from a severe bruise and four-inch cut on his head, received while he was visiting a Gallia street beer dispensary Sunday morning.”
“DePalma is a patient in Mercy hospital but the wound is not thought to be of a serious nature.”
“Police say he was struck by Harry Kaylor, employed at the beer parlor.”
“Acting Chief of Police John Smith said charges probably would be filed against Kaylor today.”1
Death Certificate of Earnest Gaskin
Record of Funeral for Earnest Gaskin
Letter from CCC Headquarters at Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio
CCC Headquarters Request for Additional Documentation
