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Hickman County, TN Newspaper Articles
"Accidental and Tragic Deaths"
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CANE CREEK Our neighborhood was aroused to great excitement, last Tuesday, in sympathy for Mr. B. F. Turner and family. While the parents were absent from home the children were busily engaged in doing what was assigned them to do. The elder of these had drawn the spinning wheel near the fire, and was wholly engaged at her work, while the younger sister, about nine years of age, being desirous of learning the art of spinning, had taken her position between the wheel and fire. While thus situated, her mind fully engrossed in her sister's work, her dress caught fire and was in a light blaze before it was discovered. The child being of a quick mind, and knowing if something was not done she would perish in the flames, made her way, a distance of about thirty yards, to a branch, in which she succeeded in extinguishing the fire by rolling over several times in the water. Upon examination it was found that her limbs and the lower part of her body was burned almost to a crisp. The child no doubt suffered the most excruciating pains, and she expired on the Friday following. (The Hickman Pioneer, Friday, March 15, 1878) Last Wednesday evening, on Little Piney, about four miles from town, a most shocking accident occurred in W. McClenahan's family. We learn that that morning Mr. McClenahan went to the mill and his little children went down to their Grandpa McClenahan's about a hundred yards from where they live. They went into the stables to play and the little girl who had the child - about a year old - in charge, lifted it up in a trough and in attempting to get in herself, it turned over throwing the baby out, the trough falling on it and so seriously injuring it that it died in a few moments afterwards. The heart-stricken family have our deepest sympathies in this time of affliction. (The Hickman Pioneer, Friday, March 29, 1878) Mr. Wm. McClenahan's child was buried at Campground church, last week. (The Hickman Pioneer, Friday, April 5, 1878) Last Monday evening a little son of Mr. Erastus Anderson, of Lick Creek, was drowned in the race of Bond's mill. The little fellow was about four years old, and was playing near the race and it supposed he accidentally fell in. (The Hickman Pioneer, Friday, April 5, 1878) We have learned that Mr. Lane, who went to Texas, some time ago, was seriously injured by a team running away with him and a plow. The point of the plow struck him on the head, and hurt him so badly that he died shortly afterwards. We also learned that Mr. Field Aydelotte, who was raised in this county but moved to Arkansas, was dead. (The Hickman Pioneer, Friday, April 19, 1878) Last Wednesday evening, about 4 o'clock, Elijah Vineyard and several other men were bathing and fishing in Duck river, near the mouth of Dry Creek, about five miles from this place, and Mr. Vineyard, happening to get into deep water, though a good swimmer, from some cause was drowned. His brother was near by in a canoe and handed him a gig-handle, which he grabbed, but so suddenly as to jerk if from his brother, and went down, taking it with him, and at last accounts neither had been found. Mr. V. was about twenty-five years old and left a wife and one child to mourn his untimely end. (The Hickman Pioneer, Friday, July 19, 1878) FATAL ACCIDENT - On last Sunday, about 2 o'clock p.m. a most shocking accident occurred on Cane Creek, in this county. The circumstances are about as follows: In the morning Mr. William B. Pell and Mr. "Whale" Ferguson attended services at Enon church at the mouth of Lower Sinking creek. They were in a light express wagon, and when returning their mule was running at good speed, when some of the gear broke, and frightening the animal he ran off at break-neck speed, and finally struck a stump, throwing both gentlemen headlong out. Mr. Pell's neck was broken, causing almost instantaneous death, while Mr. Ferguson was rendered senseless for a time. We learn since that Mr. Ferguson is better and will get well. We had known Mr. Pell for some while, and we utter no unmeaning words when we say we truly believe everybody who knew him will be grieved to learn of his sad death: "There's a man who never had an enemy; everybody liked him." Although a cripple, from rheumatism, for the greater part of his life, he rendered himself quite useful, being an excellent school teacher. We extend to his relatives and many friends our heart-felt sympathies. (The Hickman Pioneer, Friday, July 26, 1878) W. B. Pell's remains were brought home last Monday, and interred in the grave-yard at Union meeting-house, on Little Piney. (The Hickman Pioneer, Friday, July 26, 1878) The wife of Ned Stanfill, colored, was burned fatally on the 16th, on Ugly Creek. (The Hickman Pioneer, Friday, January 4, 1884) The Late Horse Shoe Bend Disaster The parties in the hack that overturned in Duck River on the 9th ult., a full account of which was published in the Pioneer a few days after its occurrence, were going from Mr. Hugh Carothers' to Mr. Johenry Fowlkes' at the time. It is supposed that the disaster was caused by the hack going in too low down the river, as a recent rise had moved a certain log a little down stream, which was used as a guide to cross by. The body of