Provided by Richard Hodges
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Carla Miles http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00010.html#0002476 April 4, 2009, 5:42 pm
The Southern Star July 11, 1888
The Southern Star
Ozark, Dale County, Ala.
Wednesday, July 11, 1888
Page Three
A Horrible Murder
One of best and most Highly respected citizens of Dale shot down in his field
Just six miles east of Newton, on the Newton and Columbia road, is one of the
prettiest farms in the county; this is the very spot where Capt. P.W. Bailey has
resided for many years, and was the scene of one of the most fiendish and
diabolical murders that has ever been committed in this county.
On last Tuesday Capt. Bailey was plowing in his plantation about one miles from
his house, in a field of cotton the black hearted wretch who died the act was
lying in ambush in his wait, and as he went to turn his mule at the end of the
row, a load of duck-shot was discharged at him, lodging in his right side just
under the right nipple, killing him instantly or at least supposed to have
killed him instantly, as there were no signs of even a struggle for life. The
report of the gun was heard at the house about nine o'clock in the morning. A
Negro by the name of Aaron Long, who was working on the same plantation nearby,
found him lying on the ground dead, when he started from his work to dinner and
immediately gave the alarm, whereupon Drs. Morris and Baxter were summoned and a
post mortem examination made. They say that nine duck-shot entered his side,
one of which was extracted. In a very few hours the settlement for miles around
were gathered together at his house, and a posse composed of many of the best
citizens of that country was formed, and at once began to search for the fiend,
but at this writing all efforts to capture him have proved futile.
Capt. Bailey was a quiet, law abiding citizen, and was much respected and
esteemed by all who knew him, and no one had the least idea that there was in
the whole county a man so degraded and so mean as to murder him. About two
months ago, or just after the beat meetings had in this county on the Senatorial
question, Capt. Bailey wrote a letter to the Editor of the Star, by request,
giving the particulars of the beat meeting at that precinct, sent it to the post
office at Newton by James E. Windham, one of his neighbors. It is now thought
that Mr. Windham broke open the letter and read its contents, as after returning
home, he reported things that were in the letter claiming that the Editor of the
Star had furnished a copy of the letter at his request; such, however, was
false, as the Editor did no such thing, nor did he receive any word or letter
from Windham asking for a copy of Mr. Bailey's letter. Afterwards Mr. Bailey
accosted Mr. Windham on the subject, when, as we learn, a few angry words were
exchanged between the parties. Without telling all that we have heard on the
subject, lest we do someone an injustice, we will say that, at present, the
suspicion resting against Mr. Jas. E. Windham is strong and well founded. Mr.
Windham has not been seen by anyone with the exception of his family, since the
murder, however, just before the murder he was seen with a gun in a small patch
of woods adjoining Mr. Bailey's field. A reward of five hundred dollars has
been offered for the capture of Mr. Windham. Mr. Windham is a native of Dale
County, has a wife and several children two of whom are very ill at present.
Mr. Windham is known to be a desperate character, and when once offended is
regarded as very dangerous. It is said that he was heard to threaten Mr.
Bailey, and further, that he has not spoken to Mr. Bailey since the time they
met and exchanged angry words about the letter to the Star.
Heroic efforts are now being made to find Mr. Windham. Capt. Bailey's neighbors
are justly irritated at the foul murder.
Who can conceive of a more heinous crime? An old man tottering under the weight
of full near seventy years, his long beard white with age, his limbs enfeebled
by the cares of life, assassinated while quietly at work in his cotton field!
What can we say of the fiend who could raise his hand against such a man? The
murder of Capt. Bailey serves to remind us of the depths to which human
depravity can descend. Indeed it does seem that more than human meanness would
be required to urge a man to the commission of such a deed. We blush with shame
when we think that Dale County has been the home of such a vile murderer. Capt.
Bailey was buried on Wednesday evening at 4 o'clock at Sylvan Grove, near his
home. He was a mason of good standing – was at one time a representative in the
legislature from this county. He was a kind neighbor and a good citizen, and
all regret that he came to such a sad and unnatural death.
The Southern Star
Ozark, Dale County, Ala.
Wednesday, July 11, 1888
Page Three
At present the evidence supporting the suspicion that Jas. E. Windham is the
murderer of Capt. Bailey, is almost conclusive. In fact there is no one well
acquainted with the facts in the case, who has any doubt on the subject.
The Southern Star
Ozark, Dale County, Ala.
