Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-05-18
A TERRIBLE ARRAY.
TEN MEN SHOT TOWN IN THE STREETS
OF MARTINsvILLE.
A Bloody Fight Between the Terrys and
spencsrs- The Killed and
wounded-The Cause.
Especial telegram to the Dispatch.l

MARTiNsvILLE, VA, May IT,
Just as the sun was setting this evening the
most fearful tragedy that ever was enacted
In this county took place on fayette street
The shrill whistle nom the steam -engine
OF spencer Brothers factory rang out on
the clear and baimy evening air, and ere
Its sound had died away In the distant
hllls fayette street was alive with rollick-
Ing faetofy-banIs and employees. There
had been some slight suspicion that dis
tufbance would occur between the Nessrs
Terry and spencer. Among the surgsng
mass OF the gsiiy chanting employees were
seen going in the direction OF Spen-
GER Brothers factory Messrs. Ben, Jake,
and W. X. Terry. Coming In the oppo
site direction, meeting the Terrys. were
Colonel r. d.. j. d., and q. q. spencer
They met about halfway between the
Mountain View Hotel and the said factory
n distance of about 200 yards. Colonel +. -
spencer was called into the middle OF the
street by w. X. Terry. and was asked TO
apologize for an insulting circular issued
yesterday rejecting on Mr.. W. X. Terry.
Al this Junc'ure all the Terrys and Spencefs
had gathered In q group. together with sew
eral other friends OF the parties. i. ID.
Spencer insisted That that was no place to
settle the matter. and asked that
where the trouble could be settled
without jeopardizing the lives OF others
SeN eTal police officers appeared on the
scene aud tried TO effect the arrest OF all
parties. The difficulty seemed almost GER
tain TO be amicably settled for the time
being when some indiscreet person fred
pistol.
TERRIBLE FUsILADE.
Thereupon followed q regular fusilade. At
least y dozen revolvers flashed In the air.
The death. dealing missiles flew tb lex and
fast. rarely missing their prey. Every man
stood his ground with nerve and grit that
would do honor TO Romans In the space
OF two or three minutes nine men bit the
fol N a raHira nf fAat A 4
least three dozen shots were hred.
JAKE TERRY was shot IN the side and
killed.
The wounded are
Colonel J.. ID. SPENCER was SHOT In the
right side, the ball striking rib and fol-
lowing II around and coming out at the
back.
I. +. BROWN. shot painfully in the thigh
and seriously In the shoulder.
W. X. TERRY. shot In the LETT shoulder
near the spinal column. The ball Is supposed
to have passed into his lung. His wounds
are very serious.
BEN TERRY shot in the bowels and neck.
Wounds very serious.
b. l.. JoNEs. painfully wounded in the
thigh.
HUGH DYER, shot in the thigh.
Both of the GREGORYs were shot I'm the
back accidentally.
life wounds OF the Terrys and r. +. Brown
ore OF the most dangerous character. All
the parties are being cared for. and their
every want Is gratited.
now THE TROUBLE REGAIN.
The trouble began Friday night a circu-
lar letter was gotten up then and circulated
the following day, headed Martinsyille
Tax Bill" There were some rough illusions
i'm this article 10 the mayor and some OF the
Coun Gill; Mr.. w. X. Terry was thought 10
have had something to do with 10. sunday
morning circular was issued. In which Mr..
w. X. 1eTry's name was not used; yet the
inference was strong and the language was
very Insulting. This morning W. II. Terry
posted a card denOuncing the author as n
contemplate scoundrel. The noon trains
brought up his brothers Ben and Jake. and
the three demanded OF our newspaper man
the names OF the parties. This was given
with the above results. Thisatfair is deeply
deplorcd.
The Terrys are among the best people In
virginia. They are high. minded, honest.
ana inofiensive citizens. The Spencers are
also OF the best families They are splendid
business me n and hiEhly-esteemed, honor
able citizens. All this woe grew out OF q
little rough fun or Joke.
Our town rs bowed down with grief ~
this most terrible sequel to a little feud. y
coroners inquest Will be held tomorrow,
and warrants will be issued for outsidere
who took part in the shooting.