50 years ago – June 17, 1975: Missing person complaint leads to jail chaos

Dublin Courier Herald

By Doug Hall

A serious, but “run-of-the-mill” complaint started everything.

A man had been missing for almost two weeks. His family had failed to locate him. They had strong suspicions where he was.

But, before the day was over, one of the goofiest, most extraordinary episodes in many days had taken place at the Laurens County Jail:

Six members of a Glenwood Highway family were jailed.A least one police officer had been assaulted.A near riot had broken out.But, the missing man was found.

Sheriff W.R. Bussell said that the whole bizarre mess got underway when his department got a warrant to look for Harold Johnson, 47. He had been missing for more than a week, and despite his mother’s insistence that he was being held at a Glenwood Highway house, the residents denied several times that he was there. 

Sheriff’s deputies went to the address on Wednesday, and although they had left the warrant at the jail, informed the occupants that they had a warrant to search the house. When this was done, Johnson was found, Bussell said.

The sheriff said that Johnson had been doped and was being held at the house against his will.

A quantity of Valium, a prescription drug, was found in a Laurens Memorial Hospital container, but without a doctor’s name or any other labeling, the sheriff stated.

Elizabeth Thigpen, who lives in the house, was a former employee of the Hospital, the sheriff added.

When the missing man was brought to the county jail, Mrs. Thigpen and her five children came along.

What began as a commotion developed into violence and then near rioting, Bussell described.

Investigator Buddy Daniels got a bloody lip during a scrap with the Thigpens, and a .22 calibre pistol was removed from one son, a juvenile.

Mrs. Thigpen was put in jail for kidnapping, inciting a riot, terroristic threats, and disobeyng an officer.

A juvenile son and daughter were taken to the Sandersville Youth Detention Center, Bussell said. 

Richard Franklin Thigpen was locked up for disobeying an officer. Two other brothers, Kenneth Thigpen and Edwin Thigpen, were charged with assaulting an officer, disobeying an officer, and inciting a riot, Bussell reported.

Things are not over.

The sheriff said that his department is also investigating the possiblility that a nursing home may have been operated at the Thigpen house without a state license. “We found some drugs not labeled, and the fact that (Johnson’s) money that normally had gone toward maintaining a family was going to other routes” led Bussell to believe that the Thigpens were operating a nursing home of sorts, he said.

There was apparently no evidence of any ransom being asked, and Bussell believes that Johnson was held as part of the bogus nursing home scheme.

“We are continuing an investigation to determine if there are any incompetents, addicts, or aged who are being held against their will, or persons who are profiting unlawfully from any compensation they may be receiving,” Bussell said of the investigation of outlaw nursing homes.

According to Bussell the investigation will not be limited to the Thigpen case, but to any other possible violators. He said that his department has had complaints and information that indicates other circumstances similar to yesterday’s incident.

HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR NAMED

Charles S. Davis, 36, has been named Administrator of the Laurens Memorial Hospital, according to information from Milo Smith, Jr., Chairman of the Hospital Authority.

The new administrator is slated to come here on July 7th to start his duties at the hospital.

Presently he is assistant administrator of the St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens where he has been since February of this year. Prior to that, he was administrator of the Walton County Hospital in Monroe for eight years.

Davis is a native of Macon and was educated in the Bibb County public schools. He was awarded a degree in Hospital Administration by Georgia State University in Atlanta.

In Monroe he was a member of the First United Methodist Church, a member of the Rotary Club and active in Scouting and Red Cross work. He is married and has three children.

The Hospital Authority Chairman said that the decision to bring Davis to Dublin was made last night at a called meeting of the Authority. 

Davis succeeds M. E. Scarboro, who is returning to the VA Hospital here.

PLAYGROUNDS OPEN MONDAY

This summer the Dublin Parks and Recreation Department will have Summer Playgrounds at Hilburn and Washington Street parks. Each playgound will have qualified recreation leaders conducting daily activities for all ages.

Activities begin on June 16, Monday through Friday – from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Youngsters may attend at will as no pre-registration is required.

The program is free to the public.

Active as well as passive activities will be conducted.

Ms. Monica Miller will teach dramatics one hour on Tuesdays at Washington Street Park and one hour on Thursdays at Hilburn Park.

The playground program is under the direction of Miss Ann McCaskill, Program Coordinator, and Steve Jessup, Playground Director.

Leaders Jean Trollinger and Debbie Estep will be at Hilburn Park.

Mrs. Alice Arnott, Playground Director, and Kenny Webb, Calli Patterson, Herbert Blash, and Gwendolyn Beard will be at Washington Street Park.

EAST DUBLIN COUNCIL MEETS 

The twice-postponed meeting of the East Dublin City Council was held last night and was more a policy discussion meeting than action. 

After voting to pay bills for the month, they heard Wyatt Wilson of Bahr and Wilson discuss the sewage prolems that the city has.

Members of the Planning and Zoning Board were at the meeting, and the two groups discussed the zoning regulations and how to change the zoning in the city.

The Council also received an application from J.B. Clark for a packaged beer license for use at the location of the old Cities Service Station. This application will come up for action at the next meeting of the Council in July.

