1868-01-04: Mashburn Fatally Shot

16. February 2015 · Write a comment · Categories: 1868 · Tags: , , , , ,

Fatal Affray
Last Tuesday evening a deplorable difficulty occurred in this place between W. C. MASHBURN and James MITCHELL, during the course of which the former gentleman was fired upon by the latter four times with a large Colt’s repeater; two of the shots took effect, one in the region of the lower part of the abdomen, the other in the left arm, near the elbow. The first wound spoken of was the one that caused the death of the unfortunate man, who expired at his residence, after great suffering, Wednesday evening at about half past six o’clock. The difficulty originated in the store of Mashburn & McKinney abou the settling of a small account. At the time of the shooting, MASHBURN was in the house and MITCHELL outside on the pavement. As soon as the bloody work was accomplished, MITCHELL turned and left the spot as rapidly as possible, but was pursued, captured and lodged in jail. Subsequently he was taken out and again remanded upon a charge of murder in the first degree. He is now being tried before Esquires Bills and Anderson. R. H. WOOD and James FENTRESS are prosecuting attorneys while Maj. J. B. DENNIS and Harry M. HILL are defending. The trial commenced at 11 o’clock Thursday morning and attracts no little attention. Since the above was put in type the trial closed, and the defendant, in default on bail, was committed to jail for murder in the second degree.

The Bolivar Bulletin. (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.), 04 Jan. 1868, Page 3. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.

1867-12-07: CLARK Gets Justice

26. August 2014 · Write a comment · Categories: 1867 · Tags: , , ,

We are admirers of the law and order, and ever join in the plaudits extended by an appreciative public to those who do their duty well and true. Our people are more or less acquainted with the facts concerning the arrest of Newton CLARK for the killing of JONES at Somerville during the war, and they are also partially acquainted with the evidence in the case as well as those pertaining to the honorable acquittal of the defendant. CLARK was a Confederate soldier, and the person he killed in a difficulty was said to be a Union man. CLARK was arrested at Grand Junction, but subsequently conveyed to Somerville, where his trial came off before Judge REEVES, a short time since. The accused was defended by our towns man, Maj. J. B. DENNIS, who proved himself a match for the prosecution, and to whose legal skill and untiring exertions his client owes his freedom from the foul blot which  for a time placed him in an unenviable position. John L. T. SNEED, a lawyer of renown, in the absence of the State’s Attorney, prosecuted the case, and fully sustained his well earned reputation. We are glad to know that an honest jury heard the able and comprehensive argument made by Major DENNIS, who is, beyond doubt, an honor to any criminal bar in the country, and his earnest zeal as displayed in behalf of his client, never failed to attract the intelligence that crowded the court room during his lengthy speech, which, we are told was never excelled by any lawyer of his age. It was not our good fortune to be present at the trial, but hearing, as we have, so many distinguished gentlemen speak of the able manner in which Major DENNIS conducted the defense, deem it but just to him and the profession generally, to make mention of his achievement over difficulties that to older heads than his seemed insurmountable.

The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.), 07 Dec. 1867, Page 2. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.

1867-11-30: CLARK Honorably Acquitted

26. August 2014 · Write a comment · Categories: 1867 · Tags: , , , , ,

Mr. L. Newt CLARK, of this county, who has been confined in the Somerville jail for several months, charged with the murder of Mr. David D. JONES, a blockade runner,” of that place, on or about the 25th of October, 1863, was tried and honorably acquitted at the last term of the Circuit Court for Fayette county. He was most ably defended by Maj. J. B. DENNIS, of this place, assisted by E. H. SHELTON and J. FLIPPIN, Esqrs. Gen John L. T. SNEED prosecuted the case in the absence of the Attorney General. The Bolivar Bulletin. (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.), 30 Nov. 1867, Page 3. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.

1866-07-07: Bolivar Lodge Installs New Officers

26. October 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: 1866, NewsExtract · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

List of officers installed in Bolivar Lodge No. 27, I.O.O.F. for the term commencing July 1, 1866: T. H. HANCOCK, NG; John WARREN, VG; J. C. FLEMING, Recording Secretary; J. B. DENNIS, P. Sec; R. S. HARDY, Treas.; W. H. CARRUTH, Warden; M. R. PARRISH, Conductor; M. T. COATES, JG; James COLLINS, OIG; L. B. ADAMS, RS to SG; J. H. GROVE, LS to ND; J. W. NELSON, RS to VG; J. T. GRAHAM, LS to VG; W. S. BROOKS, RSG; Hardy HARRIS, LSS; W. H. THOMPSON, Chaplain.

The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.), 07 July 1866, Page 3. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.