I'm starting to find indications that several of my ancestors who were Columbus businessmen (they owned many lots of downtown Columbus and were probably merchants as well) were murdered in December 1864, and I wonder of anyone who knows Polk County history might be able to shed light on this. The men who were killed were Samuel M. Hunter, Francis A. (Frank) Weaver, and probably Hunter's father Peyton S. Hunter. In Raleigh, I found the warrants issued for the arrests of 3 men in the murders (see below). I just have no idea what the circumstances were, and would really like to have more insight about what went on and why. __________ State vs JL Ward et al. Executed as to JL Ward & JR Ponder; NB Hampton Shff. State witnesses: Jas A Thom, Henry Green, AC Burgess, Mrs. Martha Burgess, Geo. Rollins State of North Carolina, Polk County. To any lawful Officer to execute and return according to law whereas information has been made to me one of the justices of said county upon the oath of Huldah Weaver that F.A. Weaver late of Polk County come to his death by violence and as she the said Huldah Weaver is informed and believes that J. L. Ward, J. R. Ponder and Lee Grant were either principle or accessories in takening the life of the aforesaid F.A. Weaver. This is therefore to command you to arrest the said J.L. Ward, J.R. Ponder and Lee Grant and have them before same justice of said county to answer the aforesaid charges and the be further delth with as the law arrests here in fail not. Given under my hand and seal this 9th day of Sept 1865. R.S. Abrams, JP [reverse side] Whereas J.L. Ward and J. R. Ponder brought before us charge with the murder of FA Weaver and after examination of the history we committ the said defts to Jail Sept 9th 1865. RS Abrams JP JF Raines JP GA Greenway JM Hamilton JP State of North Carolina, Polk County. TO any lawful Officer to execute and return according to law whereas information has been made to me one of the justices of said county upon the oath of Jane Hunter that Saml M. Hunter late of Polk County come to his death by violence and as she the said Huldah Weaver is informed and believes that J. L. Ward, J. R. Ponder and Lee Grant were either principle or accessories in takening the life of the aforesaid Saml M. Hunter. This is therefore to command you to arrest the said J.L. Ward, J.R. Ponder and Lee Grant and have them before same justice of said county to answer the aforesaid charges and the be further delth with as the law arrests here in fail not. Given under my hand and seal this 9th day of Sept 1865. R.S. Abrams, JP [reverse side] Whereas J.L. Ward and J. R. Ponder brought before us charge with the murder of Saml M Hunter and after examination of the history we committ the said defts to Jail Sept 9th 1865. RS Abrams JP JF Raines JP GA Greenway JM Hamilton JP ____________ If anyone knows anything about this, or knows where I might be able to find some accounts of this, please let me know. Was there a newspaper in the area at the time that might be available? Thanks in advance for your help-- Pam Wilson pwgs@sgi.net