Spalding-Pike County GaArchives News.....Ben Sercy Killed and Robbed December 4 1868
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Lynn Cunningham lcunnin1@bellsouth.net December 12, 2002, 3:53 pm

Griffin Semi-Weekly Star. Griffin, Ga.

Shocking Murder!
Brutal Outrage!
Daring Robbery!
Ben Sercy Killed and Robbed!
Mrs. Sarah Tyson Garrotted!

On Wednesday last one of the most fearful outrages was perpetrated in our midst.

At about 10 o'clock p.m., four ruffians disguised as negroes entered the 
dwelling of Mr. Ben R. Sercy, two miles from Griffin, and shot him through the 
body, then searched the premises for plunder; they obtained two gold watches, 
and a considerable sum of money, in specie. They then took Miss Tyson into the 
peach orchard, and choked her to make her tell where other valuables could be 
found. From some alarm, they turned Miss Tyson loose and decamped.

Mr. Sercy, at last account, was alive, but there was no chance for his recovery.

Miss Tyson is his niece. Mr. S. is one of our best and most respectable 
citizens, and Miss Tyson is a young lady above reproach. The object os these 
villains was plunder. They realized several hundred dollars - took this old 
man's life - grossly mistreated Miss Tyson and are yet at large. The evident 
object of these scoundrels was to get the money arising from the sale of the 
Tyson property on Tuesday last, but Mr. Sercy had not received it, and the 
assassins only got what he had on hand. From what has been learned, it is 
evident that this band of four robbers were composed of two or three negroes 
lead on by one or two white men disguised as negroes, and we have no doubt that 
there is one or more well organized clans with headquarters at Griffin directed 
by white men whose business is to steal from the citizens at wholesale and 
retail, and where stealing can not be affected, to rob, plunder, and murder. How

long will our citizens submit to such outrages? If our municipal, State, and 
county officials fail to ferret out, and bring to justice, these hellions, we 
are in favor of a California Vigilance Committee.

(Transcribed 12/11/02 Lynn Cunningham)

Note:
This was during the time of Reconstruction.
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