Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-03-02
Terrible Tragedy i'm Henry COun-
fy. VIRGINIA!

Terrible Tragedy in Henry Coun-
fy, Virginia
The usually quiet and law -abiaing people
of the county of Henry, have been intense
ly excited for the past three or four days,
in consequence of terrible lragedy-or
rather triple tragedy-that was enacted in
their midst on Saturday last Che particu
lars reached as last evening through source
entirely reliable. The details, althoug h not
as full as we shall doubtless BE- enabled to
give at an early day, are sufficient to cause a
thrill of horror at their mere recital.
It appears, according to the version given
us, that some years since, grand daughter
of the venerable and talented Vincent
Witcher, Esq, of Pittsylvania county mar
ried gentleman from the adjoining county
of Henry, whose name was Clemmcns. His
Christian name we have been unable to as
certain. The maiden name Of Mr.. Witch
er's grand daughter was Smith. The par
ties lived happily together until about eigh-
teen months since, when, upon the1nost un-
founded suspicious, as wehaye been inform
ed, MIR. Clemmens desired separation from
his wife, and Immediately instituted procee-
dings for divorce, at the same time i'm
peaching her honor as the grounds for his
course.
Last Saturday was set apart for the Ia
king of dispositions, and the parties met at
a magisterial precinct in Henry county.
Mr.. Witcher appeared to defend the suit
and protect the honor of his grand-daugh-
ter
The taking of the dispositions progressed,
and after the plaintiff had finished with a
witness, Mr.. Witcher asked question,
which greatly exasperated the husband Mr..
Clemmens. He Immediately arose, drawing
a pistol at the same time, and fired at Mr.
Witcher. Mr. Witcher, it seems, also quick
ly rose, and drew pistol from his pocket.
and as the bali of his antagonist grazed a
round the abdomen, he fred, striking Clem-
mems in the forehead, and killing him IN
stantly.
A nephew of Mr. Witcher, and Nj.
Smith, brother of Mrs. Clemmens, hearing
the firing rushed into the room. A brother
of Mr.. Clemmens, who Lad also been at
tracted by the pistol reports, fred at a neph-
ew Of Mr.. Witcher, the ball taking effect,
and producing, it is feared, fatal wound.
Upon seeing his nephew shot, Mr.. Vincent
Witcher again fired, striking Clemmens No.
2, and killing him instantly.
At this stage of the sanguinary affair, Mr.
Smith, a brother of Mrs. Clemmens drew a
bowie knife, but had scarcely unsheathed
the blade, when he was fred upon by Sc
cond brother Of Clemmens, the ball taking
effect in the shoulder, and producing pain
full wound Infuriated by his wound, Mr.
Smith rushed upon his antagonist, and with
one powerful thrust Of the knife completely
disemboweled Clemmens No 3, the unfor-
tunate man falling dead on the spot
Three Of the parties dead, and the othe,
three all wounded, the horrible tragedy
here ended.
Vincent Witcher, Esq, the chief actor in
this truly terrible affair, is widely known
throughout Virginia. He served for many
years in the lower House Of Legislature ,auo
subsequently represented his district in the
State Senate with signal ability He is {
prominent member Of the Wing party, ano
his name has been repeatedly mentioned in
connection with the office of Governor of the
Commonwealth. He succeeded Whitmel
?. Tunstall, upon the death of the gentle
man, as President Of the Richmond anc
Danville Railroad Astertw years service
he resigned the Presidency of the road, and
has since been engaged in the practice O
his Professionalism of lawyer
! Our informant states that throughout this
painful suit, which Mr.. Witcher believes tc
have been instituted against an innocen
granddaughter, he has acted with grea
forbearance, and the part he has been com
PEELED finally to act, will be with none, &
source of deeper regret than himself
Of course, the whole matter will undergo
judicial investigation, until which we for
bear further comment. Petersburg En
press.
G~ Since the above was put in type, VT
learn from the Lynehburg Republican tina
Mr.. Vincent Witcher and his grandson, wht
killed the Messrs. Clemens,in Franklin co.
Va, surrendered themselves to tie authori
ties, and were promptly acquitted on tn,
ground of self-defence.