Witness Interview: Hannah Waithers

Interviews were conducted with homeowners living near the Izard home on County Road 106 locally known as Sadler's Hill Road. The initial neighborhood interviews were conducted at the neighbors' homes on the afternoon and into the evening of the Izard murders, Friday, April 11, 1958.

M = Detective Jack McPhail
W = Miss Hannah Waithers

M: Miss Waithers, I'm Detective McPhail, this is Deputy Kuhn. I'm here about what happened over at the Izards' house today. Have you heard?
W: Who hasn't? It was quite a shock. Mrs. Hawkins has been on the telephone to everyone whose number she knows. Her sister's been burning up the phone lines, too. It's all anyone on our telephone party line is talking about -- the murders and the factory layoffs. Come on in. You must be parched. Can I get you anything?

M: No, but thank you. I just need to ask you a few questions.
W: All right.

M: Miss Waithers would you please state your name, age, address and occupation?
W: Hannah Waithers, 26, and I get my mail at Box 210 on this road. I'm a dental hygienist in Dr. Thornton's office in Oxford.

M: What time did you get home today?
W: His office is closed on Fridays, so I was off work today. I've been shopping all afternoon for a new dress for tonight. I went everywhere but didn't have much luck. I got home about an hour ago.

M: Was anyone with you?
W: No, but you can ask all the store clerks on the Square. I went everywhere, like I said. What's this got to do with the Izards?

M: Just checking on everyone's whereabouts. Routine, ma'am. Do you know if the Izards had any enemies, anyone with a grudge?
W: They're about the only people on this road who minded their business, Detective. I didn't really know them very well. I live by myself on the other side of the road on this land my Daddy left me, so I don't see much of anybody around here. But I always heard nice things about them. I visited their church once, too.

M: Have you heard anything about the mailman or the school bus driver getting angry at the Izards?
W: Not the mailman, no. But the bus driver, I think I heard someone saying he was the one who knocked down the Izards' mailbox and smashed all those new pansies that Mrs. Izard had planted. I don't really know much else.

M: When was the last time you saw the Izards?
W: Let me think. I believe it was Monday evening? Yes, I was out front by the road when they drove past and we waved at each other.

M: Have you seen the children lately?
W: Not other than Monday. I almost never saw the little girl. Sometimes I would see the little boy playing by the road, but mostly his mom made him stay up close to the house or back on their land. They've got quite a few acres, you know. He had a playhouse out in the woods, he told me one time, but I think that got torn down after those bad storms we had this past winter. Again, I'm not sure. He's a Boy Scout, too. Does that help?

M: Maybe. Anything else?
W: No, I'm sorry. And I'm so sorry to hear about the Izards, too. But would you excuse me now? I'm getting ready to go out this evening, and I'm running a little late.

M: Well, now, Ma'am, I have just a few more questions for you. We won't keep Frank Abbott waiting too long.
W: How did you know I was going out with Frank? Well, you're right about that. We're going out to dinner tonight.

M: Frank works at Bowlan doesn't he?
W: He did until today. He was one of them they let go.

M: That's too bad. Was he in sympathy with the union?
W: Yes, he was. He worked very hard to get that vote through. He suspected these layoffs would happen if it didn't.

M: You know Mr. Elliot Perch then?
W: Yes, I've met him. Frank introduced us.

M: Frank and Perch ever meet here?
W: Well, I, yes they have Detective. They had a few meetings here with some of the men from Bowlan.

M: Richard Izard ever come over to those meetings?
W: No, I don't think so. I'd think that would be strange with him being the foreman and all, don't you?

M: So he didn't come to these meetings?
W: No, he wasn't here.

M: How often did they meet here, Ma'am?
W: I think they had four or five meetings here, I'd have to check with Frank on that to be sure.

M: What time of day were these meetings?
W: Most of them were late, at night.

M: As late as midnight would you say?
W: Yes, sometimes later.

M: Did you sit in on any of these meetings?
W: No, I didn't.

M: Do you know what the nature of these meetings were?
W: Only what Frank told me. I understand they were to plan strategy for winning over enough men at the plant to pass the union vote. That's all I know, Detective.

M: Do you know who was at these meetings?
W: Detective, I think you ought to talk to Frank about that, or Mr. Perch. I really don't know who all was involved.

M: Did Elbert Warren ever come to these meetings?
W: Yes, he did. Mr. Perch was staying with the Warrens and Elbert was very committed to unionizing Bowlan.

M: Miss Waithers, you have any reason to suspect that Richard Izard's murder might be connected to this group?
W: No, I don't, Detective. I know most people around here think that unions are just another word for communism, but that's not true. Nor is it true that union organizing requires any form of violence. I suppose it's possible that the layoffs today might have something to do with it, but that's not to say it has anything to do with the union organizing.

M: Thank you Ma'am, for your time, I won't hold you longer right now. I may be back in touch if I have any further questions.
W: That's fine, and Detective, I know Frank didn't have anything to do with this.

M: By the way, Miss Waithers, you know what kind of car Mr. Perch drives?
W: Why yes. He drives a Belair.

M: Thank you Ma'am, you have a good evening.