Mrs. Richardson floated two miles, never sinking, and was picked up by some boys in a canoe. She is supposed to have smothered, as the water had not gotten in her lungs, and a large shawl was wrapped tightly around her neck when found. Miss Cassie Mayberry was last seen floating down stream with her head above water, but apparently lifeless. Her hat was found about a mile below the ford. Her body has never been discovered yet, though diligent search has been made. Mr. Askins got out a few yards below the ford, and though he has suffered from cold, is well again. Miss Richardson floated half a mile during which time she pulled off her gloves and started to unbutton her cloak. She had on a tight fitting water-proof cloak and her chest never got wet. She caught to a bush and was rescued by parties in a canoe. As soon as she was taken into the canoe she fainted and since the time she has suffered dreadfully with cold contracted by immersion in the water, but is now about convalescent. (The Hickman Pioneer, Friday, January 4, 1884) Didn't Know It Was Loaded On last Sunday Horace Atkins shot and killed Bill Gray at the Nunneley ore bank, in this county. Both parties were colored. It appears that the two were playing with pistols when Atkins' weapon fired, sending a bullet through the brain of Gray. The wounded man lay in an unconscious state for two hours and died. An inquest was held before Esq. Jesse James. Atkins was tried and released, it being proved that the deed was altogether unintentional, he not knowing that the pistol was loaded. (The Hickman Pioneer, Friday, January 4, 1884) Last wee Mrs. Nancy Meece, of Swan, was arrested on charge of having poisoned her husband, Abram Meece, who died on the 12th of February last. She gave bond for her appearance at the circuit court. The woman is 73 years old, and her husband was 76 at the time of his death. Her son-in-law, J. A. Himes and his wife, Mary T. Himes, are also charged with the same offense. The affair created a good deal of excitement and will doubtless be well ventilated by the courts. They were arraigned before Justices R. M. Anderson and V. B. Shouse and waived examination, giving bond for their appearance, as stated. (The Hickman Pioneer, Friday, April 18, 1884) Thrown From A Horse and Killed Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 9 - Prof. Guerin, a prominent educator, was thrown from his horse in Dickson County today and instantly killed. (Source: The New York Times, Aug. 10, 1884 - Submitted by K. Rogers) Walter Oliver, who was shot by Alfred Dunn, some days ago, near Nunnelly, died of his wounds about 2 o'clock a.m. last Monday. The immediate cause of his death was bleeding of the wounds. Dunn is still out on the bond he gave some days ago for his appearance at Circuit court. Dunn is only 17 years old and Oliver was something over 21 years. Both were born and raised in this county. Oliver, it will be remembered, saved Fred Slater from drowning last winter, in Mill Creek. (The Hickman Pioneer, Friday, September 10, 1886) On last Sunday evening a little son of Mr. James Overbey, who lives near Martin's school house, in the 4th district, was thrown by a mule and killed. The boy was about 6 years old. At the time of the sad accident the boy was riding the mule to water. (The Hickman Pioneer, Friday, October 1, 1886) Buck Brown At ten minutes after 3 o'clock Saturday evening, Sept. 25th, a deadly affray occurred at Goodrich, in this county, in which W. J. (Buck) Brown lost his life. The facts as detailed by eye witnesses are in the minute details a little conflicting, but in the main they substantially agree. We have taken no little pains to get a true version of the affair, that no injustice may be done to any one. Our readers will remember that Brown was elected magistrate at the August election in the 7th civil district, and Henry Warren , a son of "Uncle Billie" Warren, was on the 25th inst. arrested on a peace warrant sworn out by Ed Maberry, colored, and brought before Brown for trial. Warren claimed the right to have his trial before J. D. Harrington in the Little Lot district, and Brown read the statutes to Warren governing in such cases and proceeded with the trial, and afterwards read the code touching the duties of magistrates in proceedings to keep the peace, all of which did not suit the rights of Warren as he understood the law, and finally, Warren demanded of Brown that he "Brown" should burn or other wise destroy the papers in the case, which Brown refused to do. Some time after the trial but about 3 o'clock Warren again came to Brown's grocery and just outside the door renewed the controversy in the presence of several parties, when Brown told him he had already said enough about the matter, and then each one abused the other and Brown threatened to put Warren under arrest, and commanded constable Lawson to arrest him. Lawson commanded the peace and Brown started towards his dwelling house after telling Warren that he (Warren) had a pistol while he (Brown) was unarmed. Thereupon Warren ordered Brown not to go any further, saying that he (Warren) didn't propose to be shot down, or words to that effect. Brown failed to halt and Warren drew from his hip pocket a 38 caliber pistol and shot Brown in the side, in the region of the abdomen. Brown wheeled either before the shot or immediately afterwards and turned to enter his