Mr. Oliver Assaulted

A black man is assaulted by white boys while at his construction job.

There have been numerous complaints on the part of respectable and well-known colored citizens due to the outrageous behavior of white boys in the neighborhood of 4th St., between Jackson and Duval Streets.
Not long since Mr. Henry Cook was assaulted and severely injured on Governor St.
On January 1, '96, Mr. John Oliver was removing some lumber from a lot at 711 N. 4th St., when he was viciously attacked.
It seems that he was authorized by Mrs. P. Watson Fuqua to remove the portions of the old house which were tumbling down and had employed a man to assist when a number of white boys came to where he was working, Connie Norrell began to assault him, and when asked to leave declined to do so.
Norrell came at him again and Mr. Oliver shoved him back with the pickaxe, but claims he did not strike him. The others including Pig Proffitt, Winzey Wood joined with Connie Norrell in striking him. He was severely struck on his legs, shoulders and back. They continued to stone him until he reached midway the block.
The sergeant at the 2nd Police-station agreed to send an officer and told Mr. Oliver to return to his work. In the Police Court, Mr. Overby (white) testified that Mr. Oliver struck the boy, Norrell, although Mr. Oliver and the man employed denied that this was the case. The Justice thereupon dismissed the case. Mr. Oliver has filed a complaint with Mayor Richard M. Taylor.

“Mr. Oliver Assaulted,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed October 9, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1681.