Killed In Lowndes
Howard Turner of This City Killed at a Colored Folks Picnic.
Hayneville, June 30. -[Special.]- Last Saturday the colored people had a picnic across Big Swamp near Hayneville. The result is Howard Turner, who came from Montgomery was killed by one Phillip McCall. Too much whisky and too many pistols. Phillip surrendered this morning.
The Weekly Advertiser (Montgomery, Alabama) Thursday, July 1, 1891 Page 2
We were always told that my grandmother Fannie Turner Graham’s father was killed at a barbecue when she was four years old. After years of being unable to find any documentation, I found this news item on Newspapers.com several years ago.
Jennie Allen Turner in mourning dress with daughters Daisy and Fannie. 1891.
“In Memory of My Husband Howard Turner who was instantly killed by Philip McCall June 27, 1891.
Vengence is mine, saith the Lord, I will repay.”
Yesterday while searching for more information about my great grandfather Howard Turner, I found this on Ancestry.com in the Alabama, Surname Files Expanded, 1702–1981. It looks like it came from the cemetery. Is it the inscription on his grave stone?
I looked for and found the Hayneville Cemetery, but can find no entry for Howard Turner. I wish I could see that grave stone. Reading it gave me a whole new vision of my great grandmother. I can understand the anger expressed in this inscription.
Quite an inscription.
Is it worth adding to FindAGrave and requesting a photo? Or do you think the grave has not survived?
I’m not sure if it survived, but adding it on find a grave and requesting a photo is a good idea. I’ll start there. Thanks!
I’m not sure if it survived, but adding it on FindAGrave and requesting a photo is a good idea. I’ll start there. Thanks!
Very important finding for your family. It represents a small degree of closure on this tragedy.
It makes me think my great grandmother was a pretty tough cookie too.