The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-01-17

A TENNEssEE MURDERER FLEEs TO TEXAS
AND AVOIDS ARREST SEVERAL 5YEARs-HE n
PURSUED by THE SHERIFF AND PARTY-THE
OFFICER Is SnoT, AND TIE HONE or THE FU6I.
TIVE FIRED TO APPREuEND HIM.-In the fall
of 1866 an old citizen Of Marshall county,
Tennessee, ramed John Cheek, sold his cot
ton, and Immediately AFTER returning home
from town was standing In bis yard when a
drunken man appeared. Without many
words the man fred and the old gentleman
fell, wetc1ing In his life's blood. The MUIR
dcrer fed, was pursued and lodged in jail.
The person arrested for the murder WAS a
man named Mich. Pearson, who managed to
break jail soon after being incarcerated and
fed the county. Although reward was
offered for his arrest, he could not be found,
and since his escape the sheriff of Marshall
county. 9. W. Champ, accompanied by an
other gentleman, have travelled through
three or four States in search of the muir
derer.
1t being reported that be was in Texas, 4
requisition from Governor Brown, of this
State. was obtained, but never served, as
Pearson could not be found. Not long ago
the sheriff, hearing Pearson was in Decatur
county, again started with his friend to arrest
Pearson, and after riding 125 miles On horse
back were compelled to return without their
desired prisoner. Ascertaining definitely
that he was in the neighborhood of Browns.
port Furnace, Decatur county, the sheriff,
with John Roane, again started to capture
him, arriving last Friday night about II
O'Clock at the house of friend named Davis,
about seven miles from the above place. Da-
Wis informed them where Pearson was, but
told them not to attempt to arrest him, as lie
was a desperate character. ..-r --
The sheriff, however, said he was deter
mined to apprehend Pearson, and with
Roane proceeded on their journey, going
one mile from the house of Davis to a ferry
on the Tennessee river, across which they
were rowed by u man named Chambers.
From this point they had to make the rest
of the journey (seven miles) OH foot 10 the
house of Pearson. Owing to the strange
locality and the darkness of the night Champ
and John Roane lost their route, and return
ing to the ferry were conducted by Chambers
to within 30 yards of PearSon's house, a little
log-sabIn situated In retired place. Forth
with the sheriff approached the building. and,
rapping at the door, aroused Pearson, whom
he told that he had writ for his arrest.
Without delay Pearson opened the door
from the inside and fired at the sheriff, who,
staggering under the effect OF the shot, Us
the ball penetrated his shoulder, drew his
pistol, and placing it in Pearson's face pulled
The trigger.
The pistol missed fire, and three caps were
burstcd with 10 effect, rs the murderer slam.
med the door and barred it. Roane showed
the sheriff aside and fired through, but did
not hit Pearson. Finding it useless to make
another attempt, Champ and Roane guarded
the house till morning, when they were re-
inforced by two men whom Davis sent from
BrownSpolt Furnace. Pearson, seeing the
party armed with three double-barrelieds shot.
guns, did not attempt to escape. Finding
that he could not be induced to come out,
the party procured fifteen bundles of fodder
and set Pearson's house on fire.
This had the desired effect, and no sooner
did the flames commence to wrap the build
ing than Pearson rushed out, and. with up
lifted hands, cried for mercy. stating he had
surrendered. The fire was eXtinguished.
and Pearson being securely fastened. WAS
brought to this city yesterday and placed in
Jail till the departure Of the train. Dr. Blu
chanan dressed Sheriff Champs wound, and
although the pistol ball has not been re-
moved, the injury is not bad. The prisoner
WIS placed on the afternoon train and started
for Jail ut Lewsburg.