transcribed and contributed by Susan Langheld (date unidentified)

Newspaper:  Cleveland Herald
Date:  08/03/1909

YOUNG BOY SHOT
Son of T. F. Elrod Shot Late Sunday Afternoon But Doing Nicely Tuesday Morning.
About four o’clock Sunday afternoon, Jesse Elrod, the 15 year old son of T. F. Elrod was shot while standing in front of his home near Big Spring. The ball came from a 38- caliber pistol in the hands of either Melvin Dixon or Brady Gregg who were in a house on a hill just above where young Elrod was standing. It entered the left side near vital spot and may be said to have passed through the boy’s body. Dr. R. P. Sullivan was called and took the boy under his professional care Tuesday morning he was resting as well as could be expected, with a fair chance of recovery, so it was reported. Dixon and Gregg at the first denied all knowledge of the affair but when found with a 38-calibre pistol, all cells loaded, and an old pistol in their possession they were arrested and lodged in jail. Monday morning the boys said the pistol they were handling went off, that they did not know it was loaded, and that they and the Elrod boy were on the most friendly terms. Officers are making a most careful inquiry to ascertain the facts. Meantime the boys are held waiting developments.