Circumstances of Death

Special Agents Julian Sangster Majors, James Welch and Supervisory Special Agent James Merrick, accompanied by County Sheriff Harold Woodson, made plans to raid a still hidden deep within the Bayou Meto area of Arkansas County. In order to reach the still without being seen, the agents had to endure a four hour circuitous route through heavily wooded and difficult terrain. After reaching and raiding the still, one suspect was arrested and the still along with 700 gallons of mash was seized and destroyed. Also found within a one-half mile radius was a second, albeit smaller still, which the agents also seized and destroyed. During this activity, Agent Majors complained several times of chest pains which he attributed to bronchitis.

The suspect was lodged in the city jail at Stuttgart, Arkansas, and the agents adjoined to the Riceland Hotel for dinner. While seated at the table discussing the day's events, Agent Majors suddenly collapsed, apparently from a severe heart attack. Doctor S. A. Brennen was immediately summoned, but Agent Majors died before he could arrive and offer assistance.

Background

Agent Majors joined the Alcohol Tax Unit on February 1, 1950, and was assigned to offices at Pine Bluff, Hot Springs and Little Rock, Arkansas. Previously, Agent Majors proudly served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946. He was a 1943 graduate of the University of Arkansas.

Personal

Agent Majors was born in Danville, Arkansas. He was survived by his wife, Sammye and their daughter, Julie Ann.