From the court records of Goliad County, Texas. On 20 Jul 1859 Benjamin Sheldon was shot by Alexander Selser (sometimes spelled Sulser, Sulsor), in the doorway of Benjamin’s home in Helena. Benjamin died within 24 hours. It was noted that Alexander lived and worked on Benjamin’s farm and that the murder occurred due to Benjamin’s outspoken stance against slavery.
| State of Texas vs Alexander Selser, Indictment for the Murder of Benjamin Sheldon | ||
| Session | Page | Text of Minute |
| Spring 1860 | 124 | continued for service. |
| Spring 1861 | 156 | continued for service, alias capias to issue. |
| Spring 1862 | 191 | Indictment for murder, cause continued to next term. |
| Spring 1864 | 209 | Indictment for murder, this cause is continued until the next term of this court. |
| Fall 1864 | 217 | Indictment for murder, this cause is continued until the next term of this court. |
| Spring 1865 | 223 | Indictment for murder, this cause is continued |
| Spring 1866 | 243 | continued for service. |
| Fall 1866 | 270 | continued for service. |
| Fall 1867 | 336 | This cause continued for service. |
| Spring 1868 | 372 | This cause continued for service. |
| Fall 1868 | 412 | This day comes the District Attorney in behalf of the state and says he will no further present this suit whereupon it is verdict by the court that this cause be dismissed. |
