Malissa Jane Ensley was born 7/4/1857 in Leicester, Buncombe County, NC to Samuel Bruce Ensley (DOB 6/19/1829 in Sandy Mush, Madison County, NC; DOD 9/14/1896 in Madison County, NC) and Rachel Pauline Cassada (DOB Abt 1835 in Reems Creek, Weaverville, Buncombe County, NC; DOD Abt 1879 in Madison County, NC). She would be my second great grandaunt. She would have been the sister of my direct ancestor, Margaret Alice Ensley Conner. Sallie Ensley was the second eldest child of 12 children, 5 girls and 7 boys.
1860 U.S. Census of Leicester, Buncombe County, NC, Roll M653-889, Pg 268, Image 86, Lines 5-9, Dwelling 67, family 67, "Saml Ensley"
Saml Ensley, 30 yrs old (DOB 1830), M(ale), W(hite), Farmer, $300 Real Estate Value, $100 Personal Estate Value, Born in NC
Rachel Ensley, 26 yrs old (DOB 1834), F, W, Born in NC
Sarah Ensley, 4 yrs old (DOB 1856), F, W, Born in NC
Malissie Ensley, 3 yrs old (DOB 1857), F, W, Born in NC
Margaret Ensley, 1 yrs old (DOB 1859), F, W, Born in NC
1870 U.S. Census of Township #6, Madison County, NC, Roll M593_1147, Pg 425, Image 155, Lines 7-15, Dwelling 67, Family 67, "Samuel Crisly" (sic, should be Samuel Ensley)
Samuel Crisly, 40 yrs old (DOB 1830), M(ale), W(hite), Farm Laborer, $0 Real Estate Value, $100 Personal Estate Value, Born in NC, Cannot read or write
Rachel Crisly, 37 yrs old (DOB 1833), F, W, Keeping House, Born in NC, Cannot read or write
Sarah C. Crisly, 14 yrs old (DOB 1856), F, W, At Home, Born in NC, Cannot read or write
Malissa Crisly, 12 yrs old (DOB 1858), F, W, At Home, Born in NC, Cannot read or write
Alice Crisly, 11 yrs old (DOB 1859), F, W, At Home, Born in NC, Cannot read or write
Elmore Crisly, 9 yrs old (DOB 1861), F, W, At Home, Born in NC
Stokley Crisly, 7 yrs old (DOB 1863), M, W, At Home, Born in NC
Harley Crisly, 5 yrs old (DOB 1865), M, W, At Home, Born in NC
Ernia Crisly, 2 yrs old (DOB 1868), M, W, At Home, Born in NC
She married William Franklin Fore on 10/8/1874 in Madison County, NC.
North Carolina, Marriage Records, 1741-2011
Name: Malissa Ensley
Gender: Female
Race: White
Age: 19
Birth Year: abt 1855
Marriage Date: 8 Oct 1874
Marriage Place: Madison, North Carolina, USA
Spouse: William Fore
Spouse Gender: Male
Spouse Race: White
Spouse Age: 21
Event Type: Marriage
They had one child:
Elbert Wiley Fore (DOB 5/21/1876 in Buncombe County, NC; DOD After 1930 in Asheville, Buncombe County, NC) married Polly Loretta Buckner (DOB 3/10/1874 in Buncombe County, NC to Stephen Morgan Buckner and Louisa Jane Kuykendall; DOD 1/29/1945 in McAdenville, Gaston County, NC). They had Clarence Elmore Fore (Ruth Baker), Charles Clifford Fore (Annie Mae Pitman), William Earnest Fore (Ila Mae Smith), Forrest Fore (Mary Lucille Fleming), Ada Kate Fore (John Albert Hunsucker), James Oscar Fore (Margaret Elizabeth Morgan).
After Elbert Fore was born, at some point, Melissa Ensley Fore and William Franklin Fore separate. They are not living together but show up living with their parents in the 1880 U.S. Census:
1880 U.S. Census of Upper Hominy, Buncombe County, North Carolina; Ancestry.com, 4/12/2016, Roll: 954; Family History Film: 254954; Page: 23C; Enumeration District: 028; Image: 0048, Family 54, Lines 3-8, "Fidillo Fore" (sic)
Fidillo Fore, W(hite), M(ale), 54 yrs old (DOB 1826), Head, Married, Farmer, Born in NC, Father born in SC, Mother born in NC
Elizabeth Fore, W, F, 45 yrs old (DOB 1835), Wife, Married, Keeping house, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC
William Fore, W, M, 27 yrs old (DOB 1853), Son, Single, Unimploid (sic), Cannot write, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC
Mary Fore, W, F, 21 yrs old (DOB 1859), Daughter, Single, Unimploid (sic), Cannot write, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC
Sidney Fore, W, M, 14 yrs old (DOB 1866), Son, Single, Farm worker, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC
1880 U.S. Census of Marshall, Madison County, NC, Roll T9_971, Family History Film 1254971. Pg 7.1000. ED 123. Image 0185, Lines 37-48, Dwelling 117, Family 118, "Samul Ensely" (sic, should be Samuel Ensley)
Samul Ensely (sic), W(hite), M(ale), 50 yrs old (DOB 1830), Head, Widowed, Born in NC, Father Born in NC, Mother born in NC
Mully J. Ensely (sic, should be Melissa Jane Ensley), W, F, 33 yrs old (DOB 1847), Daughter, Single, Housekeeper, Cannot read or write, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Stockly Ensely (sic, should be Stokely Ensley), W, M, 19 yrs old (DOB 1861), Cannot read or write, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Harly Ensely (sic, should be Harley Ensley), W, M, 15 yrs old (DOB 1865), Son, Cannot read or write, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Ernest Ensely, W, M, 12 yrs old (DOB 1868), Son, Attends school, Cannot read or write, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Arthun Ensely (sic, should be Arthur Ensley), W, M, 11 yrs old (DOB 1869), Son, Attends school, Cannot read or write, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Charley Ensely (sic, should be Charles Ensley), W, M, 9 yrs old (DOB 1871), Son, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Flurance Ensely (sic, should be Florence Ensley), W, F, 8 yrs old (DOB 1872), Daughter, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Fonse Ensely (sic, should be Alfonso Ensley), W, M, 6 yrs old (DOB 1874), Son, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Lucsten Ensely (sic), W, M, 4 yrs old (DOB 1876), Son, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Weyle Ensely (sic), W, M, 4 yrs old (DOB 1876), Son, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Elizabeth Club (sic, should be Clark), W, F, 23 yrs old, Bond Servant, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Dwelling 108, Family 119, Jurder Read (sic, should be Jerel Reed), W, M, 23 (DOB 1857) yrs old, Married, Farmer, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Allas Read (sic, should be Margaret Alice Ensley Reed), W, F, 21 yrs old (DOB 1859), Wife, Married, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Next Page
Luretter Read (sic, probably Louester Elmira Ensley) , W, F, 3 yrs old (DOB 1877), Relationship other than family, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Sarah Read (sic, Alice's little sister, Sarah Ensley?), W, F, 2 yrs old (DOB 1878), Relationship other than family, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Elmor Ensely (sic, should be Elmore Ensley), W, M, 20 yrs old (DOB 1860), h***** (illegible relationship), Farmer, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Bell Hunter (sic), W, F, 18 yrs old (DOB 1862), D******** (illegible relationship), Single, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Mcke Conon (sic, should be McCoy Conner) , W, M, 17 yrs old (DOB 1863), h**** (illegible relationship), Single, Farmer, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC (he's living with Jerel and Margaret Alice Ensley Reed, after Jerel dies, Margaret Alice married McCoy Conner)
Wm Read, and family
Cal Clube, (sic) and family
Z. W. Henderson, M, 44 yrs old (DOB 1836), Married, Farmer, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Anney Henderson, W, F, 34 yrs old (DOB 1846), Wife, Married, Housekeeper, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Jane E. Henderson, W, F, 10 yrs old (DOB 1870), Daughter, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Martha E. Henderson, W, F, 8 yrs old (DOB 1872), Daughter, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Henery R. Henderson (sic), W, M, 6 yrs old (DOB 1874), Son, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Malay S. Henderson, W, F, 4 yrs old (DOB 1876), Daughter, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Sufrana A. Henderson (sic), W, F, 2 yrs old (DOB 1878), Daughter, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Marion T. Henderson, W, M, 1 yrs old (DOB 1879), Son, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
John Marrell, W, M, 26 yrs old (DOB 1854), Works on farm, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
W.W. Conon (sic, is William Washington Conner, McCoy Conner's brother), W, M, 18 yrs old (DOB 1862), Works on farm, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
William Franklin Fore got into a little trouble.
