November 30, 1871

    Horrible Accident---The Chattanooga Times of the 29th says: "Yesterday morning as the
passenger train from Jasper was coming up to Chattanooga, and was near Whiteside Station, on
the N. & C. Railroad, about fourteen miles from this city, a brakeman named Thomas Minter, in
attempting to climb from the platform of the coach to the top of the baggage car, fell between
them and was instantly killed. One car passed over his body, the wheels running angling across his
left arm and chest, breaking the bones, and bruising and mangling the latter in a frightful manner.
The body was discovered by the brakeman on the rear end of the train after it had passed over.
Deceased was about twenty years of age, has a brother in Jasper, and a mother living in Rome,
Georgia."

    Fatality---The Knoxville Advertiser notes that a short time after the war, a man named William
Dozier shot and killed a policeman named Nathan Hames, on the corner of Gay and Main Streets,
Knoxville, Tenn. About three years afterward, Dozier was killed on almost the same spot, by John
M. Anderson, and on the 9th of this month, Anderson was shot at Sweetwater by an officer of the
law.

    Died---In this place on Monday last, Mrs. Martha Siner, wife of John Siner, aged about 45
years. Her remains were interred in the Sweetwater Cemetery on Tuesday.
    We learn the deceased had been a member of the Baptist Church for a number of years, and
lived a Christian life. A few moments before she died she expressed her willingness to go, and felt
perfectly at peace with God, when her spirit took its flight for the realms of eternal bliss.

    More Happy Folks---Married, November 21st, 1871, at the residence of the bride's father, by
Rev. J.H. Keith, Mr. C.W. Latspeich, of Monroe County, and Miss Mary Smith, of Meigs
County, Tenn.
    On November 30th, 1871, at the residence of Mayor Wall, in Jonesboro, Tenn., by Rev. L.M.
French, Mr. M.K. Benson, of  Sweetwater, and Miss Hattie A. Ross, of Jonesboro, Tenn.

January 4, 1872


    Married---In Sullivan County, Tenn., at Mr. Thomas Crawford's, the bride's father, by Rev.
W.H. Russell, assisted by Rev. Mr. Brisco, Rev. W.H. Crawford, of Benton, Tenn., to Miss Sallie
F. Crawford.

January 11, 1872

   The Murderer of Gen. John H. Morgan Burned To Death---A gentleman of undoubted veracity,
and a citizen of our county, informs us that a man by the name of Miles Leatherwood, a citizen of
Polk County, Tenn., and known by many, as the murderer of Gen. John H. Morgan, the
particulars of whose capture and death we published some weeks since, [Compiler's note: That
article appeared in the November 16, 1871 issue of the Sweetwater Enterprise.] was recently
employed by the Ducktown Mining Company as a wood chopper. Some two miles from the town,
he, in company with two others named Walton and Leatherwood, the latter a brother of Miles
Leatherwood, built a camp of heavy slabs, to shelter them from the weather while they were
engaged in filling their wood contract for the company, when one night not long since, the camp
took fire, fell in upon and crushed them to death. The camp was consumed, and the men burned
terribly before anyone came to their assistance. Miles Leatherwood, who had often boasted of
being the murderer of Gen. John H. Morgan, and which fact was well known by his comrades and
others, had both his legs burned off above the knee. These facts can be substantiated. Thus the
murderer of the gallant Morgan, came to an untimely death.

January 18, 1872

    John and Charles Denton Found Guilty of Murder---The case of the State vs. John and Charles
Denton was tried at Madisonville last week for the murder of Patrick Totter in 1864. The jury
returned a verdict of guilty as to both parties with some mitigating circumstances.
   The proof in the case disclosed beyond all doubt the guilt of the Denton's in the commission of
the offence charged against them and that in the perpetration of the deed, they acted like demons
instead of men living in a country where the Gospel is preached and the Christian religion a
foot-hold.
    It ia sa matter of some doubt, whether Judge Hall will commute the punishment for life in the
penitentiary or not. There can be no controversy about their guilt under the law, but when the foul
deed was done the country was in a state of war and strife, and the bad passions of men were
excited. In addition to this the State Government had passed into the hands of men who were
absolutely destitute of any of the principles which it takes in men to administer the laws. Those
who were termed Union men, were impliedly allowed to shoot down in cold blood, others
differing with, them in politics, by those in official position.
    Under the circumstances we are not prepared to say what ought to be done, and do not know
what will be the final decision. No motion for new trial has been made.
    Since the above was placed in type we learn that George Brown, Esq., counsel for defendants,
arrested judgment and the State appealed to the Supreme Court.

    Died---Mr. William Eckle, a young man of about 25 years of age, died in Knoxville on
Saturday last. His funeral took place at the M.E. Church South, on Monday. A large assembly
was present.

