(For Tipton County Obituaries go to Obituaries)
To share a Tipton County newspaper article, Email me
A SAD AND MELANCHOLY AFFAIR
A melancholy occurrence happened near Wesley, Tipton county, Tennessee, day before yesterday. Two brothers by the name of Collier, of respectable and wealthy parents, aged respectively twenty and twenty-one years, disputed about a pony, when the younger brother stabbed the other and killed him. The particulars are as follows: The younger brother owned a pony which the elder wished to ride to town. The other brother objected, and as the older brother rode off, hearing the other grumbling and uttering angry sounds, turned in his saddle, and in a mild and joking mood said, "I'll get me a cowhide, and when I come back I'll whip you." He went to town and returned home in a short time. The younger brother, on meeting the older one after his return, asked him, "Did you get the cowhide?" To which the other replied, "No, I did not;" whereupon the younger kicked at him, and , as the elder turned to depart, he having taken no notice of the conduct of his brother, the younger stabbed him in the neck, cutting the large artery therein, and causing death in a few moments. --Memphis Inq., Aug 29 (Daily National Intelligencer, (Washington, DC) Wednesday, September 10, 1856)
THE VENDETTA IN TENNESSEE
From the Tipton (Tennessee) Record we learn the particulars of the following story of vengeance and murder:
In the year 1852 Dr. Walton, a citizen of Tipton County, living about four and a half miles from the county town, was killed by a man named Yarbro. Shortly afterward Captain Smith, who was one of the Sheriff's posse, killed Yarbro in attempting to arrest him. In 1865 Smith was killed at Randolph by Dr. Martin who had not long since returned from the Confederate army, having lost an arm in Atlanta, we believe. In the fall of 1866 Dr. Martin was killed by a Captain Irwin, and last year Irwin was killed by a man named Burnett, who acted in self-defense and was acquitted before a magistrate, and no attempt was ever made to bring the matter before the grand jury. Irwin's father and brother, who reside in Middle Tennessee, near Pulaski, we understand swore vengeance against Burnett, and although it was known to all that he acted purely in self-defense determined upon his death. Burnett, too, seemed to have a superstitious dread of being killed, as he was familiar with the strange fatality which seemed to direct the several homicides, and soon after the killing of Irwin left the State, telling every one that he was going to his wife, who was at Marietta, Georgia; but instead went first to Mississippi, where he was followed by the father and brother of Captain Irwin. He left Mississippi and went to or near Osceola, Arkansas, to live: but here, too, the avengers of Irwin came, and a few days ago the father and brother killed Burnett. (Newark Advocate, (Newark, OH) Friday, February 5, 1869)
Suicide of James Kimbel
Jas. Kimbel, an old citizen of Memphis, for a number of years a citizen of this county, committed suicide in Memphis one day last week by taking morphine. The cause of his committing this terrible deed seems to have been a combination of family and pecuniary troubles. During the life of his first wife, a most agreeable and accomplished lady, he resided for a long time on his farm in the western portion of this county. At her death he removed to Memphis and in 1866 married a Miss Thompson of Kentucky. They disagreed and a separation ensued shortly after their marriage, she obtaining a divorce. In the year 1867, he lost over $18,000 in the banking firm of Cameron & Cary. This, together with losses during the war, rendered the old gentleman penniless. Old, broken in health and bankrupt in purse, with nothing in life to look for one moment's happiness or enjoyment, all was utter loneliness to him. The world was to him a desert waste, and with his own hand he extinguished the spark of life and quit it forever. Poor, kind-hearted old man! We trust God will deal gently with him.
