Chariton courier. (Keytesville, Chariton County, Mo.) 1878-current, 1879-08-30
THE BARKSDALE-DIXON TRAGEDY
Particulars of the Killing of Fl. NJ. Dixon
by James A. Barksdale, at Yazoo City,

by James A. Barksdale, at Yazoo City,
Miss.
From the vicksburg (Nfiss.) Herald, Aug. o.
From the officers of the steamer Car
rie Hogan, which arrived from Yazoo River
last evening, we learn that the funeral Of
Henry NJ. Dixon, which took place at YaZoo
City on Wednesday, was one of the largest
that has been known in that place for a long
while. We also learn the following particu-
lars of the killing: Barksdale, the slayer of
Dixon, was standing on the main
street of Yazoo City, when he OBJ
served Dixon coming up the opposite
side of the street. Remarking to some
persons standing near him, that "There
comes that -, now," Barksdale walked
back into the store in front of which he was
shotgun in his hand. By this time Dixon
was nearly opposite to him, passing up the
other side of the street. Barksdale called
out, "DiXonl DiXonw twice, but Dixon
paid no attention to the call, apparently not
hearing his name called, when Barksdale
again said, ''DiXon, defend yourself" !"
Dixon then turned, and throwing his hand
behind him, attempted to draw his pistol.
As he did so Barksdale raised his gun and
fired.
he did not at first succeed in drawing it, and
after Barksdale's first fire he (DiXon) turned
and ran back in the direction from which lie
came, crying ''Murder!" After retrcating
Il snort distance he ran INTO doorway Ie;tu
ing to the upper story of a building, and
having drawn his pistol, fired five times at
Barksdale, but neither shot took effect.
Barksdalc discharged the other barrel of his
gun, and Dixon fell over mortally wounded.
We could not learn, for the boats officers
did not know. whether Dixon's pistol was
fired before or after Barksdale's second shot,
or whether il was the first or second shot of
Barksdale that gave Dixon his death
wound.
From all we can learn il appears that Dix
on had used very violent and abusive Ian
gulage i'll reference to a large number OF the
white people of GaZoo City, and that very
many of them were so incensed against him
that his fate was sealed, and that even il
Barksdale had not killed him some one else
would certainly have done so.
One of our informants says he was told by
n prominent Democrat of GaZoo that if the
Independents desired to nominate ticket
they could do so, and elect it if they could ,
without any bulldozing interference from
the Democrats, but that certain men could
not traduce and SANDER the people of the
county without being held to accountability
for it.
Mr.. Roland Flanagan, who was an inti-
mate friend and supporter of Dixon, left
YaZoo City Wednesday night, it is said,
through fear of his personal safety.
The situation Mt laZoo is said to be very
quiet now, and no more trouble Is antici-
pated, though there is yet smoldering fire,
which may ut any moment shoot into q
flame.
The Independents held their meeting on
Wednesday, and nominated a full county
ticket. about 200 members of that party
being present. The proceedings were very
quiet and orderly, and there was no disturb
ance from the outside.
Barksdale, the slayer of Dixon, was up
for Il preliminary examination yesterday
morning. and was admitted to bail in the
sum of S IL, 900, which bond he gave, and
he is now Mt liberty.
There is considerable excitement in YaZoC
ent movement, but it is gradually dying
out, and it is thought the canvass from this
time on will be conducted peaceably and
quietly.