The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1854-08-25
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS..

Fire Men Killed and Hdnged.-We take
the following from the Parkville (Mo) Lu-
minary Of the sth:
Just as we are getting ready for the press
the particulars of a most shocking ARRAY and
hanging have been narrated to us. The oc-
crrrenc. wos at Smithville, Clay county, on
Monday afternoon. One man, John w.
non0Ios was killed; WIN. Ross and Squire
Jobn Ross. father and son, were dangerously
stahbed-not expected to recover; also Ira
rift badly stabbed. The perpetrators, Sam.
Sbackleford, WIN. Shackleford, and John w.
Galloway have been hanged by the enraged
citizens.
The Shacklcfords are said to have been
connected with gang of horse-thieves that
were committing depredations in the neigh
borhood; great Indignation existed, so far ms
to pass resolutions ordering them to leave the
place, which they refused to do. Prior to this,
Douglas had been instrumental in tracing a
mule TO Sam Shackleford, who consequently
owed Douglas grudge, and on Monday last
the two met and had an alteration at Smith
vile, which ended so fatally.
We understand that Douglas shot at
Shackleford, slightly wounded him and that
DTOtllCT w otdOuCu hS
ROSES interferred, but were Overpowered by
the Shacklelords and Galloway and cut down
they will not probably survive. Samuel
Shackleford stabbed the man Tritt Galloway
and the Shacklefords subsequently took re-
fuge in neighboring houses An immense
crowd of citizens speedily collected at the
place, surrounding the houses, and about dusk
William Shackleford was brought out and
forthwith hanged. Shortly afterwards Gala
way was hanged beside him, having previous
ly confessed his completely with the others in
horse.steaing. Samuel Shackleford, who had
been wounded by pistol shot, was said to
be dangerously hurt; but this not being true,
about IL o'clock at night he too was dragged
out and hanged. On this (Tuesday) morn
ing the bodies were cut down.
The most intense excitement prevails
throughout the vicinity. In the mean time,
we abstain from comments, having simply
stated the facts as they were given us.
Another AccounL-An extra from the Wes-
ton Argus of the 9th says:
A fatal rencounter took place at Smithland,
Clay county, on Monday last, between II band
of horse thieves, headed by one Sam. Shackle
ford, and seven citizens of Clay, names not
known. Shackleford who was still living,
having been shot through the neck, was hung
up, together with two Of his comrades few
hours after the fracas.
1t seems that VIM. Ross accused Shacke-
ford of having stolen mules in The country,
whereupon Shackleford drew pistol and
shot Ross through the head and stomach, of
which he soon after died, not however until
he had MORALLY wounded Shackleford-
Another gentleman, name not known, at
tempted to separate the parties, when he was
stabbed oy John Galloway, who also died of
his wounds. Galloway and John Shackeford
then took refuge in a drug store, dragging
Sam Shackleford after them, who was still
living. The citizens surrounded the store and
took the men prisoners. Judge Lynch not
being present, they were all hung on the first
limb. Galloway confessed that he belonged
to the gang, and that he had stole mules and
his brother Bill had ran them off to ST.
Joseph. Galloway was n mere boy, and the
two Shackleford's were quite young men. 1t
is reported when the election took place on
Monday, these men were still hanging upon
tree in full view Of the people.