New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-08-16
Shocking Murder.

We copy the following from the Jackson
Pilot of Thursday:
Some of the circumstances attending the
murder of Mr.. John Smith, of Rankin
county, came to light late last evening. 1t
appears that Mr.. Smith was shot by one
Drury Keene, at about : 7. NJ, and died
from his wounds at twelve o'clock last night.
Mr.. Smith had been in jackson during
the dav, from his place, which is described
as situated some five miles from this city,
across Pearl river, and had gone as far as
the Level Place, on his return home, having
disposed of load of wood. Some suppose
that Keene, with whom he had formerly
had some difficulty, had followed him.
There are those who say Keene had previ-
ously threatened to take Smiths life.
Arrived at the Level Place, Smith drove
under some shade trees near the roadside,
and in company with a cOlored man got
over the fence. They had picked and were
eating some figs, when keene and Anslem
Curan rode up. As they came to the spot
Smith is reported to have put his hand in
his side pocket, at the same time remarking
to Keene that he had heard that he-Keene-
had threatened to kill him. Keene an
swered: " / am not armed Don't MUIR
der me, Smith - Smith responded: I" If
you had the same advantage over me you
would not hesitate to shoot mel" The
colOred man who was in company with
Smith says that he then turned away from
Smith and walked a short distance. He
had hardly turned about when he heard
report of firearm, Immediately wheeled
around and saw that Keene had shot
Smith At all events, Smith had been shot,
and was falling.
Smith was taken to the house, where he
died at about half-past twelve this morning.
The weapon used by Keene was a large six
shooter, and the bullet entered Smiths
body one and one-half inches below the left
nipple, struck rib, glanced downward and,
passing through the lett lung, penetrated
into the stomach.
Keene, Immediately after the shooting,
took to the woods and made his escape.
The difficulty from which this murder had
its origin occurred, as reported on last
Christmas, when Smith gave ball for
young people, and keene and another man
attended. They both became boisterous
and Smith ordered them to leave, and he
finally compelled Keene to go, since which
time he has harbored TO good feeling to-
ward Smith Keene is said to be resident
of Westville, Simpson county, but has been
in this vicinity for some months.
The messenger who came to jackson had
some difficulty in finding surgeon; but
calling upon DR.. G. G. Cade, he at once
crossed the river, and visiting the Level
Place, remained with and attended upon
the wounded man until his decease. 1t
was not possible to do much for the patient
under the circumstances, but all that could
be done for his welfare was done by DR..
Cade. Mr.. S. Weyer, of this city, accom-
panied the doctor to the Level Place. and
assisted all that he could in ministering TO
the wants of the wounded man and his
family.
Mr.. Smith was from Missouri, but had
hapn tatn bnr, 10 haI
many friends, and was not considered all
ugly or quarrelsOme man. Keene had
made his home at Mr.. Curan's. As to his
business we have no information. 1t is
to be hoped that steps may be taken for his
arrest.