The camp meeting was a Protestant Christian religious service originating in England and Scotland. It was similar to the revival meetings we know today. It was held for worship, preaching and communion on the frontier during the Second Great Awakening of the early 19th century.
The Great Awakening Protestant religious revival movement occurred from about 1720 to 1780 with the Second Great Awakening starting about 1790 and was past it's peak in the 1850's. Originally camp meetings were held in frontier areas and people would travel from a large region to a camp site for the "camp meeting".They would listen to itinerant preachers, pray, sing hymns.
Camp meetings offered fellowship, singing, evangelism, non-stop preaching and a vacation from the hard work of their farms. Typically pentecostal in nature with emotional responses, loud prayers, etc. Camp meetings lasted up to five days and featured revival preaching day and night.
During the so-called Second Great Awakening, from about 1790 through 1830, camp meetings became one of the most popular ways to preach the revival message.
Whites, blacks, men, women, and persons of all denominations took turns exhorting would-be converts. Repentant sinners were asked to approach the "anxious bench," where they sat with all eyes on them until they were converted to Christ's cause. Camp meetings induced sensational results: some observers described participants laughing out loud, barking like dogs, falling down as if dead, and experiencing "the jerks."
William F. Fore attended a camp meeting (aka tent revival) on August 25, 1889 at Turkey Creek Campground in Buncombe County, NC.
This camp meeting was held in Turkey Creek, Buncombe County, NC at what is now the Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester, Buncombe County, NC.
The grounds at the Leicester Community Center have a story to tell. The 21 acres now including the Community Center, Lawter Court, and Camp Forrest were donated to the Methodist Church by James Gudger on March 22nd 1827 this deed is in deed book 13 page 466 at the Buncombe County Register of Deeds. This brought the birth of the Turkey Creek Campground. There was a large arbor with benches, a pulpit, and an altar where many people knelt and came up shouting. There were separate meetings held for men and women. Around the large arbor were plank tents consisting of four rooms each. The beds were straw covered floors and bedding. The reception room had long benches and the kitchen had a fireplace for food preparation. Each year for about a week to 10 days in August people would come from all over to worship. They came in wagons, on horses and later on in buggies and carriages. Bishop Francis Asbury writes in his diary of visiting the campground in 1806 and preaching to 500 souls. The Holston Methodism Volume 4 mentions a meeting in the fall of 1851 where preaching by Rev William Hicks over 100 people were converted in a 20 hour period. By 1893 the property was in poor condition and interest in the meetings had fallen. The event that would end the camp meetings happened that year. Two men inflamed by a quarrel got into a fist fight. The smaller of the two was taking a beating so he pulled a knife and stabbed the other man to death. Soon after that incident the meetings stopped altogether. The property,still owned by the Methodist Church, was converted into two parsonages, one for the Sandy Mush Charge and one for the Leicester Charge. On May 1, 1957 The Leicester Charge requested that the land be split between the 2 charges. After this split took place the Leicester Charge met at Dix Creek Methodist Church on November 10th 1957 and adopted a resolution to give the parsonage and property to the Leicester Youth Center the parsonage trustees were:
Hal Wells, Donald Austin, and J. Fred Hall. The Articles of Incorporation were filed with the state of North Carolina on November 25th 1957.
Asheville Citizen Times, Asheville, NC, 8/27/1889, Keeping Up The Record
Keeping Up The Record
The Knife Again Gets In Its Bloody Work
Amos Lunsford Fatally Wounded by William Fore in a Quarrel at Turkey Creek Camp-Meeting - A Horrible Sunday Homicide
Another bloody chapter has been added to Buncombe's annals of crime, and, this time, as in three other instances this year, a human life has been taken. How, when and where this sort of thing will stop is beyond the ken of mortal man unless some steps are taken by those who have the right to take them, to put an end to those deeds that have already disgraced the fair name of our county and set law and order at defiance. A halt must be called, and no time lost in effecting adequate ways and means whereby homicides and murders shall be checked. Human life is not safe nor society tenable when the pistol and knife are brought into such ready and fatal play upon the lightest pretext or cause. Law, order, society, humanity appeals for a wiping out of these inhuman, diabolical and hellborn practices of men.
Another homicide has been committed in Buncombe! The victim of of passionate fury has been summoned before his Maker and the slayer now occupies a cell in the common jail of his county. One has lost his life, the other his liberty and must run the chances of life or death in a trial before a jury of his country. Horrible to contemplate is this state of affairs existing in any city, town or community.
The facts connected with Sunday's tragedy, as near as can be ascertained are as follows: William Fore, a white man, who lives in French Broad township near Alexander's, attended the farce, called "camp meeting," at Turkey Creek, eleven miles northwest of this city. He is a tall, well built man, about thirty years of age (DOB 1850), and is regarded as a peaceable citizen. While at the camp grounds he got into a dispute with Amos Lunsford, also white, of Leicester township, a powerfully built farmer, and regarded as one of the best men physically and otherwise, in that end of the county. So far as strength and courage goes bot men were well matched. The trouble grew out of an insult which Fore alleges Lunsford offered to him; Fore had some words with him, and Lunsford invited him to "take a walk down the road and settle it." This Fore refused to do, and leaving Lunsford went to a wagon in which a friend named Ham Luther and others were seated. Shortly after he took his seat, Lunsford again made his appearance and repeated his invitation to Fore to "settle it." Again Fore declined, when all of a sudden Lunsford drew back his right arm and landed a terrific blow on Fore's right eye. Stunned and half blinded Fore rolled or fell out of the wagon and grappled with his assailant, drawing his knife, an ordinary pocket knife, at the same time.
The two men fought like tigers, until separated by the crowd which had quickly gathered. When they were parted it was discovered that Lunsford had been stabbed twice, the first wound being about one inch below the navel, while the second orifice was about two inches below the first stab. His intestines were protruding from the cuts, and Dr. J.C.B. Justice, of this city, who was on the grounds was at once summoned to attend the unfortunate man.
Fore, who in the meanwhile, had been arrested by deputy sheriff King, presented a horrible picture. His eyes and the right side of his face were terribly bruised and blackened, and he was suffering intense agony from a kick in the side administered by Lunsford during the fight. Nor were these all his wounds. In his left thigh was a stab, and the third finger on his left hand was bleeding profusely. Both of these wounds were accidentally inflicted upon himself by Fore in the melee, and gave him much pain.
Lunsford was later taken to his home from where his death was reported yesterday afternoon. Fore waived preliminary examination and was brought to this city yesterday and lodged in jail. The deceased was a married man leaves a wife and several children. Fore is also married, and has one child. Both men have been regarded as upright, peaceable, good citizens previous to the horrible affair Sunday.
The Daily Citizen, Asheville, NC, 8/28/1889
Next on this list comes Jesse Peterson, also white, charged with murder in Madison. He, too, is waiting the result of an appeal to the supreme court, and is in the Buncombe jail for safe keeping.
