Plaintiff purchased 41 uncut trees from Pierce Smith and James Gunter. Smith and Gunter purchased said trees from John H. Beaty who owned the land on which said trees were growing. Beaty later sold said land to the defendant. Plaintiff claims that the defendant then unlawfully cut and shipped several of the trees belonging to him.

The defendants and John A. Taylor are accused of murdering Martin Owens with knives and clubs. At the time of the attack Tom Owens (brother of the deceased) was involved in an argument with the plaintiffs and the deceased was attempting to remove him from the scene. The attack took place near the public square in Jamestown, TN. Casefile notes that due to threats of mob violence additional guards were employed to monitor the defendants in order to prevent rescue or attack. 2 folders.