Walter L. Roby - Homicide in Jasper

Monticello, Ga., August 15 - On last Friday afternoon ex-Sheriff W. H. Philiips and Walter L. Roby had a difficulty at a barbecue at the branch below Westview cemetery, and Philips stabbed Roby fourteen times. The would which proved fatal was a stab in the abdomen, and after great suffering and a surgical operation Mr. Roby died at 11 o-clock last night.

The trouble grew out of Phillips- indebtedness to Roby, and after some insulting remarks made by both parties they began to fight. Philips used his knife, stabbing Roby in the breast, abdomen and in the back. Roby fell into a wire fence and begged Philips to desist, but to no avail.

Rev. Billie Cornwell preached the funeral this afternoon from the Baptist church. A large concourse of friends of the deceased were present.

Public feeling is running high. The slayer has not been arrested. Hon. J. D. Kilpatrick says that Philips will give up. A posse searched the residence of the senator this afternoon, it being rumored that Phillips had gone there for consultation, Kilpatrick having been retained to represent the defendant.

Jackson Argus - Butts County
Week of August 20, 1897

NOTE: This name is spelled as Philips and Phillips.


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The Sequel to Roby-s Murder

Monticello, Ga., August. 18 - Ever since the death of Walter Roby this town has been in commotion, and every effort has been made to capture Capt. Phillips. The friends of one were the friends of both, and sorrow and gloom where the outcome of the affair, and sympathy was extended to all parties.

Yesterday afternoon Mr. Monroe Phillips, brother of Capt. W. H. Phillips, assured Capt. Wilborne that his brother would surrender last night, and in company with Mr. B. Person went to the home of Mr. Wilborne expecting Capt. Phillips to come through the plantation to Capt. Wilborne-s. Early yesterday morning, just about day break, Capt. Phillips left his home on horseback, expecting to go to Mr. Wilborne-s. When he left he hardly able to mount his horse. Capt. Wilborne lives on the Jackson or lower Covington road, while Capt. Wilborne lives on the upper Covington road, which runs parallel with the road upon which Phillips lives. Phillips lives about two and one-fourth miles from town and Wilborne about one mile. The roads are about one mile apart hence through the plantation it is a little over one mile to Wilborne-s house.

Mr. Oscar Phillips, son of Capt. Phillips assisted his father off and say that he was very weak and was complaining of being very cold.

All day yesterday Mr. Monroe Phillips, Oscar Phillips and other near relatives of Capt. Phillips were in town, making preparation for the commitment trial. On the word of Oscar and Monroe Phillips, Capt. Wilborne was easy and stopped the organization of a posse that was being arranged by his deputy Mr. James H. Campbell, for he was assured that Phillips would surrender.

Late yesterday afternoon Oscar returned home to attend to his usual duties while Monroe Phillips and Mr. Persons went to Capt. Wilborne-s as above stated. Mr. Wilborne had prepared a room for Capt. Phillips and his clothes had been sent there for a change, as he had been on the scout and was wet and muddy.

About 7 o-clock last night Oscar heard that his father had not gone to Mr. Wilborne
S and began search for him. Mr. Person, a neighbor, was called to his assistance, and together they started on the path, which leads to Wilborne-s house. About half a mile from Capt. Phillips house they came upon him, lying flat on his back on the ground. He was not dead and Oscar returned home for help. On retracing his steps he found that his father had died in his absence. Corner J. W. Noles was telephoned for and empanelled a jury and held an inquest this morning. The following was the verdict returned by them:

-We, the jury empanelled and sworn to inquire into the cause of the death of W. H. Phillips, the deceased now before us, after the examination of the body and hearing the evidence, find that W. H. Phillips came to his death by natural causes.

Chas. E. Wellington, Foreman

Jackson Argus - Butts County
Week of August 20, 1897
 

Submitted by Don Bankston