Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1852-08-12
Terrible Tragedy I'm Texas.

ATe-rIbIe Tragedy In Texas.
The Red Land Herald published
at San Augustine, Texas, Of the l7th
inst, gives the details OF one of the
most heart-rending tragedies we
have ever been call upon to record.
1t occurred few days since, in the
Southern part OF Shelby county
The Herald has the particulars from
those who were present.
AquiIla and Jesse Ballard, (broth-
ers) were cuItivating plantation in
partnership, and their feelings to-
wards each other had always been
of the most lfaternal description.
The white family consisted Of
Aquilla Ballard, wife and child; Mrs.
Haynes (sister to Mrs. By and child,
and Jesse w. Ballard.
On Sunday evening, the llth inst,
Aquilla Ballard rode over TO his
mothers, a distance Of five miles, to
sit up with brother who was living
dangerously i'll. Shortly after he
lelt home his brother Jesse invited
Mrs. Ballard TO take a walk with
him, saying he had a secret TO tell
her. They passed down the road
short distance, and stopped some
time in deep and earnest converse
ton. Jesse exhibiting considerable
excitement. When they returned
to the house, Mrs. B. was pale and
melancholy, and continued so du-
ring the rest Of the evening. Jesse,
however, became unusually lively
and spirited. The Monday morning
following, Jesse inquired OF a negro
boy whether his gun was loaded
properly, and having discharged and
reloaded il, he set il against The side
Of the house. Soon after he had
another conference with Mrs. b.,
when the latter returned to the
house and told her sister that Jesse
was going to kill :he negro boy and
then Kill her (Mrs. BY
About this time, Jesse called out
TO Clara (Mrs. b. to come to him
again, but she refused. He again,
in manner wild with frenzy, called
to her. and commanded her TO come,
saying he had something 10 tell her.
Mrs. B. obeyed, approached him and
threw her arms about his neck
Some words passed hurriediy be-
tween them, but what those words
were will only be known at that day
when all things will be brought TO
light. As he tore himself abruptly
from her, she was heard to exclaim, !
"Oh, Jesse, don't do it," Selling his |
gun he approached the kitchen,
where the boy Nelson was, and1
asked him how he felt. The boy /
replied "better, and would be able 10
work in The morning." jesse told
him that he did not wish him TO
work any more-that he was going
TO kill him; and suiting the action TO
the word, and telling the negro
woman TO stand out oi the way if
she did not wish to get hurt, he
raised his gun, and shot the negro
dead. At the fire of the gun, Mrs.
II. caught up her child, and ran out
the opposite side OF the house, and
hid in the top of fallen tree. Mrs.
Ballard also started 10 run, but again
returned to the house. After shoot
ing the negro man, jesse, with one
hand on his head and the other hold
Of his gun, turned rapidly on his
heel four or five when
coming 10 halt, he saw Mrs. Bal ;
lard passing through the gate on the
opposite side Of the house. He in.
pursued her, and when
within lew feet, fired the second
barrel, lodging the whole load in
ler back, several shot passing en- :
irely through her body. She fell G
lead. His next movement was TO {
lraw off one Of his boots by her I
ide, when suddenly turning as If :
ecollerting that both barrels of his
,un were empty, he returned to the
Iouse, and procuring the only load a
4 buckshot left, he hurried off to a C
ranch about 200 yards distant. J.
Vhen having reloaded one Of the N
arrels Of his gun, he blew off nearly n
is entire head by placing the muzzle G
the gun under his right jaw and
the trigger with his toe. H
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