The Sheridan Post, Friday, November 25,1910:

AL COTTON SHOT DEAD
At his ranch at Decker near Montana line
By George Harris
Who, Angered by Domestic Troubles,
Insisted on Forcing Them Upon Attention of His Neighbor

Resident of Sheridan county were horrified and astounded Wednesday to learn of the murder of T. A. COTTON, an old-timer and one of the most widely known men of this section. The tragedy occurred on his Tongue river ranch, near Decker, Rosebud county, Montana, at 11:30 Wednesday morning. The murderer, George HARRIS, immediately came to Sheridan and gave himself up to the authorities. He is now in the jail at Forsyth, the county seat of Rosebud county.
 
Public sentiment ran so high Wednesday that threats of mob violence necessitated the prisoner's removal to Billings the same night.

HARRIS came in early in the afternoon and surrendered himself to the city police. He had evidently been drinking and was quite talkative, taking delight in narrating his story of the affair to all who would listen.

The murderer was turned over to Sheriff BENEFIEL immediately and was spirited out of the city early in the evening. He was taken to one of the mining camps in charge of Sheriff BENEFIEL where the train for Billings was boarded. At Billings the prisoner was turned over to Sheriff R. J. GUY of Rosebud county, Montana.

The news of the tragedy flashed over the city and county like wildfire. Prominent business men of this city, of quiet and peaceful disposition, were heard to mutter strange threats. Up in the Rosebud country there were but few men available. What few there were at home were up in arms immediately, and had HARRIS been caught before he reached Sheridan it would have gone hard with him.

The shooting occurred in front of the murdered man's house, in the presence of but one witness, his wife. There is some difference of opinion as to the causes which led up to the tragedy. There is also a wide variation between the prisoner's story and that told by the wife at the coroner's inquest, which was held yesterday. All kinds of stories of the details were afloat yesterday, but the statement of Mrs. COTTON is considered the only authoritative one.

According to HARRIS, who told substantially the same story to both the police and the sheriff, the trouble started over stock or a fence some matter pertaining to the ranch, at least.

It is known that there had been a dispute of some kind earlier in the morning, prior to the shooting. HARRIS states that COTTON at that time knocked him down and choked him. Going to his house, HARRIS procured a rifle and was riding along the road toward COTTON'S house, he says, when somebody called to him to put his gun down.

Failing to obey, whizzz a bullet came whistling past his head. He could not see where it came from and was in a dilemma as to what course to take, when another shot revealed the whereabouts of the marksman. HARRIS states that he saw COTTON in or beside his buggy, near his house. Alighting from his horse, he raised his gun and fired. The shot passed through the top of the buggy and COTTON fired again, a third time. Then it was that the fatal shot was fired, as COTTON was walking away from the buggy, presumably seeking shelter. This is the story told by the murderer, and would indicate that he has in mind a plea of justifiable homicide, in self-defense, when his case comes to trial. HARRIS appeared extremely vindictive in relating the incidents of the tragedy.

 When examined by the coroner yesterday afternoon, Mrs. COTTON told an entirely different tale, and incidentally, one that sounds more reasonable. Coroner ADAMS of Rosebud county came down to Sheridan yesterday on No. 42, and he, Undertaker SMITH of this city, Sheriff BENEFIEL and Deputy MOSSBURG went immediately to the scene of the shooting, about twenty-five miles northeast of the city.

 "Mr. COTTON and Mr. HARRIS had never had a bit of trouble," said Mrs. COTTON, until that morning. They had always been friends. HARRIS had even made a confidant of Mr. COTTON and had confided his troubles to Mr. COTTON, who advised with him and tried in every way to help him."

 "Wednesday morning the two men met and talked things over. In telling me about it later, Mr. COTTON said that they were discussing HARRIS' troubles at home, and he tried to smooth matters over as best he could. There was a difference of opinion on something or other, and one word led to another until HARRIS became angry. Picking up a club, he attempted to strike Mr. COTTON. My husband, being a larger man physically, took the club away and laughed at him, telling him to go home."

 "Although HARRIS called back, 'I'll get you yet,' as he left, Mr. COTTON did not take him seriously and made light of the incident in telling me about it."

 "During the morning Mr. COTTON and I drove out to a neighbor's house, and it was just after we had returned that the shooting had occurred. I had just gone into the house: Mr. COTTON was in the yard greasing the buggy."

 "Hearing Mr. COTTON call out, 'Stop there,' I rushed to the door and saw HARRIS on his horse, with his rifle drawn."

 " 'Al, he's going to shoot you,' I said."

