WALTERS Brothers Shot In Union Church (1866)
The Bristol news states that a terrible tragedy occurred on Sunday, the 15th ult., at a church called Union, in the northwestern portion of Hawkins county, some nine miles from Kingsport, Tenn. The funeral of John ELLIS Jr., who had been a confederate soldier, was to be preached by parson HICKEY, of the Holston Conference. Two men by the name of WALTERS, perhaps brothers, manifested a disposition to disturb the quiet of the assembly. Eldridge HORD, esq., of that community, remonstrated against their conduct. Some angry words ensued, and WALTERS shot HORD, wounding him severely in the thigh. Whereupon, Sam SMITH, who had been a Condederate soldier, fired twice upon WALTERS, killing him upon the spot. The other WALTERS the shot SMITH, wounding him slightly. SMITH returned the fire, wounding the second WALTERS mortally, and then made his escape.
The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.), 05 May 1866, Page 2. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.