The last of the trio is William Fore, of this county, who figured in Sunday's tragedy at the Turkey Creek camp meeting. He is awaiting trial at the October term of the criminal court for the slaying of Amos Lunsford, of Leicester township.
Thomas Wright and David Swatzell, the horse-thieves, also occupy a cell on the second floor of the jail..."
The Daily Citizen, 8/29/1889, "The Camp Meeting Was Not A 'Farce'"
Editor Citizen: I had the pleasure of attending the recent camp meeting at Turkey Creek, during the progress of which Amos Lunsford was killed by William Fore, and I desire to state that in your account of the affair in your issue of last Tuesday, you unintentionally cast a slur on one of the leading institutions of the Methodist church in the county of Buncombe. You said: "William Fore, a white man, who lives in French Broad township, attended the farce called 'camp meeting' at Turkey Creek last Sunday." Now it may be, or it may not be, that the necessity for camp meetings has ceased to exist. I shall not discuss that question. But that people have the right to meet at a proper time and in a proper place to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience and in accordance with the laws of the country is a proposition that no man will question. This is exactly what the good people of Turkey Creek did last Sunday and it is what they have been doing for nearly seventy years. They paid their own money to erect the arbor and tents and they go there from year to year. These people are among the very best citizens of Buncombe. If they desire to do this, whose business is it?
If a bad man, once in a while, goes there and fills himself with liquor and provokes a difficulty and commits a crime, is the camp meeting to be ridiculed by our county paper and held responsible for it? Is the camp meeting of Turkey Creek to be held up to the ridicule of this world as parties to an annual "farce" because William Fore went there, steamed up his passions with the fluid of hell and killed a man? Such characters go to all gathering and they go prepared for mischief. You cannot keep them away.
Up to the time of this unfortunate tragedy, I never saw better order at a religious gathering in my life. All of the people seemed to be in the best of spirits and there was no sign of trouble in any direction. And during all the long years that camp meetings have been held at Turkey Creek, this is the first serious crime that has ever committed there. On the other hand, thousands have been converted there and added to the church of God. It has been a powerful influence for good and it has not yet reached the limit of it's usefulness. It is not a bad institution. I am, therefore, sure, that in view of all the facts in the case you will modify your unfortunate reference to the Turkey Creek camp meeting.
G.C.Rankin
The Montgomery Vidette, Troy, NC, 9/5/1889, Pg 2
Amos Lunsford was stabbed and killed at Turkey creek camp meeting, six miles west of Asheville, Sunday, by William Fore. Both parties were white and were respectable citizens. Fore is in jail. The difficulty was about a woman whom the slayer charged the slain with having insulted.
Asheville Citizen Times, Asheville, NC, 9/21/1889, Pg 1
Mrs. Geo. W. Bell and Mrs. Amos Lunsford have taken out letters of administration upon the estates of their respective husbands-both of whom were recently killed by other men in this county.
Asheville Daily Citizen, Asheville, NC, 10/29/1894, Criminal Court
Criminal Court
The Opening of this Tribunal Yesterday
This court was called on yesterday promptly at 10 o'clock, Hon. Charles A. Moore presiding. His Honor delivered an able charge to the grand jury, which was composed of the following gentlemen: ...
The most of the day was consumed in the consideration of several cases of minor importance, in which the defendants generally submitted...
William Fore was arraigned and pleaded not guilty. This case was also continued to the special term on November 18, to which day the witnesses were discharged.
The Daily Citizen, Asheville, NC, 11/19/1889, Criminal Court
Criminal Court
Business Done and to be Done by this Tribunal
The criminal court convened at 10 a.m. yesterday with Judge Moore on the bench. The greater part of the day was taken up with mere routine matter...
This is an unusually important term on account of the two cases of Berry, who is charged with killing George Bell, and of William Fore, who is charged with the murder of Amos Lunsford. The sheriff has been ordered to summon a special venire of 175 men in the case of the latter.
Asheville Citizens Times, 11/20/1889, Criminal Court
Criminal Court
Business Transacted Yesterday - Fore Murder Trial Today
The court resumed it's sitting yesterday morning at 10 o'clock. In the case of Harper Slite and Baily, the jury returned the verdict of guilty and a fine of $25 and costs was imposed...
The trial of William Fore begins this morning and the sheriff has summoned a special venire of a hundred men to report today at 10a.m...
Asheville Citizens Times, 11/21/1889, Criminal Court
Criminal Court
Clemency Asked By The Jury For Honeycutt
An Application Made For Postponement in the Murder Case of the State vs. Wm. J. Fore - The Matter To Come Up Today
An array of solid men of Buncombe filled the court room yesterday morning composing the special venire, which had been ordered for the trial of William Fore, for the killing of Amos Lunsford, which sad event occurred on the 26th day of August last, while the parties were in attendance at a camp meeting in Leicester township.
Before entering upon this case, the jury which up to midnight of the preceding day, had been patiently hearing the evidence and arguments in the case of the State vs. Mart Huneycutt, brought up their verdict, finding the defendant guilty of the crime of larceny and receiving stolen goods...
The prisoner, Fore, was brought into court, attended by his counsel. Messrs. J.M. Gudger and M.E. Carter. The solicitor called over his witnesses, some twenty-five in number, and announced that the State was ready. Mr. Gudger, in behalf of the defendant, said, that he wished time to prepare an affidavit, praying a continuance, and stated as the ground thereof, the absence of a material witness, Mr. Ham A. Luther, of Hominy. Mr. Luther had been summoned by the State, and therefore, the defense had not procured a subpoena for him until yesterday, when they learned that the Solicitor would not introduce him, and in consequence of his absence from home, this subpoena could not be served. The counsel intimated quite broadly that Mr. Luther had absented himself, because of his wish to avoid summons; saying, that he had in a previous case done the same.
The court granted time to prepare the affidavit, which was soon presented in the following words:
North Carolina, Buncombe County } Inferior Court
State vs. Wm. Fore - Murder } November Term '89
William Fore, the prisoner at the bar, being duly sworn, deposes and says he cannot come safely to the trial of this cause now, for the lac of the evidence of H.A. Luther. That said Luther was and is under subpoena issued for him and the same has not been served.
By said witness defendant expects to prove that prisoner drew his knife from his pocket and opened it after deceased had knocked and pulled prisoner down. This testimony is necessary to meet testimony which, as prisoner is advised, will be offered by the State, tending to show that the prisoner prepared a knife for the fight; that there is no witness by which he can supply this testimony; he expects to have the benefit of this testimony at another time; that the absence of this witness is a surprise to the prisoner; that this affidavit is not mode for delay, but to obtain a fair trial.
(Signed) W.J. Fore
Sworn to and subscribed before me, J.R. Patterson, Clerk C.C.
Mr. Gudger argued skillfully in favor of a continuance. The solicitor opposed the motion which much logic, saying that the defense acknowledged that they knew weeks ago what Mr. Luther would swear, and that they could have secured his presence had they wished to do so. Capt. Carter replied to the solicitor ably and at length, refuting the charge that the prisoner's counsel had been guilty of negligence-that they had a right to suppose that witness would be produced by the State, and so soon as they discovered that he had been released by the solicitor they had made all due effort to secure his attendance.
At this point the solicitor was informed that Mr. Luther was probably at home at this time, and said that he would consent to this case being laid over until next Monday, in order to afford all facility to the defense to procure his evidence.
The court ordered the clerk to issue several cases for Mr. Luther, and directed the sheriff to detail as many deputies as might be necessary to secure his attendance, and the case was continued until this morning at 10 o'clock, to which hour the venire was discharged.
Sentence was then passed upon Mart Honeycutt, whose term is three years in the penitentiary.
