Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1921-09-13
Shadow in Life Of Great Secession
Leader.
KILLED BR0THER.IN.LAW, DR.. EARLE
Family Was Divided Over the Politics
of the Day and Foolish Insults Led
to Unnecessary Killing.
BY Larry CAN'T.

part in the Charleston convention, that
split the Democratic party into three
factions and insured the election of
Abraham Lincoln as president. But
war between the free states of the
North and the slave states Of the
South was inevitable, and while that
struggle may have been delayed for
few years, it had to come some time.
was a boy in Charleston when that
convention was held and my family all
being Nullifiers and Secessionists, !
was as familiar with the transaction
Us one of my years could be. / re-
member that among the delegates was
a stout built, cock-eYed man, whom |
heard was named Benjamin +. Butler
a Democratic delegate from Massachu-
sctts This is the same Beast But
ler," who, while in command of the
Federal army of New Orleans, Issued
an order against the ladies Of that city
that ever branded his name with in-
fanny.
William F. Yancey was a remarka-
DRY l.uDuSOlllS lllSiIl, VI lllpO9ilS dp-
pcarance and a brilliant orator. My
father end Col. Yancey were both
reared in Greenvillc district S. c., and
were close and warm friends. Yancey
married a Miss Earle, q lady who had
lost one of her eyes, and belonged 10
the iemincnt family Of that name.
Waddy Thompson, minister to Mexico
when that country was ruled by Santa
Anna and preceding our war with
Mexico, also married q Miss Earle, a
sister of Mrs. Yanccy. DR.. Earle.
brother OF these two ladies, at that
time also resided near Greenville. A
great aunt of mine married William
Thompson, a brother Of Waddy
Thompson.
There was political rivalry and no
very good feeling existing between
Col. Yancey and Waddy Thompson,
and DR.. Earle and his family were in
sympathy with Thompson. Yancey
was no favorite with them. 1t IS said
that the wife of DR.. Earle was very
much cmbittcred against Col. Iancey.
| briefly refer to these facts as n
prologue to my account of the unGor-
tunate killing of DIR. Earle by Col.
Yanccy, and which tragedy led TO
VIM. L. Yancey being made an exile
from his state and moving TO Mont
gomery, Ala. | secured my informa-
ton from my father, who was with
hn
ended in the killing of DR.. Earle start
ed and he was also with Yancey at the
time Of the tragedy. Here is my faith
er's report of the killing and the causes
that led to it:
Waddy Thompson, on his return from
Mexico delivered a strong address to
a large gathering in the town of
Greenvillc, and expressed views an
tagonistic Ito those entertained by
Yancey. After the speaking, as Col.
Yancey and my father walked away
from the place of meeting, Yancey
turned to him and remarked:
Can't Waddy Thompson made an
ass OF himself today"
There was walking near them Elias
Earle, a lad of some u years, a son of
DIR. Earle, who had imbibed the dislike
his parents felt against Col Nancey,
and was champion of Waddy
Thompson. This Elias Earles was the
grandfather of the late John l.. NJ. Irby
of Laurensville. :. &. On overhearing
Yancey's comment on Waddy Thomp-
sons speech, Elias spoke up and said:
Uncle Yancey, it you say that Tn
Gle Waddy made an ass Of himself TO-
day you are Il liar"
on being thus denounced by hot
headed boy Col. Yanccy turned around
and slapped Elias on the face.
NV fatherS said. on Witnessing the
act. he turned TO Yancey and told linn
that he did very wrong; that he should
have reported the words of Elias to
his father and knowing DR.. Earle aS
he did, felt assured that he would have
pnished the boy. He reminded Col.
Yancey Of the i'll feeling existing be-
tween DR.. Earle and himself lie ad-
vised Yanccy that as they had TO pass
near the residence of Dr. Earle on re-
turning. TO their homes 10 stop by with
him and tell Dr.. Earle about the mat
ter and explain that he Nanccy) act
cd impctuously and regretted it. This
Colonel Yanccy agreed to do.
DR.. Earle was called to his gate and
Yanccy explained to him just how the
trouble started and expressed regret
at his hasty act in slapping Elias. DR..
Earle. when sober, was a chivalrous
and high toned gentleman, like all OF
the name, but when drinking he was a
ouarrclsomc and dangerous man.
After hearing Yanccy's statement
the doctor remarked: "Nanccy. you
know that there is no very friendly
feeling between YOU and my branch Of
the family, and You should have first
come 10 me and 7 would myself have
punishcd Elias. II is not very pleas
ant thing to have another man punish
vour children. something that should
be left to the parents. BUt Elias J
know. is y rather pert and hot headed