The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1902-12-18
SAM LfGHTSEI MURDERED,
Brutal Crime Of Negroes Near the
Town Of Fairfax. ::

iColumbia State Sunday, December II.
Some weeks ago young Sam Lightsey
disappeared as completely from his home
near Fairfax as if the earth had opened
and swallowed him up. All searches and
efforts TO gain information as to what
had become of him failed. Yesterday
however, party of young men out hunt
ing while passing through some thick
woodland near the Young mans home
stumbled over his dead body. He had
been foullv murdered, and the body hid
den away in the woods.
Mr.. Fred Lightsey, relative of the
lead man, talked to the governor over
the long distance phone last night. He
said Il negro had been arrested at Syca-
more during the day who knew consider
able Of the case, and that after being
locked up he had confessed that his
brother had committed the murder. This
fellow had fled, however, and parties are
securing the country in search of him.
There does not seem to be any desire to
lynch, but most earnest desire to capture
the negro and let the law take its course
with both of them.
Mr.. Lightsey wired Supt. Griffith of
the State penitentiary asking that blood
hounds be sent down on the early morn
ing train, as the course of the fugitive
was pretty well known and it was desired
to follow the scent Capt. Griffith agreed
to send the dogs owned by the State and
they left here early this morning for
Fairfax in charge of Guard Duncan who
has had considerable to do with their
training.
Further facts about the murder could
not be obtained last night.
At late hour the governor received the
following telegram:
THE STORY CONFIRMED
FAIRFAX, December 13
Gov. NJ. B. McSweeney, Columbia, S. C.:
On the night of Goth Sam Lightsey, a
young white man, son of NJ NJ. Lightsey
mysteriously disappeared from his
body was found to-day in the woods
about half mile from his fathers.
Several negroes on the plantation were
suspected of numbering the young man
but the suspicious were not strong enough
for any arrest to be made until after the
body was found to-day. Ed Daniels and
Bill Daniels are now under arrest and Ed
Daniels has confessed that his brother,
Bill Daniels, and another negro, Steve
Holly, had told him that they killed Sam
Lishtsey and threatened to kill HIM if he
told it. Steve Holly got away and took
to the woods. He is about 5 feet E or 8
inches tall, slender built, black, sharp
face and head Scar over one eye. Talks
and moves quick J. F. LIGHTsEY.
THE MURDERERs ARRESTED.
ALLENDALE, December 14-Some two
months ago Mr.. Sam Lightsey disappeared
from his home, about twelve miles from
Allendale. Mr.. Lightsey was about 80
years old, man who seldom left his
fathers house and led a quiet home life.
His disappearance was deep mystery
till yesterday afternoon, when his body
was found short distance from his home.
Signs of foul play were evident, and three
negroes, Steve Harley, Bill Daniels and
Ed Daniels, were soon arrested. Ed
Daniels turned States evidence, and says
that Steve Harley and Bill Daniels called
him out of his house at night and made
him go with them, that they had the body
of Mr.. Lightsey and buried it in shallow
hole, throwing only little dirt and straw
on it, and that about week ago Steve
Harley and Bill Daniels made him go
with them again; took up the body to
move it elsewhere, but were frightened
by the barking of dogs and left the body
where it was found.
Steve Harley made his escape and a
large party are after him with blood
hounds. Ed and Bill Daniels were taken
to Barnwell Jail by Constable Weekly to-
day.