 " 'No, he won't shoot,' Mr. COTTON replied, and then speaking to HARRIS, he told him to put his gun down."

 " 'You wouldn't shoot an unarmed man,' he said. 'If you want to go through he said go ahead, but put your gun down.' "

 " I was very much afraid HARRIS would shoot. Mr. COTTON told him not to get off his horse, but he paid no attention, alighted and immediately fired."

Mrs COTTON was somewhat confused as to the exact number of shots fired, stating it to be three or four. From her story and examination of the premises by the coroner, it is believed that HARRIS fired three shots from his Winchester and COTTON one shot from his shotgun. COTTON is supposed to have fired after HARRIS' second shot. Three empty rifle shells were found, two on the ground and the other at HARRIS' house, and one empty shotgun shell.

The inquest showed that the bullet entered the back of the head at the base of the brain, passed through the head and came out just below the right temple.

Mrs. COTTON was uncertain as to where Mr. COTTON got the shotgun, but presumes it was in the buggy at the time. Mr. COTTON frequently took the weapon along when going for a drive, for use in killing small game.

When it was seen that HARRIS meant business, Mrs. COTTON ran into the house and got Mr. COTTON'S six-shooter and handed it to him, but he did not use it.

"When HARRIS raised his gun to fire, Mr. COTTON told me to run and get out of the way. I had started toward him, but obeyed his command and ran behind a nearby shed. He had also started for shelter, and was probably 30 or 40 feet away from HARRIS, coming my direction, when he was shot."

 "When he fell I screamed and ran to him, holding his head and trying to stop the flow of blood. Of course he did not recognize me and must have died almost immediately. Seeing that it was useless to try to stop the bleeding, I ran down to the river band and called across to Mr. COTTON'S brother, who lives directly opposite. When I came back HARRIS was riding away from the body and that was the last I saw of him."

HARRIS stated to the police that he walked up to the dead body after shooting COTTON, and kicked it. He seemed to gloat over his revolting deed and said repeatedly that he shot to kill.

The only witness examined besides Mrs. COTTON was V. J. JORDAN, employed on the brother's ranch, across the river, who was the first to arrive on the scene after the shooting. His testimony revealed no additional facts in the case.

The body of the murdered man was brought to the city last night by the undertaker. Mrs. COTTON came down to Sheridan in the machine with the sheriff, deputy and coroner.

George HARRIS, the alleged murderer of COTTON, has lived in this vicinity for many years. In pioneer days he came west and settled near the Crow Agency. About fifteen years ago he disposed of his interests in Montana and bought a ranch on Tongue river, which was later sold to the Wyoming Coal Mining company and which is a part of their coal land holdings near Monarch.

HARRIS sold his ranch about ten years ago and moved to Sheridan. Here he was familiarly known as George IRISH, and many thought that this was his true name.

He is of a nervous, excitable nature, and at various times has had more or less trouble with his neighbors. He is known to police, having at one time, it is said, held off a former city marshal with a gun. He is also known to be subject to fits.

Al COTTON has lived in this vicinity since 1882. He has been engaged in different lines of business as well as ranching, and owned several city properties in addition to his ranch. For years he drove the stage and carried the mail between Sheridan and Birney, relinquishing the mail contract to his brother last summer. He was a charter member of the Sheridan Lodge No. 19, I. O. O. F. ; a member of the Congregational Brotherhood and affiliated with the Congregational church, and was known and respected as a substantial business man and law abiding citizen. He made his home in this city.

Mrs. COTTON'S father and mother arrived this afternoon from the east. A sister is expected to arrive within a day or two.

The funeral service will be held Sunday afternoon at the Baptist church, at 1:30 p. m., under the auspices of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The sermon will be preached by Rev. G. A. TRAUT of the Congregational church. The body will lie in state tomorrow afternoon at the Smith chapel on South Main street.

The Sheridan Post, Tuesday, November 29, 1910:

 Under the auspices of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows funeral services were conducted at the Baptist church, Sunday afternoon, over the remains of T. A. COTTON, who was murdered Wednesday of last week on his ranch on Tongue river. The church was filled to overflowing with both city and country people, who came to pay their respects to the dead.

 Deceased was born in Monroe county, Alabama, February 8th, 1856. There he lived until 4 years of age, when he was taken by his parents to Louisiana, where he was reared and educated. After the death of his mother, when a youth, he went to Texas, and from there trailed cattle up to Oregon. Returning to Colorado, he engaged in gold and silver mining for a time. He came to Sheridan when a young man 24 years of age,
 and this has been his home since.

