Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1874-04-09
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4 Dreadful Affair.

SpRlNGFIELp, LIE, March Pa ter
rible tragedy IS reported from the north
ern part Of Edwards county, in this State,
where farmer, named William G. Mad
ding, married some time since, as his third
wife, Mrs. Hunt, who had son named
CHRISTOPHER, about eighteen years Of age,
and other children Mr.. Maddings chill
dren by his former wives did not agree
very well with the new comers their par
ents naturally became involved in their
broils, and the result was separation
about year since, the husband going to
live with relative, and leaving the farm
to the wife on condition thyt she should
keep it in good order; failing to do this
the homestead should revert to him. Alb
sence did not, in this instance, make the
heart grow fonder; the feud continued
and both parties were constantly before
the Court, till Mrs. Madding and her son
having threatened Mr.. Madding he had
them bound over to keep the peace. 10
make assurance doubly sure he bought
and carried revolver, whereupon they
in turn alleged fears of violence. and had
him bound over. Thus matters went on
till the beginning OF this month. when
Madding notified his wife that she was
neglecting her duty, turned her out of the
house and occupied it himself, allowing
her. however, to reside in another house
on the farm She made several efforts to
induce him to give up the revolver, but
he perslstently refused to do so, telling
her that he had no idea of using it, save
in self defense, SO that she need feel no
uneasiness. She taunted him on Satur
day last with being so terrified that he
slept with it under his pillow.
On Sunday morning she changed her
tone and sent him word to come over to
her house and have asocial chat He was
getting his breakfast, and returned reply
that he would go so soon as he had finish
ed his work. She almost Immediately
sent back the child with a message to
come at once and bring his pipe with him,
50 that he could smoke He followed the
child and sat down ON chair, which had
already been placed for him, with his
back to the door lie was Just lighting
his pipe, when young Hunt stepped out
FROM behind the door, and with hickory
club struck him terrible blow on tle
skull, telling him TO The floor. While his
Steptather lay there senseless the young
murderer twice repeated the blow; then,
thinking that his work WAS accomplished,
and aided by his mother, bore the body
out into TIE orchard and leaned it against
a tree
Meanwhile tie horror-stricken younger
children had drushcdi from the house, scream
ing wildly, md one OF them had gone to
the rt-i'''.iiSo OF a 5'i5I5 15sT; of
their elder brothers. Jesse Madding, was
employed. lie and his employer, Mr..
Ibtottson, ran towards the house, and as
ther approached young Hunt dashed out
OF the Shed OH horse Which, already sad
died. had been tied there and made his es-
cape The men were just In time. Tor
Mrs. Madding was going back to The or
chard with an axe as they approached,
evidently with the intention of finishing
her husband, who still showed Signs Of
life.
At last accounts Madc!ing was alive
though his case was hopeless. His wife
was IN custody and the officers were in
pursuit of her son.