Asheville Citizen Times, The Daily Citizen, Asheville, NC, 11/22/1889, Fore On Trial
Fore On Trial
The State Will Only Have One More Witness
Dr. Justice Describes the Wounds - J.B. West Gives a Full Description of the Fight - Considerable Interest Manifested
Once more the court room was filled on yesterday, and the one hundred good and true men who had been summoned as a special venire were present, their countenances showing the deep interest they felt in their position and their determination to do their duty fairly and impartially, in case it should fall to their lot to pass judgment upon their fellow-man in a matter of his life or death.
The solicitor again called over his witnesses and announced that the State was ready. Mr. Gudger, for the defence, said that the witness Luther had not been found; and his Honor stated that it appeared that he was willfully absenting himself to avoid the process of this court and requested the solicitor to take such steps as the case required, an on motion of this officer, rule was issued upon said Luther, to show cause why he should not be held in contempt.
The court then announced the decision that the affidavit tendered by the defence was not sufficient ground for continuance, and after the prisoner had been placed upon his guard, the regular panel was called over and from them four were accepted.
The calling of the special venire was then begun and after fifty-seven had been drawn, the remaining eight were chosen. The jury in this case is composed of the following gentlemen: J.H. Foster, J.M. Israel, T.R. James, W.O. Wolfe, J.B. Ingle, G.H. Starnes, W.E. Pownders, Thos F. Wilson, M.G. Coffee, R.L. Shook, W.M. Weaver, John Brown.
The jury box being filled, the court discharged the regular panel until next Monday morning at 10 o'clock.
The prisoner was then required to stand up, and the bill of indictment was read to the jury, with the impressive words that "The defendant has placed himself upon God and his country, which country ye are."
The witnesses for the State were then sworn, and the court, took a recess until 2 p.m.
It may be here remarked as evidence of the good will prevailing in this county that one of sixty-eight men who were examined as to qualifications to act as jurors, only two were exempted on account of having a suit pending in court. This is rather a bad outlook for the legal fraternity, but shows that there gentlemen attend to their client's interests rather than their own.
The first witness introduced by the State was Dr. J.C.B. Justice, who attended Amos Lunsford. He described the various wounds, especially the fatal stab in the abdomen; said he had not seen the deceased until twenty minutes after the wound had been received, and that he then considered his patient to be past human help and almost in a dying condition. The Doctor had no doubt that this wound was the cause of death; he judged the knife blade to have been two and a half or three inches long.
J.B. West was the next witness. He was in attendance at camp meeting on the fourth Sunday in August, 1889. Was attracted by someone saying: "They will fight yet." Witness then approached the place where a number of persons were collected. Here he saw prisoner seated on a wagon, and saw deceased approach and heard a quarrel ensue, when the prisoner said, "I am not afraid to say again that you are a damned liar," whereupon deceased struck the prisoner in the face and pulled him down from the wagon. Deceased drew his right hand from hjs pants pocket, and witness saw that the prisoner had in his hand an open knife; a fight ensued, the deceased striking prisoner on each side of the face, using both hands, the prisoner striking back with his knife, sometimes striking deceased in front of body and sometimes around so as apparently to hit in the back. Witness produced the knife, a large pocket knife, which he had taken from prisoner immediately after the fight, and had preserved since that time. The location of the contending parties changed to some fifteen feet from the wagon, then back again, and finally to the banks of a large spring at which point deceased gave prisoner a very severe kick, and both combatants fell into the spring, a distance of some four feet. At this point witness seized the prisoner's right hand, in which the knife was with the blade half closed, and witness demanded the knife, which the prisoner at once surrendered. Other parties took hold of the deceased and helped him out of the spring.
By direction of the court the witness and the sheriff assumed the positions relatively of the deceased and the prisoner showed to the jury that the prisoner was in front of deceased, and with his back to the deceased, who was striking him continuously when the fatal blow was given by prisoner, striking backwards. The counsel for the defence objected to this illustration, which was noted by his honor. Witness arrested prisoner, who smelled of whiskey. Prisoner asked why he was arrested. Witness said, "Because you have probably killed Amos Lunsford." Prisoner replied, "I did not have any knife."
The cross examination showed that prisoner had his back to deceased most of the time of the fight, and consequently was moving from deceased, who was following and striking prisoner severely; that prisoner was on his knees when deceased kicked him very severely; that prisoner did not seem trying to escape from deceased.
R.F. Lee was next called to the witness stand. He, too, was at campground on day in question, and gave an account which corresponded quite closely with that of the first witness, the chief points of difference being that this witness saw prisoner draw a knife from his pocket before deceased struck him or pulled him off the wagon, and that deceased gave prisoner three kicks, the last of which knocked prisoner into the spring, deceased falling in with him. Witness thought that the fatal wound was given while both were in the spring.
Thaddeus Sams was next called. Saw the difficulty. After prisoner came off the wagon he followed deceased some five feet before they both turned in direction the spring; that deceased either kicked or pushed prisoner off a bank and prisoner came back at deceased with knife drawn; then deceased struck him again and at that time prisoner struck him more than once in the abdomen; afterwards Lunsford pushed prisoner into the spring. Witness also stated that during the fight deceased had seized prisoner's arm, which was wrenched from him and requested cuts made by prisoner.
The witness was subjected to a severe cross-examination, which developed the fact that witness lived on land of the deceased; also that someone had said to witness, "Don't interfere; Lunsford has taken enough off of Fore already."
Morris Fowler had seen the quarrel at an earlier stage than the other witnesses. Prisoner had taken hold of a halter by which a little boy was lending a horse and refused to give it up. The boy asked him to give it up. Lunsford told prisoner to let horse alone. Prisoner asked deceased what business it was of his, to which Lunsford replied that he would protect the boy. Several bitter curses were applied by prisoner to deceased, and witness saw deceased take a knife from his pocket, open the blade and return it to his pocket. Witness then left the ground in company with his wife and children, remarking that there would be a fight and someone might be killed.
J.E. Sumner saw the trouble with boy and horse, but did not see knife drawn. Then after a lapse of five minutes saw Lunsford return from direction of spring and in direction of wagon, on which prisoner had taken a seat by the side of H.A. Luther. Witness heard prisoner say to Luther that deceased was -- -- -- --; thereupon Lunsford approached and demanded its retraction, which was refused, and a blow was struck by deceased. Witness could not testify as to the facts of the fight after this.
Burton Ford's evidence was not materially different from that of the two first witnesses and he was not cross examined.
Here the solicitor announced that with one more witness the State would probably rest its case, and this would be done this morning, and the jury were allowed to retire.
John Berry, who is charged with the murder of George Bell, was brought into court, attended by his counsel, Maj. W. H. Malone and W.W. Jones.
The solicitor reported that the State was ready. The defence submitted an affidavit of the accused, stating that he could not safely come to trial at this time, owing to the absence of Charles Harkins, who had heard threats made by Bell against the accused; the Harkins was in the State of Washington but would be present at the next term of court.
His honor declined to grant a continuance, holding that the affidavit was not sufficient.
A venire of 125 men was drawn from the box and ordered to be in attendance at 10 o'clock on Monday morning.
The Asheville Citizen Times, Asheville, NC, 11/23/1889, Criminal Court
Criminal Court
Trial Of Fore Continued And Evidence Closed
The Evidence Closed-Fore Testifies in His Own Behalf-The Speeches Will be Made To-day and Probably A Verdict
The examination of the evidence for the State was continued by the testimony of Mr. --- Butler, who saw a number of persons assembled and heard loud talking, and heard Fore say to some person who had taken hold of his arm and asked him to go away. "No, if it comes I'll cut some d--d man. That is what I came here for."
