In 1906 Dr. T.B. Jackson, a prominent citizen and businessman of Altamont almost since that town started (previously of Macon, Mo.), was shot down in his drug store by Don Woodworth. Both men, known to be hot-tempered, apparently were in dispute over ownership of furniture.
This 1910 postcard scene displays Altamont Main Street, looking north.
About 7:45pm Woodworth approached the front of the drug store where Dr. Jackson was seated with Walter Gregg, John Easter, John McCall and Charles Noah. Woodworth asked Dr. Jackson to step inside the store with him. Those still seated outside heard the cash register ring, and the doctor to say “I will take what I need of you.” Then the shooting began.
Five shots were fired; four took effect with Dr. Jackson killed almost immediately. Woodworth was discovered coming out from behind the prescription case with pistol in hand, saying something about a knife. Woodworth surrendered to Constable Bobbitt, admitting that he had shot Dr. Jackson but claiming that Jackson approached him with the knife. A one pound weight was found in Dr. Jackson’s right pants pocket, from which it was presumed that Dr. Jackson anticipated trouble with Woodworth.
Woodworth had been occupying the hotel property belonging to Dr. Jackson adjoining the drug store, the latter demanding possession of his property. There was controversy between the two men as to the disposition of furniture, and it is supposed that this is what the murdered man referred to just before his death. The Gallatin Democrat reported that Woodworth bought cartridges from Elzie Kindig just before the shooting, remarking “That — poked a gun in my face and orderd me out a while ago.”
Dr. Jackson was a member of the Masonic Lodge at Gallatin and was buried by that order at the Creekmore Cemetery with exercises conducted by Gov. Dockery.
The verdict of a jury in the trial of Don Woodworth of Gallatin for killing Dr. T.H. Jackson of Altamont was the imposition of a fine of $500. The defendant claimed self defense against charges of murder in the fourth degree. Dudley, Selby and John Leopard assisted Prosecutor Hicklin, and the defense was conducted by E.M. Harbor, J.W. Alexander and Cruzen & Britton.
— reprinted from the Gallatin Democrat, Aug. 9, 1906
