Norfolk Virginian, December 22, 1888

AN ACCOMAC SENSATION.

Moral -- MurderTourists and sportsmen -- Other recreation - Fraternal orders

Death of a Young Farmer -- Foul Play Suspected.

A letter from Accomac to the Baltimore Sun states that nearly one week ago William Taylor, a young farmer, residing near Modest Town, in the upper seaside region of Accomac county, died under circumstances that has given rise to suspicion that he was foully dealt with. For several weeks past Taylor had been unwell, but on Saturday he was suddenly taken with convulsions and soon died in great agony. The physicians who attended him say that there were strong indications that his death was caused by strychnine or some similar poison.

The suspicion of foul play has grown so strong that the friends of the dead man will have his body disinterred today and a careful post mortem examination made by skillful experts. Taylor was about 32 years old, and was highly esteemed as an honest and industrious man, and the suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and subsequent developments have created a big sensation in this section. A man is suspected of being implicated in the matter, but as yet no arrests have been made. About one month ago Taylor joined the Knights of Honor, in which organization he had his life insured for $2000 for the benefit of his wife and child.