    In Memoriam---Sister Elizabeth D. Finley---The subject of this notice was born in Guilford
County, North Carolina, in the year 1814. In early childhood her parents moved and settled in
Monroe County, Tennessee. There she was raised. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Dill Trotter.
She professed religion in 1841, at a Cumberland Presbyterian camp meeting, held at Corntassel,
East Tenn. Her relations being Methodist, she united with that Church, and remained in it till after
her marriage. Was married to W.H. Finley, 1843, who was a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. She soon sought and obtained membership in the same church, with her
husband, and remained a member of said church till her death, which occurred at her residence in
Dalton, Georgia, September 13th, 1871, being 57 years of age. Her illness was of short duration,
was taken ill on Friday, her friends had flattering hopes of her recovery until Monday evening,
when her disease changed from that of inflammatory rheumatism to congestion of the brain. From
that time till her death, which was about 24 hours, she lay apparently insensible of her suffering,
although the lamp of life was so suddenly extinguished, we are not left without evidence as to her
acceptance with God. During the last hours of her struggles with mortality, she was heard to utter
in a low whisper, "Glory!" Though she did not recognize one of her own children. "The death of
His saints is precious in the sight of the Lord."
    We would not be understood to claim perfection while on earth for our departed Sister. But we
can justly say during her pilgrimage of about 30 years as a follower of the meek and lowly Savior;
she was an honor to her Church. As a neighbor, was kind and obliging. As a wife, truly the
help-meet she was, cheerful, affectionate, and encouraging in her demeanor. As a mother,
language is beggared in attempting to express her affection and care in that endeared relation. By
the vicissitudes of the late war her pecuniary condition was changed from that of plenty to one of
embarrassing circumstances. She bore it with great patience and Christian resignation. Our
struggling little Church in Dalton, has lost another one of its true and faithful members. But in no
wise comparable to the loss which her sad husband and three sons feel when they daily realize her
absence from the family circle. Amidst all your sorrows we can say, dry up your tears ye bereaved
husband, children and relatives.

The silent earth lies near her breast it is true,
And her loved form out of view,
But while there her lifeless body in solitude lies,
Doubtless her blood-washed spirit dwells in mansions in the skies,
"For ye shall be mine when I come to make up my jewels, sayeth God."
Then strive to follow her to the shining shore,
Where all is joy, love and life forevermore.

Z.M. McGhee, Dalton, Ga.

January 25, 1872

    A big letter from J.P. Chumlea residing at Fort Scott, Kansas.

    Personal---We had the pleasure of meeting in our office on Monday, Mr. John B. White,
formerly of East Tennessee, but for the past seventeen years a citizen of Independence, California.
Mr. White and his lady have been at Madisonville for several weeks past visiting their relatives
and friends. They will start for their home in California about the first of February. Miss Fannie F.
White, formerly of Knoxville, and a niece of Mr. White, will accompany them. We wish them a
pleasant and safe journey.

February 1, 1872

    Exciting Report---It was reported here on Tuesday that George Rutherford, well known to our
citizens, Thomas Hill and other employees on the A. & C. Railroad got into a difficulty a few days
ago at Birmingham, Ala. The Mayor of the town, it seems, repaired to the scene of the difficulty,
a house of ill-fame, and attempted to put a stop to the disturbance. The party all being under the
influence of liquor, attacked the Mayor, killed him dead, and not satisfied with this, put his body,
head foremost into a flour barrel. Rutherford, Hill and others whose names we could not learn,
were arrested and lodged in jail. This is about all the information we could get in regard to the
affair. We only make a report according to the statements made by parties who obtained their
information from employees on the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railroad.

    Major J.J. Lane, aged 50 years, died in Loudon on Sunday January 21st.

February 8, 1872

    Narrow Escape---Uncle Bill Prigmore, colored, came very near being run over and killed by the
freight train on Tuesday night. By strenuous efforts he saved himself, with slight injuries in the
right hip.

February 15, 1872

    Westward---Mr. James Owen, who had been here on a visit to his relatives, left with his sister,
Miss Hassie Owen, for Albany, Gentry County, Mo., on Monday last.
    Mr. Columbus Johnson, also left Tuesday evening for Osborn, Mo. We learn that a number of
others are preparing to start West in the spring.
    Mr. John Nichols left here for Illinois Tuesday last.