Wednesday, July 11, 1888
Page Three
A Liberal Reward will be paid for the arrest and delivery to the Sheriff of Dale
County, Ala. of James E. Windham who is believed to be guilty of the murder of
Peyton W. Bailey. Said Windham is between 45 and 50 years of age, 5 feet 9 or
10 inches high, weights 150 or 160 pounds, blue or gray eyes sunk deep in the
head, sallow complexion, talks drowlingly through his nose, long eyebrows
extending entirely across the bridge of his nose, and had on when he left a pair
of No. 8 box toed shoes, rather heavy built, when last seen wore light sandy
whiskers and mustache, dark hair slightly gray. Other papers will please copy.
The Southern Star
Ozark, Dale County, Ala.
Wednesday, July 25, 1888
Page Three
Suicide
James E. Windham, the man who murdered Capt. P.W. Bailey several days since, was
found dead near his residence on last Thursday. The Coroner's jury returned a
verdict of "death by poison." All attempts to capture Mr. Windham were of no
avail, and it was thought up to last Thursday, that he had gone to Florida or at
least to parts unknown. It is thought that Mr. Windham went home, shaved and
dressed himself, then took some kind of poison, and went out near his house and
sat down by a tree to await the dreadful result. One of the most horrible
murders has thus resulted in the murderer taking his own life with his own hand.
File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/dale/newspapers/captainp233nw.txt
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Carla Miles http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00010.html#0002476 April 4, 2009, 5:42 pm
The Southern Star July 11, 1888
The Southern Star
Ozark, Dale County, Ala.
Wednesday, July 11, 1888
Page Three
A Horrible Murder
One of best and most Highly respected citizens of Dale shot down in his field
Just six miles east of Newton, on the Newton and Columbia road, is one of the
prettiest farms in the county; this is the very spot where Capt. P.W. Bailey has
resided for many years, and was the scene of one of the most fiendish and
diabolical murders that has ever been committed in this county.
On last Tuesday Capt. Bailey was plowing in his plantation about one miles from
his house, in a field of cotton the black hearted wretch who died the act was
lying in ambush in his wait, and as he went to turn his mule at the end of the
row, a load of duck-shot was discharged at him, lodging in his right side just
under the right nipple, killing him instantly or at least supposed to have
killed him instantly, as there were no signs of even a struggle for life. The
report of the gun was heard at the house about nine o'clock in the morning. A
Negro by the name of Aaron Long, who was working on the same plantation nearby,
found him lying on the ground dead, when he started from his work to dinner and
immediately gave the alarm, whereupon Drs. Morris and Baxter were summoned and a
post mortem examination made. They say that nine duck-shot entered his side,
one of which was extracted. In a very few hours the settlement for miles around
were gathered together at his house, and a posse composed of many of the best
citizens of that country was formed, and at once began to search for the fiend,
but at this writing all efforts to capture him have proved futile.
Capt. Bailey was a quiet, law abiding citizen, and was much respected and
esteemed by all who knew him, and no one had the least idea that there was in
the whole county a man so degraded and so mean as to murder him. About two
months ago, or just after the beat meetings had in this county on the Senatorial
question, Capt. Bailey wrote a letter to the Editor of the Star, by request,
giving the particulars of the beat meeting at that precinct, sent it to the post
office at Newton by James E. Windham, one of his neighbors. It is now thought
that Mr. Windham broke open the letter and read its contents, as after returning
home, he reported things that were in the letter claiming that the Editor of the
Star had furnished a copy of the letter at his request; such, however, was
false, as the Editor did no such thing, nor did he receive any word or letter
from Windham asking for a copy of Mr. Bailey's letter. Afterwards Mr. Bailey
accosted Mr. Windham on the subject, when, as we learn, a few angry words were
exchanged between the parties. Without telling all that we have heard on the
subject, lest we do someone an injustice, we will say that, at present, the
suspicion resting against Mr. Jas. E. Windham is strong and well founded. Mr.
Windham has not been seen by anyone with the exception of his family, since the
murder, however, just before the murder he was seen with a gun in a small patch
of woods adjoining Mr. Bailey's field. A reward of five hundred dollars has
been offered for the capture of Mr. Windham. Mr. Windham is a native of Dale
County, has a wife and several children two of whom are very ill at present.
Mr. Windham is known to be a desperate character, and when once offended is
regarded as very dangerous. It is said that he was heard to threaten Mr.
Bailey, and further, that he has not spoken to Mr. Bailey since the time they
met and exchanged angry words about the letter to the Star.
Heroic efforts are now being made to find Mr. Windham. Capt. Bailey's neighbors
are justly irritated at the foul murder.
Who can conceive of a more heinous crime? An old man tottering under the weight
of full near seventy years, his long beard white with age, his limbs enfeebled
by the cares of life, assassinated while quietly at work in his cotton field!
