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Allison Murders - 1875
A crime that captured the nation's attention.
Around midnight, a drunken Jo and Teek Brassell, Dol Bates, and Dob Johnson traveled to the Allison House with the intent to rob the occupants of the $4000 believed to be stored in the house. During the robbery, Teek killed Russ Allison. The next day during their apprehension, Teek killed John Allison, a brother to Russ.
Jo and Teek Brassell were tried, convicted, and hung for the murder of Russ Allison. Dol Bates served six years in the Tennessee State Prison. Dop Johnson turned States Evidence and was never tried for any crime.
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Brassell Brothers
Joseph and George Andrew "Teek" Brassell were hanged 27 March 1878 on Billy Goat Hill.
Stagecoach Robbery - 1882
A robbery that shocked the community.
Early in the morning of 30 October 1882, Bugg Hunt, John Edwards and Tom Edwards stopped a stagecoach on it's way to Lebanon. At gunpoint, the passengers were robbed of their belongings.
Bugg Hunt and John Edwards were captured, tried and served time in a Federal Prison. Tom Edwards was never caught.
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Stagecoach
From the National Archives
New Courthouse - 1900
On 13 May 1899, the Putnam County Court House burned.
How the fire started is a mystery. It was believed at the time that someone started the fire in the Circuit Court room. Many of the county records were lost.
After taking bids from several contractors, Joe F. Yeargin was contracted to build the new courthouse. It was completed about 1900.
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Putnam County Courthouse
The new Putnam County Courthouse, circa 1900.