The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1910-04-21
HOMICIDE NEAR TOWNSVILLE.

MIR. Joseph E. Hunt, Well Known Git
iZeu of the County, Shoots and In
stantIy Kills Frank Anderson, Col
Ored-JuStifiable Homicide Verdict
of Coroner's Jury, Shooting Being
Done ia Denfense of Himself and
His Home.
A distressing occurrence was the
homicide near Townsville Sunday
night. Mr.. Joseph E. Hunt a well
known young planter of that section
OF the county, shot and killed a negro
named Frank Anderson the act being
pronounced iustifiable by the coro-
ner's jury. Anderson was in the en-
ployment of Mr.. Hunt at one time
and there had been some trouble be-
tween them. He was OF a turbulent
nature and addicted to drink, which
made him very disagreeable. This led
to his being discharged and he was
forbidden to come on the plantation.
1t is said that he made threats
against Mr.. Hunt and repeatedly ex-
pressed determination to get even
with him. Saturday night he stayed
with a friend nearby and talked to
this effect. Sunday he was met in the
road by another person to whom he
said he was going to get some whis-
key (stating where) and then he was
"going to Joe Hunt s and raise kahn. y
He was advised not to do anything
OF the kind being reminded that Mr..
Hunt, had ordered him to keep off and
he had better do so. This was met with
words of Indifference and an air OF
defiance coupled with further threats
against Hunt and Anderson went his
way to meet tragic ending a few
hours later.
About half-past seven O'Clock Mr..
Hunt heard some one in the yard
hallooing and calling his name. Co.
ing to the door he saw Anderson who
Immediately began cursing him
charging Hunt with being RESPONSE
BILE for warrant that had been
sworn out against him (Anderson)
by a man at WilliamsbOro. This
Hunt denied and he ordered the
negro out OF the yard. He refused
to leave but continued to curse both
Adams (who had the warrant is
sued) and Hunt applying the most
vile language to them. Finally An
derson made movement as If to
draw a pistol. When he did SO
Hunt stepped back inside the door
and got his gun which was within
easy reach. It was but the act of a
moment and two loads of number
four shot found Judgement in the
body of the man who is alleged to
have made threat that he would have
satisfaction or die. 1t is said that
Anderson had a pistol in his hand
when he was shot and it fell on the
ground beside the body. Death was
instantaneous.
Coroner D. W. Hardee went to the
scene of the tragedy and held an in
quest at O'Clock Monday afternoon
the following named citizens serving
as the Jury: J. T. Marrow, J. A. Nor
wood, J. W. Keeton, j. E. kimball
J. T. Bowling, J. l. Norwood. After
examining witnesses and hearing evi
dence bearing on the case the jury
| found that the act was justifia BILE anC
| Mr.. Hunt was eXOnerated from al
blame for the unfortunate occurrence
| as far as it was in their power to so
| Following was the exact Language
in which the verdict was rendered:
, eve, the jury in the case of Franz
Anderson, having heard all the evi
dence of the shooting of him b.
Joseph E. Hunt on Sunday evening
April II, 1910, unanimously agre
that Joseph E. Hunt was perfect.
iustiiable in the act in defense of him
| self and his home"