On August 4th, 1875, the town of Bentonville was abuzz with word that Columbus Handcock was found murdered at his home in White Hollow near the White River. The sheriff took no time in rounding up the suspects he believed murdered Mr. Handcock.  The sheriff, J. H. McClinton, arrested Cornellius Hammom and Girsham P. Hoytt who soon were indicted in the murder of Columbus Handock.