June 1896, Albemarie County, VA
Johnnie Martin, 11
Fatal dog attack: bulldogs (pit bull-type)

Boy Killed by Bulldogs
Last Friday evening, Johnnie Martin, 11 years of age, son of J. Martin, Tax-collector, near Carter’s Bridge, in Albemarie county, was sent to the pasture, on the adjoining farm, belonging to Tucker Coles, for the cows, and was in the act of driving them home when he was attacked by several vicious bulldogs belonging to Mr. Coles and killed. As he did not return search was made for him and his body was not found till 2 o’clock Saturday morning. The poor little boy’s scalp was torn away, and his neck showed too plainly the impress of the fangs of the dogs. He was also badly bitten and lacerated in other parts of the body, and his clothing torn off. – Staunton Spectator