February 22, 1872

    Death of Col. Granville Torbett---We find chronicled in the Union & American, of the 17th
inst., the death of the above named gentleman, which occurred on Wednesday night, February
14th, at his residence in Nashville. His death, after a gradual decline of several months, though
long expected, will sadden the hearts of a large circle of friends and acquaintances throughout the
State.
    The Union & American says of him: Col. Torbett was a native of Monroe County, East
Tennessee, born on the 4th of March, 1810, and was therefore nearly sixty-two years of age. He
commenced life under disadvantageous circumstances, but, by his native energy and application,
educated himself for the profession of law, under the favor and instruction of the late Judge G.W.
Rowles. In 1841 he was elected a representation to the Legislature of Tennessee from his native
county; and in 1843 and again in 1845 was elected to the State Senate from that district On the
22nd November, 1842, he married a daughter of the late Matthew Barrow, of this city, and in
1847 moved to Jackson, Tennessee. In 1852 he was induced to move to this city and associate
himself with E.G. Eastman in the publication of what was then known as the Nashville American,
which at a later date they consolidated with the publication of the present Union & American,
through which we now chronicle his death. In 1855, when the then "American party" held a bare
majority in the Legislature of this State, he was taken up by the Democratic party as the only one
who could overcome that majority, and, without solicitation, was elected Treasurer of the State.
Having severed his connection with the press, he was elected early in 1861, President of the Bank
of Tennessee, which position he held to the close of the war. The troubles of the war, and the
disasters incident to it, tolled heavily upon his constitution. Fore more than a year past he has
been in declining health.
    Col. Torbett was of plain but eminently practical order of mind. He seldom erred in his
judgment upon any subject to which he had given his attention. The result, if ever, failed of
success in anything in which he engaged. He started in life a poor boy, and with but the ordinary
education of the old fashioned country school; and yet he succeeded early in acquiring a
profession, in which he ranked well during the time he gave it his attention. Without the gift of
oratory or the advantage of influential connection, he soon commanded public regard for his
intelligence, and unbounded confidence in his integrity. Without a speculative turn of mind or
disposition, he met with pecuniary success in every branch of business in which he engaged.
    As a lawyer he had ever promise of success. As a legislator he was looked to as a sound and
safe counselor. As an executive officer of the State, he commanded the highest confidence. As the
President of a bank, the leading financial institution of the State, he counseled the most prudent
policy; and passing through a great civil war, protected this important interest of the State with a
fidelity that was never excelled, and with a success greater than was the fortune of most men in
their private affairs. As one of the managers of a leading party organ in his State, and as one of
the advisers in all party movements, his good judgment inspired confidence in whatever policy he
approved. In all the relations of private life his opinions were sought for and valued by those who
know him best.
    But, as favorably as we can speak of him, and speak truthfully in these respects, his greatest
excellence lay in the moral and social attributes of his nature. From a long personal acquaintance,
we can say, without exaggeration, that we never knew a more honorable, honest and just man. He
sought no advantages. He had no concealments. He was liberal in all his dealings. He was
eminently social and hospitable. He cherished enmity toward none. He was kind and liberal
toward all. He was an affectionate husband, an indulgent father, and a most obliging friend. He
was a sincere patriot of the old school, with an abiding faith in the intelligence and integrity of the
people. Such virtues cannot be too highly extolled. The general interests of society require that
they should be marked and praised whenever found as guides to others as incentives to noble
action. The dead are insensible to our words of praise, but they fall like the chiming of sweet bells
upon the ears of the living, and awaken noble sentiments of generous emulation. Though a
privledge too often abused, it should never be neglected when so well deserved.
    He leaves a deeply afflicted widow, three children and a host of devoted friends in the three
grand divisions of the State, in each of which he has at some time of his life been an honorable and
honored citizen.

    Homicide at Charleston, Tenn.---On Monday morning last John T. Hart accidentally shot and
killed James Stephens. So says a special to the Chronicle.

    The Birmingham Difficulty---It will be remembered that some two weeks ago, it was reported
that George Rutherford, and others got into a serious difficulty at Birmingham, Ala., and that he
(George) and another party were imprisoned. We saw, on Monday, a letter from George, in which
he denounced the report a falsehood, that he had never been imprisoned and did not expect to be.

