“Maplesville Man Killed By Negro”

MAPLESVILLE MAN KILLED BY NEGRO CONTRACTOR DAVENPORT REPROVES DISORDERLY CROWD AND IS SHOT. LYNCHING IS THREATENED. Special to The Birmingham News. SELMA, Ala., Oct. 31. – Wilson Davenport, a prominent contractor at Maplesville, was shot and killed yesterday afternoon In front of his own residence by Jim Harden, colored. Harden and a number of other drunken negroes were in front of the Davenport residence cursing and acting in a disorderly manner when Mr. Davenport went out of the house and ordered them away. Without a word of warning Harden drew a revolver and shot the contractor in the breast, causing instant death. After the killing the murderer fled to the swamp. A posse gathered and began pursuit, but owing to the density of the swamp failed to overtake him. A sheriff’s posse has gone from here to search for the murderer. There Is much excitement around Maplesville over the crime and a lynching is threatened if Harden is caught. Davenport formerly resided here. He leaves a widow and two children.