Norfolk Virginian, June 12, 1889

Untitled

African-Americans -- SocietyMoral -- Other violent crimeMoral -- Alcohol

Onancock, Va., (via Tasley, Va.,) June 11. -- Information just received from the upper part of the county is to the effect that a free fight occurred between a large party of negroes at a place called Poorhouse Branch, where they were holding a festival yesterday afternoon, and that several were terribly bruised and cut up. Ike Gardner, one of the ringleaders, was horribly cut about the head, face and body, and cannot, it is thought, possibly live. All were drunk and the weapons used were razors.

Frank Kellam, a young negro of respectable parentage, attempted to rob Mr. Doughty, a well-to-do blacksmith. Several nights ago Kellam, who lives in the Eastern part of the county, saw some one pay Doughty a considerable sum of money. That night late Doughty heard some one calling him whom he recognized as young Kellam, asking him the road to a certain place. Mr. Doughty, who suspicioned something, refused at first to come out, but after some persuasion did so, and walked some distance with his would-be murderer, when Kellam suddenly turned and struck at Doughty and at the same time fired twice at him, but missed his mark.

Doughty ran to the house and barred the doors, whereupon he saw three men come out from behind the barn and join Kellam, who left. A spade with the initials of Kellam's father upon it was found in Doughty's yard the next morning. It is thought that the object of the would-be robbers was to kill Doughty and bury him.