The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-31
he USED A WHIP.
Which Caused a Southern WO-
man to Kill Her Brother.

Hattiesburg. Miss. July S1.-As re-
suit of the killing of John Rich by his
sister, Mrs. ]. Prince Odum, at Richton
on July 25, a lively sensation has de-
veloped in Augusta Relatives of both
the Rich and Odum families are gather
ing on the scene, and the father of Mrs.
Odum, Steven Rich, has employed at
torneys to assist in the prosecution of
his daughter. Public sentiment sup
ports the handsome young matron, how
ever, the more so because her beautiful
sixteen -year-oId daughter is accused as
an acoomplice. and upon one trial hangs
the fate of both.
On Saturday. July rs, the village of
Richton was startled by the sound of
four shots fired in quick succession.
Handsome Mrs. Odum had almost emp
tied her pistol into the body of her own
brother, John Rich. A water spring on
the land of Dave Rich, another brother,
had caused the feud which ended 80
fatally. Both families were accustomed
to use the water, but when the supply
John Rich requested his sister not to
use it.
She insisted that it belonged to her as
much as to him, and sent her washer
woman there as usual to do the wash
ing John Rich appeared on the scene
Saturday and ordered the washerwonl-
an to leave. She reported to Mrs. Odum,
who told the woman to return To reas-
sure her Mrs. Odum accompanied her-
John Rich was still at the spring upon
their arrival, and seeing that he could
nor intimidate his sister, began to beat
her with a stick Enraged at the inhu-
man treatment Mrs. Odum returned
home and secured her revolver Gaining 3
her beautiful young daughter Emma
she returned to the spring. john Rlch
and sooner mad MS
sister appeared than he again began ms
barbarous treatment. without Woro
Mrs. Odum raised her revolver ana flreo-
The first ball struck Rich's right arm
2. second shattered his left, a thlrd per-
etra ted his shoulder and the fourth
passed entirely through his heart
Immediately after the shooting Mrs.
Odum and her daughter were taken IN
custody by Deputy Sherlt altei
MYERS. who had her jailed at Augusta
Yesterday she was given preliminary
trial before Justice of the Peace Nc
Swain.
had epread. and the Rich and Odun
families which are among the most
nron,inert in Mississippi, began to
gather at Augusta. Two brothers, one
svrnpathizing with the sister and the
other with his brother reached the
town todav. steve Rich. father of both
n7urderess and murdered. also came IN.
He lost no time showing where his
sympa thies lay. Going to Attorney
McLaurin, a relative of U. ). senator
McIAaurin. he retained nm TO asslSI III
the prosecution.
Today's developments are likely to
render thu situation still more acute.
Half of the Rich family sympathlze
with the sister and half are against her.
The Odum family unanimously sup
ports the slayer. Efforts have been
made all along to prevent the oppon-
ents meeting. but this must eVentualiy
take place and when it does blood, it
is said, will certainly flow. As result
of the preliminary hearing Mrs. Odum
is out under a $1,000 bond Her ddugh>
ter is held as an accompiice under $500
bond
Sheriff T. E Batson and posse of
special deputies are ready at a mo-
! nnent's notice to hasten to the scene Of
any disturbance. Apparently half the
town is armed and arrayed against the
other half, each side waiting anxiousl.' :
for a pretext which will warrant the
/ beginning of hOStilities.