SUMNER COUNTY, TN - NEWSPAPERS - The Murder Of Mr. Stephen W. Thompson 
				 by Jonathan C. Peyton
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December 8, 1821: "The Independent Gazette", Franklin, Tennessee


MURDER!

[November 30, 1821]

    On Friday night the 30th of November, a wilful and malicious murder was 
committed near Gallatin, Sumner County, by a certain JONATHAN C. PEYTON on the 
body of Mr. Stephen W. Thompson, a young man of reputable character.  Thompson 
and a brother-in-law of Peyton's were fighting, and Peyton being informed of 
it, ran to the place of engagement and stabbed Thompson in the back, who died 
in a few moments thereafter.--Peyton is about 25 or 26 years of age, black 
hair and eyes, 5 feet 6 or 7 inches nigh, spare made, quick spoken.  It is 
expected that the governor, as soon as he shall be informed of the 
transaction, will offer a reward for the apprehension of Peyton, and it is 
incumbent upon all good citizens to use their utmost endeavors to bring the 
murderer to condign punishment.



PETITION FROM THE CITIZENS OF SUMNER COUNTY TO WILLIAM CARROLL, GOVERNOR OF 
TENNESSEE

Gallatin 5th Decr. 1821

To his Excellency William Carroll
Governor of the State of Tennessee

    Your petitioners Citizens of Sumner County being satisfactorily informed 
that on the night of the 30th Nov. last Jonathan C. Peyton did maliciously, 
without provocation and of his malice aferthought murder one Stephen W. 
Thomson a peaceable Citizen of Sumner County, since which time the said Peyton 
has not been seen but has either eloped, or so conceals himself that the 
process of Law cannot reach him.

    Your petitioners therefore wish your Excellency to offer a reward for the 
apprehension of said Jonathan C. Peyton in order that his vilainy may be 
punished, and your petitioners in duly will &c.

Wm. H. Douglass           Geo. Crockett
Nathl Prince              Jas. Robb
R.M. Boyers               Jos. M. Bullus
Elmae Douglass            Jos. P. Minnick
Norval Douglass           A. W. Beize
David Fulton              John Bell
Danl. McAulay             Jeremiah Dwyer
Wm. Stewart               Edwd. G. Rawlings
P. Martin                 Ethel W. Gonders
Ramsay L. Mayson
Edward Bradley
Robert DeSha
Baker Walsh
Elijah Boddie
John Cotten
James Stratton
L. Green
Cullen Gordon


Description of Jonathan C. Peyton

about 5 feet 10 inches high
26 to 27 years of age
Dark eyes fair hair approaching to black
a noted scar diagonally across his right hand disabling his two least fingers
well formed likely young man with a genteel appearance
pleasant address in conversation but much addicted to swearing
apt to put out his tonge in conversation

             R. M. Boyers
             5th Decr. 1821

[Endorsed:]  Description of J.C. Peyton



December 12, 1821: "Nashville Whig"

BY WILLIAM CARROLL,
Governor in and over the State of Tennessee

A PROCLAMATION.

[December 8, 1821]

WHEREAS it is made known to me, that lately in our county of Sumner, a certain 
Jonathan C. Peyton committed the crime of murder, on the body of a certain 
Stephen W. Thompson:  and whereas, it is represented that the commission of 
said crime was attended with circumstances of aggravation and malignancy, and 
that the said Jonathan C. Peyton has fled from justice, and is now running at 
large:-
-Now I, William Carroll, Governor as aforesaid, do, by virtue of the power and 
authority in me vested, hereby offer a reward of One Hundred Dollars for the 
apprehension of said Jonathan C. Peyton, and the safe delivery of him, to the 
Sheriff or Jailor of our said county of Sumner, to the end that justice in 
that behalf may be executed.  Said Payton is represented to be about five feet 
ten inches high, 26 or 27 years old, dark eyes, brown hair, a scar running 
diagonally across his two least fingers, of pleasant address and tolerably 
genteel appearance, but much addicted to profane swearing.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the great seal of 
the State to be affixed at Murfreesborough, this 8th day of December, 1821.

                 WM. CARROLL

By the Governor,

Daniel Graham, Secretary of State 


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