 The Denison Daily News Saturday, June 28, 1879 pg. 8 The untimely death of J.A. Nelms leaves a vacancy in the office of Constable for this Precinct (No. 2) which will be filled by appointment of the County Commissioner's Court, until the next general election. The murder of J.A. Nelms will be made the subject of judicial investigation next Tuesday, when, we suppose the full facts connected with the occurrence, will be brought out. At present there are so many conflicting rumors afloat, that it is next to impossible to arrive at any satisfactory conclusion in regard to the matter. BLOODY FOURTH A Gala-Day of Horrors Three Men Instantly Killed and One Wounded Constable James Nelms one of the Victims The Notorious Negro Desperado Charley Russell Killed The Fourth of July will be remembered in more respects than one, 3 terrible murders being committed on that day in our city. The incidents attending the death of Constable Nelms are almost too painful for recital. It is the old story, a 6-shooter in the hands of a notorious desperado, infuriated by whiskey. Charley Russell, a mulatto, well known here as a desperate character, and who should have been hung in Missouri several years ago, if all reports are true, shot and killed Constable Nelms, one of the bravest and most gallant officers in the State of Texas. There are many reports in circulation concerning the terrible tragedy, that it is difficult to ascertain the true facts of the shooting. Russell, who has charge of a farm belonging to Mr. Alec Reddick, northwest of the city, arrived in town on horseback on the morning of the fourth. During the day Russell hung around the Bank Exchange, drinking quite frequently, his potations making him quarrelsome and dangerous. In the afternoon a large crowd of people were in the saloon drinking, many being drunk. A disturbance took place between a railroad man and an Indian. During the progress of the quarrel Russell interfered, crying in an excited manner, "I am the chief. I can whip any man in the house." The railroad man then struck Russell, who in return knocked him down. It looked very much just then, as if the fight would become general, the crowd becoming terribly excited. During the excitement the railroad man, unobserved, procured a mallet with which he dealt Russell a blow on the side of the head, causing the blood to flow from his ear. John McDougall, the proprietor of the saloon, and Alec Reddick, then endeavored to have Russell leave the premises, Reddick calling on Constable Nelms to arrest him. Russell by this time had been pushed by the crowd from the saloon out of the door into the back yard. Constable Nelms told Russell that he was under arrest. Russell was grasped by the arm by McDougall, who said "Go!" shoving him into the alley. Russell went over to Gheen's wagon yard, and procuring a revolver returned to the saloon. He commenced discharging the revolver as he entered the back yard leading to the saloon. On the approach of Russell the crowd in the saloon fled in dismay out the front door. It is supposed at the time Charley Colbert was shot, he being, as he says, in the saloon half asleep. Constable Nelms in the meantime, supposing that Russell was endeavoring to escape when he saw him leaving the premises by the back door, rushed out of the saloon to Rusk avenue, and thence into the alley, entering the saloon at the back entrance. Russell was waving his pistol when Constable Nelms entered. Mr. Nelms said, "Charley, I want you," or words something to that effect. Leveling his pistol at Nelms, Russell answered, "I will never be arrested to-day; to-morrow I will surrender." Constable Nelms the fired, unfortunately missing his man. The Negro advanced towards Constable Nelms, leveled his pistol over McDougall's shoulder, and fired, the ball taking effect in his head a little above the left eye, killing him almost instantly. Russell shouting, "I am the boss, I am the chief," retreated into the back yard to the alley to Rusk avenue. Standing in front of Gheen's livery establishment, he flourished his revolver, defying the crowd to come and arrest him. After standing there for a moment he walked up Rusk avenue to Main street, going up into the second story to the front room of the Bank Exchange. At this moment the excitement was something terrible to behold, and will never be forgotten, at least by our reporter. The crowd was swaying to and fro, the majority with drawn revolvers, calling for vengeance on the murderer of Constable Nelms. For a moment no one dare go up the stairway in pursuit of Russell. Ex-Deputy Sheriff Massey was the first to mount the stairway, with revolver in hand, followed soon