Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1860-03-08
MISCELLANEOUS,
Terrible Tragedy in Henry County, Va.

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Terrible Tragedy in Henry County, Va.
The usually quiet and law-abiding people
of the county of Henry have been intense
ly excited for the past three OF four days,
in consequence Of terrible tragedy, or
rather triple tragedy, that was enacted in
their midst on Saturday last.
1t appears, according to tie version Civ
en- US, that some years since, grand -daugh-
er of the venerable and talented Vincent
Witcher, Esq, Of Pittsylvania county, mar
ried a gentleman from the adjoining coun-
ty Of Henry, whose name was Clemmcns.
His christian name we are unable to ascer-
tain. The maiden name of Mr. Witcher's
granddaughter was Smith The parties
lived happily together until about eighteen
months since, when, upon the most un-
founded suspicious, as we lave been in
formed, Mr.. Clemmens desired a separation
from his wife, and Immediately instituted
proceedings for divorce, at the same time
impeaching her honor as the grounds for
his course.
Last Saturday was set apart for the tax
ing Of depositions, and the parties met at
a magisterial precinct n Henry county.
Mr.. Hitoher appeared to defend the
suit and protect the honor Of his grand
daughter.
The taking of the dispositions progressed,
and after the plaintiff had finished with Il
witness, Mr.. Witcher asked question
which greatly exasperated the husband,
Mr.. Clemmens. lie Immediately arose,
drawing pistol at the same time, and fired
at Mr. Witcher AIr. Witcher, it seems,
also quickly rose, and drew pistol from
his pocket, and as the ball of his antagonist
grazcd around the abdomen, he fired, strik
ing Clemmcns in the forehead, and killing
him instantly.
A nephew Of llr. Witcher, and Mr..
Smith, brother of Mrs. Cicmmcns, hear
ing the firing, rushed into the ROOM 4
brother OF Mr. Clemmens, who had also
been attracted by the pistol reports, fired at
a nephew of Mr.. Witcher, the ball taking
effect, and producing, it is feared, fatal
wound. Upon seeing his nephew shot Mr..
VINCENT Witchar again fired, striking Glenn
mems No, ,, and killing him instantly.
At this stage cf the sanguinary affair,
Mr.. Smith, brother Of Mrs. Clemmens,
drew bowie kifc, but had scarcely un-
shcatE.ed the blade, Rhea he vas fired upon
by a second brother of Clemmens, the ball
taking effect in the shoulder, and produc-
ing a painful wound Infuriated by his
wound, Mr. Smith rushed upon his antag-
onist, and with one powerful thrust of the
knife completely disemboweled Clemmcns
Ne. 3, the unfortunate man falling dead on
the spce.
Three of the parties dead, and the other
three all wounded, the horrible tragedy
here ended
Vincint 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 the Legi8la-
ture, and subsequently represented his dis
trict in The State Senate with signal abili-
ty. He is prominent member of the
! Whig party, and his name has been re-
| pcatedly mentioned in connection with the
office of Governor of the Commonwealth
! He succeeded Whitmell P Tunstall, upon
/ the death Of that gentleman, as President
! of the Richmond and Danville Railroad
After two years service he resigned the
Presidency of the road, and has since been
engaged in the practice of his profession
that Of a lawyer.
Our informant states that throughout
this painful suit, which Mr. Witcher be
lieves to have been instituted against al
innocent grand daughter, he has acted witt
great forbearance, and the part he has beer
compelled finally to act, will be with none
a source of deeper regret than himself
-Patersbany Erpress, FEB. %.