McCULLOM, George, Beeville Bee, 23 Jul 1909, Front Page:

George McCullom was Killed and Wayman Ellis Waived Examination and gave a $20,000 bond.

George McCullom was shot and killed at the corner of Washington and Bowie Street on Monday 
shortly before noon by Wayman Ellis of Berclair. The shooting grew out of a difficulty Mr. McCullom 
had with Wayman's father on the Saturday previous and which it was thought had been amicably 
settled.  On Saturday J. V. Ellis was approached by McCullom, who complained that one of the Ellis 
boys and some cow hands had gone through his fence and trespassed on his pasture. The charge 
was refuted, one word brought on another and McCullom struck the elder Ellis and also kicked him 
in the stomach.

They were cited to appear in Justice Court on Monday to answer a charge of fighting. Apprehensive 
that further trouble might arise, mutual friends interfered to secure the consent of both parties to plead 
guilty and pay their fines and quietly drop the matter. This it is said was agreed to by all concerned and 
was also suggested by Wayman Ellis to his father over the telephone when he heard of the incident.

On Monday, Wayman came to town to receive some horse stock which he had purchased at Alice and 
which was to arrive in the evening. He was met at the corner of Washington and Bowie Street by W. J. 
Staton, who had interested himself as a peacemaker and the peace agreement was mentioned to him. 
He expressed his satisfaction over it and about that time McCullom came along and Ellis excused 
himself to Staton, stating that he would talk over the matter with George. They stopped a few paces 
distant, just around the corner, some words were spoken and the men were seen to clinch and before 
anyone could intervene, three shots were fired and McCullom fell backwards. Staton, who was 
endeavoring to intervene, was the first to reach him and he died without speaking. Two shots took 
effect, one in the hip and the other in the left breast, ranging downward and making its exit to the left 
of the spine.

Ellis was immediately taken into custody and was given an examining trial before Justice Gillett on 
Tuesday afternoon. The defense waived examination and his bond was placed at $20,000 which he 
gave with his father and brother-in-law, Dr. J. B. Hunter, of Skidmore as sureties.

The funeral of George McCullom took place Tuesday morning from the residence of his mother, Mrs. 
L. F. Roberts, the interment being in the new cemetery.  Mr. McCullom was in his fortieth year, a native 
of this county and a member of a well known family here.  He leaves his wife, nee Miss Florence 
Robinson, whom he married about two years ago, and an aged mother, a brother and several sisters to 
mourn his untimely taking off. 

Wayman Ellis, likewise, is a native of this county and a young man about twenty four years. For several 
years past he has been a resident of Goliad County where he has extensive interest and is County 
Commissioner and Deputy Sheriff.

Both the young men bearing good reputations naturally have many mutual friends who regret the 
deplorable affair and be it said to the credit of all, there is no disposition to engender a feud but to let 
the law take its course.



Beeville Bee, 9 Aug 1912, Front page:

Wayman Denzel ELLIS was Acquitted. He was acquitted in the second trial held in Gonzales County 
that resulted in a verdict for the defendant. The case of Wayman D. Ellis, the trial of which was entered 
in the Gonzales County District Court last Friday was given to the jury Monday night after deliberating 
two hours, returned a verdict of acquittal.

The charge against the defendant was based on the killing of George H. McCULLOM, in this city 
July 19, 1909. The case has been a memorable one, both parties to the tragedy being prominently 
connected and has been vigorously fought on both sides. The case was tried once in this county and 
the jury failing to agree, after which it was transferred to Gonzales County where another mistrial resulted. 
Over a hundred witnesses were in attendance from this county.