The Atlanta Georgian, Wednesday, April 30, 1913, reported the coroner's inquest testimony of Newt Lee, night watchman at the National Pencil Company factory. Lee had notified the police of the discovery of Mary Phagan's body. He was on the stand for more than an hour. The paper said his story was substantially the same one he had given reporters since his arrest.
Lee said that when he reported at 4 o'clock, Leo M. Frank, superintendent of the factory, told him to go home until 6. Lee said Frank seemed excited, which Lee attributed to Frank having just discharged John Gantt. Lee said he returned at 6, and that a few hours later Frank telephoned from home to ask whether things were all right. Lee said his employer had never done that before.
The printed question-and-answer testimony says Lee lived at the rear of 40 Henry Street and had one key to the building. Friday was pay day. Frank had told him to come at 4 o'clock Saturday because it was Memorial Day, then sent him out until the usual time of 6. Lee said he watched a medicine show near Decatur Street and Central Avenue, punched the clock at 6, and then saw John Gantt, who wanted a pair of shoes. Lee said Frank looked a bit frightened. Lee thought that was because Frank had discharged Gantt and might fear trouble. Gantt found the shoes, wrapped them, used the telephone, and left. Lee locked the door after him.
The seated portrait in this video is a visual reconstruction. It is not a historical photograph.
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