Denison Gazetteer
September 2, 1888

On Monday afternoon there appeared before Justice of the Peace Odell, a colored man, his wife and daughter, aged 14, who swore out a warrant against a young African, aged 16, for seduction.  The papers were put into the constable's hands, and after getting a strong bodyguard, proceeded to Preston Bend, where they found the soon-to-be young father, at his home, who accompanied the officer without any trouble, the only regret he expressed being that "Bos I'se gwyne ter see my best gal ter night."  At the appointed hour the justice court room was filled with eager spectators, all bent upon hearing some sensational testimony, but all were disappointed, as only two witnesses were examined.  Both testified that Mary's reputation as a chaste and virtuous girl was very poor in the neighborhood, and that it was hard to say whether Silas had taken Mary to the picnic, or whether some other person was responsible for her condition.  The court felt very much inclined to bind the dependent over, but Silas "quietus" to all by going to Sherman, procuring a license and marrying the young lady.

Denison Gazetteer
September 9, 1888
The trial of the young African in our justice's court resulted in the defendant agreeing to marry the young lady who had trusted him in her promise of marriage, and it is stated after the knot was securely tied by a justice at Sherman, Silas and Mary mounted their horses, and after taking a good look at his new-made companion, told her to go her way and he should his, never wishing to come in contact with her again, thus ending their matrimonial bliss in entire separation.