The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-03-20
NORTH CAROLINA

-aesday the steamer Beta. on her way to
Washington, signaled to open the draw to
the bridge. The bridge-keeper responded, but
found an obstruction i'll the way. The draw
could not be opened sufficiently for the steamer
to pass On investigation it was found that
there was body hanging from the cross beam
on the draw, with a heavy weight attached.
When pulled up lifeless body was found at
the end of the rope, to which was attached q
placard, with the inscription: "Justice at
last" The proper authorities were promptly
notified and the body was left to dange until
daylight and until coroner's jury could be
empaneled. The body proved to be that Of
William A. Parker, who was tried for the
assassination of General Bryan Grimes,
several years ago. He has been heard
to boast OF the deed on several occasions when
in liquor. 1t seems that yesterday, for drunk
ennes3 and dsorderly conduct, he was con-
signed TO Il lookup place partitioncd off i'll tho
rear OF the engine-house with three cells for
such cases. An Old cOloIed man at night looks
after and attends to the wants Of the prisoners
lie was sleeping III All adjoining cell. lie de-
posed at the inquest that about II. m. he was
awakened by slight noise and noticed that n
light left burning was out, and before he could
realize what was the matter he was confronted
by at least hall dozen masked men, who told
him To deep quiet on pain of death. They
approached the cell in which Parker was CON
fined, wrenching off the lock- and carried him
outside. lie was heard to cry out "Murder"
once or twice. There is no evidence as to who
the participants in this transaction arc.
The body OF Patton BccEham, was found
on last Wednesday morning, on Deputy
Sheriff White's plantation, in Davidson town
ship, lredeil county. Beckham was with q
rough crowd drinking and fighting the night
before, His body was found horribly mangled.
post mo4tem examination showed several
brOsen ribs and other marks of violence His
breast was beaten into Jelly. The coroner
held an inquest and rendered YER
dict charging X. Nance and his two sons, John
aud William with the murder,
Nance was formerly from Taylorsvillc, and
is noted as u famous moOnshiner in Alexander
county. He was arrested by w. l.. Swanson,
United states marshal, and carried to Taylors-
Vile charged with Illicit dstilling and
sale Of liquor. They held a preliminary trial
al Tayiorsviile during the day. Sheriff White
telegraphed to have Nance delivered at States
vile Jail Mt once. These three make seven
persons in iredeH jall charged with murder.
Tho Nance family recently moved ON Whites
place, and arc pronounced the worst charac-
tiers ever in that section. The most remarka-
bic thing about the murdered man is that he
was naturally rs spotted as a leopard, white
and black
Tuesday yonng man IN Chatham county
named William Ray, was quite mysterIously
shot, and from the effects of the wound has
died. About midday he was seen to 20 out
with gun. In about two hours he returned
to the house without the gun bloody and very
much exhausted. He vas put to bed. On ex-
animation it was discovered that he had been
shot in the side. The skin was blackened and
burned with powder, showing that the muzzle
OF the gun was quite near when fired lie
gave conflicting statements. 1t is believed
that it was case Of suicide, vet no cause can
DC given. His gun was found near the creek
on the farm. In the sand was the word
dead marked with the muzzle of tho gun.
VIRGINIA.
Mormons have been discovered in the remote
rural districts Of BotetOurt county. They have
made many converts, among them wealthy