The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-10-27
RATHER SINGULAR CASE.
A BENTON COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF
CHARGED WITH MURDER.
While Waiting for Railway Connection
in Memphis He Narrates the History
OF the Case, Which Is Corroborated--
Kidnapped nom the Choctaw Nation.

hluUdDPtd ilOLh bht ShoSboW ANoeich
There passed through Memphis yestcr-
day morning man charged with murder,
named J. II. Watson.
His story OF the affair, which was corrob-
Grated by the laws agent who had him in
charge, can but impress one that those
who secured the indictment were in dire
straits for case in court, and have no
earthly chance to bring down verdict oil
''guilty" against the prisoner.
The alleged murder occurred on the 2Sth
OF last January, at the house OF one
Weeks, farmer and supposed accomplish
OF moonshiners, in the edge OF Carroll
county, near Benton. Watson was n
deputy sheriff of the latter county, and
jailcr at Camden. Toward dark on the
2Sth OF January, Deputy United States
Marshal Collier, of Mckenzie, arrived at
Camden, ON chase after moonshiners.
lie summoned Watson TO accompany him,
as also Camden's town marshal, Reeves
The trio started out toward Carroll county,
and about midnight after crossing the
line, reached the house OF Weeks. II was
a two-story frame, handsome and we'll
kept, evidoncing the fact that the occu-
pant was thrifty and we'll 10 do.
Marshal Collier, suspecting that they
were very near some OF the suspects,
aroused Weeks, and, after being admitted,
inquired who were in the house for
the night besides himself. Weeks
would impart no information, where
upon the marshal disclosed his iden-
ii,y, told him the nature Of his bust
ness, and began a search OF the premises.
In the meantime Town Marshal Reeves
had been left on guard in front OF the
house, while Watson went 30 the rear.
Collier struck light and started up stairs.
Hardly had the investigator began his
climb, when there was crash ON tho
upper floor, as though some ono was
breaking up house keeping. and shortly
aftcrward the footsteps Of some one re-
treating across the roof OF the house was
heard. Both Watson aud Reeves made n
run TO head the fugitive of, but before
Watson arrived at the scene lac heard
Reeves command halt aud fire. About
the same time Watson fired, but In front
of the escaping man, intending merely Ia
stop him. Neither Of the officers sue
cccded, aud Reeves fired again. lmme-
diatcly succeeding this shot the fleeing
individual yelled, but not In time 10 warn
Watson, who was In the act OF firing u
dcslst, and he, too fired his second shot.
The victim was found lying upon the
ground, shot in the calf Of the leo. lie
was IRWIN Alden, son Of well known
farmer Of Carroll county some distance
away. The officers carried him icndorly
into the house, summoned two doctors for
medical and surgical attention. also tho
young mans father, and did all In their
power tn alleviate his suffering This was
ON Saturday night The doctors, after a
thorough examination, decided ampuia.
ton necessary, aud performed the opera
ton on sunday afternoon. The following
"Wednesday evening Alden died.
Alter placing the young man In good
hands, the officers gave up their search for
mOonshincra Tor u time. aud returned 10
their respective homes. When Adcn died
indictments wcrc returned la tho Carroll
county circuit court Ivy the grand lur,
against the officers, Changing them will
numbering the young man. lntclligcnc,
oi the finding reached Watson, who was en-
iiply unsuspicious Of impending trouble
and he M once applied b. the leading LAWYER
Of Camden for advice. His judgment wa,
that no h rm could bpiall him, aud hc
should pmain there. Told that one Of the
parties, Reeves, had already been arrested
and Jailed, the attorney suggested that hi-
client stepped out tor few DAYS until all
excitement lad subsidized. Upon that
advice" said Watson, to TIN ArrrAi
reporter, Who saw him, 81 stepped out
and continued stepping until | reached
Arkansas, near Fort smith. After remain
Ing about thcrc for several weeks, sen
iof my wife aud children. they rcjoine,
me, aud together W. went over into ih
Ch0cinw nation. There We went 30 pick
ing cotton. az IS cents q hundred, aud wen
getting along very nicely"
GLOW were YOU arrcsicdg'
"lnst Sunday sebastian county officer
kidnapped and took mo 10 Fort smith
where the Carroll county agent, arme,
with a rqulsition. WIS awaiting me, an,
was pluocd under arrrst"
The agents name Il Ephriim c. Ilol
land. and after hearing Watson's siaiomon
from beginning Ia end. he remarked: Z"
suppose bee has told you the straight story
anil | cnnno, understand why be- b. wante,
for trial Hut ! was cent after him an,
will deliver him over 60 the authorities.
From appearances there was no troubl
about taking Watson. llo wore shacklc
81 no kind. tho agent did not deem un
usual vaichiulnUss necessary. aud ih
prisoner hal, in fact, enjoyed about all a.
opportunities Tor escape he could dcsiu
lie took no advantage Of them, and uyi
IDENTITY had no desire to.
Watson, while indicted In the Carol
county circuit count. fays be- will have th
cast rcm'ndrd to the i.dcnl court. In scs
lion 81 Jackson ior the Oct -pr term
Judge Hammond uru.iliug he antici
paiCs no trouble whatever. bot raya hc
not prcpaUd FAB meet the unavoidable q,
pcnsc Of trial
Watson and bis custodian lcf on IA
1880 O'Clock am. Louisville 4 Nash,ill
train iof Camden.
lrmrY, Strengthen aud enrich your bloc
With lcrin ma. Only az bottle
TIE COMPLIES WAN.