Born: July 15,1835 in Butler County, Kentucky; Died: Oct 28, 1893 in Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas; Parents were John Wesley Lee and Nancy A Shelton. (They owned the property where the Battle of Pea Ridge was fought.) Married to Martha R Heath. They had ten children. He was a Mason and a Confederate Veteran of the Civil War, serving in several major battles. He was a well respected citizen of Benton County and occupations included: Merchant, Deputy Sheriff, Farmer, carpenter and community activest. While in Fayetteville, attending court as a witness, he was murdered by Sam Dilsworth. Mr Dilsworth was found guilty of murder in the second degree in May 1894, and sentenced to 21 years in the state penitentiary.
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The Springdale News from The Sentinel
November 3, 1893
Sylvester Lee, usually known among his friends as Sil Lee, a citizen of Benton County, who was attending court here as a witness in the Wilson forgery case, was shot to death Saturday night by Sam Dilsworth, a night watchman. The crime was committed at the wagon yard opposite Kell & Davenport's livery stable, East Mountain street. As we have been able to gather the facts it seems Lee had been joking Dilsworth when the latter offered Lee ten dollars to knock off his star. Lee did so when Dilsworth commenced firing on him, killing Lee instantly. Lee was about 65 years old and a peaceable, good citizen, much given to joking. Our circuit court is now in session and the grand jury will no doubt make a speedy investigation. We forbear further comment.
The body of Mr. Lee was taken to the depot by his many friends here Sunday evening and shipped to Garfield where it was taken in charge by his family for interment. Mr. Wade Sykes of Rogers, Lee's brother in law, and several other friends came down on the morning train and accompanied the body to Garfield.
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The Springdale News from The Sentinel
November 3, 1893
Sylvester Lee, usually known among his friends as Sil Lee, a citizen of Benton County, who was attending court here as a witness in the Wilson forgery case, was shot to death Saturday night by Sam Dilsworth, a night watchman. The crime was committed at the wagon yard opposite Kell & Davenport's livery stable, East Mountain street. As we have been able to gather the facts it seems Lee had been joking Dilsworth when the latter offered Lee ten dollars to knock off his star. Lee did so when Dilsworth commenced firing on him, killing Lee instantly. Lee was about 65 years old and a peaceable, good citizen, much given to joking. Our circuit court is now in session and the grand jury will no doubt make a speedy investigation. We forbear further comment.
The body of Mr. Lee was taken to the depot by his many friends here Sunday evening and shipped to Garfield where it was taken in charge by his family for interment. Mr. Wade Sykes of Rogers, Lee's brother in law, and several other friends came down on the morning train and accompanied the body to Garfield.
Born: July 15,1835 in Butler County, Kentucky; Died: Oct 28, 1893 in Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas; Parents were John Wesley Lee and Nancy A Shelton. (They owned the property where the Battle of Pea Ridge was fought.) Married to Martha R Heath. They had ten children. He was a Mason and a Confederate Veteran of the Civil War, serving in several major battles. He was a well respected citizen of Benton County and occupations included: Merchant, Deputy Sheriff, Farmer, carpenter and community activest. While in Fayetteville, attending court as a witness, he was murdered by Sam Dilsworth. Mr Dilsworth was found guilty of murder in the second degree in May 1894, and sentenced to 21 years in the state penitentiary.
--------------------------
The Springdale News from The Sentinel
November 3, 1893
Sylvester Lee, usually known among his friends as Sil Lee, a citizen of Benton County, who was attending court here as a witness in the Wilson forgery case, was shot to death Saturday night by Sam Dilsworth, a night watchman. The crime was committed at the wagon yard opposite Kell & Davenport's livery stable, East Mountain street. As we have been able to gather the facts it seems Lee had been joking Dilsworth when the latter offered Lee ten dollars to knock off his star. Lee did so when Dilsworth commenced firing on him, killing Lee instantly. Lee was about 65 years old and a peaceable, good citizen, much given to joking. Our circuit court is now in session and the grand jury will no doubt make a speedy investigation. We forbear further comment.
The body of Mr. Lee was taken to the depot by his many friends here Sunday evening and shipped to Garfield where it was taken in charge by his family for interment. Mr. Wade Sykes of Rogers, Lee's brother in law, and several other friends came down on the morning train and accompanied the body to Garfield.
--------------------------
The Springdale News from The Sentinel
November 3, 1893
Sylvester Lee, usually known among his friends as Sil Lee, a citizen of Benton County, who was attending court here as a witness in the Wilson forgery case, was shot to death Saturday night by Sam Dilsworth, a night watchman. The crime was committed at the wagon yard opposite Kell & Davenport's livery stable, East Mountain street. As we have been able to gather the facts it seems Lee had been joking Dilsworth when the latter offered Lee ten dollars to knock off his star. Lee did so when Dilsworth commenced firing on him, killing Lee instantly. Lee was about 65 years old and a peaceable, good citizen, much given to joking. Our circuit court is now in session and the grand jury will no doubt make a speedy investigation. We forbear further comment.
The body of Mr. Lee was taken to the depot by his many friends here Sunday evening and shipped to Garfield where it was taken in charge by his family for interment. Mr. Wade Sykes of Rogers, Lee's brother in law, and several other friends came down on the morning train and accompanied the body to Garfield.
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