Another problem that was discussed was the landfill used by the city.

A financial report showed that the income for the city in May totalled $10,412.81, and the total expenses were $15,500.67.

The major sources of revenue were fines, $1,070.00; beer tax, $4,183.01; taxes and interest, $3,195.21; and liquor tax, $1,435.95.

Expenditures included $3,092.50 for administration; $6,301.97 for police;$2,340 for sanitary; $180.93 for buildings; $1,297.89 for fire and $2,387.38 for streets.

The income from the Water Department was given at $6,153.33 while the expenses of the department were listed at $4,487.71.

With Mayor Hugh Wood presiding, councilmen attending were Wadis Bracewell, Jimmy Davis, Jack Barwick,and John Sheppard; City Clerk, Mrs. Evelyn Harrell, and City Attorney W. M. Towson.

TONDEES WERE GUESTS

The Bicentennial of the United States, which will be 2026, was the featured topic of the annual alumni meeting of Middle Georgia College in Cochran on June 5 with Rev. and Mrs. Jack W. Tondee of Dublin as special guests.

Noting that the first raising of the flag on the Liberty Pole at Tondee’s Tavern in Savannah was on June 5, 1775, and that Rev. Tondee is a direct descendant of Peter Tondee, owner and operator of the Tavern, Dr. Lewis Alderman, President of Middle Georgia College, welcomed him and introduced him to the dinner guests.

Rev. Tondee then gave a brief history of the tavern and its owner, noting that Pete was elected doorkeeper for the Sons of Liberty, a group which met at Tondee’s Tavern. It was called the Cradle of Liberty during early Revolutionary days.  

Two students at Middle Georgia College are direct descendants of Peter Tondee and were introduced at the meeting, Mark Tondee, and Carl Willis, son of Mrs. John W. Grover of Cochran.

Souvenirs of the occasion were copies of menus from Tondee’s Tavern which had been printed in the 1763 Georgia Gazette.

ENGAGEMENTS

Neighbors – Thomas

Mr. and Mrs. J. Ed Neighbors of Dublin announce the engagement of their daughter, Linda Carol Neighbors, to Mr. Clinton Andrew Thomas, son of Mansel A. Thomas and the late Cordelia Thomas of Dublin.

Miss Neighbors is a 1973 graduate of Dublin High School and a 1975 graduate of Middle Georgia College with an Associate Degree in Medical Secretarial Science.

The groom-elect is a 1971 graduate of Dublin High School and is scheduled to graduate from Georgia Southern College in August with a B.S. Degree in Recreation.

The wedding will be at the First Baptist Church in Dublin on August 24.

Peacock – Butts

Mr. Willie Peacock announces the engagement and forthcoming marriage of his niece, Cecelia Linda Peacock, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Claxton Peacock, Sr. of Dublin, to Herbert Butts, son of Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Butts of Rentz.

The bride-elect is presently employed at Biljo Manufacturing Co., and the groom-to-be is presently employed at J.P. Stevens Co., Inc.

The wedding is set for June 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the home of the bride-elect.

No formal invitations will be sent, but all relatives and friends are cordially invited.

Ricks – King

Mr. and Mrs. Tommie Lee Ricks of Dublin announce the engagement of their  daughter, Betty Jean Ricks, to Willie B. King, son of Mrs. Ola Mae King.

Miss Ricks is a graduate of East Laurens High School. She attended the Swainsboro Vocational Technical School and is presently employed at J.P. Stevens Co., Inc.

Mr. King is a graduate of Dublin High School and is presently employed at Basset Furniture Co.

The wedding will be held on July 5th at Royal Spring Baptist Chruch at 5:00 p.m.

A reception will follow immediately at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Thomas in East Dublin.

All friends and relatives are invited to attend.

Coleman – Kitchens

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Coleman of Glenwood announce the engagement of their daughter, Patti Ann Coleman, to Buddy Kitchens, son of Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Kitchens of Dexter.

The bride-elect is a graduate of West Laurens High School, and the future groom, also a graduate from West Laurens High School, in 1974, is presently employed by J.P. Stevens & Co., Inc.

Their wedding is planned for June 28 at Rock Springs Baptist Church at 5:00 p.m. A reception will be held in the social hall.

No formal invitations will be sent, but all friends and relatives of the couple are invited.

Lowther – Watkins

Mrs. Amanda Lowther of Dublin would like to announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of her granddaughter, Cecelia Lowther, to John Tyrone Watkins, son of Mr. and Mrs. Willie Watkins, Sr. of Dudley.

Miss Lowther is the daughter of Mr. James Lowther of Buffalo, New York, and the late Mrs. Ellen Stanley Lowther of Dublin.

The bride-elect is a 1973 graduate of West Laurens High School and is presently employed at Laurens Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Watkins is a 1974 graduate of West Laurens High School and is stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

The wedding will be held at the home of Rev. L.C. Conaway at 10:00 A.M. on June 15th.

A reception will be held at 4:00 p.m. at the home of Mr. Watkins in Dudley.

No formal invitations will be sent, but all relatives and friends are invited.

