A Dastardly Crime
January 2, 1897
Summary
A white man stabs a “colored” man in the street.
Transcription
Lynchburg, VA., Dec. 26.
A serious cutting affray occurred in this city yesterday afternoon, on Main street, the principals being a colored preacher, Thomas Early, and a young white man named Dan Broader, Known as “Buck” Broader. The trouble started in a bar-room, where hard words resulted in a general row, in the course of which the colored preacher struck young Broader on the side of the head.
Separated Them
By the interference of several persons the combatants were separated, but Broader swore that he would have vengeance, and he shortly, after Early left the saloon, followed him with a knife in his hands. When the street was reached Broader jumped on Early’s back and began slashing at him with the knife at a fearful rate.
Screamed for Help
Early, who is a small man, and in feeble health, screamed in a pitiful manner, and attempted to escape. His assailant, however, clung to his back, plunging his knife again and again into the colored man’s body. It was a fearful scene, and was witnessed by a large number of persons, all of who were apparently startled for the moment out of their wits, gazed at the combatants without attempting to interfere. Broader, after cutting Early at least twenty times released his hold and fled.
Bleeding to the Sidewalk
Early then walked about fifty yards and fell near the curbing of the sidewalk. He was removed to his home, and is not expected to recover. A number of colored people were in the neighborhood at the time and for a while intense excitement prevailed. Broader took refuge over a vacant store, and was there arrested by the police who’s timely arrival was undoubtedly the only thing that prevented further trouble.
A serious cutting affray occurred in this city yesterday afternoon, on Main street, the principals being a colored preacher, Thomas Early, and a young white man named Dan Broader, Known as “Buck” Broader. The trouble started in a bar-room, where hard words resulted in a general row, in the course of which the colored preacher struck young Broader on the side of the head.
Separated Them
By the interference of several persons the combatants were separated, but Broader swore that he would have vengeance, and he shortly, after Early left the saloon, followed him with a knife in his hands. When the street was reached Broader jumped on Early’s back and began slashing at him with the knife at a fearful rate.
Screamed for Help
Early, who is a small man, and in feeble health, screamed in a pitiful manner, and attempted to escape. His assailant, however, clung to his back, plunging his knife again and again into the colored man’s body. It was a fearful scene, and was witnessed by a large number of persons, all of who were apparently startled for the moment out of their wits, gazed at the combatants without attempting to interfere. Broader, after cutting Early at least twenty times released his hold and fled.
Bleeding to the Sidewalk
Early then walked about fifty yards and fell near the curbing of the sidewalk. He was removed to his home, and is not expected to recover. A number of colored people were in the neighborhood at the time and for a while intense excitement prevailed. Broader took refuge over a vacant store, and was there arrested by the police who’s timely arrival was undoubtedly the only thing that prevented further trouble.
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Upper Left Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Brian Schrott
Citation
“A Dastardly Crime,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed December 11, 2025, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/18.