cover of episode The Family Land, Part 1

The Family Land, Part 1

2024/10/25
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Criminal

Key Insights

Why did Melvin Davis and Licurtis Reels refuse to leave their family's land?

They believed the land was rightfully theirs and didn't trust the courts to resolve the dispute.

Why did the Reels family land become heirs' property?

Mitchell Reels, the family patriarch, died without a will, leading to joint ownership by descendants.

Why did Shedrick Reels claim ownership of the waterfront land?

He used the Torrens Act to prove ownership, despite the family's belief that Mitchell Reels had the original deed.

Why did Melvin and Lycurtus Reels end up in jail?

They were held in civil contempt for refusing to vacate the land after a court order.

Why did the Reels family feel they were treated unfairly by the courts?

They believed the court decision to transfer ownership to Shedrick was unjust and based on a chaotic hearing.

Chapters

The Reels family has owned land on the coast of North Carolina since 1911, with a rich history of living off the land and maintaining strong family bonds.
  • The Reels family has lived on their land for over a century.
  • The family lived off the land, farming and fishing to sustain themselves.
  • Strong family bonds and community support were integral to their way of life.

Shownotes Transcript

Melvin Davis and Licurtis Reels refused to leave the land that had been in their family for generations – so they were sent to jail. They expected to be in jail for 90 days. They were there for 8 years. This week, part 1 of their story.

For more on the Reels family’s story, you can read Lizzie Presser’s article, “Their Family Bought Land One Generation After Slavery. The Reels Brothers Spent Eight Years in Jail for Refusing to Leave It.)”

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