afterwards by 2 or 3 others, Marshall Sam Ball, of Sherman, being one of the number. Mrs. Nelms, mother of the deceased, hearing of the death of her boy, left home on Crawford street, and went into the saloon where he lay on the floor, the blood oozing from a ghastly wound in the head. The mother took the gory head of her son into her arms, calling down the vengeance of heaven on his murderer. About 5 minutes or perhaps longer, after ex-deputy Sheriff Massey went up the stairway, several shots were fired. In the meantime Dick and Harry Nelms, brothers of the deceased, also the father, all armed, appeared on the street. Dick Nelms rushed up the stairway, and in a moment or so, 2 other pistol shots were heard. Marshall Sam Ball, of Sherman, then appeared at the front window stating that Russell was killed. This intelligence was received with evident satisfaction by the dense multitude who cheered lustily. The local of the News was one of the first to see Russell, as he lay on the floor, hardly distinguishable for the blood on his face. His head was riddled with bullets. Who fired the fatal shot, killing Russell, it is not positively known. Mr. Jim Massey, is, however, supposed to be the individual who did the charitable act. As soon as the excitement subsided, Russell's body was dragged down the stairway, thrown on a cart and taken away. Mr. Nelm's body was conveyed to the residence of his father on Crawford street, where immense numbers of sorrowing friends viewed the remains. "Dust to Dust" The funeral took place from the residence of his father, J.H. Nelms, on Crawford street, at 2 o'clock p.m. Saturday. A pathetic discourse was delivered by Rev. Mr. Parks, of the Baptist church, in which he feelingly alluded to the high estimation in which Mr. Nelms was held as a faithful and efficient officer. At the sacrifice of his life he had endeavored to act up to his oath of office, and fell at his post, a martyr to duty. The funeral procession was one of the longest ever seen in Denison. The scene at the tomb was affecting in the extreme. As the body was being lowered to its final resting place the heart of the aged father could no longer subdue its burden of grief, and he gave vent to his feelings in an outburst of anguish that brought tears to the eyes of all present. And the expression of grief on the part of the stricken wife, mother and sister were even more heartrending. Jim Nelms was recognized by all who knew him as a warm hearted generous man, and at home, from all accounts, he was even more remarkable for his amiable qualities. We feel that we are but expressing the wishes of all the good people in the city in extending for them their sincerest sympathy with the family in their great bereavement. Murder No. 3 On the morning of the fourth the body of an Indian named Napoleon Anderson, a son of Captain Anderson, who lived in the Chickasaw Nation, near Tishomingo, was found in the rear of Wolf's saloon with 2 bullet holes in his head. Parties living in the vicinity heard the shooting, and saw 2 mounted men ride away. It is said by Anderson's neighbors that he was a desperate character, having killed 2 or 3 persons in the Territory. It is supposed that the murder was committed by some of the friends of Anderson's victims. The body was sent to the Territory by Gov. Burney. Still Another An Indian named Louis Tubby was shot and killed in the B. I. T. near Red River on the night of July 3d.; the tragedy was the result of an old feud between the deceased and some Chickasaw Indians. The murderer made his escape, but a party is in pursuit.  The Denison Daily News Wednesday, July 8, 1879 pg.4 A game of base ball will take place Thursday afternoon on the grounds northwest of the park. The proceeds from the sale of tickets are to go to the Nelms fund. We hope that every ticket wiil be disposed of. The News report of the murder of Constable Nelms, was in the main correct, that was one reason of the extraordinary demand for our Sunday issue. Four eye witnesses corroborate our reporter's version of the affair. We are now perfectly satisfied that Alec Reddick, John McDougall and Con Campbell did everything in their power to prevent the terrible tragedy, and in so doing, periled their own lives. Con Campbell clasped the Negro around the waist and struggled with him several moments, endeavoring to wrest the pistol from his grasp. Reddick also entreated the Negro to leave the premises. All of the above named gentlemen were on the most friendly terms with the deceased, and would have befriended him in any way, shape or form. A few persons have endeavored to question the conduct of Mr. Reddick and McDougall during the progress