Riley Ball Dead-Frank Ball and John Hurst Near Death
Two Others Wounded

   One man is dead, three others are seriously wounded and a fifth suffering 
from a bullet wound in the foot as a result of a pistol battle in the Bell 
Co.,court house at Pineville, 11 O'clock Wednesday morning, between members 
of the Colson and Ball families. The combatants had come to Pineville to 
attend the trial of George Colson on charge of killing, Ira Ball at 
Middlesboro in February. Riley Ball was killed instantly and Frank Ball was 
shot twice, the bullet taking effect in the back of his head. He may die. 
John Hurst was shot three times in the face, and back, he is not expected to 
live.. Clay Colson was shot twice in the shoulder. M.L. McDaniel was shot in 
the foot. Frank Ball, Hurst, Colson were taken to the Contental hospital, 
where it was reported that Hurst is probably fatally wounded. Hurst is 
reported to be a member of the Colson faction. A man whose name could not be 
learned was arrested and placed in jail. All participants lived in 
Middlesboro and came here to attend the murder trial of George Colson.They 
met in the corridors of the court house and without a word began firing. It 
could not be determined who fired the first shot. A score of more shots were 
fired in a moment and four of the participants lay on the floor dead or 
seriously wounded when the battle ended..The wounded men were unarmed by 
Sheriff Martin Gr? and Robert Bever and taken to the hospital fifth man 
taking no part in the shooting was lodged in the county jail. McDaniel did 
not go to the hospital. Clay Colson was wounded during a battle with reputed 
members of the Ball faction several months ago.

Researcher:
Elva Nolan Morgan