Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 August 1878 — A Battle in South Carolina. [ARTICLE]

A Battle in South Carolina.

About 2,000 men assembled in the village of Edgeville, S. C., yesterday, the occasion being the opening of the Democratic campaign by Gov. Hampton, Judge Mackey, Gen. Garry, and other leaders. Several companies of State troops were present for review. The speaking took place in a grove half a mile from the village. Among the audience were James Booth, Thomas Booth, Benjamin Booth and S. Booth, and Brooker Toney and Mark Toney. A bitter family feud has long existed between the Booths and Tonevs. Several years ago several men named Booth went to the house of Abram Jones for the purpose of attacking him. They were .accompanied by Luther Toney. Jones was prepared, and the assault was abandoned, but young Toney was killed by one of the Booths, accidentally, it is claimed by the latter. Toney’s relations regarded it as intentional. On yesterday Brooker Toney, a brother of Luther, with a man who was abusing a Democratic negro. James Booth .walked up, took the part of the man aud drew a pistol. Toney drew his also, but the parties were 'separated. About 2 o’clock Toney left the ground where the speaking was going on and rode to the village. He was followed by the Booths, and a meeting took place in the public square. _ A terrible fight ensued, participated Tn 'by friends of botn parties. Toney killed J ames and Thomas Booth, and was himself shot in the back and killed. Benj. Booth was mortally, Mark Toney and W. L. Coleman seriously, and d. Booth, S. B. Ryan, J. W. Lott, Dr. Sanders and Clarence Seigler slightly wounded. The seriously wounded were spectators, not in the fight. About thirty shots were fired. Gov. Hampton ordered tire company of State troops, under Adjt. Gen. Moise, to quell the disturbance. Moise ordered the crowd to disperse, but they refused, and then instructed the company to procure ammunition and fire upon the crowd if it did not leave, whereupon they dispersed. Brooker Toney killed a colored Deputy United States Marshal about three weeks ago. —Charleston (S. C.) News.