What can we say of the fiend who could raise his hand against such a man? The
murder of Capt. Bailey serves to remind us of the depths to which human
depravity can descend. Indeed it does seem that more than human meanness would
be required to urge a man to the commission of such a deed. We blush with shame
when we think that Dale County has been the home of such a vile murderer. Capt.
Bailey was buried on Wednesday evening at 4 o'clock at Sylvan Grove, near his
home. He was a mason of good standing – was at one time a representative in the
legislature from this county. He was a kind neighbor and a good citizen, and
all regret that he came to such a sad and unnatural death.
The Southern Star
Ozark, Dale County, Ala.
Wednesday, July 11, 1888
Page Three
At present the evidence supporting the suspicion that Jas. E. Windham is the
murderer of Capt. Bailey, is almost conclusive. In fact there is no one well
acquainted with the facts in the case, who has any doubt on the subject.
The Southern Star
Ozark, Dale County, Ala.
Wednesday, July 11, 1888
Page Three
A Liberal Reward will be paid for the arrest and delivery to the Sheriff of Dale
County, Ala. of James E. Windham who is believed to be guilty of the murder of
Peyton W. Bailey. Said Windham is between 45 and 50 years of age, 5 feet 9 or
10 inches high, weights 150 or 160 pounds, blue or gray eyes sunk deep in the
head, sallow complexion, talks drowlingly through his nose, long eyebrows
extending entirely across the bridge of his nose, and had on when he left a pair
of No. 8 box toed shoes, rather heavy built, when last seen wore light sandy
whiskers and mustache, dark hair slightly gray. Other papers will please copy.
The Southern Star
Ozark, Dale County, Ala.
Wednesday, July 25, 1888
Page Three
Suicide
James E. Windham, the man who murdered Capt. P.W. Bailey several days since, was
found dead near his residence on last Thursday. The Coroner's jury returned a
verdict of "death by poison." All attempts to capture Mr. Windham were of no
avail, and it was thought up to last Thursday, that he had gone to Florida or at
least to parts unknown. It is thought that Mr. Windham went home, shaved and
dressed himself, then took some kind of poison, and went out near his house and
sat down by a tree to await the dreadful result. One of the most horrible
murders has thus resulted in the murderer taking his own life with his own hand.
File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/dale/newspapers/captainp233nw.txt
Provided by Richard Hodges
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Carla Miles http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00010.html#0002476 April 4, 2009, 5:42 pm
The Southern Star July 11, 1888
The Southern Star
Ozark, Dale County, Ala.
Wednesday, July 11, 1888
Page Three
A Horrible Murder
One of best and most Highly respected citizens of Dale shot down in his field
Just six miles east of Newton, on the Newton and Columbia road, is one of the
prettiest farms in the county; this is the very spot where Capt. P.W. Bailey has
resided for many years, and was the scene of one of the most fiendish and
diabolical murders that has ever been committed in this county.
On last Tuesday Capt. Bailey was plowing in his plantation about one miles from
his house, in a field of cotton the black hearted wretch who died the act was
lying in ambush in his wait, and as he went to turn his mule at the end of the
row, a load of duck-shot was discharged at him, lodging in his right side just
under the right nipple, killing him instantly or at least supposed to have
killed him instantly, as there were no signs of even a struggle for life. The
report of the gun was heard at the house about nine o'clock in the morning. A
Negro by the name of Aaron Long, who was working on the same plantation nearby,
found him lying on the ground dead, when he started from his work to dinner and
immediately gave the alarm, whereupon Drs. Morris and Baxter were summoned and a
post mortem examination made. They say that nine duck-shot entered his side,
one of which was extracted. In a very few hours the settlement for miles around
were gathered together at his house, and a posse composed of many of the best
citizens of that country was formed, and at once began to search for the fiend,
but at this writing all efforts to capture him have proved futile.
Capt. Bailey was a quiet, law abiding citizen, and was much respected and
esteemed by all who knew him, and no one had the least idea that there was in
the whole county a man so degraded and so mean as to murder him. About two
months ago, or just after the beat meetings had in this county on the Senatorial
question, Capt. Bailey wrote a letter to the Editor of the Star, by request,
giving the particulars of the beat meeting at that precinct, sent it to the post
office at Newton by James E. Windham, one of his neighbors. It is now thought
that Mr. Windham broke open the letter and read its contents, as after returning
home, he reported things that were in the letter claiming that the Editor of the
Star had furnished a copy of the letter at his request; such, however, was
false, as the Editor did no such thing, nor did he receive any word or letter
from Windham asking for a copy of Mr. Bailey's letter. Afterwards Mr. Bailey
accosted Mr. Windham on the subject, when, as we learn, a few angry words were
exchanged between the parties. Without telling all that we have heard on the
subject, lest we do someone an injustice, we will say that, at present, the
suspicion resting against Mr. Jas. E. Windham is strong and well founded. Mr.
