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[September 14, 1877] -
KILLED. -- Mr. John Engleman, Sr., whose skull was crushed on Friday, by a rock thrown by a negro named Jerry Brown, died at the residence of Mr. J. M. Martin, on Saturday evening. The difficulty occurred near Highland, and originated in a jocular suggestion to the negro, as to the proper way to make his balking team pull. The negro made an insolent reply and just then succeeded in making his horses pull out. Mr. Engleman completed his business and rode on to town, but before proceeding far overtook the negro, to whom he spoke in regard to his insolence. The negro was very insulting and Mr. Engleman made a lick at him with his whip. The negro then jumped down and got a rock and threw at Mr. Engleman, who also got off his horse and attempted to get a rock, but while he was bending down the scamp again threw, this time with the force and precision of a bullet, the rock striking the old man a little back of the top of his skull crushing it in. As badly hurt as he was, Mr. Engleman succeeded in getting upon his horse but by the time he reached Mr. Martin's he had become so weak that he was forced to dismount and spend the night. He did not complain much, so the services of a physician was not called till next day, when Drs. Peyton, Craig and McRoberts were sent for, and examination immediately convinced them that the skull was badly crushed and was pressing on the brain. They knew that to relieve this pressure was the only hope to prolong his life but the operation had been postponed too long and Mr. Engleman died in the course of the evening. Meanwhile search was commenced for the negro, who, on learning the condition of his victim, had set out to make his escape; but the determination of those who had attempted his capture was too great for him and on the news being carried to Somerset and a reward offered, Messrs. S. T. Wolsey and J. F. Barker, set out up the railroad and succeeded in finding the negro in a shanty about two miles above town. They took him to town and next day brought him to this place and lodged him in jail; but there being grave apprehensions of summary punishment he waved an examining trial and was taken to the Junction and sent to the Jail at Richmond. The remains of Mr. Engleman were taken to his home and after a funeral sermon by the Rev. Mr. Smith, were consigned to the earth with the honors of Masonry, of which Order he was a consistent member. Deceased was about 70 years of age, and was well known throughout this country, and although possessed of peculiarities, was much liked and respected. His family have our warmest sympathy in their bereavement. [1]
