Meriwether-Coweta County GaArchives News.....Shooting of Robert Thompson June 5, 1896
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Lanny Cauthen lcauthen@mindspring.com November 19, 2009, 3:37 pm

Newnan Herald June 5, 1896
   A difficulty occurred between Walter A. Bingham and Robert Thompson at 
Luthersville on Monday night last, in which the latter was shot by the 
former.  Thompson has since died from the effects of the wound received.
   The circumstances of the unfortunate affair, as nearly as can be 
ascertained, are about as follows:
   Bingham and Thompson attended a school exhibition at Luthersville on the 
night referred to.  Bingham was accompanied by his cousin, Miss Gilbert, and 
occupied a seat at her side during the progress of the exercises.  Later on he 
had occasion to go out and vacated his seat temporarily.  Thompson came in, 
and seeing the seat vacant, occupied it.  Bingham returned in a few minutes 
and demanded his seat.  Thompson declined to give it up, whereupon Bingham 
made some remark and again went out.  Thompson was sitting near a window, and 
in a little while after Bingham left, one of Thompson's friends on the outside 
came to the window and informed him that Bingham had threatened to whip him.  
Thompson remarked that he was not prepared for a difficulty, and would 
endeavor to keep out of Bingham's way.  He thereupon sprang out through the 
window to the ground and joined some of his friends on the outside.  Shortly 
afterwards he was accosted by Bingham, who inquired if his name was Thompson.  
The latter replied in the affirmative, whereupon Bingham placed his hand on 
Thompson's shoulder and cursed him.  After a brief exchange of words, Bingham 
struck Thompson on the head with some heavy instrument, supposed to have been 
a pistol.  Thompson returned the blow, striking Bingham on the head two or 
three times with a pair of brass knucks and knocking him down.  Bingham then 
rose to a half-sitting position, raised his pistol and shot Thompson.  The 
ball entered the throat, almost severing the windpipe, and buried itself in 
the neck.  Physicians were hastily summoned, who, after an examination, 
pronounced the wound fatal.  The unfortunate man lingered, however, until 9 
o'clock Wednesday night, when he died.
   Thompson made a statement before dying, in which he expressed no resentment 
towards Bingham, saying it was a fair fight and that Bingham had shot him.  
Deceased was about 19 years of age, and was well regarded in the community.  
His home was in the second district, he and his father being tenants of Mr. Ed 
Buchanan's plantation.  Although residing in the same neighborhood, it appears 
that he and Bingham were strangers, never having met before the night of the 
tragic occurence related above.
   Bingham had not been arrested at last accounts, but his friends claim that 
he will be on hand when wanted, and that they do not fear the result of a 
judicial investigation.
   The unfortunate affair is deeply deplored by both families.

Additional Comments:
Evidently Bingham did fear a judicial investigation.  His residence was listed 
as the Indian territory when he inherited property in Coweta Co. in 1900.  His 
part in his father's estate was handled by an attorney.

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