Three Men Killed in Personal Difficulty.
The next transcription of the event came from an obituary posted by “backroad traveler” on the FindAGrave memorial for William Lownds Lowery. I had others but this particular account of the events was the best.
THE MISSISSIPPI TRAGEDY
Details of the Lowry-Holman Bloodshed at Johnsonville
In the annals of deadly affrays in this State we know of no occurrence so fatal in its results as that which occurred on board the steamer Sunflower, while lying at Johnsonville, the county seat of Sunflower county. The particulars, as near as we can gather them, are about as follows: About ten days ago Col. D. A. Holman, while in Johnsonville, on entering Dr. W. L. Lowry's store, was accosted by Dr. Lowry, who ordered Holman out, remarking, it is said, that Holman was no gentleman, and did not keep his word, or something to that effect. Holman departed, saying in substance he would see Lowry again. On the morning of the affair Col. Holman engaged passage on the steamer Sunflower, for Vicksburg, accompanied by his father-in-law. Dr. G. C. Walker. The boat arrived at Johnsonville somewhat earlier than usual, and Col. Holman and Dr. Walker together wont on shore, but in a short time returned. Perhaps a half hour later Dr. Lowry, as was usual with him, came on the boat to transact his business, and while entering the cabin, was caught so it is said, by the left armor back, by Col. Holman, who turned Lowry halfway around, and putting his pistol to his breast, fired. Lowry. started down the cabin, but instantly turned, and seeing his clerk, John C. Arnold, start from his chair (being shaved at the time), said "kill him, John, kill him, he has shot me. "Arnold ran out of the cabin to attack Holman, and Lowry, walking to the cabin door, cocked his pistol and fired at Holman. At the same instant of time, perceiving Dr. Walker with a pistol in hand, pointed his pistol at Walker with deadly effect, Walker falling and expiring almost without a struggle. Lowry then walked back in the cabin staggering, and fell, and in about two minutes expired also. In the meantime, Arnold and Holman were fighting outside the cabin, Arnold receiving a wound in the chest, and died shortly after being removed from the boat, Colonel Holman being wounded in the left arm and side, but to what extent could not be ascertained, as the boat left shortly afterwards. The affair is deeply regretted, us all the parties engaged are very highly respected. Dr. Lowry was a brother of Gen. Robert Lowry, and leaves a widow and six children. Arnold was a brother of Judge Arnold, of Columbus, Miss., Colonel Holman being a prominent and talented lawyer, and respected in the community in which he lives. Dr. Walker was one of the oldest residents of the county, and we believe had no enemies. Colonel Holman, the only survivor, was immediately arrested and will have a preliminary examination before Justice Toney next Saturday.
Dr. W. L. Lowry was William Lownds Lowry, son of Robert T. Lowry and Jemima Mary Rushing. He was born 26 February 1831 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. William was 47 years old when he was shot and killed in the above described gunfight. Dr. Lowry was married to Sallie Flowers about 1865-1866. After has death, she was appointed Postmistress on 29 May 1890 for the town of Baird, Sunflower County, Mississippi. She died 27 October 1909 at Bessemer, Jefferson, Alabama.
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[1] Chronicling America, Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.), February 20, 1879, Image 2, column 4.
[2] Obituary: Courtesy of Backroad traveler. Savannah morning news. Savannah, Ga., February 25, 1879, Image 1
Added by: Backroad traveler on 9 Mar 2020
[3] Johnsville is a misprint in the newspaper clipping. It should have read Johnsonville, Mississippi.
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