Jeff Davis County, Georgia Genealogy and History - Presented by Genealogy Trails History Group

The Hazelhurst Tragedy

Savannah, January 2
A special received at 1:30 o'clock this morning from Hazelhurst, in relation to finding the dead and dying men in the store of J.J. Lewis, states Ashley shot and killed Pace, and then, in remorse committed suicide. They were fast friends. Pace had agreed to meet Ashley early in the evening to drive him to a party, which each was to attend. Pace was late and Ashley was angry at his delay. The quarrel ended in a double tragedy.
Date: 1891-01-03; Paper: Columbus Daily Enquirer

Mrs. Eliza Farrior

On Oct. 16th Mrs. Eliza Farrior departed this life at Hazelhurst Ga. Mrs. Farrior was born and reared in Appling county, near Barley. She was a school teacher for years and much beloved by all the little ones who came under her care. At the age of thirty-two she was married and later was blessed With the birth of an only daughter. She was a consistent worker for Christ and an example for good to those who came in contact with her.
After a stay in North Georgia where she was taken for her health, Mrs. Marie Stoval, after an illness of ten months succumbed to death on the 18th of this month. She was a member of Second Baptist church of this city and was one of its faithful attendants. Her body was taken from here by her devoted husband to Elberton for burial.

Tena Gilliarf

On last Thursday night at 12:10 o'clock, Mrs. Tena Gilliard of 529 Oak street passed away. Mrs. Gilliard was for thirty odd years a member of First Bryan Baptist church and one of its most faithful attendants. The funeral took place Monday afternoon and the services were conducted by Rev. Daniel Wright. The deceased leaves a devoted husband, a son and a daughter to mourn her death. After a hurried trip from Detroit, Mich., where he is engaged in business, Mr. Augustus Gilliard arrived here Tuesday morning last too late for his mother's funeral. The many friends of the family extend their heartfelt sympathy.

Col. W. H. Woodhouse

Death claimed Col. W. H. Woodhouse about mid-night Wednesday last at Charity Hospital. The colonel has been ailing for quite awhile but got around fairly well for one of his years. He was among the last of that class of old citizens that have been so prominent in affairs in this community. Col. Woodhouse did much for the organization of the colored military of the city and was appointed by Gov. Colquitt as the first Lieutenant -Colonel of the First Battalion of colored troops. He served in this position gallantly for about three years when he was succeeded by the lamented Col. Deveaux. Col. Woodhouse was a dashing officer, he was a member of the Mutual Benevolent Society and at one time a member of Hilton Lodge of Masons. His funeral took place from St. Stephen's Church of which he was an old communicant, yesterday afternoon. Col. Woodhouse leaves two daughters, Mrs. Mamie W. Long, Mrs. A. C. Edwards, one son, Mr. Robt. Woodhouse, other relatives and many friends to mourn his death.
Date: 1910-10-22; Paper: Savannah Tribune

Chancey Kills-Tag Hazelhurst,

Ga., Feb. 11
Hazelhurst Ga. Feb 11, News has just reached here over the phone that W.H. Chancer and O.C. Carter had met in the road and had a difficultly, Chancey killing Carter instantly. Both were prominent farmers living about ten miles from here. Carter was about 35 years of age and leaves a widow and several small children.
There were no eye-witnesses, and Chancey has surrendered to the Sheriff.
Date: 1913-02-12; Paper: Columbus Daily Enquirer

MISS JOE ARMSTRONG.

The funeral or Miss Joe Armstrong, the 22-year-old daughter of Mrs. O. F. A. Armstrong, of Hazelhurst took place yesterday afternoon upon this arrival of the Southern train from that place. Besides her mother, Miss Armstrong leaves two sisters, Misses Gertrude and Margaret; three brothers, William Charles and George Armstrong. She was a niece of F. W. Armstrong, former manager of the Brown House of this city.
Rev. R. E. Douglas officiated and the Interment was made in the family lot in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Date: 1916-04-13; Paper: Macon Weekly Telegraph

Burglar Shot in Jeff Davis. Sheriff Evans of Hazelhurst, Too Quick with Gun for Bad Negro

Hazelhurst Ga.., April 28
Sheriff D. L. Evans of Jeff Davis county, shot and probably mortally wounded, a desperate Negro by the name of Gordon Davis, said to he from Wrightsville, about noon today on the Knight peach farm, just out of the city limits.
Early this morning the Marshall of Uvalda, a small town twelve miles north of here in Montgomery county, called Sheriff Evans and reported that burglars had robbed a store In that place and that they had no clues, but wanted the sheriff to look out for suspicious characters.
Sheriff Evans made some investigation and started out to arrest the Negro Davis, who resisted and attempted to use his gun, but the sheriff was too quick, and as a result Davis Is not expected to live. The Negro confessed when told that he could not live and claims to have been assisted by a white man and a Negro by the name of "Coco" from Florida.

Loot is Recovered.

His tale is not given much weight as Sheriff Evans found practically the entire loot stored at a Negro house where Instructions has been left for shipment at the end of two weeks to Davis at Fort Valley. Several of the citizens of Valda were in town this afternoon and state that burglars have almost carried their little town off during the past thirty days. While they regret it was necessary for Sheriff Evans to shoot the Negro, they hope it will have a good effect and burglars will stay out hereafter.
Sheriff Evans is giving the Negro every medical attention in an effort to save his life.
Date: 1921-04-29; Paper: Macon Weekly Telegraph

Kirby Died from Gunshot Wounds

Hazelhurst, Ga., Sept. 6 intestines punctured in 13 places with buckshot fired by federal prohibition officers yesterday afternoon during the raiding of the place of J M Brand, two miles from here Bruce Kirby is dead. J. M. Brand, charged with illicit distilling, and Allie Moore, a 15-year old girl dressed in men's clothing, whom the officers charge was held in peonage, were taken to Savannah. The girl is held as a material witness.
Sworn statements were made by the girl at Hazelhurst against Brand and Kirby, which the officers said they hoped to make but a case of peonage against Brand.
Date: 1921-09-08; Paper: Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Annie Washington Holmes 57. of Perry, died Sunday in a head-on collision three miles north of Hazlehurst on Georgia 19 in Jeff Davis County
Date: August 13, 1973 Paper: Augusta Chronicle

WOUNDS PROVED FATAL

Hazelhurst; Ga, April 4—J. L. Williams, who with his brother, Eugene, was shot by V. T. Stowers yesterday died this morning from the effects of injuries received.
Date: 1909-04-05; Paper: Augusta Chronicle