In Farley on August 20, 1900, Sheriff John H. Dillingham responded to a double homicide with two deputies. On Main Street, Sheriff John Dillingham encountered the murderer, Dr. Sterling Price Harrington who was the town's doctor. Dr. Harrington and Sheriff Dillingham were friends and related by marriage. Dr. Harrington, who had murdered his mother-in-law and uncle-in-law the day before, was at Farley General store attempting to purchase more ammunition. He did not have enough money and attempted a robbery of the store. The general store owner pulled out a pistol and shots were exchanged between them. The clerk ran out of bullets and dropped his weapon saying he was shot. Dr. Harrington then left the store through the front door. There he encountered Sheriff Dillingham. Gunshots were exchanged and Dr. Harrington shot the Sheriff in the head, killing him instantly. The doctor then stepped over the sheriff's lifeless body. The sheriff’s twenty-three-year-old son Henry, a deputy, returned fire fatally wounding Dr. Harrington.