Group of 2 large cabinet card photos and 1 tintype image relating to Bristol, Tennessee police officer Charles Porch (served late 19th/early 20th century). One cabinet card depicts Porch seated with a male friend (printed at Loargille, Johnson City, TN) and the other depicts Porch in his police uniform playfully raising a billy club at a friend, who is pointing a gun at Porch (printed at Vance's Art Gallery, Bristol, TN). The tintype depicts Officer Porch posing with a fellow officer, both in their uniforms. Cabinet cards measure 7 1/2" H x 5" W. The tintype measures 3 1/4" H x 2" W. History (courtesy of the Bristol Historical Association): Officer Porch witnessed the earliest recorded murder of a Bristol, Tennessee police officer in February 1903. The incident is all the more significant since it was perpetrated by a Bristol, Virginia police officer, Grat Walk. The incident as cited by the Bristol Historical Association and Frank Bickley, a Bristol Courier reporter, unfolded in the following manner - at 11:30 p.m., February 7, 1903, Walk crossed from the Virginia side of State Street and stood at the corner of Fourth Street. He yelled to Childress, who was standing in front of Knott's Bakery, talking to Charles Porch, a fellow Tennessee officer. As Officer Childress walked to the corner, Officer Walk continued to quarrel him. Walk then drew his pistol and fired two shots, both shots piercing Childress's body through his overcoat. As Childress fell, Walk fled across the street. Childress was carried into the Bob Clay Barber Shop, where he died almost instantly. Walk was in hiding for a week, then gave himself up to authorities. Grat Walk later managed to escape from jail after he was allowed to leave his cell "get a breath of fresh air". He remained at large for 7 years until he was recognized in Idaho by an officer in Alene, Idaho. Walk was eventually returned to TN to face trial. During the trial, Officer Charles Porch testified against Grat Walk's plea of self defense and stated Childress never pulled his gun on Walk. The trial concluded with Walk being found guilty of 2nd degree murder and sentenced to 20 years. (Higher-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com)
Condition
Some toning and spotting to cabinet cards. Tintype unframed but retains the original sleeve.