Harmon Turner Yancey

Helena Marshal Killed By Negro
Negro's Body Burned
Mr. Yancey Was Former Butts Citizen
Mr. H. T. Yancey, marshal at Helena and a former citizen of Butts county, was killed in a pistol duel with a negro named Harry Finch, who in turn was killed by the officer, Monday night. Marshal Yancey received a telegram at midnight to arrest the negro, accused of shooting a deputy sheriff in Jacksonville, Fla., recently, and when he commanded the black to halt he was shot through the heart by the negro. Mr. Yancey drew his pistol and shot the negro six times, all shots taking effect.
The body of the negro, who was known as a "bad nigger" was burned Tuesday by the enraged citizens of Helena.
Mr. Yancey was the son of Mr. William Yancey, who moved to South Georgia several years ago. Besides his parents he is survived by his wife, and three small children, four sisters, Mrs. J. T. McClure, Mrs. C. B. Hodges, of Butts county, Mrs. Riley Mason, of Henry county, Mrs. Mary Gresham, of South Carolina; two brothers, Messrs. Arthur and Dude Yancey.
Much regret is felt here by friends of the family over the unfortunate tragedy. Marshal Yancey was to have retired Tuesday afternoon.

(Butts County Progress - January 9, 1914)

Submitted by V. S. Harrison