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2012 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 199
Commemorating the centennial of the Carroll County Courthouse tragedy.
 
Agreed to by the Senate, March 1, 2012
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 2, 2012
 

WHEREAS, March 14, 2012, marks the centennial of the Carroll County Courthouse tragedy, in which a trial judge, commonwealth’s attorney, sheriff, juror, and trial witness were killed and seven others, including the clerk of the court, were wounded in a gun battle at the courthouse; and

WHEREAS, the Carroll County Historical Society has worked with family descendants, community members, and other interested individuals to commemorate the centennial of this event; and

WHEREAS, on that fateful day, the defendant, Floyd Allen, was found guilty of interfering with deputies and was sentenced to a year in the state penitentiary; and

WHEREAS, Floyd Allen reportedly responded—“Gentlemen, I just ain’t a goin’”—which resulted in gunfire between court officials and Allen’s family members; and

WHEREAS, Governor Mann, notified of the events that left the Carroll County sheriff’s office and judiciary in disarray, sent detectives to the county to hunt down the suspects, who were eventually captured and sent to trial; and

WHEREAS, Floyd Allen and his son, Claude, were sentenced to death for first-degree murder while other family members received terms in prison; and

WHEREAS, the impact of that fateful day continues to be a subject of interest and discussion 100 years later; its centennial is an appropriate time to commemorate the events and consider the importance of civil law and justice; and

WHEREAS, Carroll County residents and visitors will mark the centennial of the Carroll County Courthouse tragedy with several live performances of Thunder in the Hills, a portrayal of the event written by acclaimed playwright Frank Levering; a symposium; and a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commemorate the centennial of the Carroll County Courthouse tragedy; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Carroll County Historical Society as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for the society’s commitment to preserving and understanding Carroll County’s history.