The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1921-10-27
FARMER IS SLAIN;
SLAYER LYNCHED
EUGENE P. WALKER KILLED AT
APPLETON.
MOB GETS PRISONER.
Ed. Kirkland Taken From Allendale
Sheriff at Fairfax and
Body Burned.


Walker, a prominent farmer of Ap-
pleton, about four miles from here
was shot and instantly killed this
morning about 10 o'clock by negro
Tenant named Ed. kirkland. A mob
which formed Immediately upon the
hearing of the killing took kirkland
from Sheriff Bennett at Fairfax this
afternoon from Seaboard train No. 2,
upon which the sheriff was attempt
ing to take the prisoner to Columbia
for safe keeping and taking him to
the scene of the crime in the center
of the town of Appleton burned MIN,
the cremation taking place about 9
o'clock tonight, according to reports.
The killing of Mr.. Walker arose out
OF a difficulty over settlement for
rent due Walker, some difficulty hav-
ing been had between Mr.. Walker and
kirkland on last Saturday, it is said.
This morning Mr.. Walker met Kirk
land on the streets of Appleton and
demanded. settlement, whereupon
the negro drew gun and shot him.
The shot entering the head of Mr..
Walker and killing him instantly. The
negro attempted to make his escape,
but was captured about mile from
Appleton by party of men who turn
ed him over to Sheriff Bennett. In
the meantime a mob was being form
ed all over the county and when the
news reached the mob that the negro
was in the hands of the sheriff and
that he intended to spirit him away to
Columbia every avenue Of escape for
the sheriff and his prisoner was shut
off. Portions of the mob were, at
every station in the vicinity, it is said,
even the bridge at Columbia being
picketed.
The sheriff took roundabout route
to Gibbons, S. c., where he boarded
the Seaboard train with Kirkland,
making a detour requiring over five
hours, hiding him between two of the
coaches. When the train reached
Fairfax it was met by mob Of sew
eral hundred who boarded the train
and searched every coach from the
mail car to the last Pullman in search
of the prisoner. He was finally located
and jumped from the train and tried
to escape. He was shot at several
times and hit, but was still conscious
when the mob carried him through
the country and reached Appleton,
the scene of the crime. The mob was
assembled at Appleton while the un-
conscious body of the negro lay in an
automobile in the middle Of the
streets and then disappeared appar-
emily quiet with no violence evident.
When the shades of the night had
gathered, upon previous arrange
ments, it seems, the members gath
cred again and burned the body of
the negro just on the main through
fare of the town. There was no ex-
citement about the affair. 1t seems
everything took place in quiet, mat
ter of fact way. No details as to the
final burning could be learned, as all
the members of the mob were mask
ed at Fairfax when the train was
boarded and searched.
This is the first mob demonstration
that has occurred in this county since
it's formation.
There was considerable excitement
here a few weeks ago in regard to the
capture of Memminger .Priester, but
there was no mob spirit exemplit1ed
there, as everyone in the mob was
member of the sheriff's posse and at
all times completely under his con-
troll. Sheriff Bennett is receiving un-
stinted praise here on the manner in
which he handled the situation here
today, having used every means with
in his power to avoid the results. 1t
is estimated that over 1000 men
were at some time members of tine
mob here today, being scattered all
over this county and other counties,
it has been stated.
Eugene Payton Walker, the slain
man, was a member of one of the
most prominent families of this en-
tire section and was popular all over
this state. His father, Capt. n. NJ.
Walker, also of Appleton, was on his
way to the Confederate reunion at
Chattanooga and was located en-
route between Atlanta and Chatta-
nooga and informed of the tragedy.
Mr.. Walker is survived by a wife
and two small children, his father
and mother and one sister, and two