The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1870-02-16
Tlle guuth- a0e5terll.
Killing of Mr.. BENJAMIN Roach.
SHREVEPORT:

Last evening we learned from Mr.. S. n. Moody tina
Mr. BENJAMIN Roach, an old and highly esteemed citi
zen. had been killed by his brother on his plantation
near Yazoo City. Shortly afterward, obtained thC
following details from the Nlcksoufg herald OF thl
29th ult.:
Through the kindness of friend we have received
the following account of the killing of Mr.. Benjamin
Roach, which is published in the last number of the
YaZoo City Democrat:
The saddest and most heart-rending occurrence il
has been our duty to record for many fleet year aDd
day, devolves on us now.
Benjamin Roach was shot through the head and
killed by his brother David, at the Good Hope planta
ton on Wolfe Lake, last Wednesday, the 26th inst
about O'Clock in the evening The following facts i'll
relation TO this horrible calamity obtained from
Mr.. Mcdowell, the manager Of the plantation, who
was present at the time, and from DR.. Mccormick
who, being professionally in the neighborhood, was
the first physician who reached the fatal spot.
Benjamin Roach had just dined, and was reading a
newspaper by the fire. when David caruc in and took
his seat at the table. Without finishing his dinner
however, he rose and left the room, and returning in
a few moments presented a Derrngcr pistol at his
brothers head without speaking and fired The bal
struck him the left eye, and penetrating to the
brain, Mr.. Roach breathed his last in about hour
and half. Previous to the shooting no words or al
tercation occurred between TIE brothers whatever
Immediately after the firing Mr. Mcdowell seized
David and endeaVored to deain him, but in the great
confusion attending such a he escaped and rush
ing out he mounted horse belonging to Mr.. n. b
Street. which had been ridden there bv third party
and rode rapidly off. The startling news was first
brought to town by negro man named Domnick
and have rarely such a CONSERVATION as was
evnced by this quiet community on hearing his terri
BILE yet simple story. Mr., Mcdowell appeared on the
street soon after, and gave succinct account
the affair.
As soon as possible Mr.. Eugene Roach. (brother Of
the deceased) and Mr.. Moore, together with number
of citizens set out for the Good Hope plantation The
Sheriff with his posse also left town in search of David
Roach. They succeeded in capturing him with little
difficulty, and he is lodged in JAIL awaiting the
usual preliminary examination before the magstrates
court when some facts, which we refrain from com
menting on, will doubtless be thoroughly elueidated.
We have RETAINED in this affair from giving anv
thing more than plain statement of facts, as they
were detailed to by parties best calculated to know
them.
Benjamin Roach was man of answering integrity
large and equitable views, great discernment and an
unbounded energy which reckoned not upon defeat
For several years previous to the war; he had been
principal executor of his fathers will sole manager Of
one of the largest estates in the South and the prompt
and efficient in which he met his engagements
whether pecuniary or otherwise, was the admirable
theme of every tongue.
Our heart-and vouch for 1.-THE hearts of all
this people, are filed with strong and yearnng CON-
mseratlon for his bereaved and des0late family upon
whose lacerated hearts the fearful tdings have already
fallen with sickening effect, to blight and wither
through all coming years their happiness and their
hopes. God pity and strengthen them to bear with
ChIisln resignation the brimfu and bitter cup which
in His omnicient wisdom be has commended to their
lips.