Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1874-04-14
MURDER.
W. c. Johnston, Telegraph Operator,
OF Brownsville, Fatally Wound
IN BagRlO.
Particulars Of the Sad Afsir-Great
Excitement and IndignatiOR-The
sheriff After the Murderer,

Brownsville was thrown into high
degree of excitement, Sunday night
last, when the news Spread over the
town that 3. F. Johnson, the we'll
known telegraph operator at that place,
had been shot aud fatally wounded by
a young man named Samuel Oldham.
/ We have been able to learn the
FACTS OF THE CASE,
! which, as related, render, the affair one
of much scandal. johnson is a young
man about twenty-five years of age,
! and although unmarried, has been foT
some time the only support of his sister
I and widowed mother. He was well
| known and in a most favorable man
/ ner to the community of Brownsville.
/ The other party, Samuel Oldham, is
I connected with one of the best families
1 in Haywood county. For some time
past he has been clerking in q Browns
vile store, and was
CLASS LEADER IN THE METHODIST
CHURCH
at the above place. He was quite popu-
lar, and looked upon with much esteem
because Of his apparent piety and devo-
ton to the church, Of which he was
supposed TO be a jealous and faithful
member. His character was above re-
pro9ch, and if be had any vicious habits
he never let such be known. Last Sun
day afternoon, as was his custom, Old
ham delivered long address to his
class in the church. Like most lectures
Of the kind, that OF Oldham's was upon
morality and rectitude in all things.
WITHIN A DEN OF SHAME.
Sunday night, about nine O'Clock,
young johnson went to a house of i'll
fame, and shortly after being admitted
into the room of the proprietor, thought
he heard q noise in the adjoining one.
ThereupOn he asked the woman what
was the cause Of the noise in the next
room. She informed him that another
visitor was in there and caused the noise.
" Who's in there? I'd like to see and
[ am going TO see," remarked johnson.
The woman opposed this intention, and
said,
"YoU'D BETTER NOT GO IN"
Despite her entreaties and warning,
johnson seized the lamp and started to
the door. He opened the door cautious
lY, aud holding the lamp in front of his
face, could not exactly see who the Wis
i1or was. The object Of his search now
commenced moving about, and trying
u cDnCedl ElUl5Ell lIOul view IN LNe IaF
corner, near tle bureau, johnson hav-
ing raised the lamp saw the man crouch
ing in the corner. and at once recog-
nized him as Sam Oldham, who appeared
chagiined, and also angered. Not wish
ing to intrnde upon Oldham he turned
to leave the room. Ks he did so
TILE REPORT OF A PISTOL .
was heard, and Johnson whirled back
ward into the room where the woman
was, and fell with a groan upon the
floor, the blood flowing from his
right breast. Realizing the fearful act
he had committed, Oldham rushed past
his bleeding victim and the terrified
woman to the outer door. Thence he
left the house and fed through the
shadows Of the night from the horrible
scene of shame and crime, aid from the
clutches Of violated law. The woman
at once sought and obtained assistance,
and the unfortunate young man was re-
moved to comfortable place. DR.. J. II.
Euttall and DIR. w. Z. Rogers, of this
city, we're telegrsphed TO, and, we un-
derstanc, left yesterday for Brownsville,
TO treat the wounded man.
THE HUE AND CRY.
The excitement caused by this bloody
act, knew no.bounds, and it is reported