The Macon Telegraph & Messenger
8 February 1881
THE FATAL WILSONS
Another Member of the Family Brings Himself Into Notice --- Mr. James
Tinley Shot Through the Heart.
Last night about 7 o'clock the report of a pistol was heard in William Savage's barbershop in Hollingsworth Block, and a rumor sped through the city that Mr. James Tinley had been shot and killed by Doc Wilson, a colored barber, who attends to Mr. Dick Loyal's bar when the owner is
out. Hurrying to the spot a Telegraph reporter found the rumor well founded. Upon the floor, just inside the barber shop, lay the inanimate form of a young man, who but a few moments before was a living human being, in the full vigor of youth and health. The hands crossed upon his breast, but partially concealing a bloody shirt front, were ghastly white, and the face, hidden by a towel, was of the same hue. The name of the dead man was Jas. Tinley. He was, we understand, a brother-in-law of Mr. W. P. Carlos, and a grandson of Mr. James Tinely, of Rutland
district -- a gentleman widely known by the peach which bears his name. The deceased leaves fatherless two children.
As before stated, the killing occurred in Savage's barber shop, in the rear of which is Loyal's bar-room. There were two or three men in the barber shop, one of whom was having his hair cut. Tinley entered and passed to the rear through the partition door. He was in there but a moment or two talking with Doc Wilson, the colored boy before mentioned. Suddenly a pistol shot was heard, and Tinley, walking back into the barber shop, fell dead near the front door. Wilson disappeared out the back door, and up to a late hour last night had not been arrested. Tinley was shot through the heart.
There are conflicting rumors about the cause of this killing. As far as the reporter could learn Eugene Wilson was the only witness to the act. At the coroner's inquest Wilson handed in a dagger which he swore Tinley had attempted to use upon Doc just prior to the firing of the fatal shot. There seems to have been a dispute over a bar bill in the afternoon, and it is claimed by the friends of the slayer that Tinley threatened Wilson's life. This, however, is discredited by the friends of Tinley. A dozen men were heard by the reporter to endorse the good and peaceful character of the dead man, among them Mr. W. R. Kent, for whom he had clerked until the 1st inst.
The knife produced by Eugene Wilson at the inquest bore on the handle the initials "W. A. H." which may lead to the establishment of the question of ownership. It is a double edge instrument with an ebony handle, in which is set three pieces of pearl. The "A" is scratched upon the middle piece.
Before an inquest was held, the body was searched, and no weapons found upon it. It was then removed to the residence of Mr. W. P. Carlos, on Tattnal square. The witnesses summoned by the coroner did not appear, William Savage excepted, and the inquest was not altogether satisfactory.
CORONER'S INQUEST
The coroner's inquest over the body of Mr. James Tinley was held at the residence of Mr. J. C. Barnett, William Savage and Eugene (a brother of the murderer) were the only witnesses introduced. We are enabled to give only a synopsis of the testimony, wich, however, is furnished by one of the coroner's jury.
William Savage (sworn) stated that Mr. Tinley and another gentleman came into the place about 3 o'clock and took a drink together, and that Mr. Tinley threatened Doc Wilson's life at that time. He then retired but returned soon after and told Doc that he "would make his carcass stink
before night." He (Savage) was engaged in shaving a gentleman from Fort Valley when Mr. Tinley returned and threatened Doc again and they began to quarrel. A pistol shot was fired, and witness saw Mr. Tinley run by him and fall. On being cross-questioned, witness said he thought that Doc Wilson fired the shot. He was where he could see through the door and hear all that was said.
Eugene Wilson, sworn, stated that he was present at the time; saw Mr. Tinley enter the bar with a knife in his hand, and heard him call Doc by an opprobrious name. Doc told him not to talk to him that way, when he was behind the bar. The gentleman (Mr. Tinley) started at Doc with the
knife, and Doc fired. The gentleman dropped the knife on the floor and he (Eugene Wilson) picked it up and kept it to produce before the jury. (He then produced a knife marked "W. A. H.") On being cross-examined, he said: Mr. Phillips and a gentleman they call "the Captain" were present. Mr. Loyal was in the back room.
The body was then examined by the jury, and they found a small penknife, button-hook, piece of tobacco, watch chain (with no watch), private papers and a lead pencil. The following verdict was returned:
BIBB COUNTY, GA, Feb. 7, 1881.
We, the jurors sworn, and, after a thorough examination of witnesses duly sworn, that James Tinley came to his death by a pistol shot wound from a pistol in the hands of Doc Wilson. The ball entered two inches below the left nipple.
O. T. EVANS, Foreman
ISAIAH H. POOL
W. H. WOODS
W. M. GOODE
CHARLES COOK
B. C. CHERRY
R. B. SLEIGHT
B. ST. PAUL GIRAURDIE, Coroner
The chief actor in this tragedy comes of a family that has made itself conspicuous in this community during the last three years. One of the brothers was killed by Alex Stone with an umbrella last year; the witness, Eugene, was tried for the burning of the Brown House, and a sister was suing for a divorce (Hays vs. Hays) when the main witness dropped dead in the court house last week. And now comes the only remaining brother in the connection just described.
Since writing the foregoing, friends of the deceased, Mr. James Tinley, have requested us to denounce, as utterly false, that the young man possessed or carried a knife. His connection with the bar-room arose from his custom of treating his customers. His employer states that he never
knew him to be intoxicated, and other gentlemen offer to certify to his peaceful character.
We would suggest that a second inquest be held. The testimony of Mr. Rabe Phillips and Captain Standford, the other witnesses, will throw much light upon the tragic occurrence. Especially should this be done since the evidence of those who testified was not taken down. This is the fourth killing that has occurred in this county since the appointment of our new solicitor.
[Mr. Tinley was laid to rest in Carlos Cemetery; Bibb County, Georgia.]
