HOMICIDE IN LEE COUNTY, SKIPPER, COLLINS, 1881, ALABAMA http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/russell/newspapers/homicide.txt *********************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** Copyright © 2003 by Jon F Fuller. This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. *********************************************************************** Source: Newspaper: Russell Register, Thursday, March 24, 1881 Seale, Russell County, Alabama; Editor & Publisher; W. A. Farley September 2003 Transcribed from the “Russell Register” newspaper Seale, Alabama Published Every Thursday by W. A. Farley Editor and Publisher HOMICIDE IN LEE _ _ _ J. W. SKIPPER KILLED BY TERRY COLLINS _ _ _ Columbus Enquirer } Yesterday the news reached this city of a Terrible tragedy which occurred at Collins mill, In which Mr Terry Collins shot and instantly Killed Mr. J. W. Skipper. The disturbance in Lee county, Albama, about twelve miles south Of West Point. It seems that Mr. Collins had a Stepdaughter who married Skipper. She was a Widow at the time of the marriage and had a son. The difficulty was caused about this boy who had Run away from his step-father (Skipper) and Wanted to live with his grandmother. The particulars Of the killing, as related to our reporter yesterday by one Who states he was an eye witness, are substantially as Follows; On the 17th inst. Skipper went to Collins’ mill, and while On the way attempted to borrow a pistol, saying at the time That he wanted to “kill old man Collins.” He went to Collins’ house, where he cursed and abused Mrs. Collins. When Mr. C. came up Skipper told him that he would have The boy or kill him. Mr. Collins remonstrated with him and And told him to go and get the boy if he could persuade him (the boy) to go with him. Skipper wanted Collins to go with him and this he refused to do, when very angry words arose between them. Friends interfered and Skipper was persuaded to go home. About sunset Skipper returned and made another attack Upon Collins. He drew a pistol and fired at Collins, who Returned the fire with a double-barrel shotgun, discharging Both barrels and killing Skipper almost instantly. The gun was Loaded with No. 1 shot, and 125 holes were made in the breast Of Skipper. One shot took effect in the left cheek and one just Under the eye. Mr. Collins had the remains interred and Defrayed all the funeral expenses. A preliminary investigation was held before Justices Marion Bass and J. C. Todd, and after hearing the testimony Dismissed the prisoner.