The Richmond Compiler - Murder of David Bradford
Submitted by: Billie Grunden bilfre64@yahoo.com May 2008
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RICHMOND COMPILER March 15 1844

FATAL RENCOUNTER -- Day before yesterday the streets of our town were the scene of one of the most
melancholy occurrences it has ever been our lot to behold. It seems that for some time past a
misunderstanding had existed between John T. Mason and David Bradford, Esq.'s. On Wednesday last the
parties met upon the street. The result of that meeting was the instant death of Mr. Bradford,
occasioned
by the discharge of a double-barreled shotgun in the hands of Mr. Mason.

How awful and sublime in death -- and in how many instances does it literally overtake us in the
"midst
of life!" -- On the day of the above occurrence, Mr. B. sat with us at the same table, enjoying his
usual good health and spirits; little did we then think that in the space of two brief hours we should
be called upon to perform the sad office of arraying his remains in the apparel of the grave, Most
sincerely do we condole with the friends of Mr. B. in his untimely death ? in his decease our Parish
has
lost one of its most estimable and accomplished citizens ? his wife a kind and affectionate husband --
and his family of small and helpless children, a fond and doating father.

We forbear from referring to the circumstances which lead to this sad and deplorable event, as the
matter
will doubtless undergo investigation before the tribunals of the country.

The remains of the deceased will be followed to the grave this afternoon (14th inst.,) from the
residence
of J. M. Downes, Esq., at 3 o'clock P.M. The friends of the family are invited to attend. An obituary
notice of the deceased will appear in our next.

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