February 29, 1872

    Death of Maj. H.J. Vaughn---Maj. Vaughn departed this life at Columbus, Texas, on the 16th
inst., very suddenly from congestive chill. Sometime before his death he had moved from
Columbus to Georgetown, and had returned to Columbus for the purpose of starting on a visit to
East Tennessee. One of his objects in coming to E. Tenn., was to bring his youngest child to his
friends here, having some eighteen months ago lost his wife, leaving the child but an infant.
    We need not speak of Maj. Vaughn to our many readers, for he was very generally known in
Tennessee. He was born in Madisonville, Monroe County, Tennessee, 1832, and was about 40
years old when he died. He was raised and lived in Monroe County until the breaking out of the
late war, finished his education at Hiwassee College, read law under Maj. H.H. Stevens and Col.
W.L. Eakin, and became a good criminal lawyer. In 1859 he was elected by the people of Monroe
County to represent them in the Legislature of 1859-60. One of the first secession speeches made
in that Legislature was made by him.
    When Gen. J.C. Vaughn commenced raising the 3rd Tennessee Regiment in East Tennessee,
even before the State had seceded, Maj. Vaughn left the Legislature and volunteered in the same
as a private, but owing to disabilities which he had since the war with Mexico he was made a
Captain and Quartermaster of the Confederate Army.
    He was afterwards made a Major of the Quartermaster's Department in the army, and proved
to be an efficient officer, receiving the thanks of President Davis for gallant conduct at the battle
of Manassas in 1861.
    We regret exceedingly to hear of the untimely death of any of our old East Tennessee friends.
The fortunes and misfortunes of the late war has almost sent them to all portions of this great
country. They have had the adverse winds of time to combat, and we feel proud to say they have
fought the battle nobly.
    In the death of Maj. Vaughn we feel sorrow, and sympathize with his many friends and
relatives in East Tennessee. He has simply paid that debt we all have to pay sooner or later. His
deeds of character are left behind him. May he rest in peace until the great move shall summon
him to that final account when he will be prepared for the coming thereof.

    Mr. Jacob McNees, with his family, has removed to Johnson City, upper East Tennessee. His
brothers, Mr. J.C. and Eli McNees, will leave with their families, in a few weeks. Thus
Sweetwater loses three families of her citizens.

    Accident---Miss Howard, eldest daughter of Mr. J.W. Howard, of this county, came to town
last Saturday, to make some purchases of good, etc. On her return home the horse took fright and
threw her to the ground, breaking her ankle just above the joint. The accident happened just
across the creek. She was conveyed back to Mr. Grant's, and Dr. Begard called in who set the
fracture, after which she was carried to her home three miles distant. We understand that she is
getting along finely, and amputation will not be necessary.

    From Missouri---Mr. C.M. Johnson, who left here some two weeks ago for the West, has
arrived safe at Maysville, Mo. He says in his letter that the lands are rich and the people very kind
and sociable. So far he seems to be very much pleased with his new home. He says the first rain
since October last, fell on the night of the 19th inst.
    We are glad to hear that our young friend is so well pleased, and hope that he may do well and
prosper in all his undertakings. 

    In Memoriam---Maggie E. Chumlea---This precious young girl came to us with her family from
East Tennessee, just as the leaves of Autumn began to fall. She came to us with a loving heart in a
fragile body. The sunny skies of Kansas have beamed upon her in all their brightness---doting
parents, fond sisters, an affectionate brother, and a host of loving friends, have done all that skill
or affection could suggest; but the fatal consumption she brought with her has baffled the skill of
physicians, the kindness of friends and the prayers of Christians. She faded as the flower, and on
the 23rd February, fell asleep in Jesus. It was the privledge of the writer to lead her to the feet of
Jesus, whose loving arms were stretched out to receive her, and who filled her young heart with
unutterable love. Just before her death she stretched her emaciated hands upward and said, "I
want to go up to Him in Heaven; I desire not to stay another night." Very few of her tender age,
13 years, 8 months and 24 days, have awakened more interest in a land of comparative strangers.
May the good Shepperd console the deeply afflicted family, and tenderly bring them all to His
fold. The funeral was attended by the writer.   ---Rev. J.C. Post, Pastor of the Baptist Church,
Fort Scott, Kansas.

