Pickens County, South Carolina News

Addington Is Charged With Black Death

Warrant Signed By Coroner Following Inquest Held Saturday

A warrant charging Henry Addington, 40, with the death of Jake R. Black, 45, was signed Saturday by Coroner Dennis R. Rampey following an inquest held in Black's death Saturday afternoon.

Spectators filled the council chamber of the city hall where the hearing was originally scheduled but officials in charge had the inquest changed to the Northside school auditorium where more room space was afforded. Around 500 persons crowded the school to witness the investigation.

The coroner's jury, after hearing one eyewitness to the shooting, Ellison Richey and a statement prepared by Dr. N. C. Brackett, said Black came to his death at the hands of Henry Addington.

Mr. Richey was the only witness testifying besides Dr. Brackett.

Mr. Richey said that Addington shot Black following an argument between the two on land boundaries. He said that Addington charged Black with having cut timber on his (Addington's) land.

Addington was not present for the inquest. The shooting occurred on February 19.

Dr. Brackett's statement, which was read at the inquest, said Black's death "was due to gunshot wounds in the head". Black, however, suffered five buckshots in the back; one in the neck and two in the head. The shots in the head entered through his face, the statement said.

Addington has been held in the Pickens county jail since the shooting.

Solicitor Robert T. Ashmore of Greenville and G. G. Christopher of Pickens assisted Coroner Rampey at the hearing.

(The Easley Progress, dated March 14, 1940, submitted by Yuna Black. Note: Addington received a five year sentence for the shooting.)


Pickens CH in Pickens County SC - a description of the town: the town is built on hills; the front doors of the houses built around the public square are one step above the ground while the back doors are from 8 to 10 or 12 feet from the ground. All the homes are made of wood and the citizens are hospitable and agreeable. There are 12 or 15 homes besides three or four storehouses and three law offices, two blacksmith shops, a tailor shop and a shoemaker shop; an out building, a CH and the jail all of which are built of wood. As well as preventing crime the CH is the only place of divine worship in the Village. From its position on the highest hill in the immediate vicinity it presents an imposing and unique appearance. The population of the Village is 200 persons who dress neatly though not fashionably, are healthy and independent and appear hale and hearty. The Keowee River runs within a quarter of a mile of the Village. Pickens is a romantic and pleasant spot, free from the fevers, fashions and fooleries of the more level and wealthy portion of the state. Laurensville Herald 11/17/1848, page 2, abstracted by Edith Greisser.

PICKENS DISTRICT - land advertised for sale on the first Monday in August by Miles M. Norton, Laurensville Herald 8/15/1851, p3 and land for sale by I. G. Gambrell and A. O. Norris, Laurensville Herald 8/22/1851, p3, abstracted by Edith Greisser

Easley
State Paper 1/31/1915
Mrs M.R. Kendrick of Greer and Mrs. Mattie R. Allen of Atlanta are the guests of their sister, Mrs C.T. Martin
S.D. Moore of Cowpens spent the weekend here with his son W.L. Moore



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