The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-08-23
ATTACKED THE SAINTS
A Mob Of Enraged North Carollnlans A.
tempt TO Drive Out The SanciIfled Band.
IT WAS AN AWE INSPIRING SPECTACLE
volioy after volley was Sent Crash.
ing Into tho Arhs Containing Male
and Ferhaie Saints Anchored in tho
River Woman Killed, Several
Men Aurt-Fight Lasted Hours.

Suffolk, Va. August 22.-tSpecial)-
One of the most violent and bellicose
demonstrations OF an enraged populace
seen in Eastern North Carolina within
q generation occurred this morning
from II to 3 o'clock on the Chowan riv-
er, near Nontrose. forty miles from
Suffolk. 1t was n terrific attack from
land OF mob OF about $50 people, heavi-
ly armed upon a crowd OF heretics styled
The Sanctitied Band" situated In
boats about fifty yards from the shore.
One woman was killed. and 1t Is thought
that several men were wounded
The Sanctified Band had been loca ted
at Montrosc for several weeks, and
members have been conducting meet
ings throughout the surrounding coun-
try Tor many miles. The result was that
their religion was getting q tremendous
Following, hundreds of men and women,
mostly the former, renouncing their al
legiance to other churches and accent.
Ing the doctrine of the sanctified peu-
pie. Besides a large number OF per-
sons who had never been allied with any
church, were readily converted and al
most before the deacons and elders of
the community had realized the extent
OF their fascinating influence the congre-
cations which had been regularly al
tending the old houses of Worship had
peen disintegrated and disrupted 1t
Is also claimed that the moral effect OF
the band was OF most baleful char
acter. The charm exerted by the here
ties and some of their followers became
so attractive that parents feared for
their sons and daughters.
TheSe are some of the causes which
originated feeling of repusion among
the natives which was gradually famed
INTO contempt and loathing that cul-
minated this morning in a ferocious at
tempt to Danish the band from the con
hnes or the county. The conflict Is de-
scrlped by dlsinterestcd eyewitness
VINO was safely sheltered behind trees
out or the bullets reach, to be the most
awe-inspiring spectacle he ever witness
ed. The men composing the mob were
nred with an enthusiasm and determi
nation inspired by the apprehension
lhal their homes and domestic happi-
ness were In danger of being usurped.
me attack was made at midnight
Ihe Sanctified people, who are said TO
number lob had been warned by locaI
converts, and had moved their four
arks In which they live. off into the
stream that they might be less exposed
10 intrusion. The crowd of enrocod
citizens came with rush. and wSan
their commander called for q halt at tho
river pank. there was an ominous RAT
tHnS Oh guns, rifles, pistols bowie-knivns
ana swords. As volley after vollev
was poured into the river craft the bui-
ie.s eould be heard crashing into the
D.
peated from view, and 1t Is supposed
tnat they got below the water line. or
more would have been killed.
AIter time committee of citixens
started out to propose terms to the
nanu' .H Dut they were ordered back by
those on the arks. who, however oro
SAID not to have fired n shot. The COM
nllieeS return was signal for another
Iusllade. The firing continued TIL about
a. m. when the ammunition was about
exhausted. and the mob dispersed to
their homes. ~
1t Is claimed that some of the leading
citizens and part of the officers i'm the
county sympathize with the men who
resorted to the unlawful use of arms
to force from the community class OF
people whom they considered deIeter-
ious to its interest. AS the last Gun
was fired curses and threats against
further occupany rent the air. If they
do not leave as ordered 1t is Thought
that another attack from enraged hus-
bands and fathers will follow.
Sadie Collins and n man named Lynch
are said To lead the band. They preach
holiness and santification.