Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1882-06-17

- lNCENDIARISM.-Ourt town was con-
siderably startled on Tuesday morning
last by the announcement that the barn,
Etabiing aud out shedding of Col. w. y.
Morgan, Deputy Sheriff, near town had
heen burned to the ground early that
morning, aid that il was the act of incen-
Iisry. The fire was first discovered about
halt past one O'Clock, 10y Il little son OF the
Coils, who Immediately alarmed his faith
er. The Col. hastily doHned his clothes,
and rushed out, only 10 find his barn, STA
bic and sheds together with all OF his
farming implements, harness, gears, &C.,
completely cnyelopcd in flames, as well rs
the barn ward and fences around the same
The fire had been burning no doubt an
hour before being discovered. The Col.
rnd his wife, two daughters and three lit
tie bows fought the flames brayely, for
sometime before any assistance OF their
ueighbors could be obtained. His fine
residence was also on fire in several places
but with persistent efforts it was soon eX-
tinguished, and no serious damage was
done 10 the building. The loss is estimated
between $500 ant $1,000.
AS soor Ms the fire was under sufficient
control, the Col. mounted his horse in
search of the party who he suspicioned
of having done the act. The party charged
wirh the deed is burly Colored man,
named Henry Allan, formerly of Alexan-
dria. and who has been off and on So
iourner in this community, coming and
roing when least expected, He had been
working for the Col. but had quit on the
Friday previous, drawing his wages. but
did not seem satisfied with what he got,
which seemingly is the pretext for doing
the deed which he is charged with. The
Col. met him returning from the house OF
q colOrel man named williams, where he
was in the habit OF stopping about mile or
so from ihe COPS residence, and immedi-
atelv arrested him and broug him TO
this place, where he was given Il hearing
before Justice Joseph Stonehraker, who
,,eeming the evidence sufficient, commit
ted him 10 the county Jail at Charlestown
10 await the action of the Grand jury.
The evidence went 10 show, much OF 1t
upon the prisoners own admission, that
l.e had left this town about half past elev-
en- o'clock the night Of the l2th, and at
l2o'clock and after lie was ut the house,
sitting OH the porch, OF one of the c0lOred
tenants on the farm, anG at that hour OF
the night he was heard curSing and
threatening the Col. Also that Instead OF
taking his usual route from the Co.'s resi-
dcncc to Williams house, he OH that night
went through the wheat, clover fields
and thickets, and that when the Col. az
rested him he made the expression,
Chat too before being Informed for W hat
he was arrestedl that lie didn't know that
there has! been fire OH the Col's place.
The general impression is that the Col.
has uabbed the guilty man,
The affair is very much regretted by the
colored folks here, who say that the
strange, hard cases Of negroes come from
u distance, get work here for Il short while
thea commit some devilment, and they
have more or less TO rest under suspicion
for similar acts or for sympathizing with
the perpetrators of such acts, The COM
munity here extend their sympathy with
the Col. in his great loss,