grocery, when Warren fired a second shot, but missed his aim entirely. Warren fled from the scene and has not as yet been arrested. Brown was helped into his dwelling house, and in a few minutes attended by Dr. T. D. Thompson, who pronounced the case to be fatal beyond all question. Drs. Norris and Slayden were sent for and after an examination they could hold out no hope. Brown never rallied from the shock and lingered until 20 minutes after 8 o'clock Sunday night. Immediately after the shooting Brown realized that he could not live and devoted his few remaining hours of earthly existence to a preparation for another world. Retaining his mind fully, he in great humility spent the night in prayer. He was consoled and prayed for with many of the Christian people of the neighborhood and ministers of the Gospel up to the hour final dissolution took place. He retained his mental powers up to the last moment. He was buried in the family grave-yard of his father, D. L. Brown, on Mill Creek, Monday evening. He leaves a widow and two little children. While the above account of this unfortunate affair may be incorrect in some respects, still it is as near the truth as we have been able to gather from several persons who from hearsay and otherwise detailed to us the above. We have endeavored to get at the truth of the matter, lest we might unjustly place the blame where it does not belong. We would be far from doing any man an injustice in so grave and serious affair. The public will in due time be fully informed, as the officers of the law will give all parties a hearing when those who witnessed, saw and heard the whole affair will under the solemnities of their oaths detail the facts. Not until then will the whole truth be known. The deceased was about 34 years old, and we are informed he was very much devoted to his family. He was reared in this county, though spent several years in Maury county. The fatal difficulties in which he was involved, the killing of policeman Arnold, and more recently Wm. T. Easley, for which he was awaiting his trials, gave him a notoriety, and whether these were slain in self defense or not caused the public to harshly judge his character. Henry Warren is about 30 years old, and is a widower, having one child. His father and mother and brothers and sisters are all living in this county. The Warren and Brown families have all been heretofore old and intimate friends. We are informed that Warren will in a short time give himself up to the officers of the law. (The Hickman Pioneer, Friday, October 1, 1886) Another case of drowning in Duck River occurred last week. Mr. S. B. Ashworth, of Maury County, lost his life attempting to ford at Gordon's ferry, Our Duck River correspondent gives an account of the sad affair. We learn that the body has not yet been recovered, though the widow of the drowned man is offering $25 for its recovery. We learn that the deceased leaves a wife and four little children. (The Hickman Pioneer, Friday, December 24, 1886) On Thursday morning of last week the body of S. B. Ashworth, who was drowned on the 13th day of December last, in Duck river, at Gordon's ferry, was found. The finder was Andy Underhill, son of Mr. Dan Underhill, who lives in Tucker's bend, near Little Lot. The Messrs. Underhill and Outon were rafting logs near the mouth of Lick creek and Andy Underhill, the young man spoken of, was sent up the river to see after a raft left on the bar. At a place in the river called the "Inkstand", about one-quarter of a mile below the mouth of Lick creek, the dead body of Ashworth was found lying on its face in a little drift, in a small slough or bayou, some 30 steps from the main stream. The "Inkstand" is about 10 miles below Gordon's ferry by water. Esq. James C. Harrington was notified and at once empanelled a jury and an inquest was held, the verdict being that he was accidentally drowned, as stated formerly. The remains were in a good state of preservation, being frozen, except the face, which was bruised up by action of the water. A handkerchief, a lot of receipts, $1.05 in money, comprised the contents of his pockets. The body was taken to Little Lot and his people notified. His father, brother and tow other men came at once to Little Lot and took charge of the body, taking it to his former home near Goshen, Maury county, on Friday morning. (The Hickman Pioneer, Friday, January 28, 1887) Callie Galloway, an 8-year old daughter of Margaret Galloway, colored, living on the bluffs near Defeated creek, opposite Centreville, was burned to death last Tuesday. The child was left with an infant in the home and its clothes taking fire it ran out setting the woods afire and fell a short distance from the house, where it burned to a crisp and was soon found dead. A jury of inquisition held on Wednesday before special deputy coroner R. M. Clagett, returned a verdict of accidental burning. (The Hickman Pioneer, Friday, January 21, 1887) A BULLET THROUGH HIS HEART
NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 26
-- A. J. Carter, an officer of Clay County, was shot and killed at
Centreville yesterday by A. H. Clements after a quarrel about an old
lawsuit. Carter, who was armed with a double-barreled shotgun, advanced
upon Clements, who drew a revolver and fired. The bullet passed through
the heart of Carter, who fell dead. Clements has not been arrested.
