Ch 5 - Shelton v. KKK - Ep 1 - Murder on 6th Street
Manage episode 432525753 series 3413422
Emmett Shelton Sr. tells the first-hand account of murder charges brought by his father against 21 prominent members of the KKK in Austin in 1921.
The KKK promoted 'law and order' and many local officials in Austin and San Marcos were members.
The KKK opposed bootleggers and sent a note warning the Shelton Law firm to "get out of town" for its work defending bootleggers. Emmett's father, John E. Shelton, took the matter in his own hands - to determine who his friends were.
A Klan meeting on E. 6th Street, and a mistaken identity, lead of the fatal shooting death of Peeler Clayton. John E. had the list of those entering the Klan Hall that night - including local officials. He filed murder charges on 21 prominent Austinites -- And all Hell Broke Out in the streets of Austin, roughly 100 years ago.
Music: Ragged Ole Flag by Johnny Cash
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Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.
77 episode