Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-06-17
SHOCKING TRAGEDY.
The Killing Of Young Bethel
nj Ten. Nile Bayou fess
So terday. rs


The plantation Of Col. p. G. Bethel, on
Ten Mile bayou, back Of Hspefeld, Ark I,
was the scene last evening Of frightfal
tragedy, Involving the almsst instant
death Of Mr.. Geo. d. Bethel, . nephew
of Colonel Bethel and : young man we'll
known and highly respected in this city
The unhappy event, it would seem,
grew out Of an old misunderstand-
ing, and took place under the fol-
loving circumstances Some time since
Colonel Bethel had leased his plantation
TO one Collier, who after running 1t for a
season without profit returned it to the
owner, aud at the same time sold to him
certain stock and improvements he had
placed on the grounds during his occu'
pancy Of them. Among the articles
thus disposed of was quantity Of hay,
for which Collier afterwards claimed adj
ditionaI pay, but which Colonel Bethel
claimed as being included in the stock
for which be had already made settle
ment infull. This difference was never
adjusted and was the occasion Of the
bitterest feelings between the parties to
the transaction. Collier took occa-
sion, whenever opportunity arose, to
present bis claim, and Colonel b.
as persistently refused to accede to bis
demands Thus the matter stood up to
yesterday, when Mr.. Geo. d. Bethel, in
company with Colonel Duncan McRae,
W. B. Greenlaw, Jr., aud W. I. Dean,
ESQ, visited the plantation with view
to fishing in the bayou While the party
above named were on the plantation,
Clarence Collier, . son of the party
already alluded to, rode up with double
barrel shot gun thrown over his
shoulder. This was about three o'clock.
The party had just taken dinner, and
Col. McRea had strolled off in the direc'
ton of the bayou, while Mr.. Greenlaw
and Mr.. Dean fingered behind with young
Bethel On riding up to where the party
we're standing Collier dismounted and
placing his gun against tree walked up
to young Bethel, and presenting him
piece Of paper, which proved to
be the disputed account for the
hay, demanded it's settlement Bethel
replied he should never pay it, or
that bis uncle would never pay il, until
he was compelled at the end of law
suit, or language of similar purport.
Thereupon Collier told Bethel that he
was I'D scoundrel." On receiv-
ing this insult, the latter moved toward
Collier with his hands in his pockets,
Collier at the same time falling back to-
toward the tree, against which he had
placed his gun, and on coming within
reach of the same, he picked it up, and,
leveling it at young Bethel, he remarked,
"You dare not draw your pistol-Pllkill
you if you do Bethel retorted that
you are too big q coward to shoot any
.ene," and in another instant Collier,
pulling the trigger Of his gun, discharged
the contents of one barrel in the breast
of his victim, causing him to reel and
fall to the ground. Supporting himself
on his elbow, Bethel remarked to bis
friends around him, II call you to witness
that did not draw pistol" and scarcely
had the words escaped his lips, when
Collier, again leveling his gun at him,
smptied the other barrel, the contents
taking effect 10 his victims head, carry
ing away part Of the skull, and causing
instant death, Having thus consum
mated his. diabolical mission, Collier
mounted his horse, and in an instant fled
the plantation. The body Of the de-
ceased was taken onthe cars, and brought
over to the city last evening, an in
quest having been held thereon in Hope
field. After the affair, Collier was seen
riding across an open field, by the party,
with his gun on his shoulder. He also
had pair Of repeaters buckled about his
body, together with large dirk knife,
very naturally leading to the con-
olusion that he came over to where, the
party we're with the intention of doing
bloody work. Nothing since has been
seen of him, though every effort is being
made to effect bis arrest ava
Young Bethel was about twenty-five
years of age, of quiet and reserved
disposition, and was universally es-
teemed aud loved by all who knew him.
REMNANTS suitable for boys wear, for
mems wear and childrens wear very
cheap at Menken Bros. AID Feal 81
BASE BALL-An interesting and spir-
tied match game of base ball was played
at Humboldt yesterday. between the
Bluff Citys, of Memphis. and the ores-
cents Of the former place. The following
is the score: Bluff City, II Crescents, A.
Amer the game was over, The Memphis
boys were invited TO psrtske Of sumpt-
uous repast; which being over, they babe
adieu to Humboldt and took the cars for
home with their blushing honors thick
upon them"
Zine cashmere suits, coat, vest and
pants) all wool. latest styles, at ten
cellars. Must be closed ont. u. III.
Leewenstine. a bros, No. asI Main
street, Clay building.