The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1881-01-08
PARKERsBURG, w. VAL


section of the State by Vigilants or
Red Men. The band, which is com
posed of forty disreputable charac-
tiers, gathered from all parts Of the
State and elsewhere, was organized
about three months ago, ostensibly
for the purpose Of enforcing the laws
in Richie County, which, being thin
" populated, has always been more
or less subject to the depredations Of
ruflians. The Vigilants at first re
ceived the countenance and support
of the respectable element in the
community, but these latter were
quickly undeceived by acts of law
lessness committed by the band, and
soon severed their connection with it.
An open rupture took place between
the band and several farmers two
weeks ago, since which time the lat
ter have been subjected to the most
cruel and merciless prosecution.
On Saturday night last the gang,
led by desperate named Simon Mar
tineau, surrounded the house of Ed
ward Davis, a well-to-do farmer liv-
ing on Spring Creek, in Roane coun-
ty, and announced their intention of
Furnishing him for alleged afl'ronts
offered him. Mr.. Davis had received
an intimation that he would be at
tackled, and had made arrangements
for the removal Of his family to Park
ersburg the next day. At the sum
mons of the Vigilants to open his
doors, he hastily loaded several rifles
in his house, and, posting himself at
a garnet window, warned his assail
ants to stand back. The moon was
shining brightly at the time, and he
had no difficulty in watching the
movement of his foes. The despera-
does, finding that they wolId have to
force an entrance, seized Il ia len tree
and advanced toward the door, in
tending to use it as q battering ram.
Mr.. Davis again warned them off,
and as they did not heed the warning
he fred a shot from rifle. Martin
eau urged the band on, and Mr. Da-
Wis again fired, this time sending a
ball through the head Of the leader,
who fell dead. The gang, thorough
" Infatuated, made charge, and,
getting close to the house out of
range of Mr. Davis's rifle, set fire to
the building. Mr.. Davis again fired,
and probably fatally wounded a Wig
liant named Strousa. The party then
retired to the woGds,and as the flames
spread through the burning buildin :,
a number OF rifle balls whistFi ~
around the structure told the inmates
what to expect if they left their quar-
tiers. Mr.. Davis with much difficulty
got his wife and children into an out
building, where, however, they were
quickly discovered by their fees, who
at once burst in the doors. The I'M
daunted farmer was preparing for a
hand to- hand struggle, when his wife's
pleading induced him to surrender.
The gang tied him to a tree near the
dead body of their comrade,and then
stripped and beat him with rods I'M
til the blood poured from his
writhing body. Mrs Davis and her
children were Mortified spectators of
f the scene, and once when the wife
tempted to rush to the assistance
of her husband rufiian struck her
with his fist, knocking her scnseless.
Mr.. Davis bore his torture without a
cry, which seemed to greatly incense
his prosecutors, one Of whom finally
stepped up to him and with dirk
kni : deliberately cut oil both of his
ears close to the head. The scoun-
drels then departed, carrying with
them the dead body OF Martineau,
but leaving Strouse behind. BY day
| light some neighbors came to the as
sistance of the Davis family, and pro
vided them with every comfort. TlG
dwelling, threc-story frame st: uct-
ure, was totally destroyed, with its
contents, valued in all at about
$4,000. Strouse, the wounded mem
Der of the gang, was arrested, but is
so badly injured that he will proba
bly, die. The ball went through his
right arm, SCATTERING it and render
ing amputation necessary. Mr. Da
Wis, although terribly mutilatel. vii
probably recover
Many other outrages BY the gang
are reported. In several instances
they have burned the houses OF theil
victims and cut the Threats Of all cat
tie found On the premises. On Mon
day night they captured Ie kin'
Henry of Richie comfy, the driver
Of mail stage, and beat him unit
he was insensible. They then tiae
him to tree, around which they
built fire before they left him
When he recovered consciousness
finding himself tied, he thrust hi;
hands into the flames until the rope
binding his wrists was burne5
through. He then quickly extricat
ed his limbs from the rope and es
capped. He had gone only a fev
yards, however, when he fell insensi
bic, in which condition he was dis
covered on Tuesday morning.
The same night seven or eight O
the Vigilants went the the house Of
Mr.. Charles l.. Coneden, On Spring
Creek, about eight miles from th'
residence OF Mr.. Davis, and afte
burning the residence compelled Mr.
! Congdon, his wife and three grown
Al Il -