The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-04
A BRIDE MURDERED.
HAIRLESS Outrage-A Party Of Ruffians Pre-
tending to Serenade Newly edded Couple
in West Virginia Shoot the Bride as She
Appears at the Door to Invite
Them to Take Refreshments

RICHMOND, Va, Feb 3, 1878.
am in receipt of a despatch from Fayette
county, West Virginia, which states that most
shocking outrage and terrible tragedy occurred in
the neighborhood of Mountain Cave, In that
county, few nights since. Nearly eighteen
months ago the people OF the same county were
shocked by fatal ARRAY, which took place near the
same locality, between two citizens, named John
O'Coleman and Madison Neal, in which the latter
was killed. 1t is unfortunately my duty now to
record the murder of sister of Madison Neal, not
more than one-half mile from the spot where her
brother was sent, without warning, TO an untimely
grave
1t appears that the lady, who was buxOm and
charming mountain maid, was wOOed and won by
Mr. Potter, very respectable, industrious and
worthy man. Thursday, the 23d ult., was the day
set apart for the wedding, and the twain were
united in the holy bonds Of wedlock But then the
course of true love does not always run smooth,
and so it was with the newly married couple.
THE MARRIAGE WAS CELEBRATED
with all the usual ceremony and festivity. The
neighbors ate and drank ana danced to their
hearts content until midnight, when the
welded two were left to retire. They had
scarcely retired when they were disturbed
by the hideOus sounds OF charivari
that were waited towards them by breeze so
still that 1t scarcely disturbed the noating white
mountain mists AS the serenading party neared
the residence of the married pair the discordant
sounds OF blowing horns and the beating OF tin-pan
tambourines were occasionally interrupted by the
more shri, sharp and
OMNIBUS CRACK OF MUsKETs,
shOtguns and rifles. soon the party arrived at the
house, and then the noise Of their horrible in
struments, coupled with the intermittent
discharges of the firearms, produced o
most alarming effect on. the bride and
bridegroom. 1t was found that the serenaders
numbered eight persons, so disguised however,
that they could not be recognized from any point
OF observation within the house. Just at TINS
juncture IL occurred to the bride, who fearing that
their intention might be more hostile than COM
freshments, and thus appease any anmosity they
might entertain. She accordingly advanced to the
door, accompanied by her stepdaughter, and open
ing it she stood the threshold with a lighted
candle in her hand. Almost simultaneously with
her appearance there was a
vOILEY FIRED FROM FOUR GUNS
at her. the contents OF one striking the door post
CHANGING and entering the BRIDES Ndrs. Potter's)
ear, and lodging In the centre OF the BRAIN With
shrek and cry OF agony the unfortunate bride OF
few hours fell to the ground, from which she was
shortly afterwards removed by her husband and
daughter to the wedding bed. The villains who
perpetrated this cowardly and barbarous outrage
disappeared in the darkness, but in a more sudden
manner than that In which they came Mrs. Potter,
after suffering the most excruciatng agony,
EXPIRED TWO DAYS AFTER
the outrage occurred physician who was called
probed the wound, and gave 1t as his opinion thai
| Mrs. Potter's death was caused by hard tow wac
discharged from a gun in the hands OF the sere
nadng party 1t Is gratifying to announce that Tho
| parties have been arrested, and three or then
! trial. The citizens in the vicinity express thu
| greatest Indignation at this shocking occurrence
| and a universal wish prevails for the prompt ant
| severe punishment OF all concerned.