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Submitted: 4/28/15 • Approved: 4/29/15 • Last Updated: 5/2/15 • R1072488-G0-S3
25 Mar 1866 - 29 Aug 1904
Odd Fellows Emblem
*Obituary
Published 2 Sept 2 1904
Forrest City Times
John Williams, Negro Ex-Convict and desparado, shot to death City Marshall W.W.Rainbolt, and Chief Deputy William Murphree on last Saturday about 6:45 o'clock pm., Aug.29,1904. Williams body was riddled with bullets from revolvers of Swan, Rainbolt, and Murphree, also killing him. John Williams had lived on the Louis Pugh place south of town, and Mr.Pugh told him to leave after he had terrorized other negroes with a pistol. He reported the same to Deputy Swan when he came to town Saturday, and he notified the other offficers in town. The story is long and detailed, but essentially they attempted to arrest Williams, and the gun battle ensued. Mr.Murphree was born in Mississippi March 25,1866, and at the time of his death was 38 years, 4 months, and 26 days of age. He removed to Arkansas with his parents at the age of 11 years. locating in Monroe Co., where he was later married to Miss Evette, by whom he had one child, a girl. His wife died, and he moved to Wheatley, in this county, and on Oct.4,1898, moved to Forrest City. On Nov.6,1898, he was happily married to Miss Annie Elliott, of this county, by whom he had two children, all of whom survive to mourn his loss. He was a member of the Baptist faith. He was an exemplary citizen, an honest man, a loving husband and indulgent father, a good neighbor, and a steadfast friend. He was a member of the Knights and Ladies of Honor, and Odd Fellows. He leaves his family in moderately good circumstances.
*Card of Thanks=Mrs.Wm.Murphree desires us to extend to all those friends who have been so kind and sympathetic and all who have in any way been instrumental in administering to her or her late husband prior to his death, her sincere appreciation and thanks, and will ever hold them in grateful remembrance
Contributed on 4/28/15
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Record #: 1072488