In 1869 the annals of Clayton township [Taylor County, Iowa] were marked by a crime. Davis and his brother Daniel GRIFFITH and Jesse KNOUSE were neighbors. The GRIFFITH's hogs were feeding on the good things that were growing on the property of KNOUSE. KNOUSE went gunning with a six shooter for the hogs. The GRIFFITHS couldn't stand that and went over to talk with Mr. KNOUSE. A fight ensued, in which Mr. KNOUSE shot Daniel twice while he was running from him, once in the neck and once in the arm. Daniel was shot dead by Mr. KNOUSE. Afterwards the murderer quietly went to Squire WALKER's and wanted to pay his fine, saying he had killed a couple fellows. Hon. L. T. McCONN who defended him, secured a change of venue to Ringgold county. He was found guilty of murder in the second degree by Judge James G. DAY. Mr. KNOUSE was sentenced to life in prison. An appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court was made and the sentence was reversed. In a new trial in Ringgold county Mr. KNOUSE was found guilty of manslaughter by Judge James W.MCDILL and was sentenced to five years in prison. He served only three months and was pardoned by Governor Samuel MERRILL.

Daniel GRIFFITH was survived by his wife Roxanna (DILLEY) and two sons William D. and Robert C.