This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Xd.2ADE/1415 Message Board Post: Sweetwater Telephone, (Monroe Co. TN) Thursday, May 2, 1907: “John Bellamy Shot---John Bellamy, son of T.C. Bellamy who resides near Sweetwater, is reported to have been seriously shot on Wednesday of last week at Columbus, Ga., by a man named Frank Reed. Thomas Bellamy left on Thursday for Columbus to attend on his brother, and information received from him by letter regarding the shooting and the condition of the wounded brother is in substance as follows: A finger ring had been raffled off and a dispute arose as to the right party receiving it. The dispute resulted in a slight “scrap” between Bellamy and Reed, neither party being hurt, but, after which, Reed went to his boarding house, and later when Bellamy was passing along the street shot from a second story window, the ball taking effect in Bellamy’s left shoulder ranging down through his lung probably lodging near the spinal column, as he is reported to be paralyzed from his hips down. He is in a precarious condition, and while it is to be hoped that he will recover, there seems to be some doubt, and should he live it is feared that he will not recover from the paralysis. Reed is in jail.” Sweetwater Telephone, (Monroe Co. TN) Thursday, June 13, 1907: “Mr. John Bellamy, who was shot at Columbus, Ga., on April 24, 1907, by Frank Reed, and who was brought from that place to the home of his father, Mr. T.C. Bellamy near Sweetwater, on May 26, died at 2 o’clock Monday morning, June 10, his 24th birthday. Funeral services were held at the residence at 12:30 Monday, conducted by Rev. J.L. Prater, assisted by Rev. S.G. Grubb, after which the body was taken to the Greenbriar graveyard and interred. Mr. Bellamy professed faith in Christ since he was shot, and joined the Methodist church, his letter being placed in the church here last Sunday. The last day he lived he talked a great deal---spoke of how he regretted that he had not given his heart to God early in life, and urged upon his brothers, sisters and friends who were unconverted to give their hearts to God and meet him in Heaven, which they promised to do. He was cool in his remarks, and was willing to go. His great faith in God made a deep impression upon all who visited him. He has been a power for good during his short Christian experience. Miss Annie Vanzant to whom he was to have been married on last Sunday, who has been with him since his disaster, deserves much credit for the close attention and for so tenderly and untiringly caring for him as far as she could during his suffering. It was a true expression of pure love. She has made many friends while here, whose deepest sympathy for her in this sad bereavement and best wishes go with her back to her home at Columbus. The bereaved family of the deceased have the sympathy of all.”