There are left to mourn the departed, in addition to a host of friends, one sister, Sarah FOSTER of Selma, LA; his brother, Phillip, of Tongue river; and his wife, Inez MOORE COTTON, to whom he was united in marriage in June 1908.

The Sheridan Post, Friday, January 6, 1911:

HARRIS CASE CONTINUED

Attorney C.L. SACKETT of the firm Metz and Sackett has just returned from Forsythe, Montana where he went to look after the interests of one of the firms clients, George A. HARRIS, who is charged with the killing of AL COTTON of Sheridan.

The shooting in which COTTON lost his life occurred some weeks ago, just across the state line in Montana. HARRIS came to Sheridan and surrendered to authorities, but was later taken to Forsythe, where the trial will be held.

Mr. SACKETT secured a continuance of the trial until the next term of court.

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The Sheridan Post, Tuesday, April 18, 1911:

GEORGE HARRIS NOW ON TRIAL

Forsythe, Mont--April 17-- The first called in the morning in the Rosebud district court was that of the State of Montana vs. George HARRIS, who is charged with the murder of T.A. COTTON of Sheridan. Judge George PIERSON is on the bench and the state is represented by Prosecuting Attorney C.L. CRUM, assisted by ex-County Attorney HASKINS. Attorney F.V.H. COLLINS of Forsythe is in charge of the defense.

But little trouble was experienced in securing the jury, and at 3:30 this afternoon the panel was complete.

Mrs. T.A. COTTON, the widow of the man HARRIS killed was the first witness, but she was detained on the stand only a short time. Phil COTTON was the next witness called, and he was followed by Dr. MARSH, all of Sheridan. Only three witnesses were called today, and after Dr. Marshall left the stand, court adjourned until 9:00 Tuesday morning.

The attorney's for the defense have carefully concealed their plans of defense and are reticent regarding the moves they contemplate. At the present time it would seem that self-defense will be the plea of HARRIS, but it is possible, and even probable, that developments of the next few days will show that insanity will be the real defense.

The case has attracted much attention in Rosebud county and Forsythe is full of people who have come to hear the trial. Many witnesses have been subpoenaed, and the case will probably occupy many days.

The Sheridan Post, Friday, April 21, 1911:
GEO. HARRIS CONVICTED
Jury out 12 hours.

A verdict of manslaughter was returned yesterday morning by the jury in the case of the State of Montana vs. Geo. HARRIS, who was on trial at Forsythe, charged with the murder of Al COTTON. The penalty is from 1 to 20 years in the pen. Sentence will be passed on Saturday.

Contrary to the expectations of many familiar with the circumstances, insanity was not pleaded, HARRIS lawyers relying on the plea of self defense. HARRIS was put on the stand and made an excellent witness for himself. He claimed that COTTON fired the first shot, after first hailing him, and ordering him off the place. He denied in toto of the Chief of Police RICE of Sheridan, that after the shooting he told him he killed COTTON and that he had tumbled over like a blank tumbleweed, and that he went up to him and kicked him like a dashed prairie dog.

Several members of HARRIS family testified on his behalf, and their testimony verified the story told by the prisoner.

The case was given to the jury at 5 o'clock in the evening and a verdict was returned the following morning. The case for the defense was ably handled, and a verdict of acquittal was freely predicted prior to the announcement of the verdict.

HARRIS SENTENCED
The Sheridan Post, Tuesday, April 25, 1911

Ten years imprisonment in the penitentiary at hard labor is the punishment that was meted out by Judge Pierson to George HARRIS, the slayer of T.A. COTTON. Sentance was pronounced Saturday, and HARRIS will soon don the stripes at Deer Lodge and begin the expiation of his crime.

In passing sentence Judge PIERSON took occasion to say that he considered the sentence a light one and intimated that he believed the jury would have been justified in returning a verdict of guilty of a graver crime than manslaughter. The crime of which HARRIS was convicted was committed near Decker, Montana November23, 1910. Both the slayer and the murdered man resided in Sheridan.

The Sheridan Post, Tuesday, April 25, 1911:
Visiting in Omaha

Mrs. Florence (Inez?) COTTON, accompanied by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. MOORE, left for Omaha on Monday, where they will visit with a sister and a daughter, who resides in that city. Mrs. COTTON will return to Sheridan in June and Mr. and Mrs. MOORE will go to their home in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. MOORE came to Sheridan some weeks ago, and accompanied their daughter to Forsyth, Montana to be present at the trial of George HARRIS, the slayer of Mrs. COTTON'S husband.

Last modified on Monday, March 05, 2001