Duels – 1730s

On February 3rd, 1730, two Irish gentlemen fought a duel on Society Hill, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Neither was seriously injured in the confrontation which was witnessed by several spectators. The cause of the duel was unknown and was seen to be more a piece of theater than an actual duel.1

Around July/August 1731 on the island of Barbados there was a duel between Major Mason and Colonel Edward Chearnly. Colonel Chearnly was shot just under the eye and died on the spot. The reason for the duel is unknown.2

Colonel Chearnly was buried at the Cathedral Church of St. Michael & All Angels in Bridgetown, Saint Michael, Barbados.3

Around September/October 1731 on the island of Jamaica there was duel fought between Colonel Beckford, resident of said island, and an unknown Colonel. Beckford was killed in the duel, thrust through with a sword. The reason for the duel is unknown.4

Sources

  1. The Pennsylvania Gazette [Philadelphia, PA], numb. LXV, 10 February, 1730, p. 4
  2. The Pennsylvania Gazette [Philadelphia, PA], numb. 148, 23 September, 1731, p. 2
  3. Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/206161943/edward-chearnley : accessed 08 September 2021), memorial page for COL Edward Chearnley (unknown–Aug 1731), Find a Grave Memorial ID 206161943, citing Cathedral Church of St. Michael & All Angels, Bridgetown, Saint Michael, Barbados ; Maintained by Todd Whitesides (contributor 47553735) .
  4. The Pennsylvania Gazette [Philadelphia, PA], numb. 151, 14 October, 1731, p. 3