of the unhappy affair. The best dinner that was served in Denison on the fourth was gotten up in the Nelms home. About 30 sat down, all spoke well of the abundance and variety and praised the good lady of the house as a first-class cook and provider. In the pleasant sociability of the dinner hour, we little thought how soon the mother's heart would be throbbing with anguish over the body of her dead boy. Wednesday, July 10, 1879 pg.4 The jury called for the purpose of ascertaining the cause of the death of Constable Nelms and the circumstances connected therewith, will meet Friday. As several important witnesses are absent the postponement until that day became necessary. The tickets for the base ball game this afternoon are selling rapidly. We hope that every one will be disposed of. The proceeds of the sale of tickets will be given to the widow of the late Constable Nelms. The base ball match between the Blue Stockings and the Clippers will take place this afternoon. The proceeds from the sale of tickets will be turned over to the Nelms fund. Comfortable seats will be provided, and we trust to see a full attendance. We understand that Mr. Nelms and his son Richard will publish a card in a day or two, exhonherating Mr. Reddick and McDougall from all blame in the unfortunate affair of the fourth. The Denison Daily News Wednesday, July 9, 1879 pg.4 CORONER'S INQUEST The coroner's jury called for the purpose of holding an inquest over the body of Charles Russell, a Negro, killed in the room over the Bank Exchange on July 4th, met Tuesday afternoon. Only 2 witnesses were examined, City Marshal Hardwick and Deputy U.S. Marshal Wright. Hardwick stated that he was on Main street when a disturbance took place in the Bank Exchange. He entered the saloon for the purpose of quelling the same and was requested by Mr. Reddick to arrest Russell and a white man, whose name was unknown to him. Russell had already run out of the door in the rear of the saloon. Hardwick arrested the other man and marched him towards the jail. When near McCarthy's warehouse, he heard 2 shots fired. Releasing his prisoner, Hardwick ran towards the alley in the rear of the saloon and found Constable Nelms dead in the yard of the McDougall building. Parties told him that Russell had shot Nelms. Hardwick then went on Rusk avenue and saw Russell walking near the Bank building towards Main street brandishing a pistol. Russell ran up the stairs in the Bank Exchange, followed by Special Police Massey, Hardwick, Wright and others. The crowd pressed close behind them and Hardwick and others prevented the crowd from following by posting themselves in the door leading to the stairs. Wright and Massey went up stairs. Hardwick then heard several shots fired and was informed by Wright that Russell was dead. Deputy U.S. Marshal Wright stated that he and Special Police Massey went upstairs to arrest Russell for the murder of Constable Nelms. He went to the west door and called upon Russell to surrender, stating at the time who he was. Russell did not answer. He saw Massey firing at Russell through a window. Several shots were fired and Russell fell. No shots were fired at Russell while in the room, by any other person. The jury, after hearing the testimony returned the following verdict: "That Charles Russell came to his death by pistol shot wounds inflicted by James Massey, a special police officer of the city of Denison, while resisting arrest for the murder of Constable Nelms." The jury should have added that great credit is due Special Police Officer Massey for the bravery displayed on this occasion, and that Massey is entitled to the thanks of all good citizens for having rid this community of a bad and dangerous Negro desperado. The Denison Daily News Sunday, July 27, 1879 pg.1 A CARD To Messrs. Reddick, Peck, Hanna, Wayne, and other: Gentlemen: Allow me through your committee to express my deep and sincere gratitude to the donors of the beneficent gift you have seen prone to confer upon me, in appreciation of the gallant act of my husband, who sacrifice his life in the discharge of his official duties. Language cannot well express how much I thank the generous subscribers to this gift, not so much for the benefit conferred upon me and my children (although that is very great) but as a proof of how much my husband was beloved and appreciated by the people of Denison. With many thanks to the committee and for their kindness in this matter, I subscribe myself, Very gratefully yours, Ophelia L. Nelms Officer Down Memorial Page FELONY Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson CountyTXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |