The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1879-11-06
FA1R PAY, s. C.. Oct. 30. 1870

FAIR PLAY, >. u, OCT. 5u, 1879.
Mr.. EDITOR: There was quite an excite
| ment here last night caused by an unpro-
voked attack upon W. R. Parker, colored,
by three men from Georgia. would rather
say that it was an intended attack, as cir
cumstances prevented it. The parties from
Georgia were named Sam Knox, the prin-
cipal person concerned, and the two
Finches, George and Boy. Parker went to
Georgia on last Monday, the 9th inst, to
sell cotton, when he was accosted at Lavo-
mia, in Franklin County, by Knox, without
any provocation whatever, and kicked
about by him. Parker requested him to
cease, saying that he did not desire to get
into any difficulty with him, and, his re-
quest not being noticed, Parker put all end
to the fight by choking Knox, and then
making bis way back to this State. Knox
was greatly offended with Parker, and on
the night of the 29th came over to this
State, accompanied by the two Finches, for
retaliation. When the party reached Fair
Play they were very much under the inhu-
ence of whiskey, and acted in very bois-
ferrous manner. They reached here,
think, about 5 p m. They did not tarry
long here, but soon set out to find the resi-
idence of Bill Parker, but they had not pro-
ceeded far before they missed the road, and
called out Tom Parker, colored, who lived
near by, to ask the way, but before he could
party, supposed to be George Finch, but for
shut himself up in his house and cried lusti-
ly for aid. He appeared to be very much
frightened. Messrs. L. l.. Jarrard and
R. F. Pullcn, hearing the noise and shoot
ing, went out, accompanied. by several ne
groes, to see what was up. When they
were in short distance Of the negro's
house, George Finch fred on one of the ne
groes in the crowd named Sam Pew, but,
again, he fortunately missed his mark. He
was about to fire on Mr.. Pullen, when he
was stopped by Mr.. Knox. AS soon as
there was little quiet, Sam Pew stepped
up and accused Finch of shooting at him.
Finch replied that he did, and would do so
again, in the meantime lie was getting ready
to carry his threat into execution. Pew
told him to fire, he at the same time firing
on Finch; he shot twice at him and took to
his heels through the woods, Finch firing
at him with a double -barrelled shotgun,
loaded with buck-shot. How the negro es.
capped is mystery, but only one ball passed
through his boot leg, inficting no. wound
Finch claims that the negro shot him in the
leg. There was no possible chance of quiet
lulS Iucu. Ivy oOAChOn NAooP
peired from the crowd during all the shoot
ing; think he was in search of his horse,
which had escaped from him. They soon
left here to find Bill Parker, who had gone
to Anderson that day with load of cotton.
Not finding him at home, they shot his dog
and made search of the premises for him,
treating his wife rather roughly, and firing
off their guns. They were in Fair Play this
morning, and again visited the house of
Parker, and, not finding him, returned to
Georgia, saying that they intended to find
him and punish him. They may return to-
night. Warrants have been issued for the
three, and the constable will be on the look
out for them should they return. They
also threaten Sam Pew.
The whole affair is deeply deplored by
the community, and the people, l think,
will endeavor to prevent any injury to Par,
ker or Sam Pew. It is entirely personal
matter, politics having nothing to do with
it. I give you the facts as have gathered
them from eye witnesses, and will at pres.
ent refrain from saying anything in regard
td'the matter, until can see more clearly
how it will end. G.