Windham has not been seen by anyone with the exception of his family, since the
murder, however, just before the murder he was seen with a gun in a small patch
of woods adjoining Mr. Bailey's field. A reward of five hundred dollars has
been offered for the capture of Mr. Windham. Mr. Windham is a native of Dale
County, has a wife and several children two of whom are very ill at present.
Mr. Windham is known to be a desperate character, and when once offended is
regarded as very dangerous. It is said that he was heard to threaten Mr.
Bailey, and further, that he has not spoken to Mr. Bailey since the time they
met and exchanged angry words about the letter to the Star.
Heroic efforts are now being made to find Mr. Windham. Capt. Bailey's neighbors
are justly irritated at the foul murder.
Who can conceive of a more heinous crime? An old man tottering under the weight
of full near seventy years, his long beard white with age, his limbs enfeebled
by the cares of life, assassinated while quietly at work in his cotton field!
What can we say of the fiend who could raise his hand against such a man? The
murder of Capt. Bailey serves to remind us of the depths to which human
depravity can descend. Indeed it does seem that more than human meanness would
be required to urge a man to the commission of such a deed. We blush with shame
when we think that Dale County has been the home of such a vile murderer. Capt.
Bailey was buried on Wednesday evening at 4 o'clock at Sylvan Grove, near his
home. He was a mason of good standing – was at one time a representative in the
legislature from this county. He was a kind neighbor and a good citizen, and
all regret that he came to such a sad and unnatural death.
The Southern Star
Ozark, Dale County, Ala.
Wednesday, July 11, 1888
Page Three
At present the evidence supporting the suspicion that Jas. E. Windham is the
murderer of Capt. Bailey, is almost conclusive. In fact there is no one well
acquainted with the facts in the case, who has any doubt on the subject.
The Southern Star
Ozark, Dale County, Ala.
Wednesday, July 11, 1888
Page Three
A Liberal Reward will be paid for the arrest and delivery to the Sheriff of Dale
County, Ala. of James E. Windham who is believed to be guilty of the murder of
Peyton W. Bailey. Said Windham is between 45 and 50 years of age, 5 feet 9 or
10 inches high, weights 150 or 160 pounds, blue or gray eyes sunk deep in the
head, sallow complexion, talks drowlingly through his nose, long eyebrows
extending entirely across the bridge of his nose, and had on when he left a pair
of No. 8 box toed shoes, rather heavy built, when last seen wore light sandy
whiskers and mustache, dark hair slightly gray. Other papers will please copy.
The Southern Star
Ozark, Dale County, Ala.
Wednesday, July 25, 1888
Page Three
Suicide
James E. Windham, the man who murdered Capt. P.W. Bailey several days since, was
found dead near his residence on last Thursday. The Coroner's jury returned a
verdict of "death by poison." All attempts to capture Mr. Windham were of no
avail, and it was thought up to last Thursday, that he had gone to Florida or at
least to parts unknown. It is thought that Mr. Windham went home, shaved and
dressed himself, then took some kind of poison, and went out near his house and
sat down by a tree to await the dreadful result. One of the most horrible
murders has thus resulted in the murderer taking his own life with his own hand.
File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/dale/newspapers/captainp233nw.txt
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Carla Miles http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00010.html#0002476 April 4, 2009, 5:42 pm
The Southern Star July 11, 1888
The Southern Star
Ozark, Dale County, Ala.
Wednesday, July 11, 1888
Page Three
A Horrible Murder
One of best and most Highly respected citizens of Dale shot down in his field
Just six miles east of Newton, on the Newton and Columbia road, is one of the
prettiest farms in the county; this is the very spot where Capt. P.W. Bailey has
resided for many years, and was the scene of one of the most fiendish and
diabolical murders that has ever been committed in this county.
On last Tuesday Capt. Bailey was plowing in his plantation about one miles from
his house, in a field of cotton the black hearted wretch who died the act was
lying in ambush in his wait, and as he went to turn his mule at the end of the
row, a load of duck-shot was discharged at him, lodging in his right side just
under the right nipple, killing him instantly or at least supposed to have
killed him instantly, as there were no signs of even a struggle for life. The
report of the gun was heard at the house about nine o'clock in the morning. A
Negro by the name of Aaron Long, who was working on the same plantation nearby,
found him lying on the ground dead, when he started from his work to dinner and
immediately gave the alarm, whereupon Drs. Morris and Baxter were summoned and a
post mortem examination made. They say that nine duck-shot entered his side,
one of which was extracted. In a very few hours the settlement for miles around
were gathered together at his house, and a posse composed of many of the best
citizens of that country was formed, and at once began to search for the fiend,
but at this writing all efforts to capture him have proved futile.