    The Sentence of Death---The Supreme Court yesterday pronounced sentence of death upon
Calvin Logsdon, for the murder of the Galloway family of Fentress County, in November, 1868.
The sentence of the court is to be carried into execution on the 5th day of April, 1872, near
Jamestown, the county seat of Fentress County, Tennessee.
    Logsdon is now in jail at this place, awaiting the expiration of the short time allowed him on
earth. When asked by the court, yesterday, what he had to say why sentence of death should not
be pronounced, the prisoner made no reply, and his doom was sealed.
    After the sentence had been passed, Logsdon addressed the following note, as his reason for
remaining mute before the terrible sentence was uttered: 
    "To the Honorable Supreme Court, in session---I state, from the fact I am laboring under
severe cold, I could not hear the sentence passed upon me by your honor, and only desire to say
to the Court, I am innocent of the charges. I left the neighborhood of the unfortunate occurrence
on Tuesday, two days before it is charged the murder was perpetrated. I desired to say this much
to the Court, and shall die, if die I must, free from any stain of blood on me, for I could have had
no motive to kill the parties. Neither do I know who did kill them, and the proof that I confessed
the killing at any time, is false. I was a stranger in this country, some did the killing, and it was an
easy matter to single me a stranger, out, and in their conspiracy to make the proof on me.  
Respectfully submitted, Calvin Logsdon.
    A Visit to the Prison---Visiting Logsdon late, yesterday afternoon, we were shown to his cell in
the jail, secure by means of thick stone walls and a heavy iron window. From what we had heard
we expected to see a man much different than was his appearance. A young man with black hair
and eyes, fair complexion, and of rather medium height, with a bandage round his brow, answers
his description. 
    The Condemned Man---Logsdon, who will be twenty-one years of age on the 17th of June,
1872, is the oldest brother of eight children of whom two are girls and six boys. His father's name
is Philip Logsdon and formerly resided in Fentress County in this State, but when Calvin was quite
young, removed to near Houstonville, in Lincoln County, Kentucky. In the summer of 1868,
Calvin left his Kentucky home and went to visit his grandfather, William Brown, living twelve
miles north of Jamestown, Fentress County. Here he did some work for a northern man named
Edgar Miles, and then went to work on a dear hunt in the mountains, where lived a cousin of his,
named Hatfield. He left on Tuesday, and on the following Thursday night in November, 1868. 
    A Horrible Murder---was committed in the neighborhood of his grandfather's. Three mangled
bodies of the Galloway family were found dead with evident marks of rudeness and fiendish
brutality on the old lady, Jane Galloway, her daughter and a little grandchild only three years old,
were found lying in the house where the family had lived.
    The murderer had knocked another member of the family, James Galloway, only seven years of
age, in the head and left him for dead. According to Logsdon, the family did not have a very good
reputation, and, although, it is said that the object of the murder was for money, yet this could not
have been the case, as they were in stringent circumstances, going about the neighborhood asking
for sewing. This he states as having heard only, and does not give it as his own personal
knowledge. He was not acquainted with the family---never had been to the house and only knew
by sight, the murdered woman, Amanda, whom he had once seen at church. The family lived on
Wolf River, about seven miles from where he was born. Leaving Fentress County Tuesday,
Logsdon walked toward home, but stopped on Saturday and Sunday with a friend living on Green
River, near Pelley's Mills, Casey County, Ky. Sunday he attended Salem Church, in the
neighborhood, and left next morning for his home twenty miles distant, arriving at home in the
evening, where he was arrested the next day, on the charge of murder.
    An Eventful Prison Life---Logsdon gave the correspondent the particulars of his life since his
arrest on the charge of the murder. He narrated the particulars of his three trials, resulting each
time in a conviction of murder in the first degree. He also told about his escapes and recaptures.
    His Father and Mother---are now living in Knoxville. The former is a cripple, having had his leg
and ribs broken by being thrown from a horse. His mother has been an invalid for years, and
neither as yet know the sadness their hearts must bow in the death awaiting their son. Though
poor and afflicted with disease, the affections for a son still have life enough to feel the misery and
anguish that soon must wring their hearts. Logsdon is an intelligent man and we have given his
history as related by him yesterday. Upon leaving the jail the prisoner's face brightened up and he
asked that a paper containing his story be sent to him and one to his mother to whom he had not
written.  ----Union & American, February 22nd.

March 7, 1872

    An Old Negress---There is now living at Mossy Creek, Tenn., a colored woman who has
arrived at the advanced age of 106 years. What is more remarkable, she has given birth to 29
children of whom 25 are now living. Her lineal descendants are somewhat less numerous than
those of Abraham.
    She was the slave of John Branner, Esq., deceased, and is now living with his widow by whom
she is kindly and well cared for.  ---Morristown Gazette.

    Article about the great snow storm of East Tennessee.  Snow depths in Dalton, Georgia was 18
inches ; 10 inches in Cleveland, Tennessee and 18 inches in Bristol, Tennessee.

March 14, 1872

    Tennessee Items---A Maryville correspondent of the Press & Herald says: John Yearout, a
pensioner of the War of 1812, died in Blount County on the 9th, aged 80 years.

    For California---Mr. John White, with his wife and niece, Miss Fannie F. White, left for
Independence, Cal., last Tuesday. We wish them a safe and pleasant trip.

March 21, 1872

    State News---David Pully, age 113 years, died in Wayne County two weeks ago. John Bullock,
Esq., a prominent lawyer of Memphis, died in that city last week. A.M. Bradley, known as
"Sander," of Sumner County, while in an intoxicated condition, was run over and killed by a train
on the Nashville & Louisville Railroad last week, at Richmond Station. A minister, named William
Simmons, who resided in Sevier County, East Tennessee, recently took poison through
mistake---supposing it was wine. He died in a few minutes after.

    Killed---We learn that a man named Sheets was shot and killed by some unknown party in
Loudon County a few days ago. No further particulars of the case reported.

