According to reports from Marshall a tragedy of an unusual nature took place Monday on California Creek. It is stated that a young man named Hensley and a daughter of Tom Kesterson eloped Sunday night and were married on Monday Old man Kess sent for the newly wedded couple and they went to his home expecting forgiveness. On their arrival it is stated that old man Kess shot his daughter who is not expected to live. Her husband then seized the pistol and shot the old man dead. Ashville NC Newspaper date unknown
Mrs. Hensley who was shot by her father Tom Kesterson some days ago died last Saturday at her home on California Creek.
A Madison County NC Newspaper - date unknown
Hensley Boys Set Free McDaniel, John Wes, Ephraim, Mannish and Sol Hensley were all arraigned before a magistrate last week for the killing of Tom Kesterson on California Creek a few weeks ago. The magistrate discharged all but McDaniel the grand jury returned a true bill in his case and he was placed on trial Wednesday morning. A half day was consumed in hearing testimony. When both sides rested, his honor asked the Solicitor if he thought he had made a case for the State. The Solicitor replying that he thought not whereupon his Honor ordered a verdict of not guilty. McDaniel Hensley admitted the killing but plead justification of his act which was substantiated by all the witness. J.S. McElroy and Black Jim Gudger represented the defense. Ashville NC Newspaper date unknown
A fuller account of the Madison County tragedy gives details of the horrible crime of a father. Latest information is that a few days ago one of Tom Kesterson's girls ran away with Sol Hensley and married in Tennessee. Tom was very much enraged over the matter, but when they returned to Hensleys home he sent for them. They failed to come and he sent for them again and invited all the Hensley boys and two of their wives, which were Tom's daughters, went over. Tom was in the upper yard at the time of their arrival and as soon as they entered the house he went in and set chairs and invited them to seats. The young girl that married sat back on the bed.Then Tom shut each door, turned around, drew his pistol and shot his daughter in the stomach, then shot Ephraim Hensley in the hand, stabbed McDaniel Hensley in the back, and stabbed his wife. By this time they were in an excited scuffle and Tom fell in the floor and died in three minutes. The girl that was shot ran towards home for 150 yards and fell. Drs. John Baird Jr and W.F. Robinson examined all the wounded and report that only the newly married girl's wound is fatal.
Atlanta Constitution unknown date
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