Duplin County, NC - Murder of John GAYLOR

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Court Records File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives 
by Grace Williamson Turner.

Transcribed and contributed by Spence Mason.

Murder of John GAYLOR, Duplin Co.,-1841
                                   
             Faison's Depot Duplin Cty N C Sept'r 4 - 1841
Dear Sir    This is to inform you that on the 25th of July 
last a man by the name of John GAYLOR was murdered in this 
County at the Store of W'm. HODGES by another by the name of 
Charles COLEY.  It appears from the evidence that was had 
before the Jury of Inquest that said COLEY shot GAYLOR in or 
near the heart, producing almost instant death without 
little or no provocation on the part of GAYLOR. COLEY made 
his escape immediately;  and has not been seen but by few 
persons since.  It is believed that he is lurking in this or 
some of the ajoining Counties as he has a wife and two 
children living in this County together with other 
relatives. COLEY is a man about 28 years of age 5 feet 9 or 
10 - inches high - stoutly made ruddy complexion and healthy 
appearance with blue eyes and sandy hair, much given to curl 
when long;  he generally wears it very short, he has a good 
set of teeth and tans red when exposed to the sun. This 
letter is to you written by me at the request of a brother 
of the deceased, who seems anxious that you should be 
informed of the circumstance and imploring your aid as Chief 
Magistrate of the state in bringing the offinder to trial. 
The deceased left a wife and six sons to bemoun their 
irreparable loss &c
John MOREHEAD, Esq'r Governor of N.C.   Yours Respectfully, 
Bryan W. HERRING

On reverse:  B. W. HERRING
Sept. 24, 1841
Charging C. COLEY with the murder of John GAYLOR
Copied L(etter) B(ook) page 174          file

From:  Faisons Depot N. C. Sept. 8          12 1/2 (postage)
To:  John Morehead Esq'r
Raleigh, N. Ca. 

Source:  Governor's Papers.  John M. Morehead - Govenor, 
July - September 1841.  G. P. 98.  Last folder.  

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This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by
Grace Williamson Turner
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