I have always wondered about the reference in John E. Pace's book to the murder of Thomas King in 1826 by Jack (John?) Hairston. I was wondering if in anyone's research of the Henry County, VA King family you might have learned more about this event. According to Mr. Pace, these two gentlemen were "friends and neighbors" who had a falling out over a "frivolous affair" that led to Jack killing Thomas and hiding his body under a thorn thicket. Supposedly Thomas' dog guarded the body for 2 days before returning and leading the family to the site. I have always assumed this happened during a fox hunt since Mr. Pace mentions Thomas' love of fox hunting in the same papagraph but I realize that he doesn't really clarify that fact. Thomas is described as a "prominent farmer" and lived in the Leatherwood Creek area. His wife, Charity or Christiana Stockton was from Beaver Creek. Most of his family later moved to Missouri (except for my branch who returned to Virginia after the death of Columbus King.) I have wondered what happened to Jack after this incident and what circumstances might have surrounded this unfortunate turn of events for the two "friends." So far, I have not found a King researcher who has checked into this tragedy. Thank you for any assistance that you can provide. Sincerely, Susan Clanton Simpson [email protected]