The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1884-10-02
TRAVELLER.
A Rich and Respected Texas Nan Ar.
rested for an old Murder.

AUSTIN TEXAS, September 21.-In
the Spring of 1871 there appeared in
Johnson County newcomer named
Berry Williams. He was Joined soon
afterward by his wife and two children,
the latter infants. The man seemed to
avoid references to his past life, and there
appeared to be some mystery as to the
place of his previous residence. Will.
iian,s, however, lived such an upright
life that the mystery of his first appear
ance was soon forgotten, and he came to
be ranked as one of the best men in the
County. A year later his wife was seized
with fever and died, leaving Williams
alone with his orphans. He made suit
to one of the most cultivated young ladies
of the County, who, Notwithstanding
some objections from her family, subse.
quently became his wife. His new re-
lations spurred Williams to greater ex
ertions than ever. He added to his acres,
his stock multiplied, he erected fine
house, and, in fact, his worldly affairs
were thoroughly prosperous. With his
increase of means he proved himself to
be public spirited. In charity circles he
was conspicuous member as we'll as a
liberal giver. He was made Chairman
of the County School Commissioners,
and was noted for his progressive ten.
dencies. His family circle, increased by
the addition ofsix rosy.cheeked children,
was one of the most pleasant in the
County. In short, Berry Williams had
fairly won his place at the head of the
County-socially, morally and financial.
ly.
Two mouths ago, however, marked
change came oyer him, which change
was caused in some way by the advent Of
a stranger from Georgia. Later a visit
was paid to the executive office by Sher.
if Foster of Upson County, Ga. He
proceeded thence to the residence of Mr..
Williams, in johnson County. Mrs.
Williams welcomed the stranger, not
knowing his sad errand, and she was
mbfounded when her husband came
in and, seeing the stranger, struck his
hand to his forehead and exclaimed:
"Is there no mercy in this world 2" The
wife and children clung around the knees
of the husband and father, and begged
to know what was the matter. With
streming eyes Williams turned to his
wife and told her the story of his life.
He had served faithfully in the Confed-
crate army during the whole term of the
war. He came out of it with dissipated
habits. One night in the Winter of
1871, at mill in Upson County, Ga,
he had fight with a relative named
Calvin. They were both severely wound
ed. Calvin died and Williams was
lodged in Jail to answer the charge of
murder. Aided by friends he escaped,
and for 13 years in the home of his
adoption he had endeavored to live
down the memory of his crime. In an
evil hour an adventurer from Georgia
who knew the story of his life made his
appearance, and thus his whereabouts
became known. The story of the arrest
created unbounded excitement in the
County. There were those who favored
forcible resistance to the act of the
Georgia Sheriff. The parting scene be-
tween Williams and his family was very
affecting. The citizens have held
meeting, at which petition was gotten
up to Governor Mcdaniel, of Georgia,
asking him to pardon Williams. The
petition will be carried to Georgia by
prominent attorney. York Tines.