The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-01-18
HOMICIDE OVER POLITICS.
a Third Party Leader Shot Dead on
Train at Atlanta.

Third Party Leader Shot Dead on
Train at Atlanta.
ATLANTA, Ga, Jan. 17.--Shsriff j. B.
Hewen of Fsyette county shot and instantly
killed James M. McEhren. a prosperous and
well-known farmer of Fayette county, this
afternoon shortly after O'Clock. The
killing took place at the East Tennessee
railroad yards on the Atlanta and Florida
passenger train, which left here at o'clock.
1t was the result OF a political quarrel be-
tween Sheriff Hswell and Mr.. McEhren,
the latter being a third party man and
Sheriff Hewell democrat. Sheriff Hewell
had been sheriff Of Faystts county
two years and was candidate
for reelection in December last
D. M. MoEhren. nephew Of the
man killed. was the third party candidate
against Sheriff Hewel. He was Sheriff
Hewell's brother>in-law. During the can
vass young McEhren had personal diff
Guilty with a man named Bogier, who was
a close friend to Sheriff Hewell and one of
his warmess adherents. While the fight
was in progress James McEhren the man
killed to-day. and Sheriff Hewell came up.
They took hand and several blows were
passed and shot or two fired. The fact
that third party politics had divided the
family, and made Sheriff Hewell and
young McEhren rival candidates. had en-
gendered a most bitter feeling especially
on the side of the McEhrens, the third party
wing OF the family.
MORE TROUBLE EXPECTED.
After the difficulty In Fayetteville during
the campaign the bitterness increased. Mr..
McEhren was so years old aud q man noted
for his fearlessness, having been a brave
soldier during the late war and good
citizen since. and friends of both parties
anticipated further trouble. Mr.. McEhren
hrooded over the matter and several times
said that either he or Sheriff Hewell, his
nephew by marriage. would have to die
when they next met. Only yesterday he
made such a statement, IL is said. to w. s.
Miner of Fayette, and Sheriff Hewell
who is a young and active man OF 30, was
warned by his friends to be on his guard.
Yesterday Mr.. McEhren came to Atlanta,
and to-day Sheriff Hewell arrived In the
city to attend court here. When Sheriff
Hewell boarded the train at the Mitchell
street depot, accompanied by Senator Bia"
lock of the Twenty-sixth district. he saw
Mr.. McEhren in the forward coach for the
first time since the difficulty during the
campaign. Senator Blalock and Sheriff
Hewell passed into the rear car, and when
the train started Mr.. McEhren followed.
At the East Tennessee shops, where
the train stopped for orders, Sheriff
Hewell aud Senator Blalock went
out on the platform. Immediately Edward
Stephens, a young man who was in company
with Mr.. McEhren, followed and aooosted
Sheriff Hewell. Mr.. McEhren, who had
also followed TO the platform, interrupted
and with an oath drew a knife, saying that
he intended to whip Sheriff Howell ON the
spot. Sheriff HeweII then drew a pistol
and shot his assailant through the head,
killing him instantly. Sheriff Hewell sur
rendered to the sheriff and tonight slept
in Sheriff Bowers home. Mr.. McEhren
leaves wife, but no children. He was one
OF the best citizens Of Faystts county. but a
fanatic In politics.