Year: 1870

We are called upon to record one OF
the most deplorable and horrible affairs
this morning that has occurred IN Shelby
county, used Us it is to horror, that we
have heard of in many months; one that
will shock our community probably as
few incidents, in the long list of blood
and crime of the last few years, ever have
done-thc shooting and probably mortal
ly wounding Mrs. A. ]. Martin, daughter
of Col. Clark White, by negro despera-
do, who, at the same time, shot his own
wife, a servant of Mrs. Martin, also
wounding her seriously.


The circumstances are, as near we can
learn, as follows: The negro, whose
name is Charles Wilson, and who is well
known around the city as negro politi-
clan, and frequenter of the negro drink
ing holes, had difficulty with his wife a
few days ago, and was arrested for abus-
ing her. When carried before Recorder
Scales, he (Wilson) was fined and i'm
prisoned, his wife (whO was represented
as an excellent servant) leaving him and
going out to Col. Whites residence at
Buntyn Station, and taking service with
Mr.. Martin, who was living with his
father-in-law.


Nothing was heard of Wilson after the
difficulty, until yesterday morning. About
half past ten O'Clock, after Col. White
and Mr.. Martin had left home for church,
Mrs Martin heard loud words in an office
or outbuilding near the house, and went
to the door to see what was the matter.
She then saw Wilson holding his wife by
the wrist with one hand, and flOurishing
pistol in the other. AS soon as she saw
the pistol, Mrs. Martin turned to go back
in the house, when the woman screamed
to her for help, and making violent
struggle, broke loose from her husband
and ran toward her. Wilson fol-
lowed her instantly, and fired at
her while she ran-without effect
however, and she managed to reach the
house unhurt. Mrs. Martin did not at
tempt to run or seek shelter from the
missiles until the woman was inside the
door of the corridor, then she turned to
go into the parlor, the woman at the same
time rushing for the door of Mrs. Martins
bedroom ON the opposite of the hall.
Wilson, who was only a few feet behind
her, ran up the steps and stepping in the
door, fired on Mrs. Martin, who fell to
the floor, wounded through the hip. He
instantly turned on his wife and shot her
through the body. She also fell, and the
desperate seeing both his victims welter-
ing in their blood turned and fled.


The neighborhood was instantly
alarmed, and information of the tragedy
was sent in all directions in very few
minutes. DR.. Ingraham, who lives near
by, was promptly in attendance en- the
wounded, and dispatched to the city for
other surgical aid, DR.. Friar Brown
going out as soon as sent for. The
news of the deed was carried directly
to the police office, and the Sheriff
and Sergeant WeatherfOrd, with a
squad of mounted men, hurried out to the
scene.


The examination of the wounds re-
vealed the fact that they were of the most
serious description, probably mortal in
both instances. Mrs. Martins would not
necessarily or even probably prove fatal
under ordinary circumstances, but sheis in
a very delicate situation, and was expect
ing an early confinement. The colored
woman's is more severe. At late hour
yesterday evening Mrs. Martin was par
tally psralyzed, and was in very critical
situation.


Squads of armed and mounted men
were securing the country in every direc
ton, IN search of the perpetrator of the
fiendish deed. If he is caught he will
not bother the courts much with his trial.
There will not be more than q thousand
jurymen needed anyhow.