The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1867-02-13
Terrible Retribution.
TFrom the Memphis Avalanche.

Terrible Retribution.
[From the Memphis Avalanche.]
Perhaps no affair which has occurred
in the South since the close ofthe las
struggle has afforded to Southern NAL
igners and traducers a better theme o
the "disloyalty of the South, !" the "an'
safety of Moyal ife," ETC., upon which
to feed the morbid appetite of the radi
Gals than that which occurred in Obio1
county short time since, Up to thit
time, no other version of the affair has
been given than that which emanatet
from the dirtiest and most yenemouso
radical sheets; and every one of'then
without an exception, attributed The
origin Of the matter to political causes
We have been very anxious to have
this malicious SANDER exposed, and be
lieve we present statement from some
of the oldest and best citizens of Wes1
Tennessee, who are, and have been
fully cognizant Of all the attendant cir
crunstances. Its reliability we wouli
stake our honor on. Read it, digest il
well, and consider fully Il e surround
ings. Place. yourself in Farris' posi-
ton, and blame him if you can:
OBIoN COUNTY, Tenn, !
Tff II January B, 1867. s
The late tragedy in Obion county was
a personal one, and had no relation tt
politics. We must look to the cause
which brought about the results for +
true version. A short Retrospective
view showing the personal, politica
and military status of the parties, VIZ
deem notout Of place.,
. A little Indulgence, and an impartia
public shall he gratifed with the full
and, !. believe, correct detail. At the
commencement of the late war DR.. Case
pressed both labor and supplies for the
rebel cause, and bought arms, so he
said, to "defend Southern homes and
firesides" against a ruthless invader
He was also q Candidate for the rebel
legislature, proclaimingg himself a bet
ter rebel than Captain Gardner 9. S.
But as soon as the invader came, DR.
Case embraced their banner, and help
ed to trample down the cause he had
sworn to defend. He became Yankee
reporter and Provost Marshal, and not
only the men but many of his neighbol
women felt his oppression and tyranny
lie was such an incubus upon bis coun-
try and whilom friends that Captain
Cushman was forced to place a halter
about his neck. Rebels came to his re-
lief, and he pledged his honor to re-
main at home and attend to his person
al affairs; but no sooner released than
he left for Columbus, Kentucky, and
there was elected by the Yankee SOL
diers to represent Obion county, Ten
nessee in the State Senate-no election
being held or a vote given in the coun-
ty he represented.
During the time it was understood
and believed that he belonged to Ber-
rvs band of home guards and jay
hawkers, many of whom were from
Cases own neighborhood, and among
which were Kinman and Green, deser-
tiers from the Confederate army, and
since the war, the Sheriff. deputy and
posse. This notorious band were pass
ing Troy, on their. way to arrest Cap
tain Oliver Farris, who was at home
wounded, on ftlrlough. His brother
John, hearing of their intentions,
pressed home and informed the Cap
tain, who made his escape. In short
time DR.. Case passed along, eyeing
Farris' house closely, and after pass
ing, stood in his stirrups and gazed for
some time. In a very short time after
he left, the house was surrounded by
Berry's men. John Farris had been
met by Union men, who informed Ber-
~ he had hurried past home. Berry
arrested John Farris, condemned him
to torture and to death. He carried
him to the woods, placed his back
against tree, several men taking hold
Of his arms and pulling them back
around the tree until they were dislo-
Gated, his collar bone fractured and his
chest completely crushed; after which
they shot him dead, and left his body
tied to the tree.
Captain Oliver Farris, hearing of his
brothers death, rode Immediately to
the Union mans house, who had ia-
formed Berry Of his brothers where
abouts, called him out and shot him
dead. After the war closed, Captain
Farlis returned home. On visiting
Troy, he was fired upon some twelve or
fifteen times by Kinman and Greene.
He left the county to keep down poGti-
cal excitement and prevent negro
troops from being quartered on the peo-
pie. Frank Farris by some means
learned that Kinman, Case and Greene
were connected with the murder of his
and on the day Of the tragedy,
after riding with Kinman. from the
country, told him Of his intentions,
fired, and Kinman fell from his horse,
then arose and ran in store. Farris
followed, swapping his pistol, which
failed to fire. AS Farris rode off, Kin
man came to the door and fred at him.
Farris charged, and Kinmana again took
3helter in the store. FalTis stated he
,ouid have killed him in the woods
but wanted the pusslie to know who
lid it. He then went in search Of SSasc,
whom he met returning home. Tt is.
he intended killing Case at
his own house, but seeing three men
riding past, meeting them,e he might
have supposed them a Sheriff's posse,
who would thwart his design, he inlme-
liately shot Case dead, and turning his.
horse rode slowly away.
Mr.. Thompson and friends returning
rom Court, saw Case fall, and report-
I'd his death to his family. Farris then
went in search Of Greene, and from re-
ports which are supposed true, killed
him the same night. Frank Farris is
of good family, sober and industrious,
vas gallant soldier in Forests com
nand, and is about eighteen years of
age. A few months ago, Cases young
est son was killed, near home, by some
unknown ones. His eldest fell in a
negro regiment at Fort Pillow. Kinman
md Greene have been Sheriffs, posse
and Deputy Sherifs. They have shed
innocent blood more than once since