The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-08-20
COLD FLOODED MURDER.
SIcKENING TRAGEDY IN DEsoTO
COUNTY, MISS. SATURDAY.
james White, n Well-to.do Farmer,
Brutally Slain by William and Henry
Harding, and HisWifo Powder Burned.

AT last accounts some forty good men Of
DoSoto county, Miss, were in the saddle,
securing the country for two cold-boodcd
murderes who, ii caught, will doubtless
dangle at the end OF rope without the
formality OF trial by legally constituted
court and jury.
Tho tragedy that aroused this exciting
activity occurred late Saturday evening
about four miles north OF Eudora and ten
miles distant from fernando.
Meagcr information OF the affair was re-
ceived by the police department OF this
city early yesterday morning. II came in
n dispatch from Sheriff 4. G. Dockery re-
qucsting them TO look out for, and ii the
opportunity offered, arrest William and
Henry Hardin, describing them rs gentecl
looking young white men, who were
wanted lor murder.
An APPEAL reporter took charge of tho
task OF collecting particulars ut this dis
lance, and sought passengers on tho Mis-
sissippi 4 Tennessee train who arrived
from DeSoto county yesterday morning.
While there were none from the imme-
date vicinity who could give anything
like a detailed account yet the reporter
learned enough 20 record il as sensational
and thoroughly unproyoked.
James White Is well-to-do farmer,
about thirty years OF ago. married man,
and resides with his wife and mo,her.in-
law, Mrs Mitchell, four miles north OF
Eudora, He il connected by blood and
marriage with many OF the leading fam
lilies OF DeSoto county. He was quiet,
steady, busincss.like farmer with enmities
against him by no one, save the Hardings.
For years there has existed between the
families feud, the origin OF which tho
reporters informant could not give posi-
lively, but believed il 10 have grown out
OF Il land trade between the fathers OF the
men.
Several months ago William and Horny
Hardin went 20 Texas. Their departure
caused sigh OF relief from friends Of both
families, who desired 10 see no blood shed,
n climax there was little reason TO doubt II
they remained. 4 short time since they
returned. White was duly informed, but
paid no particular attention 10 tho warn.
ing. Farm duties were pursued as usual,
with never u thought OF warlike prcpara-
tons.
On Saturday evening last, while build
ing or repairing pig pen in his stock lot,
White was approached by the llnrdins.
lilo greeted them in friendly manner, in
yIted them in, and proceeded with his
work, but at the same time devoted TO them
npropor amount Of attention. The visitors
were not there on a noighborly visit, how.
ever, and began the uso Of rough aud
threatening language. White, being I'M
armed, endeavorcd 10 change the current
OF their determination, but 10 no avail.
The identical Language used by them Is
not known, but II il known that tho
IIardins plainly declared their intention 10
kill White.
Mrs. White was in the house sitting by
a window from which sho could see and
hear what was going on, and nursing her
infant child. Upon percciying the turn
matters had taken, both the Hardin's
having drawn their pistols, she screamed
and ran toward the scene 10 protect her
husband Mrs Whites scream aud sudden
appearance Disconnected the men on muir.
der bent, who Involuntary dropped their
arms and stood gazing 10 SEQ what the
wiiely intruder would 10. Just ~ she got
near her husband, both the llarlins fired
at White, one from the front, the other
from the rear. Both shots took effect In
vital parts Of the victims body, producing
instant death. Mrs. White, who still cai-
ried the innocent babe In her arms, was
powder burned by ono Of the discharged
weapons, her eyebrows being scorchel of.
Otherwise sho was physically unframed by
tho murdercfs
Without waiting to witness the extent
Of their CHASTITY work. or hear the heart
rending shricks OF the nowly.mado widow,
the murdcrcrs mounted their horses and
made of. Tho news spread with wonder
iul apility and ncighbors were soon well
mounted and travelling At high rate Of
speed In the direction taken by the llar-
dns. Most Of them were relatives Of the
deceased, and this fact operated 10 make
the search the more determined. Being
thoroughly familiar with the country, the
fugitiyes ovaded detection, and n few
hours later a severe rain and wind storm
came b. their rescue and placed q safe dis
tancc between them and the punucrs.