While we were at the public library in Scottsboro, Alabama, Jim came across a newspaper article entitled "Will Machen Reported Drowned in River." The name immediately caught Jim's attention. Will Machen and his family were neighbors with his grandparents in Hollywood. His daughter, Allie Mae Machen Nolan Kirk, planted the seed of doubt in the family with her claim that Will Machen was Jim's mother's father.
In the short article Will's brother reported while crossing the Tennessee River in a small row boat, Will fell out of the boat. The article went on to state Will was in an intoxicated state when he attempted to cross the river. In addition, Will Machen was ordered a four year sentence in the penitentiary for grand larceny and his case was pending in the Supreme Court.
In the following edition of the local newspaper "Will Machen Turns Up" safely. The article recalled last week's drowning and went to report Machen suddenly turned up last week.
The Progressive Age
November 6 & 20, 1919.
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