    Died---At Fort Scott, Kansas, March 11th, 1872, Mr. James Dean, aged 60 years: This
gentleman came to us in the colony that left Sweetwater, East Tennessee, last October. He was a
native of Virginia. His health had been bad for several years. For some time after the arrival here
his friends were flattered with the delusive hope of his recovery. But a change for the worse took
place, his old pains returned, and without a murmur or regret he fell asleep in Jesus---lamented by
a loving wife and children and a large circle of friends, who had learned the noble qualities of his
heart.
    Mr. Dean put his whole trust in the friend of sinners, and died in the full triumph of Faith. The
writer conducted the funeral obsequies, taking as a text the 25th and 26th verses of the 19th
chapter of Job.
    "For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
    "And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God."  ---J.C.
Post, Pastor of the Baptist Church, Fort Scott, Kansas.

    The Greeneville Tragedy---The burning of the store house of Mr. J.P. Mason, in Greeneville,
on Wednesday morning, 13th inst., and the finding of the body of Mr. Mason in the ruins, have
been fully reported in our columns. The excitement caused by the tragedy has been very great
since the morning on which the affair occurred.
    A Coroner's jury was at once empanelled and the evidence elicited pointed unmistakably to a
man named George Simpson, as the murderer of Mr. Mason, and the fiend who, after the deed of
blood had been done, had applied the torch of the incendiary to hide the evidences of the murder.
    The evidence against Simpson was so direct that on Monday, last, Deputy Sheriffs James
Mercer and James Dobson were authorized to effect his arrest. They learned that Simpson,
apprehending arrest, had fled from the town. He was followed and traced to Morristown.
    Simpson, it appears, arrived in Morristown, about dark, on Monday, and after going into
several stores, went into Smith's Barber Shop and was shaved. His pursuers, passing by the shop,
noticed him inside, and stopped outside to await his exit.
    As Simpson stepped from the door of the shop he was ordered to surrender. Recognizing the
pursuers, he attempted to draw a weapon, at the same time starting to run away. At this moment,
both of the deputy sheriffs fired at him. One shot, only, took effect. The ball entered the fleshy
portion of the thigh severing the femeral artery. The wound proved fatal and Simpson died about
midnight.
    We learn that previous to his death, Simpson confessed the crime with which he was charged.
The substance of his dying statement was as follows:
    The plot to murder Mason had been concocted between Simpson, his sister, and a man named
William Carter. On the night of the murder, Simpson went to Mason's store and was admitted,
having stated that he wanted to buy some meal. As Mason leaned over a chest to get the meal,
Simpson struck him over the head with a hammer, killing him. The store was then fired. Some
accounts state that Simpson declared that his sister and Carter were present during the murder
and robbery. Others that they had induced him to commit the deed but were not present at the
time. The money obtained seems to have been divided among them; $331 were found on the
person of Simpson. A watch, which had belonged to Mr. Mason, was also.
    The complicity of Simpson in the tragedy was first known by the testimony of Mr. Dyer, of
Greeneville, who stated that Simpson had proposed to him to become a party to the murder, and
when he refused, Simpson threatened to kill him if he divulged the matter. After the murder of
Mason, Simpson was seen lurking around Dyer's house, evidently seeking an opportunity to
prevent him from disclosing what he knew, by murdering him, also.
    It is said that Simpson's sister had been "kept" by Mason, but quarreling with him, had taken
up with Carter, and that a personal enmity had existed between Carter and Mason.
    The deputy sheriffs left Morristown for Greeneville, on the early train on Tuesday morning, and
arrested Miss Simpson and Carter, who were at once placed in confinement in the Court House.
The body of Simpson was sent to Greeneville yesterday.  ---Press & Herald. March 20th.

    March 28, 1872

    Three Hundred Dollars Reward---It will be seen by reference to our advertising columns that
Gov. Brown offers a reward of three hundred dollars for the arrest and delivery, to the Sheriff or
Jailor of Polk County, Tenn., of Samuel B. Griffith, who murdered John A. Dillard, recently and
has fled from justice.

    Some six weeks ago a man by the name of Joseph Staley, was lodged in the jail for the
unmerciful castigation of a female child, five years old. The whipping by the inhuman monster has
terminated in the worst of consequences, and the little sufferer has passed out, a murdered life
from its little world of misery and uncorrupted innocence. Last Saturday night, its tender life
yielded to the exhausting wounds of a feeble body and its spirit, pure of itself, but bearing the
murderous guilt of parental frenzy entered the presence of its God. After its brutal treatment, the
little bantling died last Saturday night, having had several fits. The wretch who committed this
fiendish act is now in jail at this place for the crime, and the consequences of his brutality will so
operate upon the diction of an indictment likely to be supported by incontrovertible testimony,
that it will not surprise us if we have a hanging in this place within the limits of a calculable time.
---Jonesboro Herald & Tribune.

