Americans have long had a fascination with families that feud, such as the Hatfields and McCoys of West Virginia and Kentucky. Few people know that right here in Henry County, a family feud occurred that led to the loss of life of three Henry County residents.
One of the most blood-curdling shooting affrays in Virginia’s recent history erupted on the night of Tuesday, May 5, 1908, in Henry County, ending in the deaths of three men and the arrest of several others. The tragedy unfolded at the home of Herford Spencer, about four miles from the village of Philpott, in a quiet valley along Bowling Creek.
The victims—Samuel D. Shelton, James Holly, and Charles Dodson—were all local farmers, known in the community as well-to-do and respected men. Each was found riddled with as many as thirty bullets, evidence of the extreme violence of the confrontation.
According to reports at the time, the fatal clash stemmed from a long-standing family feud involving the Massey, Spencer, Shelton, and Dodson families. The immediate cause of the fight appeared to be a dispute over illicit liquor stills. The Shelton group had reportedly set out to destroy a still allegedly belonging to William Massie, in retaliation for Massie’s supposed destruction of their own. The invading party was said to have been armed with two pistols, a shotgun, and an axe.
Sheriff Davis arrived at the scene soon after the shooting and took charge of the investigation. He arrested Herford Spencer, Thomas Spencer, William Massie, and Grover Massie. The latter two were later released on $5,000 bond pending a hearing. Additional arrests included J.P. Shelton, Daniel Shelton, Clobe Shelton, and Joseph Turner—relatives of the slain Samuel Shelton.
Witness testimony indicated that the attack may have been anticipated. Reports stated that Herford Spencer’s wife waved a bonnet or handkerchief as the Shelton group approached, possibly signaling the defenders to open fire. A coroner’s jury determined the men died of gunshot wounds but did not assign legal responsibility.
The community was left in shock. News from nearby Bassett described intense local indignation. A resident remarked that “history doesn’t furnish such a crime in the Old Dominion.” It was said that tensions had run high for months, with the Shelton side often acting as the aggressors in earlier disputes.
Charles Dodson was married; Shelton and Holly were unmarried.
The incident left a lasting mark on Henry County, remembered as one of the most violent episodes of its time.
Jarred Marlowe is a local resident and historian. He is a member of the Col. George Waller Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Blue & Gray Education Society, and the committee chair for the Martinsville-Henry County 250 Committee. He may be reached at marloweja15@gmail.com.
