Goodgame Assassinated June 1876

The Galveston Daily News
ASSASSINATION.
A Terrible Tragedy in Henderson County Col. Goodgame Shot Dead by and Unknown Enemy.
[Special Telegram to the Galveston News.]
WILL'S POINT, June 9, 1876

Reliable information is just received here of a horrible assassination committed in Athens, Henderson County last night about 8 or 9 o'clock. Col John C Goodgame was murdered in a social game of cards with some friends. A report of a shotgun was heard and Col. Goodgame fell forward, a corpse with several buckshot in his neck and shoulders. The murderer was not seen, but one Jesse Packwood, a young man and Justice of the Peace of Athens is the suspected party, and he can't be found. Col. Goodgame and he had some harsh words regarding a young lady Packwood was visiting. She was Goodgame's niece. It appears that young Packwood wished to marry this lady, and Goodgame objected on account of Packwood's drinking. Col. Goodgame was an influential man and late sheriff of Henderson County. He leaves a widow and niece to mourn his loss.

The Galveston Daily News
Galveston, Texas June 11, 1876
page 1

THE ATHENS TRAGEDY.
– – – – –
Description of the Supposed Assassin.
– – – – –
[Special Telegram to the Galveston News.]
TYLER, June 10, 1876.
Col. John C Goodgame, a prominent citizen and ex-sheriff of Henderson County was murdered Thursday night at Athens. A shotgun was the weapon a buckshot entering his breast. Col. Goodgame was sitting in a room and the murderer used his gun from the outside. The murderer, supposed to be Jesse Packwood, is that large. He is about 28 years old 6 feet and 1 inch high, slim build and raw boned, with dark complexion, no beard and hair cut short. He has a very small head and cheekbones prominent, the chin receding
Submitted by Bunny Shumate Freeman

Your are visitor Thanks for stopping by!

Old Newspaper Articles of Henderson County

Back To Henderson County TXGenWeb

This site is owned and maintained by the Henderson Co. TXGenWeb Co. Coordinator. Content of this site has been gathered from many sources and transcribed records. Therefore, errors may occur. When in doubt as to the accuracy of data contained herein, go to the actual records yourself. If you find any inaccurate data, please let us know. The information contained in this website is for your personal use only. All pages, compilations, transcriptions and abstracts are protected by copyright law and may not be published in whole or in part without written consent of the author, contributor and/or webmaster.