Deputy Sheriff Eldridge Blake

Eldridge Blake

Deputy Sheriff Eldridge Blake was shot and killed after arresting a man for stealing an ox.

He and another deputy were was taking the man to appear before a magistrate when the man suddenly refused to cooperate near his home approximately four miles southeast of Wake Crossroads. The second deputy went to a nearby home to summons help. While he was gone the man entered his home, obtained a shotgun, and shot Deputy Blake before fleeing on a stolen horse.

The suspect fled the area but was later arrested in Halifax County. He was convicted of Deputy Blake's murder, sentenced to death, and executed by hanging on August 27th, 1883.

Deputy Blake had been deputized the day before the incident in order to serve the warrant.