Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-04-08
BETTER LATe THAN NRvEa.
Arrest OF n Notorious ScoundreI TOT
Murder and OGher Heinous Crimes
Committed Nearly Two Years Ago.

Mr.. Frank G. Sneed, formerly Of this city,
but st present a resident Of Riceboro, Liberty
county, has been instrumental in effecting the
capture Of a notorious negro criminal who
for nearly three years has managed to elude
the officers of the law. The particulars Of
this case as have been related are as follows:
In December Of 1879, the citizens of
Twiggs county were Mortified by the news
that Mr.. Washington Wilson, who had
charge Of a plantation near Jacksonville,
in that county, had been brutally
murdered, and his sister, who was
residing with him, had been felon-
Investigation was at once made, and 1t was
learned that the frightful crime had been
perpetrated by Tartar Bryan, negro who
had lived some years on the place, and was
believed to be trusty and honest. The day
previous to the crime Mr.. Wilson had gone
to Jacksonville to get some drafts cashed
for the purpose of paying off the hands,
taking Tartar with him. The negro saw
the bags of specie as 1t was paid
to his employer, and It Is believed
then and there conceived a plan to
get possession Of it. On returning to the
plantation Mr.. Wilson carried the money to
his room and placed the bags in a trunk.
This fact was known to Tartar, also the fact
that Mr.. Wilson occupied the room alone,
his wife sleeping in an adjoining room with
his sister, who was Of a nervous nature.
During the night Tartar effected an entrance
into Mr.. Wilson'S room and Immediately
proceeded to open the trunk. The noise
aroused Mr.. Wilson, who inquired the
cause, when Tartar stated who It was and
gave some excuse for his presence. Mr..
Wilson arose and struck match with the
view Of lighting the lamp, when Tartar sud-
denly sprang upon him, struck him fear
full blow over the head with a Ratchet,
knocking him to the ground. He dealt sew
eral more blows, crushing in the victims
skull. Miss Wilson was awakened by the
confusion, and ran into the room to ascer-
tain what was the matter, when the fend
seized her and committed diabolical as
sault on her person, and was detected by
Mrs. Wilson, who had been alarmed by the
screams of the young lady, and rushed to
her assistance, and was Mortified to see the
body of her husband mangled and bleeding
on the floor, and her sister-in-law in the
clutches Of a fiend. In terror she fed from
the house and alarmed the neighbors, who
without delay fastened to the house, but
the villain had disappeared.
a reward Of $500 was offered jointly by
the Governor and the.cOuntY authorities, to
which the relatives of Mr.. Wilson added
$500, making 5000 for the apprehension of
the murderer, but Notwithstanding the vigil
liant search he evsded apprehension.
Il appears that Tartar went to Riceboro,
in Liberty county, where he obtained work.
As time wore on, and he was undisturbed,
he became 8 little reckless, and in an uu-
guarded moment boosted among some col
ored associates of his horrible deeds.
These boastings came to the knowledge
of Mr.. Frank 6. Sneed, who at once visited
Savannah and called upon Magistrate
Frank Molina, 10 inquire about the matter
and ascertain II there were not reward
offered for the arrest of the negro. Mr..
u. Hanley, the well known detective, was
consulted also, and it was determined, If
possible, to secure the seOundred. Mr..
Hanley wrote to Atlanta to obtain certain
information from the Executive Depart
ment, and Mr.. Sneed returned to RlceborO
to keep q watch over the movements of the
fugitive from justice. Suddenly Tartar
disappeared from the vicinity, evidently
having some suspicion that he had been re-
coguiZ4d. Mr.. Sneed, however, traced him
to D arien, and there learned that he had Sc
cured work on Champney's Island, but
day or two after he changed his base and
went over to Generals Island.
Mr. Hanley was notified that the villain
had been Spotted" again, and providing
himself with handouts and other necessary
articles, went down 10 DarleQ rev DAYS
since. where be was met by Mr.. Sneed, who
accompanied him over to Generals
Island. In order that Tartar might not have
his suspicious aroused, Mr.. Sneed kept out
Of view when the hands came in
from work, and without being seen
BIZ that individual pointed him out
TO the officer, who approached bin aud in
quired If his name was Tartar Bryan. The
negro replied 1t was, when the officer in
formed him he was wanted, and, In the
twinkling of an eye, as 1t were, had his
wrists epcireled with tie little iron brace
lets The party, with their pTt err, left In
a boat for Darien. where Mr.. s. ed disem-
bsrked, and Mr.. Hanley c0nti;r 1 on down
to the landing, and proceeded l. Stirling, on
the East Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia
Railroad, where he took the cars for
Jesup, met the Savannah, Florida
and Western Railwsy train, and came on to
Savannah. The prisoner was lodged in
Chatham county jail, and yesterday morn
ing left under guard for Jacksonville.
where he will be delivered up to the Sheriff
Of Twiggs county.
Bryan is described as about thirty years old
very black, medium height. and muscular.
His arrest will be hailed with satisfaction
hoped that speedy Justice may be melted
out to him for his crimes.
Mr. Sneed is entitled to credit for the in
terest and prompt action he has manifested
in bringing this criminal to justice, and Mr..
Hsnley adds another laurel to his reputation
as s shrewd and efficient detective by his
management of the details which resulted
In the successful arrest.