Article: "A Deplorable Affair" -- December 16, 1891

"A DEPLORABLE AFFAIR"

The Goldsboro Headlight, December 16, 1891

"Full details of a deplorable affair which occurred in Greene county, three miles north of Snow

Hill, last Wednesday, in which it is stated that Rev. J. T. Abernathy, the Methodist pastor of the

Snow Hill circuit, overstepped the bounds of propriety by kissing Mrs. Will E. Grimsley while

paying her a pastoral call, is furnished to us by our Snow Hill correspondent, but owing to the

prominence of the parties involved in that unfortunate affair, we refrain from giving full publicity

until the proper investigation is made, which is to be held by five Elders of the Methodist Church

at Snow Hill tomorrow. As we learn, Mr. Abernathy has handed in his resignation, and the jealous

husband, Mr. Grimsley who came out from his hiding place and shot the preacher full in the face,

entirely disfiguring its left side, was duly arrested and bound over to court in the sum of  $500.

Later: Just as we go to press, we learn that the shooting between Mr. Grimsley and Mr.

Abernathy was renewed at their meeting on the streets of Snow Hill Monday evening at 4 o'clock.

Mr. Grimsley, without warning, fired a pistol hall into the left cheek of the preacher, it coming out

from the back of his neck. Mr. Abernathy, in return shot Mr. Grimsley in his left leg, inflicting a

painful wound. Since the last shooting, public sympathy is with the preacher."