Capt. Bailey was a quiet, law abiding citizen, and was much respected and
esteemed by all who knew him, and no one had the least idea that there was in
the whole county a man so degraded and so mean as to murder him. About two
months ago, or just after the beat meetings had in this county on the Senatorial
question, Capt. Bailey wrote a letter to the Editor of the Star, by request,
giving the particulars of the beat meeting at that precinct, sent it to the post
office at Newton by James E. Windham, one of his neighbors. It is now thought
that Mr. Windham broke open the letter and read its contents, as after returning
home, he reported things that were in the letter claiming that the Editor of the
Star had furnished a copy of the letter at his request; such, however, was
false, as the Editor did no such thing, nor did he receive any word or letter
from Windham asking for a copy of Mr. Bailey's letter. Afterwards Mr. Bailey
accosted Mr. Windham on the subject, when, as we learn, a few angry words were
exchanged between the parties. Without telling all that we have heard on the
subject, lest we do someone an injustice, we will say that, at present, the
suspicion resting against Mr. Jas. E. Windham is strong and well founded. Mr.
Windham has not been seen by anyone with the exception of his family, since the
murder, however, just before the murder he was seen with a gun in a small patch
of woods adjoining Mr. Bailey's field. A reward of five hundred dollars has
been offered for the capture of Mr. Windham. Mr. Windham is a native of Dale
County, has a wife and several children two of whom are very ill at present.
Mr. Windham is known to be a desperate character, and when once offended is
regarded as very dangerous. It is said that he was heard to threaten Mr.
Bailey, and further, that he has not spoken to Mr. Bailey since the time they
met and exchanged angry words about the letter to the Star.
Heroic efforts are now being made to find Mr. Windham. Capt. Bailey's neighbors
are justly irritated at the foul murder.
Who can conceive of a more heinous crime? An old man tottering under the weight
of full near seventy years, his long beard white with age, his limbs enfeebled
by the cares of life, assassinated while quietly at work in his cotton field!
What can we say of the fiend who could raise his hand against such a man? The
murder of Capt. Bailey serves to remind us of the depths to which human
depravity can descend. Indeed it does seem that more than human meanness would
be required to urge a man to the commission of such a deed. We blush with shame
when we think that Dale County has been the home of such a vile murderer. Capt.
Bailey was buried on Wednesday evening at 4 o'clock at Sylvan Grove, near his
home. He was a mason of good standing – was at one time a representative in the
legislature from this county. He was a kind neighbor and a good citizen, and
all regret that he came to such a sad and unnatural death.
The Southern Star
Ozark, Dale County, Ala.
Wednesday, July 11, 1888
Page Three
At present the evidence supporting the suspicion that Jas. E. Windham is the
murderer of Capt. Bailey, is almost conclusive. In fact there is no one well
acquainted with the facts in the case, who has any doubt on the subject.
The Southern Star
Ozark, Dale County, Ala.
Wednesday, July 11, 1888
Page Three
A Liberal Reward will be paid for the arrest and delivery to the Sheriff of Dale
County, Ala. of James E. Windham who is believed to be guilty of the murder of
Peyton W. Bailey. Said Windham is between 45 and 50 years of age, 5 feet 9 or
10 inches high, weights 150 or 160 pounds, blue or gray eyes sunk deep in the
head, sallow complexion, talks drowlingly through his nose, long eyebrows
extending entirely across the bridge of his nose, and had on when he left a pair
of No. 8 box toed shoes, rather heavy built, when last seen wore light sandy
whiskers and mustache, dark hair slightly gray. Other papers will please copy.
The Southern Star
Ozark, Dale County, Ala.
Wednesday, July 25, 1888
Page Three
Suicide
James E. Windham, the man who murdered Capt. P.W. Bailey several days since, was
found dead near his residence on last Thursday. The Coroner's jury returned a
verdict of "death by poison." All attempts to capture Mr. Windham were of no
avail, and it was thought up to last Thursday, that he had gone to Florida or at
least to parts unknown. It is thought that Mr. Windham went home, shaved and
dressed himself, then took some kind of poison, and went out near his house and
sat down by a tree to await the dreadful result. One of the most horrible
murders has thus resulted in the murderer taking his own life with his own hand.
File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/dale/newspapers/captainp233nw.txt
Inscription
Aged about 65 years
Father
CSA Vet
Family Members
Parents
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
