Taylor County Obits
April 1896

The Butler Herald
Tuesday, April 7, 1896
Page Three
MURDER! Says the Coroner’s Jury
Mr. J.F. Barfield Killed by John Dixon, 8 Miles South of Butler
Our people had begun to congratulate themselves that at the present term of court we would be free from any excitement occasioned by the trial of any serious crime when suddenly there came on Friday morning the sad intelligence that Mr. J.F. Barfield (better known as Lol Barfield) had been killed at 6 o’clock on Thursday evening by John Dixon, and at the home of Mr. Dixon, near Bateman & Colbert’s mill, eight miles south of Butler.  Coroner Chapman who lives three-and-a-half miles east of Butler was sent for who selected a jury composed of Messrs. S.S. Monk, H.C. Cox, F.A. Peed, W. D.C. Cox, J.R. Harris and A.J. Fountain, who together with Judge O.M. Colbert, Col. C.C. West and Bailiff Anglin went to the scene of the tragedy.  There before their gaze was witnessed one of the most horrible spectacles ever presented to the out of twenty was sufficient to have produced death inflicted with a keen bladed knife by John Dixon.  The only eye witness present to the killing was Mrs. Dixon and a little daughter of Mr. Barfield.  Mrs. Dixon whose life was threatened by her husband, left her home and the little girl, her father and the murderer, John Dixon, were left in a room 16 by 18 feet alone. According to the evidence of Julia, the little daughter of Mr. Barfield, which we publish below, she begged for the life of her father, when the murderer with fiendish intent dealt his victim, who lay helpless across the bed 28 severe blows with his knife. We are unable to give the exact cause of the trouble except that both parties were intoxicated and there had previously been trouble between them. Dixon made no effort to escape and was arrested at once and placed in jail. Mr. Barfield was a gentleman of fine appearance, dark complexion and heavy mustache.  He had many friends in the county and leaves a large family to mourn their loss.  The remains of Mr. Barfield were buried at Bethel church on Saturday morning. Dixon is tall, slender built, light sandy mustache and has a wife and two small children. The following testimony was in substance sworn to before the coroner’s jury of inquest: Julia Barfield’s testimony Julia Barfield sworn said: “I was at house of John Dixon on 2nd of April 1896, and about sundown Tom Garrett and John Dixon had a quarrel and my father, J.F. Barfield, took John Dixon by the arm and carried him towards the branch. When father took hold of Dixon, Garrett got in his buggy and left.  John Dixon got away from my father and went off in field to catch up with Garrett and soon came back.  I helped father to the house.  He seemed to be intoxicated. He sat on back door steps, and Mrs. Dixon and I helped him in the house and put him on the bed and he laid down.  John Dixon told me to open the front door, which I did and he came in the house, and he went to father and asked him twice if he was drunk, and said to him if he did not tell him that he was drunk he would kill him, father made no answer.  Dixon then stabbed him in the left breast with a knife.  Mrs. Dixon and I both begged Dixon not to kill father, and he told Mrs. Dixon if she did not get away he would kill her, and she left the house and I took him by the arm and begged him not to kill my father, then Dixon struck his breast with his fists and said he did not have heart enough to kill father.  Dixon then stabbed father in the neck and I saw father throw up his hand and then I ran from the house and told Mrs. Dixon that John had killed father.  I soon returned and looked in at the window and saw John Dixon still cutting father. (Read to witness and signed as correct.)
H.T. Garrett’s Testimony
Mr. H.T. Garrett sworn stated that he and Mr. J.F. Barfield had some unfriendly words passed, which arose from a trade being made between the two for a gun some time ago, and for which he, Garrett had gone down to consult Mr. Barfield concerning the trade.  Mr. Garrett to prevent a difficulty got in his buggy and started for home.  Mr. Garrett also says: “As I was going to my buggy I saw Barfield and Dixon take hold of each other and a struggle followed.
This all occurred in Dixon’s field about fifty yards from Dixon’s house. Barfield had been drinking some and was mad with me; but did not seem to be mad with Dixon.  I left Dixon’s and went north by public road.  This was just before sundown.  I never saw Dixon after I got in the road.”
Mack Collins, Col., Testifies:
Mack Collins, Col., sworn said:
“I saw John Dixon running from the branch north towards his house and saw J.F. Barfield running after him and saw them turn the corner near the back door of Dixon’s house.  This was just about sundown.  Just after they turned the corner I saw Barfield’s little girl, Julia, between house and road.  I then went in the house and saw Barfield and Dixon standing between the beds quiet. Heard no talking.  Mrs. Dixon was in the door of the room.  I came out immediately and went off.”  (The above statement made by the negro is conflicting and probably will not be used as testimony.)
The Butler Herald
Tuesday, April 14, 1896
Page Three
Imprisonment For Life Is the Sentence Passed Upon John Dixon
A Wife’s Devotion to her Husband
How The Verdict Was Received