Fore then went to wagon and took a seat thereon. Lunsford approached and demanded retraction of epithet which Fore had applied to him. Fore refused to retract and again called him a d--d liar. Lunsford then struck Fore, and at same instant Fore made an overhanded blow with an open knife in his hand. The fight then moved some eight feet from wagon, Lunsford backing and both parties striking furiously. Then Lunsford struck Fore a blow which caused him to turn his back to deceased, and in this position witness saw knife strike Lunsford in abdomen. Lunsford then knocked and kicked Fore off of the bank of the road, and Fore partly turned and seemed about to come back at Lunsford, when latter struck and kicked him again and they both fell into the spring. Fore did not get into the water; Lunsford did do so, and there kicked Fore again. Then they were separated.
On cross examination witness acknowledge that on last evening, when being examined by counsel for defence, he made no such statement as he now does in regard to threat made by Fore prior to the fight. Also that witness lived on land of a brother-in-law of Lunsford.
On redirect examination, witness stated that he made same statement of Fore's words to another person, whom he named.
Mr. Weaver repeated vile epithets which he heard Fore apply more than once to Lunsford. He did not see beginning of fight at wagon, but saw that at the spring, and gave an account very similar to that of the first State's witnesses. He was no cross-examined.
Mr. Rogers heard sounds indicating that a fight was imminent, and took hold of Lunsford, when Fore, who was on wagon, said, "Let him loose; I am not afraid of him."Lunsford replied, "I don't want you to be afraid of me. Will you repeat what you said?" Then Fore again called Lunsford a d--d liar, and fight ensued, of which this witness testified as the others had done.
H.B. Ray gave a description of the fight in a concise manner, his testimony being very similar to that of Mr. West and Mr. Lee. This witness was not cross examined.
Mr. Webb had a conversation with Butler, the witness first examined, and repeated what Butler said, very much the same as the testimony given by Butler. Witness also heard Sumner say to Thad. Sams, who was holding Lunsford, "Let him go; he has taken too much off of this man already." The statement of this witness was not materially different from that of the others.
Mr. Dockery heard same words as stated by last witness, used by Sumner to Thad. Sams, and saw fight, without any material point of difference, except that he thought Fore had hold of Lunsford just before the parties fell into the spring.
Here the State rested, and the defence asked a recess of half hour, which was granted.
On reassembling, the prisoner was sworn, and took the witness stand. He said:
"On Sunday evening I was walking towards spring. A horse ran against me, and I caught it and asked boy to be more careful. At this moment a man came up and said, 'Talk to a man, not to a boy.' I said, 'I have no talk for either, but I do not want a horse to run over me.' Then he said, 'You are too big a coward.' Then he said, 'You are a coward and a --- --- ---.' My recollection is that I replied 'You are a liar.' He walked up the road, saying 'Come up here; I will do you up.' I said, 'I will not go.' and started down the road. He overtook me and said 'Go down the road and I will do you up.' I said, 'I will not go anywhere to take a whipping.' About this time I saw Mr. Ham Luther sitting on the wagon, and thought I would go there to avoid a difficulty. I went and got on the wagon. At this time I saw Mr. Lunsford standing off talking with others, one of whom I learn to be Mr. Sumner. Lunsford and others came to me. He had hand down by his side; I thought he had a rock in his hand. Then Mr. Sumner spoke to Mr. Sams, saying, 'Let him alone; he has already taken more than I would have taken.' Then Lunsford asked me to repeat what I said. I replied that I wished to have no more to say about it. He said I was too much of a coward, and said, 'You are a coward and a --- --- ---.' I said "You are a liar.' and began to open my knife. Lunsford then struck me just above the right eye. I cannot tell how I got off the wagon, but when I came to myself I had knife in hand partly open, and blows were coming on me from every side. I discovered that my knife was not fully open and struck it against my thigh and cut it in my effort to open it. The blows continued very fast, and I returned them until I came near to spring where I was partly down, and received a terrible kick, which knocked me into the spring and Lunsford jumped in on me. I was not able to recover until helped out of the spring.
"The fatal blow was given when I was kicked off of bank of road, near the spring. This was not the first kick I had received. I did not open my knife at the horse transaction; I did not open it on wagon until I was struck. Had never seen Lunsford until that day; did not know him. Said no words of opprobrium to Lunsford after leaving horse until he came to me on the wagon. (Knife shown.) This is my knife. I struck first with my knife because I thought he had something with which he could kill me. I struck afterwards because it seemed to me that I would be killed. Blows on my head were very severe; kicks were also very severe. When I reached the spring I was badly beaten up. I never saw deceased from wagon to spring, because my back was towards him. I had taken two drams of whiskey that day. There was no cause of trouble between me and Lunsford prior to that day."
Cross-examination: "I do not think he told West that he had no knife. Think witnesses are mistaken on points where they differ with me. I was trying to get away from Lunsford during the fight. He had hold of me; I did not have hold of him. I was trying to kill him because I felt sure that otherwise he would kill me."
Then the court took a recess till 2 p.m.
D.A. Shook saw a fight at wagon. Lunsford struck Fore, who had an umbrella in his lap, and pulled him off wagon. As Fore reached the ground he struck at Lunsford with knife. Witness called to Lunsford with knife. Witness called to Lunsford, 'Look out! He has a knife.'Lunsford was a very heavy man and one of his blows would have knocked Fore down, had not Lunsford supported him by his left hand grasping his collar. Saw Lunsford take hold of Fore's right hand, which was wrenched loose. Lunsford then seized both of Fore's elbows and gave him a severe kick, which caused sufficient distance between them to enable Fore to strike his adversary's front, and it was then that the fatal wound was delivered.
Cross examination: Witness knew the prisoner some five years ago, and at that time his general character was not good.
Mr. Jamison, the jailer, saw prisoner a few days after the affray, when he was delivered into his custody. At that time prisoner had ugly bruises on face and side, and a cut in shape of the figure 7 on his right thigh.
C.C. Crook said that Sumner, one of the witnesses for the State, had told him that he had said to Lunsford that he would not take what Fore had put upon him.
Dr. J.C.B. Justice was put on standby defence. Said that in attending deceased he noticed that he had been drinking and smelled whiskey on his breath. The solicitor objected and the court allowed the question.
Dr. Starnes was at camp meeting, but did not see the fight. Examined prisoner soon after fight. Examined prisoner soon after fight. Found several severe bruises on face, and a cut, not serious, on his right thigh. Afterwards found a very severe bruise on his back.
This closed the evidence for the defense.
The State recalled Mr. West, the first witness, who said that he had seen Fore holding Lunsford with his left hand, grasping his left leg, and striking backwards with his knife in his right hand. Witness also gave several of the State's witnesses a good general character.
G.A. Greer had heard quarrel about horse; heard prisoner call Lunsford a liar and say, "You men who smoke fine cigars, if you want to whip me you must do it on the spot," which he heard repeated after Fore had taken seat on wagon; in other respects this witness agreed with the preceding one.
James Hunter knows general character of prisoner which is bad. No developments of new matter in connection with the res-gestae, was made by this witness, nor by the testimony of Anderson Bailey, except that the latter gave a stronger statement of epithets used by prisoner to deceased.
Mr. J.W. Starnes, superintendent of public schools, was called and testified to the general good character of many of the State's witnesses.
Sam Rector was the boy who had the horse when prisoner interfered. The horse belonged to James Hunter. Prisoner demanded horse, saying that Hunter had told him, prisoner, to take horse. Lunsford interfered and prisoner released horse and turned on Lunsford. Witness did not hear what was said and went away with horse.
W.J. Worley, ex-sheriff, testified to good character of several State witnesses; which was also proven by several other witnesses and the evidence was closed.
The solicitor made a short address and the court adjourned until this morning.
The Charlotte Observer, Charlotte, NC, 11/24/1889, Pg 1, Wm Fore Convicted of Murder
Wm Fore Convicted of Murder
(Special to The Chronicle)
Asheville, NC, Nov, 23 - For two days the Criminal Court has been occupied with the trial of William Fore, charged with the murder of Amos Lunsford, on August 24th.
