Henderson County, Kentucky Biography
History of Henderson County, KY, Pages 400 - 401 MR. CHARLES WINFREY, an old bachelor, and the largest land and
slave owner in the precinct (Scuffletown), was continually annoyed by
these night prowlers. He was kind to his slaves and none of them wanted
to leave him. He lived in a house by himself and had his slaves quartered
in different settlements on his lands. One day in November, 1864, William
SHELBY, Esq., receiving information that a party from Indiana intended
that night to visit WINFREY'S for the purpose of running of his
Negro men, conveyed to him immediately what he had heard. A short while after retiring the thieves came and were headed by a
man who had prior to that time overseed for John B. DAVIS, of
this county. This man knew Mr. WINFREY and knew his fearless
character. The thieves were all armed, but approached the house cautiously.
They soon found that the Negroes could not be driven off without disturbing
their master, so the leader concluded to go near his room and call him.
He approached his room, called him from his sleep and told him that
they had come for his Negroes. The old man sprang from his bed and ordered
them off of his premises. They declined going and directed him not to
come out of his room. He put on his pants and with his double-barrelled
gun came out on to a side porch, when the villain who led the party
took aim and fired, shooting him through and through. At the firing
of this gun, the whole party ran from the house and were soon in their
boats, crossing the river without ever having encountered any of the
bank patrols. Mr. WINFREY lived but a short ime after he was
shot. He was a very wealthy man and many ugly stories were circulated
concerning some of his relatives and their association with his killing.
Charles WINFREY was one of the noblest of men. His word
was regarded by all At the earnest solicitation of some local as well as non-resident relatives, Esquire John E. McCALLISTER settled the estate and succeeded in bring to light some rascalities which, but for his indomitable will and energy, would have remained secrets forever. |
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