The affray took place about half a mile from the place of worship, near some wagons loaded with liquor and provisions.

Two men, James H.Norris and William D.Armstrong, were indicted for the crime.

Norris was tried in Mason County, convicted of manslaughter, and sentenced to the penitentiary for a term of eight years.

The popular feeling being very high against Armstrong in Mason County, he took a change of venue to Cass County, and was there tried (at Beardstown) in the spring of 1858.

Hitherto Armstrong had had the services of two able counsellors; but now their efforts were supplemented by those of a most determined and zealous volunteer.