At a camp meeting near here the two men got into an altercation, in which Fore was struck in the face by Lunsford with his fist, and thereupon the former drew a huge knife and while being repeatedly struck, stabbed his antagonist to death.
The jury after a conference of two hours have returned a verdict of guilty.
The Morning Star, Wilmington, NC, 11/28/1889, Pg 3, Spirits Turpentine
Asheville Journal: The conviction of Wm Fore for murder on Saturday was a surprise to many. It is being talked over by most everyone and it also adds additional public interest in the trial of John Berry, which began this morning.
Asheville Citizen Times, Asheville, NC, 11/28/1889, Pg 1
When a man is on trial for his life, no one should withhold their testimony. They may think that they can add nothing to what is already known, but theirs might be the missing link in the chain of evidence. Several young men refrained from letting people know that they had been witnesses of the fight when William Fore killed Amos Lunsford. Such action is very blame-worthy, and would be severely criticised by those who desire justice to be fairly meted out and realize the importance of having all the witnesses of such a scene relate what they have seen and heard to the jury.
Apropos of the number of hotels which are in process of erection....
Asheville Citizen Times, Asheville, NC, 11/30/1889
A Letter From Mr. Wolfe, one of the Fore Jurymen
Editor Citizen: I being one of the twelve unfortunate men who were selected to try Wm Fore for the murder of Amos Lunsford, deem it my duty to answer the rather unjust criticism which appeared in your paper last Sunday morning.
Knowing that your reporter heard all the case, for he was regularly in his place through the entire trial, and if he heard that charge of the Judge to the jury giving them the law; then, I think your criticism was most unjust to the jury-unjust to the peace and dignity of society and the laws of North Carolina.
I don't know what part of the community The Citizen voices, when it says, it thinks the community expected a verdict of manslaughter; but I do know that several of the good people of the community have approached me, unsolicited, and told me that ours was a most righteous verdict.
I was not sworn, however, to please the public, but to hear the evidence and the law, and render a just verdict. This I feel I have done, however painful it may have been to me.
I did not make the law that is to punish Wm. Fore, but simply did my sworn duty as a juror, and am ever ready to lend whatever aid is in my power in any direction the condemned man may be entitled to for clemency.
I do not blame The Citizen for not concurring in my views. Of course not; but, it seems to me, the comments of Sunday's paper were rather far-reached; the jury feel they were the only twelve persons in the universe who believed the prisoner, Fore, to be guilty of murder.
I write this over my own signature, but in so doing, I feel certain I voice the sentiments of the entire jury.
W.O. Wolfe
Editor Citizen: I am happy to have had my attention drawn to the above communication by my excellent friend, Mr. Wolfe. It only goes to convince me, that I was correct in the position I took before the trial, during the trial, and after the trial, that he and all other members of the jury were "absolutely conscientious." That we differed in opinion, is no evidence that either doubts the honesty of the other. I am glad to learn from Mr. Wolfe, that he is ready to join me in application to the Governor for clemency to Wm. Fore. In this effort, I hope sincerely, that Mr. Wolfe and I will receive the cooperation of the other members of the jury, of the judge and of the solicitor, because I hope that they will concur with us in the opinion that the circumstances of the case warrant such an application.
T.W. Patton
The Daily Citizen, Asheville, NC, 12/1/1889
Criminal Court
A Mistrial In The Case of John Berry
An Appeal for a New Trial in the Case of Wm. Fore - Some Startling Affidavits Presented for the Consideration of the Court.
At 5 o'clock the court was called to order, and the weary jury in their box, while the room was filled with men anxious to know the result of their long deliberations.
Mr. J.M. Step answered the clerk's question with the assurance that they had not agreed, and his honor again required them to retire in charge of their officer until they did agree.
So soon as this was done and order restored, Clerk Patterson warned all present to observe silence, and in prescribed form asked the prisoner, Wm. Fore, whether he had anything to say why judgment of death should not be pronounced upon him. In reply to this Mr. J. M. Gudger made an earnest appeal to the court for a new trial, basing the same first, upon new evidence which had come to his knowledge which would go far towards mitigating the offense. The most remarkable part of this was a statement which the counsel averred would be made by Mr. Alexander, a kinsman of the deceased. Amos Lunsford, that he had talked with Lunsford a short time before his death and that he said then distinctly, "I pushed that man Fore too far. I know I must die, and at this moment, I say deliberately that Fore is not to blame for my death."
This remarkable statement was supplemented with the further assurance that in selecting the jury the prisoner's counsel had received no assistance except from two persons who were not named, who advised them to take three men who were their kinsmen, assuring the counsel that these men were untrained and would be fair both for the State and defense, and in consequence of this assurance, the three men were taken on the jury. Since the close of the trial, however, the counsel had been informed that one of these persons, had proposed to help lynch Fore. Another had said "he ought to be hung" and the third a few moments before he was called to the jury box, had said that "Fore was guilty of murder."
The court here suggested to Mr. Gudger that these charges were of too serious a character to be presented in this irregular manner, and that court would be adjourned for one hour to enable them to prepare the affidavits necessary to bring it properly before the court and to get its ruling thereon.
At 7 o'clock, the court was again called to order, and the jury in the case of the State vs John Berry being in the box, still asserted that it was impossible to reach an agreement. The Solicitor and Mr. Shuford, for defendant, then agreed that the jury should be polled, and each asked, whether it would be possible for them to agree. This was done, and the question was asked each juryman, and in reply, each gave the opinion "Impossible;" and thereupon, one of the twelve, Mr. J.M. Stepp, was withdrawn and a mistrial ordered.
We were informed by one of the jury that they stood to the last, nine for murder and three for manslaughter.
The consideration of Fore's case was then resumed, and the following affidavits were presented:
M.W. Carter being duly sworn, says that "Mr. D.H. Shook, father of Robert Shook, who served as a juror on the trial of the prisoner at the bar, came to affiant as one of the counsel of the prisoner, and volunterred the statement to him, that his said son, Mr. Coffee, who was also on the jury, and a Mr. Rogers who was on the special venire, were all without prejudice against the prisoner, and would give him a fair trial, if they were chosen on the jury, and both Messrs. Shook and Coffee were chosen by the prisoner's counsel in consequence of this information.
Affiant further swears, "that the said D.H. Shook, being a witness for the prisoner, led affiant to believe that he was in sympathy with the prisoner; but affiant has since been informed, and now believes, that he was, at the same time, an active friend of the prosecution.
(Signed) M.E. Carter
Sworn to and subscribed before me
J.R. Patterson, Clerk
J.D. Redmon being duly sworn says that he was in the courthouse the day the jury was chosen in this case, and while Robert Shook, he was afterwards chosen as a juror, sat by his side, in a conversation with Shook, he told this affiant that Lunsford was a nice man, and that Fore had imposed on him, and ought to be hung. Shook was sworn afterwards, and on being sworn said that he had not formed and expressed the opinion that the prisoner was guilty. Affiant remembers distrinctly that Shook was sworn and answered as above stated. Before Shook was chosen, a man not known to affiant, who had sandy beard, leaned over in front of affiant, and whispered to Shook and told him that he would be chosen as a juror sure.
Affiant told his brother and brother-in-law the same day that Fore would either he hung or there would be a mistrial, and he then explained to them his conversation with Shook. The affiant is not of kin nor related in any way to the parties, and has no interest in the case, and is besides unable to state how defendant's counsel obtained the information that he had the said conversation with Shook.
J.D. Redmon "X" his mark
Sworn to and subscribed J.R. Patterson, Clerk
M.L. Culbertson being duly sworn says that the week following the killing of Lunsford by Fore, he heard Mr. Coffee, who served as a juror in this trial of Fore, say that Fore ought to be hung. This was said at Coffee's spring near his residence.
