A Game of Cards Leads to a fatal quarrel at Algona, McDowell County
Charleston, W.Va., September 10, - In a general free-for-all fight with knives and pistols at Algona, McDowell county, last night, Huff Bryant received a shot in the stomach from which he died within few hours. J. M. Clemens also received a severe wound from a pistol shot, but not fatal. John Workman, who shot Bryant, made good his escape and has not been apprehended, though the Sheriff and a number of deputies are after him. The trouble, it seems, grew out of a game of cards.

Charleston, W.Va. June 14 - Detective Dan Cunningham recieved information today that Green Justice, who lives on Guess Fork of Knox Creek, in McDowell County, was shot and killed a few days ago by Larkin Justice, who shot and killed his brother-in-law in 1887.
Green Justice and Alex Coleman were passing Larkin Justice's house when the latter came out with a Winchester rifle and fired at his victim. The bail passed through his lung. He died within a few hours. The shooting in the result of an old family quarrel. The murdererr made his escape and has not been apprehended.

THROUGH THE HEAD.
A fatal and mysterious shooting affray in McDowel
Two Men Drowned—Two Children Burned to Death
—Bad Railroad Accident—A Lady Fatally Hurt-
On last Friday near Perryville, McDowell county, Albert Payne was shot through the head and died in a few hours. The circumstances, as follows: W. B. Payne and Albert Payne left a neighbor's house about dark, both intoxicated to some extent, and in a few minutes several shots were heard, and upon going to the spot Albert Payne was found dying and shot as above stated. P. Payne was arrested for the shooting acquitted before three Justices of the Peace, He stated that Albert Payne was shooting, as he supposed for fun, but it is thought by some that W. P. Payne shot him accidentally. W. P. Payne is Prosecuting Attorney of McDowell County, and was a candidate before the Democratic Convention of the Seventh District for State Senator.

AN AWFUL CRIME - A McDowell county wife and her Lover GUILTY.
The Husband's Head Split With an axe, and the Widow marries the Murderer. Other Crimes and Casualties
January 19, 1891
The Wheeling Daily Register - submitted by: Dena Whitesell -2007

A murder of the most horrible kind occurred in McDowell county, about a month ago, and the murderer married the widow three weeks after the killing. Joe Black and wife, Maggie, lived in the western part of the county, with their one child, a boy of 12 years, named Henry. All went well with them, living the life of a mountain farmer, with no cares to cause sorrow, until John James, a stranger from kVirginia, appeared in the neighborhood, and settled on the adjoining farm to them. It was only a short time until he had formed the acquaintance of the Blacks, and he was considered one of the firends of the family. The husband had not the least suspicion that things were not as they shuld be, as he had no cause, as he thought, to think that his wife was unfaithful. Such was not the case, however, as future events proved. The frequency of his visits to the Black's house soon became the talk of the neighbors, but no one dared to tell Mr. Black of the gossip, and so he was not warned of the trouble brewing. It seemed as though Mrs. Black and the stranger had fallen in love at first sight, and, as she encouraged him, he proposed that they elope: she being afraid her husband would follow and kill them, refused, but said that if he (James) would put him out of the way she would marry him. He consented and plans were laid for the murder. Henry was sent to visit an uncle some distance from home, and upon the appointed night James came over to spend the evening. After sitting awhile James went outside to get a drink, and when he returned brought the ax with him. Black was sitting with his back to the door when James brought the sharp edge of the ax down upon his head with terrific torce, splitting his head open. Black died instantly and his body was buried in a ravine near by. Mrs. Black gave out that her husband had deserted her, which was thought very strange by the neighbors, as he had always appeared very fond of his wife. However, as no signs of him could be found, nothing was done about it. Just three weeks after the murder James and Mrs. Black were married. Much indignation was expressed by the murdered man's relatives at her early marriage, and a search was instituted for the missing man, which resulted in finding his body. Upon the return of the searchers it was found that the guilty pair had flown. Pursuers started after them and succeeded in capturing the woman, but the man escaped, and has not bee heard of up to date. Mrs. Black confessed, but does not seem to be sorry the deed was committed, but only sorry it was found out. Should James be captured Judge Lynch will probably try his case, and a verdict of guilty may be expected. The sentence of death will be passed and the executin will take place without any cost to the State, and with but little trouble

Last Wednesday morning Detective Robertson went into a house on the Crozer works, McDowell county, in which lived Alex Goins and a woman named Carrie Brown, both colored, and ordered them as trespassers to leave the premises. To this Goins entered a demurred by drawing his pistol and shooting Robertson in the right side, striking a rib, following it and out on the same side, inflicting a painful but not serious flesh wound.
Robertson then returned fire, discharging four chambers of his revolver, which resulted in the death of Goins. Mr. Robertson managed to get home in his wounded condition, and expects to be out again in a few days.

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