    The Condemned Criminals; Governor Brown Visits Logsdon in His Cell---The Nashville
Banner of Sunday says: Governor Brown visited our county jail, last Friday, and had interviews
with Logsdon and Presswood, the condemned murderers whose fearful crimes have been
heretofore detailed in our columns. Clinging desperately to the hope that their sentences would be
commuted, they sent several importunate messages to the Governor, begging that he would come
and hear what they had to say.
    The interview with Logsdon lasted half an hour, while that with Presswood was brief.
Governor Brown told Logsdon that he had not had time to examine the papers in his case, but
that as he had been accorded three trials by jury and three hearings before the Supreme Court,
there was no doubt as to his guilt that could leave room for Executive clemency. Frankly but
firmly advising him to cherish no vain hope of pardon or commutation of his sentence, the
Governor impressed upon him the importance of preparing to meet his fate.
    Having read carefully the record of the court in Presswood's case, Gov. Brown said to him that
he looked upon the crime of which he had been convicted as one of the most unprovoked and
inhuman ever committed, and that under no circumstances could the course of the law be
interfered with in such a case. Presswood, however, showed utter indifference as to his fate, and
had apparently made up his mind that he must die. During the past week all of his family visited
him, his father having seen him yesterday and returned home.
    Logsdon left for Fentress County on the steamer Ella Hughes, yesterday afternoon, under
guard of T.C. Martin, Sheriff of the Supreme Court, and J.W. Griffin and H.A. Ausburn as
deputies. He is to be executed on the 5th of April, and will be confined in the jail at Jamestown
until hanged.
    The photographs of both the murderers were taken yesterday at their own request.
    Beaty, the Maury County wife murderer, will also swing on the 5th of April.
    Presswood has until the 26th of next month to live.

April 18, 1872

   A Whole Family Poisoned---The Maryville Republican, of last week, gives an account of the
poisoning of Dr. J.C. Gillespie and family, who resides at Louisville in Blount County from
drinking milk, which had been placed in a new tin vessel. The paper says Dr. Gillespie was in
Maryville Monday morning, and was taken sick on the street, vomiting freely, and was scarcely
able to ride home. Upon his arrival he found his two children in bed sick with the same symptoms.
The children had drank milk at breakfast; a short time before Dr. G. arrived from Maryville. Mrs.
G. had drank some of the milk, and a little while after his arrival she was taken with the same
symptoms. Out latest information is that Dr. Gillespie and the two children were better, but Mrs.
Gillespie was very poorly.

    A Noted Horse Thief---James Graham or James Robertson, a notorious horse thief, robber and
penitentiary convict, of Georgia, has been traveling through this country peddling goods. We
were informed a few days ago that he visited Mr. Thomas Dougherty's near Jallappa, in the upper
end of this county where he remained several days. He had with him goods of almost every kind,
boots, shoes, jeans, spectacles and many other articles, which he packed on a mule and was selling
them at extremely low prices. Having known him since quite a youth, we would warn the people
to be careful how they trust him about their premises. He is of Irish descent, light complexion and
has no use of one hand caused by a gun-shot wound, served in the Rebel Army as a private in the
First Georgia Regiment. After the surrender he turned out to stealing horses, etc., and was
captured and sent to the Georgia Penitentiary, from which, if we mistake not, he made his escape,
and the Governor of Georgia offered a reward of five hundred dollars for his recapture. His
parents moved from South Carolina to Dahlonega, Ga., before the war, and was known there as
Graham, their real names being Robertson.
    We learn from the Maryville Republican that the store of Messrs.  Berger, Hood & Co., was
broken into last Thursday night at Maryville, and goods to the amount of $250 taken. As this
notorious thief stated that he would return to the neighborhood of Jallapa, about the 10th or 15th
of this month, we should not be surprised if he is not the person who committed the theft at
Maryville, and has no doubt an organized band through this country. He may and he may not
return to Jallappa, however, the people should keep a sharp lookout for him and arrest him on
sight, for he certainly can be identified as a most notorious thief.

    Big article about the killing of Robert Tolmie by John Hammett in Knox Co. Tenn.

