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

AUSTIN Texas, September 21.-.In
tho Spring of 1871 there appeared in
johnson County newcomer. named
Berry Williams. He was Joined soon
sEtsr=afd by hi1 vita and swo children,
the later Infants. The n;sa sa.,~ed 10
avoid references to his past life, and there
appeared to be some mystery as to the
place of his previous residence. viii.
liams, however, lived such an upright
life that the mystery of his frat appear.
ance was soon forgotten, and he came 10
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, Rubse.
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 affaira
were thoroughly prosperous. With bis
increase of means he proved himself to
De public spirited. In charity circles he
was conspicuous member as we'll ia 4
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 checked 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 months ago, however, O marked
change came over him, which change
was caused In some way by the advent Of
stranger. from Georgia. Later visit
was paid to tho executive Office by Sher.
III Foster of Upscn County, Ga. He
proceeded thence t. the residence of Mr..
Williams, in johnson County. Mrs.
Williams welcomed the stranger, not
knowing his sad errand, and she was
dumbfounded when her husband came
ia aud, seeing the stranger, ztruci mis-
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
stremsus eyes Williams turned to his
sife aud told her the story Of his lie.
He had se.yed faithfully in the Confed.
crate army during the whole term of the
aar. He came out of it with dissipated
habits. CIs night in the Winter of
1877, at mill in Upson County, Ga,
ne had fight with o 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 ie. escaped,
and for 13 years in the home of his
adoption he had endeayored to live
down the memory of his crime. In an
evil hour an edventurer 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 ia the
County. There were those who favored
a forcible resistance to the act of the
Georgia Sheriff. The parting scene be.
tween Williams and bis faulty was very
affecting. The citizens have mold q
meeting, at Hthilh q petition was Cotton
up to Governor Mcdaniel, Of Georgia,
asking him to pardon Williams. The
petition will be carried to Georgia by q
prominent attorney.-Ne,o York limeo.