(The Weekly Record, Covington, Tenn., Friday, January 27, 1871)
THE YARBOROUGH MURDER
Memphis, June 22--The Ledger has information concerning the killing of Brad Yarborough, near Covington, Tennessee, last Saturday, by his brother-in-law, William Kinley. It appears that one had sued the other, and they had been to Covington to attend the trial. On the road home, Yarborough, who was on horseback, passed Kinley in a wagon, when the latter drew a revolver and fired at Yarborough, the shot taking effect in his right arm. Yarborough rode some forty yards and fell from his horse dead. When found he had his handkerchief wrapped around his hand as if to stop the hemorrhage. A negro who saw the shooting says Yarborough first struck Kinley, but a lady who witnessed it says he did not. Yarborough was a prominent granger, and his funeral was largely attended. (Daily Rocky Mountain News, (Denver, CO) Wednesday, June 23, 1875)
POISONING
A sad story of poisoning is told by a correspondent of the Memphis Appeal at Covington, Tennessee. Mrs. Bailey Sanford sent to an apothecary for quinine for chills and fever, and by mistake received a bottle of morphine. Without noticing the label, which was "morphine", she administered doses to her two boys, aged five and ten years, sufficient to cause death in a few hours. As soon as the mistake was discovered medical aid was summoned, but the little sufferers died. A like dose would have been given to a little girl, but she happened to be asleep. (The Galveston Daily News, (Houston, TX) Tuesday, September 19, 1876)
Memphis, Tenn., August 16 -- Henry Foster, a colored farmer, five mile north of Covington, Tennessee, was called out of his house last night and shot to death. The assassin escaped. (Daily Arkansas Gazette, (Little Rock, AR) Wednesday, August 17, 1881)
Andrew Sanders, (colored) convicted of the murder of Michael Miller, was hung yesterday at Covington, Tenn.
(Daily Evening Bulletin, (San Francisco, CA) Saturday, August 27, 1881)
DIED WITH A SMILE ON FACE
William Johnson Hanged for the Murder of Farmer Boyd
Covington, Tenn., December 17-William Johnson died on the scaffold at 12:10 o'clock this afternoon, Sheriff Lauderdale officiating.
The condemned man walked quietly from his cell to the scene of the hanging, made a full confession and died with a smile on his lips.
Company R. National Guard state of Tennessee, was present to protect the prisoner had there been signs of lynching, but the soldier boys were not needed.
The crime for which William Johnson was hanged was the cold blooded murder of Farmer Walter Boyd, of Idaville, Tipton county, Tennessee, August 5th, last.
The only justification the negro offered was that he heard Boyd had threatened him.
The prisoner has been confined in the Memphis jail, because lynching was feared had he been permitted to remain in Tipton county's prison.
(The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, GA, December 18, 1897)
Contributed by, Shauna Williams
News reached here yesterday that Miss Julia Densford, daughter of Mr. James Densford, of the 5th district, was thrown from a horse while on a visit to the family of Mr. Wm. Clements at Hydrick, Ark., Monday and one leg was so badly mangled that amputation was found necessary Tuesday. She was unable to survive the shock and died on the operating table. The accident and sad death is deeply deplored in her community.
(The Covington Leader, September, 13, 1901)
Enraged at Being Jilted by Prospective Ninth Wife
York Begins Shooting
Nashville, Jan. 28 -- K. P. York, a Tipton County farmer, arrived at Covington today with his six children for the purpose of marrying Mrs. Pimm. The woman told him when they met that she had changed her mind. York began shooting indiscriminately. He shot Mrs. Pimm in the face, and shot and wounded her two nephews severely. He was arrested. He had been married eight times, six of his wives were divorced.
(The Fort Worth Register, Wednesday Morning, January 29, 1902)
Effects of Jug Of Christmas Whiskey
Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 27 -- James Glover, a white farmer of the Ninth district of Tipton County, shot and instantly killed his son-in-law, Andrew Smith, at Glover's home. Both were under the influence of mean whiskey ordered for a Christmas celebration. Ben Matthews, a farmer, constable, and deputy sheriff of the Thirteenth district tried to interfere and stop the fight and received a fatal shot in the abdomen from Glover. Glover is in jail, Smith is a corpse at his home and Matthews is dying all from the effects of one jug of Christmas Whiskey.
(Columbus Daily Enquirer Sun, Thursday, December 27, 1911)
Tornado Kills Man, Injures 1
Ripley, Tenn. (AP) - A man working on a cotton gin was killed Friday when a tornado struck about three miles south of Covington, a Tipton County sheriff's spokesman said. The victim was identified as Chester Deverall, in his 60's. One other person was injured at the Mount Carmel Gin, the spokesman said. The gin was demolished but no other damage was reported to buildings in the sparsely populated area, the spokesman said.
