Documents: vital records, warrants, supoenas, verdicts

Murder investigations and trials generate an extraordinary amount of paperwork. While the trial transcripts are long gone, many other important documents still exist.

Vital Records

Knoblock Marriage Certificate: John Knoblock and Florence Mozingo were married in Franklin County, Kansas on November 8, 1916.

Death Certificate:A copy of Florence Knoblock’s official death certificate, signed by coroner J.O. Stone. Stone would disappear before the trial began and never return to Coffey County.

Stevens Marriage Certificate: Judge Rudrauff recognized the first major suspect, Sherman “Blackie” Stevens (aka Stephenson) as a man whose marriage ceremony he had performed in 1923.

John Knoblock’s Arrest Warrant and Bond

Arrest Warrant: The outside of the warrant ordering John Knoblock’s arrest.

Arrest Warrant: The inside of the warrant ordering John Knoblock’s arrest.

Bond Agreement: After his arrest, John Knoblock’s family and friends, including the parents of his murdered wife, raised a $25,000 bond so that John would not have to wait for his trial in jail. In today’s money, that’s almost $320,000.

Trial Documents

Preliminary Trial Subpoena: Many of the Knoblock’s neighbors in Pleasant Township were subpoenaed for John Knoblock’s preliminary hearing. This subpoena was for Dora, Grace, and Carl Goodrick. Note the subpoena indicates that Carl Goodrick could not be found.

Preliminary Trial Subpoena: The inside of the subpoena was for Dora, Grace, and Carl Goodrick.

John Knoblock’s First Trial Verdict: After 18 votes, the jury returned with a verdict of “disagree,” which we would call a hung jury colloquially. The verdict was signed by jury foreman Oliver Kelly.

John Knoblock’s Second Trial Verdict: In just a few short hours, the Emporia jurors returned with a verdict of Not Guilty. The verdict was signed by jury foreman Edward Hass.