When will John Dixon’s trial be?  What will be the verdict?  Who will sit in judgment upon his crime for the murder of J.F. Barfield? These were the anxious words of hundreds of minds and hearts who thronged the courthouse and jail during the past week.  Looking at the crime in its best light with Dixon’s upon Dixon’s bed, with a motherless child begging for a father’s life, there appeared no possible hope for Dixon, and with these facts in view nothing but death could be seen for the murderer in retaliation for his crime.  Fortunately, however, for Dixon, he had a select jury of the most sympathetic men in the county to sit upon his case, who patiently listened for several hours to the able and exhaustive arguments of the prisoner’s attorneys and those for the State, returned a verdict to His Honor, Judge Butt, of murder with a recommendation to mercy after a few moments careful consideration on Friday afternoon Judge Butt in strong terms at once gave Dixon his sentence.  Thus ends one of the saddest cases ever tried before the Superior Court of Taylor County.  Made doubly sad on account of the feeble and helpless condition of Mrs. Dixon and her two little children who are made to suffer on account of a husband and father’s evil passion.  But few friends, no home and no one to look to for support. No case of like character has ever had such speedy justice.  Just eight days from the time of the crime was committed Dixon was arrested, placed in jail, tried and sentenced, and in eight days more he will be serving his sentence of life imprisonment in the mines of North Georgia.  No more to kiss the precious wife who has stood by him at the jail end in the courtroom from morning till night through all his trial like Mary and Martha at the tomb of Lazarus.  Friday morning she met him at the temple of justice with her two babes in her arms and presenting them to their father as she feared for the last time, and throwing her arms about his neck she printed a kiss upon his cheek and said in tones of sadness “God be with you through the day”.  Strong men weeping turned their faces from the scene.  It was only this that gave Dixon his life though hard it seems. Dixon received the verdict without a murmur or a change of countenance but rather appeared thankful that his lot was not worse. Another sad scene was enacted when on Saturday evening Sheriff Riley turned the keys upon Dixon and said to his almost heartbroken wife:  “You must return to your home a widow.”  It was more than he could bear if it had not been that the law must be fulfilled. Dixon was ably represented by Messrs. Russ & West, O.M. Colbert, C.J. Thornton and R.D. Smith.  The State by Solicitor S.P. Gilbert and James H. Worrill. Dixon is now 29 years of age and was married to Miss Carrie Bateman in 1891. Mrs. Dixon, whose lips were closed against her husband sat in silence and Julia, the little daughter of Mr. Barfield, the only eyewitness to the killing and whose testimony exactly corroborates with that published in the last issue of the Herald.  Her testimony before the grand jury was very affecting and at one time not a dry eye was found in the jury room.  Before the jury an effort was made to entangle her by cross questions but it was impossible and in a thoroughly composed manner little Julia told the story.  Such a scene has never before been witness in our courthouse.  The room was packed to suffocation but there was not trouble in keeping good order. The following gentlemen composed the jury: J.W. Haywood, M.H. Riley, J.W. Gholson, W.H. Fickling, D.L. Rigsby, W.H. Cochran, W.M. Mustelwhite, A.H. Sealy, J.A. Carter, I.W. Garrett, R.C. Garrett, F.C. Goodwin.
The Butler Herald
Tuesday, April 21, 1896
Page Three
They Took Him Away
What Will the Wife and Little Ones Do?
At 5 o’clock on Thursday the strong arm of the law took John Dixon from his cell at the jail and from the embrace of his family and carried him to Richwood on the Georgia Southern to serve out his penalty in the Parrott Lumber Co., for the life of J.F. Barfield, which he took at his own home on the 2nd day of April 1896, and another sad scene in the chapter of this crime was enacted.  A wife and mother who was true to the end returned to her home with a sad heart with her two little ones who know not the reality of a father’s love. Nothing but the feeble efforts of Mrs. Dixon and the cold charity of the world is left her for support but she returns more hopeful than a thousand other women could do under similar circumstances.  Close to the iron bars she sat day after day until the hour came for the departure of her husband.  She has they sympathy of every citizen of our community who would be glad if it were possible to blot out this dark crime and set at liberty the hearts who drink from sorrow’s cup but it is impossible.  Mrs. Dixon feels hopeful, however she will be able to visit her husband occasionally, as he is at a place no doubt where he will receive as good attention as his conduct will admit.  It is also hoped that in the course of coming years that if his conduct is such as to merit the  confidence and respect of his keepers, through the kind heart of some sympathetic governor, Dixon may again be given his liberty. Mrs. Dixon will make her home among her relatives but principally with a brother of Mr. Dixon who lives near Cordele.  May the world deal gently and the kind hand of an all wise Providence smiles upon the mother and children.

