A death in Jackson Township, Greene County, Missouri >From "History of Greene County, Missouri," St. Louis: Western Historical Company, 1883. ********************************************************************** April 24, 1881, a tragedy occurred in Fair Grove which is still vividly remembered, and yet the subject of comment. The unfortunate affair re- sulted in the killing of B. F. Ezell by J. L. Smith. Both were prom- inent citizens and resident farmers of the vicinity, and, up to immedi- ately previous to the tragedy had always been friendly. On the morning of that day there was a quarrel between them over a trivial matter. Mr. Smith had engaged one Goodwin to work for him, but, later, Goodwin had agreed to work for Ezell, and Smith accused Ezell of coaxing away his help. This quarrel was on Ezell's land, but as neither was armed, nothing serious resulted at the time. In the afternoon Ezell went to Fair Grove, where he was met by Smith, who, in the meantime, had armed himself. The altercation was renewed, and Smith shot Ezell down. The latter died in three days. Smith was not apprehended for a month after wards, and is now out on bail. Ben. Ezell was a son of William Ezell, one of the first settlers of Jackson Township. ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Joe Miller Penny Harrell ====================================================================