Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-08-21
HOMICIDE.
4 YoRxsa CITIZEN oYrxrERsguRG IN.
srANTLy KILLED.
xArsieuisrs Of a Sad Tragedy Letter from
Congressman fiaines--other
News NotsS

A sad tragedy occurred near Cnurcn-
Road Crossing, on the Norfolk and West
ern railroad, in Dinwiddie county, Satur-
Say evening. The victim was Mr.. Ayl-
mcr @. Pyne, n former wcll-known citi-
zen OF Petersburg, who leaves many near
relatives and warm friends here. The
teleeraphc announcement OF Mr.. Pynes
death was received here about 3 O'Clock
on Sunday morning, and the first train
for the West carried mp friend and
coffin in which to place the body.
From gentleman who visited the
scene Of the tragedy the following par
ticulars are learned: Mr.. A. q. Pyne and
Mr.. GouIdy Elan were sub contractors
for wood near Church Roads. Several
months ago Mr.. Pyne, at the solicitation
of Mr.. Elam, became security for the
payment OF bin OF $3.50 for a pair OF
boots purchased by Mr.. Elan. About
two months ago this bill was sent TO mr.
Pyne with reinstatement that he would TO
held responsible for il, as the amount
could not be made out OF Mr.. Elan. Mr..
Pyue was evidently irriisted by the nom
payment of the bill, and subsequently
sentword 10 Mr.. Elam that II he did not
pay IL he would hold him personally re-
ipousiblo After receiving this message
Mr.. Elam armed hInnself with pistol
md said that II any attack was made
upon him he would protect himself.
Saturday afternoon the two gentlemen
met al the lrouse OF Mr.. benjamin Bar
ksr several mikes from Church Road
Crossing. where it is said their respective
washing was done a1ra whittier they had
o,,ue TO get thesr clothes. Dir. Barker,
fearing that difficulty might occur be-
tween thon, took them ASIDE and ADVISED
them not 10 have any trouble ut hs
place. To this they agreed, stating that
thew had no intention Of having trouble,
and for The time nothing further was
thought of the matter. About this ume
a young lady from the ncighborhood
who WIS visiting Mt Mr.. Bankers resi-
deuced started on her return home,
and the two gentlemen, by permission,
accompanied her. All three walked to-
gether for some distance, when, "a ]. al
legged. Mr.. Pyne remarked to Mr.. Elan
that then and thcrewould he good time
and place 10 settle the little matter be-
tween them, and That if be would walk
aside a little way they would settle II.
Liam il said 10 have replied that no did
not intend to fight, ont thHt II Pyne
sfruck him Ire would Kill INN. III
is alleged that Pyno then struck
at Rlam, and that the latter
drew a pistol from his hippocket
and backed off; that Mr.. Pyne seeing
{his movement caught Mr.. EllIn IN the
collar; that Elam then placed his pistol
against the breast of Mr. Pyne and fired.
This occurred il the road on the side OF
q cotton-patch. The bali entered Mr..
Pvne's body close 10 the heart, and he
feIl 10 the ground and expired IN few
moments. HIS clothing was scorched by
the burning powder The young lady,
frightened by the occurrence, ran
10 her home and gave the alarm,
stating that she did not know whether
Mr.. Pyne was dead or not.
Mr.. Barker. who had heard the report
of the pistol. ran 10 the spot, but found
Mr.. Pvne dead. The body was subse-
ouentlv removed TO Mr. Barkers house
10 await the action OF the authorities.
MIR. Elan made no attempt to escape.
He remained on the spot and assisted IN
placing Mr.. pyne's body IN wagon Tor
removal to the house. He remained
nj Mr.. BarkcrB residence during
the night, aud was not arrested until
an early hour yesterday morning.
MIR. Pyno's body remained where It
fell in. the cotton-p patch for two hours
before il was removed. Mr.. liam claims
10 have acted solely in self-defence; bat
IL is stated that after feeling the full
force OF the act he became very restless,
and that II was necessary to place HIM
under strict guard. Elan declared
that it was not his intention to Kill Mr..
Pyne. but simply to disable him.
The body Of Mr. Pync was brought to
this CITY on the IL O'clock train to-day
and buried in Blandford cemetery, Rev.
S. X. Wynn. of the Second Presbyterian
church. officiating. A number OF the
friends of the deceased accompanied the
remains to the cemetery. 1t 10 under
stood that on inquest was held IN the
county to-day. after the body had been
sent to Petersburg, DR.. j. L. Chandler,
who examined the body, having an
nounced that death Was caused by the
pistol-shot.
The unfortunate efair caused good
deal of excitement in the neighborhood,
where both parties were well known.
Mr.. Pyne was about forty-four years
of age and was a gallant Confederate
soldier. distinguished for his bravery and
daring. He was unmarried and weighed
about 1870 pounds Mr.. Elan is twenty
two years old, stout aud strong, and
weighs 10 or $50 pounds.
OTHER NEWS.
Mrs. Caroline Bowden, aged about
sixty-fve years, residing with Mr.. John
M. Bannister, in this city, slipped and
fell on the stairway this morning and
sustained fracture Of her right arm near
the elbow.
Rev. James Fl. Wright, Of Rockville,