Gilbert I. Akins - Submitted for the USGenWeb by Richard P. Sevier 9/4/2014

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Gilbert I. Akins - Madison Parish, Louisiana

From Tallulah Madison Journal April 24, 1931

GILBERT AKINS KILLED SUNDAY BY WARD HOLT

Quarrel Climaxes an all Night Dice Game Saturday Night

Ward Holt, 19, early Sunday morning shot and killed Gilbert I. Akins, 22-year old carpenter, as a 
result of a quarrel growing out of a dice game at a pool hall in Bloom's Arcade building, according 
to Dr. H. C. Sevier, coroner, who held an inquest over the body of Akins.

Immediately after the shooting Holt walked up to the City Drug Co. from which place he phoned S. B. Bettis, 
deputy sheriff, and from there went immediately to Bettis' home to surrender.

The shooting occurred about 7:30 o'clock, Holt using a shotgun. It is alleged that Akins intervened in a 
fight between Holt and "Pink" Vermillion, after which a fight ensued between Holt and Akins. According 
to witnesses, Akins got the best of the fight. It was then that Holt went off and returned with a shotgun, 
emptying it at Akins, with several shots taking effect at close range.

Holt was placed in jail upon surrendering, to await trial.

GILBERT I. AKINS

Much sympathy is being extended to the family of Mrs. J. W. Doyle in the loss of her son, Gilbert I. Akins, 
who came to his death from gunshot wounds inflicted by Ward Holt, another youth of this city, Sunday morning.

Gilbert, or "Goober" as he was known to his host of friends, was a boy of quiet disposition, and bore no 
malice toward anyone, and his untimely death will cause much regret among his wide circle of friends, 
"Goober" was just entering his young manhood having past his twenty-first birthday September 7, 1930. 
He numbered his friends by the score and many were those who called at the saddened home to offer words of 
consolation to his loved ones.

The funeral was held from the family home at ten thirty with services and interment at the Silver Cross Cemetery 
at eleven o'clock. Services were conducted by Rev. Giles, pastor of the Methodist Church here. 

The deceased is survived by his father, John Akins, of Boyce, La., his step-father, J. W. Doyle, mother, 
Mrs. J. W. Doyle of Tallulah, La., a brother, Eugene Akins, of Alexandria, La., and James Akins, of Tallulah, 
and a sister, Mrs., Berta Roberts, of Tallulah.

Those who served as pall hearers were Allen Kelly, "Boob" Kelly, Frank K. Warner, Chas. Palmer, M. Stennett 
and George Summers.

The little mound in the cemetery was completely covered by flowers placed there by loving hands of his many 
friends.--A Friend.