SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1When Corpse Fails to Arrive Hundreds of Negroes Strike

 

The Atlanta Constitution, Sunday, March 7, 1915

Athens, Ga., March 6-Special-

            The farmers of a big area in Banks county have had their crop preparations retarded and their settlement in a general state of demoralization and excitement on account of an absolute strike among the negroes.  The occasion of the strike is absolutely unique.  Some fifteen days ago John Furr, a negro, was reported to have been killed in a cutting scrape in Atlanta, and relatives notified in Banks county.  They directed the remains sent to Maysville to be carried out into the country.

            A message came in reply to the order for the corpse agreeing to forward the casket on receipt of $30 expenses and the pledge that the coffin should be buried without being opened.  Another message had been received to the effect that Furr’s corpse had some way been lost.  Then a third message said it would be sent as soon as it could be located.

            The negroes were unable to raise the money and scores quit work and gathered around the grave which had been dug promptly on receipt of the first announcement of the killing.  About the open grave mentally affected by the superstition that dread ill will befall them if a grave is opened and no corpse deposited, hundreds in time assembled and remained for days.  Literally hundreds of negroes have not slept for many days except in the short naps required while huddles about the grave or in the nearby church.

            The white people are raising finds to get the casket and stop the strike.

 

Transcribed 2005 by Jacqueline King