(The Dallas Morning News, Sunday, June 9, 1974)
Assassinated
Mr. Walter Boyd, of No. 7 was assassinated yesterday morning, Aug. 5th, at about 6 o'clock. His brains were shot out while he was in the lot feeding chickens. Mr. Boyd was a cousin of Dr. J. C. McQuiston, and recently purchased the Baird farm. His residence was burned last Friday while he, with his family, were visiting in Marshall County, Miss., from which state Mr. Boyd had recently moved. Mr. Boyd was a peaceable citizen and had no enemies as far as known, and yet a personal enemy must have done both deeds. The people of the neighborhood are greatly excited. Mr. Boyd had moved to Mr. Carson Miller's after his own house was burnt and it was in Miller's yard that the murder was committed. He was about 25 years old and leaves a wife and two children. There is no present clue to the murderer, as no one was seen with a gun near the place by any of the neighbors. Bloodhounds from Ripley are on the way, and will be put on the track when they arrive. Mr. Miller walked up to the store at Idaville and gave the alarm, and Messrs. John McCain, Reid Wallace and others were soon on the scene but Boyd was dead when they got there. He was lying on the ground with a pan of dough near by and his hand full of the dough the he had been feeding his chickens. It was after sunrise when the deed was committed, and it is highly probable that the murderer will be discovered, although he has probably skipped the country.
(The Tipton Weekly Record, Friday, August 6, 1897)
CONFESSES
The Murderer of Walter Boyd Confesses the Deed
Confesses Also to Robbery and Arson
We published last week an account of the murder of Walter Boyd, near Idaville, which occurred Thursday morning, August 5th, about 6 o'clock, while he was feeding chickens. Will Johnson, a young negro man of the neighborhood, has confessed to the murder. He also confessed to the burning and robbery of Boyd's house Friday night, July 30th, and says he shot Boyd to death with Boyd's own gun that was stolen from the burned dwelling.
Sheriff Lauderdale and deputy sheriff N. P. Garret worked up the case and got the first clue from a negro woman, Jane Hall, who was Johnson's sweetheart, and to whom Johnson had given a ring. The ring proved to be one that belonged to Walter Boyd's wife, and the negro girl said that Will Johnson gave it to her. When confronted with this evidence, the man broke down and made a clean breast of it. He said he robbed the house while the family was away on Friday night, July 30, and that hearing some voices around while he was in the house, he poured coal oil on the floor and fired it, then ran out another way and mixed with crowd that came to the fire and helped to save the furniture. He shot his victim on Thursday morning, August 5th, robbed him of ten dollars, hid the gun in the weeds nearby and then went on about his business. He told the officers where to find the gun, and also his own purse with the ten dollar note in it. The officers have since found the articles where he said they were. The negro girl and her brother, Claud Hall, who were also arrested as suspects, have both been released, as Johnson says he alone was concerned in either of the desperate crimes and there was no evidence against them.
Excitement was raging at Idaville even before the news of the confession reached the people there, and for fear of possible violence, the officers wisely concluded to place their prisoner in the Shelby County jail for safe keeping. This was done Sunday evening very quietly and the prisoner will remain there until brought back here for trial in October.
The circumstantial evidence taken in connection with the confession seems conclusive of the negro's guilt, and as there can be no possible palliation nor hope of pardon, we think the people can well afford to quietly await the action of the court and jury. Both the crimes for which he must stand his trial are of the most heinous nature and if the jury that tries him is satisfied of his guilt, he will probably suffer the extreme penalty. (The Tipton Weekly Record, Friday, August 13, 1897)
KILLING AT CANAAN CHURCH
Walter Taylor, colored, son of Caldwell Taylor, was shot and killed by Allen Terry at the home of Dave Albritton, colored, near Canaan church, in the 9th district, Wednesday afternoon. The weapon used was a 38 caliber pistol, the ball striking Taylor in the abdomen, and he died as a result of the wound 24 hours after the shooting.
Both parties are youths between 16 and 17 years old and both live on what is known as the Brodnax "quarter" place, in the 9th district, now owned by Mr. J. Drew McClanahan. The cause of the trouble between the two boys is said to have started when Taylor knocked Terry's lighted pipe out of his mouth, and bootleg whiskey very likely played a very prominent role in the trouble.
