The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-02-05
GEORGE ROBINSON RETURNS.
The Slayer Of Burger Surrenders
to the Law.
His story of the Decd-IIe Says He Did
Not Intend to xiii Burger and Acted
in Self-dcfense-fiow Hc Escaped and
His Trip Through the Countryside
Has n Narrow Escape In Rounolc
cr-Committed to Jail.

Monday, has given himself up to the
officers of the law and is now in the city
Jail. Ho was brought here yesterday
afternoon by Squire j. w. Kinsie, of
Boone's Mill postoliice, Franklin county
Robinson soon wearicd of being n
fugitive, and went to Squire Kinsie
Tuesday afternoon and gave himself up,
telling him that he had killed man at
Roanoke. The Squire took care of him
for the night, and arrived in tho city
with him about s o'clock yesterday
afternoon. Robinson was taken before
Mayor Evans and acknowledged that he
killed Burger. Tho mayor committed
him to Jail to await the action of the
grand jury.
To a TIMES reporter Robinson told the
following story:
My wife left my house one week ago
to-day, without any cause, so far as |
know, but believe she was persuaded
away by Burger and his wife. | did not
know where my wife was until Monday,
when heard that she was at the Redd
House. l went for her and brought her
home, arriving at 600. After supper
and suppose about 5 o'clock, Burger
and his wife came to my house. | began
to talk To her about leaving me, and
threatened to whip her. had a plank
in my hand, but laid it down when she
promised not to leave again. intended
only to brighten her.
Burger then interrupted me and said
should not whip my wife. | replied
that the affair was none of his business.
lie said that hs was as big and black as
| and for n nit( IN lnnn1,.
he would squeeze them. ! understood
this to mean that he wanted to fight, and
| ordered him to leave the house. He
went out and came back i'll Il few min
utes. and started towards me with his
hand on his hip. When nearly in reach
of me | fired. My sister grabbed my
arm to take the pistol out of my hand.
Burger collared me and in the scuffie
WAS thrown upon the bed catching on
the right elbow. In this position | fired
the second time nnd my sister turned
my hand preventing the ball from stril-
ing Burger. The third shot Burger re-
leased his grasp and fell to the floor and
died"
When questioned by the reporter Rob
inson said that his wife attempted to in
terfere when he first drew his pistol, but
with burgers wife left the room after
the first shot. lie did not sec Burger
have Il weapon OF any kind and did not
intend to kill him, but shot to keep
Burger off of himself. lie stated that
Alex Murray was in an adjoining room
when the shooting occurred.
Robinson also told the story of his es-
cape. He forded the river near the fur
mace with his boots and clothes on, and
at one time was washed some distance
by the current.
After desperate effort he planted his
foot on the other bank and proceeded
south, with the intention of going TO
North Carolina. as the oiiice supposed
After going several miles across the
rough country he lay down to rest in Il
straw stack in a barn yard near
Deyerle's mill. He soon fell asleep and
slept till about daybreak, when he pro-
ceeded on his way.
1t was broad day when he reached
Cave Springs and purchased some sar-
dimes and crackers. The posse of officers
that were securing that vicinity for
Robinson passed Cave Springs as it was
getting light.
The fugitive proceeded on his flight,
striking the Franklin turnpike and
passing Boone's Mill. leaving the road
and going on to the Blue Ridge. Reach
ing the higher mountains he could not
go over to the other side and wandered
along for some time in search of n place
at which he could cross. Failing to find
place he concluded to give himself up
to the law. lie returned to Boone's
Mill postoiiicc and upon inquiring for n
magistrate was directed to Squire Kin
sic, to whom he proceeded, telling the
Squire that he had killed man, and
surrendering.
He reached Squire Kinsie's about 5
o'clock Tuesday afternoon and was sent
to the house of negro named Wright
who took care OF him for the night, and
was brought to the city westerday,as al
ready related.
VIII IN asked why he surrendered Rob
inson said that he wanted to sec his TWO
year old daughter again. and knew if he
made good his escape he would be de-
prived of that privilege. After consid-
ering the matter he decided to yisll the
consequences.
Robinson is medium-sized black
negro. about - years OF age. He came
from Pittsylvania county about year
ago, and has been engaged at West End
furnace since the work of construction
was begun. He married in his native
county. He was not in the least agitated
while relating his side of the affair.
and told straightforward story de-
liberatly.
Jay Gould aud Party i'll AshcviIIe.
AsHEvIILE, n. c., Feb. Al Special =
Jay G. ould and party arrived here to-day.
The visitors were met at tho station by
committee of prominent citizens and
escorted to the hotel, whore a banquet
was given them this evening. The party
will leave AsheVille to- morrow MORNING