The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-03-03
The Tragedy In Henry County, Va.
THREE BROTHERS INSTANTLY KILLED-THREE OTHER

MEN SHOT AND WOUNDED.
From the Petersburg, Va, Express, Feb. o.
of henry have been intensely for the past three
or four days. in consequence Of terrible tragedy-or
Saturday last The particulars reached us last even
ing through source entirely reliable. The details
although not as full shall doubtless be enabled 70
give al an early day are sufficient TO thrill of hor
ror at their mere recital.
appears according to the version given u.s. tina. some
years since granddaughter Of the venerable and talent
ed Vincent Witcher Esq Of Ptsylvana county married
gentleman from the adjoining county of Henry, whose
name Cemmens His Christian name we have peen
unable TO ascertain. The maiden name of Mr. Witcher g
granddaughter was Smith. The parties lived happily TO-
gether until about eighteen months snce when upon the
most unounded suspicious, as we have been informed,
Mr. Clemmcns desired separation from his wife, and
Immediately instituted proceedings divorce, at the
course.
Last Saturday apar, for the taking of dopoe
tons, and the parties met al msgsterai precinct in
Henry county.
Mr. Witcher appeared defend the suit and protect
the honor of his granddaughter.
Inc Viking Of the deposition progressed, aad after the
plaintiff had finished with witness, Mr.. Witeher asked
question which greatly exasperatet the husband, Mr.
the sams e ae ann Sss M sos drawing pistol at
seems, also quickly roee aud drew pistol from bis
pocket and as the ball his antagonist grazed around
and killing him instantly.
nephew Of Mr.. wncher, and . Mr.. Smith brother Of
Mrs. Cemmens hearing the firing, rushed into the
brother Of Mr. Cemmens, who also been attracted
by the pistol REPORTS fred u, nephew OF Mr.. Witcher
the Dali taxing elect aud producing, feared fatal
wound. Upon seeing his nephew shot, Mr. Vincent
Wcher again fred, striking Cenmens No. Q and killing
him Instantly.
At this stage Of the ssnguinary affair, Nr. Smith, a
brother Of Mrs. Cemmens, Grew bowie knife, but had
scarcely rnsheahed the blade when he fred upon
by second brother Of Ciemmens, the ball taking effect
in the shoulder. and producing painful wound. Infu
rated by his wound, Mr. Smith rushed upon his antago
mist and with powerful thrust Of the knife completely
dsemboweilcd Cemmens No. s. the unfortunate fall
ing dead on the spot.
Three Of the parties dead, and the other three all
wounded, the horrible tragedy here ended.
Vincent Wcher Eeq the chief actor in this truly terri
BILE affair is widely known throughout Virginia. He
served for many in the lower Houee Of the Iegs
ture and subsequently represented his district
State Senate with signal ability he is prominent
Der whig party, and his has been repeatedly
mentioned in connection with the office of Governor OF
the Common wealth. He succeeded Whitmen p. Tunsta
upon the death OF that gentleman, President the
Richmond and Danvlie Railroad After two years ser.
vice resigned the presidency of the road and since
been engaged the practice OF his professionalism OF
awyer.
our informant states that throughout ths painful suit
which Mr. witcher believes to have been instituted
against innocent granddaughter, he has acted with
great and the he has been compelled to
will be with source Of deep regret than
himself.