Bibb County  Georgia Newspaper  Murder of Robert Martin

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DaisyZ@aol.com Jeanie Smith Zadach


Table of Contents page: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/bibb.htm
Georgia Table of Contents: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm

Robert Martin, son of John & Eliza Martin 

Georgia Journal & Messenger
January 20, 1864, Wednesday
Macon, GA
Page 2, Column 4
             HOMICIDE
A shocking affair occurred in this city, on Third Street,
about six o'clock on Friday evening last, between Robert
Martin of this city and James Burns of Twiggs County, in
which Martin was killed.  It appears that a short time
previous, there had been some difficulty between them of
a trivial character, at which time martin drew a pistol
on Burns, who, it would appear, was then unarmed, and the
affair seemed to be quieted.  They soon after met again
on the side walk, on Third Street, when Martin received
five or six very severe cuts and stabs, of which he died
in a few minutes.  Of what occurred at this second
meeting it would be improper to speak of particularly, as
it will probably be duly investigated before the Superior
Court of this county, which convenes again on the 25th.
A brother of Burns was present, and the facts were
noticed only by one or two other persons although it
occurred in a public place.  Burns immediately fled, but
was soon captured.  The case was examined into before
Justices Grannias, Wyche and Hughes on Saturday, by whom
he was committed for trial on the charge of murder.

Burns is a man of respectable standing at home, and came
here as a member of a company of State Troops on their
way to Savannah; but now has a more fearful ordeal to
pass through than that of facing any enemy in the field
he would have been likely to have met about Savannah.

Macon Daily Telegraph
Saturday January 16, 1864
Page 2
SHOCKING AFFAIR - About 6 o'clock last evening, Robert
Martin of this city was fatally stabbed, on 3rd street in
front of Mrs. Sullivan's by James Burn of Twiggs county. 
The parties had been in each other’s company the greater
part of the day, in the course of which some trifling
dispute arose, but which, after a few words appeared to
be settled.  subsequently the affair was renewed when
Burn cut Martin, inflicting a desperate gash below the
right arm, the knife ranging in between the lungs and
liver.  Another blow severed the main artery in the left
arm, near the shoulder, and in fact, nearly cut the limb
entirely off. This last cut was the immediate cause of
his death, although the first wound in all probability,
have killed him.  Martin as soon as cut, staggered
forward exclaiming:  "He has killed me," until he reached
Mr. Jaughsteter's, a few doors distant, where he turned
in and expired in a short time.

We were unable to learn what resistance, if any, Martin
made.  At all events Burn made his escape and had not
been arrested up to a late hour last night.

Macon Telegraph
Monday Morning, Jan. 18, 1864
Page 2
James C. Burns who killed Martin on Friday night about
dusk, was arrested by the Sheriff about eight o'clock the
same evening.  He was examined and committed yesterday,
and will be tried at the adjourned session of the
Superior Court, which commences on Monday the 25th.

Southern Recorder, Milledgeville, Georgia
Jan. 26, 1864
James Burns, a soldier from Twiggs County, has been
arrested for killing Robert Martin in Macon.

I found James C. Burns in the 1850 Twiggs County Federal
census.  He was age 20 and Overseer of his father's
(James C. Burns, Sr.) plantation.  His fathers worth was
$25,000/$100,250.  He had 3 younger brothers & sisters.

"Record of Interments for Rose Hill Cemetery of Bibb County, Georgia 1840 to 1871"
Robert Martin - Date of Interment:  Jan 15, 1864; Age:
32; Male; Residence:  Macon, Bibb County, Georgia, CSA;
Cause of Death:  Stabbed; Lot:  5; Block:  1; Page Number
63 in Interment Book.

****His father, John Martin, and his sister Leora Martin
are interred in the same Lot and Block.

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