The Stabbing of Stephens
Whiskey, Knives and Pistols Meet at a Bawdy House With the Usual Result.

…The latest arrivals at our jail are those of Joe Frisbee and Jim Wylie, of Adairsville, charged with murder. From the evidence obtained at the coroner’s inquest it seems that these two young men are not entirely to blame, though a wide difference of opinion exists among the people of Adairsville and surrounding country. On Friday night, the 31st ult., Frank Stephens, a young white man, accompanied by Alvin Denman, went to a house said to be of questionable character, occupied Mrs. Blair and her three daughters. They were admitted, and soon Stephens, according to the evidence of the three women, began cursing. He was asked to desist, which he refused to do, emphasizing his remarks with loud and profane language. Seeing that he was drinking and that they could do nothing with him, one of the women went over to a neighboring house, where Frisbee and Wylie were boarding, and asked these two young men to come over and get Stephens to leave…It seems that Frisbee struck Stephens over the head with a bottle of whiskey, when Stephens pulled his pistol and was in the act of presenting it in Frisbee’s breast, when Wylie stepped up and knocked it down, causing it to discharge and the ball to enter his own leg….Anyhow, Frisbee got in his work lively by stabbing Stephens in the abdomen….Stephens lingered until last Saturday morning at 1 o’clock, when he died from his wounds…The deceased is said to be well connected, and his relatives will spend no small amount in the prosecution of the young men charged with murder. Frisbee and Wylie, though being poor, bear very good reputations, and strong efforts will be made in their defense…