The Washington times., 1902-08-01
JURY TO TAKE ACTION TODAY
IN THE CRAVEN LYNCF|NG

charged with rape was taken from the
| Jail at midnight and lynched from a
trestle at the old bridge.
Efforts of Detective Branch.
Detective Hurricane" Branch, OF Suf-
folk, and his bloodhounds. Tiger and
john performed good service in hunt
ing down the fugitive. Had Craven not
been met with accidentally by the five
men who captured him, Branch and his
hounds would have been upon him In
a few hours.
Since early Wednesday morning they
had followed tire trail, but on account
of the heavy rains the two animals found
much difficulty In keeping the scent.
The unfavorable condition of the
weather also deferred many citizens
from joining In the chase, but during
the three days 200 or more residents OF
this section we're at all times on the
lookout for Craven.
Since Monday noon, when the crime
was committed. Craven has covered
many miles In his flight, although dur
Ing that time he had not been WITHOUT
fifteen miles of the scene of the tragedy.
On the evening of the murder he visit
ed his home and changed his clothing
Sterling, where he remained until early
morning. There he was informed that
the posses were after him. and 1t is
alleged he then made the threat that he
would kill every white man who crossed
his path.
Tuesday morning early he took to the
woods. His footprints showed that he
had passed within sight of stations
where pickets had been placed. APP
parentiy he had had nothing to ca;
during the entire day. On "Wednesday
he disabled four young turkeys and
carried them for some distance In an
old sweater, which he used as a bag.
Craven Caught Sight Of.
Town Sergeant Edwards once caught
sight of the negro and called TO him
to halt, at the same time pointing a
Winchester at him. Craven took fight
and escaped. Again. during the same
afternoon. he was seen by Sheriff Rus
sell. who took a shot at him near Goose
Creek. within few miles of Leesburg.
Craven was wanted for the murde:
OF William H. Wilson, well-known
resident of Fairfax county. Va, who
had served as member of Mosbys
command during the civil war. The
idtlCl was uyius tlc lOtI near
his home, between Herndon and Sterl-
ing. He was unconscious and could
give no information as to his assailant.
Craven had been seen In the vicinity
during the day. Suspicion Immediately
fell on him on account OF his previous
bad record. He had been fugitive
from Justice for several days, having
robbed boy on the highway nedr Lees
burg during the National Guard en-
campment last week.
1t was learned also that Oh Saturday
las: Craven had seen Mr.. Wilson change
a IS bill for negro named Gasklns III
IIerndon, and 1t is believed that he Then
made up his mind to wayiay him Mr.. |
Wilson went to Herndon on Monday. ard |
after disposing OF some fruit. purchase
A bag OF tobacco. and started for home. |
irving a double horse team.
Was Seen at Herndon.
Craven had also been at Herndon that
lay. although he denied it when incar- |
,erated at the Jail. 1t is supposed that |
he preceded Mr.. Wilson on the trip to |
Sterling. waited for him on the road, and |
shot him. The pockets of the murdered |
nan had been rifled. and the bag Of to-
Dacco purchased by him was seen in the
possession of Craven after the crime.
The scene of the tragedy was a par
lonely spot between two hills,
near a small stream, and there are com
oarativeiy few persons who pass along
he road. 1t happened on this day
hat no one was within hearing distance
when the shots were fired, and when Mr..
Wilson was found his team had nearly
cached home.
II was learned that Mr.. Wilson never
;erve' on a jury which convicted Cra-
zen OF crime. so It is believed the mo-
I've for the murder was robbery. On
Monday last Craven exhibited a pistol
everal times to friends In Herndon, and
poke OF the good work which the wea-
ION could do.
Although only twenty-five years of
ge, Craven had criminal record He
vas generally feared by the residents
II tEis section. white and black alike
When but boy he was arrested for
everal petty offenses, and was first sent ,
o the penitentlary on complaint of his
incle. who resides here. for breaking
nto the latter's chicken house.
Set Fire to Barn.
Craven had been out less than q year
vhen he and another negro who had
VI htd Oh lI- VI SEllIn,
vho conducts a dairy business in Wash
ngton. were arrested for setting fire to
heir employers barn. The fire broke
ut about midnight. burned 4 number OF
ows. and the next morning Craven did
ot come to work.
His ral was convicted. By advice of
ounsel Craven pleaded guilty and was
to eight years. He was par
oned several months ago on account OF
Il health by Governor Montague.
Craven was pugnacious-loO looking
egro, of the typical African type. about
feet inches IN height. and stout OF
uild. He was married few years
go, but lived with his wife only a
hort time. and has since made his
ONE with a woman near here. i
rother Is employed here in Lowen-
ach's saloon while his father and
lother reside in the District Of Column
ia. near the reservoir at Glen Echo.
Funeral services over the remains of
IF. Wilson were held on Wednesday at
he Methodist Church at Sterling. the
lev. 5. ID. Dolly officiating. These were
TENDED by many residents, including a
lumber of his old comrades. Remarks
n the life and character of the de-
eased were made by Rev. Mr. Burn
am. Rev. B. y. Shreaves, and Rev. G.
Y. Po1kins.