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This information is contributed by Carolyn Shank
Murder of John GAYLOR, Duplin Co.,-1841
Faison's Depot Duplin Cty N C Sept'r 4 - 1841
Dear Sir This is to inform you that on the 25th of July
last a man by the name of John GAYLOR was murdered in this
County at the Store of W'm. HODGES by another by the name of
Charles COLEY. It appears from the evidence that was had
before the Jury of Inquest that said COLEY shot GAYLOR in or
near the heart, producing almost instant death without
little or no provocation on the part of GAYLOR. COLEY made
his escape immediately; and has not been seen but by few
persons since. It is believed that he is lurking in this or
some of the ajoining Counties as he has a wife and two
children living in this County together with other
relatives. COLEY is a man about 28 years of age 5 feet 9 or
10 - inches high - stoutly made ruddy complexion and healthy
appearance with blue eyes and sandy hair, much given to curl
when long; he generally wears it very short, he has a good
set of teeth and tans red when exposed to the sun. This
letter is to you written by me at the request of a brother
of the deceased, who seems anxious that you should be
informed of the circumstance and imploring your aid as Chief
Magistrate of the state in bringing the offinder to trial.
The deceased left a wife and six sons to bemoun their
irreparable loss &c
John MOREHEAD, Esq'r Governor of N.C. Yours Respectfully,
Bryan W. HERRING
On reverse: B. W. HERRING
Sept. 24, 1841
Charging C. COLEY with the murder of John GAYLOR
Copied L(etter) B(ook) page 174 file
From: Faisons Depot N. C. Sept. 8 12 1/2 (postage)
To: John Morehead Esq'r
Raleigh, N. Ca.
Source: Governor's Papers. John M. Morehead - Govenor,
July - September 1841. G. P. 98. Last folder.
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