Terry was arrested after the shooting by Deputy Sheriff J. W. Stevens, waived examination before Esq. J. N. Mosely, and was released on a bond of $1,000. Officer Steven re-arrested him after Taylor's death and brought him to Covington Friday and placed him in the county jail. He trial is set for Friday before Esq. Lauderdale Richardson.
(The Covington Leader, Thursday, February 22, 1917)
WILL MILLER KILLED
Will Miller, colored, aged about 40 years, who lived on the Frank McGregor place, near Rialto, boarded the "blind" of northbound fast train No. 104 at that place Thursday night about 9:20 o'clock in an intoxicated condition. He told some parties that he was going to Henning, which is not a stop for the fast train, and others that he was going to Cairo, that haven for so many of his color. When the train was going into Henning he either attempted to get off or fell off the train and was killed, his skull being fractured, his limbs badly mutilated, and he also sustained internal injuries. Some of the trucks of the heavy passenger train passed over him. He only lived for about one hour afterward.
(The Covington Leader, Thursday, February 22, 1917)
Former Covingtonian Killed
The Memphis Commercial Appeal of April 23 gives the following account of the killing by a switch engine in the Nonconnah yards of the Illinois Central railroad, of Burch Brown, son of Mr. W. L. Brown, formerly of this place, and who was born and reared here:
"Burch Brown, 27 years old, switchman in the Nonconnah yards of the Illinois Central railroad, was killed at 11 o'clock last night when a switch engine crushed his abdomen in a yard wreck.
"Ollie Castleberry, assistant cook on a telegraphing outfit car of the company, sustained a slight scalp wound.
"Details as to how the wreck occurred were meager and could not be ascertained at an early hour this morning. The yard master at the McLemore station said he had not received a complete report. Officials at the Nonconnah yards were unable to give any of the particulars.
"Brown's body was taken in charge by Thompson Bros., and Castleberry was rushed in an ambulance to St. Joseph's hospital, where his injuries were pronounced not serious.
"Both men were brought to the McLemore station by the ambulance car of the Illinois Central railroad company.
"Brown's abdomen was crushed and he was killed instantly. He lived at 456 Walker avenue and had been with the railroad company about two years, so officials said. E. A. Brown, his brother, who resided at the same address, said his brother, mother and sister would arrive over the Frisco this morning, when arrangements will be completed for the funeral.
"Capt. Kehoe made a hurried run to the McLemore station to investigate Brown's death."
(The Covington Leader, Thursday, April 26, 1917)
Killed by Lightening
Richard Butler, a young colored man about 24 years old, who lived on the John Douglas place, near Gift, was found on the side of the public road Friday morning dead.
Butler, it is thought, had started through the wire fence which encloses the road at that point when he was struck by lightening. It is said that every bone in his body was crushed and that his trousers were torn by being caught in the wire as he fell. One foot was hanging in the wire and the other was pressed up against the wire.
(The Covington Leader, Thursday, June 14, 1917)
Two Children Meet Horrible Death
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Brasfield, who occupied a tenant house on the W. T. McCormick place, one and a half miles east of Solo, had their house burned Thursday evening about 6 o'clock. Two children, a boy three years old and a little girl 18 months old, were burned up in the house. Mrs. Brasfield was assisting her husband in the field and they had taken the children with them to their work. Late in the evening, Mr. Brasfield took the two children to the house and gave them something to eat, leaving them to return to the field, as his wife was to return immediately to prepare the evening meal. He had only plowed about one round when he looked in the direction of the house and found it to be in flames and he and his wife ran with all possible speed to the scene of the fire. A neighbor, Mr. Sam Chapman, who was nearer to the house, reached the scene first and attempted to rescue the children when he heard their cries, but when he threw open the door a sheet of flame burst out in his face and he was unable to accomplish their rescue. When the horrified parents reached the scene the roof was ready to fall in and they were obliged to stand and see their little children burned into charred and unrecognizable masses. The legs and arms were burned off the elder child, but very little of the younger was left. Mr. Brasfield states that there was a can of coal oil in the room with the children and the only theory he has as to the origin of the fire is that they must have poured out the oil on the floor and set it on fire with a match. The burial of the children occurred at the Townsend graveyard Friday, the funeral services being conducted by Rev. A. H. Bezzo. Mr. Brasfield is a former citizen of this county, having moved from here to Oklahoma about 15 years ago, but afterwards returned to McNairy county, this state, moving back from there to Tipton county in the early spring of this year. He is a brother of W. A. Brasfield, a former well known jeweler of this city. The greatest sympathy is felt in this community for the grief-stricken parents over their great misfortune and horrible and heart-rending experience.
