Sharp County Record

Evening Shade, Arkansas

Friday, November 8, 1901



SAM MEDLOCK SHOT DOWN AT POUGHKEEPSIE
SUNDAY BY GEORGE JOHNSON



Between 11 & 12 o'clock last Sunday in the little town of Poughkeepsie, Samuel Medlock was shot and almost instantly killed by George Johnson.

From a citzen who was in Poughkeepsie at the time of the killing, we got the following particulars: Medlock, who was considerably under the influence of liquor, rode into town from his distillery, seven miles from Poughkeepsie where he had been at work, and seeing Johnson, who was on his way to the well after water, begin to make some slight remarks concerning him. Johnson went on his way, but after a few minutes returned and entered his store building for the purpose of furnishing a burial outfit, as lady having died in the community. Medlock, who was at the time across the street from the Johnson's store, began again to curse and abuse Johnson, using very abusive language and daring Johnson to get his gun and kill him.

After some time Johnson emptied both barrels of a shotgun into Medlock. 84 shot taking effect in his face, breast and body. Medlock ran just a few yards and fell dead. At the cororners inquest held by Esq. J. A. Gay no verdict was arrived at by the jury. Johnson had an examining trial Wednesday, but we have been unable to learn the result.

Mr. Medlock, was a merchant at Poughkeepsie and did quite an extensive business, and it is remembered that his brick store and contents were burned a few weeks ago. He leaves a wife and numerous relatives to mourn the tragedy.

Ill feelings had existed between Medlock and Johnson for some time, and those familiar with the state of affairs expected killing as the final result.