Deputy Sheriff Sylvester B. Gregory

Sylvester B. Gregory

Deputy Sheriff Sylvester Gregory was shot and killed when another deputy's shotgun accidentally discharged outside the Princess Anne County Courthouse while on guard duty at about 10:00 pm.

Eight men had been arrested for rioting in the Kempsville area of Princess Anne County on November 6th, 1878, and officials feared a mob was going to attempt to free them from the jail. Deputy Gregory and two other men had been deputized to guard the jail to prevent an escape.

Deputy Gregory was speaking with one of the other deputies when the third deputy walked around the southeast corner of the jail holding a shotgun. The shotgun was inadvertently discharged the full load struck Deputy Gregory in the lower abdomen. Two doctors were immediately called, but Deputy Gregory died at about 2:30 am the following morning.

A coroner's jury determined the shooting had occurred accidentally.

Deputy Gregory had been deputized earlier that day. He was survived by his parents and siblings. His father served as the Princess Anne County jail keeper.