Carter was a prominent man and Clements is a citizen of high standing.
Killed by Negroes NEGROES MOBBED
Taken From Jail at Hohenwald
Last Night and Their Bodies Riddled FOUR MEET TRAGIC DEATHS DURING CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS Tragic accidents took the lives of four Hickman Countians during the Christmas holidays. The first tragedy occurred Friday night, December 19, when James P. Colvin, student at the University of Mississippi, Oxford, Miss., who was at home for the holidays, was accidently killed with a gunshot while preparing for a coon hunt. Death struck the second time Sunday night when James Preston Pruitt, 67, was burned to death in his home in the Blue Buck community where he lived alone. In the opening minutes of the morning, December 22, Clifford Carroll Goins, 14, of Route 3, Lyles, was killed when the truck in which he was a passenger overturned. The fourth death occurred at 4:15 p.m. Monday when Linda Joyce Travis, 8, was struck by an automobile driven by Edward Pitts Bates of Route 2, Centerville. Colvin, who was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Colvin, owners and operators of Centerville Hotel, was preparing to go coon hunting with Bill Blackwell and Roy Springer. They had put the hunting paraphernalia in the cab of the truck which was parked behind the hotel. While looking for a light in the cab, the trigger of the gun, which was loaded, was accidentally tripped. The shot went through Springer's coat sleeve and pierced young Colvin's heart. He was rushed to Centerville hospital and died a few minutes after arrival there. He attended schools here and graduated from Columbia Military Academy. He was a freshman this year at the University of Mississippi. He was a member of the Centerville Methodist Church. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Methodist Church in Lincoln, Ala., and burial was in the Lincoln cemetery. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother, Jack Colvin, who is a student at Vanderbilt University, Nashville. Funeral services for Pruett were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the graveside in Popular Union cemetery in the Anderson's Bend community. Mr. Pruett, a native of Hickman County was a son of the late Elic and Isabella Guinn Pruett. He was a member of the Blue Buck church. Before retiring two years ago, he was employed by Victor Chemical Company in Mt. Pleasant. He is survived by a brother, Oscar Pruett of Jasper, Ala., and two grandchildren. Clifford Goins was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Goins. His brother, Robert Goins, 18, the driver of the truck in which young Goins was killed, was also injured when the truck got out of control on the Lick Creek road about 18 miles northeast of Centerville. The truck overturned several times and slid about 60 feet on the top, mashing the top of the cab down even with the hood of the motor. Clifford was pinned in the wreckage and Robert was thrown clear. Robert was taken to St. Thomas hospital where he was reported in a serious condition. Funeral services for young Goins were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at New Bethel church and burial was in Moss cemetery. State Highway Patrol Cpl. W. C. Amacher and Patrolman Charles Peacock investigated the accident. The second traffic accident, which took the life of the Travis child, occurred about three miles west of Centerville on Highway 100 within a few feet of the spot where her stepbrother, Fred George, was killed about one and a half years ago. Linda Joyce was walking west on the highway with a woman. Bates told investigating officers Lt. R. H. Fletcher and Sheriff Albert Wilson, that the pedestrians were walking on the left side of the road and that he was also traveling west on the right side of the highway. He was meeting an oncoming car and he reported that when the car passed, the Travis child started backing across the highway at a running pace and he could not avoid hitting her. No arrest was made. Funeral services for Linda Joyce were held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Totty's Bend Church of Christ with Ralph Stout officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. She was the daughter of Mrs. Pearl Baker George of Centerville and Thomas E. Travis of Baltimore, Md. She had lived here all her life and was a third grade pupil at Centerville elementary school. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her stepfather, Jessie George; a sister, Norma Fay Travis of Hampshire; a brother, Thomas Edward Travis, Jr., of Centerville; a stepsister, Leoma George of Anderson's Bend; a stepbrother, Joe Thomas George of South Carolina; maternal grandparents, Mrs. and Mrs. Harrison Baker of the Swan community and paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Hedge Travis of the Cathey's Creek community in Maury County. (Hickman County Times, Thursday, January 1, 1953)
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