Harry Scott, Superintendent of the Pinkerton Detective Agency’s Atlanta branch, testified that he investigated the Mary Phagan case alongside City Detective John Black. Hired by Leo Frank on behalf of the National Pencil Company, Scott first met Frank on Monday, April 28th, 1913. In Frank’s office, with Mr. Darley present, Frank described his concern about the crime and outlined his movements on the day of the murder. He stated he arrived at the factory at 8 a.m., visited Montag Brothers for mail with Darley around 9:30, returned about 11, and between noon and 12:10 paid Mary Phagan $1.20 in his office. She asked him whether the metal shipment had arrived, and after replying that he did not know, she left. Frank said he heard voices near the stairway shortly afterward. Around 12:50, he went to the top floor, spoke with Harry Denham and Arthur White, and advised Mrs. White to leave as he planned to lock up. She mentioned seeing a Black man on the first floor as she exited. Frank left at 1:10 p.m. for lunch, returned at 3 p.m., worked until the night watchman, Newt Lee, arrived, and dismissed Lee temporarily. When Lee returned at 6, Frank left for home at 6:04 p.m. Later, after encountering ex-employee Gantt at the door, Frank tried calling the factory to ensure Gantt had left.
Scott accompanied Frank and Darley through the building, inspecting stains and hair found in the metal room and basement. He said Frank appeared pale but calm, though sighing occasionally. On April 29th, Scott and Black had Frank question Lee privately; afterward, Frank appeared nervous and said Lee still denied any new information. Scott later examined the building, finding no physical evidence like a pay envelope or weapon. He confirmed that Frank’s account matched earlier investigations, except for minor timing differences.
Scott also described multiple interrogations of Jim Conley in May. Conley at first denied being at the factory or involved in the crime. After being pressed, he wrote dictated words to prove he could write and later gave several statements, each elaborating different details about the crime. Scott denied suggesting what to include but admitted guiding Conley to clarify contradictions. He said Conley first admitted seeing Mary Phagan only after several rounds of questioning. Scott emphasized that neither he nor the Pinkerton Agency withheld evidence from the police and that they ultimately worked in full cooperation throughout the investigation.
