June 26, 1862
Cold Blooded Murder.--We learn that a most willful murder was committed the other day in Jackson County, near Ripley. William Shamblin, a notorious secessionist, was shot dead, whilst grubbing in a field, by Elijah W. Cotrell, his brother-in-law. A family feud has been for a long time existing between the parties. Shamblin has been quite prominent in the rebellion. Whilst Wise was in Jackson County, he (Shamblin) burned the dwelling of S. B. Dewees, and was shot and left upon the ground for dead. He receovered, however, and although he was indicted for treason, he succeeded in dodging the Marshal and escaping an arrest. Cotrell was a soldier in the United States army, but was at home on a furlough. After shooting Shamblin, we wrote and posted in various places a notice, stating that he was the author of the deed, that no one else should suffer. He states that he killed Shamblin because Shamblin had threatened to kill him.
Cotrell has been arrested and, at last accounts, was being examined by the Justices of Jackson County. He belongs to Co. D, 11th Virginia Regiment.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: Undated: June 1862