File contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Judith McGowan The Daily Times, Richmond, VA, Friday, June 8, 1888: "Charged With Murder - Death of Thomas Crafton From a Blow by Joseph Lucas" "On the 21st of May last, as recorded in this paper at the time, a dispute occurred at a pic-nic at Blenner's Park between Thomas Crafton and Joseph Lucas over a badge. It resulted in a general row, the main participants being Crafton, Lucas, and Charles Fleming. During this row Lucas, it is alleged, struck Crafton on the head with a granite spawl weighing about twelve pounds, which is now at the Police Court. Crafton was taken to his home, 1314 West Cary street, where he suffered much, and yesterday died at 12:25 p.m. He was a bricklayer by trade, and leaves a family. He was a member of Pamunky Tribe, Independent Order Red Men, and was generally liked. After the affray, Lucas went into hiding and finally reached Danville, where he was arrested, and was brought before Police Justice Richardson on May 31st. The charge against him was felonious assault with intent to kill. The case was then continued until June 9th. Now a fresh charge of murder will be presented, making the matter very serious for Lucas. He is in jail now, being allowed bail, but was unable to give it. Now no bail can be admitted. He lives at 513 Pickett street and is a laborer. Charles H. Fleming who was engaged in the row is also a laborer, and lives on North Twenty-third street. The coroner viewed the body yesterday afternoon, and certified the fact of death to the authorities. Lucas will be brought before the Police Justice this morning on a new warrant charging him with murder." USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation.