FIGHTING FOR REVIVAL - Clemson University

southern portion of the district, for the murder of Alexander Boyd. The Chronicle
presents Shultz as having a reputation, built upon more than twenty years of public
service, of a gentleman, and “even in the unfortunate affair in which he violated the laws,
and which has brought on him so much public censure and self reproach, he was not the
voluntary actor. . .” The jury returned a verdict of manslaughter, which owing to the
reputation of Shultz “seemed to give general satisfaction.” 23 An extract of a letter from
Edgefield published in the Chronicle follows much the same line of reasoning and
appraisal of Shultz, closing by saying “It may be gratifying to the friends of Mr. Shultz to
know, that on the trial he proved a character for generosity, humanity, and benevolence,
equaled by few and surpassed by none.” 24
Another violent crime reported along with the Shultz trial is that of Absalom Roe,
of Edgefield, who was tried for the murder of his brother and was found guilty. 25 Also in
the pages of the Chronicle is the case of Jonathan Williams:
In ‘Old Edgefield,’ on the 10 th inst. Jonathan Williams inflicted a mortal
wound, with a rifle, upon John W. Yates, where of he died on the 12 th .
The Jury of Inquest rendered a verdict of Murder. Williams has escaped
from justice . . . Benjamin Evans was brought to our jail, on Thursday last,
charging with aiding and abetting in the crime. 26
23 “Trial,” Augusta Chronicle, October 13, 1827, ECA.
24 “Extract of a letter dated-Edgefield Court House, 5 t h Oct. 1827,” Augusta
Chronicle, October 10, 1827, ECA.
25 Augusta Chronicle, October 13, 1827, ECA.
26 “From Edgefield (S.C.) Carolinian, Oct. 23,” Augusta Chronicle, October 27, 1830;
“From Edgefield (S.C.) Carolinian, Oct. 30,” Augusta Chronicle, November 3, 1830,
ECA.
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