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Records of the Assistant
Commissioner for the State of Tennessee
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, 1865-1869
National Archives Microfilm Publication M999, roll 34
"Reports of Outrages, Riots and Murders, Jan. 15, 1866 - Aug. 12, 1868"
Affidavits regarding the 1866 Memphis Riot
Before me personally appeared the undersigned Robert R.
Church and being duly sworn deposes as follows.
My name is Robert R. Church I live at 132 Monroe Street,
keep a Saloon on Desoto St. On the 2" of May 1866 a number of persons jumped on a
colored man near my place and abused him very badly. He ran into the Saloon - they
followed him and said "close the door" but in the place of closing the door they
commenced shooting - one shot took effect in my arm and one in my neck - they then drank
all the whiskey they wanted and took a lot of cigars, I do not know how many, also some
money. Two of the Policemen were named Dave Roach and Shelby.
On May 1st 1866 I saw Policeman No. 144 strike a
colored man with a revolver, knocked him down beat him unmerciful. This man Dave Roach
(Policeman) was along but did not offer to interfere. Loss $750.00.
Robert (X) Church
Subscribed and sworn to before me this the 7" day of
May 1866.
M. Walsh
Capt. and A. A. A. G. & P. M. F.
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