Contributed by Paul Lemasters

“Murder In Fentress County.” United States Marshal WOODS Killed. Some time ago an account was given of the swindling of the celebrated Tinker Dave BEATIE out of a large among of back pay and bounty granted by a special act of Congress. The swindle was on such a large scale that Deputy United States Marshal John WOODS was instructed to investigate the matter and bring the guilty party to justice. We learn from a gentleman just from Fentress county that something over a week ago, Mr. WOODS, in pursuance of
his instructions, arrested the Sheriff of the county, a man named STROHMIER, and another fellow for complicity in the grab game.

The arrest was made in a saloon at Jimtown, and before leaving, the Sheriff became displeased at the language of the Marshal, and said, “If I was armed you would not dare talk so to me.” “You shan’t have that excuse,” said the Marshal, “I’ll arm you,” and presented a pistol, holding the handle toward him. Before the Sheriff could take hold of it, however, several of the bystanders, friends of the prisoners, fired on Marshal WOODS, several balls taking effect and killing him instantly. Our informant stated that the Sheriff had left that part of the country, and had not been seen since, nor was it known where he had gone. [Source: Knoxville Daily Chronicle, Knox Co., Tn, Fri., 14 July 1871, Vol. II, No. 60.]