Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
On Friday, June 13, 1902, a grand celebration, called the Big Union Picnic, was enjoyed by many residents of Madison, Hamilton and Suwannee Counties. The festive spirit was brought about by the completion of the iron bridge across the Withlacoochee River, in the vicinity of Blue Spring. County Commissioner W.H. Dial, Jr. and Will Taylor sought contributions from local businesses to provide a dancing pavilion, free water and lemonade for the occasion. The large gathering was a perfect opportunity for folks from the three counties to get to know each other.
Just a few days after the picnic, tragedy struck in nearby Hanson. William Hollingsworth, a man of good esteem and well liked throughout the community, was shot to death by a man whom Hollingsworth had taken into his care. The man took Hollingsworth's pistol from his home and approached him while he was plowing a field, killing him on the spot. Hollingsworth's wife and young children were left to mourn this horrible tragedy. His final words, whispered to his wife, were, “Wife, I am innocent.” No motive for the crime was reported.