The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-06-13
MO0RE'S MURDERERS
AT THE BAR OF JUSTICE = SEVEN
JURORS SECURED.
History of the Horrible Butchery on
Board the Floating Den OF Vice Called
the Benton-The Dying Declaration Of
the Murdered Man.

The case of the State against Eph
Reeves, Wash McCown and Sam Tilley is
on trial before the criminal court, and the
testimony developed at the preliminary
hearing stamps the crime of which the de-
PENDANTS are accused as one of the most
cowardly butcheries on record. Our read
ers will remember the tragedy, which oc-
CURED on Sunday, May @, on board the
excursion boat Benton, which had been
making excursion trips to Jackson Mound
park. The following extract OF the ac-
count published in The APPEAL next day,
is correct version OF the facts adduced by
the testimony:
Just rs the boat was being tied up at the
wharf Martin Moore came down from up
stairs on the boiler deck. McCown, Reeves,
man by the name OF 4. w. Godfrey, and
several others, where down there, and he
became involved in heated conversation
with them. Suddenly McCown drew a
pistol and fired at Moore, who ran toward
the bar; as he did 80 Reeves followed,
snatching huge butcher knife from the
bar counter, and began slashing away at
Moore. At this juncture Tilley jumped
from behind the bar and caught hold oil
Moore. All was intense excitement -Four
or five shots were fired in quick succession,
and Reeves savagely slashed away at
Moore, when suddenly the overpowered
man fell PROSTATE, bleeding and dying
on the floor. A pistol ball had entered
his abdomen ON the left side just be-
low the first rib, while from his
head the blood gushed from three
gaping wounds which had been inflicted
with such terrible force rs 10 penetrate
the skull. Tilley was cut across the right
wrist, the muscles and tendons being en-
tirely severed from the bone, and an
equally gaping wound was ON the back,
and almost the entire length Of the right
hand. Tho widest panic ensued on
board the boat, and the passengers went
pell-mell from decks across the gangways.
Tilley ran rs fast as he could up the
bluff, accompanied by Reeves, and went
20 Renkert's drug store, on the corner OF
Main and Adams, where DIR. McGeo
dressed his wounds, though not until he
had almost blcd TO death. W. j. Moore was
on his way 10 the boat, and reached there In
time TO catch the dying words OF his muir.
dered brother. The dying man stated
liltl lNttNfH iuA NlAih
and that McCown had fired the shot into
his body. With these words on his lips
lac expired.
Wilton Smith, the fireman, was the
most intelligent, or evidently the mos
inclined 10 tell the truth, Of any OF the
witnesses. lie stated that he saw Moore
McCown, Reeves and one or two othel
men on the deck, and they were all quar-
rcling, when all at once McCown pulled I
pistol and fired at Moore, who ran, fol
lowed by McCown and Reeves, and tha
Tilley sprang from behind the bar ant
seized Moore, and a genuine fight en-
sued, which lasted for but minute, wher
Moore was killed. lie was positive tina
Moore did not have a pistol.
Seven jurymcn have thus far been 50
cured. Their names and occupations ar,
herewith subjoined: S. NJ. Block. travel
ing salesman; w. X. Butler, planter, live
at Frayser station; J. A. Fry, grocer, col
ner Fourth and Poplar; q. w. Ferguson
keeps livery stable corner Third and Mon
roe; II. r. Richards, grocer, corner Ray
burn avenue and Broadway; j. W. Flood
boards at No. 20 Mulberry street; job
Murphy, resides Mt No. 470 Main street.
The attorneys for the defense are Col
CAN'T, NJ. X. Patterson and L. NJ. Win
tiers. Attorney-G General Peters, assisted b
Mr.. Brooks will represent the State. TIL
seven Jurors were locked up last night i
custody Of Deputy Sheriff 4. w. Horn.