“Murder at Maplesville”

MURDER AT MAPLESVILLE. Last Sunday evening, about 3 o’clock, at Maplesville, Jim Harden (colored) shot and instantly killed G. W. Davenport, at his residence. Two other negroes were fighting outside Davenport’s home. and he went out to send them away from bis house, when Hardin stepped up behind him, and taking the pistol from Davenport shot him twice, once in the breast and then in the head. Davenport fell dead at his feet. Harden then ran off toward Mulberry swamp, and a posse was organized to hunt him, but up to the present he has not been found. The citizens of Maplesville have made up a reward of $150 for his capture, and Gov. Cunningham has offered a reward of $150. Sheriff Morgan as soon as he was notified of the killing, went out to Maplesville Sunday evening, calling for Deputy Lee Hayes on the way. They tried to find the negro Sunday night and, Monday, but failing to catch him Sheriff Morgan went to Montgomery to see the Governor, who offers a reward of $150 for the delivery of Harden to the Sheriff of Chilton county. Davenport was a man of excellent character, leaves a widow and four or five children. He was buried Monday at the Mulberry graveyard. Great indignation is felt throughout the county.