The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1907-03-08
Killed on Island No. 8.

nan. Il is claimed that he shot the
man purely in self defense. As we
are told upon reliable authority, the
trouble leading to the killing was
about as follows; Mr. Beckham has
a contract with the Southern Wood
Supply Company to supply paper
wood. He has a number Of men
cutting wood for him by contract,
or by the cord. Saturday last Mr..
Beckham was taking Up some wood
which had been cut by other parties.
These parties had lief, holes in the
ricks to test Mr.. Beckham's meas
ure. When he took the wood up he
"docked" for these holes. which vas
taken by the cutters in a good
humored way. which is, as a matter
Of fact. customary.
On that day Robinson is said to
have made the remark that II be
was "docked" be would kill Beck
ham. Sunday morning Beckman
vas taking up some wood. and while
so doing was approached by Robin
son. Who told him he must not dock
his measure. Beckham told him he
would be compelled 10 treat him as
he did the others. Robinson remon-
srated and told him he must take
his wood up at the measure he die
ta,ed and Fay him the price he die
tated. Beckham told him he would
take up the wood he had cut that
way, but that then he must leave the
camp, fer he would no, have a man
10 the camp with whom he could not
get along pleasantly. Seizing Beck
ham, by the seouldsr he raised an
az and told him TO promise him that
be would aocep, his measures, pay
him his own price and let him YORK
there as long as he wished. Under
the circumstances there was nothing
left for him to do but to promise.
he told him that II be attempted 10
dock bis wood he would kill him,
and that he had a notion 10 kill him
anyway. Another man present at
tempted to interfere but vas told be
would kill him also. Mr.. Beckham
feared TO leave his home, 50 remain
ed at home Sunday, Monday and
Monday night. and Tuesday morn
ing. Several times during the
morning Robinson passed in front Of
the house. apparently looking for
trouble. Finally he came to the
door Of the commisssry, which is
in front of his residence. and told
Beckeam 10 come measure some
more wood. He vas frankly told
that he was afraid to go, that a
threat vas made Sunday agains, his
life and that he was afraid that he
would be killed. At this junctufe
he replied Eyes - - you, and
am going to kill you now" SC
saying he stepped up into the com
missary door, With a hammer In
MS hand. vheTeupon Mr.. Beckhan
fired three times at him. only one
ball taking effect. entering in the
center Of the chest. ranging down,
ward, and making its exit in the
center OF the back, or little left Of
the center.
After the first threat was made
Mr.. Beckham fearing violence. sent
TO Hickman for Sheriff Seat to come
and arrest the man. He was still
waiting for him TO come when he val
forced, through self defense, to Kill
the aggressor.
Beckham has been arrested anc
will be given a preliminary hearing
MoRday.
II. c. Barrett. OF the Farmers
Hardware Undertaking department
went to the place Of the killing Wed
nesday, prepared the body for buria
and brought It to Hickman where /
remained in their establishment un
Ill yesterday, when ii was inferred
in Browns cemetery.
The dead man leaves a wife ans
several children.