September 30, 1886
E.P. Gwinn sold his farm south of Ballston to Berry Wester for about $4000, and has purchased the Tatom place near Dixie for about $10--. He is moving to his new home this week.
Saturday Issac ball and wife and James Ball and family, were returning to Ballston in a wagon, and, when near McCoy, the wagon upset, throwing the occupants to the ground. Mrs. Isaac Ball fell head downward, her face striking on a stone, and a large gash being cut above one eye, allowing the flesh to hang down over that organ. Uncle Isaac's shoulder was badly sprained. The rest escaped uninjured. (Submitted by S. Williams)
August 14, 1888
A TRIFLE LEADS TO A TRAGEDY.
The Owner of a Threshing Machine Strikes One of his Crew a Deadly Blow.
Salem, Aug. 13.-Information was received here this
morning of an altercation which occurred at Ballston, Polk county, last Friday,
which will probably result in the death of one of his men. William Davies,
who lives in the northern end of Polk county, is this season operating a steam
thresher, and hoards his employes, having a cook house on wheels which follows
the machine. One the evening mentioned Mr. Davis had completed work on the farm
of County Judge Stouffer, and after summer commenced cleaning up, preparatory to
moving to an adjoining field. Three of the men commenced complaining about the
food furnished by Mr. Davis, and after some words were discharged. The remainder
of the crew started to get the machines ready to move, Mr. D. being on his knees
at the front of the machine, when Layton Tindle made the remark that the supper
had not been fit to eat, and that the men were right in complaining. Davis told
him to keep still and go to work. This greatly exasperated Tindle, and he
remarked:
"You G-d d--n son of a b----! I'll go to work when I
get read." Davis immediately arose to his feet, and when passing under the feed
table, jerked out a large oak stick that had been used as a support to the
table, and struck Tindle over the head with it, knocking him insensible.
Examination revealed the fact that Tindle was seriously
injured, and Davis, after telling the men to take Tindle to the house and go for
a doctor, said he would go and give himself up to the sheriff, and then left the
crowd, since which time nothing has been seen or heard of him.
Mr. Tindle is seriously hurt, and not likely to
recover. Mr. Davis is supposed to be hiding in the vicinity and if Tindle
improves will come in and give himself up; but in case of his death will attempt
to escape. Sheriff Smith is now looking for him. Both men are well known in Polk
county bear good reputations. Tindle is unmarried. (Submitted by S. Williams)