Birmingham age-herald., 1894-12-22
DEAD BY TIE ROADSIDE. The Body of James F. Thornton,
 With Life Extinct,
FOUND NEAR THE CITY
A Most Foul Assas Sination, With No Clue to the
 Guilty Wretch.

Probably the most foul murder that has been committed near here since the time that Eugene Byars murdered his cousin took place within four miles Of the city yesterday afternoon between the hours of 3 and 5 0 clock.
 Nearly four miles from here on the road that runs to EnsIey City, about 5:30 0 clock yesterday afternoon,s the body of man known to be James F. Thornton, an Ems Icy City groceryman, was found weltering in pool of blood, which had flowed from Il hole that had been made in his neck by pistol ball. he lay flat on his back on the edge of the roadbed, with the stem of briar root pipe betw> el his teeth, showing that he was enjoying smoke at the time the pistol ball was put in bis neck.
 Further examination develop d the fact that his pocxets had been riff sd, telling tue tale of robbery after the murder had been committed.
 He was first discovered by man named Mahaffey, passer- by who was coming to- ward Birmingham. Mir. Mahaffsy saw at a glance what had been done, and hurried on 10 the city, whtr he notified Warner & Smiley, who sent their ambul lance after the body, in the meantime notifying the coroner.
 When Warner & Smley's dead wagon reached the scene of murder two or three men were standing around the remains, but no one seemed 10 know the man. Scattered around over the ground were a mum Der of papers and a bank book, all of which indicated the mans name to be James r. Thornton and his business 10 be that of grocery merchant at Ensley City. Two or three small checks were discovered, which were also signed by J. F. Thornton.
 Over in the edge of the woods stood horse aud wagon, upon which the dead man evidently had been riding when shot. The wagon contained a sack of corn, a box o; chickens with the name Of J. H. McCary & Co. on it, a half barrel of vinegar and two or three baskets.
 Messrs. J E. Smiley and Fred Warner put the remains in the dead wagon and brought them into the city. The dead man s wagon was also brought in.
 From all of the surroundings and from what all parties say who saw the man be- fore he Was removed there seems to be no doubt but that he was shot from ambush while riding in his wagon and afterwards robbed Of what money be had, if any. When shot the exposition is that he fell from the wagon to the ground and died in- stantly, for the bullet. a 3S-caliber, had en- tered hIs neck in place calculated to pro- duce almost instant death.
 From what could be learned tbe murdered man was in the city as late as o'clock yesterday afternoon and had made several purchases, besides making a bank deposit, as his book showed.
 TIC WAS Se5u u SuOEb QlolduCo lTOLu WneIO he was murdered by physician, who passed him in going on call near Ensey City. Ou returning the physician fouud the dead man within 200 yards of where he passed him.
 The murdered man is about B years of age, of small stature and will weigh about 130 pounds. His hair is sandy, as is his moustache. Ills was well dressed and had every appearance of gentleman.
 As to the clue for his murderer or mur- thAr ha h.ra seems to be none, although the police are at work on it.
 Coroner Dusen berry will Lold an investi- gation this morning at o'clock to deter mine upon the manner in which he met his death, and also to see if any clue can be established as to who the guilty person is.
 The body has been placed on slab in the back room of the undertaking estab- lishment of Warner & Smiley, where it will remain until ordered disposed Of by Coroner Dusen berry,.