(Signed) M.S. Culbertson
Sworn to and subscribed, J.R. Patterson, Clerk
The solicitor stated distinctly that he disbelieved the truth of statements made by Redmon and Culbertson; that if convinced that they stated facts he would readily agree to a new trial, and asked that the matter be postponed until Monday next to enable him to introduce evidence. This request his honor very properly granted, and the court was adjourned until tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock.
Asheville Citizen-Times, Asheville, NC, 12/3/1889, Pg 1, Criminal Court
Criminal Court
Verdict Against William Fore Set Aside - A New Trial Granted
In pursuance of its adjournment on Saturday night, the court was convened at 9 o'clock yesterday, and the consideration of affidavits published in our Sunday's issue was taken up.
The defense introduced a farther affidavit of R.L. Lee to the effect that D.S. Shook had said to him, "I have beaten out Melvin Carter," referring to certain men who had been taken on the jury.
Two of the jurymen, Messrs Coffee and Shook were introduced by the State, and each asserted that he had not been questioned as to his opinions of the prisoner's guilt, but had the question been asked he would have replied that he had formed and expressed such an opinion. The counsel for the defendant insisted that the usual question had not been asked because of the assurance given them in private by D.L. Shook, and the court held that there was reason to doubt that the defendant had received a fair and impartial trial, and therefore the verdict should be set aside.
Many witnesses were introduced to establish the character of the two jurymen, and the evidence was thoroughly satisfactory to them both. We have also heard many comments of approval of young Mr. Lunsford, the son of the slain man, who naturally assisted the solicitor in the prosecution; his demeanor was entirely free of all that vindictive feeling which is often seen in like cases, his deportment was quiet and dignified and his evident wish was only to secure a fair trial for the State, and to vindicate his father's character.
News and Observer, Raleigh, NC, 1/28/1890, Pg 4
Asheville Citizen: The officials believe that it will be a difficult matter to get a jury in Buncombe county for either the Berry or Fore murder cases. Nearly everybody of intelligence within the boundaries has formed and expressed an opinion...
The Semi Weekly Citizen, Asheville, NC, 2/6/1890, Pg 1
...
William Fore, who was sentenced to fifteen years in the penitentiary for manslaughter, will not be taken to the prison until after the present term of the court.
...
The Morganton Herald, Morganton, NC, 2/13/1890, Pg 1
..At Buncombe Superior Court William Fore, charged with the murder of Amos Lunsford, has submitted to manslaughter and has been sentenced to fifteen years imprisonment in the penitentiary.
The Semi-Weekly Citizen, Asheville, NC, 2/13/1890, Pg 1
Six prisoners were taken to Raleigh by Sheriff Reynolds yesterday. Berry and Fore were among them.
Asheville Citizen Times, Asheville, NC, 10/29/1894, Page 1, Wm Fore Escapes
Wm Fore Escapes
Buncombe Man Gets Out of the State Penitentiary
A letter to Chief W.H. Deaver of the Pinion Detective agency, from Warden John M. Fleming of the North Carolina penitentiary, states that William Fore, a convict from Buncombe, escaped Friday night from the pen, and that $100 reward is offered for his capture.
Fore was sent to the penitentiary in 1890 for manslaughter, having killed Lunsford at Turkey Creek camp meeting. He was a 15 years man. Fore is 41 yrs old (DOB 1853), six feet tall, weights 175 pounds, has brown eyes and dark hair, a dimple in the chin and sharp nose.
Having escaped from jail, this is where I lost his trail. I have not been able to find him again after this 1894 newspaper article.
If you have any further information, please contact me at Mom25dogs@gmail.com or Mama.to.dogs@gmail.com.
I could not find Melissie Jane Ensley Fore or her son, Elbert Wiley Fore, in the 1900 U.S. Census.
Elbert Wiley Fore married Polly Loretta Buckner on 8/21/1898 in Buncombe County, NC.
North Carolina, Marriage Records, 1741-2011
Name: Wiley Fore
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age: 22
Birth Year: abt 1876
Marriage Date: 21 Aug 1898
Marriage Place: Buncombe, North Carolina, USA
Spouse: Polly Buckner
Spouse Gender: Female
Spouse Race: White
Spouse Age: 23
Event Type: Marriage
It seems that, at least for awhile,Wiley Fore was a policeman.
Madison County Record, Marshall, NC, 8/30/1907, Pg 4, Local News
Wiley Fore has resigned as policeman and George Hensley has been elected to fill the position.
Then I found him listed as a Fireman.
Madison County Record, Marshall, NC, 12/31/1909, Pg 5
A volunteer fire company was organized this week and were divided into companys one and two as follows:
Guy V. Roberts, Fire Chief
J.C. Ramsey, Assistant Fire Chief
R.N. Caton, Captian reel No. 1
The following men belong to Reel Company, No. 1
R.F. Tweed, Assistant Captain
Zeno Wall, plug man
R.L. White, nozzle man
E.B. Gilbert, coupler
A.J. Runnion, Jr., line man
Wiley Fore, reel man
Everett Twee, Captain of reel No. 2
...
Elbert Fore and Polly Buckner had 6 children:
1) Clarence Elmore Fore (DOB 7/18/1899 in Buncombe County, NC; DOD 6/28/1961 in Riverbend, Mt. Holly, Gaston County, NC) married Ruth Baker.
2) Charles Clifford Fore (DOB 6/11/1900 in Marshall, Madison County, NC; DOD Abt 1975 in Sans Souci, Greenville County, SC) married Annie Mae Pitman.
3) William Earnest Fore (DOB 5/8/1904 in Buncombe County, NC; DOD 10/28/1971 in Gastonia, Gaston County, SC) married Ila Mae Smith.
4) Forrest Fore (DOB 4/5/1908 in Marshall, Madison County, NC; DOD 3/13/1976 in Jacksonville, Duval County, FL) married Mary Lucille Fleming.
5) Ada Kate Fore (DOB 9/5/1910 in NC; DOD 7/1/1982 in Sherrills Ford, Catawba County, NC) married John Albert Hunsucker (DOB 3/1/1906 in NC; DOD 10/24/1985 in Sherrills Ford, Catawba County, NC).
6) James Oscar Fore (DOB 7/4/1912 in Greenville, Greenville County, SC; DOD 4/3/1974 in Gastonia, Gaston County, NC) married Margaret Elizabeth Morgan.
