Benjamin Lassiter was born at an unknown location and date, but resided in Lenoir County by July 1870. That month, he murdered Alexander Croom, a six year old African American boy. After the murder Lassiter fled and was never charged for the crime. In wanted ads, Lassiter was described as "a dark mulatto, about 5 feet 10 inches high, and weighs about 140 or 150 pounds. Stutters when talking if little excited."