The Marlboro democrat. [volume] (Bennettsville, S.C.) 1882-1908, 1904-09-23
"A FLORIDA FEUD.
a Bailiff Chased Undsr House and
Killed by Mob.
EIGHT MEN UNDER ARREST
Two Murders Have Resulted From
Exoursion Train Row, in
which Two Men were Gut
to Death.

Another chapter has to be written
In the sensational occurrences that
have marked the little town of Bax-
ter Florida, during the past few days.
Thursday night Bailiff r.. I. Thrift
made an effort to arrest the Altmans
for the murder Of Jackson Duncan and
James Riley on the train last Sunday I
night, but he met with such a warm
reception that he vent to his house
and gave up the attempted arrest.
Later crowd gathered at his house
and when he came out he was fired
upon. He returned the fire and killed
one Of the men, said to be white
man named John Bowling.
Then Thrift, his gun being empty,
ran under the house to escape the
crowd that was alter him but he was
pulled out and shot to death, his body
being riddled with bullets. Reports
from Baxter stated that more trouble
was imminent. Citizens asked that
the military be sent there to protect
them and some have left the place
rather than be mixed up In the bloody
riot which seems imminent.
a message was sent to ValdOSta,
Ga, asking If military company
could be sent there but the
local officers were at Camilla and
besides that the trouble happened.
In Florida beyond the reach OF the
Georgia authorities. 1t is said that
the dispute over the State line Is one
OF the reasons the Altmans give as to
why they did not want Thrift to ar
rest them. They have said all along
that they would not submit to arrest
by any but authorized officers. They
claim that their crime was committed
in Georgia, in strip Of territory
formed by bend in tie ST. Mary's
river and they will not be arrested by
Florida officials though they live In
Florida.
1t was understood that appeal had
been made to Gov. Jennings for mill
tary protection or aid in arresting the
AltmanS and the governor promised
that the militia would be sent there.
Baxter is policed by two companies Of
Florida militia following the killing
OF four men resulting from the feud
between the Altmans and DuncanS.
Shortly before dark Sheriff Herndon
and his posse brought in eight prison
ers alleged to be implicated in the
killing of Jackson Duncan, the negro
and Rufus Thrift. The men arrested
are: artow Crews, Berry Crews Rlleyt
Nonen, aney IsuSI5lIs isll,r- 71:
John Eddy, Jesse sapp and Homer
Eddy.
Some were arrested in Florida and
others in Geornia. These men are
stretched out on the floor of q shanty
resting under the guard OF the
Suwanee Rifles Of Live Oak, the Will
son battery Of artillery and the sher-
IFS posse. There are IL others of the
gang. Men who were sent to see them
have just returned and report that
they have agreed to surrender them
selves and will come in voluntarily and
give themselves up. If they do not
violate their pledges this places all of
the gang in the custody of the officers,
with the exception of Jesse Altman
who is still at large and his where
abouts are unknown. He was seen in
Baxter Friday but disappeared shortly
before the sheriff arrived from Nc
Clenny. 1t is thought that he too will
surrender when he finds that the
others have taken that course.