Black Jack Grove Killings, 1867

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From the files of June Tuck

Sulphur Springs Gazette, Jan. 5, 1867, reprinted in the Dallas Herald, Jan. 12, 1867

Fatal Affray - We publish the particulars of an affray which took place on Christmas day at Black Jack Grove (now Cumby,) in this county, resulting in the killing of three men, named Fry, Newsom and Brumly. It seems that there were four of the Brumlys concerned in the fight - One of them had made a race with Fry, betting a revolver against a shotgun. Finding that he would probably lose the race, he withdrew his stake. Upon Fry saying that he could not play any such game with him, all four of the Brumlys drew their pistols, advanced on him. He told them not to crowd him, he was not afraid of the whole party, one of them said you are a d__d liar. Fry immediately shot, killing that one instantly, the other three commenced shooting and wounded Fry four times, breaking his arm and causing him to drop his gun. Fry then ran a short distance and fell, he was followed and killed, having received eleven wounds. A friend of Fry, named Newsom, drew his pistol, but before he could use it, two of the Brumlys seized him and took it away. They then shot him several times, whilst he was attempting to get away. After having fallen, he begged them to spare his life, but heedless of his supplications, they continued shooting until they had inflicted eighteen wounds. Some of them, having shot after death. The Brumlys succeeded in getting away, but we understand that the sheriff has started after them.