Russell County AlArchives Obituaries.....Dawson, T.C. November 11 1890 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/alfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Carla Miles http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00010.html#0002476 July 8, 2004, 7:13 pm The Butler Herald, November 18, 1890 The Butler Herald Tuesday, November 18, 1890 Page Two Tragedy At Columbus One of the most fearful crimes on record was committed at the Exposition grounds in Columbus on Tuesday last, in which Mr. T.C. Dawson, of Russell County, Ala. was willfully and deliberately murdered. Some three years ago Col. Dawson married a Miss Howard, with whom he lived a few months, and afterward obtained a divorce. On account of some remark made by Col. Dawson about the woman he married, there became an envy in the hearts of her brothers, Robert and Richard Howard and James Bickerstaff, brother-in-law to the Howards. On account of the remark made by Dawson the Howards and Bickerstaff threatened to kill Dawson on sight. Col. Dawson had a very fast horse which he entered for a premium in Tuesday’s races, and the Howards learning that Dawson was on the grounds prepared to meet him, and when he had finished his round found to his surprise the two Howards and Bickerstaff standing between the Judges and the grand stand with drawn revolvers. Before Dawson had time to think he was fired upon by the three men, and it supposed while alighting from his cart was stabbed by one of the party in the left breast just below and severing the collar bone with an eight inch dirk knife. Dawson ran, pursued by the two Howards and Bickerstaff until he fell dead a few feet from where the firing originated, and within full view of at least 25,000 men, women and children. It was one of the most cowardly deeds and unmitigated crimes known in the history of the world. Poor Dawson was not even allowed a dog’s chance to escape or to defend himself. The last shot was fired by Bickerstaff while Dawson was falling and bleeding to death from the knife wound. The two Howards and Bickerstaff were arrested and placed in jail. An inquest was held over the remains of Dawson, and the coroner’s jury returned a verdict of murder against Robert and Richard Howard and James Bickerstaff. The parties were all well connected and stood high in the estimation of all who knew them. The tragedy has cast a gloom over the city of Columbus and those who witnessed the deed say it was one of the most horrible crimes ever committed. The Butler Herald Tuesday, December 9, 1890 Page Two Held for Murder Columbus, Ga., Dec 4 – The trial of the Howards and Bickerstaff ended this afternoon, and all three men were recommitted to jail for murder without bail. The closing speech for the defense was made by Hon. W.A. Little this morning. It was a masterly effort. Ex-Congressman Sanford of Alabama closed for the state one of the strongest arguments and the most eloquent and thrilling speeches ever delivered in this city. The eloquent, earnest manner in which he spoke carried the crowd, and he was frequently interrupted by applause – something unusual in a murder case. The case has been closely fought during the past three days and the result of the investigation is what was expected. There were no sensational scenes when the decision of the justices was announced, and the three men quietly returned to jail. Lady relatives of the three defendants and of the late Mr. Dawson were in the court room when the decision was announced, but bore up bravely during the trying ordeal. Note: There was an ad for the Exposition in the Butler Herald in the August 19, 1890 issue on page three: Chattahoochee Valley Exposition Commencing November 5th Ending November 15th Columbus, Ga A Season of Unrivalled Attraction This Exposition Will Be One of the Most Complete and Interesting Ever Held In The South. Every Department Will Present A Fine Display Liberal Premiums Offered For County and Individual Exhibits The Attraction for Visitors Will Be Numerous and Varied Trotting and Running Races, Military Contests and Every Kind of Amusements Alliance Day, Merchant’s Day, Drummer’s Day and Red Mens’ Day Balloon Ascensions and Parachute Leaps Every Day During the Exposition One Cent A Mile Rates Over All Rail(article torn) Everybody come and have a good time, Columbus (article torn) For further information, catalogues, etc. address (article torn) J.J.S(article torn C.B. Grimes, Secretary File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/russell/obits/ob360dawson.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/alfiles/ File size: 4.9 Kb