The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-14

a yellow negro living in the community had stolen the money. but it developed later that Hardin had stolen 1t. because articles contained in the trunk were found in his possession.
 In a short while after abandoning the young lady whom he had married. Har- din. in company with a young woman who was present at the marriage, left the country. and it was subsequently, learned, went to the vast piney woods re- zion adjacent to Milton. Florida, where he carried on the -bdsIness-of free boot CT for a year or, two, cattle stealing. | there being many cattle in that section at the time, and occasionally stealing a | negro and occasionally killing some per- son and robbing him. This he continued | to do until conditions became so warm that he was forced to leave. Passing on up through the community where he for merly lived, but secretly, with his alleg- cd wife and. negro of great power and strength. whom he had. stolen in FIori- da. he went by the way yof Abbeville in Henry county where he stole a buggy from the late P. B, Skipper, and a mag nIncent mare from the late Colonel John W. Harper, at that time a lawyer of note in Southeastern Alabama. This mare | was driven by him in one day, with him | self, a large man, the negro already re-
 
 miles. ~.. t.. .&
 A man by the name of Smith, in the vicinity of Milton, Fla, where he had carried on his robberies and villainles. pur- sued him and overlook him in some point In Mississippi, where he was attending a party made up,a generally. of his own kind Smith. with the assistance of officers. had terrific battle with the outlaws but overcame them. arrested Hardin and started back to Florida with him and the negro. whom he had stolen. There were no railroads In the country then, and smith had gone for the robber on horse back. He hand-cuffed him with his hands behind his back. took him In the 6ugRy with himself, and placed the negro on his own horse, and thus they were travelling. smith was armed with pistol and Bowie Knife. Hardin complained, of his hands hurting him so badly. and begged, smith 10 let him have his hands in front. which ne unwisely did. They had not travelled Tar In this condition when Hardin rose qua threw his manacled arms over the mead of smith and pinIoned Smiths arms 10 ms side, so that he could not use his weapons. While the scuffie was going on the spirited animal ran away with them, threw them both out. but did not seri- ,iHly inJure either Hatdins hands came Tn contact with the knife of Smith, which however, he could not use effectively. but as well as he could. he began to cut Smith and called to the negro to come and cut smiths throat. which the negro at first declined to do, but Hardin told him "that Is all right. I am certain to kill Smith and as soon as kill him I will kill yoI." The negro then came and cut Smiths throat and loosened Hardin from his manacles, Smith was able to speak yet. and said she wanted some water. Hardin cursed him and told the negro to give him some water. that he would be dead in a few minutes. They then turned and went their own way. Smith was found. identified. his people notified and knowl- edge of the crime generally known abroad. The people of AbbeVille heard where the robber was and Mir. Tyson Kelly and Harrison Bizzen. two Tesolute citizens If Henry County. went for him. overlook and arrested him. perhaps in Shelby Coun- ty. Alabama, and carried him. and the ae- gro back to. Abhevil!e. where they lay in jail for some monthg ''--