Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-09-04
SLAIN BY INCONSISTENCIES,
Raid OF Deputy Marshals in ArIsnnsns
Ends In Death.

Little Rock, Ark, Aug. 3l.-SX man
were probably massacred in the wilds
of the mountains of Pope county Sun
day afternoon. Two were killed out
right, two were fatally wounded and
left for dead and two have mysteriously
disappeared, and ure either dead or be-
ing held captive by the bloodthirsty
bandits who committed the awful
trime. The killed are: Capt. 3. f.
Taylor, of Searcy county, n deputy
United States marshal; Joe Dodson, of
Stone county, a deputy marshal. The
fatally wounded are two brothers
ramed Renfrew, of Searcy county. The
names of the missing men are not
known, but they are supposed to be
deputy sheriifs from an adjoining coun-
ty. The victims were all officers, dep
nty United States marshals and deputy
Sheriffs, and the men who did the awful
work of carnage are moonshiners of the
boldest and most desperate class.
The scene of the bloody crime was a
guch or ravine in the mountains OF
rope county at an isolated spot S5 miles
from Russellville, the nearest telegraph
office. and ten miles from Will Springs.
The region is wild and isolated. Ii has
for years been the fnvorite rendezvous
for counterfeiters and moun, hiners.
and district in which no law-ahiding
:itizen could live. Veteran moon
'hiners who were years ago hunted and
bounded out of Georgia, North Carolina,
Tennessee and other states have settled
IN that mountainous country and con-
finued their Illicit distilling of whisky.
Couhterfeiters have operated there and
criminals of other classes have taken
refuge in the hills of Pope county. For
years it has been considered the worst
and most dangerous section in the
state, and the crack of rifle has warned
many deputy marshal to be gone. The
officers for long time have been try-
ing 10 break up the lawlessness in that
vicinity. and many battles between
them and the desperadoes have oc-
Cured.
Capt. B. L. Taylor, the richest man in
Searcy county, and man of much
prominence, determined to aid the Of
fcers in putting down crime in that
section. lie secured a commission as n
deputy United States marshal and led
ihe posse in the raid that resulted in
his death. \ few days ago II successful
raid was made in the same locality in
which dozen moonshiners were cap
tured and brought to Little Rock. One
Of them told the officers at least so
large distilleries were operating in the
same neighborhood. Taylor, with his
posse, located a large moonshine out
fit Saturday night and decided 10 make
the raid on Sunday in daylight. Pro-
ceeding slightly in advance of his men.
Taylor was within 30 feet of the dis
tillery when he was suddenly fired upon
from ambush and instantly killed. As
Dodson ran up to Taylor he was also
shot dead in his tracks. Rifles began 70
crack in all directions and Il terrible
volley was fired into the officers.
The Rerfrew brothers fell mortally
wounded aud lay by the roadside until
later in the day traveller named Pack
CHANGED by. All traces of the bandits
had disappeared, as well as two of the
deputy sheriffs. The latter have not
since been heard from and are believed
either to have been killed or wounded
''AN' '"'>" N'"y NaPt4'CS ny lHc
sinners. Pack hurried TO Russellville
with the news and the coroner, together
with sheriff's posse. Immediately
started for the scene. No news has
been received since they departed. Pack
thinks the Renfrew brothers will be
dead before the party reaches them.
II was not known by whom the crime
was committed but the officers believe
tie gang is composed of desperadoes
headed by Horace Bruce and John
Church, two of the most dangerous
characters in that locality.
The United States authorities have
been asked 10 offer a reward for the
arrest of the gang, to which the state
Will contribute and a determined effort
will be made to capture them. 1t is
very probable the effort will lead TO
further bloodshed. Capt. Taylor was
ali eX-captain in the federal army. He
had served two terms in the state legis-
lature and was noted for his bravery.
Marshal Cooper has received q tele-
gram from Attorney-General McKen-
ma authorizing expenditure not to en-
ceed $4,000 for the expense of the posse,
subject to executive approval. 1t also
authorizes reward of $500 for the cap
tire and delivery to the marshal of all
persons implicated in the murder.