This information was found in the vertical files of the genealogy department of the Longview Public Library.

THE AVINGER CITIZEN
Special Historical Edition
June 18, 1954

PIONEER RESIDENTS SHOOT IT OUT

Two pioneer residents, one named Findley and the other named Turner killed each other in a fight to the finish. Turner shot Findley, who before drawing his last breath, managed to hig Turner over the head with a wagon spoke. The Findley's had been large slave owners before the Civil war; their plantation was near where the Ragland home is now. Mon Linwood's mother belonged to the Findleys and his father to the Sturdivants. They were called Uncle Jack and Aunt Mandy. They jumped the broom together, which was the customary marriage ritual for slaves, on the Findley place.

John Findley opened the first store in the present town of Lassater.