    A Brutal, Horrible Execution---From the Kingston East Tennessean, we take the following
account of the hanging of James Logsdon at Jamestown, Fentress County, on Friday, the 5th inst.
The correspondent says:
    We arrived at Jamestown fifteen minutes after nine o'clock in the morning and proceeded at
once to the gallows, which was erected in a low swag with commanding hills in nearly all
directions. There were already some fifteen hundred or two thousand people on the ground, "and
still they come," and by eleven o'clock the crowd had augmented to some four thousand. About
this time the prisoner appeared in sight, shrouded and sitting in a two-horse wagon, driven by Mr.
M. Wright, accompanied by the Sheriff, with a strong guard, and prosecutor, together with the
Rev. Messrs, Wright, Grear and Pile. The wagon was drawn up to the gallows, and religious
services were commenced by the Rev. Mr. Grear who read the 88th Psalm and also the 5th
chapter of Paul to the Hebrews, singing a song found on the 659th page of the Hymn Book,
followed by prayer; after which the Rev. Mr. Wright, who had been selected to preach the funeral,
took his hand in the wagon and preached a short and very feeling sermon from the word: "Whose
sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed."---9th chapter, 6th verse, of Genesis. At
the end of the sermon, the time appointed for the hanging being yet half an hour off, some fifteen
minutes were taken up in singing and praying, when, at fifteen minutes before two o'clock, the
prisoner mounted the scaffold, and the Sheriff proceeded to tie the rope, which was a half-inch
hemp cord. He then asked the prisoner if he had anything to say, who said, in a very low tone of
voice; "I want you all to take warning from this and meet me in Heaven." Rev. Samuel Grear was
at this time supporting him. The Sheriff then drew the cap over his face, and descending from the
platform, announced, "The man has five minutes to live." At this time a death-like silence
prevailed through the crowd. The prisoner, standing on the scaffold unsupported, showed very
little sign of emotion. The Sheriff again announced, "The man has three minutes to live." At the
end of the time he knocked out the trigger, which was very conveniently arranged. The weight of
the prisoner at once snapped the rope and he fell to the ground with a dull, heavy thud. He was
immediately seized by the Sheriff and his guard, who put a new rope on him, throwing it over the
gallows, and three or four men taking the end, they hoisted him up again very much after the
fashion of hanging a dog. This time he hung some two minutes, swinging round five or six times,
when, his feet getting near the ground, in an attempt to raise him a little higher, he again broke the
rope, coming to the ground the second time. Once more he was seized and hoisted, the blood
running from his mouth and nose, and his shroud nearly off of him. This time the rope proved
sufficient and the poor fellow was launched into eternity. Such was the fate of Cal Logsdon, the
murderer of the Galloway family.

April 25, 1872

    Died---Rev. Thomas Brown, an old and much esteemed Presbyterian minister, and citizen of
Monroe County died at his residence near Philadelphia, Tenn., Sunday evening. Last.

May 2, 1872

    Death of Col. John Ramsey---On last Sabbath morning a deep and universal gloom was thrown
over our community by the death of Col. John Ramsey, one of our most loved and useful men. A
few hours before Col. Ramsey departed this life, Frank A. Bogart, infant son of Dr. & Mrs. Lizzie
M. Bogart, was called to his Father's home.
    On Monday morning both corpses were conveyed to the Presbyterian Church where the funeral
sermon was preached by Rev. W.W. Morrison. The crowd was the largest we have ever seen in
Sweetwater on a similar occasion. The church was crowded to overflowing. The Minister had
before him a scene and subject which beggars all description. The aged father and the innocent
babe had yielded to death's ruthless scythe. The speaker was deeply affected and spoke with great
feeling and eloquence. The scene, the subject and the sermon was more than any could withstand
and it seemed as if all were deeply moved.
    The large concourse of people after listening to the funeral services followed the remains to
their final resting place. Thus ended a scene the most solemn and impressive we have ever
witnessed. May these deaths produce a salutary effect upon our community and may our people
seek that blessed Savior in whose bosom the aged and infant spirits of the deceased are now
resting. An obituary of Col. Ramsey will appear in our next issue.
    We refrain from any eulogy, as the works and life of one so earnest, pure and good, speak
better and far more forcibly to all who knew him than any pen could do. We extend to the
bereaved family our warmest sympathy.

    Died---On Sabbath morning April 29th, 1872, Frank Bogart, infant son of Dr. & Mrs. E.M.
Bogart, age 21 months. Little Frank was a sufferer during nearly the whole of his short life. But
not withstanding his affliction he was unusually lovely and beautiful, and during the intervals of
his sufferings possessed all the playful and charming merriment of early childhood. In reflecting
over his innocent loveliness I am strongly reminded of that beautiful passage of scripture
containing the words of our Savior to "little children." "Suffer little children to come unto me and
forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." Much did sweet little Frank suffer before
he was permitted to lay aside his mortal garb and fly to the outstretched arms of his glorious
Redeemer. But now his angelic spirit is resting in the bosom of Him who called him home.
"Oh Jesus enable those who loved him here,
To look to thee for grace, and peace, and rest,
And, Oh help them to meet him there,
Where they shall be forever blest!"