When: August 1886
Location: Jefferson Courthouse, Jefferson, GA, USA
Source: Athens Weekly Banner Watchman
Summary: A man called Tom Smith was accused by Capt. Ritch of something he deemed to be “a damned lie” and a brawl broke out in the courthouse hallway. Law and disorder you might say.
Apparently in the weeks prior, Jerry had busted Mr. Smith’s still – however it was earlier issues between the 2 men within their church which created the bad blood that led to a WWE-worthy fight, The fracas involved an axe handle, a knife and Jerry’s son John in addition to the original 2 participants.
Jeremiah Ritch 