The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-01
TIE REMARKABLE STORY.

Two old men Of Bedford County years ago.
were very intimate friends, The senior was
Berry Owens, who had lived much Of his life
In Montgomery, Ala, where he had large
interests. The other was Newcomb Thomp-
son III. The latter was a progressive farmer
of large means, and had, in many respects,
the best improved farm In the county. 0w-
ems had a large farm adjoining Thompson
and, because OF domestic ~unhappiness so Sc
rious that he was dborced from his wife, he
moved permanently from Montgomery, built
a large house on his farm and made his home
there. Before dying he made his will and
designated Thompson rs his executor.
Thomas II. Owens, the Oldest and ~favorite
son, on going from college for the holidays,
soon after his fathers death. was received
into the Thompson family most cordially,
and instead OF returning 10 college he became
u benedict, leading to the altar Mr.. Thomp-
sons lovely daughter, Eliza
Both were very young. Thompson, the
guardian and father-in.law, took jealous in
terest in their affairs, and ere long a large,
handsome house was erected on one Of their
best farms. Owens had worthy confidence
In the business sagacity OF his f~ather.in-law,
aud wisely decided TO his wife the residence
property. They lived quietly and, evil
IDENTIFY, were very happy for years.
-Four bright children blessed their home,
anu us cOhlplctcncSs was n matter OF pleas
ant comment by their neighbors.
Owens was always fond OF fine horses, and
that fact connected with n few unlucky
seasons induced him TO move from his farm,
which was four miles out on the Lcwisburg
turnpike, 10 Sholbyville and engage In the
livery business. His father before him
owned one Of the finest stables In Alabama.
MISS SOPHIA NEIL,
n very comcly daughter OF Col. James Neil.
deceased, who was widely known as one OF
the hnndsomest field officers In the Confed-
crate army, had become a school teacher
there. She was n graduate Of Columbia In.
stitute and had spent much time with rcla.
tiyes there in first social prominence. Her
family connections In Rutherford and also In
Bedford were excellent, and wherever she
vent she was greeted cordially. She was
one Of the handsomcst women In the State.
Having engaged 20 teach In S~hclbyyille,
she had made application for board at sew
eral pleasant homes. Mr.. 0wcns's house was
one Of them. His wife liked the idea OF
taking her TO board. but her husband. who
had been understood invariably as indifferent
10 the society Of ladies. objected, and Il was
not until after persistent pleading by his
wife that he consented that she stay in their
home. Ills indifference seemed 10 arouse
Miss Neil's interest aud In every conceivable
way she sought 10 make favor with him. by
and by she induced him TO take her on
AN OCCASIONAL DRIVE
In the afternoon behind some OF his hand.
some horses. His reputation was such that
gossip did not start Tor long while and only
the wretchcd wife realized the astounding
change that had resulted from their ~assOcia.
ton. In her bitterness one day she told him
II that woman didn't leave she would"
and soon she did. She went to her parental
home aud remained two or three weeks
without giving any reason 10 even her
mother Tor the extraordinary performance.
About the time of her return home, Miss
Neil went 10 Murfrccsboro and owens FOL.
lowed her, going over the turnpike 10 avoid
suspicion. They were out together AZ Muir.
ifccsbOro, but still very little attention had
been attracted 10 the matter until ON a Ger
tain Friday they went together TO Memphis
and
REoIsrERED AT rue PEABODY.
The story Of the hotel clerk as published
nc the time may be remembered still. Ovens
wrote his name, but stopped when the clerk
asked II the woman waiting to be registered
was his wife. Finally ho said yes. They
occupied room nine until sunday night,
when they returned 20 Middle Tennessee.
Miss Neil stopped OF NJ Murfrccsbono aud
her pamm0ur went on 10 s~hclbyyillc.
Neither seemed 10 realize that the public
was informed Of their bold cscapade. The
news had preceded them, however. aud
s%helbyyille never had perhaps n greater sen
snti0n. ID was n quarterly court day and
there were In town hundreds Of people from
various parts Of the county. Owens went
down on the public squaro, the observed q
everybody. Miss Ncil's brother made a
brcak for him and was about 10 Ere a we'll
charged pistol when four men seized him, all
u whom were nearly exhausted by his dcs.
pcmio efforts 30 get out of a room Of the
courthouse into which they hal forced him.
Owons's eldest son, Berry, n bright lad. had
The presence Of mind a. run f0r a horse and
take 10 a. BIZ father The latter nod the
town for his life, followed by Mrs. OVENS
brother, Sam Thompson, who, IL was be-.
loved, would force
a DEADLY ENCOUNTER
II the two should meet. There was general
surprise that afternoon when Thompson aud
Owens rode into town together. They had
met aud conferred. The result was that
Owens returned to his family.
A gentleman who feared that Miss Neil
might be IN need OF a friend AZ that crisis
boarded the afternoon train Tor Murfrccsboro,
aud ON arrival there learned that she was on
the sOuth.hound train, which was side
tracked for passage. lie was soon In her
presence aud told hor ho would bcfrlcnd
her. She was noncommital, only saying
that " Mr.. Owens chose "a give her up she
would consent Her pretended, plan was 10
90 10 Lincoln County, and her baggage was
checked 90 TuliahOma. A large crowd had
assembled 10 get a glimpse Of her when the
train arrived. Her brother who had been
W conspicuous az sholhyyillc, had gone
through drcnching rain and across a swollen
stream, arrived n few moments before tho
train. aud rushing into the car, took his sls.
ter by the arm. saying she must get OF there.
The friend, however, who had returned from
MurfrcCsboro Interested. and all thrco left
on the train. Tho plan was soon agreed
upon for this friend 70 arrange oil plans
TINY rEN ruE MONT
with che prrsent proprietor Of the Franhtin