The Butler Herald
Tuesday, April 14, 1896
Page Three
Death Roll
Mrs. William Sealy, whose home is at McCants’ mill, died on Thursday last near Prattsburg while on a visit to that neighborhood.

The Butler Herald
Tuesday, April 14, 1896
Page Three
Death Roll
We regret to learn of the death of Mrs. N.B. Newsom, which occurred at her home near Reynolds a few days ago.  She was an excellent lady and had many friends who will regret to learn of her death.

The Butler Herald
Tuesday, April 14, 1896
Page Three
Death Roll
Mrs. Emerson Guy, living near Union church died a few days ago.

The Butler Herald
Tuesday, April 21, 1896
Page Three
The Death Roll
ROGERS
Miss Theodocia Rodgers a beautiful young lady and daughter of Mr. A.P. Rodgers died at her father’s residence on the 16th inst., at the Factory.  A more appropriate notice will appear in our next issue.
The Butler Herald
Tuesday, April 21, 1896
Page Three
Reynolds, Ga., April 20
By J.T.A.
Death has again invaded the community of Potterville, and robbed it of one of its brightest jewels.  Last Thursday as the sun was nearing the western slopes and throwing its lengthening shadows over the meade, the sweet spirit of Theodosia Rodger, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.P. Rodgers, winged its flight from the teretinal world to the celestial city of God. Theodosia was born June 3rd 1879, joined the Methodist church under the minister of Rev. J.T. Mims Sept. 19, 1893, died April 16, 1896.  She was sick about ten days with measles.  From the dates you see that she was just budding into womanhood, that period in life’s history which is so full of bright anticipations, and causes the heart of parents to glow in radiant expectancy and increasing interest.  That age in life which caused her presence to scatter bright rays of sunshine upon the hearthstone and fill the home life with sweet perfume.  She was the source of so much comfort and happiness to the father and mother and a living benediction to her brothers.  A sweet, good girl full of life and religion.  True to the church and all obligations resting on her.  Her remains were buried in the cemetery nearby.  The funeral service was held by Rev. G.W. Childree.  May God comfort and bless the grief stricken family.
The Butler Herald
Tuesday, April 28, 1896
Page Three
Miss Theodosia Rodgers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.P. Rodgers, of Taylor County, Ga., aged 16 years, 10 months and 13 days died April 16th, 1896. She was converted at about the age of twelve years old and joined the M.E. Church South at Factory and lived a consistent member until her death.  She was always good and kind to all, and after conversion she was Christ like, with a bright, well balanced mind, a peculiar fondness for her parents and the reading of good books – those which would best please her parents.  The future seemed to be bright for this noble, good girl, but God hath ordered it otherwise and her parents and friends have had their expectations cut off but have cheerfully submitted to the will of God – One who doeth all things well.  Just entering upon the threshold of young womanhood, free from frivolity and a desire for earthly pleasures, death has carried her to a better world where there is no more sorrow.  Oh, how she did love the Sunday school and her church and when the sun went down the sky gilded with bright hope of her future.  She is not dead but sleepeth and when the brokenhearted mother and father looked on the pale face of their child for the last time and said: “Farewell Dosia, for just a few days and I will see you again,” we just said “Thank God for the hope of meeting again.”  May the great and good God comfort the father and mother, brothers and sisters.  May they try to emulate the life of Dosia and meet her in Heaven.
E.J. Pool
Potterville, April 18th, 1896

The Butler Herald
Tuesday, April 21, 1896
Page Three
The Death Roll
MCDANIEL
Mrs. McDaniel, the estimable wife of Mr. Willis McDaniel, living on the farm of Mr. Andrew Payne, died Sunday night last, from relapse of measles.  She leaves a little babe ten days old.

A big thanks goes out to Carla Miles ← for submitting this information!

Back to Obits

This page was last updatedSaturday, 28-Oct-2006 22:48:03 MDT

Copyright © 2003 - 2007   G.T. Hart ← Webmaster
All Rights Reserved

Commercial use of material within this site is prohibited.
This site may not be duplicated in any way without consent.

Back to Taylor County AHGP