DS, signed “Beulah Praytor,” one page, 8.25 x 10.75, City of Wichita Falls letterhead, October 5, 1934. Voluntary statement issued to Special Agent E. J. Dowd of the Division of Investigation, U. S. Dept. of Justice, in part: "I have known Mary O'Dare Pitts, daughter of Joe Chambless since she was twelve or thirteen years of age. I do not know Raymond Hamilton, but recall seeing him in jail at Fort Worth, Texas two or three years ago. I never accompanied Joe Chambless in his automobile or any other automobile to the home of Floyd Hamilton at West Dallas, Texas, and I never went for the purpose of seeing Raymond Hamilton with Mary Pitts O'Dare. To my knowledge I never heard Joe Chambless say that he contacted Raymond Hamilton, Clyde Barrow or Bonnie Parker. I am not acquainted with Clyde Barrow or Bonnie Parker. Raymond Hamilton, Clyde Barrow or Bonnie Parker have never been to my house, at Wichita Falls, Texas and I never heard Joe Chambless say that they came there, during my absence. In fact I never knew them to call at the house." Signed at the conclusion by Praytor, and countersigned by Dowd as a witness. In fine condition, with three horizontal folds and left hand corner creases. The common law wife of Joe Chambless, Praytor was one of 23 indicted on charges of harboring and concealing the late Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. Others charged included the mothers of the two bandits, Cumie Barrow and Emma Parker, former gang member Henry Methvin, Marry Pitts, L. C. Barrow, Blanche Barrow, Billie Mace, and Lillian McBride. Both McBride and Praytor were dismissed when the case first opened, for lack of evidence.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
