News reaches us of a fatal fight on the farm of W H Vance, near Richland, Grainger County. Vance had employed on his place Alexander Anderson, who furnished the team with which he was ploughing. The origin of the quarrel is not known, but it is said that after a few hot words, Vance seized a gee-stick and struck Anderson on the head knocking him down. Anderson arose, unhitched the horses and started home. When he arrived there he soon became dazed and at length insensible. He died in a few hours. Vance had left for parts unknown when our informant left the neighborhood.

Knoxville Daily Journal — Saturday, April 7, 1888

Transcribed by Robert McGinnis and used by permission.