Nell Cropsey #2

    Jim worked at a shipyard and dry-dock outfits called Hayman’s Marine Railways.  He was only 5’2”, but Hayman said he was a hard worker.  Elizabeth City was booming after the railway was extended and they had more trade.  Chief Dawson had called a detective in who they called Hurricane Branch.  He came in on a train on November 22^nd along with his bloodhounds, and the whole town gathered as they walked “…through the heart of the river town.” (pg.21; Simpson)  Branch let his dogs smell Nell’s shoes and socks, and let them search, starting at the Cropsey house, several times all ending up on the dock reaching out into the Pasquotank River.  Nearly the whole town was there to watch except Jim Wilcox.