Breaking From Jail (1890)

Posted on September 20, 2014 by Taneya

Excerpted from the Beacon Flashes column:

Alex NIXON and Willie WALKER, both colored, broke jail on Friday night last, or rather they kicked out a few of the rotten bricks which was only the work of a few minutes. The jailer offers a reward for the capture of NIXON. He is a yellow man about 6 feet high. We do not think the Sheriff of jailer either should be held responsible for the escape of prisoners unless a better jail was built, the present one is almost useless.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 4 April 1890, pg 3. Available online at digitalnc.org.

Weeks Armstrong Behind In Accounts (1890)

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Taneya

Excerpted from the Beacon Flashes column:

The Postmaster at Rocky Mount, one Weeks ARMSTRONG, colored, has been found behind in his accounts about $700. He has been removed and one of the inspectors will have charge of the office until another is appointed. It is said that ARMSTRONG’s bond is no good.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 28 March 1890, pg 3. Available online at digitalnc.org.

Henry Throar Charged (1890)

Posted on September 1, 2014 by Taneya

Henry THROAR (col.) was taken before the Mayor on Sunday morning last charged with assault upon Wiley STUART (col.). The Mayor heard the case and required THROAR to give a bond of $300 but upon failure to give same he was ordered to jail to await the action of the next Superior Court.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 21 February 1890. Available online at digitalnc.org.

Steven Abram Brings Strawberries (1890)

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Taneya

Steven ABRAM (colored) brought to our office on Saturday last a sample of strawberries raised by him, on his farm, near town; they were the finest we have seen for quite a while. Steven says: “The niggers can hunt for other parts but he is satisfied to stay in Eastern North Carolina, the garden spot of the world, where crops can be produced every month of the year, and the black man has a showing.” Steven is correct, and if all his race was like him this country would be much more prosperous.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 14 February 1890. Available online at digitalnc.org.