Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-11-06
FLORIDA OUTLAWS
TERRORZE THE
COUNTRY
DESPERATE GANG WHO ARE FOL-
LOWERS OF ED BYRD, RE-
SYST OFFICERS OF
THE LAW.

PENSACOLA, Fla, Nov. at seems
like a great deal of trouble will eventu-
ally occur at Bluff Springs, 40 miles north
of Pensacola, as the outcome of Ed
Byrd's arrest several days since. Byrd
is a white man and a lawless character
To put him into subsection Deputy Sher-
if Brewton had to shoot and disable him.
Byrd has a number of serious charges
against him and he is held in the county
Jail in this place without bail. A few days
ago, following a protracted drunk, he
went to the home of respectable white
lady named Horton, so years OF age he
attempted criminal assault on Miss Sa-
rah Norton II years old, and when the
old lady endeavored to make resistance
and protect her daughter it is stated that
Bvrd Jumped on her and beat her up
shamefuIly, afterwards breaking up fur
niture in the place. Then, brandishing
pistol he threatened the women's lives
should they report his acts to the officials.
Later he boosted that he would kill Dep
uty Sheriff Brewton and Justice OF the
Peace Silly should his arrest be attempt
ed.
The officers learned of the mans acts
and Justice Silly issued a warrant charg-
ing him with assault with intent to rape
and assault and battery upon the old
lady.
Deputy Brewton took the paper and
went in search of Byrd, whom he found
near the postoffice. Byrd started to run
and the officer chased him., gaining on the
man, when the latter wheeled and tried to
kill his pursuer by shooting him. Brewton
was equal to the occasion and shot Byrd
through the arm. Even after being thus
disabled the desperate man tried to again
kill the deputy, but was quickly disarmed
He was brought here and his wound was
dressed.
Byrd's friends and associates are great
ly wrought up over the shooting of their
comrade and openly gave out a threat
that all connected with putting the man
where he is must die. They particularly
designate Deputy Brewton and Justice
Silly. A big barbecue was held there Sat
urday and it became noised about that
an attempt would be made to kill the
two women witnesses who will appear
against Byrd. They resided by themselves
and when they heard that their lives
were in peril they applied for protection
Justice Silly placed Deputy Sheriff Shelby
at the Norton's home Early Friday night
a fusilade from ambush was directed to-
ward the house, but no one was hurt. The
deputy endeavored to get sight of some
of the mob but was unable to do so and
could only content himself by firing in
discriminatory in direction from whence
shots would come. 1t was not known who
did the firing from ambush, nor how many
were in the gang.
Fearing that the lady and daughter
would be hurt they have been removed to
the county farm and are in constant fear
of something happening to them. All fur
niture and effects from their home has
been removed in case fire is started by
the lawless and organized gang.
Sheriff Smith was apprized Of conditions
at Bluff Springs and sent all available
deputies to bring peace there. One white
man named Campbell, about Is years old,
was brought here last night and locked
up. He was alleged to have been men,
Der of Byrd's gang and when arrested
was found to have a pistol in his pocket.
When this discovery was made Campbell
was charged with carrying concealed
weapons the penalty for which is a fine
Of not less than 800 in Florida now.
Byrd is charged with carrying concealed
weapons, assault with intent to rape, as
sault and battery, threatening, cursing
and using obscene language in the pres
ence of ladies. To all of these charges ii
is stated he will enter a plea of guilty.
The criminal court will convene a week
from today and from this tribunal Byrd
will be sentenced.
The good people of the place are giving
the officers every assistance toward a sup
rression of the gang.