The Killing of Reverend Kay
A Hidden Murder in Colonial Virginia
by Cynthia Mattson
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Pub Date Mar 21 2018 | Archive Date Jul 12 2018
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Description
The ministers of the established Anglican church were a mainstay of colonial life in Virginia and one of the most well-known was the Reverend William Kay. The young man’s fame began one Sunday in 1745 when he preached a sermon against the vice of pride. Among his congregants was the powerful and proud Col. Landon Carter, who took offense, swore revenge, and vowed to drive Kay from the parish. Carter's prolonged crusade against Kay went down in history when high government and church officials supported the minister’s cause in groundbreaking litigation and legislation. The embattled preacher emerged victorious and sought peace in a new parish. But what eluded history, until now, was his ultimate fate.
Recently uncovered documents reveal that a mere two years after his struggle with Carter subsided, Kay was murdered and three of his slaves were accused of the crime. The story of Kay’s life and death is explored, and with it, how his fate and that of the slaves became the subject of a top-level, colonial cover-up.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781457555879 |
| PRICE | $13.95 (USD) |
Featured Reviews
Rebecca H, Reviewer
LOVED THIS BOOK! Get to know more about the history of early America, and uncover one of the lurking mysteries that has been forgotten about for over a hundred years!
Fascinating and captivating read!
Gayle N, Reviewer
A fascinating look at the little-known murder of Reverend William Kay, an Anglican minister in 18th century Colonial Virginia. Kay had been involved in protracted legal battles with Colonel Langdon Carter, after Carter took offense to one of Kay's sermons. In a bitter dispute which involved Kay's wife, Kay prevailed but he ultimately left the parish, but only two years later was murdered. Although three of Kay's slaves were accused of his murder, and two punished for the crime, (the third died in prison) there is evidence that there was more to this case and that is was suppressed for unknown reasons.
This is a remarkable piece of research, painstakingly put together from fragmentary evidence from the 18th century. The author firmly roots the curious circumstances of the case within the historical and political framework of the time. Although some chapters are a little dry to read, on the whole, I enjoyed reading it and anyone who likes historical true crime may well enjoy this too.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Dog Ear Publishing, for the opportunity to review an ARC.
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