Vance Wilson of Smithville, DeKalb County, killed his father-in-law, Franklin Odom, in Woodbury, Cannon County, on July 4, 1881.  The incident was a row growing out of politics.  Wilson was arrested near his house in Smithville.  He has been in hiding for more than 22 years.

A more in-depth and detailed prognosis of the story continues from the Tennessee County History by Thomas G. Webb, 1986, “On July 4, 1903, the Cannon County Sheriff with a group of his deputies surrounded a house near Jacobs Pillar United Methodist Church,” three miles from the Webb House, past Jennings Lane, and onto Jacob’s Pillar Road in Smithville.

“The local citizens demanded that Vance Wilson surrender to them, which he did with no resistance, 22 years to the day after he allegedly murdered his wife’s father, Franklin Odom (the grandfather of DeKalb County Sheriff, John Odom). 

“On July 4, 1881, Wilson and his father-in-law had argued over a hired farm employee (not a slave).  In the heat of the argument, Wilson allegedly pulled out a pistol and shot and killed Odom.  The event took place in neighboring Cannon County, but Vance Wilson was placed in the Rutherford County jail for safe-keeping because there were citizens talking about his lynching.  On the night of September 11, 1881, a group of Wilson’s friends and relatives rode to the jail in Murfreesboro and broke him out.”

“Wilson was immediately placed in hiding, where he remained for the next 22 years.  Most of his time was spent in DeKalb County, where his family moved soon after he left jail.  In the daytime, Wilson hid in the upstairs or in the barn; he sometimes received exercise by working in the garden by moonlight.  At times, he was moved to the houses of other relatives, usually at night, but occasionally at daylight, disguised as a woman!  Wilson’s wife and children had to be careful to never let a neighbor see or hear anything suspicious.”

Continuing, “After 22 years of this existence, Vance was finally recaptured.  White-haired and 68-years-old (my age), Wilson was placed in the Davidson County jail; however, bond was set for him and he returned home to Smithville.  He died in 1904 of natural causes, still unconvicted of the crime of which he was accused.”

In conclusion, most criminal cases in Smithville, DeKalb County, in 1880 were drug and alcohol offenses, various forms of stealing, and worthless checks.  Other criminal behavior was relatively unusual. Although there have been occasional murders, a number of which have remained unsolved.