Brann The Iconoclast, vol 12 | Page 9

beyond, where the soul was soon to be. If the ear of the dying
man, who gave every indication of consciousness, caught the words of
his baby, his death was made happy, even with the pain that racked his
wounded form. He saw the anguish of the wife and children, it was to
comfort them with a last word that he sought to speak the last word that
he could not utter. At 2.20 it was seen that death was upon him, and the
rapid gasp for breath plunged the entire family into violent weeping.
Mrs. Davis had controlled herself as best she could. The long hours
were spent in a labored effort to hold back the anguish of her bleeding
heart, but when she saw her husband in the last moments of death she
could control herself no longer. Death came at 2.30 o'clock.
The dissolution of Tom E. Davis was known upon the streets within a
few minutes and the regret of the people was freely expressed.
Tom E. Davis was 42 years of age. He was born in Waco and was the
son of Judge James F. Davis, a pioneer settler of Waco. Tribune readers
who have lived here twenty years or more will remember Judge Davis.
From 1876 to 1878 he was one of the two justices of the peace in Waco.
He has followed the life of a railroad man for many years, but finally
gave it up to locate in his native city. He has been engaged in the real
estate business recently. He was well thought of in this city, had many
friends, was a man of genial, jovial nature, and was a good citizen. His
death is mourned by a large number. Surviving him is his wife and six
children, James F., Flossie, Mattie, Lillian, Margery and Nellie, the
eldest being sixteen and the youngest two years old. In addition to
those mentioned, who were at the death- bed, was his sister, Mrs.

Margaret Allen.
Saturday afternoon Drs. J. C. J. King, Frank Ross, A. M. Curtis and N.
A. Olive made an examination of the wounds of T. E. Davis. Justice W.
H. Davis had, viewed the body and the examination was made at the
request of Sheriff John W. Baker. They could trace four bullets as
having struck Mr. Davis. While there were a number of wounds, the
surgeons found that the same bullet made more than one or two holes.
Two were found to have struck in the left shoulder about the same
place. One of these came out at the back and the other passed around
the chest wall and lodged near the spine near the waist. One went
externally in the chest and came out of the arm-pit, and another made a
flesh wound in the arm.
W. H. WARD.
HIS WOUNDS--ARRESTED AND HELD.
W. H. Ward, business manager for Brann's lecture tour, and an intimate
friend of the Apostle, was arrested Friday night, as stated above. Baker
& Ross, and Charles R. Sparks were retained as his attorneys and he
was arraigned before Justice W. H. Davis at once, on a charge of
assault with intent to murder. Mr. Sparks appeared in court and waived
all formalities and the question of the amount of the bond was
discussed. Mr. Sparks suggested $4,000 and this was agreed upon and
fixed by the justice. Mr. Waller S. Baker was out of the city at the time,
and after presenting a certified check for the amount of the bond, Mr.
Sparks decided to await Mr. Baker's return before acting in the matter.
When Mr. Baker arrived at 10.30 o'clock there was some talk on the
streets of a mob, and it was decided that Ward would be safer in jail
awaiting developments. When Mr. Davis died Deputy Constable Cliff
Torrence went before Justice Davis and made complaint charging
murder.
Mr. Ward had come down town Friday to meet his brother whom he
was expecting to arrive from Tyler. He joined Mr. Brann on the street,
and while they were together the tragedy occurred.
Mr. Ward was at Mr. Brann's burial Sunday afternoon accompanied by
Mr. Baker. His wounded hand was bandaged and in a sling. At the jail
he had been called on by many friends and telegrams from various:
points, proffering aid and sympathy, came to him. Ward was greatly
moved by the death of Brann. He did not talk much of the tragedy, but

to a Tribune reporter, who went to the jail Sunday to see him, Ward
said:
"I do not at this time care to discuss the details. I wish, however, to
deny the statement that I participated in the shooting or had a pistol. I
did not expect a difficulty and the first shot startled me