Samuel A. Calhoun
Montgomery Monitor
Thursday February 8, 1912
Marshal Of Soperton Killed Saturday Night
S.A. Calhoun is Shot Down by Norris Holmes, Who is Badly Wounded. The killing of Town Marshal S.A. Calhoun of Soperton on Saturday night last by Norris Holmes of the same place was a shock to the community and the friends of Mr. Calhoun.
It seems that Holmes was handling a small rifle, when Marshal Calhoun asked him to put it up. Holmes turned and fired immediately upon Calhoun, who drew his pistol and returned the fire. The marshal was hit by the rifle ball, and died early Sunday morning. While trying to fire again at Calhoun, Holmes was hit in the left arm across which he held his rifle, the ball entering his body and has not been located. The wound may yet prove fatal, as he is paralyzed by the shot, and in a precarious condition.
"Salamander" Calhoun, as he was familiarly called by his friends, was popular as an officer and a man, and had served as marshal of Soperton for several years. He was the son of Mr. J.J. Calhoun of Tarrytown, and leaves a wife and two children. His remains were laid to rest at Harmony church Monday.
Holmes spent some time in the state sanitarium for the insane, but was discharged about two years ago. It is generally thought by those familiar with his actions that his mind was far from sound. It is a matter of deep regret that he was not kept confined. But such things are generally more apparent after some good man has been slain.
Later
On Tuesday night the pistol wound received by Holmes proved fatal and he breathed his last. Thus the end of a deplorable tragedy has been reached and another life has ceased. Norris Holmes was the son of Mr. C.L. Holmes, a well-known citizen of Soperton, who has been a resident of the town since its beginning.
Macon Telegraph
February 5, 1912
Town Marshal Dead
Assailant Will Die
Feb, 4. — Town Marshal Sam Calhoun is dead and Harris Holmes is fatally injured as a result of a shooting scrape here last night. Holmes was handling a .22 caliber rifle when Calhoun asked him to put it up. Instead, Holmes turned the gun on the marshal and fired, Calhoun then drew his pistol and returned the fire, mortally wounding Holmes. Calhoun died early today as a result of his injuries.
