Died in custody
Sharp
Sharp was working on a new railroad near Deep River in Randolph County while held under guard, and he died on August 21, 1889. According to a brief Richmond Dispatch report published August 24, 1889, he ran into a stream trying to escape, and when he was well out in the water a guard shot him and he drowned. The report is the only account of the death, and the guard's version of events is not recorded in it.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff. A brief 1889 newspaper report says a guard shot him in the water and he drowned.
Reported by: brief 1889 newspaper report (reporters).