Ward H. Rodgers

Released
Gender:Male
Race:White
Era:1930s
State:Arkansas
Support
Socialism Socialist Party of America
No image available

Biography

Southern Tenant Farmers Union (STFU) organizer arrested on the orders of a Cross County, Arkansas prosecuting attorney after speaking at an STFU rally in early 1935. Charged with criminal anarchy after testimony that he was advocating racial equality in Arkansas; the all-white jury took ten minutes to convict him. Sentenced to six months in jail plus a $500 fine and court costs. His prosecution provoked rallies by radical groups in the Arkansas Delta and a wave of vigilante violence against STFU members.

Case

Cross County Jail
Charges: Criminal anarchy
Arrested: Jan 16, 1935
Sentence: 6 months in jail plus $500 fine and court costs Verdict as recorded: Yes — sentenced to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine
Convicted: Yes
Institution State: Arkansas

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