28 November 1855
The Mobile Register of Firday [sic], says:
"Mr. Wm. H. Trone, one of the best known and most esteemed citizens of Mobile, was killed last night in front of the Battle House, by a man named Banks, who we understand lives in Lowndes county, Mississippi. The unhappy man, who has thus involved himself in the crime of murder, and taken without reason or provocation tho life of a most worthy and respectable gentleman, was, it seems, well nigh crazy from the effects of liquor. It appears that the parties were acquainted, and meeting casually at the door of the Battle House bar room, Trone spoke to Banks, when the latter, with insane fury, fired a pistol into his bosom. Mr. Trone lived but a few minutes, and Banks was promptly arrested and conveyed to the guard house.
Evening Star (Washington, DC)
28 November 1855
... Wm. H. Trone, who was killed lately in Mobile by Thomas G. Banks, formerly resided in Prince William county, Va.
Alexandria Gazette
1 December 1855
Murder of Mr. Trone at Mobile
The telegraph has already announced that Mr. Wm. H. Trone, a highly respectable citizen of Mobile, formerly of Virginia, was shot in the bar-room of the Battle House, on the evening of 2ed ult. by one Thomas G. Banks, of Columbus, Miss. The Evening News of Friday says:
It appears that Mr. Trone, when in the bar-room of the Battle House, was accosted by Mr. Banks, with whom he had some slight acquaintance, and invited by him to "take a drink." Mr. Trone courteously declined, whereupon Banks instantly discharged at him the contents a single barrel pistol which he held in his hand. Two balls entered the throat of his victim, cutting the carotid artery and causing death in about ten minutes.
Mr. Trone walked rapidly across the room, and fell to rise no more. A road of blood distinctly marked his track upon the floor of the room,and when we saw him he was gasping for breath, and deluged in gore. It was a "story sight" to look upon.
Banks was immediately secured and placed in confinement. He had, we are informed, been in a state of intoxication during the afternoon, and seemed to be quarrelsome, brandishing a pair of pistols in his hands. No difficulty -- no disagreement had, as far as we can learn, taken place between the deceased and Banks -- intoxication, drink, and the habit of carrying concealed weapons, are at the bottom of this shocking murder.
Mr. Trone was a frank, chivalrous, well-meaning and generous gentleman and his death under the circumstances, is to be deeply deplored.
Daily Dispatch
2 April 1857
CONVICTED OF MANSLAUGHTER -- Thomas G. Banks, who shot and killed Wm. H. Trone, of Va., at the Battle House in Mobile, was found guilty of manslaughter, on the 20th ult., and fined $500. The case had been removed from Mobile to St. Stephens, Ala.
[William H. Trone is buried in Magnolia Cemetery, Mobile, Alabama. On his headstone he was born October 22, 1812 in Prince William County. -- cgl]
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