The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-10-01
a TRAGEDY IN KENT COUNTY, VA

from the Richmond Whig. Sept. 2s.l
We are indebted To constable Robert =. Taylor OF
New Kent county, for the following particulars OF
one of the bolest and most cold bl0oded tragedies
which We have had 10 record even in these times
when crime riots In the land, and life and property
seem held as by mere thread. While the perpetra-
tors OF the dark and bloody crimes are about TO
picture are yet at large and while no human being
has vet come forward and told how or by whom the
crimes were committed. sin the chain OF circum-
stances il so complete that no one made acquainted
CONCLUSION that on saturday evening last John Ia
ker, colored man, alter coming from tile woods
Maee en- he ~, had ssen o at nus ns
widow woman, In the county OF New Kent, and that
while leaning on the pen and resting on his axe.
rying MIne balls: that he fell aud afterwards tried
to rise. but was Knocked down with the gun with
sufficient force 70 despatch him and break u at the
landing four hundred yards distant and there
stripped 10 ascertain, u II supposed, whether
he had any money about his person. IiIs shirt was
put on him hind part foremost as n In hurry, and
the barrel OF the broken gun tied TO his feet, after
which he was thrown into the river. His coat
which had the holes made by the balls passing
through it was not put on him again. but was left
hanging on stake near the RIVER bank. His body,
owing 10 the light weight attached 10 IL. did not
main long under water and Was discovered sunday
by some C0ored men,
The news spread rapidly, and soon nearly the en-
tire neghborhood, white and black, were ON the
ground.
John ID. Christian, Coroner Of the county being
appraised OF the discovery OF the body, ordered Con-
stable Taylor 20 summon jury AZ directed by law.
without much delay the following jury
was procured--,Tohn u. 0deIl 0oremanl Robert
Wright, James Chandler Richard L. GILLIAN, Fppa
Gilliam William Il. Call, Richard Boswell, James A.
Austin, Thomas w. Austin anu William A. burnett,
who, after examining the body. rendered n verdict
that he came To his death by a gunshot wound in
1icted by some person unknown.
The balls, which entered his left side and lodged IN
his right side, were extracted ~ the inquest They
were shown us by Mr.. Taylor In whose possession
they were yesterday. The gun barrel was loaded
when found and han the rsmrod, big end down.
ward, In It, from which IL In evident that the muir.
derer started 10 reload after Baker FELL but before he
could finish and draw his ramr0d Baker attempted
to rise. Then, 10 is surmised, he completed his fend-
sh work with the butt end OF his gnn. The axe,
upon which II Is supposed Baker was resting when
shot, was found midway between the hog pen and
1.-THE landing, IL had blood upon 1t.
No one doubts but that the object OF the murderer
in killing Baker was to get money, OF which he was
known TO have good deal. In fact II was generally
said by persons IN the neghborhood that he had
$1,000 In gold and silver though this may have been
an exaggeration OF the amount possessed by him.
He was also supposed always to carry . considerable
amount about his person.
The deceased was OF mixed negro and Indian
blood, and had always conducted himself with such
marked proprety that no colored man In New Kent
stood higher In his dealings he was always prompt
and reliable. To this merchant Of this city, with
whom he dealt for twenty years, bears testimony.
He owned farm, but rented and worked . part Of