Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-09-23
HAPPY FOR THIRTEEN YEARS.
A Rich and Respected Texas Man Arrested
for an Old Murder.

A Rich and Respected Texas Man Arrested
for an Old Murder.
An Austin (Texas) special says In the
spring Of 1871 there appeared in johnson
county a newcomer named Berry Will
liams. He was joined soon afterward by
his wife and two children, the latter in
fants. The man seemed to avoid refer
ences to his past life. and there appeared TO
be some mystery rs TO the place OF bis pre-
yiouS residence. Williams. however, lived
such an upright life that the mystery of his
first appearance was soon FORGOTTEN,
and he came 10 he ranked as one
Of the lest men in the county. A year
later his wife was seized with fever and
Died, leaving Williams alone with his or
phans. he made suit TO one OF the most
cultivated young ladies' Of the county. who,
Notwithstanding some objections from her
family, subsequently became his vile. His
new relations spurred Williams to greater
exertions than ever. Headed to his acres.
his stock multiplied. hcerected fine house
and, in fact. his worldly affairs were thor
oughly prosperous. With his increase OF
means. he proved himself 70 be public
spirited. In charity circles he was con-
spicuous member as well aS q liberal givcr.
He was made chairman Of the County
school Commissioners, and was noted FOR
his progressive tendencies. His family
circle, increased by the addition OF SIX
rosy-cheeked children. was one OF the most
pleasant in the county. In short, Berry
Williams bad fairly won his place at the
head OF the county-soeially, morally, and
financially.
Two months ago, however, marked
change came over him, which change was
caused in some way by the advent OF a
stranger from Georgia. Later visit was
paid 10 the executive office by Sheriff
Foster, OF Upson county. Ga. He pro-
cecdcd thence 10 the residence OF Mr.. Will
liams, in johnson county. Mrs. Williams
welcomed the stranger, not knowing his
sad errand. and she was dumbiounded
when her husband came in and, seeing the
stranger, struck his hand TO his forehead
and exclaimed. '.Is there no mercy
in this worldI" The wife and chill
dTen clung around the knees OF
the husband and father, and begged
to know what was the matter. With stream
ing eyes Williams turned 10 his wife and
told her the story of his life. He had
served faithfully in the Confederate army
during the whole term OF the war. lie came
ont II it with dissipated habits. One night
IN the winter q 1871, at a mill in UpSon
county, Ga. he had fight with relative
named Calvin. They were both severely
wounded. Calvin died, and Williams was
lodged in Jail 10 answer the charge OF
murder. Aided by friends, he escaped.
and for thirteen years, in the home Of
his adoption. he had endeavored to
live down the memory Of his crime.
In an evil bonr an adyenturer from
Georgia who knew the story OF his life
made his appearance. and thus his where
abouts became known. The story Oi the
arrest created mbOunded excitement in the
county. There were those who favored a
forCible resistance 10 the act OF the Georgia
sheriff. The parting scene between VIII
liams and his family was very affecting.
The citizens have held a meeting, at which
n petition was gotten up to Governor
Mcdaniel. Of Georgia, asking him TO par
don Williams. The petition will be carried
to Georgia by prominent attorney.