(The Covington Leader, Thursday, July 19, 1917)
BUS COLLIDES WITH CAR SUNDAY NIGHT
Two Killed and Three Others Seriously Injured in Wreck on Jeff Davis Highway
The funeral of Mr. T. Alfred Vaughan, aged 27, son of Mr. & Mrs. J.C. Vaughan, of Detroit, this county, and his wife , Mrs. Ruby Kelley Vaughan, aged 29, daughter of Mr. J. C. Kelley, of the same neighborhood, Was conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Maley funeral home. The services were conducted by Rev. E. H. Hutchinson, pastor of the Central Christian Church assisted by Rev. W. A. Freeman. The high esteem in which the young couple was held was attested by the large gathering of friends from all parts of the county, the Chapel being filled to overflowing. Interment followed at Munford Cemetery, the two graves being banked high with beautiful floral offerings. Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan were killed and their infant daughter, Jean, and Mrs. Vaughan's two sisters, Misses Nina and Helen Kelley, were seriously injured when the auto in which they were riding crashed into an Independent bus on the Jeff Davis Highway between Brighton and Crosstown early Sunday Night.
Miss Nina Kelley, aged 27, received a broken leg and fractured skull while her sister, Miss Helen Kelley, aged 19, suffered a fractured skull. They were taken immediately to the Methodist Hospital in Memphis where their conditions are improved. The child, Jean, was bruised and cut about the head and body, though not as seriously as was first thought. She is reported to be recovering from the injuries.
The party was returning to their homes in Memphis after visiting relatives in the Brighton neighborhood. Mr. Vaughan was engaged in the cotton business, having offices in Blytheville, Ark.
Bough Dubose, driver of the bus, was arrested by Sheriff Rice and brought to Covington and placed in jail on the charge of second-degree murder and on Monday was indicted for second-degree murder on two counts by the grand jury then in session. His bond was fixed at $2,500. which he made Monday about noon and was released. According to witnesses of the accident, the Independent bus was attempting to pass a Blue Bird bus on the hill just north of Crosstown. The car containing Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan and driven by Miss Nina Kelley, was going south, climbing the hill on the other side. At the crest of the hill, in a cut where it was impossible to turn off the road, the busses were running abreast. The coupe crashed head-on with the heavy bus and was pushed back down the road nearly 100 feet before coming to a stop. The coupe was completely demolished. Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan were riding in the rumble seat and were killed almost instantly by the crash.
In a statement to Sheriff Rice, the driver of the bus stated that his brakes failed to work and that he was unable to stop even after he saw the approaching car.
The Misses Kelley and little Jean Vaughan were Rushed to Memphis immediately after the collision And Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan were brought to Covington.
Mr. Vaughan is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Vaughan, of Detroit, and four sisters and three brothers: E. L. Vaughan, of Henning: J. C. Vaughan, Jr., of Dresden: Milton Vaughan, of Detroit: Mrs. A. C. Anderson, of Memphis: Mrs. Turner Huffman, of Detroit: Mrs. Jesse Wilson, of Covington, and Miss Lucille Vaughan, of Memphis. Mrs. Vaughan is survived by her father Mr. J. C. Kelley, of Memphis: six sisters, Misses Nina and Helen and Mrs. P. D. Wilson of Memphis: Mrs. W. F. Wilson, of Brighton: Mrs. V. L. Murphy of Plant City, Fla., and Mrs. Ernest Allen of Amarillo, Texas, and four brothers, J.C. Kelley, Jr., of Memphis: A. A. Kelley of Detroit neighborhood: Paul Kelley, of Louisville, Ky. And Grady Kelley of Amarillo, Texas.
(Accident was Nov. 27, 1927 - Newspaper Unknown) (Submitted by Susan Krall and Leslie Roane)