The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-01-16
A KNIFE WITH A HISTORY.
Bought by Kentuclxy's First Govern
or and II Has Killed Two Men.


From the Paducah (Ky.) Register
James Shelby, an aged and well-known
citizen of Pinckneyville, Livingston coun-
ty, is the owner of a knife which is an
historic relic. The knife was purchased
over a century ago by Isaac Shelby, the
first Governor of Kentucky.
In that day the population of Kentucky
was confined to settlements so far as the
white man was concerned. Gov. Shelby
received "a salary of $500 per year for his
services The salary now received by the
Governor of Kentucky is a princely one
in comparison. Gov Shelby had a broth
err, Nose Shelby, who lived in the eastern
section of the new state, near Cumber-
land Gap The Indians occasionally an
noyed the white settlers, although they
were supposed to have been driven from
that section. Nose Shelby wrote the Gov
ernor on the situation, and received in re-
ply letter and a large dirk knife. The
ancient presentation letter is still in the
possession of the family. The knife is a
large one, made in some blacksmith shop,
of the finest quality of steel. Shortly af-
ter the brother received the knife he was
attacked by the Indians. The latter were
all routed, except one. who was fatally
stabbed by Nose Shelby with the knife
in question. The slayer of the Indian
took the latter to his home, where ne
died a few hours afterward. Isaac Shell
by, a son of Nose Shelby, fell heir to the
knife at his fathers death. He, in after
years, removed to Livingston county,
where he died leaving several sons and
daughters among them being James
Shelby, who Is now the proud possessor
of the famous knife. Since the knife has
been in his possession he has killed one
man with it in saving his own life. He
Is now probably seVenty-five years old.
The killing occurred many years ago in
Livingston county, in the days of slav-
cry. He was very wealthy at that time.
A deputy sheriff named Alley undertook
to enforce the payment of a note signed
by Mr.. Shelby, which the latter consid-
cred unjust Alley threatened him, and
declined to undertake the collection of the
note in legal way. One day a friend
from Salem sent Shelby word that the of
fcer was coming after him. and that he
would act wisely in arming himself. Mrs.
Shelby placed the old knife in his pocket
against his wishes.
He was experimenting the construction
of rail fence, and several of his slaves
were on hand doing the work. Deputy
Sheriff Alley rode up in his buggy and a
quarrel arose, which resulted In his get
ting out of the vehicle, concealing himself
partially behind his horse and firing four
shots from his pistol into Mr. Shelby
body. The victim drew out his large
knife and started toward his cowardly,
would-be murderer, informing him how
many times he had been shot Alley
abandoned his position, and as he ran, re-
loaded his pistol Shelby overlook him,
and said:
Turn your face; don't want to stab a
man in the back You have shot me four
times, and may die"
When he succeeded in getting Alley face
to face to him he plunged his knife into
his breast. and In the desperate encounter
which ensued cut his essailant's head off.
Al the coroners Inquest hfty-two stabs
were found In Alleys body.
As Shelby acted entirely In self-defense,
he was. OF course acquitted at his exam
ining trial. He Is living to-day, hale and