Death of M. W. Etheride
Malachi W. Etheridge died at
his home here on Friday monr-
ing last after several weeks' ill-
ness, aged about 59 years. The
death of this good man removes
from the walks of life one of our
truest and best citizens. He was
held in the hightest esteem by all
who knew him as a man of pro-
bity and business capacity. His
remains were laid to rest in the
new cemetery on Saturday after-
noon, the last sad rites being
performed by the Masonic order,
of which he had for many years
been a devoted and loyal member.
The Courant extends sympa-
thy to the grief stricken family.
Also an article written concerning the shooting of Travis Smith by his son
in law
Mr. George W. Etheridge dated Sept 20 1905 Evergreen Courant New paper
ANOTHER SAD TRAGEDY .
TRAVIS SMITH MEETS DEATH AT THE HANDS OF HIS SON - IN - LAW
On Thursday afternoon last near Lee postoffice, between Castleberry and Belleville,
Geo. W. Etheridge shot and almost instantly killed Travis Smith, his father-
in- law, a charge of buckshot penetrating his right side. Mr. Etheridge came
here at once and surrendered to the sheriff. He was given a preliminary trial
on Saturday before JUdge Dean adn was released on $500 bond.
The evidence brought out tended to show tha Mr. Etheridge acted in self-defense.
Mr. Smith was returning from Castleberry on a wagon and when near the school
house he met Mr. Etheridge in the road. He claims Smith pulled a pistol and
attempted to shoot him, the weapon failing to fire. He therupon quickly fired
with deadly effect, Mr. Smith keelling over dead in the wagon. The evidence
further showed that the two men had a difficulty bout a month before , since
which time the defendant had been warned by a son of the deceased that his father
was liable to kill him. After the shooting a pistol was found near the road
which Smith is supposed to have attempted to use, and when shot dropped it.
Mr. Smith had resided in the community only a few months having removed from
Rabb, this community in December ...last. He leaves a wife an several children
who have the sympathy of all in their bereavement.
Mr. Etheridge has resided in that community for a number of years. Both men
are well known and the tragedy is greatly de (blurred) lored by the friends
of both men.
This article is copied as written only a few blurred words were guessed upon
.
Hope someone can use this in the research Janice jdecon@aol.com