Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-04-01
SHOT AND ROBBED.
A DAsTARDLY DEED IN DIxwIDDIE
COUNTY.
MAY PROVE A MURDER.
Mr. Warren Brown, Postmaster and
Merchant, Attacked by Negro
Dig Haul I'm MOncy-The Citizens
Very Indignant. ..

PETERSBURG, VA, March s1.-(spe-
cial.)-Mr. Warren Brown. n merchant
and the postmaster at Hebron, In Dinwld-
die county n short distance beyond Ford's
Depot on the Norfolk and Western rail-
road, was shot and probably fatally
wounded by a negro last night, and rob-
bed Of sum of money aggregating be-
tween $500 and 500. and a number OF en-
dorsed railroad checks. which the unfor-
tunate man had recently cashed. The
negro who is alleged to have committed
the deed Is a stranger in the neghbor-
hood About o'clock yesterday afternoon
a negro, closely built. black, about % years
Of age, and apparently Of about 40 or 80
| pounds weight, stopped at Church Road
Crossing and purchased some pistol balls
or cartridges. Subsequently, he went on
| up the railroad towards Fords Depot and
| Hebron. Between and 10 o'clock last
night n negro answering the same de-
scription entered Mr.. Browns store and
made small purchase. handing that gen
tleman SO bill in payment. In order
10 make the change Mr.. Brown had to
open the safe, and this gave the oppor-
tunity for the shooting and robbery that
quickly followed. AS soon as Mr.. Brown
mad opened his safe and raised from his
STOPPING position he found the negro at
his side and n pistol thrust closely to his |
face. The pistol was fired before he could |
say or do anything for self-protection, |
and he fell helpless to the floor, with no |
one present to assist him.
The negro having everything easy be- !!
Tore him, quickly followed his deed Of |
blood by rifiing the safe, and disappeared
In the darkness. Up to this writing he
mas not been caught, though the indig-
nant citizens Of the neighborhood have
made every effort to capture him. Mes
sages have been sent out in all directions |
to arrest him, if found.
The latest information this afternoon
reports Mr.. Brown as alive, but in very
serious condition. His physicians fear |
the wound he received may prove fatal. |
Mr.. Brown was able last night and this |
morning TO relate the details Of the rob
berry and the assault made upon him to
accomplish II. {
Mr.. Brown Is northern man by birth, |
but has been living in Dinwiddie ever
since the war He was successful i'm bus 5
ness and enjoyed the confidence and re- .
ipect of the people of the county, by
Fhom he was generally known. Besides
conducting large general merchandise
business, he has for several years held
he position Of postmaster at Hebron. one q
II the most important offices in the cOunU I
ma located in his store. The money and v
hecks taken We're doubtless, in large f
Measure, his individual property. p
Mr.. Brown. during his residence in Din a
viddie, has had two very narrow escapes n
rom death. Shortly after the war, while II
member of the Board of Supervisors, | Il
e was one Of a committee to examine
ITO the condition Of very deep well at
he Courthouse. which had gone nearly
ny. As he stood on the edge of the well 81.
here was sudden caying III Of the earth, .,
nd he was only saved from being thrown | ~
the bottom by the hasty grasp OF | y,
lends who were standing By. -
Again several years ago, while engaged | -
drawing a charge from a gun, the =,
eapon was accidentally discharged. and
lie load Of shot tore a fearful hole i'm
s face. one Of his cheeks was badly
cerated. one OF his eyes destroyed. and
me Of his teeth were knocked out VI
The crime u Thursday night has 81
oused great Indignation in that portion
the county I'm which It was committed. OF
Id the negr0's escape may save him from CO
quick and just retribution. sh