1910 U.S. Census of Main Street, Marshall, Madison County, North Carolina; Ancestry.com, 4/12/2016, Roll: T624_1107; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 0082; FHL microfilm: 1375120, Taken 4/15/1910, Family 26, Lines 80-91, "Wiley Fore"
Wiley Fore, Head, M(ale), W(hite), 29 yrs old (DOB 1881), 1st marriage, Married 11 yrs (DOM 1899), Born in NC, Both parents born in NC, Agent freight, Can read and write
Polly Fore, Wife, F, W, 36 yrs old (DOB 1874), 1st marriage, Married 11 yrs, 6 children with 4 still living, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC, Can read and write
Clarence Fore, Son, M, W, 10 yrs old (DOB 1900), Single, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC
Clifford Fore, Son, M, W, 8 yrs old (DOB 1902), Single, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC
Earnest Fore, Son, M, W, 5 yrs old (DOB 1905), Single, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC
Forrest Fore, Son, M, W, 1 yr 11/12 mos old (DOB 1908), Single, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC
Nora Ensley, Cook, F, W, 30 yrs old (DOB 1880), Single, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC, Cook boarding house, Can read and write
Mark Felmet, Baorder, M, W, 28 yrs old, Single, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC, Laborer odd jobs
Roy Fox, Boarder, M, W, 21 yrs old, Single, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC, Laborer odd jobs
Gurs Case (sic), Boarder, M, W, 23 yrs old, 1st marriage, Married 1 yr, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC, Laborer odd jobs
Lula Case, Boarder, F, W, 26 yrs old, 2nd marriage, Married 1 yr, 4 children with 4 still living, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC, Frame hand in cotton mill
Jim Reed, Boarder, M, W, 34 yrs old, 1st marriage, Married 16 yrs, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC, , Laborer odd jobs
1910 U.S. Census of Asheville, Buncombe County, NC, Roll T624_1099, Pg 6A, ED 163, Image 120, Lines 27-34, Dwelling 104, Family 106, "William B. Amstin" (sic, could be Austin)
William B. Amstin, Head, M(ale), W(hite), 35 yrs old, First marriage, Married 12 yrs, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC, Labor common, Rents home
Sorrak E. Amstin, (sic), Wife, F, W, 33 yrs old, First marriage, Married 12 yrs, 6 children with 5 still alive, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Oro Amstin, Daughter, F, W, 11 yrs old
Lardo Amstin, (sic), Daughter, F, W, 9 yrs old
Clyde Amstin, Son, M, W, 6 yrs old
J.G. Amstin, Son, M, W, 4 yrs old
Andie Amstin, Son, M, W, 2 yrs old
McLlisie Faye, (sic, looks like Mallisie Fore), Servant, F, W, 52 yrs old, Widowed, 1 child with 1 child still living, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC, Cannot read or write, Servant personal home
U.S. WWI Draft Registration Cards
Registration State: South Carolina; Registration County: Greenville; Roll: 1877664; Draft Board: 2, Serial #4411, Order #1516, Albert Wiley Fore (sic), DOB 5/21/1876
Serial #4411, Order #1516
Albert Wiley Fore
333 Henderson St, Greenville, Greenville County, SC
42 yrs old, DOB 5/21/1876
White
Occupation: Cotton mill operator at Saluda Mfg, Greenville, Greenville County, SC
Nearest relative: Wife, Pollie Fore, 333 Henderson St, Greenville, SC
39-2-10-C
Tall, Slender Build, Blue Eyes, Black Hair
Signed by him 9/12/1918 in Greenville, Greenville County, SC
Melissa Jane Ensley Fore died on 1/5/1919 during the Spanish Flu Epidemic.
NC Death Certificate #694284, Registration District #11-5135, Certificate #3, Malissa Fore, DOD 1/5/1919 at Reems Creek, Buncombe County, NC
Female, White, Married
DOB 4/?/1857 (sic, should be 7/4/1857) in NC, "About 62 yrs old"
Father: Sam Ensley, born in NC
Mother: Rachel Cassida (sic), born in NC
Informant: D.C. Ward of Weaverville, NC
DOD 1/5/1919. Physician last saw her alive on 9/15/1918
Cause of death: Influenza Pneumonia
Dr. Z.V. Roberson of Weaverville, NC
Burial 1/6/1919 at Clark's Chapel
Undertaker: Roberts and West of Weaverville, NC
It seems Wiley Fore and Polly Loretta Buckner Fore separated. In the 1930 U.S. Census, they are living in separate households.
1930 U.S. Census of State Hwy 20, French Broad, Buncombe County, NC, Roll 1676, Pg 7B, ED 47, Image 638.0, FHL microfilm: 2341410, Dwelling #131, Family #136, Lines 52-55, "Harley Ensley"
Harley Ensley, Head, Owns farm, no radio set, M(ale), W(hite), 64 yrs old (DOB would be About 1866), Can read and write, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC, Farmer of general farm
Cornelia Ensley, Wife, F, W, 63 Yrs old (DOB would be About 1867), Can read and write, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Bonnie Ensley, Daughter, F, W, 24 yrs old (DOB would be About 1906), Single, Can read and write, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Wiley Fore, Nephew, M, W, 53 yrs old, Married (?), Can read and write, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC, Labor on Farm
1930 U.S. Census of Office St, Hartsell Mill Village, Township 11, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; Ancestry.com, 4/12/2016, Roll: 1678; Page: 18B; Enumeration District: 0021; Image: 203.0; FHL microfilm: 2341412, Taken 4/15/1930, Family #364, Lines 92-97, "John Honeysucker" (sic)
John Honeysucker, Head, Rents home for $2, M(ale), W(hite), 23 yrs old (DOB 1907), Married at age 19 yrs old (DOM 1926), Cannot read or write, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC, Doffer in cotton mill
Ada K. Honeysucker, Wife, F, W, 19 yrs old (DOB 1921), Married at age 17 yrs old, Can read and write, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC
Mable L. Honeysucker, Daughter, F, W, 7/12 mos old (DOB 1929), Born in NC, Both parents born in NC
Polly Fore, Mother-in-law, F, W, 57 yrs old (DOB 1873), Married at age 25 yrs old (DOM 1898), Can read and write, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC
James A. Fore, Brother-in-law, M, W, 17 yrs old (DOB 1913), Single, Can read and write, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC, Laborer in cotton mill
I found no further record of Wiley Fore after the 1930 U.S. Census. I do not know when he died or where he is buried. If anyone has any further information, please contact me at Mom25dogs@gmail.com or Mama.to.dogs@gmail.com
1940 U.S. Census of Main St, McAdenville, Gaston County, North Carolina; Ancestry.com, 4/12/2016, Roll: T627_2915; Page: 11A; Enumeration District: 36-56, Family #173, Lines 1-9, "John Hunsucker"
John Hunsucker, Head, M(ale), W(hite), 33 yrs old (DOB 1907), Married, Did not attend school, Born in NC, Lived in Belmont, Gaston County, NC in 1935, Foreman cotton mill, Income $(illegible)
Ada Hunsucker, Wife, F, W, 29 yrs old (DOB 1911), Married, Attended school thru 7t grade, Born in NC, Lived in Belmont, Gaston County, NC in 1935, Winder hand in cotton mill, Income $360
Mabel Hunsucker, Daughter, F, W, 11 yrs old (DOB 1929), Attends school, Born in NC, Lived in Belmont, Gaston County, NC in 1935
Kenneth Hunsucker, Son, M, W, 9 yrs old (DOB 1931), Attends school, Born in NC, Lived in Belmont, Gaston County, NC in 1935
Lyndal Hunsucker, Daughter, F, W, 7 yrs old (DOB 1933), Attends school, Born in NC, Lived in Belmont, Gaston County, NC in 1935
Gary Hunsucker, Son, M, W, 3 yrs old (DOB 1937), Born in (blank)
Polly Fore, Mother-in-law, F, W, 66 yrs old (DOB 1874), Widowed, Attended school thru 4th grade, Born in NC, Lived in Belmont, Gaston County, NC in 1935, No occupation
Sara Maxwell, Laborer, F, W, 22 yrs old, Single, Attended school thru 7th grade, Born in NC, Winder hand in cotton mill, Income $50
Polly Buckner Fore died 1/29/1945 in McAdenville, Gaston County, NC.
NC Death Certificate #4760, Registration District #36-30, Certificate #1, Mrs. Polly Loretta Fore, DOD 1/29/1945 in McAdenville, Gaston County, NC
Female, White, Married to Elbert Wiley Fore (68 yrs old on 1/29/1945), DOB 3/10/1874 in Buncombe County, NC, 70 yrs old
Occupation: Textile
Father: Morgan Buckner, born in Buncombe County, NC
Mother: Louise Kykendall, born in Buncombe County, NC
Informant: W.E. Fore, McAdenville, NC
DOD 1/29/1945 at 7:00am
Cause of death: Carcinoma of lung (duration 6 mos)
Buried: 1/30/1945 in Lowell Cemetery, Lowell, NC
