Transcribed by Robert McGinnis and used with his permission.

Source: The Knoxville Journal -- Monday, December 26, 1892

The lifelong friendship between two young men living near Cynthiana, Jefferson County, was brought to an unwarranted and sad end, sundown, Saturday evening.

Joe Hickman and Perry Atchley had attended a store that evening, to which a number of people had gathered. Some of the young men, the two named among them, commenced some sport, hooking oranges from each other's pockets.

Hickman and Atchley kept up their pranks on each other and pretty soon the discovery was made by one of them that his horse had become unhitched and was gone.

Atchley, the hot headed one of the two, supposed it was a prank of Hickman's and turned the other horse loose. This led to some words and without warning, Atchley pulled his gun and shot Hickman in the lower part of the stomach.

Hickman staggered into the arms of his friend and Atchley made good his escape.

This is the story substantially as told by a Mr. Moore, a brother-in-law of the wounded man at the city hall last evening, although a subsequent report located the scene in the 22nd district of Knox County, at a store near the Jefferson County line.

However, this affray was an actual occurrence and it is thought that Hickman's wound is fatal, although at last report he was still living.

Mr. Moore, an officer arrived in the city on horse yesterday afternoon. They learned that Atchley had crossed at Brabson's Ferry shortly after 11 o'clock Saturday night and was going towards this city, but no further clue was attainable.

Hickman is about twenty-two years of age and married.

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