ELKS CLUB RECOGNIZES STUDENTS

Bob Dixon, present Exalted Ruler of the Dublin Elks Club, with Doug Veal, past Exalted Ruler, presented awards to four local graduating seniors in recognition of their academic and leadership excellence.

Students recognzed were Tommy Watson, son of Mrs. Watson, as the Most Valuable Student. He was a student at West Laurens High School.

Freda Jo Davis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Davis, formerly a student at East Laurens High School, received a Leadership Award.

Steve Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerell Brown, a former student at West Laurens High School, was also presented a Leadership Award.

Karen Lord, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Lord, also a graduate of West Laurens High School, was named Most Valuable Student

EXPOS ON ROAD

Dublin’s Expos will hit the road this weekend, playing at Chester on Saturday and at Sandersville on Sunday, hoping to move up in the standings of the Eastern Division of the Middle Georgia Baseball League.

The Expos split two games last weekend over at Tatnall Field in Dublin, gaining a 6-3 victory over Milledgeville on Saturday, only to lose to McIntyre on Sunday, 8-3.

The team’s record now is 7-4.

Gene Lewis went the distance on the mound in Saturday’s victory, allowing but seven hits and fanning seven. He did not walk a batter.

Four Expos got two hits each with Zack Ellington hitting a single and a triple, Joe Isaac a single and a double, and Jeff Sims and Kenny Walters two singles each. Other safeties were a double by Richard Sheffield and a triple by Garrard Haywood.

The Expos scored pairs of runs in each of the third, fourth, and sixth innings while Lewis was holding the Milledgeville nine in check.

Sunday’s game was a tough one to lose, for the Expos had plenty of scoring opportunities but could not get the big hits. The Expos stranded 13 runners on the base paths. 

Gary Howard and Pete Jones split the mound duties, Howard going five frames, giving up five runs and seven hits including a three-run homer.

Jones finished up, being touched for three more runs and a double and Larry Carswell two singles for the Expos. Sims and Ellington slapped  singles while Jones contributed a double.

MUSICAL PROGRAM AT PINE FOREST

A program of music and drama entitled “Come Together and Celebrate” will be presented during the eleven o’clock morning worship service in the sanctuary of Pine Forest United Methodist Church next Sunday.

The program will be presented by the Youth Choir of the St. Mark United Methodist Church of Pensacola, Florida.

Featuring skits based on Charles Schultz’s “Peanuts” characters, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, and Violet, the program will include dialogues between the characters against a type of Greek Chorus as they seek to explore the question of man’s need to celebrate life in the face of his problems.

The choir, directed by Mr. David Van Sickle, is accompanied by piano, flute, guitars, and drums.

Pine Forest Youth Minister is Mr. Howard Lovett, and the program is sponsored by the youth of the church.

The public is cordially invited to attend at 11:00 a.m

MR. AND MRS. SCREWS CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARY

Mr. and Mrs. Gaynor L. Screws of East Dublin celebrated their 50th Wedding (Golden) Anniversary on June 1, 1975, with their children and families attending church services at the Gethsemane United Methodist Church.

Afterwards, the family met at their home on Lakeview Drive in East Dublin, where a lovely lunch was served by the children and their families.

Their children are Mrs. Viola Bustos of Atlanta, Mrs. Dorothy Whited of Norcross, Mrs. Glenda Gravitt of Duluth, Cleo Screws, of Gastonia, North Carolina, Herschel Screws of Milledgeville, Mrs. Willie Mae Hutchenson of Adrian, and Mrs. Rosa Brown, Benny Screws, and Grady Screws, all of Dublin.

MILLER WHEELS TO WIN SPORTSMAN

Ray Miller of Warner Robins took advantage of Sammy Fountain’s and Freddie Dorsey’s spinning out on the last lap by passing both racers to win the Sportsman Feature at 441 Speedway on Saturday night.

Miller had led the race for about 10 laps earlier in the feature. Then with about 10 laps to go, both Sammy Fountain and Freddie Dorsey paced him, and on the white flag, Sammy Fountain and Freddie Dorsey both spun in the second turn and Ray Miller slipped under and went on to win the race.

Ronny Sweat led the Sportsman Feature first and then Ray Miller took the lead. Then Sammy Fountain led to the last lap.

Second place went to Sammy Fountain of Eastman; third place went to Ronny Sweat of Swainboro, fourth to Bernard Boyd, and fifth to Freddie Dorsey of Swainsboro.

The Hobby Feature was won by Mike Loudermilk of Louisville. Second place went to Billy Godown of Wadley, third to Walt Lumley of East Dublin, fourth to Larry Clarke of Gibson, and fifth place to Kenneth Sweat of Wrightsville.

Sammy Keyton of Wrightsville and Ricky Thigpen of Dublin finished first and second place and were then protested and forfeited their protest, which enabled Mike Loudermilk to win the Hobby Feature. These two cars were protested by Mike Laudermilk.

The Cadet Feature was won by Tom Peters.

Point Standings:

Sportsman Leader – Ronny Sweat

Hobby Leader – Kenneth Sweat

Cadet Leader – Larry Carter