From Days Gone By August 12, 1915

August 12, 1915.

    On Tuesday night of July 22nd several of the citizens of Wrightsville were aroused from their sleep by the rapid fire of pistols, and upon investigation by night watchman Lee Jackson, it is said that Horace C. Pournell, who resides in the eastern part of town, and who had been spreeing for several days, was doing the shooting.

    It was learned that Horace had become offended with three or four citizens of the town, and it is said had threatened the lives of these citizens; and Wednesday morning between six and seven, Sheriff W. D. Rowland, who held two state warrants for Pournell, who was endeavoring to arrest him.

    Pournell had left his home and gone to the Union Farmer's gin plant, where he had been at work, and when he saw Marshal Lee Jackson, one of the sheriff's deputies approaching, Pournell, it is claimed, walked out upon the railroad and began to fire upon him. Marshal Jackson returned the fire, shooting Pournell in the side.

    Just then Sheriff Rowland and deputy J. W. Crawford, emerged from behind the seed house at the gin, Horace seeing that his arrest was inevitable, it is said rather than be arrested he shot himself in the temple, the ball passing out at the top of his head, from which he died several hours after he was removed to his home.

    Horace was born May 10, 1883. He was buried on Thursday afternoon the 29th at Westview Cemetery. The funeral was conducted from his late residence on East Court street, Dr. T. L. Harris, pastor of the Christian Church officiating.

    Mr. Pournell was 32 years old and reared in Wrightsville. He was a carpenter and housebuilder by trade, and is reputed to have been a ver fine workman. He was survived by his wife, Annie Lee Burns, three small children including Jesse Mae and Evelyn, his parents Mr. & Mrs. W. T. Pournell and two brothers, Mr. Oscar Pournell of Albany, and Mr. Lawson Pournell of Wrightsville.

    The two Marshals, Jackson and Osborn, also deputy Crawford were arrested and would have a commitment trial. There the facts in the case would be given more comprehensively. The facts so far were gleaned from the most reliable sources obtainable.

    Mr. Lee Jackson, the night watchman of Wrightsville, who was charged with the murder of Horace C. Pournell on July 28th was given his commitment trial in the Justice Court of the 1201st District of Johnson County, at the court house on Friday, 30th, and after hearing the evidence in the case and the argument of counsel, it was the judgement of the Justices Claxton and Page, presiding, that the warrants against Jackson be dismissed for the want of evidence to support same, and that he be discharged from custody.

    The other warrants sworn out against J. W. Crawford and J. W. Osborn, were withdrawn without trial.