From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, February 17, 1921: For the first time in the legal history of Indianapolis, and possibly the United States, a jury of twelve black women sat in a jury box yesterday hearing evidence in a damage suit brought by a black citizen. In the case before Justice of the Peace T. Ernest Maholm, Daniel Holt sought damages from Mr. and Mrs. Eugene M. Fife, alleging his coal wagon was rammed in the rear by the Fife automobile in “the gloom of the winter evening” while he was unloading coal. In the resulting chaos, coal was scattered, the wagon wrecked, and the horse “jammed up against a tree.” After hearing the testimony from both sides, the jurors deliberated for twelve minutes before deciding “the whole affair was an accident” and Holt was not entitled to any damages.
-
Other News This Week
- Salvage Corps
- 80th Historic Irvington Halloween Festival Tab
- Heartland Film Festival Announces Awards
- 100 Years Ago: Oct. 23-29
- Donation to IMPD Funds New Drone
- “Kim’s Convenience” Comes to the IRT
- Social Security Announces 3.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2027
- The Slightly Haunted Puppet Show Oct. 26 and 27
- Eiteljorg Celebrates Dia e Muertos October 24
- This Week’s Issue: Oct. 23-29
Search Site for Articles


