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.

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