The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-14
DOUBLE KILLING
 ON THE CO0SA
EVIDENCE IS STRONG THAT J. w. HIGGS WAS MURDERED IN ADDITION TO EUGENE KNIGHTON

The murder of Eugene Knighton near lock No. on the Coosa river at present seems to involve a double murder in which J. w. Higgs of Birmingham also met his death. The two men were staying in a cabin on lonely strip of land owned by the latter in the middle of the river, known as Rock island. Robbery Is thought to have been ths motive for the deed, as it was general ly known that Higgs usually was in possession of several hundred dollars in cash.
 The deed was committed probably Sunday. Knighton was found in dy- ing condition yesterday morning by two negroes who went over to the island with the washing of the men. He lived until Il o'clock. When first discovered Knighton was lying in g. pool of blood over in one corner of the room where stood the cooking stove. His skull was crushed in behind, and just back of the left temple, and on tue floor near him lay a blood spattered handaxe used as the instrument of attack. Judging from the position ip which he was stretched out and from the wounds in- flicted, it is evident that he must have been struck unexpectedly while bend ing over the stove as he was prepar- ing a meal, which function he was said to have filled.
 Evidence was later found which leads to the conclusion that J. w. Higgs was also murdered. Down by the river side was found a small collapsible drinking cup which he always used. Close to the place where the cup was discovered lay a short iron bar covered with blood on which were two gray hairs. little further up the river was the landing where the two men kept their boats, and these had been cut loose and set adrift. It is probable that the body of Higgs after he was killed was placed in one of the boats or else sunk with weights to the bottom of the river.
 In, case it were put in one of the boats 1t may be found at the locks below the island lodged in the rocks somewhere, as it is certain that the little vessels would have been capsized in going over the dam. The river Is higher than usual and 1t was consid- cred impossible to make a thorough in- vestfgation. There is little doubt in the minds of those who visited the scene that Higgs met with foul play. On the walls of the hut hung the best clothes of Higgs, and in the hip pocket of the trousers was found IS $1 bills. and a lot of receipted bills for whiskys and beer.
 Higgs and Knighton are said to have carried on q business in liquors at their place on the island, for which purpose they held federal license. The cabin as we'll as the island was owned by the former who recently bought 1t of a negro named Jean Gordon. Strong suspicion is laid on the negro. who 1t is said, tried to buy the island back from Higgs after having learned how much profit was accruing from 1t to the owner because of its advantageous po- sition.
 The body of Knighton was brought to Birmingham last night over the Sea- board, and prepared for burial by the Green Undertaking company. The un- dertakers left the city for the scene of the killing yesterday afternoon. The nearest station Is about two miles from Lock No 2, from which place Rock Island is about three miles distant UT the river. The body was brought back in little skiff, the only means there of naviga tion. e-.. ..-.-,...-- - .....,-.
 Knighton Is survived by wife. one daughter and one son. and brother all living in Birmingham. J. W. Higgs in partnership with his son Harry Higgs, ran small store at First ave- nue between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets His nearest relatives In this city are his son. Harry Higgs, and his daughter Mrs. Jordan.