The Ouachita Telegraph - Murder of Sheriff Wisner and Anthony Johnson

Date: Apr. 2000
Submitted by: Lora Peppers <lpeppers@ouachita.lib.la.us>




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The Ouachita Telegraph
Saturday, April 2, 1870
Page 2, Column 2

Murder of Sheriff Wisner and Anthony Johnson.
        Between 9 and 10 o'clock P.M., on Wednesday last, a party of fifteen or
twenty mounted men appeared in front of the Sheriff's office.  Attracted to
the door by the noise or a call, the Sheriff received the contents of two
barrels in the left breast — the loads passed through the door, through the
body and into the chimney near the ceiling.  Mr. Wisner died instantly, no
doubt.
        Anthony Johnson was confined in the jail, and being alarmed at the shot and
the pounding on the jail door, cried "murder" from the front grate, and was
mortally wounded in the mouth and face by a shot from the street.  The jail
doors were forced, Johnson shot a second time and Beavers charged with the
murder of two freedmen in November, 1868, released.
        When the mob withdrew from the jail they securely barred the doors on the
other prisoners.
        It was very dark — a man could not have been identified across the side
walk.
        All the streets leading to the jail were strongly guarded, and several
parties were stopped and detained until the work was finished.
        Judge R.W. Richardson was in his office near the jail and stepped out on
the side walk to learn the cause of the disturbance, when he was ordered
back.  He then opened the back door and was ordered to shut it.
        In fact every body near the jail were compelled to keep closely shut up
within their houses.
        Sheriff Wisner came here in 1865 and was engaged in planting for several
years.  He was elected Sheriff in 1868.  Efficient and energetic, he
discharged his duties faithfully and impartially.
        The people are naturally indignant at his fate.
        The Monroe Hook and Ladder Company took charge of his remains and consigned
them to their last resting place with accustomed honors.
                        The Brass Band generously offered their services.
        The funeral was attended by the Bar and a large concourse of citizens.

NOTES: Governor Warmoth offers a $5,000 reward: Ouachita Telegraph, April
9, 1870, Page 3, Column 1

Tribute of Respect by the Monroe Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, Ouachita
Telegraph, April 16, 1870, Page 3, Column 3

In Memorium, Aetna Conclave No. 15, S.W.M. Ouachita Telegraph, April 30,
1870, Page 3, Column 3.

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